In The News

Pakistan’s Governance Imperative

Paula R. Newberg May 27, 2008
After a turbulent year in Pakistan, a civilian parliament has taken over the reins of government from General Pervez Musharraf and confronts a range of domestic and foreign issues. “Prime Minister Yousef Raza Gillani therefore faces not only the problems created by Musharraf’s national security state, but also the accumulation of decades of mangled constitutions, mixed civil-military law,...

For Talks to Succeed, China Must Admit to a Tibet Problem

Michael C. Davis May 16, 2008
China’s hard-line policy towards Tibet creates more problems than it solves. Beijing’s recent crackdown on Tibetan protesters has attracted condemnation from around the world, but did nothing to address the underlying problems in Tibet itself. If Beijing is serious about securing Tibet’s long-term future as part of China, it needs to put aside its past enmity towards the Dalai Lama – and...

Olympic Torch Protests Pose Dilemma for Host Nations

Barbara Demick May 5, 2008
In planning for an unprecedented 20-nation relay for the Olympic torch, China did not expect to create a flashpoint for protest against its violations of human rights and international law. Attempting to stem a public-relations disaster, China expects other governments to limit protests. Large demonstrations in Paris prompted a grassroots effort at boycotting a large French retailer and even...

Talking to Ourselves

Susan Jacoby April 23, 2008
The best ideas emerge when people hear out all opposing points of view. Unfortunately, Americans are less willing to attend lectures, read books or listen to radio that might offer new points of view. Instead, many increasingly read or listen to commentary that reinforces their beliefs. “Indeed, virtually everywhere I speak, 95% of the audience shares my political and cultural views – and...

China May Give Up Attempt to Send Arms to Zimbabwe

Celia W. Dugger April 23, 2008
Trade may seem like a neutral affair, but certain products – like arms – can raise alarms. A South African high court has barred the shipment of arms to Zimbabwe, with the latter divided over recent election results. South African leaders expressed concern that the arms could be used against the opposition party that, by some reports, won the election, write Celia Dugger and David Barboza for the...

We Can Accept Israel as Neighbor, Says Hamas

Rory McCarthy April 22, 2008
Peace comes by way of tiny little steps in the Middle East, moving forward and backward with diplomatic and military acts. The leader of Hamas said that his group would “respect Palestinian national will,” even if that meant some form of a Palestinian-Israeli peace agreement, during a meeting arranged by former US President Jimmy Carter. Currently, two rival parties, Fatah and Hamas, are deeply...

Asia’s Republican Leanings

Roger Cohen April 10, 2008
The heated US presidential campaign offers a lesson in democracy for the globe, and many who are not citizens of the US follow every detail. One ambassador has noted that the election is the “best diplomacy tool I’ve had in a long time,” reports columnist Roger Cohen in the New York Times. The world is looking on beyond the Bush administration, Cohen notes and, like US voters, is divided about...