By Bill Emmot - FT.Com

When you are in a hole, stop digging. A wind of change is in the air. Yes, it is a mixture of tired old metaphors but that was the scolding and entirely justified message on Monday to Italy’s political class from a tired old man: face reality, he said; bring in long-delayed reforms; tell the truth. There was just one important thing President Giorgio Napolitano left out in his reinauguration speech: prepare to fight new elections, and soon.

by DW.de

An agreement between the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo has been hailed as a historic step forward in putting conflict in the region to rest. Now everything hinges whether the deal can be implemented.

by Emile Nakhleh - Lobelog

The governing programme of Egyptian President Muhammad Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood has been disappointing. His commitment to genuine democracy has been faltering, and his efforts at inclusion and political tolerance have been wanting.

Morsi’s actions against the Egyptian comedian Basim Yousif belie his initial statements supporting tolerance, inclusion, and freedom of expression. Humor is the backbone of a mature democracy; muzzling the voices of dissent is an omen of a budding dictatorship.

by Pierre Prier - Le Figaro

Le président du Soudan, Omar el-Béchir, n'était pas revenu au Soudan du Sud depuis la cérémonie d'indépendance, le 9 juillet 2011. Depuis, les relations entre Omar el-Béchir et son homologue du Sud, l'ancien chef guérillero Salva Kiir, ne s'étaient pas arrangées. Les deux nouveaux pays n'arrivaient pas à gérer la paix après leur séparation à l'amiable, qui mettait fin à près de cinquante ans de guerre civile.