11 September

A day to remember all of those who have been victims of terrorist actions. And to reaffirm that one of the most pressing priorities of today, for every government that believes in democracy and tolerance, is to neutralise the leadership and the key elements of the so-called Islamic State. 

Syria policy review

The refugee influx is re-opening the debate about the EU´s role in Syria and in the region. And my advice is that the reflection should look into every option. But it should, above all, be honest about what´s to be achieved and frank when reviewing the means and ways of achieving such objectives. It cannot be just more dust in the air to gain the impression that we are doing something out there. The challenges are too serious for superficiality and make believe.

Refugees: it´s time to regain the political initiative

In politics it´s a very costly mistake to be perceived as having lost control of a serious situation. This is particularly true in the developed countries. They have the resources, the rules and the institutions to respond to major challenges. Then, when the response seems chaotic and directionless, the loss of credibility is enormous. The institutional approaches are then replaced by the reactions on the streets and the emotions on the small TV screens. And all that ends up by generating major problems that societies will have to confront sooner or later.

Therefore, when control is lost the most urgent action that is required is to regain the initiative. 

Refugees and Migrants: Calling for a comprehensive view

The mass movement into the EU is a very complex matter. It calls for a comprehensive analysis and a multi-faceted response. The humanitarian assistance is one of the dimensions. In terms of urgency, it is certainly the priority. But the issue needs to be viewed from other perspectives as well. And that has to be done with great serenity and a strong sense of responsibility, both towards those coming in and those who belong here.  

A new approach to politics

The positive response many Europeans are giving to the mass influx of would-be refugees might have many ways of being understood. For me, it underlines an emerging widespread aspiration to see human values guiding political decisions. People are telling their leaders that basic principles of humanity matter above everything else when the crisis is too big and the suffering too high.

In many ways politics in our part of the world lost touch with the lives of the poorest and weakest segments of society. We got used to believe that economic growth, combined with a good degree of political expediency and a fair dose of opportunism, would give everyone a chance to make a living. 

In addition, we have accepted globalization on the material fronts but not on matters that might compromise our standards of living. We keep asking every nation to open their borders as we try to keep our own frontiers well protected. And we don´t mind to give some help to those in need as long as that happens far away from our doorsteps.

Now, here in Europe, that way of looking at the world might be about to be challenged. Ideology is getting back into politics. And the ideas that are about to shape our future political views are above all about being more reasonable and more open to others. It´s a new kind of responsive politics.

Call for a new policy approach on Syria

In view of the recent events, it should be clear that the time has arrived for a new policy on Syria.

The humanitarian crisis must be addressed. And the terrorists that call themselves the Islamic State have to be neutralised. These are the two overriding priorities. Both of them require the Western countries and the neighbouring countries in the region to adopt a new approach.

One of the key steps should therefore be to re-engage with Bashar al-Assad. Leaders need to recognise the need for such a move. Assad has been a considerable part of problem, it is true. But he is going nowhere, we reached a standstill. He will stay in charge of part of the country and in command of a share of its ruins. He represents an important albeit small segment of the Syrian population. And he knows that the UN Security Council will never agree on his condemnation.

He should therefore be part of the solution. To continue to consider his removal from power a critical objective is the wrong option.

 We cannot ignore the plight of the displaced and the refugees. As we cannot forget that the IS fanatics are a major threat to the region and to us as well.  All efforts should focus on both issues.

EU: the foundations of the common building are shaking

The current events in the EU are like a major quake. Their impact on the common European project will radically change a number of things. It´s also a long term shock wave.

My advice today is that people who care should start a serious debate about the changes that are in the making. It´s time to think beyond the daily dramas and have a good understanding of the key trends.

We need to hear from minds that can read the future. 

Chinese politics of intimidation

The aim of the huge military parade the government of China will put on display tomorrow in Beijing, as they celebrate the 70^th anniversary of Victory Day against the Japanese, is obviously related to a policy of intimidation. 

But the ones the Chinese authorities try to intimidate are not based in Japan, not even in the neighbouring countries. To the neighbouring countries, Beijing´s message is clear: our military capabilities are growing by the day and modernising by the hour. It´s an arms race and the Chinese want it to be clear that they have the means and the knowledge to win the run.

Regarding the intimidation, the target is the Chinese people itself. Their government wants them to understand that the armed forces are a powerful instrument of power. It was used in 1989, at Tiananmen Square. And can be used again, now in a much more efficient manner. That´s the message. 

Civil obedience remains the key issue in such a vast country. The leaders are today, as their predecessors were, deeply afraid of any possible loss of political control.

End of summer break

I am back from my summer break. Back from 15 days in a village in Southern Portugal. Two weeks spent among elder people as old folks make now most of the residents in rural areas. And a period to learn again the virtues of simplicity, frugality and the ability to make do with whatever is available

The middle of August

In my corner of the world, this is peak holiday time. This week end is a particularly busy one. Traffic, on roads and airports, is just pretty heavy. The outside world is kept outside the people´s minds. More than usually, that´s it. No time to think about the huge discrepancy between our own life styles and those prevalent in many parts of the planet. This a moment for beach and sun. Our thick skin is anxious to get a good tan. That´s the way we see things around here.