Our December 2010 Issue: Shifting Global Alliances
For this month’s issue on shifting global alliances, Americas Regional Editor Sean Bartlett interviewed Abel Barrera Hernández, the Founder and Director of the Tlachinollan Human Rights Center about his 2010 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award, and his continuing efforts to improve human rights conditions for the indigenous people of Guerrero, Mexico. In an accompanying feature article, Mr. Barrera discusses the effects of the bilateral Merida Initiative between the United States and Mexico on due process and human rights within Mexico’s poorest communities.
In the Asia Pacific section, Won J. Park addresses the recent North Korean artillery shelling of South Korea’s Yeonpyeong Island, which killed several civilian and military personnel. Ms. Park discusses the tension between the Koreas within the greater framework of competing U.S.-China leveraging efforts.
Mahanth Joishy, FPD’s South Asia Regional Editor, highlights the importance of South Asia in achieving the foreign policy objectives of the United States. Mr. Joishy addresses President Obama’s recent trip to South Asia and what the U.S. might hope to achieve through this diplomatic outreach.
For our Middle East section, Dardana Rruka examines Iran’s nuclear program, and the implications of its neighbor’s “Zero Problems With Neighbors” policy. Ms. Rruka argues that any negotiations with the West and Iran must involve the participation of Turkey, given its proximity and growing economic ties with Iran.
Mohammed Hamid Mohammed, FPD’s new Africa Regional Editor, examines the intrastate alliances that President Robert Mugabe is attempting to cultivate. Mr. Mohammed notes that Mugabe increasignly relies on purchasing the loyalties of other states in his ongoing efforts to retain power.
Erika Pont writes on the strong diplomatic ties between Greece and Israel in light of recent tensions between Turkey and Israel.
Finally, FPD’s Managing Editor Robert Friedman looks at the status of New START nuclear arms control treaty. While arms control treaties have traditionally garnered bipartisan support, the political winds on Capitol Hill have led to the treaty being held up by Republican Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona, which may have significant negative implications for U.S. national security.
