A selection of op-eds and editorials from the U.S. and around the world. Sign up for the email alert or subscribe to the RSS feed.
Papers around the world comment today on Turkey’s decision to send ground forces into northern Iraq to search and destroy bases belonging to the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK). The Financial Times says Iraq is too fragile for a Turkish incursion, and says this is the last thing a country trying to claw itself back from the precipice needs. The Jordan Times, in an editorial, says the incursion may succeed in inflicting heavy damage on the PKK, but will not solve the problem or the standoff with it. The Times of London, also in an editorial, says that any invasion could destabilise northern Iraq, stir fierce anti-American anger among Kurds who have been largely supportive of the coalition forces and jeopardise the fragile coalition in Baghdad. And in the Washington Times, freelance writer Tulin Daloglu says it is important to put this operation in context and understand where it fits within U.S. policy in the region.
Also in today’s papers:
Chosun Ilbo (South Korea)
- In an editorial on the inauguration on Monday of a new president, Lee Myung-bak, the paper says South Koreans, weary of the division and stagnation of the last five years, desire public unity, revival of the economy and the establishment of the rule of law. But it says the winds are not favorable.
Christian Science Monitor
- In an editorial on the shooting down by the United States last week of a damaged satellite, the Monitor comments on the potential for a new space arms race, and calls on all sides - the United States, Russia, and China - to begin talks on the weaponization of space.
- Writer Courtney E. Martincomments on the continuing debate over the head scarf in Turkey, and says the dispute reminds us of the importance of allowing 'others' emotional depth.
Daily Star (Lebanon)
- Aysha Chowdhry and Andrew Masloski of the Brookings Institution comment on the presidential primary campaign in the United States, saying that notably absent is serious discussion on how to implement an effective long-term strategy for protecting the U.S. from future terrorist acts.
- In a further commentary, British Conservative Charles Tannock calls for more Western rapprochement with Kazakhstan, saying the country’s timidity about reform does not justify isolation.
Daily Telegraph
- Columnist Janet Daley, commenting on a new report on fair trade, says the greatest aid to real development - and the proven route out of mass poverty - is through free trade, not fair trade.
- David Ignatius of the Washington Post compares the challenge posed by Iran today to that posed by revolutionary France in the early 19th Century.
- In an editorial on the race for the White House, the Telegraph says it is a measure of Hillary Clinton's desperation that she should have switched from elevated, presidential language to direct attacks on her opponent.
Financial Times
- Columnist Clive Crook, writes that if Obama becomes the Democratic nomination, the issue of personality will subside and leave space for an overdue debate about policy with McCain, his near-certain Republican rival.
- In an editorial on the European presidency, the FT says that while it is not altogether clear whether Tony Blair covets the job of president of the European Union, he would be an inappropriate choice.
Guardian
- Columnist Madeleine Bunting says secularists have nothing to fear from women wearing head scarves and says the separation of church and state should not preclude the assertion of religious identity - as Turkey is learning.
Independent (London)
- In an editorial, the paper says the tone of the United States Presidential election campaign has suddenly turned a good deal more personal, citing both parties.
- In a further editorial, the Independent calls on the authorities in Afghanistan to set free Sayed Pervez Kambaksh, sentenced to death there for blasphemy after downloading a report on women's rights from the internet.
New York Times
- In an editorial on a recent row between Germany and the European tax haven, Liechtenstein, the Times says Liechtenstein and its fellow havens need to start showing some real cooperation in fighting fraud, money laundering and tax evasion.
Observer (London)
- Columnist Tom Porteous comments on the visit to China this week of the British foreign secretary, David Miliband, and says this is a test for his call for greater support for people living under repressive regimes.
- Economist Jeffrey Sachs looks at the challenges of promoting advanced technologies for sustainable development, such as clean energy, a malaria vaccine, or drought-resistant crops to help poor African farmers.
Wall Street Journal
- In an editorial, the Journal comments on the arrest of two Burmese actors who took part in the latest Rambo movie. The paper reminds us of Rambo's mantra is "Live for nothing, or die for something," and says this is a reminder of the bravery of the pro-democracy protesters in Burma.
- Melanie Kirkpatrick, a deputy editor of the editorial page, in reference to this week’s visit to North Korea by the New York Philharmonic says that it is AM radio broadcasts, not the music of George Gershwin, that will have far greater potential to open up the Stalinist state.
- In an editorial on the inauguration on Monday of Lee Myung-bak in South Korea, the Journal says it's clear that Koreans have realized that a decade of liberalism hasn't worked, and it's time for a change.
- The paper also comments on the row between Germany and Liechtenstein, saying Liechtenstein's laws are up to Liechtenstein, regardless of Germany's apparent instinct for shoving little matters like sovereignty aside when they are inconvenient.
- Columnist Mary Anastasia O’Grady comments on what she calls the valiant and bloody fight against drug cartels in Mexico.
- Danielle Pletka and Michael Rubin of the American Enterprise Institute ask why the International Atomic Energy Agency is whitewashing Iran's nuclear-weapons program.
Washington Post
- Columnist Jackson Diehl asks if Russia's new president Dmitry Medvedev, who is, as he puts it, appointed to be elected next Sunday, can put the law where his mouth is.
Ynet (Israel)
- Columnist Jackie Levy says he’ll be missing Fidel Castro. In an era where most nations hand over the helm to small-time bureaucrats and sly lawyers that look and sound as if they came off the same production line, Castro may be the last leader who can be recognized only by his silhouette, he writes.
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