By becoming guards in previously unpatrolled areas in northern and central Iraq, the citizens groups have become a key stopgap, filling in security holes where U.S. forces have lacked the numbers to impose stability -- MChef

    The historical origins of the violence that has engulfed Kenya since the discredited election of December 27 run deep, and it will take more than a recount of the vote and/or the formation of a government of national unity to resolve the crisis. -- MChef

    This is a problem which it probably is best to leave for the future. -- BU

    The falling dollar is propelling Gulf states further down the road to a monetary union. -- BU

    As part of a series of posts on Afghanistan, Barnett Rubin (Informed Comment: Global Affairs) suggests ways of fighting the drug trade in Afghanistan that don't involve poppy eradication. --BU

    Kate Sheppard says the US should sign on to the Law of the Sea, and that liberals have an interest in making it happen. -- BU

    Juan Cole argues that the Bush administration has botched relations with Turkey. -- BU

   If anyone has anything to say. -- BU

    Via Haaretz, Olmert gets a real peace agreement only with the aid of Meretz and at least one Arab party. -- BU

    At Informed Comment Global Affairs, Barnett Rubin has a crucial post on the perceived Iran war roll-out and its likely consequences. -- BU

    Peter Bergen and Sameer Lalwani point out that the ineffective American war on drugs in Afghanistan is an important reason for the Taliban resurgence. -- BU

    At Registan.net, Joshua Foust thinks the alleged rejuvenation of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan in Central Asia is being exaggerated by interested parties. -- BU

    He argues in favor of it. --h

    Sam Dagher of CSMonitor performs an important service in reminding us that in Iraq, religion is a source of personal strength and comfort as well as division. -- BU

    Conflict Blotter: Just back from Lebanon, Charles Levinson theorizes, based on his observations, about what Hizbullah is doing north of the Litani River. -- BU

    From Informed Comment Global Affairs, Farideh Farhi has a great analysis of American foreign policy towards Iran and why it is bad. -- BU

    In reporting on a new gas export route between Azerbaijan and Italy, via Turkey, John Daly at Eurasia Daily Monitor looks at the broader context of regional energy transport. -- BU

    Charles Levinson explains why Lebanon may become a new target for the jihadist movement currently focused on Iraq. -- BU

    Tim Burke turned me on to Brice Schneier's five-part interview with TSA administrator Kip Hawley. -- BU

    The ICG argues that re-enforcing divisions between the West Bank and Gaza Strip will not be a productive path. -- BU