Sunday's Reading List

A few articles from this week's Economist I think you will appreciate:

When Home is Prison

This article discusses an issue in the immigration debate that few ever consider: detention and the effects on families. On Friday, I spoke at the bi-annual Republican National Hispanic Assembly. The cynicism was palpable. Hispanics are tired of both parties, but the GOP desperately needs to reach out to the community. The problem is immigration reform. There is no easy way through the policy maze. Obama wants to reward the 67% of Hispanics that supported him; the Sotomayor pick was a stalling gimick. Depending on how cap and trade and health care reform legislation go, Obama may not be able to deliver...

Old Rivals, New Partners

I am fascinated by Turkey's foreign policy. Its geographic location places it at the intersection of (Mediterranean) Europe, the Middle East, the Caucuses, the '-stans' and as a gateway to Russia. I am actually taking a course, "Turkey in World Politics" this fall, so hopefully, by December I will be more versed in this area.

The Dragon in the Backyard

The dynamic in Latin America is changing rapidly. Brazil is pushing to become the regional superpower. Venezuela's Hugo Chavez and his cronies in Ecuador (Rafael Correa) and Bolivia (Evo Morales) as well as his tacit supporters in Argentina (the Kirchners) and Paraguay (Fernando Lugo) are challenging the more forward-looking and democratic-leaning leaders of Chile (Michelle Bachelet), Colombia (Alvaro Uribe) and Peru (Alan Garcia). I am intrigued by the assertion, "the end of the Monroe Doctrine." If the US does not re-exert its influence in the region -- beyond Mexico -- we will lose to the Troublesome Three (China, Iran and Russia), India and South Africa. I will be taking a class on the modern politics of China this fall. I hope to have more perspective on this topic soon.

Hillary (not Bill) on Safari

I LOVE the title. It is a subtle reference to Hillary's (justified, methinks) outburst in Congo. What I find interesting, though, is how the article seems to suggest that Hillary commands the details of our foreign policy while Obama simply goes on giving lofty speeches or press conferences in friendly, photogenic settings (here, here, here and here). More importantly, we see a renewed effort in promoting democracy in Africa through American strategic aid (something I discussed back in April 2008) and guidance.

Cutting the Cord

I recently had a debate with my housemates about whether or not to have a landline. I like having a landline; I prefer to not give out my cellphone number except to family and close friends. Also, I like using a landline to make long-distance and conference calls since it is more reliable and the connection is clearer, crisper. It is laden with taxes, though.  The demographics and political preference of those without a landline is interesting. The prospect of new taxes and a cumbersome business outlook prompts caution for the telecom industry -- and us.

###