In The News

Speed Bump at the Border

Thomas B. Edsall November 29, 2006
With Democrats victorious in the November mid-term elections, a disgruntled middle class expects some immediate protections on jobs, wages as well as health and retirement benefits. But the Democratic Party is divided about how to deliver economic benefits to workers: One camp embraces the economic benefits of globalization, and another group tends toward protectionism and controls on trade,...

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...

Strain in Spain

Sarah Wildman November 8, 2006
Europe represents opportunity to starving, desperate Africans. Spain and Europe agree that the continent cannot withstand unchecked immigration from Africa, but disagree about who’s responsible for enforcement. Spain insists that the European Union has responsibility for monitoring the continent’s borders, but other nations criticize Spain for lenient policies including amnesty for past...

The Perils of Beijing’s Africa Strategy

Elizabeth Economy November 7, 2006
As China wines and dines African leaders in Beijing this week, it ought to be aware not only of its own success in courting Africa but in the limits of that success. China has established major economic links throughout Africa in no small part because of its laissez-faire approach to African countries’ internal politics, doing business with nations like Sudan and Zimbabwe despite of their poor...

Bush Signs Fence Bill, Pushes Back

Nicole Gaouette October 27, 2006
President George Bush signed a bill that authorizes 700 miles of fence but does not cover costs. Critics on all sides questioned whether the bill may have been designed to shore up support for candidates favored by the president in the upcoming November 7 US congressional elections. Both Mexico’s president and president-elect lashed out against the plan, calling it an “embarrassment” for the US...

Across Europe, Worries on Islam Spread to Center

Dan Bilefsky October 13, 2006
Not long ago, politicians who questioned the possibility of reconciling European and Islamic values were accused of extremism and bigotry. Today, however, even moderates are pondering whether multiculturalism and tolerance should have limits. Europeans have begun to question whether Islamic religious beliefs and social values, which are at odds with typical European views on issues like...

The Never-Ending Myanmar Nightmare

Daniel Pepper September 30, 2006
The ruling military junta in Burma does not care what the world thinks about its rule. Though the junta pays no heed to outside pressure, some neighbors are intent on fostering relations or at least paying the government for permission to tap into its rich natural gas resources. While the Western countries largely shun the military regime, China and India stand ready to pay up to $17 billion...