The Economist: A questionable agreement to stop the war in Syria
A ray of hope amidst the darkness of the Syrian civil war, or a bit of political theatre that reflects Russian cynicism and American weakness?
THE agreement reached late on Thursday night at the annual Munich Security Conference between John Kerry, America’s secretary of state, and Sergei Lavrov, his Russian opposite number—and a host of other regional states and international organisations—promises the delivery over the next few days of humanitarian aid to besieged Syrian towns where many of the desperate inhabitants face starvation. Supposedly, it will be followed by a “cessation of hostilities” within a week, which, in turn, is meant to prepare the ground for a more formal ceasefire.
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Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- February 12, 2016
Munich deal represents a glimmer of hope for Syria -- DW
Syria ceasefire faces galactic challenges -- Aaron David Miller, CNN
Syria plan greeted by optimism and scepticism in media -- BBC
Assad and Russia’s dangerous game will leave Syria riven by sectarian divides -- Lina Khatib, The Guardian
Are the Saudis ready to fight in Syria? -- Madawi Al-Rasheed, Al-Monitor
The Islamic State Will Survive America's Military Onslaught -- Colum Lynch, Foreign Policy
Have Russia and Iran ‘Won’ in Syria? -- Barbara Slavin, VOA
U.S. Sends Europe a Mixed Message on Iran Sanctions -- Eli Lake, Bloomberg
Turkey’s immigrant problem could soon become ours -- Laura Pitel, The Spectator
How impoverished but nuclear-armed North Korea earns money -- AP
Finally Getting Tough on North Korea -- Max Boot, Commentary
What China's humiliation by North Korea means for East Asia -- Robert Manning and James Przystup, Nikkei Asian Review
Despite the failed revolution, Egypt’s iron-fisted ruler won’t last -- Stephanie Thomas, Reuters
Don’t Forget Darfur -- Eric Reeves, NYT
New Greek bailout, same as the old Greek bailout: Bad news for Europe: Greek debt is back on the agenda. -- Matthew Karnitschnig. Politico
In Ukraine's Conflict, Rumors of Compromise Grow -- Stratfor
How Russia controls American policy -- Frederick W. Kagan and Kimberly Kagan, FOX News
Chickens in Venezuela's Presidential Palace -- Fabio Rafael Fiallo, The Compass
Colombia's President Must Sell Peace to End War -- Mac Margolis, Bloomberg
