July 2006

In This Issue

• Voices of Egypt
• America's Uncomfortable Relationship With Nationalism
• Bolton Flap
• North Korea Tests Missiles
• Election Tension in Mexico

Features

Voices of Egypt. What are Egyptians saying about the prospects for democracy in their country? What else is on their minds? Here is a small sampling from a wide range of Egyptian voices—including those of politicians, a popular author, a leading Muslim religious figure, and a cab driver.

http://vps.stanleyfoundation.org/articles/2006think07_egypt.php

America's Uncomfortable Relationship With Nationalism. Is there such a thing as American nationalism or is it simply "patriotism"? Why do Americans view "nationalism" in such a negative light? Graham E. Fuller, who served as an overseas operations officer with the CIA for 20 years, analyzes Americans' problem with nationalism and why it is such a dangerous topic to ignore.

http://vps.stanleyfoundation.org/articles/2006think07_gfuller.php

Bolton Flap. The recent flareup between a senior UN official and US Ambassador John Bolton highlights the serious consequences to national and global security if the United States lets international disharmony persist, wrote Stanley Foundation program officer David Shorr in a recent commentary for The Des Moines Register.

http://tinyurl.com/ljnek

In the News

North Korea Tests Missiles. Tensions are running high after North Korea defiantly test-fired at least seven missiles early on July 5. This act has been condemned worldwide and nations are scrambling to react; is a diplomatic solution still possible?

http://vps.stanleyfoundation.org/articles/2006think07_nktension.php

Election Tension in Mexico. Recent elections in Mexico have produced the most hotly contested presidential race in Mexico's democratic history. Election officials declared conservative Felipe Calderon of the ruling National Action Party (PAN) the winner over former Mexico City mayor of the center-left Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD), Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The outcome, which was decided by less than 1 percent of the 41 million votes cast, is being contested by Lopez Obrador and the PRD, who are pointing to signs of possible fraud and demanding a full recount. This election could prove very significant to the United States as different policies championed by the two candidates could greatly change the nature of US-Mexican relations.

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