Internal Democracy — The South China Morning Post reports that senior members of the Communist Party held an internal poll in May to select their favored top leaders for the party’s 25-member Politburo and the Politburo Standing Committee, its inner-most cabinet, for the next 10 years. It writes: “If this experiment goes well and …
E.U.
Dispatch from Somalia: War, but a Glimmer of Hope
TIME’s Africa correspondent writes from the front lines in war-ravaged Somalia, where an African Union offensive against al-Shabab is offering a tenuous glimpse of progress
Spain Doesn’t Want a Bailout — Just Send Money. Now!
Hesitant to apply more austerity, the fourth largest economy in the E.U. could get what it wants — direct injection of funds into its banks, not a bailout. It may just be too big to fail
Must-Reads from Around the World, June 7, 2012
Syrian Shame – The Washington Post reports on unconfirmed accounts of a fresh massacre in Syria on Wednesday, just as representatives from 55 countries met in Washington to explore ways to sharpen sanctions against the Assad …
Must-Reads from Around the World, June 6, 2012
Beijing Impasse — The Washington Post provides a comprehensive look at the challenge China’s economic slowdown is presenting to Communist Party leaders seemingly unsure how to proceed. “Unlike in past slowdowns, Chinese …
Must-Reads from Around the World: June 5, 2012
High Stakes — The Guardian reports that Germany is weighing up a plan for a eurozone banking union to end the debt crisis, as Spain pleads for an E.U. rescue of its beleaguered banks. “The plan could see vast national debt and …
Must-Reads from Around the World: June 4, 2012
Pivot Watch — Following U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta‘s weekend visit to the Asia Security Summit in Singapore, China’s Global Times analyses America’s shift to an enlarged military presence in the region. Their take: …
Meet French Candidate Marion Maréchal-Le Pen: Third-Generation Extreme-Right Militant
Though the surprising success of extreme-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen may have made her the most attention-grabbing contestant in France’s recent elections, the 43 year-old National Front (FN) leader may soon find …
Must-Reads From Around the World: June 1, 2012
Blame, Banks, and Bailouts – As it emerges that Spain’s foundering banks may soon need a bailout, the New York Times argues that the cost of this rescue would leave “little behind should investors turn on Italy next” and …
Despite the High Stakes, French Voters Yawn at Legislative Campaigns
No one ever expected France’s legislative elections to produce the sparks and passion that this year’s presidential contest did. But given the stakes involved for France—and Europe—in whether Socialist President François …
What a Referendum in Ireland Means for the Rest of the E.U.
Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny knows it’s good to look voters in the eyes. When that’s not possible, a nationally televised speech works just as well. On May 27, Kenny took to the airwaves and appealed to the debt-ridden nation …
Must-Reads From Around the World, May 28, 2012
Syrian Massacre – The U.N. Security Council on Sunday condemned Bashar al-Assad’s government for its use of tanks and artillery against civilians during Friday’s Houla massacre that left at least 108 villagers dead. …
Must-Reads from Around the World, May 24, 2012
Eyes on Iran – As talks between Tehran and six world powers got underway in Baghdad on Wednesday, the Jerusalem Post provides coverage of the reaction in Israel. “Israel watched the meeting in Baghdad that began on Wednesday …