Afghanistan, the limits of counter-insurgency
By (01/08/2008)
As the conflict in Afghanistan worsens and extends, a series of debates is unfolding in NATO and the need for discussion about the political options available to the international community and the political forces within Afghanistan is becoming increasingly urgent.

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The Kosovo debate: beyond the headlines
By (19/02/2008)
Many people are understandably surprised at the extent to which Kosovo’s independence has heightened geopolitical rhetoric to Cold War levels and engrossed the international media’s attention. While a look at the articles and the op-eds in some of the world’s leading newspapers shows just how complex an issue this is, the many arguments that have been voiced for and against accepting Kosovo’s independence can be categorised into two broad groups. In this Comment article the author explores the perspectives of both camps.

Daniel Mihailescu
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Guatemala: security, human rights and the state after the elections
By (19/11/2007)
Over 25 experts and diplomats from Latin America and Europe came together on November 15, as part of the “FRIDE in Casa de Galicia” series of seminars, to discuss the prospects for improved public security and effective government in Guatemala. The event came shortly after presidential elections in the country ended in victory for Álvaro Colom.
Reform versus capture: Guatemala after the elections
By (08/11/2007)
The social democrat Álvaro Colom won Guatemala's presidential elections on November 4. But what are the challenges that Colom will now face? What hope is there of achieving institutional turnaround in a country afflicted by narco-trafficking?
Venezuela: is Hugo Chávez in control?
By (17/09/2007)
As the Latin American country’s defiant president continues to brush off the criticisms he receives from Western leaders, the author investigates what is going on beneath the rhetoric in his oil-rich state.


