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AICGS President Jack Janes spoke with Charles Kupchan about the current state of affairs in the transatlantic community and the strength of the West in dealing with a changing global arena. You can watch the 20min video here or at the website of the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies (AIGCGS). Dr. Janes and Dr. Kupchan are members ...More

Before joining the Carnegie Endowment, Dr. Ottaway carried out research in Africa and in the Middle East for many years and taught at the University of Addis Ababa, the University of Zambia, the American University in Cairo, and the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. She specializes in democracy and post-conflict reconstruction issues, with ...More

John Norris, Center for American Progress | August 31, 2012 Many believe that foreign affairs will play a small part in the upcoming US elections. ++ This is unfortunate, especially when considering that Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are proposing some disturbing changes to American foreign policy. ++ In a 2012 budget resolution, Ryan wants to cut 30 percent on international affairs spending. ++ Consequently, the State ...More

Editorial, The Irish Times | August 30, 2012 As European countries embrace themselves for yet another recession, political leaders of the eurozone are faced with the challenge of saving the Euro from fragmentation while harnessing support from their respective publics. ++ Although the politicians are well aware of steps needed to resolve the economic problems, they fear that they will not be reelected if ...More

Thomas Friedman, The New York Times | August 29, 2012 It is not only disturbing but also hypocritical that one of Mursi's first trips abroad is to Iran. ++ He is there for the outdated Nonaligned Movement, but the world is now split between democratic and undemocratic states. ++ He is signaling his support for Iran's autocratic government, although he himself was brought to power with the same kind of democracy ...More

Sanjaya Baru, IISS | August 28, 2012 Merkel has taken bold initiatives at home and overseas. ++ At home, she opposed Greek's exit from the eurozone, thereby preserving the unity of the union. ++ Abroad, she represented not only Germany, but the EU in her visit to China where she signified the need for the Chinese government to utilize its markets and funds to purchase German and European bonds. ++ ...More

Hoda Badran, Egyptian Feminist Union | August 27, 2012 As the Arab Spring opens up the political process, those who stood side by side in opposition to tyranny are finally taking part in political life. ++ But women are increasingly having less of a say in the decision-making process. ++ This is especially true in Egypt, where conservative forces in the country are pushing for family legislation and are cutting off ...More

Martin Woods, Financial Times | August 24, 2012 The approach that encouraged the financial crisis has still not been replaced and sufficient regulation is lacking on both sides of the Atlantic. ++ The US recognizes this, but the UK does not. ++ Some wrongfully claim the regulations of the Financial Services Authority are detrimental to the banking system. ++ On account of the multiple regulatory ...More

Rory Fitzergerald, Irish Times | August 23, 2012 The West's free speech affirmation following Pussy Riot's sentencing reveals its own hypocrisy. ++ The West, just like Putin, only supports free speech when it's convenient. ++ If four white men stormed the East London Mosque and offensively performed a song mocking Islamic religious beliefs, they wouldn't be considered martyrs. ++ Indeed, Pussy Riot ...More

Christopher Reuter, Der Spiegel | August 22, 2012 The West and most Arab countries naively hope for orderly regime change but fail to realize that there cannot be any transition without overthrowing Assad first. ++ The negotiations with Assad were a farce from the start; he only ever had intentions of violently crushing the resistance. ++ The lack of foreign intervention may lead to the same situation the ...More