Mariam Lau, Welt Online (in German) | August 7, 2009
 Despite Iran’s development towards an Islamic military dictatorship, the political and civil countermovement gains ground. ++ As long as gas imports rise and oil profits are not passed down to the population protests will continue. ++ Iran’s countermovement involves the top of its political elite. ++ “Despite torture and execution… the leaders of the opposition Karrubi and Mussavi do not surcease criticizing the regime.” ++ The EU Council Presidency’s participation at Ahmadinejad’s inauguration seems like a “shabby gesture”.
Mikheil Saakashvili, President of Georgia ( in French) | August 7, 2009
 One year after the Russian invasion, Georgia continues to draw nearer to its western allies. ++ “The Kremlin is forced to discover that few points of its agenda have succeeded.” ++ Despite the Georgia peace plan signed by President Medvedev, Russian troops have not retreated. ++ Moscow must realize that new western ideals do not pose a threat to the Kremlin. ++ The Georgian Government appreciates the international community’s refusal to acknowledge the occupied territory and strives to include itself in the western democratic circle.
Thomas L. Friedman, New York Times | August 6, 2009
 Despite the unflattering picture painted by the UN’s recent Arab Human Development report, conditions in the West Bank are improving. ++ This is due to Prime Minister Salam Fayyad’s governing model, which adheres to the idea “that an Arab leader’s legitimacy should be based not on slogans or rejectionism or personality cults or security services, but on delivering transparent, accountable administration and services.” ++ Fayyad’s approach to governance could start a trend towards accountable governments in the Arab world.
Isabelle Imhof, NZZ Online (in German) | August 6, 2009
 Bill Clinton’s so called “private mission” in North Korea was definitely in alignment with the Obama administration’s objectives. ++ The off-the-record character of the meeting between the former US President and the North Korean leader Kim Jong Il allowed them to talk about highly sensitive issues behind closed doors, while still complying with UN sanctions. ++ The current US government likely used Mr. Clinton’s trip to evaluate policies and further strategies towards Pyongyang while North Korea saved face.
David J. Karl, The Asia Times | August 5, 2009
 The US and India should increase their defence partnership to offset the rise of China and secure further nuclear technology for New Delhi. ++ During a successful visit, Secretary Clinton left the capital to embrace India’s “societal linkages” and established cooperation in research and agriculture. ++ The trip helped “status-conscious Indians… claim some level of emblematic parity with that other rising power in Asia.” ++ Personally interested in India, Clinton is the perfect diplomat to overcome new issues facing the partnership.
Guobin Yang | Yale Global | June 2009
Ralf Dahrendorf | Merkur | June 2009
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Joshua Green | The Atlantic | June 2009
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Henry Sokolski | Hoover Institution | June 2009
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