Getting Debt Relief Right Many argue that forgiving international debts will help relieve poverty in the world's poorest countries. But an enormous amount of money is already given to aid the poor with little of it reaching those in need. Widespread corruption weak political institutions lack of accountability all hinders the provision of important social services in developing countries, the international community must figure out a way to ensure the proper use of debt-relief dollars-before the problems plaguing many of the world's poorest countries grow any worse

Russia's Unformed Foreign Policy Although Russia has projected itself more forcefully on the world stage since the beginning of the Putin era its foreign policy still lacks any sort of grand strategic vision. Russian leaders continue to squabble over issues from NATO expansion to the world economy. But they are particularly concerned about Russia's identity especially with regard to the post-Soviet states. If the Bush administration fails to devise a coherent policy of its own toward its former rival it may face serious problems down the road

With a Friend Like Fox When Vicente Fox stunned the world last year by becoming Mexico's first opposition leader elected president in 71 years he began a process that reverberates throughout Latin America Fox has abandoned Mexico's longstanding tradition of non Intervention leading his country to deeper involvement throughout the western hemisphere. Mexico's new diplomacy has great potential to improve the lives of its neighbors-none more so than the United States