Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
eNews
10/01/2009
FEATURED
Iran's Nuclear Ambitions
World powers commenced talks with Iran on October 1 over its nuclear program, including the alleged covert Iranian uranium enrichment facility near the city of Qom. Carnegie experts explain the latest developments, Tehran’s political future, and the crucial issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
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The G20 is Promoted
In a historic shift, the G20 emerged from its summit in Pittsburgh as the world’s official forum on global economic issues, replacing the outdated G8. Uri Dadush reviews the major achievements reached during the summit and those challenges the G20 has yet to fully address.
IN THIS ISSUE...
COMMUNIST CHINA AT 60:
Communist China at 60
The 60th anniversary of the communist victory in China was marked by a massive military parade in Tiananmen Square. Douglas Paal explains the domestic and international messages the parade was meant to convey. Minxin Pei argues that China’s communist party must address its past failures if it hopes to deal with current ethnic unrest and gain genuine international respect.
JAPAN'S HISTORIC ELECTIONS:
Understanding Japan’s New Government
The dramatic election victory of the Democratic Party of Japan marks the end of a half-century of nearly uninterrupted rule by the Liberal Democratic Party. Douglas Paal explains the significance of the new government and its impact on Japan’s relations with the United States.
DEBATE ON AFGHANISTAN:
Afghanization
Public debate on troop levels in Afghanistan is focused on the wrong issue, explains Gilles Dorronsoro. The United States needs to abandon its current strategy and instead prioritize securing the cities and key roads.
Related Event:
CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE UN:
Reactions to the UN Climate Summit
At a special United Nations climate change meeting, world leaders, including U.S. President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao, tried to give new momentum to climate change discussions. Taiya Smith explains that although world leaders are approaching the issue with new resolve, serious differences still need to be overcome.
NUCLEAR TESTING AND THE CTBT:
Ratifying the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
Representing 40 non-government organizations at the UN, Jessica Mathews urged key governments to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty: “[it] is an absolute prerequisite to the steps that have to be taken to plug the dangerous holes in the nonproliferation regime.”
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Deterring Safeguards ViolationsRelated Event:
OBAMA AND MISSILE DEFENSE:
Why Obama is Right on Missile Defense
Critics of President Obama’s move to reconfigure the proposed missile shield in Europe have accused the administration of kowtowing to Russia in the naïve hope of increased pressure from Moscow on Iran. Kimberly Misher contends that the president’s decision was the right one based on technical, financial, political, and security considerations. Sharon Squassoni explains that this decision will provide more breathing room for U.S.-Russian strategic arms control negotiations.
RUSSIAN SPHERES OF INFLUENCE:
Russia's Spheres of Interest, not Influence
The post-Soviet states are seeking new identities and new relationships with each other and the international community. While Russia retains interests in this region, Dmitri Trenin explains that Moscow’s considerable influence is no longer dominant.
VIOLENCE IN THE CAUCASUS:
Losing the Caucasus
Despite the official end of Russia’s counter-terrorist operation in Chechnya, armed clashes and terrorist attacks continue to plague North Caucasus. Alexey Malashenko warns that open conflict is on the verge of becoming inevitable.
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