Commentary / World Jul 20, 2015
Asia's view of the Greek crisis
by Lee Jong-Wha
Perhaps Greece should look to Asia for proof that, by taking responsibility for its own destiny, a country can emerge stronger from even the most difficult trials.
Asia's view of the Greek crisis
Perhaps Greece should look to Asia for proof that, by taking responsibility for its own destiny, a country can emerge stronger from even the most difficult trials.
Greece loses, European Union wins
In the first round of the battle for the euro, everybody technically just kicked the can down the road four months by extending the existing bailout arrangements for Greece. But Greece can't win.
The victory of the radical left party Syriza in Greek national elections last week poses challenges to the established political order in that country as well as in Europe.
After years of trudging through an economic slough of austerity, guarded by German warders, that left southern European states near to despair, the EU can see a ribbon of the light of dawn upon the horizon.
Is Berlin driving Paris to the brink?
President François Hollande has instructed his prime minister to form a new government — without those troublemakers who want to stop the economic austerity in Europe, or at least apply some flexibility, before it is too late.
European voters wise to back austerity
Contrary to what most of the loud media commentary would have us believe, financial "austerity" or fiscal responsibility appears popular. Angela Merkel's success is proof.
Capitalism is destroying southern European life
The popular civilizations of Greece, France, Spain and Portugal appear endangered, because of a pincer movement by tourism and the north's economic doctrines.
The link between austerity and demoralization
High unemployment in Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere is also tragic because of the emotional cost to the jobless of not being part of working society.
The good news is that the Japanese economy and stocks are recovering. The bad news is that austerity hawks still view "Abenomics" as a mere flash in the pan.
The human cost of the austerity mentality is threatening national political systems and the popular will to embrace reform. EU leaders are beginning to see this.
Let more structural reform lead EU's next deal
Europe needs a new deal that trades less national austerity for creditable plans for more structural reform. This can be done without costing Germany a euro cent.
Austerity poses perils when productivity lags
If a Mediterranean diet lengthens life spans as reported, inhabitants of southern Europe can look forward to long lives — of anxiety and privation.