World Press on Iran, Turkey and the Caucasus (March 31, 2011)

The Washington Post published an article headlined “Are sanctions really ‘working’?” devoted to the situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. While the administration consistently points to the international and unilateral Iran sanctions as proof of its effectiveness in thwarting the regime’s nuclear program, the program hasn’t slowed and now it’s obvious how ineffective the sanctions legislation may be, thinks the author.

In the article entitled “International conference in London plots Libya future” published in The Los Angeles Times positions of different countries of the international coalition are discussed. The author underlines that such countries as Turkey and Italy insist on signing an agreement with Kadafi and letting him leave Libya. These countries were reluctant in the beginning of the operation and now desire to finish it as quickly as possible.

The New York Times published an article devoted to Russia’s attempts to suppress Islamist separatism in the North Caucasus. The author underlines that federal government has been fighting with Caucasian separatists for two decades and that violence is still daily in the North Caucasus. The author admits that Russian authorities are unable to defeat terrorists even though taken measures are often extreme.

The Guardian published an article devoted to the situation in the Arab world. According to the author, the Great Arab Revolution is continuing. The reason is that all Arab countries are interconnected and have common problems. “Arabs not only share a geography and language but common crises and aspirations. Though divided into 22 states Arabs share the misfortune of living under the harshest forms of government, and are united by their yearning for democratization,” says the author.

Turkey’s Hurriyet published an article devoted to gender equality in the country. The author underlines that it’s impossible to establish a modern information society without gender equality. However the situation is now far from ideal, thinks the author. According to him, government as well as major political parties and public organizations should unite their effort to establish gender equality in the country.