Must-Reads from Around the World, May 8, 2012

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Ronen Zvulun / Reuters

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem April 29, 2012.

Late-Night Surprise – Israel’s Haaretz reports on the unexpected agreement early Tuesday between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition Kadima Party chairman Shaul Mofaz to form a national unity government. The move forestalls elections which were expected on Sept. 4 and will see Mofaz likely appointed deputy prime minister.

Growing Discontent – The Washington Post explores the simmering unrest in Jordan at the slow pace of reforms promised by King Abdullah ll last year in the face of Arab Spring-inspired protests. “A slumping economy and a string of corruption scandals involving ministers and members of the king’s inner circle have heightened resentment of the ruling elites,” it says.

Happy Times – China’s semi-official Global Times celebrated Vladimir Putin’s latest (third) presidential term in an op-ed Tuesday. “He is the most suitable person in terms of China deepening its strategic partnership with Russia. Putin’s philosophy regarding the West and his strategic vision all bode well for the China-Russia relationship,” it writes.

Attack on Pakistan – As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ends a two-day trip to India, Reuters reports on her calls to Pakistan “to do more” against terrorism by ensuring “that its territory is not used as a launching pad for terrorist attacks anywhere, including inside of Pakistan.” It also praises her work in India in an op-ed, saying her “contribution to India-U.S. bi-lateral ties warrants appropriate notice and commendation.”

Greek Tragedy – Following the dismal showing of the two main Greek political parties in Sunday’s elections, The Independent argues that it is “not a sustainable position” for Greece to “remain part of the euro” without wanting to “pay the membership fees.” But the paper notes that leaving the euro zone would be problematic due to the majority of Greeks being unwilling “to support such a construction at the ballot box.”

Is the Honeymoon Over? – After Labour’s gains in local elections in Britain, the BBC analyzes the future of the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition, suggesting that the Liberal Democrats, in particular, are facing a key dilemma: Should they allow their “identity to be hidden a little” by toeing the coalition line, or decide to “constantly differentiate” themselves, which may result in “mutual resentment” with the Conservatives.