Donors must rethink their Afghan strategy
The Paris conference this week is a “last-chance” saloon for Afghanistan and donor governments
Asia
Weaning Afghanistan off drugs
The Afghan opium economy continues to grow. To have any chance of success, international efforts need to focus on security and bringing criminal kingpins to justice through a specialised UN court
No Afghan spring
The assasination attempt on Hamid Karzai should prompt a re-think of the international community’s Afghan policy
For Tibet, Barroso’s China visit is key
During his upcoming visit to China, EC President Barroso will need to convince the Chinese leadership to begin talks with the Dalai Lama
Tibet – avoiding the tie-break
EU governments should put concrete demands to the Chinese government, including a comprehensive review of its Tibet policy
The threat of a boycott
European leaders need to follow France and Poland’s example and take a tougher line on China, with real political threats, if the situation in Tibet does not improve
Seeking a new international approach on Afghanistan and Pakistan
Kai Eide’s appointment as the UN envoy in Kabul provides an opportunity to craft a new international strategy for Afghanistan and the region
One China against one dream
The events shaking the wider Tibetan area should lead both the Chinese government and its international partners to a deep reconsideration of past policies
What’s next for Tibet?
The EU needs to act to ensure that China does not use violence to put down protests in Tibet, but engages the Dalai Lama in real dialogue
China?s African propaganda offensive
A new propaganda offensive by China on its activities in Africa provides an opening for the West. We should use this to persuade China to take responsibility for its impact in Africa