ITALY

ITALY
La Stampa, Milan, Jan. 11: Why has (Iran) done it? One can imagine various reasons. One is the desire to calm any internal unrest caused by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's radicalism by exploiting the popular theme of independence and autonomy in national decision making. Another is that of strengthening negotiations with Russia that is traditionally a friend (of Iran). Or even that the newly elected Ahmadinejad is serious and has decided to play the nuclear card all the way.
Anti-Western front
It should be noted that this latest move, following his incendiary denial of the existence of Israel ... may be designed to put Iran at the head of an anti-Western and anti-Israeli front that could gain support in various parts of the Arab world.
It is certain that Iran and its aspirations of being a global nuclear power demonstrate to the international community that in 2006 it is significantly loaded with uncertainty and risk.
BRITAIN
Financial Times, London, Jan. 10: Few positions in the world confer as much power and autonomy as that of a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. If confirmed in his post, Samuel Alito will help shape the character of national life potentially for decades to come, ruling not only on the most contentious issues of today, but on future cases of great consequence as yet unimagined. It therefore behoves the Senate to examine the nominee respectfully but thoroughly over the weeks ahead, before deciding whether to consent to his appointment.
Thankfully, it appears that in spite of the best efforts of partisans on both sides to present the nomination in starkly ideological terms, the U.S. public wants a reasonable, nuanced hearing. The question is not whether Mr. Alito is a conservative. Twenty-one years ago, he wrote in a job application "I am and have always been a conservative". Rather the question is what kind of conservative he would be: whether he has the character and judicial philosophy befitting a Supreme Court Justice.
Mr. Alito should expect a tougher ride than John Roberts, who sailed through the Senate on a 78-22 vote last September. His far lengthier career as a judge offers far more meat for critics to chew on. But this is a good thing. Candidates with records are preferable to "stealth candidates" precisely because of the greater opportunity for scrutiny this affords. The Supreme Court is in transition. While the notion that the seat Sandra Day O'Connor is vacating ought to be reserved for a moderate is quaint, it is nonetheless likely that her replacement by Mr. Alito would shift the balance of the Court more than the apparently like-for-like exchange of Mr. Roberts for William Rehnquist.
Solidly conservative track record
There is nothing in Mr. Alito's past that rules him out in advance. His track record is solidly conservative. Yet his most controversial rulings and dissents largely reflect his application of Supreme Court precedent, rather than judgement on the merits of cases.
Senators should not expect Mr. Alito to declare his hand on specific cases likely to come before the court. Rather, they should aim to explore his broad judicial philosophy, seeking assurance that he is an incremental conservative, not a rightwing radical in robes. Three general areas stand out. How far would Mr. Alito consider himself bound by precedent as a member of the Supreme Court? How restrictive a view does he take of the commerce clause, the basis of much federal economic regulation? And how far is he willing to defer to the executive?
NORWAY
Aftenposten, Oslo, Jan. 10: Slowly, the debate on the way forward in Iraq appears to be moving onto a new track, as the death toll in the country quickly rises. It is not surprising that the criticism is sharper, and the debate has a new intensity and scope.
Last week, President George W. Bush took the surprising step of inviting 13 former U.S. secretaries of state and defense to discuss Iraq. He heard strong criticism, and was reminded that the war was wanted by and not forced on the United States. But no one recommended a quick American withdrawal.
Doubtful
Bush wants to maintain his course, and not "run away" but gradually transfer responsibility to the Iraqis. Whether that will work, with insurgents moving the country closer and closer to civil war, remains highly doubtful.
Criticism has also come from unexpected sources, such as the new German chancellor -- Angela Merkel -- demanding that the U.S. close the Guantanamo base on Cuba. Such a facility cannot and must not exist, she said before her first visit to the U.S. as chancellor.
Opposition is becoming stronger and stronger for Bush. Time is running out in Iraq.