In the Issue

• Why Lebanon Matters
• The High Road to Damascus
• Principled Multilateralism: When Does It Work?
• United Abominations?
• Russia Pulls out of Major Arms Control Treaty

Features

Why Lebanon Matters. A year ago Lebanon was on the verge of an economic and political resurgence. Today experts say rising violence and sectarianism there could result in a conflict that rivals what is currently happening in Iraq and mark a return to civil war. A recent Stanley Foundation workshop examined how the world might bolster multilateral efforts to bring about more sustainable stability and security in Lebanon. Read our talking points that might be useful for citizen leaders who are asked to comment on the situation and/or might wish to encourage action.

The High Road to Damascus. With continued calls for the US to engage with Syria, a key question is how the US should do so given the ongoing strain in official diplomatic relations. In a new Stanley Foundation Policy Analysis Brief, Syria Today editor Andrew Tabler examines how the US might find common ground with Syria through business. He suggests that by engaging its flourishing private sector, the US can not only assist Syria’s move toward a more open economy but also counter the increasing influences of Iran.

Principled Multilateralism: When Does It Work? The challenge of prompting renegade governments to comply with norms they have resisted is part of a wider and fundamental problem for global peace and security. How do you enforce the rules of the rules-based international order? The short answer is: very carefully. Stanley Foundation program officer David Shorr examines the use of coercive diplomacy. This is the first in a new series of articles written by foundation staff that will examine the cases where principled multilateralism has been successful.

Beyond the Headlines

United Abominations? While we often hear about celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Ewan McGregor speaking out on behalf of the United Nations, we rarely hear of entertainers publicly trashing the organization. Until now. Megadeth, one of the most successful and famous bands in heavy metal music history, has just released an album titled "United Abominations." The cover depicts the UN headquarters building in flames, shot through several times with flaming meteors or missiles. The title track opens with a monologue that includes, "In a mire of hypocrisy, bribes, kickbacks, and corruption, the UN enables terrorism, and ignores sex crimes by its peacekeepers." The lyrics themselves say, "Poverty in their kitchens, held hostage by oil-for-food, yet their own plates are full off the fat of their lands." Mark Leon Goldberg at UN Dispatch has posted the lyrics and written his own critique. Megadeth's lead singer, Dave Mustaine, responded. And Goldberg answered back. As a result of the album, a new group of people may join the debate about the UN’s effectiveness.

Russia Pulls out of Major Arms Control Treaty. One of the most significant arms control agreements from the Cold War was abandoned by Russia just days after President Bush hosted a “Lobster Summit” with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kennebunkport, Maine. Table manners aside, Putin’s removal of Russia from the Treaty on Conventional Forces in Europe has elevated tensions not only between the two former Cold War enemies but also between Russia and the United States’ European NATO allies. His announcement of the withdrawal followed the US plan to house missile defense systems in Poland and the Czech Republic and marked Putin’s attempt at a more assertive foreign policy. After claims of threatened national security echoed from the Kremlin, the United States and its allies worked to assure Russia that the system serves as a safeguard against a potential Iranian attack. Still, there is hope that Russia will return to the negotiating table before the treaty withdrawal officially goes into effect at the end of the year.