WebMemo posted August 23, 2011 by Sally McNamara
Why the United States Should Be Concerned about France’s Banking Crisis
After a wave of panic gripped French financial markets late last week, President Nicolas Sarkozy interrupted his summer vacation to call an emergency cabinet meeting and reassure the world that French banks were not on the “brink of disaster.”[1]
Although it looks as if France’s major banks are not in imminent danger of collapse, the undercapitalization of major…
Backgrounder posted August 9, 2010 by James M. Roberts
Cronyism: Undermining Economic Freedom and Prosperity Around the World
Abstract:
Backroom deals between members of the governing class and their hand-picked cronies influence the legislative, executive, and regulatory actions of governments around the world. Examples of this ancient form of corruption abound. Government intrusions into the private sector as a partner, financier, or outright owner are not only morally hazardous, but…
Special Report posted July 15, 2010 by Robin Harris, D. Phil.
Europe: What Future?
Abstract: The pretense that the European Union is successful and stable—and that the euro is a successful and stable currency—has been exploded by events surrounding the financial bailout of Greece. No one knows where the contagion will spread or how it may end. The world’s financial markets have occasionally teetered on the edge of panic. But the full implications of…
WebMemo posted February 12, 2010 by Ariel Cohen, Ph.D., Khrystyna Kushnir
After Ukraine Elections: What Is Next for U.S. Policy?
On February 7, Ukrainians elected former Prime Minister Victor Yanukovych as president, a defeat for current Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. The first round of elections, held on January 17, appeared to be free and fair. The U.S. embassy and OSCE concluded that the second round of runoff elections were free and fair as well. Ukrainian courts may review some of…
Executive Summary posted December 3, 2009 by Sally McNamara
Executive Summary: NATO Allies in Europe Must Do More in Afghanistan
Full Text
At the end of August, U.S. General Stanley McChrystal, the top NATO commander in Afghanistan, advised the Obama Administration that the mission in Afghanistan "will likely result in failure" unless the U.S. and NATO implement a new counterinsurgency strategy backed by a significant surge of up to 80,000 additional U.S. troops. Importantly, he noted…
Backgrounder posted December 3, 2009 by Sally McNamara
NATO Allies in Europe Must Do More in Afghanistan
Executive Summary
Abstract: President Barack Obama recently announced a new strategy to lead the 43-nation NATO International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan to victory. Upon the request of General Stanley McChrystal, President Obama has ordered the deployment of 30,000 additional U.S. troops to…
Backgrounder posted November 9, 2009 by Brett D. Schaefer, Steven Groves
The U.N. Human Rights Council: No Better for Obama's Engagement
Abstract: The record of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights was a disgrace. Three years ago, the commission was replaced by the Human Rights Council, and its record has been equally dismal. The Obama Administration sought a seat at the council in an attempt to reform the council from within. Evidence from the first council sessions with the U.S. as a member demonstrates…