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CIAO DATE: 08/07
January/February 2006
Comments
Failing the Stalin Test by Sarah E. Mendelson and Theodore P. Gerber
Polls show that most young Russians hold ambivalent or even positive views of their country's worst dictator. Such attitudes stem not from defects in the Russian character, but from a massive failure in education. The West can help, and must do so fast.
Understanding Madrasahs by Alexander Evans
Since 9/11, Muslim schools have been denounced as breeding grounds for terrorism. But instead of seeing madrasahs as a threat, Western policymakers should recognize that they present an opportunity for engagement and reform.
Reforming the World Bank by Jessica Einhorn
The World Bank's outdated financial structure is a threat to its continued relevance. Paul Wolfowitz, the bank's new president, should begin closing the wing of the bank that lends to middle-income countries.
Essays
Women, Islam, and the New Iraq by Isobel Coleman
Although questions of implementation remain, the new Iraqi constitution makes Islam the law of the land. This need not mean trouble for Iraq's women, however. Sharia is open to a wide range of interpretations, some quite egalitarian. If Washington still hopes for a liberal order in Iraq, it should start working with progressive Muslim scholars to advance women's rights through religious channels.
Is Washington Losing Latin America? by Peter Hakim
For nearly a decade, U.S. policy toward Latin America has been narrowly focused on a handful of issues, such as China's growing influence in the region and the power of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. Latin Americans want economic ties with the United States but feel slighted by Washington and uneasy about the U.S. role in the world. The costs of the estrangement will be high for both sides.
Furthering Democracy in Mexico by Enrique Krauze
As it approaches its first presidential election in the post-PRI era, Mexico is at a crossroads: it could either consolidate democracy and proceed with needed reforms or fall back into a familiar state of crisis. Which way it goes will depend above all on the candidates of the three major political parties, who must rise above their short-term interests to further the nation's progress toward democratic stability.
The Forgotten West Bank by George Gavrilis
The relative ease of the Gaza withdrawal has fooled many observers into thinking that the Palestinian Authority can now concentrate on consolidating its hold over the territory. Washington and its allies are pushing hard for the PA to do so. But everyone is ignoring the West Bank, where chaos is quickly mounting. If wide-scale violence erupts there, it could quickly bury the entire peace process.
The Turkish Military's March Toward Europe by Ersel Aydinli, Nihat Ali Özcan, and Dogan Akyaz
Without the Turkish military's support, Ankara cannot comply with the reforms necessary for Turkey to join the EU. So far, the top brass have cooperated, even when reforms have curbed their power, because they have looked at EU membership as both the culmination of the country's modernization and a way to battle nagging domestic problems. But how much further will they go?
Recovering Sustainable Development by David G. Victor
Sustainable development -- the notion that boosting economic growth, protecting natural resources, and ensuring social justice can be complementary goals -- has lost much appeal over the past two decades, the victim of woolly thinking and interest-group politics. The concept can be relevant again, but only if its original purpose -- helping the poor live healthier lives on their own terms -- is restored.
A Natural History of Peace by Robert M. Sapolsky
Humans like to think that they are unique, but the study of other primates has called into question the exceptionalism of our species. So what does primatology have to say about war and peace? Contrary to what was believed just a few decades ago, humans are not "killer apes" destined for violent conflict, but can make their own history.
Reviews & Responses
Grading the War on Terrorism by Richard A. Falkenrath
Policymakers need a guide to the complexities and challenges of the struggle against terrorism. Unfortunately, two authors who could have written one have chosen instead to rehash the Bush administration's mistakes.
Writing of Wrongs by Lawrence D. Freedman
In The Assassins' Gate, George Packer presents a searing account of the Bush administration's failures in Iraq -- and of his own disillusionment as a liberal hawk who supported toppling Saddam Hussein.
Tyranny and Terror Paula J. Dobriansky, Henry A. Crumpton, and F. Gregory Gause III
The Cost of War Christopher Gelpi and John Mueller
One Country, Two Prisms Robert Lawrence Kuhn and Bruce Gilley
Kosovo and Its Discontents Nikolas K. Gvosdev
Europe's Divided Muslims Liat Radcliffe Ross
Out, Damned Spot! Wilson D. St.Pierre