In The News

Global Rosewood Crisis: EIA

August 24, 2019
Rosewood, or Hongmu, refers to 29 species that produce durable beautiful wood used for antique furniture reproduction. “The insatiable demand for scarce hongmu resources has caused the expansion of supply chains from Southeast Asia to new frontiers in Africa and Central America,” reports Environmental Investigation Agency. “Prior to the surge in international demand, domestic markets in Africa...

Compromise in Khartoum: Economist

August 22, 2019
Following a coup in Sudan and negotiations, the longtime leader is on trial for corruption. An economist leads the transitional government and elections are scheduled in 2022. Generals “signed the agreement only after coming under intense pressure from foreign powers,” reports the Economist, describing the new government made of five soldiers and six civilians. Many of the generals became wealthy...

Russia and US Election Systems: New York Times

David E. Sanger and Catie Edmondson July 27, 2019
The US Senate Intelligence Committee has issued a heavily redacted report describing Russian intrusion into US election systems in all states. Richard Burr, the Republican committee chairman, said the US had been “blindsided,” with only a handful of federal and state officials detecting the intrusion. Hackers could have deleted or changed voter data, though there is no evidence that happened. “...

China and Hong Kong: South China Morning Post

Naomi Ng and Kimmy Chung July 2, 2019
“HK is not China.” The scrawled message on a pillar of Hong Kong’s legislative hall, stormed by protesters, encapsulates the city’s quarrel with China. Protesters oppose legislation allowing extradition of Hong Kong citizens to China for judicial proceedings. China could become impatient with Hong Kong’s leaders for not putting a quick stop to the massive protests attracting global attention, and...

Lack of US Border Accountability: Pacific Standard

Jack Herrera June 25, 2019
The US government continues to separate hundreds of migrant children, detaining them in tents and warehouses with inadequate adult supervision, activities, clothing changes, bedding, nutritious food or sanitary supplies.The goal is to discourage migrants from trying to reach the US border. A US Department of Justice lawyer argued in court that the requirement for “safe and sanitary” conditions is...

Political Prisoners in Turkey: Al-Monitor

Diego Cupolo June 21, 2019
Since a 2016 coup attempt, the Erdogan regime in Turkey has been sensitive about any opposition, viewing valid criticism as a challenge to its policies and control. “Sixteen people are facing life imprisonment without parole for allegedly organizing and financing the 2013 Istanbul Gezi Park protests,” reports Diego Cupolo for Al-Monitor. “A 657-page indictment issued on Feb. 20 charged the...

Corruption in European Soccer: The New Yorker

Sam Knight June 11, 2019
The whistle-blowing organization Football Leaks has targeted corruption among dozens of soccer players, executives and clubs since 2015. Portuguese soccer aficionado Rui Pinto has reported on inflated salaries, large-scale tax evasion, controversial and secret deals and rape allegations against a major star. Currently being held for cybercrime charges, the young man leaked more than 88 million...