Another Week in the World

Hamid Karzai begins second term
Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai began his second term Thursday amid calls to replace many members of his government. Both the United States and many other allies are encouraging Karzai to root out corruption, which would mean replacing some of his staunchest supporters who assisted in his re-election. His inauguration comes at a key time as the Obama administration debates sending more troops to Afghanistan and waits for signs that the Karzai government will be competent.

Obama travels to Asia
President Barack Obama made a trip to East Asia this week, making stops in Singapore, South Korea, China and Japan. China held firm against pressure from the president on most issues including human rights. Chinese officials managed Obama’s visit strictly, filling his town hall meeting in Shanghai with young Communist Party supporters.

Minister of Iran rejects deal
Manouchehr Mottaki, the foreign minister of Iran, has announced that Iran will not ship its uranium abroad. He is the highest-ranking official to openly refuse the deal that the United States reached with Iran. Iran, however, has given mixed responses to the proposed agreement, and it is unclear if this refusal is an official rejection of the plan or just Mottaki’s position. Earlier this week Mottaki himself stressed the country’s readiness to compromise.

Israel expands settlement plans
Israel said Tuesday that it plans to expand a Jewish settlement in part of Jerusalem. The White House issued a statement saying it was “dismayed” and discouraging actions from both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that could interfere with negotiations. Meanwhile, Palestinians have been seeking support for an initiative to gain recognition of a Palestinian state from the United Nations Security Council. The initiative has already drawn rebuke from the United States and Israel.

Compiled from nytimes.com