The most important fact in the perpetual Israeli-Palestinian “peace process” is that Israel holds almost all the high cards. Fundamentally, the Palestinians want something life-changing that only Israel can give them — a state — whereas Israel can live well-enough... Continue Reading →
An imaginary memo to President Putin from an Old Friend: From: Pavel To: Vladimir Subject: Don’t overplay your hand Your magnificent speech of March 18 announcing Crimea’s annexation hit the right notes: legitimate grievance, the greatness of Russia, personal glory.... Continue Reading →
China is not a central actor in the Ukraine/Crimea crisis. But Russia’s invasion and likely annexation of Crimea highlights Beijing’s dilemma trying to balance between East and West, authoritarianism and democracy, Great Power politics and liberal internationalism. How to understand... Continue Reading →
French President Francois Hollande's amorous adventures in recent weeks have turned him into an international laughing-stock. Some Parisians claim not to care much about it, but longtime observers of French politics and cultural life are not persuaded. Hollande's personal life... Continue Reading →
Is the “Joint Plan of Action” accord to curb Iran’s nuclear program a good agreement for the West and Middle East peace, or is the agreement, signed November 24 in Geneva, just the same treacherous Iranian wine in a fancy... Continue Reading →
European political leadership is desperately in need of new energy and vision. Within Europe’s ongoing deep malaise an unexpected element has appeared: the new pontiff, Pope Francis. The thoughts that follow are inspired by the surprising popular enthusiasm his initial... Continue Reading →
The troubles have begun. Israeli/Palestinian negotiations as expected won’t march along nicely. First was the good news. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet announced Israel would release 104 long-serving Palestinian prisoners. Yesterday chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said four groups of... Continue Reading →
No country, especially in the 27-country European Union, should want to be the only international success story. Not to be forgotten is that the Eurozone, scene of the current chaos, is enveloped by the EU. It is not the whole... Continue Reading →
Negotiations between President Obama and Republicans on deficit reduction confuse a lot of people because media reports give only partial accounts. Just as current stock market record highs are stated without noting the effects of inflation (nominal vs. inflation-adjusted statistics),... Continue Reading →
Tiersky's Viewpoint 