~Islamic terrorism and the Arab world

It is not surprising that the Arab regimes do not condemn terrorism "without ifs and buts," even if they themselves are the main target of Islamic terrorism.

The truth is that they defend a culture of conflict and hatred that is the essence of their power, as well as the same ideological root for Islamic extremists.

It really seems that at the heart of terrorism there is a mortal trap into which the Arab regimes have fallen, a poisoned symbol that is waved at every cost, even to obstruct the development of an authentic democracy that may (eventually) result in a culture of life and freedom. -- Corriere della Sera, Milan, Italy

;THE NATION; ANPAk..r.. Others-Thaksin Discontent with Thaksin JP/6/Others

Discontent with Thaksin

If Thaksin had been a more sophisticated leader with a keener sense of proportion and subtlety, and if the Thai economy had not been hit by a plethora of problems that largely negated most of his populist policies, it would have taken longer for public discontent to build up.

It must be pointed out that to the growing ranks of the anti- Thaksin crowd, it matters little if (media mogul) Sondhi (Limthongkul) may be harboring questionable motives, or if most of the corruption allegations are old news. People are stirring from a long slumber and they are not happy with the Thailand they see.

They are relearning the importance of making their voices heard. But what matters most are the lessons they have drawn from living through Thaksin's rule. -- The Nation, Bangkok

;THE JERUSALEM POST; ANPAk..r.. Others-EU-Mideast The EU in the MidEast JP/6/Others

The EU in the MidEast

It's as if someone was out to sabotage a role for the European Union in resolving the Arab-Israel conflict.

How else to explain the leak of a confidential report drafted by British diplomats at the UK's east Jerusalem consulate for an EU ministers meeting?

Britain holds the rotating presidency of the EU and Tony Blair's office was quick to urge that the anti-Israel text be seen as "reflecting not just British views but the collective views of the head of missions in Jerusalem."

The EU seems to want it both ways: to be an honest broker while advocating the Palestinian cause.

If the EU wants to play a positive role it should impress upon the Palestinians the realities of life: No Israeli government will agree to return to the 1949 Armistice Lines. No premier will cede the Western Wall or allow Hadassah Hospital and the Hebrew University on Mount Scopus to become a no-man's land again.

There is no shortage, however, of thinking Israelis who appreciate that creative solutions will be needed to bridge the gap between Jewish and Palestinians aspirations. So if the EU ministers meeting in Barcelona want to be useful they should rein in those who think pandering to the Palestinians is the way forward. -- The Jerusalem Post

Foreign grad student immigration

Gov. Tim Pawlenty floated an intriguing idea on the radio airwaves: Foreign students who earn graduate degrees in selected, economically desirable fields from American universities should become automatically eligible for permanent U.S. residency - in other words, given "green cards."

Pawlenty may be on to something. Offering green cards to foreign-born master's degree and Ph.D. recipients might go far to reverse the lag in international student enrollment at American universities in recent years.

It could bring a surge of brainpower and diversity to U.S. campuses, while dispelling the post-9/11 impression abroad that America is no longer a welcoming place.

To the extent that foreign graduates would accept the green card offer and join this country's work force, they would help meet America's growing need for highly trained workers. That need is expected to soar when the baby boom generation begins to retire in a few years.

Last week, the International Herald Tribune reported that the European Union is considering a step beyond Pawlenty's suggestion. It is weighing offering full citizenship to foreign students who complete doctorates in Europe.

Establishing a national strategy for attracting foreign brainpower is an idea that's overdue. Offering permanent residency to U.S.-educated foreign scholars is an idea whose time might be coming soon. -- Star Tribune, Minneapolis

Gay rights

Around the world, times are changing and people are having to come to terms with new realities. In Northern Ireland, legislation which is due to be enacted next week means that civil partnerships can legally be registered at city and town halls.

Although this means that such relationships will be given legal recognition for the first time, the legislation stops short of describing such unions as marriages. But it will afford gay couples the same legal rights as heterosexual married couples.

While the first such ceremony -- due to take place at Belfast City Hall on Dec. 19 -- will undoubtedly attract the glare of publicity, any protests will be in vain.

The vociferous gay rights movement will be impatient that progress is not being made faster, both on homosexual priests and full marriage ceremonies. But campaigners should allow time for traditional views to be tempered.

While there is regrettably still evidence of homophobia, the days when gay relationships had to be conducted in secret are over. -- The Belfast Telegraph, Northern Ireland

Withdrawing from Iraq

In a key speech ahead of elections in Iraq George W. Bush vowed not to 'cut and run' to meet 'artificial timetables set by politicians.

No doubt mindful of his premature proclamation of 'mission accomplished' after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime, the president is sensible to resist setting timetables yet. The security situation is still far too problematical. The coming election, though historic, is a small step towards a viable democracy. The next task will be to revise the new constitution to make it work, by ensuring effective participation by the minority Sunni Muslim faction.

A timetable for withdrawal is not realistic. But Iraq - and the United States and its allies - badly need a road map towards the day when the last occupier can go home. It must include achievable security and political goals that will be signposts on the road to peace and national unity. -- The South China Morning Post, Hong Kong

Protecting journalists

The Damalerio case shows that the killings of journalists could be stemmed and stopped by competent investigation and resolute prosecution.

The same ingredients -- firm law enforcement and effective administration of justice -- could apply as well to the brutal killings not only of other journalists, but of other professionals and public servants as well.

It is because assassins and killers have not been brought to justice that violence seems to have spiraled nationwide. Now that Damalerio has been given justice, the Wapilles of the nation have been warned. -- Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila