Diplomacy & Politics Archive

Slovenia’s decision to effectively block Croatia’s entry to the E.U. on the basis of an unresolved border dispute represents a dangerous precedent that, if copied, could damage or destroy the chances of other accession hopefuls in southeast Europe. Because of the Slovenian veto in late December, Croatia was able to open only one new “chapter” — representing a policy area in which it must prove that it meets EU norms — out of an expected 10, and close three, instead of the five foreseen, in the latest round of its ongoing accession negotiations. It is not the first time an […]

TEL AVIV, Israel — In a recent post aptly entitled “Bringing the Negotiating Table to Hamas,” Judah tempered his critical view of Israeli policies with the acknowledgement that he was writing “from the comfort of a Paris apartment, beyond missile range from Gaza.” Indeed, things look quite different from where I live, which is just on the outskirts of Tel Aviv-Yaffo — and just on the edge of the area threatened by missiles from Gaza. When I look south from my balcony, I can see Ashdod, which has already been struck by missiles with deadly consequences. This goes to illustrate […]

It is almost a year since Kenya erupted into violence following contested presidential elections. Up until then, it had been considered a beacon of stability in a troubled region of Africa. That is the case no longer. In the aftermath of the violence have emerged accusations and counter-accusations as to who was ultimately responsible. Members of Parliament, the media, the police force and even local government administrations have all been implicated at some stage, as Kenyans have tried to make sense of a crisis that reflected simmering ethnic tensions, driven by deep social grievances. Following the successful implementation of a […]

LONDON — There wasn’t much good cheer for Prime Minister Gordon Brown coming from Britain’s Anglican bishops this Christmas. One prelate after another used his seasonal message to denounce what the Bishop of Manchester, Nigel McCulloch, called the Labour government’s “morally corrupt” strategy for economic recovery. Before the holidays, Brown encouraged consumers to take advantage of slashed prices in the stores to keep the economy going. For the bishops, encouraging a spending spree was the wrong approach. Bishop Stephen Lowe of Hulme lamented that “the government isn’t telling people who are already deep in debt to stop overextending themselves, but […]

In the coming days or perhaps weeks, the current war between Israel and Hamas will come to an end. More precisely, this new chapter in the conflict will reach its conclusion. When that happens, a third party will have played a key mediating role and, in the process, will have raised its diplomatic profile. While the United States is the most likely candidate to broker the final ceasefire, should another country or organization become the pivotal mediator, it could walk away with a big diplomatic prize, emerging from the process with renewed prestige and international influence. But if glory awaits […]

Pray for Zimbabweans. Their economy, shrinking for a decade, is suffering hyperinflation of more than 230 million percent. The government, which has no money to keep most primary and secondary schools open, has even closed down several hospitals during a cholera epidemic. The disease has left nearly 1,200 people dead and more than 23,000 others infected, according to the United Nations. With food, water, electricity and public services all scarce, Zimbabwe confirms Hobbes’ belief in the harshness of existence. President Robert Mugabe, the country’s sole leader since independence in 1980, deserves much of the blame. He has clung to power, […]