The following are editorial opinions from newspapers from around the world which may be of interest to Royal Gazette readers.

Dagens Nyheter, Stockholm,

on dealing with Russia

No one should dream that Russia has changed its view of the (world) role it wants to play. Nor should anyone expect the Russian sphere of influence to decline in importance or that its attitude toward Ukraine's and Georgia's potential NATO membership has changed.

But a different tone has become noticeable after Barack Obama took over the US presidency: Russia and NATO have resumed co-operation; Russia stopped plans to deploy missiles in Kaliningrad; Prime Minister Vladimir Putin did not seek confrontation in Davos and President Dmitry Medvedev is saying that the US and Russia shouldn't drift apart.

The western world must never silence in its criticism of Russian assaults, whether domestic or international ...

But to push Russia away is counterproductive. It risks strengthening Russians' feeling that the West does not take (them) as seriously as they deserve. And a free-floating Russia is a dangerous Russia. ...

The Denver Post, Denver, Colorado, on mental support for our troops

Suicides among soldiers reached a three-decade high in 2008 — a grim and tearful reminder of the costs of fighting two wars. ...

At least 128 soldiers killed themselves last year, Army officials said last week. Another 15 deaths are still being investigated. The suicide rate of soldiers, which includes Army Reserve and National Guard, exceeded that of civilians for the first time since the Vietnam War. ...

Army officials pointed to 15-month deployments to war zones as a contributor to post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, alcohol abuse and family problems, The Associated Press reported.

The Army says it is focusing on the problem and trying to improve mental health care as it prepares to refocus on Afghanistan. But it concedes the remoteness of that country makes it more difficult for therapists to reach troops.

The Army said it would create a "stand down," or a day spent focused on evaluating soldiers, along with fostering a treatment-minded culture among troops. But forgive us if that idea seems far too simplistic. ...

Our troops deserve the best. We urge President Barack Obama to see that they get it. His focus shouldn't be solely on getting the troops home quickly, but on making sure they are adequately cared for during their deployments and upon their return.