In The News

N. Korea Links Next Move to U.S. Policy

Choe Sang-Hun October 11, 2006
While Western governments wonder whether the weak blast was indeed what North Korea claimed to be a nuclear test, Pyongyang has issued threat of further testing. In an interview, Kim Yong Nam, president of the North Korea's legislature, has warned that future testing is contingent upon the attitude of the US. If the US were to impose global sanctions, he claims "we will have no choice...

North Korea’s Nuclear Gamble

Shim Jae Hoon October 10, 2006
A nuclear test by North Korea has plunged East Asia in a new crisis and brought worldwide condemnation, the strongest being from Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe supports drafting a resolution calling for tougher sanctions under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which authorizes the use of military force should North Korea disregard the UN. Although highly critical of North Korea, China,...

Coal Makes a Comeback

Sebastian Ramspeck October 9, 2006
Not so long ago, Western industrialists and politicians dismissed coal as a viable fuel, rejecting its tendency to pollute cities and cause serious respiratory problems. The world has no shortage of coal and so its prices are stable, but burning it releases far more carbon into the atmosphere than using either oil or natural gas, thus accelerating the pace of global warming. Even so, the West is...

Time for the N word

Amira Howeidy October 9, 2006
Two decades ago, after the Chernobyl disaster, Egypt abandoned its nuclear program. But oil prices are on the rise and the government offers generous subsidies for its citizens. So, the government explores options and reports the country could have a nuclear power plant online in 10 years. Some analysts suggest that the government is in a hurry to proceed with nuclear development and does not...

A Path to Global Disarmament

Hans Blix October 5, 2006
With North Korea threatening to test a nuclear weapon and openly blast its way into the nuclear club, the world is at a dangerous crossroads. The world community must craft careful responses to the states that are determined to become nuclear powers, writes Hans Blix, chairman of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission. History has shown that incentives work better than threats. The...

Is Russia Ready for a Shipping Boom?

Sarah J. Wachter October 2, 2006
The trans-Siberian pipeline is Russia’s largest infrastructure investment at $17 billion. When completed, it will stretch from Lake Baikal to the Sea of Japan, more than 4,000 kilometers and allow Russia to ship oil to China, Japan and even the US. Yet the pipeline has become the focus of debate for Russia, neighboring countries, international oil companies and conservationists who worry that...

Industrialization in Saudi Arabia: A New Paradigm

Jean-Francois Seznec October 2, 2006
In the 20th century, Saudi Arabia embraced crude oil and the Western powers demanding it. For the 21st century, Riyadh is turning away from both, as the government hopes to translate its wealth of raw resources into lasting industrial development. The plan is for the Saudis to use their cheap energy and become the world’s leading producer of petrochemicals. The emphasis on manufacturing over...