The situation in Syria remains muddled even after the US recognition of the rebel forces. Even though the US was careful to isolate one of the more radical groups within the opposition, al-Nusra, it is clear that many other radical elements remain within the coalition. How the liberal states intend to forge an alliance with such a disparate government is unclear, so their next steps remain murky. All the while, many continue to die in the violence in that country.
Extremists have killed medical personnel who were attempting to vaccinate children against polio in Pakistan. This sad event is a consequence of the subterfuge used by the US to find and kill Osama bin Laden. The US relied on a Pakistani doctor who was using a vaccination alibi to collect information about the whereabouts of bin Laden. Now efforts to eradicate one of the worst childhood illnesses is being set back by the suspicions against all who claim to be vaccinating children. The children who contract polio because of these suspicions can legitimately be considered victims in the war on terror.
South Korea will hold its Presidential election on the 19th and the contrast between the two primary candidates is quite striking. The US has an important stake in the outcome of the election but it doesn’t appear as if foreign policy concerns are a high priority in the election. There is, rather, a strong consensus in South Korea on the broad parameters of foreign policy. Nonetheless, the election will affect American interests quite directly.
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