In The News

And Now for a Word About Globalization

Jon Talton November 9, 2006
Troubled by violence in Iraq, corruption in politics and uncertainty over the economy, US voters threw Republicans out of power in Congress. With voters increasingly concerned about a loss of manufacturing jobs, Democrats in Congress are expected to impose conditions on any trade agreements – and Republican critics will probably label any changes as “protectionist.” But journalist Jon Talton...

A Loud Message for Bush

Robin Toner November 8, 2006
Voters in the US soundly rejected policies of the Bush administration and the Republican Party by giving Democrats a secure majority in the House of Representatives and possibly even a slim majority in the Senate. All 435 members of the House ran for reelection and 33 of the 100 senators. The race in Virginia, too close to call, will determine which party controls the Senate. The shift in power...

Blood Feud in Bangladesh

November 2, 2006
Violence has rocked Bangladesh as supporters of the country’s two major political parties clash over the upcoming transition period before national elections in January. The ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has interfered in elections and been negligent about corruption and extremism. The main opposition Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina Wajed, is equally...

The “Secret Plan” Ploy

Walter Wells October 20, 2006
News of violent deaths and chaos continues to pour out of Iraq, and analysts increasingly compare the struggle and politics to Vietnam. The wars in Vietnam and Iraq have many obvious differences, but both wars diminished global respect for the US and hampered its ability to resolve more pressing crises. With no sign of improvement or stability in Iraq, it’s no secret that the Bush administration...

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,...

Musharraf Denies Helping Al Qaeda

Kim Sengupta September 29, 2006
General Pervez Musharraf is furious over the leak of a report by a British Ministry of Defence think tank that suggests Pakistani intelligence forces colluded with Al Qaeda terrorists, including indirect support for extremists who targeted the UK. The report also described Pakistan, a state with nuclear weapons, as on “the edge of chaos.” UK Prime Minister Tony Blair assured the president that...