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The article discusses Europe and leftist political parties. Due to the trouble capitalism is facing with the global financial crisis leftist parties could be gaining power. However, there are 20 of the 27 European Union member states with right-wing heads of government. Also, there are many small businesses in Europe compared to unionized workers.

The article explores the differences in political contests between Europe and the U.S. and European reaction to the U.S. presidential election. The author asserts that U.S. elections are capable of dramatic political change. The article suggests that European parliamentary government leads to unimpressive leaders. Other topics include political representation, the personalities of politicians, and foreign affairs affecting elections.

The speed and deepening of anti-Semitic discourse in Europe now is becoming a phenomenon that challenges the post-war democratic settlement. It is now commonplace to report attacks on Jewish cemeteries, synagogues, and Jews themselves who wear some mark of their religion as they go to school or walk to prayer on the Shabbath. Under the guise of islamophobia the European right is now creating a new ideology of dislike for the other in which remarks about Jews, the Jewish lobby, and opposition to Israel's right to exist can all be expressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the possibility of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair becoming the first president of Europe under the Lisbon Treaty. The author notes that Blair's candidacy is supported by major European Union leaders such as the Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Great Britain and Italian President Silvio Berlusconi.

Challenges reports that socialism in Europe is facing its biggest crisis in history. Indications of the decline of the left in Europe as well as Japan; Reasons for hope for a rebirth of socialism. INSET: Sharing, caring governments.;Union strength is not the left's....

In this article the author examines the state of center-left political parties in Europe. He notes that both the German Social Democratic Party and the Socialist Party in Austria changed their leaders in the summer of 2008, a tactic he claims was meant to regain favor with their respective electorates. The author faults the parties for abandoning ideology in favor of personality.

This article reports on Conservative power in Europe in 2008. Only three governments in the European Union (Great Britain, Spain, and Portugal) are exclusively governed by Left Wing politicians, greatly changing party control from what it was in the 1990s. The article overviews conservative politics in Europe and also discusses postwar conservatism, Italian leader Silvio Berlusconi, and speculation as to how the power will be used.

In this article the author discusses the foreign affairs policy of the British Conservative Party under the leadership of David Cameron. The author suggests that William Hague, the Conservative Party member responsible for international relations policy, is anti-Europe. The Conservative Party support for Russian foreign policy is examined.

This article describes the success of the European Union (EU), the significant increase in employment it has created, and the amount of money it has generated for its members. The economic success is sending members from Eastern Europe to the West to help their industries succeed. Many EU citizens and politicians, though, are less aware of the EU's successes and more aware of its problems.

The article focuses on political discontent in France and Italy, which focuses on upholding the status quo and resisting change. Disputes over Muslim integration and labor flexibility in France have ignited violent protests in 2005 and 2006. The author suggests that Dominique de Villepin, France's flamboyant and beleaguered prime minister, is an example of European politicians who are capable only of saying no to dissenters during reform projects.

Surveys the activities of Europe's socialist parties. How they have always been changing, flexible organizations; Status of the German and Swedish socialist parties; Potential for increased power of the German SPD; Lessons for British members of the Labour Party. INSET: Income support (raising money for left politics)..

The article explores the return of conservatives to the Swedish government after the country led Europe with its mixed model of free trade and social solidarity. According to the author, the shift in the Swedish political landscape reflects the changes in the continent as it welcomes a political landscape where no single party is in charge of the state and governs it with the support of voters. The trend in European politics in 2011 is based on the 19th century philosophy of proportional representation that allows even small parties to participate.

The article discusses what it terms the politics of fear being brandished in Europe that is characterized as anti-Semitism. Called an outgrowth of the global financial crisis, such discrimination is noted to include political attacks on Jewish capital engaged in by Hungary's Fidesz Party. Hungary's conservative Jobbik Party also is noted for being openly anti-Jewish.

The article discusses the European Union's (EU) international relations and foreign policies. The author reports on the low-profile of the EU and notes that Russia ignores international relations with the EU by seeking relations with leaders such as Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. According to the author, Europe's national leaders have placed their own domestic interests before those of the EU.

This article reports that José Manuel Barroso of Portugal is the only candidate for the presidency of the European Commission. Barroso is the current president, but there is no one opposing him. The European Parliament must approve Barroso and that is not a foregone conclusion. If Barroso isn't approved, France's prime minister, François Fillon, will present himself as a candidate. The term of Barroso's predecessor, Jacques Delors, is discussed along with the economic situation.

The author offers opinions on U.S. foreign relations with Europe. President Barack Obama is urged to take a more active approach to relations with Europe, particularly in cultivating a personal relationship with European leaders. Europe is seen as dependent on U.S. leadership in a wide variety of international relations issues.

The article presents the author's thoughts regarding the state of affairs in Europe prior to U.S. President Barack Obama's planned visit in April 2009. The various problems facing Europe are discussed, including the economic crisis, war in the Middle East, and the potential for nuclear weapons in Iran. Disunity between European Union countries is also discussed.

This article discusses how increasing street demonstrations against capitalism in European countries, especially France, could be harbingers of governmental regime changes. Once popular French President Nicolas Sarkozy finds himself facing an ever-strengthening protest movement. Hard left groups filled with dissatisfied unemployed, students, and environmentalists have begun to embrace anti-Western Islamist ideologues. The protestors however, have yet to go beyond street protests and slogans.

The article discusses Europe's political shift to the right and to an old populism that produces an atmosphere of anti-Semitism. The results of a public opinion poll show that in Spain, media members foster anti-Israel language, and in Poland, Communist rule supported anti-Semitism. The author presents Germany's support for the right-wing politician Jörg Haider as an example of Europe's acceptance of populist and anti-Semitic movements.

The author considers the effect on Europe if U.S. presidential candidate John McCain wins the U.S. presidential election. A McCain win might provide security for European leaders concerned about Russian leader Vladimir Putin's power. Despite McCain's promise to provide security and economic balance, European countries such as Germany and Great Britain are anticipating a partnership with the U.S. with Barack Obama as president.

This article offers the author's description of a world where Europe, the U.S., and other civilized, educated nations work together to keep peace and provide a more equal exchange of power. The author calls this place Natoland and describes how the U.S. would no longer have the responsibility to police the world but other strong nations could aid in this endeavor.

The author argues that European nations are too divided amongst themselves to form an effective alliance with the U.S. Individual nations often pursue their own interests, he claims, and the European Union is too fractured to speak with one voice. U.S. criticism of Europe since 2001 has not had a unifying effect.

The article presents the author's views on recent events involving politics in Europe. According to the author, a number of EU leaders have recently began discussing a possible revival in the European constitution that was rejected by France and the Netherlands in 2005. The author does not believe that the document can be revived. It is suggested that EU countries need to be willing to share sovereignty for the advantages of trade, investment and competition.

Presents the author's view of economic and political achievements in France and the county's reputation in Europe. Suggestion that France remains the weak man of Europe despite doing more than any other country to help define and shape Europe; Author's view that French leaders remain in denial about what economic reforms need to be initiated; Overview of France's economic situation; View that there can be no European recovery or political movement until France accepts new ideas about how a modern society should be run.

Presents the author's view on the political reputation of Sir Edward Heath. Overview of issues faced by Heath during his career in British politics; Review of how Heath was defiantly pro-Europe; Suggestion that the contempt felt among Tories for Heath and his values explains why they are enjoying their longest ever period of opposition.

Compares the current state of Europe to what it was like in the past. Analysis of politics; Assertion that Europe is returning to what it was like in the age of Weimar Germany.

Lists the main points against a monetary union in Europe from the British Labour Party point of view. Removal of the power to devalue and vary interest rates from the chancellor; Amount of public-expenditure cuts required to meet Maastricht convergence criteria; Possible undervaluation of the British pound.