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...

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...

Africa’s World of Forced Labor, in a 6-Year-Old’s Eyes

Sharon LaFraniere November 2, 2006
Every year, trafficking of children produces $10 billion worth of trade. Forced child labor is endemic in desperately poor areas of the world, and the trade in child workers is the modern-day vision of slavery. Journalist Sharon LaFraniere spent time with a group of children, some as young as six, and details their fatigue, pain and hopelessness. In countries where parents cannot afford to feed...

As Jobs Leave America's Shores... The New Face of Class War

Paul Craig Roberts October 30, 2006
A series of US presidents ignored the implications of corporations relocating jobs and factories to developing nations with low labor costs. Such off-shoring has enriched a small and select group while gradually destroying US industries, occupations and communities. “No country benefits from trading its professional jobs, such as engineering, for domestic service jobs,” claims journalist Paul...

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...

One World…Many, Many Government Policies

Irwin M. Stelzer October 26, 2006
In a globalized world, corporations often pursue business deals in the countries with the least costs, not just from wages or property – but also in terms of policy regulations or taxes. Corporations look to low-tax nations to avoid all manner of taxes. And in some cases, corporations lobby their governments to erect barriers and prevent regulatory polices from other countries creeping into their...

Expatriates Face a Changing Reality in Gulf Countries

N. Janardhan October 25, 2006
About 13 million foreigners make up about 70 percent of the workforce in six member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Governments in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar worry about their societies’ over-reliance on foreign help. Increasing unemployment rates and population growth has prompted nationalization and new limits on foreign workers in the...