Monthly Archives: November 2011

The decision by the Arab League to formally suspend Syria marks a new chapter in the Syrian resistance and the 2011 Arab revolts.  Historically, Syria — with its ancient cities of Damascus and Aleppo and its recent pan-Arabism — regards itself … Continue reading →

It should be clear to everyone that the only way to save the Euro is to issue unlimited funds to back up Greek and Italian debt.  That debt has to be restructured one way or another, as with rational growth … Continue reading →

Here in Germany, there is surprisingly little discussion or alarm about the EU.  Apparently, most feel it is the ‘other’ countries — Greece, Portugal, Italy — that have problems; Germany just has to decide how the problems should be fixed, … Continue reading →

I have spent only one day talking to parliamentarians, journalists, and academics — the elite “europeanist” Germans who you would expect to support the Euro and EU. They do so, but with surprising trepidation.  They are worried about Greece, of … Continue reading →

People were actually glued to their TVs last night in Europe watching the vote unfold in the Greek parliament.  I’m sure that must have been a first! Papandreou’s narrow win means that the latest lurch to crisis after crisis has … Continue reading →

Followers of this blog know that I have long been skeptical of Europe’s ability to find a solution to its financial problems.  The obstacles are huge — a lack of growth (the latest data suggests a slowdown, perhaps even recession, … Continue reading →

This week I head for Berlin, and will see first-hand the view of the European crisis from Europe.  Stay tuned!