The World is Talking. Global Politics

TOL's Steady State writes that “if the application of the ‘Kosovo formula' to the post-Soviet frozen conflicts takes place, then it will be cooked up in Moscow – that is certain.”

Perspectives on the New Russia writes about the brewing conflict between the Russian state and individual property owners in Sochi, the host city of the 2014 Winter Olympics.

“Republicans are relieved that former Sen. Bob Kerrey (D) has decided not to run for the seat being made vacant by Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel’s retirement,” according to the latest Evans-Novak Political Report. “Kerrey certainly was not guaranteed victory, but he would have started as the front-runner.”

“This leaves former Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns (R), also a former governor and mayor of Lincoln, as the favorite in this race.” He “starts with high poll ratings and fundraising potential. He will face a serious primary challenge, however, from state Atty. Gen. Jon Bruning (R), who was already in the race before Hagel’s retirement, planning to challenge the incumbent on his opposition to the Iraq War.”

“Without a high-profile Democrat, the Republican nature of this state makes it fairly safe. Even in a bad GOP year, this one becomes a contest only if the Republicans bungle it, either through a very bruising primary or through an unforeseen scandal. For now, this race can be moved to the second tier. Likely Republican Retention.”

The Azamat Report reviews recent developments on the eve of parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan, saying that the authorities are seemingly trying to establish a one-party system, similar to Kazakhstan with Nur-Otan and Russia with United Russia today.

Afghanistan Watch quotes reports on the President Karzai’s primetime appearance on CBS last Sunday, where he repeatedly called for a rollback of airstrikes in Afghanistan.

Coffeewallah has some advice for Trinidad and Tobago politicians: “Here’s a novel idea guys, why don’t you assume we all have brains, focus on the issues and tell us exactly how you’re going to deal with them.”

Both Child of the Revolution and The Cuban Triangle blog about the outcome of the UN motion for the United States to lift its long-standing embargo against Cuba.

Former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card told the Harvard Crimson that he resigned last year from the Bush administration in part because “the president needed for me to leave, and the administration needed to have me leave.”

Said Card: “I think they needed to demonstrate change, and I don’t think you can have a change without it being personified.”

Card’s remarks appear to contradict the official explanation given by President Bush, who at the time said his chief of staff “had taken the initiative in leaving his post, and that the departure was not motivated by politics.”

“First of all, some of this stuff gets overhyped. I think this has
been the most hyped fight since Rocky fought Apollo Creed. Although
the amazing thing is that I’m Rocky in this situation.”

– Sen. Barack Obama, on his face-off with Sen. Hillary Clinton in
tonight’s MSNBC Democratic presidential debate.

The New Hampshire chapter of the Service Employees International Union
have endorsed the presidential campaign of John Edwards, href="http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/10/30/439012.aspx">First
Read reports.

“The endorsement will help Edwards considerably, providing him with
financial resources and volunteers in the Granite state. It will also
prevent other state chapters from sending volunteers to New Hampshire
to campaign for either Obama or Clinton.”

“This is the 12th state SEIU endorsement Edwards has won.”