The World Today Afghanistan, Germany and NATO: Ignoring the Insurgency The situation in Afghanistan is increasingly grave. Casualties continue and commanders warn of set backs ahead. German troops are in the least dangerous part of the country, yet the debate back home includes the option of a pullout. The difficult decisions may have a serious impact on NATO and the Atlantic alliance.
The World Today Burma: Tragedy in the Temples The harsh crackdown on demonstrators in Burma may have sealed the ultimate fate of the military junta that has been in charge for so long. But when it falls from power, who could take over, and what problems would they face in holding the country together?
The World Today Burma: On the Brink of Implosion The world’s most populous democracy and its new economic engine are both busy modifying positions on Burma, their much smaller but troublesome neighbour. India and China have growing economic interests there, yet seem to have come to very different conclusions about how to protect them.
The World Today Credit Crisis: Tough Luck for Europe Tough luck for the ‘old’ continent. Just when the thirteen countries sharing the euro as their common currency were starting to enjoy a broad-based upswing after five miserable years, a series of unfortunate shocks is putting the eurozone recovery at grave risk again.
The World Today Renewable Energy: Generating Money City types are waking up to wind, waves and the sun and their potential to make energy – and money. This is just as new energy policies for Europe emerge with twenty percent targets for renewable energy and greenhouse gas cuts. Add to the mix climate change negotiations which will be back in Bali in December.
The World Today Postcard From Ghana: A Dollar a Day Did the end of empire bring real independence to developing countries like Ghana, or have the international financial institutions imposed a new form of economic domination? A challenging thought for World Bank meetings in Dublin this month.
The World Today Kosovo, Serbia and the Balkans: Wolves and Bears December is decision time in the Balkans. If an internationally acceptable solution cannot be found for the status of Kosovo, then the Kosovans might decide to declare independence. The international community, especially Germany, will have a tricky decision to make.
The World Today Russian Parliamentary Elections: Passing the Baton Russia is feeling more prosperous and confident than the last time it held elections four years ago. Parliamentary polling in December will also be a poll on President Vladimir Putin, especially since he will be a candidate. Despite being managed, there is always an element of the unexpected when Russia votes and the west needs to listen carefully to the message.
The World Today Russian Foreign Policy: Assertive, But Alone Some would say that Russian foreign policy has become belligerent. But the strident, confident tone is playing well at home in this election season. More discerning domestic commentators are pointing out that it is simply not working and may have unintended, longer-term consequences.
