Oh, that G8!

Oh, that G-8!

Anche il New York Times tra i congiurati?

Expectations are low as this year’s Group of 8 summit meetings open Wednesday in the earthquake-damaged Italian city of L’Aquila. That is not for any lack of urgent problems, like a faltering global economy and Iran’s unchecked nuclear appetites. A successful summit also could give a much-needed push to international negotiations to address global warming and revive earlier promises to help the world’s poorest nations.

But inexcusably lax planning by the host government, Italy, and the political weakness of many of the leaders attending, leave little room for optimism. If this session is going to justify the time and effort, President Obama will have to lead the way. It is time for him to turn the diplomatic credit he has been earning over the past six months into diplomatic capital.

Come a dire: mr Obama, pensaci tu.

Infine l'affondo:

The recession has hit the world’s poorest countries hardest. Fortunately, many rich nations, despite their own economic troubles, increased aid commitments last year. Mr. Obama promised to double the United States’ aid budget by 2015. But aid from G-8 countries is still $25 billion short of the $105 billion a year they committed to by next year, measured in 2009 dollars. This week’s summit should pledge to meet that goal — and each country should announce a specific contribution for this year and next.
Traditionally, the host sets the tone, theme and agenda for these gatherings. But Italy’s prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, has directed most of his political energies in recent weeks to try to fend off newspaper charges that he patronized paid female escorts and entertained minimally clad under-age women. Showmanship: perhaps. Leadership: no.