In The News

What a Shame

Mohamed Hakki March 9, 2006
Neoconservatives support using the unrivaled power of the US to spread democratic values and prevent conflicts before they start. As the Iraq war drags on to its third year, such politicians have become less influential in the US. But one neoconservative disciple, Paul Wolfowitz, president of the World Bank since 2005, has been arguing for greater accountability. As the former US deputy...

Don’t Punish the Palestinians

Jimmy Carter February 23, 2006
Former US President Jimmy Carter analyzes the new Palestinian government under Hamas and finds that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas retains certain key powers. Abbas can appoint a prime minister who recognizes Israel and endorses the “road map.” As the leader of the PLO, Abbas can also continue to pursue peace talks with Israel as he has done throughout 2005. Despite their high numbers of...

¿Vender crisis humanitarias?

Clifford Bob February 21, 2006

Marketing Humanitarian Crises

Clifford Bob February 21, 2006
In an era of human rights accords and global benefit concerts, international tribunals and rubber wristbands for any cause, attention to humanitarian crises seems both pronounced and profuse. Yet, as political scientist Clifford Bob writes, the world has far more crises than what catch the proverbial eye, and he questions why certain “hot zones” receive more attention than others. An entire...

Trade Ruling Is Expected to Favor Biotech Food

Andrew Pollack February 6, 2006
The US is seeking a ruling from the WTO that could be a turning point in the fight over the growth of agricultural biotechnology. After numerous delays, the WTO will decide whether Europe is restricting the importation of genetically modified crops without legal basis. Joined by Canada and Argentina, the US calls European delays a moratorium, while Europe counters that the delays are justified...

Taliban Turn to Suicide Attacks

Scott Baldauf February 3, 2006
In a worrisome shift away from traditional guerilla tactics, Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan are beginning to deploy suicide bombers against foreigners as well as Afghan government and civilian targets. This change in tactics has increased pressure on Kabul to institute more checkpoints and increase general vigilance. The Christian Science Monitor’s Scott Baldauf spoke with a Taliban insurgent...

Expats Become Nepal's Biggest Money Spinner

AFP January 31, 2006
Nepal’s Maoist insurgency has paralyzed the country, driving civilians from their villages and leaving the kingdom’s economy in ruins. The war has driven away many of the tourists on which the poor-but-picturesque Himalayan nation relies, while foreign aid donors have cut off their assistance to the country in protest of King Gyanendra’s autocratic style of government. Nepalese, fearful for...