In The News

The Perils of Empire

Paul Kennedy April 20, 2003
Historian Paul Kennedy argues that the perception of the United States as the world leader is borne out by its current economic, military and political strength and influence. At this historical juncture, the United States can use its military success in Iraq to push for democratic reforms in Iran, Syria and Saudi Arabia. The United States also aspires to positively affect the conflict between...

North Koreans and U.S. Plan Talks in Beijing Next Week

David E. Sanger April 16, 2003
The US will begin negotiations with North Korea in Beijing – the first talk between the two governments since North Korea threw out nuclear weapons inspectors. The US had contended that it would not talk to North Korea until it gave up its nuclear arms program. Furthermore, it feared that one-on-one talks with North Korea would drive a wedge between the US and its allies. North Korea, wishing to...

Paris Takes Pragmatic Line as Poll Shows Isolation Fear

Paul Webster April 16, 2003
France: some say isolated diplomatically, but determined to press on for Iraq reconstruction.

Iraq War Ends, Not Europe's Acrimony with the US

Shada Islam April 15, 2003
British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Spain's Jose Maria Aznar have joined France and Germany in demanding that the United Nations play the central role in administering and rebuilding post-Saddam Iraq. Not only does the UN have the experience and the expertise to handle Iraq's reconstruction, it is the only body with a legal mandate to do so. UN oversight, EU leaders argue, will be...

IMF Riven by US-Europe Tiff Over Iraqi Debt

April 15, 2003
The rehabilitation and reconstruction of a post-war Iraq is quickly emerging as a complex issue of global proportions. Iraqi liabilities are estimated at over $380 billion. While the United States favors debt forgiveness, other major UN Security Council member countries, such as France, Germany and Russia are less inclined to support complete debt forgiveness. International financial...

U.S. Sharply Scolds Syria and Threatens Sanctions

David Stout April 14, 2003
Following the toppling of Saddam Hussein in Iraq, the Bush administration warned Syria to "ponder the implications" of supporting terrorism, developing chemical weapons and harboring fugitives from Saddam Hussein’s regime. Despite issuing harsh warning, the Bush Administration insists that it will explore all diplomatic and economic options in dealing with Syria. Syria has denied all...

Clinton Calls on Bush to Make Deal with North Korea

Marisa Helms April 14, 2003
"Former President Bill Clinton says he agrees with the Bush administration's fight against terrorism. But, he said it's North Korea, not Iraq that poses the biggest threat with its weapons of mass destruction." Clinton also declaims the Bush administration's tax cut proposal. Clinton proposes a comprehensive US foreign policy toward North Korea that would deter the...