I try to stay away from partisan politics in the US–my own views should be irrelevant to all who read this blog. But I do try to stay abreast of how non-Americans view the American electoral process. Those views form a considerable part of how other states react to American foreign policy. The Economist, a highly regarded journal with distinctive conservative views, ran an essay that was surprisingly critical of the Republican nominee, Mitt Romney.
When Hollande was elected President of France, many of us interpreted his election as a swing away from the EU austerity programs favored by Germany. It appears, however, that that interpretation was premature. Greece has asked for more time to repay its debts, but its request was rebuffed by Hollande. The decision needs to be made by September, and it appears as if Greece will not get the extension it desires. That circumstance may force Greece to leave the eurozone.
As the sea ice shrinks in the Arctic Ocean, many states are claiming sovereignty over the now-accessible areas near the North pole. The German periodical, Der Spiegel, has an article on Russian attempts to begin drilling for hydrocarbons in this ecologically fragile area. The US and Canada will not be far behind.
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