EGYPT

EGYPT
The Egyptian Gazette, Cairo, Dec. 9: For the second time in less than a year, Palestinian groups gathered in Cairo for Egyptian-sponsored talks. Representatives from 13 Palestinian factions, including Hamas and (Islamic) Jihad, attended the four-day talks, a fact meaning that the whole Palestinian political spectrum was present. The yield of the meeting may be perceived as meager.
Though the outcome has fallen short of expectations raised after last week's launch of the Geneva Accord, it has a positive side that should not go unnoticed or underestimated. The Cairo talks were the most serious forum in months for different Palestinian groups to look into their agendas with a view to working out a unified action program.
Neutralizing citizens
Israel, on the other hand, must reciprocate the Palestinian pledge of neutralizing civilians. In doing this, the Israeli government will demonstrate readiness to help end the regional cycle of violence. Still, the grim realities of the past months leave little room for optimism.
In late June, major Palestinian factions unilaterally observed a cease-fire in retaliatory attacks against the Israelis. The cease-fire proved short-lived, though. After seven weeks, the Palestinian groups decided to renounce it in reaction to Israel's slaying of a leading Hamas official.
SWEDEN
Svenska Dagbladet, Stockholm, Dec. 9: Despite prospects of the communists facing a natural death, Russia has taken a step back in democratic developments. Liberal messages were not high on the agenda; on the contrary, messages echoing the past were those that brought home the electoral glory.
Economic reforms
Great hopes are being set on a solid majority to facilitate market economic reforms. It's possible. At the same time question marks are growing with regards to the future. In Russia, a weak central power, dominated by the influence of competing oligarchs, has been replaced by a strong central power with President Putin as the leading man, but without a clear distinction between the legislative, executive and sentencing powers. It doesn't look good.
SOUTH KOREA
Korea Herald, Seoul, Dec. 9: More than a decade after the end of Soviet rule, Russian society still has some of the attributes that cultivated an authoritarian rule for over 70 years. The refusal to allow two main liberal parties, Yabloko and the Union of Right Forces, to share the proportional seats casts an ominous sign. In the eyes of these liberals, Russia is rushing toward a police state, with civic liberties curtailed, independent judicial authority threatened and relations with the West and neighboring countries deteriorating. Putin and his associates in the Kremlin, on the other hand, may find that the election results allow them to curtail some civic freedoms as the price for maintaining order in their vast nation.
Social order
Putin's second term, which now appears almost certain, will be a success if he strives first to establish social order and maintain a strong, independent public sector, with proper mechanisms of public oversight through an improved democratic system. A premature attempt to extend his grip on power will surely meet political disgrace.