Europe’s Time to Shine?
By F
The Resurgence of Ultra-Nationalism
By Arshin Adib-Moghaddam (for Safe Democracy)
Arshin Adib-Moghaddam writes on the Western incentive to demonize Iran in its media in order to justify the possible use of military force. Reviewing Iran‘s history with the Jewish people, Adib-Moghaddam points out that Ahmadinejad‘s attempt at historical revisionism is a consequence of the resurgence of ultra-nationalism. In Adib-Moghaddam‘s opinion, now more than ever it is necessary that we all work on debunking historical distortions and building an inclusive dialogue that cuts across cultural barriers.
By Martin Varsavsky
Martin Varsavsky analyzes the recent surge of neo-Nazism in Russia and highlights the irony that many people in Russia, the country hit hardest by the Nazi regime in the Second World War, are now adopting that same fascist ideology. Varsavsky offers that a main cause for this phenomenon is a European identity crisis that has particularly affected Russia, where a lack of options has left a sector of young people vulnerable to this violent and xenophobic movement.
Lula, the star of energy and integration 
By Ricardo Israel Z. (for Safe Democracy)
Ricardo Israel Z. explains the issues debated at the regional summit of the Economic Davos Forum: energy, China, world economic growth, biofuel, and public finance. In Israel Z.‘s opinion, the regional summit was useful, but not groundbreaking.
A hundred days of the “same democracy”
By Juan Pablo Morales Viteri (for Safe Democracy)
Juan Pablo Morales Viteri analyzes the socio-political scenario in Ecuador, a hundred days after the election of Rafael Correa. In Viteri‘s opinion, the creation of a Constituent Assembly is not enough; true democracy depends on an absolute respect for human rights.
The Winograd Report reveals devastating information on the war in Lebanon
By Mario Sznajder (for Safe Democracy)
Mario Sznajder believes that the preliminary report from the Winograd Commision es a red card not only for the prime minister, Ehud Olmert, but also for Israel‘s political class as a whole.
The future of France depends on the center
By Miguel Angel Benedicto (for Safe Democracy)
Miguel Angel Benedicto analyzes the Presidential elections now in their second round in France. As the conservative Nicolas Sarkozy competes with lefitist Segolene Royal for the Presidency, the victor will depend heavily on the votes of the 18 percent of the electorate who supported centrist Francois Bayrou. In Benedicto’s opinion, whoever wins will have to deal with economic recession, and carry out the necessary reforms to help France recover from the impasse that has been slowing its growth since 1997.
An impulse for dialogue between Argentina and Uruguay
By Pablo Mieres (for Safe Democracy)
Pablo Mieres analyzes the mediating role of Spain in the conflict between Argentina and Uruguay over the installation of two cellulose factories along the banks of the river that divides them. In Mieres’ opinion, the dispute –which has been presented to the Hague and is starting to affect diverse sectors– may have some hopes for resolution now that the first timid steps have been taken at the meeting in Madrid.
Contemporary Political Developments in South Asia
The complex peace process between Pakistan and India
Posted by Sohail Mahmood, 26th April 2007
Sohail Mahmood writes on the history of relations between Pakistan and India and underlines the essential need for dialogue at all costs. Despite the existence of many contentious issues –from Kashmir, to Siachen, to the destabilizing United States-India partnership–. Mahmood believes that much progress has been made in creating peace in South Asia. But in order for negotiation to work, both sides must set aside their long history of enmity, and build trust. Only then can the incredible potential of Pakistan and India, wasted for so many years by senseless conflict, be realized.
