Who’s In the News

Food security has global implications (Tom Daschle, Politico)

Food security is a defining challenge facing the human race, a serious threat to stability worldwide. Today, 1 billion men, women and children are food insecure. Unless we find better ways to produce and distribute food, this number will only increase. The consequences present challenges that should matter to all — policymakers, the public and private sectors, farmers and consumers.

Time International editor to ONE campaign (Reid J. Epstein—Politico)

Michael Elliott, the editor of Time International, was announced on Monday as the next CEO of the ONE campaign to end global poverty. He will succeed former George W. Bush chief of staff Joshua Bolten, who has served as interim CEO since January.

Ban Ki-Moon Announces Bid for Second UN Term (Ivy Mungcal—Devex)

Ban Ki-moon announced on Monday (June 2) that he intends to run for a second term as secretary-general of the United Nations.

Smart Power

What happens when aid is withdrawn from a state in political turmoil? (Alex Duval Smith—Guardian)

Madagascar descended into poverty when aid donors pulled the plug, but the Zimbabwean model shows there is another way.

Politics/Foreign Policy

Eric Cantor ‘optimistic’ about budget (David Rogers—Politico)

In an email Monday to House Republicans, Majority Leader Eric Cantor said he is “cautiously optimistic” that ongoing talks with the White House will meet the standard set by Speaker John Boehner that “any increase in the debt limit ought to be accompanied by at least a commensurate reduction in the deficit.”

Afghanistan choice weighs on Barack Obama (Josh Gerstein & Mike Allen—Politico)

Obama must decide whether he will accept an initial withdrawal of about 5,000 troops — which many experts expect the Pentagon to recommend — or whether he will insist on a more robust downsizing, as an increasing number of lawmakers from both parties are urging.

Libya, economy on agenda as Obama welcomes Merkel for official visit (Christi Parsons, Washington Bureau)

President Obama will publicly honor the German chancellor during an elaborate official visit to the White House on Tuesday, but behind closed doors he is expected to press her to step up Germany’s involvement in the international response to unrest in the Middle East and North Africa.