Global Newsstand: Put women at the negotiation table, and more

EUObserver / Brussels

Put women at the negotiation table

“March 8, International Women’s Day – or ‘Women’s Combat Day’, as many feminists call it in Germany – has just been declared a public holiday in Berlin,” writes Hannah Neumann. “Awareness for discrimination and sexualised violence is rising.... At the same time, from Bilbao to Brussels to Berlin and Bucharest, women and their concerns remain grossly marginalised.... The EU urgently needs to get its equality homework done.... And this is not just about symbolic representation. It is also about success.... Research shows that if women play a central role in peace negotiations, the chance for those deals to last two or more years increases by 20 percent.... It’s time to take big steps.”

Haaretz / Tel Aviv, israel

US support for India in conflict with Pakistan may affect global balance of power

“The late February air strikes by Indian fighter jets were meant to send a tough message to Pakistan...,” writes Rupakjyoti Borah. “The strike was in response to the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama in which at least 40 Central Reserve Police Force troops were killed by Pakistan-based militants.... In the aftermath of the initial Pulwama terror attack on Feb 14, one of the strongest expressions of support came from the Trump administration.... New Delhi sees that its interests are clearly aligned with the U.S. in the global power stakes.... [T]he United States clearly understands the importance of India and its capacity to act as an amicable swing state in the Indo-Pacific.”

South China Morning Post / Hong Kong

Can Israel’s success with startups be replicated in other countries?

“Israel has almost the same number of artificial intelligence (AI) start-ups as China, but with a population that is [much] smaller,” writes Chua Kong Ho. “It is a global leader in cybersecurity.... In short, Israel punches way above its weight class on the global stage in technology and innovation.... In talking about Israel’s tech ecosystem, the role of the military looms large.... In a nutshell, the risk-taking culture (from being in a tough neighbourhood) that underpins Israel’s start-up scene is hard to replicate. But the right government support, encouraging global talent, having strong universities that work closely with industry and government to advance research and development goals – that is doable in many countries.”

The New Times / Kigali, Rwanda

Gender equality will help economic development

“Gender equality and women empowerment (GEWE) lies at the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which recognizes that achieving gender equality is a matter of human rights...,” writes Nadine U. Rugwe. “The 2016 Africa Human Development Report indicated that African economies would benefit immensely if women’s access to paid work was equal to that of men.... Considering that women’s employment and earnings are important assets ... more investments are needed to ensure the economic empowerment of women. This will require measures to change current power dynamics and social stereotypes including ending all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.”

Arab News / Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Islamic State’s territory losses will not prevent the spread of its ideology

“As Daesh fighters try to defend Baghouz, their last enclave in eastern Syria, it is important to heed the warnings of top military commanders that the fight against the terror group is not going to be over any time soon,” writes Abdel Aziz Aluwaisheg, using an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group. “Most likely, Daesh will lose Baghouz.... However, although Daesh will soon be without any significant territorial hold, most likely this is not going to be the end of the terror group.... What accounts for the resilience of Daesh and its core ideology?... [I]ts ideology still attracts enough misguided young people in Syria and Iraq who are frustrated, humiliated and marginalized.... The global coalition, and its individual members, should now switch gears and work harder on ensuring peace....”