LA Times (August 10)
The “Arab Spring” may not have succeeded in bringing democracy to the Middle East. But it has provided powerful evidence of a different phenomenon: the illusion of U.S. influence over governments we once considered our clients.”
Tags: Arab spring, Clients, Democracy, Governments, Influence, Middle East, U.S.
The Economist (July 13)
“Roughly two-and-a-half years after the revolutions in the Arab world, not a single country is yet plainly on course to become a stable, peaceful democracy.” The Arab spring appears “doomed” to some. Yet, “despite the chaos, the blood and the democratic setbacks, this is a long process. Do not give up hope.”
Tags: Arab spring, Blood, Chaos, Democracy, Hope, Peace, Revolution, Setbacks
The New York Times (July 4)
“Despite his failings, and there were plenty, President Mohamed Morsi was Egypt’s first democratically elected leader, and his overthrow by the military on Wednesday was unquestionably a coup. It would be tragic if Egyptians allowed the 2011 revolution that overthrew the dictator Hosni Mubarak to end with this rejection of democracy.”
Tags: Coup, Democracy, Dictator, Egypt, Elected, Leader, Military, Mohamed Morsi, Overthrow, Revolution
The Economist (March 30)
“India is often spoken of in the same breath as China because of its billion-plus population, economic promise, value as a trading partner and growing military capabilities.” Yet, in the common view, India remains a near power, rather than a great power. Despite shortcomings, India has much to offer and deserves a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. “Although poorer and less economically dynamic than China, India has soft power in abundance. It is committed to democratic institutions, the rule of law and human rights. As a victim of jihadist violence, it is in the front rank of the fight against terrorism.” India would be “a force for stability and an upholder of the rules-based international system.”
Tags: China, Democracy, Human rights, India, Permanent seat, Security Council, Terrorism, UN
Washington Post (March 8)
“Obama has chosen to carry out hundreds of drone strikes against al-Qaeda targets in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia, including one against a U.S. citizen, without any public accounting…. That is not how a democracy should operate…. The administration could greatly increase the legitimacy and sustainability of the strikes by openly laying out the criteria under which they can be carried out and by seeking congressional authorization.”“Obama has chosen to carry out hundreds of drone strikes against al-Qaeda targets in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia, including one against a U.S. citizen, without any public accounting…. That is not how a democracy should operate…. The administration could greatly increase the legitimacy and sustainability of the strikes by openly laying out the criteria under which they can be carried out and by seeking congressional authorization.”
Tags: Accounting, Authorization, Criteria, Democracy, Drones, Obama
Washington Post (January 22)
On Monday, President Obama’s second inauguration ceremony was held, coinciding with Martin Luther King Day. The crowds were smaller than four years ago, but this deeply significant event was still one of the best attended second inaugurations. “It’s easy for Americans to take for granted their quadrennial renewal of democracy, the peaceful acceptance by the losing side that knows, for certain, it will have another chance. Monday’s ritual reminds us to celebrate this inevitability, which people in many other countries can only envy.”
Tags: Democracy, Inauguration, Martin Luther King Day, Obama, U.S.
Financial Times (November 23)
“Instead of protecting a revolution,” by usurping power Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi “risks relaunching one.” The largest nation in the Arab world, “Egypt, is the standard bearer for all those who rose up against autocracies.” President Morsi’s “deft handling of foreign affairs has shown that his government can be an effective interlocutor between Middle East and west.” Egypt may help prove the potential of democratic Islam. Still, “as long as there are no checks on his exercise of power, this will be in doubt. The decree should be reversed. Democracy is often noisy, complex and slow. But its processes cannot be usurped.”
Tags: Democracy, Egypt, Islam, Middle East, Mohamed Morsi, Power, President
Washington Post (May 28)
“The unfortunate result should not lessen the significance of what occurred last week: the freest and fairest vote for president in Egyptian history…. An elected Egyptian president, even a bad one, could lead his country, and the region, into a new era — one in which democracy is on the rise”
New York Times (February 27, 2012)
“Official London has panicked over the rising clamor of voices from all over the British Isles suddenly agreeing that the archaic structure of ‘Great Britain’ is overdue for a shake-up — even a breakup.” Scotland has provided the momentum. Will the Welsh follow? The once unthinkable is suddenly possible. “The oldest royal democracy in the world… could split apart.”
“Official London has panicked over the rising clamor of voices from all over the British Isles suddenly agreeing that the archaic structure of ‘Great Britain’ is overdue for a shake-up — even a breakup.” Scotland has provided the momentum. Will the Welsh follow? The once unthinkable is suddenly possible. “The oldest royal democracy in the world… could split apart.”
Tags: Democracy, Great Britain, London, Scotland, Wales
Washington Post (October 14)
Passage of the free trade agreement with South Korea took half a decade: a disgrace. Still there is ample cause for celebration. “South Korea is a stable democracy in Northeast Asia and a growing, trillion-dollar market. Under the new deal, 95 percent of industrial and consumer goods will soon move tariff-free between the United States and South Korea, adding $12 billion annually to U.S. exports — and fortifying an alliance that helps maintain peace and security in China’s neighborhood…. So, go ahead: Declare the glass half full and raise it to the long-overdue victory for free trade.”
Tags: Alliance, Democracy, Free trade, South Korea, U.S.
