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

Khaleej Times, Dubai, UAE,–on US nuclear arms reduction initiative:

Nuclear arms reduction figures prominently on President Barack Obama's agenda. As a first step, Washington has sought a sizeable reduction in its strategic arsenal. While the final objective is to rid the world of nuclear weapons, proliferation also remains top priority.

The US initiative includes the reformulation of the country's nuclear doctrine, promising a dramatic reduction in the existing arsenal while maintaining a strong and reliable deterrence. Such a measure implies a shift in focus towards bolstering conventional weapons capability.

Obama's ability to implement a drastic cut at home is likely to bear impact on negotiations for replacing the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) with Russia. Moscow has so far pledged commitment and is cooperating with the US towards mutual strategic reduction. It is positive to see the two former rivals reach a consensus in this crucial zone of strategic influence despite differences in other arenas such as Nato expansion and the US plans to set up a missile defence shield in Eastern Europe. US efforts to rope in Russia to bear on Tehran to relinquish its activities in (alleged) pursuit of nuclear weapons has become a major issue. Moscow, while opposing a nuclear-armed Iran, has opposed possible military action or imposition of sanctions, in line with US policy of deterrence. ...

Washington is believed to be looking into the curtailment of development of a new generation of nuclear weapons. The idea is to prove US commitment towards reversing the trend. By taking this step at this juncture it hopes to strengthen its stand at the forthcoming Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty review conference. The idea is to seek a tightening of the NPT regime controls, specifically aimed at Iran and North Korea.

It may be a better idea for the US to reassess ground realities and explore new avenues of obtaining its objectives before going gung ho on Iran. Nuclear reduction and anti-proliferation drive will require more than grand gestures, especially when they are viewed as hypocritical — and one-sided.

The Province, Vancouver, Canada,– on 2010 Winter Olympics assessment

One month ago, the rosiest scenario for the 2010 Winter Olympics would not have included half the magic that unfolded during our Games.

Who could have imagined the size of the crowds that occupied every street in the downtown core? Who could have imagined the golden medal haul produced by our athletes? Who could have imagined the overtime win by the men's Olympic hockey team over Brian Burke's gutsy American squad? Who could have imagined Sidney Crosby potting the golden goal, and Roberto Luongo getting the win?

In keeping with the grand tradition of the Olympics, we declare the following as the occupants of the final podium for the 2010 Games:

The Gold Medal: This goes to all of you who filled our streets with life and love. You participated in a two-week-long defining moment in the history of our grand nation. Thank you one and all.

The Silver Medal: This goes to the amazing athletes, who not only competed with the greatest of spirit, but did so fairly. The Olympic doping department occupied the smallest chapter of our Olympic story. Congratulations.

The Bronze Medal: This goes to Siwash Rock. Why Siwash Rock? Well, because it stands as a symbol of the beauty that is all around us. Siwash stood tall, proud and unwavering, as the glorious sunshine from above made millions marvel at the beauty of our garden. The Brit press didn't like us at times, but who cares?

They can have Gibraltar. We're happy with Siwash.

The Asahi Shimbun, Tokyo,– on Toyota's recovery

Consumer confidence in Toyota Motor Corp. will not immediately recover following President Akio Toyoda's testimony before the US Congress. Toyoda has yet to face a real test of his sincerity and ability to deliver on his promises.

Testifying before the House of Representatives' Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Toyoda promised to lead efforts to regain public trust. While apologising for the delayed recalls of Toyota's popular models over faulty gas pedals, Toyoda denied any link between reported sudden accelerations of Toyota vehicles and problems with the electronic engine control system. ...

Toyota needs to establish a mindset and a system that ensure its employees will ask "why" five times whenever a customer has trouble with a Toyota vehicle.

It is vital for other global companies and export-oriented businesses to ask themselves some fundamental questions about their relations with customers. It is crucial for these companies to come up with systems that make it easier to identify the causes of problems.

Kaizen is known worldwide as the word that symbolises Toyota. It means an approach to improving product safety and quality and the operational efficiency that relies on effective use of wisdom and ingenuity at workplaces.

We hope Toyota will ride out the biggest crisis since its foundation. Toyota must clear up the causes of its delayed decisions on the recalls as well as the sudden accelerations. The company must apply its kaizen approach to swiftly improve its management structure so that it will pay more attention to the voices of outsiders.

The Denver Post,–on securing borders before reform

Troubling reports have emerged about the lack of progress on the high-tech fence that's supposed to secure this country's southern border.

A story in the Los Angeles Times last week said the system, which relies on radar images and satellite communication, has debilitating problems and may not be done for another seven years if at all.

Along with the potential for being a colossal waste of taxpayer money, the technological problems are a devastating blow to hopes for immigration reform.

Americans never will be sold on a comprehensive immigration bill nor should they be without first having a secure border.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has ordered an assessment of the multibillion-dollar project that is supposed to stop drug runners and illegal immigrants.

We hope Napolitano and others in the Obama administration move quickly to devise an alternative plan for border security in case contractors are never able to work the glitches out of the system. ...

At the moment, illegal immigration is far reduced because the US economic situation has reduced the numbers of jobs available. No jobs, no reason to come here.

But when that changes, and it will, the lure of a better life will re-emerge for those looking for opportunities.

This economic downturn was the perfect time to get the high-tech system of electronic surveillance and physical fences in working order.

Unfortunately, it seems as though it will be an opportunity squandered. Napolitano wisely has ordered a reassessment of border security strategy. Immigration reform will not have a chance of becoming reality until the US can better control its borders.

Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle, –on childhood obesity

Encouraging signs abound that citizens and public leaders are starting to take seriously mounting concerns about obesity, particularly among children.

From the White House to school and civic groups, improving health and nutrition have become overdue priorities. After all, the nation spends about $150 billion every year treating obesity-related diseases, which are mostly preventable.

Over the past 30 years, obesity among American children ages six to 11 has more than doubled from 6.5 percent to 17 percent. During the same period, among 12- to 19-year-olds, obesity has more than tripled from 5 percent to nearly 18 percent. No wonder more young people than ever are suffering from Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

In New York, 60 percent of adults are either overweight or obese.

Keep all of this in mind the next time you're notified of a health insurance premium increase.

Fortunately, President Obama and his wife, Michelle, aren't willing to sit back as too many Americans dismiss strategies such as banning junk food from school vending machines.

Unfortunately, the Obamas don't seem inclined to take on the powerful bottling industry, which is opposed to a soda tax. Never mind that sugary drinks are a big part of Americans' diets and a huge contributor to the nation's obesity problem.

For the second straight year a tax on sugary drinks has been proposed in Albany, but lawmakers lack the courage to push it forward.

Meantime, anti-obesity forums like the one televised ... by WXXI-TV can go far to help promote changing poor eating habits and the value of becoming active. Such efforts can ultimately make junk foods as unacceptable as cigarette smoking has become to an ever increasing number of consumers.