Finance : Capital controls an important macroeconomic policy tool (PRIV)
(Kanaga Raja, Geneva)
Contrary to claims in the popular press, by some in the economics profession as well as by some policymakers that capital controls are inherently protectionist measures, such controls can be justified ways to perform counter-cyclical balance to boom-and-bust cycles, to maintain monetary independence, and to support exchange rate and financial stability.

United States : In signal to Israel and Iran, Obama delays war exercise (PRIV)
(IPS, Washington)
The postponement of a massive joint US-Israeli military exercise appears to be the culmination of a series of events that has impelled the Barack Obama administration to put more distance between the United States and aggressive Israeli policies toward Iran.

Mideast : All unclear on nuclear (PRIV)
(IPS, Jerusalem)
Blame for the shadowy war of attrition against Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programmes usually prompts vigorous US and Israeli denials of involvement, or self-imposed silence. Yet, the two allies risk being hoisted on their own ambiguity petard.

Environment : Melting ice makes Arctic access a hot commodity (PRIV)
(IPS, Uxbridge)
China, Brazil and India want seats on the Arctic Council as global warming creates new opportunities for shipping and resource extraction in the vast Arctic region.