All Global Viewpoint

Things are getting worse for the United States, not because of our weak policies but because the times are changing, our capabilities and energies limited, and we haven’t recognized it yet. We can’t afford to keep on doing those things we shouldn’t have been doing in the first place.

The next test for Turkey's democracy will be how it weathers 'the new normal' of slower economic growth. Because Turkey’s fundamentals are in order, its prospects seem quite positive, says Ali Babacan, deputy prime minister for the economy.

Those in the West commonly believe that economic growth and a burgeoning middle class in China will lead to democratic reform. But research on China’s middle class shows its lack of opposition to the Communist regime as well as some support for the party-state.

Iran's President Rouhani is sincere about a nuclear deal, because the costs of building a nuclear bomb are too high. But demonizing the US is still the linchpin of foreign policy for a certain faction in Tehran. For them, normalization of US relations would mean the regime's end.

Could it be that Obama’s supposed weakness and vacillation on Syria and Iran is actually an 'aha' moment? Is it the first glimmer of wisdom in the dark tunnel of disastrous policy that has defined the decades since America seized the poisoned chalice of the 'world’s sole superpower?'

Diplomacy is alive again at the United Nations this week. And it's deeply needed. President Obama should make clear to Iran’s President Hasan Rouhani that Iran would be welcome to participate in a conference to discuss an end to the civil war in Syria.

Mohamed El-Erian is the CEO of the investment firm PIMCO, the world’s largest bond investor. In an interview, he discusses what might affect the Fed's decision to begin tapering its asset purchases and what impact such a move may have on the global economy.

The G20 nations can bypass deadlock in the UN Security Council over Syria by appealing to the General Assembly to call for and oversee the removal of all chemical weapons from Syria. Unlike military strikes by the US, this would pave the way for a ceasefire and peace settlement.

In an interview, He Weifang, one of China’s most pre-eminent advocates of the rule of law and judicial independence, says the trial of former politburo member Bo Xilai was a satire – but it still helped to advance rule of law in China.

The Obama administration is right to be cautious about US intervention in Syria. For the US to launch a military strike without UN Security Council sanction would constitute an illegal 'act of war' against a sovereign state. (The Kosovo precedent cannot make an illegal act legal.)

In an interview, Hans Blix (chief UN arms inspector for Iraq from 2000-2003) says: If US military action in Syria is all about 'punishing' Bashar al-Assad to satisfy public and media opinion without even hearing the UN inspectors report, it will be a sad day for international legality.

With Egypt back to 'temporary' martial law and turmoil riling the Middle East, the Arab Spring may appear to have failed. But the revolutionary story in the region is far from over. The Arab world has been changed irrevocably, and transitions – likely marked by conflict – will continue.

China critics say severe corruption is inherent to China’s one-party system and cannot be stemmed without changing the entire political system. The trail of Bo Xilai – the climax of an aggressive anti-corruption drive by the Chinese Communist Party – shows this isn't the case.

The open Internet that 2.5 billion people around the world rely on is under threat, as governments increasingly seek control of information flow. Only concerted moves by stakeholders can protect its valued openness. The US especially must set high standards for transparency and freedom.

The coup that ousted Egypt's President Mohamed Morsi was a clear derailment of the democratic progress. In order to initiate dialogue and reconciliation in a dangerously divided Egypt, Mr. Morsi and other politicians who remain in detention should be released.

Secretary of State John Kerry's said the military coup in Egypt was 'restoring democracy.' This view confirms Muslim Brotherhood claims that the US would rather prop up a military dictatorship than accept an elected Islamic government. Leaders must choose their words accurately.

It's not possible to stop a Bradley Manning or Edward Snowden. They reflect society's push for individualism, suspicion of authority, and digital transparency. Instead, the NSA, FBI, and others must embrace openness, and face greater oversight.

The uprising of millions of Egyptians since June 30 has led to sharp polarization. Growing up in Egypt, I never saw the country as divided as it is today. Efforts to rebuild the nation must focus on justice, reconciliation, and inclusiveness.

In Egypt, former President Mohamed Morsi should have served until the next elections. Forced removal defeats the democratic gains made two years ago. If Morsi and Islamists are not allowed to feature somewhat prominently in a new government, they could be a dangerous element.

Protests in Turkey aren’t a sign of the failure of democracy there but a sign that Turkish politics is now resilient enough to experience public discontent that strengthens participatory democracy. But if Recep Tayyip Erdogan remains insensitive to public opinion, it will cost him his job.