View this newsletter as a web page on CFR's website. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY -Top U.S. Diplomat Richard Holbrooke Dies -EU Defers Recognition of Palestine -North Korea Agrees to Emergency Talks -U.S. Judge Rules against Health Law Top of the Agenda: Top U.S. Diplomat Richard Holbrooke Dies Richard Holbrooke, who presided over the accord that ended the Bosnian war fifteen years ago and was U.S. special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, died on Monday after undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured aorta. Recalled as a distinguished U.S. foreign policy advocate (NYT), Holbrooke was respected for his ability to troubleshoot complex negotiations and served every Democratic president since the late 1960s. Holbrooke's death could have a significant impact (WashPost) on the Obama administration's efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan, coming just ahead of the release of the strategic review on Afghanistan. The State Department announced just prior to his death that his position would be filled temporarily by his deputy (LAT), Frank Ruggiero. Amid sometimes difficult relations with Afghan leaders, Holbrooke was recalled as pressing ahead for a political settlement (BBC), believing this might mean some level of agreement with the Taliban to divorce them from al-Qaeda. Analysis: Foreign Affairs offers a review of Holbrooke's essays for the magazine over the years. In his last interview with CFR.org, Holbrooke examined the international response to Pakistan's flood disaster and the Obama administration's efforts to call for increased assistance. In this feature, Foreign Policy looks at some of Holbrooke's diplomatic contributions. In the Daily Beast, Peter Beinart looks at Holbrooke's special blend of superpower swagger and moral passion. MIDDLE EAST: EU Defers Recognition of Palestine Foreign ministers from the European Union delayed official recognition (al-Jazeera) of a Palestinian state, saying they will do so "when appropriate." Iran: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad replaced his foreign minister (FT) with Ali-Akbar Salehi, the country's top nuclear official. Western diplomats in the region doubt the change will have any significant effect on the negotiations over the contested nuclear program. This CFR interview examines the talks between Iran and the P5+1, the differences between the two sides, and the long road ahead. PACIFIC RIM: North Korea Agrees to Emergency Talks Pyongyang conceded to China's request (Yonhap) to hold emergency meetings with chief envoys to the Six Party Talks to reduce tensions on the Korean peninsula and reactivate discussions regarding nuclear disarmament. A high-level U.S. delegation is due to arrive in China later today to encourage an increased Chinese role in the negotiating process. This CFR Expert Brief examines China's unique role on the Korean peninsula and the prospects for U.S. engagement in the region. South Korea: The leader of the nation's army, General Hwang Eui-don, resigned over a scandal (Guardian) involving profits from a real estate investment. China: China will appeal a WTO ruling (BBC) which upheld that the United States acted consistent with its obligations under global trade rules when it levied taxes on Chinese tires. SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA: Telecom Scandal Envelopes India After enduring political paralysis for four weeks, India's parliament ended its latest session amid growing fallout (NYT) from the scandal involving its telecom industry and high-ranking government ministers. AFRICA: International Pressure on Ivory Coast The European Union agreed to impose sanctions on the Ivory Coast (CNN) unless the internationally recognized winner, Alassane Ouattara, is allowed to take power from disputed candidate, Laurent Gbagbo. Sudan: The U.S. special envoy to Sudan says timing issues have ruled out a referendum on the future of Sudan's Abyei region (Reuters), a disputed oil-rich territory. AMERICAS: Federal Judge Rules against Health Law A U.S. federal judge ruled a major component of the Obama healthcare law as unconstitutional. The decision draws attention to the pitched philosophical battle (NYT) between liberals and conservatives that is expected to unfold in courtrooms regarding the law's constitutional issues. With considerable bipartisan support, a major tax deal between the White House and congressional Republicans passed a crucial procedural test (WSJ) in the Senate, making a final vote likely this week. EUROPE: Berlusconi Wins First 'No-Confidence' Vote With his political future at stake, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi won the first of two no-confidence motions (BBC) in both houses of parliament. Sweden: Based on the complexity of Saturday's attack, Stockholm police assume terrorist bomber Taymour Abdulwahab Al-Abdaly received aid from accomplices (DeutscheWelle).

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