In The News

Text Messages Giving Voice to Chinese

Edward Cody July 10, 2007
Zhao Yufen, a scientist at Xiamen University, organized a petition protesting the construction of a chemical factory and expressing concern about potential accidents, health risks and environmental damage. Local officials supported the factory, which could potentially double the city's gross domestic product, so national officials ignored the petition. Then a blog published Zhao's...

We Are Getting Richer, But More Insecure and Cynical About Politicians. What Can Be Done?

Hamish McRae July 8, 2007
On the surface, the British economy is doing well. It is the richest EU country in terms of national net income per head, and has a reputation for attracting global talent. Yet citizens express little trust in their government and report a feeling of insecurity. Worrying economic signs include rising levels of debt and dissatisfaction about public services. Low morale presents a challenge for...

Debtor Nation

Jonathan Shaw July 6, 2007
Americans continue to buy only because they easily borrow from abroad. For now, the cost of borrowing is low, as countries buy low-interest US Treasury bills and bonds. Why foreign lenders send the US money in exchange for low interest rates is a “profound question,” suggests Professor Lawrence Summers. He and other Harvard professors analyze the sustainability of such lending, borrowing and...

Taking Stock

July 5, 2007
As shares on the Chinese stock market fall due to a government decision to raise share transaction taxes, experts warn that the decline is only temporary. China’s share prices quadrupled over the past 18 months. Furthermore, the World Bank predicts that China’s economic growth for 2007 will reach 10.4 percent. But the Chinese market is not invincible. Perhaps the greatest risks to the Chinese...

North Africa Reluctant to Host US Command

Craig Whitlock June 29, 2007
A US delegation recently traveled to Africa in the hopes of finding a country willing to host AFRICOM, but even strong American allies in the region are unwilling make a commitment. African responsibilities and operations are now divided between US military commands based in Europe and Florida – and the Bush administration decided that Africa warrants its own command base. The US delegation...

Legitimacy Contested

Dina Ezzat June 27, 2007
Governments throughout the Middle East are torn apart by factions, categorized as “moderate” or “extremist,” notably in Palestine and Lebanon. Popular public opinion, weary of corruption, poverty and external influences, tends to support parties described as “extremist,” while governments – including the US, Egypt, Jordan and Israel – tend to support traditional parties labeled as “moderate.”...

A Triumph for Hamas... But a Tragedy for the Palestinians?

Donald Macintyre June 15, 2007
Muslims and non-Muslims alike around the world have long hoped for political and economic stability in the Palestinian territories. But Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has dissolved what was once called a “national unity government,” formed after the Hamas party defeated Fatah in 2006 parliamentary elections. After a week of chaos, Hamas fighters, donned in hoods, control Gaza Strip and...