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Manfred Ostrowski

Member (since March 2009)
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I am a German linguist from Cologne, interested in international politics. Born 1956, married, two children. I read U.S. news daily, so I found "NewsTrust" at the Washington Post site.

About Manfred Help
Location: Koeln, Germany
Occupation: linguist, independent researcher
Interests: politics, anthropology, biology, history, languages
Expertise: language expertise in Basque and a number of Siberian and Caucasian languages
Affiliations: Gideons (Internationaler Gideonbund, Deutschland)
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Topics: science, science and religion, foreign policy
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Address: Koeln, 50968, DE
Last Visit: Nov 6, 2009 - 3:16 AM PST
Last Edit: Oct 20, 2009 - 3:30 AM PDT

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Manfred reviewed this story - Nov 6, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.2

Lori Montgomery wrote a balanced and informative account of the current state of health care legislation and the attempt to expand the health-care system. There is also a sketch of the current main problem, handling of abortion.

A health-care bill that would cover 36 million additional Americans - as one is assured - would be quite good news in my opinion.

Our members have worked very hard on this legislation, and I believe that as a result, we have a strong product that will lower costs and provide greater health care ... More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 4.1
Manfred reviewed this story - Nov 5, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.2

I consider this a serious and important contribution to the issue of "stimulus" jobs. It does not offer some good reason for optimism, just tells about the problems. Maybe it gets people thinking, so an open discussion will start in U.S. society.

The focus of "stimulus" money should not be so much creating temporary jobs, the money should instead be regularly invested in long-term programs

Of the nearly $500 billion in stimulus funds allocated to stimulus projects, $100 billion is set to go towards long-term programs, .. the vast majority of that ... More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 3.9
Manfred reviewed this story - Nov 4, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.3

This brief statement of LA Times opinion offers the basic facts of recent events concerning Afghanistan in a straightforward way, then it gives a point of view of what now should be U.S. policy towards the Afghans and their government. The proposal seems to be very sincere and sounds quite convincing, still one would have wished for more detail.

I think the LA Times editorial is right: President Obama "must .. help develop a more decentralized administration". The new government should be ... More »

Decentralization would allow the West to spread its resources to regional leaders rather than concentrating them in the hands of Karzai and his clique. More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 3.8
Manfred reviewed this story - Nov 3, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.1

The article describes the attitudes and thoughts of the U.S. government and U.S. officials concerning the new situation in Afghanistan in some detail. Important issues of Afghan politics like local governance and corruption are mentioned briefly. Some indepth analysis should follow.

I share the opinion that "the insurgency in Afghanistan requires an Afghan solution" (McChrystal), and I have still doubts that President Karzai 's ... More »

.. the decision by Afghanistan’s Independent Election Commission .. potentially undermines the Obama administration’s goal of building a legitimate ... More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 3.6
Manfred reviewed this story - Nov 2, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.1

The article offers the information necessary to gain a picture of the current situation in Afghanistan. We learn that Mr. Abdullah has been under intense pressure from Western officials to avoid confrontation, so his decision becomes understandable, since all he had to expect was new fraud and lack of fairness.

Will Mr. Karzai be legitimate leader of Afghanistan? I think doubts are in order. The U.S. should encourage real democracy.

.. Mr. Abdullah’s withdrawal immediately called into question how the Afghan democratic process could proceed at all. More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 3.9
Manfred posted and reviewed this story - Oct 30, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.1
See Full Review » (5 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 4.1
Manfred reviewed this story - Oct 30, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.1

The article offers quite interesting new information about ethics inquiry. Not much of what is mentioned reaches the public normally, and we are assured that this also will not be the case in the future.

I think ethics investigations of the kind mentioned hold some value, and it is understandable that these investigations are usually not disclosed to ... More »

Because of the secretive nature of the ethics committee, it was difficult to assess the current status of the investigations cited in the July document. More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 3.7
Manfred posted and reviewed this story - Oct 29, 2009
Manfred reviewed this story - Oct 29, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.1

This frank and quite disturbing article about Ahmed Wali Karzai reveals some of the current problems the U.S. are facing in Afghanistan. It tries to offer a balanced view while many questions remain open.

I really hope the Obama administration will keep the promise to crack down on the drug lords in Afghanistan. It's a question of political credibility.

If we are going to conduct a population-centric strategy in Afghanistan, and we are perceived as backing thugs, then we are just undermining ourselves. More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 3.6
Manfred reviewed this story - Oct 28, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.2

This thoughtful and revealing article tells the story of U.S. official Matt Hoh, and it presents his assessment of the war in Afghanistan. As an insider's account, the article offers a sincere and quite important contribution to the current debate about Afghanistan.

I share the opinion that the war in Afghanistan is not any longer simply a fight against Taliban hardliners and supporters of Islamic jihad, but ... More »

.. the war has violently and savagely pitted the urban, secular, educated and modern of Afghanistan against the rural, religious, illiterate and traditional. It is ... More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 4.0
Manfred reviewed this story - Oct 22, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.1

This informative and quite balanced article updates us briefly on the issue of Iran's uranium enrichment program. The account implies that president Obama might accept Iran's right to enrichment, which seems to be understandable, if enrichment should prove to be for peaceful purposes.

Now as Iran is "considering" the proposal, I hope the Iranian government will approve it, too, so trust and fruitful interaction can grow. Human ... More »

I very much hope that people see the big picture, see that this agreement could open the way for a complete normalization of relations between Iran and the international ... More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 3.9
Manfred reviewed this story - Oct 21, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.2

This readable and interesting story reveals knowledgeably different aspects of the Taliban thinking and behaviour, some very unusual for Western readers, some allowing a certain degree of coming closer.

The article gives a very good impression of the difficulties with "winning the hearts and minds" of Afghans, still I think U.S. citizens should ... More »

When I asked him why he wanted to die, he replied that living in this world was a burden for any true Muslim. Heaven was his goal .. More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 4.1
Manfred reviewed this story - Oct 20, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.1

Brief account of what is currently discussed in Washington concerning the war in Afghanistan. This intelligent and informed article gives some hints that there will still be serious problems to "secure" Afghanistan even if the U.S. will send 40,000 more troops.

I think those administration officials are right who see the major problem in Afghanistan in the fact that this country does not have a "relatively ... More »

Afghanistan is not Iraq.. there are unique challenges in Afghanistan. More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 2.9
Manfred reviewed this story - Oct 20, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.3

I fully recommend this article, although it makes only a single point. I find it is very encouraging that Ms. Ebadi gives her sincere and frank opinion even if she will face persecution in her country for speaking that openly.

I share the impression of Ms. Ebadi that the Obama administration should focus more on human rights and put less weight on purely military thinking ... More »

.. paying so much more attention to Iran’s nuclear ambitions than to its trampling of democracy and freedom is a mistake both tactical and moral. More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 4.2
Manfred reviewed this story - Oct 20, 2009
Manfred's Rating
3.7

This rather short article gives basic and valuable information concerning Pakistan and the conflict in South Waziristan. The issue is seen in the context of relations between U.S. politicians and the Pakistani government, and Issam Ahmed does not delve into the fate and opinions of ordinary Pakistani people.

I am impressed by these $7.5 billion the Kerry-Lugar bill offers to Pakistan in nonmilitary aid. The article provides no information about Senator ... More »

..the construction of refugee camps .. now seems likely. More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 3.6
Manfred reviewed this story - Oct 16, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.2

The article describes the current violence in Pakistan and supposes the attacks might strengthen public support for the Pakistani government. The account is rather brief, but it cites the opinions of people from Lahore, so one gets a good glimpse of the situation.

The article convincingly conveys a sense of danger and more upcoming violence. I would still have wished for more background facts: Who exactly are ... More »

Right now, they are targeting security forces, but the next target might be public places. More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 3.8
Manfred reviewed this story - Oct 15, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.4

Dexter Filkins provides us with an unusually detailed and well-founded account of the situation in Afghanistan, General McChristal's profile, and what needs to be done to prevent the return of the Taliban to power. His analysis of General McChrystal's strategy for Afghanistan and his assessment of the current situation as well as of U.S. options both offer an intriguing and moving picture that will impress readers, independent of their political opinions.

It seems the U.S. cannot afford failure in Afghanistan, so this issue will be a challenge for years to come. General McChrystal offers the ... More »

The Taliban, measured by the number of their attacks, are stronger than at any time since the Americans toppled their government at the end of 2001. .. You can kill ... More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 4.4
Manfred reviewed this story - Oct 14, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.4

James Oliphant wrote a very readable and balanced report that will prove helpful for readers who wish to follow the debate about health care and think about the issue in depth.

I think politicians are right to insist that health insurance should be affordable to working families, so Americans will get a plan that suits them ... More »

Is this bill all that I would want? Far from it. More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 3.9
Manfred reviewed this story - Oct 13, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.2

Ezra Klein offers a committed and frank contribution to the current health care debate. His article probably requires some forehand knowledge regarding the issues discussed and has to be seen in the context of the earlier Washington Post articles about health care reform.

The article is quite meaningful, and one gets a good glimpse of the political conflict between liberal reformers and the insurance industry.

Insurers will no longer have the freedom to offer products that let an individual think his family is protected when the policy will do nothing of the sort. That may raise ... More »

See Full Review » (7 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 4.0
Manfred reviewed this story - Oct 12, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.1

Good article which gives the arguments in a balanced and easily understood way. The focus on the insurance group adds new information to past contributions.

I think the objective should be to reach universal coverage.

Market reform enacted in the absence of universal coverage will increase costs dramatically for many who are currently insured by creating a powerful incentive for people ... More »

See Full Review » (7 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 3.7
Manfred reviewed and liked this story - Oct 12, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.1

Good sketch of the current debate and the impact of lobbyists. The article lowers expectations that health care costs might drop.

The article describes cutting of health care costs as main objective of health care reform. It does not mention sufficiently the central goal of ... More »

How the measures fare in the final weeks of debate could determine how well the bill lives up to its original promise of curbing health care costs.. More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 3.9
Manfred reviewed this story - Oct 9, 2009
Manfred's Rating
3.3

The article delves into the financial aspect of the proposed health-care reform without giving all the facts necessary for readers to form their own opinion. It might arouse fears of substantially higher taxes and so strengthen opposition to reform proposals. I suppose the article's bias may be connected with CSM's Republican leaning; I found no convincing arguments against some health-care reform, just a hidden appeal to readers' putative self-interest.

Democrats want to expand health coverage, which is a reasonable and positive endeavour, and the costs of providing additional health care surely can ... More »

..the tax subsidy means that somebody is paying for it and everybody’s income taxes are higher. More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 3.2
Manfred posted and reviewed this story - Oct 9, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.5

Amy Goldstein's article describes the case of patients stuck in the middle of a serious conflict between health insurers and hospitals. Her investigative report points to an important problem in today's U.S. health-care system which has not yet been properly addressed in current proposals for health-care reform.

This revealing as well as arousing article shows with a real-life example one of the deficiencies of a health-care system entirely based on ... More »

Amid the attacks and counterattacks .. is dysfunction in the medical marketplace that Congress’s proposals would not fix. More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 4.5
Manfred posted and reviewed this story - Oct 8, 2009
Manfred reviewed this story - Oct 8, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.3

This instructive and readable article conveys the report of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office which evaluates a Senate panel's health-care proposal. The report confirms the health-care reform in terms proposed here makes sense financially, while many uninsured citizens would receive health insurance.

The bill demonstrates that we can expand coverage and improve quality while being fiscally responsible. More »

See Full Review » (7 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 3.8
Manfred reviewed this story - Oct 8, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.2

Lively and intriguing report. It rightly poses the question of what happens to poorer people. What about people with low incomes? The MSNBC report convincingly suggests that health care reform needs to address the needs of people who cannot afford expensive health insurance.

This dedicated report should reach the U.S. public, so the social dimension of health-care reform is recognized in the end and taken into account.

None of these bills are universal coverage bills.. More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 3.6
Manfred reviewed this story - Oct 7, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.2

Art Levine wrote a committed and moving article about the health-care debate and Republican trains of thought. His progressive critique may encourage Democrats to put public health and the needs of the poor on the table, so the hesitating public will get convinced of the social importance of extending health coverage.

Personally, I favour a health-care reform that includes a public option. Free market health-insurers will shy away from helping the poorer part of ... More »

The upshot is that the odds have increased that only reform-lite may pass.. 44,000 people die each year because they lack health insurance. More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 4.1
Manfred reviewed this story - Oct 6, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.5

Ceci Connolly delivers an important and informative contribution to Washington Post readers on the topic of preventable deaths. The article is intended to make clear that there are serious deficiencies in the current U.S. health-care system and that there is urgent need for reform. The point for political action is convincingly made.

I hope the issue of preventable deaths will be a major concern in the current health-care debate. I think it is the task of politicians to address ... More »

But as many as 80 million Americans are uninsured or underinsured, which means they have little access to a regular physician, checkups, preventive services, affordable ... More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 3.9
Manfred reviewed this story - Oct 6, 2009
Manfred's Rating
4.1

Robert Pear tries to present a somewhat balanced account of the ongoing health-care debate. His alternatives, "coverage" vs. "cost", may strike a nerve and might make sense superficially, but one feels like the debate should go about "social responsibility" vs. "profit", alternatives which seem to underlie the conflicting approaches.

Can the U.S. afford health insurance for the many uninsured? I think the answer is "yes". In a rich country which spends vast sums for its military ... More »

The chairman of the Finance Committee, Senator Max Baucus, Democrat of Montana, said he was trying to “strike a balance between affordability and proper ... More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)
See All NT Reviews » NT Rating: 3.7
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