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Stop Trying to Make French Happen

Paris is fighting a losing battle over the prominence of their language.

Deutschland Unter Alles

Germany’s economy is among the worst in the OECD.

Far Right Politics Spreading Across the West

The trend shows no sign of abating.

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Greedflation?

The evidence is pretty thin.

Ukraine: Too Much Is Not Enough

The appetite for more resources approaches infinity.

Italy Expected to Elect Post-Fascist Premier

Democratic backsliding appears to be spreading to another European country.

NATO Has Been Training Ukrainian Forces for Years

A fascinating report from the WSJ.

Conservatism Has Become A Haven For Grifters And Frauds. No Wonder We Got Trump

At some point, what we call conservatism turned into a racket. It’s not surprising that this led directly to Trump.

Theresa May Still Searching For A Brexit Deal

With just over two months to go until the March 29th deadline, British Prime Minister Theresa May is no closer to a Brexit deal.

The Rift Between The U.S. And Europe Gets Wider And Wider

The Trump Administration continues to drive a wedge between the United States and Europe, can it ever be repaired?

France’s Yellow Vest Riots Enter Fifth Week

Protests that have killed four and injured hundreds have been rewarded and show no sign of ending.

European Leaders Approve Final Brexit Deal, But Its Fate In Parliament Remains Unclear

The European Union has approved the final Brexit deal negotiated with Theresa May’s government, but the final chapter has yet to be written.

No Matter What Comes Out Of Helsinki, Putin Has Already Won

Even if all he gets out of the Helsinki Summit is a handshake and a photograph, Vladimir Putin has already won.

Angela Merkel Reaches Coalition Agreement With S.P.D.

After six months, Angela Merkel has apparently succeeded in forming a coalition government.

As Trump Withdraws Into Fortress America, The World Moves On

President Trump has alienated America’s allies and friends, and they are acting accordingly.

On German Democracy

Negotiations over government formation is not a crisis.

Second Quarter Sees Modest Economic Growth In Initial Estimate

According to initial estimates, the economy grew at faster pace in the second quarter than at the beginning of the year, but it was hardly anything to write home about.

Macron Scores Decisive Win Over Le Pen In French Presidential Election

Centrist candidate Emmanuelle Macron scored a decisive win over the far-right Marine Le Pen in today’s runoff round of the French Presidential election.

Macron and Le Pen Advance To Runoff In French Presidential Election

French voters face a stark choice in the May 7th runoff for President. Hopefully, they’ll make the correct choice.

Angela Merkel To Seek Fourth Term As German Chancellor

Political change coming to Germany? Or more of the same.

Tories Set To Pick Between Two Women To Replace David Cameron

Regardless of the outcome of the Conservative Party’s leadership race, the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom will be a woman.

‘Leave’ Takes The Lead In Latest ‘Brexit’ Polling

With just over a week to go, the latest polling shows voters in the United Kingdom leaning toward leaving the European Union.

United Kingdom Sets ‘Brexit’ Referendum Vote For June 23rd

Britons will go to the polls in June to decide the future of their country’s relationship with the rest of Europe.

Is Portugal Europe’s Next Greece?

The election of an anti-austerity government in Portugal is raising some concerns.

OTB Caption Contest Winners

The “You Stupid American Pigdogs” Edition OTB Caption ContestTM is now over.

Why Does Europe Want To Keep Greece?

It’s easy to see what Greece thinks it still needs Europe, it’s more of puzzle why Europe thinks it needs to hang on to Greece.

Greece Reaches Deal With Europe That’s Quite Similar To The One Voters Rejected

Greece reached a new deal with European bankers that seems oddly similar to the one that voters rejected just a week ago.

Greek Voters Reject Bailout Deal, Greece Still Largely Screwed

Greek voters rejected the latest bailout package, but that only seems likely to make things even worse for them.

Greek Prime Minister Appears To Concede, But Europe Holds To A Hard Line

Greece’s Prime Minister seemed to give in to some of Europe’s demands today, but bankers are continuing to hold to the strict conditions they set last week.

There Is No Such Thing as Europe

The English-speaking and Scandinavian countries are very different.

Far Right’s Rise In Europe Lays Largely In The Failures Of Mainstream Parties

Far right parties are succeeding in Europe because the mainstream parties aren’t offering an alternative.

Explaining The Conservative Love Affair With Vladimir Putin: It’s All About Opposing Obama

The bizarre conservative love affair with Vladimir Putin continues.

Euro Zone Jobless Rate Remains At 12.5%, Solutions Seem Out Of Reach

The economy of the Euro Zone remains in quiet dire straits, unless you’re lucky enough to live in Germany.

French Dip

The French economy has drifted into recession for the second time in four years.

The Youth Unemployment Problem

Large numbers of younger workers are having trouble finding work in many parts of the developed world.

Does Decapitating Terrorist Leaderships Work?

Killing their leaders doesn’t seem to be impacting the ability of jihadi groups to recruit and motivate more terrorists.

Do We Really Need A “Foreign Policy” Debate?

Does it make sense to divide the Presidential debates between “domestic policy” and “foreign policy?” Yes, and no.

Sharks With Frickin’ Legos

Spiegel has a photo gallery of novel ways to graphically illustrate the Euro crisis. My favorite:

Bob Zoellick and the Real Mitt Romney

The presumptive Republican nominee has sent a strong and welcome signal about his governing philosophy.

US Trade Deficit Hits 18-Month Low

The combination of falling oil prices and increased exports has the US trade deficit at its lowest point since December 2010.