Boo!

International Developments

Overall

– Editorial in state-controlled Chinese news organization, Xinhua News Agency: “As U.S. politicians of both political parties are still shuffling back and forth between the White House and the Capitol Hill without striking a viable deal to bring normality to the body politic they brag about, it is perhaps a good time for the befuddled world to start considering building a de-Americanized world.”

– “Having outfoxed him on Syria, Russian President Vladimir Putin has pipped Barack Obama to the title of the world’s most powerful leader as ranked by Forbes on Wednesday.”

– “Pakistan’s defence ministry said Wednesday US drone strikes in the country’s tribal areas have killed 67 civilians since 2008, a surprisingly low figure given previous casualty estimates.”

– Ex-General David Petraeus pens an op-ed in Foreign Policy on victories in Iraq, while Iraq is in turmoil. Genius!

Middle East

– “Nearly two years after pushing out the U.S. military, Iraq is asking for more American weapons, training and manpower to help fight a bloody resurgence of al-Qaida that has unleashed a level of violence comparable to the darkest days of the nation’s civil war.”

– More analysis here: “U.S. lawmakers had tough criticism for Iraq’s government after meeting with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Wednesday, saying they were open to meeting his request for military assistance only if Baghdad made significant changes.”

– A UN resolution, brought by Saudi Arabia, would condemn “violations of human rights” by Syria government and anti-government groups

– Visible evidence for Arab Spring disappearing

– “Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered officials on Wednesday to press ahead with plans to build 3,500 more homes for Jewish settlers, hours after Israel freed 26 Palestinian prisoners as part of U.S.-brokered peace efforts.” [cont’d.]

Photo by Kevin O’Mara under Creative Commons license