Was U.S. Food Aid Deal with North Korea a Wasted Bribe?
North Korea will receive 240,000 tons of food aid from the United States in return for halting weapons tests and allowing inspectors back into one of its nuclear facilities in a deal announced on February 28. The agreement was hailed by the press as a major breakthrough in long-stalled nuclear talks, but several similar agreements have fallen through in the past after North Korea was caught cheating. Even if the North Koreans keep their word, the agreement covers only the Yongbyon nuclear complex — other nuclear facilities in North Korea will continue to operate and will not be subject to IAEA inspections, leading many to ask what the United States really gained.
Click Here to Read Full Analysis. Maritime Laws Hamper Fight Against Piracy
Pirate attacks have decreased for the first time in five years, from 445 recorded pirate attacks in 2010 down to 439 attacks in 2011. Analysts contribute this drop to a number of factors, including the use of “best practices” by shipping companies, the deployment of armed guards on ships travelling through high-risk sea lanes, and a policy of pre-emptive strikes. But complex rules of engagement are keeping most pirates in business.
Click Here to Read Full Analysis. Could Putin’s Re-election Trigger A ‘Russian Spring’?
Vladimir Putin will almost certainly win Russia’s March 4 presidential election, but his next term in office will be challenged by a newly vocal Russian citizenry. They rose up to protest the nation’s rigged parliamentary election late last year and are poised to do the same if Putin is elected under a cloud. Whatever happens, Russia stands poised for rapid transformation, which is bad news for Putin.
Click Here to Read Full Analysis. Tunisia: Secular Tensions Pressure Interim Government
Violence between secular and Islamic groups is erupting in Tunisia, challenging the interim government of Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali and exerting pressure on the moderate Ennahda party. Tensions could sideline Tunisia’s move toward democracy and further delay elections.
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