In The News

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...

N. Korea Says It Has Nuclear Arms

Glenn Kessler April 25, 2003
Talks opened on Wednesday between North Korea, China, and the United States to discuss solutions to a burgeoning nuclear crisis in the Korean peninsula. Instead of a resolution, the talks brought out the news that the Korean nuclear program may be further along than they had originally admitted. Korean officials claim to have built a nuclear weapon and almost finished the reprocessing of 8,000...

Fight Against SARS: Government to Seek Exit Checks

April 24, 2003
The Public Health Ministers of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) are scheduled to meet in Malaysia to discuss specific proposals for regional cooperation to combat further spread of SARS. Thailand’s proposals include the screening of all departing passengers, the establishment of a regional website to share SARS related information, and the exchange of medical professionals...

As Baghdad Awaits Aid, Feeling Grows Against U.S.

Jane Perlez April 23, 2003
While the US shifts from war to reconstruction in Iraq, many worries surface. Maintaining stability between the competing Islamic sects of Shia and Sunni is one problem, especially as Iran sends agents to promote its cause amongst Iraqi Shias. Settling the issue of UN involvement and sanctions is another since Russia has asserted that sanctions only be lifted once UN inspectors have confirmed the...

U.S. Officials Consider Ways to Punish France

Brian Knowlton April 23, 2003
The French reacted “brusquely” to recent discussions of consequences for its behavior throughout the Iraq crisis. Countering US Secretary of Defense Colin Powell’s remarks that France would suffer consequences for its opposition in the UN Security Council, French officials stated that they will continue in their commitment to defend international law. Despite this apparent rift, US President...

Beijing Hoodwinks WHO Inspectors

Susan Jakes April 21, 2003
According to this report in Time magazine, dozens of Sars patients in Beijing were moved from their hospital beds just hours before officials from the World Health Organization arrived to inspect their wards. Despite fears of reprisal, doctors in several Beijing hospitals spoke out against their government's handling of the health care crisis. Lack of access to Sars patients in China has...

Clashing Agendas Threaten Start of North Korea Talks

Doug Struck April 20, 2003
American leadership in the world is being tested in Asia. A Wednesday meeting between the US, China, and North Korea is still on schedule, but it's not clear what – if anything – will come of it. The US wants Pyongyang to give up its nuclear program and re-submit to UN inspections, but observers say that's unlikely unless the US gives something in exchange to North Korea. Within the...