In The News

Bridging the Roh-Bush Divide on Korea

Michael O'Hanlon May 14, 2003
The global focus on North Korea's nuclear program is justified, given the immediate threat that weapons could pose to the world. However, the weapons program needs to be seen in context: an economic crisis, a large-scale conventional military force, and a strained relationship with Japan, China, and South Korea will all need to be discussed as well during any US-North Korea negotiations...

A Trusteeship for Palestine?

Martin Indyk May 12, 2003
Worrying that US President Bush’s "road map" agenda for the end to the Israel-Palestine conflict will fall through, Martin Indyk, the former US ambassador to Israel, and other members of the Saban Center's Israeli-Palestinian Workshop have proposed an alternative solution. They suggest a three-year international governing force in Palestine, headed by the UN, IMF, WTO, and various...

America's Broadband Dream is Alive in Korea

Ken Belson May 5, 2003
According to a vision of Internet technology, one would be able to watch television programs, attend training workshops, sing karaoke, shop, and play interactive games – all of it online. Although Internet has changed patterns of consumption and sociality in the US, it has not yet realized its full potential. But that is not to say it has not happened anywhere. South Korea is a remarkable...

Thailand, Neighbours Agree on Jobs Strategy

Supalak Ganjanakhundee May 1, 2003
Thailand has become a host nation to almost half a million legally working migrants and countless illegal immigrants. Though it continues to be in a better condition than its neighboring states, the Thai economy is still feeling the strain from too many workers and too few jobs. A cooperative solution is being negotiated to create jobs in the home countries of the illegal immigrants, which...

A New War Over Iraq

Joshua Chaffin April 27, 2003
Although the dust has barely settled from the fighting in Baghdad, international companies are already lobbying intensely for lucrative contracts to rebuild Iraq. The extent of reconstruction, the risks involved, and the specific roles for local, national and international stakeholders is yet to be determined. The success of the reconstruction efforts also depends on the development of...

The Iraqi Wild Card in the OPEC Equation

G Panicker April 24, 2003
The prospect of increased Iraqi oil production outside of OPEC is beginning to complicate the cartel’s ability to control and inflate world oil prices. With Saudi Arabia’s swing capacity – enabling the Saudis to control production quantities and prices – threatened by Iraq’s large reserves, some analysts are predicting "the demise of the last commodity cartel.” However, with demand for oil...

Garner’s Challenge

April 22, 2003
Iraq’s post-war administration, led by former American General Jay Garner, faces difficult domestic and international political challenges as Iraq begins to rebuild. In addition to handling immediate problems such as providing basic services and keeping order, the administration must address potential religious conflict between Sunni Muslims and the Shia majority, as well as international...