Morning Coffee - 25 November 2009
Summary:  Death toll in South Philippines massacre at 46 and rising, prime suspect is a close ally of the Arroyo government; 250,000 Irish workers strike; Gadhafi volunteers to mediate soccer row. Top Story:  46 SLAIN IN PHILIPPINE PRE-ELECTION MASSACRE

Does Afghanistan need a "Tajik Solution?"
We can't use Tajikistan as a model to fix Afghanistan. Foreign Affairs ran a recent essay describing Tajikistan as a model for ending the war in Afghanistan. George Gavrilis recommends the pragmatic strategy that ended the Tajik civil war be duplicated for Afghanistan. On its face, it’s a compelling argument - two neighboring countries, both Muslim, mountainous, plagued by drug trafficking and warlords. Both faced civil war. Tajikistan’s civil war ended twelve years ago, while Afghanistan

Trade issues at Copenhagen
Last week the EU and US filed a complaint to the World Trade organization against China’s duty on exported metals, aimed at reducing overproduction and carbon emissions. China’s attempt to reduce emissions was faced by unlikely critics. Last week the EU and US filed a complaint to the World Trade Organization against China’s duty on exported metals, aimed at reducing overproduction and carbon emissions.

UNICEF Chief talks shop with the Washington Post
UNICEF Director Ann Venemen sits down for an interview with Steve Perlstein of the Washington Post. UNICEF Director Ann Venemen sits down for a brief interview with Steve Perlstein of the Washington Post.    

Morning Coffee - 24 November 2009
Summary:  In today's Morning Coffee: Blackwater is working in Pakistan; parliamentary wrangling delays Iraq's elections; the White House pledges to announce carbon reduction targets. Top Story:  BLACKWATER'S SECRET WAR IN PAKISTAN For months we've been reading slightly condescending English-language news repor