World News Brief, Wednesday December 15
US diplomat Richard Holbrooke dies; Holbrooke's death could have major impact on US efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan; North Korea agrees to emergency meetings with China and other Six Party nations; South Korean general resigns over investment scandal; China to appeal WTO decision over tyre taxes; EU not ready to recognise Palestinian state; Obama health care plan suffers setback
Top of the Agenda: Top U.S. Diplomat Richard Holbrooke Dies
Richard Holbrooke, who presided over the accord that ended the Bosnian war fifteen years ago and was U.S. special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, died on Monday after undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured aorta. Recalled as a distinguished U.S. foreign policy advocate (NYT), Holbrooke was respected for his ability to troubleshoot complex negotiations and served every Democratic president since the late 1960s.
Holbrooke's death could have a significant impact (WashPost) on the Obama administration's efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan, coming just ahead of the release of the strategic review on Afghanistan. The State Department announced just prior to his death that his position would be filled temporarily by his deputy (LAT), Frank Ruggiero.
Amid sometimes difficult relations with Afghan leaders, Holbrooke was recalled as pressing ahead for a political settlement (BBC), believing this might mean some level of agreement with the Taliban to divorce them from al-Qaeda.
Analysis:
Foreign Affairs offers a review of Holbrooke's essays for the magazine over the years.
In his last interview with CFR.org, Holbrooke examined the international response to Pakistan's flood disaster and the Obama administration's efforts to call for increased assistance.
In this feature, Foreign Policy looks at some of Holbrooke's diplomatic contributions.
In the Daily Beast, Peter Beinart looks at Holbrooke's special blend of superpower swagger and moral passion.
PACIFIC RIM: North Korea Agrees to Emergency Talks
Pyongyang conceded to China's request (Yonhap) to hold emergency meetings with chief envoys to the Six Party Talks to reduce tensions on the Korean peninsula and reactivate discussions regarding nuclear disarmament. A high-level U.S. delegation is due to arrive in China later today to encourage an increased Chinese role in the negotiating process.
This CFR Expert Brief examines China's unique role on the Korean peninsula and the prospects for U.S. engagement in the region.
South Korea: The leader of the nation's army, General Hwang Eui-don, resigned over a scandal (Guardian) involving profits from a real estate investment.
China: China will appeal a WTO ruling (BBC) which upheld that the United States acted consistent with its obligations under global trade rules when it levied taxes on Chinese tires.
ELSEWHERE:
-EU Defers Recognition of Palestine
-U.S. Judge Rules against Health Law
This is an excerpt of the CFR.org Daily News Brief. The full version is available on CFR.org