As the world sees it ...

Obama's choice

The Nation (USA)

*Obama needs a running-mate with foreign policy "stature". That's not a governor, and it's probably not Evan Bayh - whose record of accomplishment in the Senate can best be summed up as "Democrat from Indiana". So that leaves Joe Biden, the chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, and Hillary Clinton, whose international credentials are actually a good deal more solid than even her advocates recognise. If it is Biden, the pick comes early. The Obama camp will want to pump him up pre-convention. If it is Clinton, the pick comes later. (John Nichols)

Mother Jones (USA)

*Joe Biden, a leading contender for Vice-President if you believe the buzz, was the least wealthy member of the last Senate and is likely near the bottom in this Senate.The fact that Biden has been in the Senate for 35 years and has not seen his personal fortune blossom means he has not used his position, and all the connections and insider knowledge that come with it, as a cash register. It is an easy thing to do without ever overstepping legal boundaries. Biden has chosen not to. I think that speaks to his priorities and why, fundamentally, he is in Washington. (Jonathan Stein)

US missile shield

Krakow Post (Poland)

*The world's wealthiest country claims the deal is primarily concerned with Poland's security... If Poland's interests are indeed the priority, why was Foreign Minister Sikorski's initial request for an upgrade of Poland's missile technology and adequate financial aid to strengthen defenses, in exchange for a target being slapped on the country, unequivocally turned down? (Robert Szmigielski)

World Politics Review (USA)

*The Bush administration was unable until recently to secure Polish government assent to deploying the interceptors on its territory... Although both Warsaw and Washington deny it, the Russian military intervention in Georgia has apparently broken the log jam. According to the latest public opinion poll, popular support for US missile defence plans has soared following the Russian-Georgian War. (Richard Weitz)

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