In The News

January 23, 2006
After polling more than 50,000 people from around the world, a World Economic Forum survey, administered by Gallup, "overwhelmingly found that political leaders are dishonest, have too much power and are too easily influenced." The results of the survey, branded the "Voice of the People," were announced just before the start of the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in...
Mindy L. Kotler January 20, 2006
Despite a range of proposals for handling the emerging crisis, Europe and China share US concern over Iran's defiance in developing its nuclear enrichment program, as well as recent disturbing remarks about Israel. But Japan, aspiring to become a member of the UN Security Council, has failed to join the international outcry. Instead of publicly condemning Iranian President's allegations...
Alan Goodall January 20, 2006
Amidst rising energy demand and a growing concern about environmental degradation, Australia is emerging as the new leader in the effort to combat global warming in the Asia-Pacific. At a meeting in Sydney last week, Australia along with India, China, South Korea, Japan and the US mapped out practical solutions to eliminate deficiencies of the Kyoto Protocol. The participants – who together...
David Luhnow January 16, 2006
Over the past three decades Brazil has worked to create a viable alternative to gasoline. With its sugarcane-based fuel, the nation may become energy independent this year. Brazil’s ethanol program, which originated in the 1970s in response to the uncertainties of the oil market, has enjoyed intermittent success. Still, many Brazilians are driving “flexible fuel” cars that run on either ethanol...
Sadegh Zibakalam January 11, 2006
While the US prepares to propose UN Security Council sanctions against Iran for its nuclear enrichment program, other Western powers seek a less harsh approach to the issue. On December 21, Britain, France and Germany met a high-level Iranian team to discuss options for defusing international tensions. The main European proposal encourages Iran to allow their nuclear fuel to be manufactured in...
Dilip Hiro January 10, 2006
As demand for oil increases, the dependent countries hesitate to antagonize those with ample supply. As a result, developing nations that are oil-rich have discovered newfound power, with oil politics often taking priority over democracy or human rights. For example, Chinese energy interests protect the Sudan from US anger over the massacre in Darfur. Likewise, some Western capitals are reluctant...
Thilo Thielke December 9, 2005
Hidden off the West African coast, according to estimates, are up to 100 billion barrels worth of oil - a reserve about the size of Iraq's. The US is one interested party, hoping to break the Arab world's vice-grip on prices. China is another, forming what on the surface appear to be mutually beneficial arrangements with African nations in order to fuel its growth.. But there is a...