In The News

New History Text Turns a Page in East Asia Ties

Chua Chin Hon June 10, 2005
A newly published history textbook marks an effort to harmonize relations between Japan, China, and South Korea. Recent months saw diplomatic and political tensions between Japan and its two neighbors after the government published a history textbook which failed to make light of Japanese wartime atrocities against China and South Korea. Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi added salt to...

Islam is Gaining a Foothold in Chiapas

Jens Glusing June 8, 2005
With indigenous Mayans converting to Islam, the Mexican government is anxious about a possible culture clash in traditionally Catholic southern Mexico. Wary neighbors have suspected the Muslim Mayans of everything from basic subversive activity to having ties to al-Qaida. In fact, the converts belong to the moderate Sunni, Murabitun sect, a branch of Islam known not for extremism, but for a...

The Globalization of Absurdity

Richard S. Ehrlich June 6, 2005
Cheaply produced knick-knacks are a feature of tourist traps around the globe. Recently, those in the market for something unusual have been purchasing Osama bin Laden action figures, al-Qaida video games and other products which either glorify or condemn the elusive terrorist, most of which are manufactured by nebulous Chinese firms and shipped worldwide. Many of the products' buyers are...

Nationalism Ignites EU Rebellion

Daniel Williams June 5, 2005
Last week's French and Dutch referendums on the EU constitution are believed to be popular expressions of unease over the pace and nature of European integration. While most Europeans have benefited from 50 years of developments that have brought about a common currency, convenient travel and easier trade, many citizens are anxious about future unification measures that threaten to impinge...

Marching in Europe Will Not End African Poverty

DR Tajudeen June 3, 2005
Sir Bob Geldof, organizer of the 1985 Live Aid concert to benefit famine in Africa will be reviving the event under the moniker "Live 8," in reference to the G-8 summit. Live 8 differs from its predecessor in that it seeks to facilitate action – encouraging demonstrations against poverty in Africa and in favor of free trade, debt write-off and more aid – not simply raise awareness....

A Race to the Top

Thomas L. Friedman June 3, 2005
According to columnist Thomas L. Friedman, while French workers – who voted down the EU constitution – strive to preserve a 35-hour work week, Indian engineers are "ready to work a 35-hour day." In Europe, workers whose 50-year system of benefits is collapsing blame capitalism and outsourcing for their problems. However, writes Friedman, the story is not so cut-and-dry. Jobs are...

A Retreat from Great Europe? – Part II

John Brenkman June 2, 2005
The highly anticipated French referendum on the EU constitution arrived this weekend: The vote was a resounding "Non." And with the Netherlands casting an even more strident "Nee" vote, observers, both European and worldwide, now wonder what lies ahead for the European Union. YaleGlobal examines the fallout of the referendum in a two-part series. In part two, John Brenkman...