In The News

Tripping on the Tightrope

Graham Usher November 13, 2006
Citizens of Muslim countries increasingly question who exactly are the targets in the US-led “war on terror.” In late October, three US-made missiles struck a madrassa in Bajaur, not far from the border of Afghanistan, killing more than 75 men under the age of 20. US and Pakistan leaders insisted the religious school was a training site for suicide bombers. Pakistani citizens suspect that the US...

Bush Signs Fence Bill, Pushes Back

Nicole Gaouette October 27, 2006
President George Bush signed a bill that authorizes 700 miles of fence but does not cover costs. Critics on all sides questioned whether the bill may have been designed to shore up support for candidates favored by the president in the upcoming November 7 US congressional elections. Both Mexico’s president and president-elect lashed out against the plan, calling it an “embarrassment” for the US...

Can You Tell a Sunni From a Shiite?

Jeff Stein October 26, 2006
Some of the worst violence in Iraq is a result of sectarian conflict, pitting followers of the Shiite branch of Islam against Sunni adherents. The sectarian violence draws in neighboring states and adds to the challenge of the US military in the region. Unsettling is the lack of US understanding about the difference between Sunnis and Shiites, as described by journalist Jeff Stein. Questions...

China's Iron Grip

Fred Hiatt October 10, 2006
The experience of Rebiya Kadeer, a 60-year old Chinese woman, Nobel Peace Prize nominee and critic of the regime in China, demonstrates the growing brazenness of that government in its retaliation against dissent. Released after six years in prison, Kadeer was exiled to the United States, only to find herself under surveillance by Chinese agents after she became involved with pro-democracy...

Global Sludge Ends in Tragedy for Ivory Coast

Lydia Polgreen October 10, 2006
When a tanker leased by Trafigura, a multinational oil and metal trading company, docked in Amsterdam and hired the Amsterdam Port Services (APS) to process the waste it was carrying, the toxic sludge was found to be hazardous. Refusing to pay the high price asked by the APS to dispose of the material, the tanker took the waste back on board. Several weeks later, the tanker arrived at Abidjan,...

Alcohol Pickle

Adam Cohen September 25, 2006
The government of Finland has historically curbed alcohol through high taxes on the beverages. European Union law, however, permits individuals to carry alcohol throughout the bloc without restriction. Since the tax reductions, crime and alcohol-related illness have escalated in Finland, prompting the Finnish government, now holding the EU presidency, to propose higher alcohol taxes throughout...

Coup Ousting Thailand's Premier Tests Democracy in Key US Ally

James Hookway September 20, 2006
Tanks moved in and took command of the Bangkok and its government offices – while the prime minister was in New York for a meeting at the United Nations, reports “The Wall Street Journal.” The coup could challenge the candidacy of Thai Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai, the sole candidate approved by ASEAN member countries for the post of UN secretary-general, according to “The Korean...