In The News

Saddam in Custody Offers New Opportunity

Shada Islam December 17, 2003
When Saddam Hussein was in power and was defying the UN, the US and its European allies wrangled over how to bring him into compliance. Now with the Iraqi leader in American custody there is a new opportunity to repair transatlantic relations. But there is also a fresh new hurdle. Writing from Brussels, veteran EU watcher Shada Islam says that the Pentagon's announcement that only nations...

Among Arabs, Embarrassment Over the Surrender of a Figure Who Once Defied the West

Neil MacFarquhar December 15, 2003
Across the Arab world, reaction to the capture of Saddam Hussein ranged from joy to frustration, according to this New York Times article. That Saddam was captured with no resistance – despite having weapons at his side – shocked and embarrassed many who had for decades looked to him as a leader of anti-foreign resistance for the region. "He did not fight like his sons; he went like a dog...

2003: France to Ban Pupils' Religious Dress

Jon Henley December 12, 2003
Muslim girls are the center of a debate that has been raging for 14 years in France; since 1989 (when "l'Affair de Foulard" occurred), the French government has tried to find a way to reconcile the Muslim headscarf with their conception of secularism, particularly within schools. Now, the Stasi Commission, after six months of deliberation and hearings, has ruled that all "...

Anti-Americanism: Causes and Characteristics

Andrew Kohut December 10, 2003
A series of public opinion surveys conducted by the Pew Global Attitudes Project in various countries has found unprecedented levels of anti-American sentiment around the world. Majorities express unfavorable opinions of the US, not only in Western Europe and the Muslim world but also in countries like Brazil and Russia. Even in Britain, the United States' most trusted European ally, 55...

500 to 700 Ground Troops to Be Sent to Iraq

Reiji Yoshida December 9, 2003
In the "most heavily armed overseas mission ever" for Japan's Self Defense Forces (SDF), between 500 and 700 soldiers will be sent to Iraq to support the reconstruction. Japan has recently sustained strong criticism from its allies over its refusal to send troops to Iraq. On the other hand, Japanese law prohibits the SDF from engaging in any activity that is not explicitly for...

Asean: Japan Refreshes Ties

December 8, 2003
Japan still plays a very important role in Southeast Asia, despite China's recent overtures to the region, says this editorial in Singapore's Straits Times. As the region's largest foreign aid donor, biggest investor, and largest trading partner, Japan's influence cannot be underestimated. Yet the upcoming ASEAN-Japan summit is important for Japan to ensure its continued...

Moving Targets

Seymour M. Hersh December 8, 2003
American military officials have recently been struggling to find an effective strategy to counter the Iraqi resistance movement. One solution that has been proposed, and is being strongly supported by US Defense Secretary Rumsfeld, is to increase the number of Special Forces units who can operate covertly and in small numbers. The deployment of Special Forces does not need to be approved by...