Editorial, Le Monde (in French) | March 18, 2010
 The 21st century will witness new commercial battlefronts: the yuan vs. the dollar is one of them. ++ Americans blame Chinese officials for maintaining the yuan at an unnecessarily low exchange rate, therefore making it more difficult for the American economy to recover. ++ Responding to a letter written by Congressmen urging retaliation, Wen Jiabao gave a straightforward lecture on the economy: China is America’s primary creditor, so the road to economic recovery leads through China, not the other way round.
Petra Bornhöft, Der Spiegel | March 18, 2010
Germany has failed to keep its aid pledges to developing countries. ++ It has fallen short of both EU and UN aid requirements. ++ “In the international community, Germans are now seen as masters of the empty promise.” ++ Aid in Germany is no longer seen in terms of moral values but rather in terms of buying support for global challenges like security and climate change. ++ This frugality could have political implications as UN member countries vote on whether Germany should have a temporary seat on the Security Council.
George Walden, former British diplomat and MP| March 17, 2010
 The current EU diplomatic service is a total waste of time and money: it is multiplying decision-levels and expenses endlessly. ++ “Diplomacy is not all evasive waffle, and sometimes you must take a stand.” ++ Developing countries like China and Russia are gaining more and more power on the international stage, and Baroness Ashton is not to be blamed for both the inarticulate European position, and weakened national voices. ++ She is left with only one option: resign and blame this new European monstrosity.
E J Dionne Jr., The Australian | March 17, 2010
 David Cameron of Britain’s Conservative Party seems like the favorite to win May’s general election, but that assumption is no longer a given. ++ Poll numbers between Cameron and Brown are narrowing, which could lead to the “Truman effect” where the underdog ends up winning. ++ This shift is the result of Cameron’s poor image management and Brown’s resonating message to voters that they already know where he stands on the major issues. ++ “An outright win by Brown still seems a long shot - but then Truman was supposed to lose, too.”
Fareed Zakaria, Editor in Chief, Newsweek International | March 16, 2010
Obama’s foreign policy approach is bearing fruit in Pakistan. ++ The Pakistani military is engaging Taliban havens in the North of the country and increased intelligence-sharing with Washington has led to the capture of several Taliban figures. ++ Including Pakistan in the war against the Taliban, increased economic aid, and greater cooperation between the US and Pakistani government at all levels are largely to thank. ++ The progress, however, could be short-lived if the US does not continue the pressure.
Konrad Ott | Internationale Politik | March 2010
Global Sun Block | Calgary University | March 2010
Ismael Rafols | University of Sussex | March 2010
F. Stephen Larrabee | Rand Corportation | March 2010
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