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Javier Solana
For Javier Solana's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 19, 2012
Whose sovereignty is it anyway?
Despite the huge sums expended to write down Greece's foreign debt, there has been an outcry of censure against "interference" with the country's national sovereignty.
COMMENTARY / World
Jan 11, 2012
Does promise or peril await in North Korea?
Two days after Kim Jong Il, North Korea's leader, died in a train in his country, South Korean authorities still knew nothing about it. Meanwhile, American officials seemed at a loss, with the State Department at first merely acknowledging that press reports had mentioned his death.
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 13, 2011
Security Council failing the Syria test
On Oct. 2 in Istanbul, Syria's disparate opposition movements gave the go-ahead for the formation of a "Syrian National Council." This is the most important step yet taken by the fragmented forces that have been trying since May to lead a peaceful uprising against President Bashar Assad's regime. The council's formation boosted the morale of those who have been demanding stronger and more unified representation.
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 9, 2011
Going beyond indefensible national interests
Humanity's main concerns today are not so much concrete evils as indeterminate threats. We are not worried by visible dangers, but by vague ones that could strike when least expected — and against which we are insufficiently protected. There are specific, identifiable dangers, but what worries us most about terrorism, for example, is its unpredictable nature.
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 16, 2011
Time to reset ties between the EU and Turkey
Just five months ago, Osama bin Laden was alive, Hosni Mubarak was firmly in control in Egypt, and Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali ruled Tunisia with an iron hand. Today, popular rebellion and political change have spread throughout the region.
COMMENTARY / World
May 21, 2011
Mediterranean's monumental transformation
The Mediterranean is undergoing a monumental political transformation. Protests on its southern shores have now begun the process of bringing democracy to this region. Less visibly, perhaps, the Mediterranean is also undergoing another revival, equally important in terms of geo-economics.
OLYMPICS
Sep 12, 2010
Old thinking and alliances endanger G20
MADRID — The world financial crisis has served as a quick and efficient catalyst for the Group of 20 economies. The first three G20 summits of chiefs of state — in Washington, London and Pittsburgh — will be remembered for advancing multilateralism and coordinated global action.
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 25, 2010
Obama takes the broad approach to security
MADRID — Time and again in our Nation's history, Americans have risen to meet — and to shape — moments of transition. This must be one of those moments.
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 10, 2009
EU making the world safer
BRUSSELS — 2009 is a landmark year for the European Union's role in the world. It marks 10 years of the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP), during which the EU became a global provider of security, making a real difference to people's lives all over the world.

Longform

High-end tourism is becoming more about the kinds of experiences that Japan's lesser-known places can provide.
Can Japan lure the jet-set class off the beaten path?