In The News

Pakistan Is Being Shaped by Popular Will as Never Before

Mohsin Hamid March 19, 2009
A series of trends in Pakistan signal more democratic representation for the country, but the US may not like the opinions emerging from the feisty democracy. “The US needs a Pakistani state that is significantly unrepresentative of the Pakistani people, because most Pakistanis are opposed to America's war in Afghanistan, and the US cannot hope to succeed there without Pakistan's...

The Globalization of Censorship

Christopher Walker March 13, 2009
Powerful individuals who engage in questionable activities manage to restrict criticism by relying on British libel laws and filing lawsuits in British courts, reports the International Herald Tribune. “English common law puts the burden of proof on the defendant, who can be hit with enormous damages and legal costs,” writes Christopher Walker for the International Herald Tribune. Walker is with...

At Last, Justice Comes to Cambodia

Benny Widyono February 13, 2009
Cambodia suffered years of hurt, from French and Japanese occupation to American invasion and massive bombing. The end of the US war in 1975 opened an even grislier chapter in Cambodia’s history. The rise of the Khmer Rouge led by Pol Pot brought unprecedented misery as the regime emptied cities, torturing and executing the educated, imposing extreme policies that led to starvation, disease and...

Refusing to Save Darfur

Eric Reeves January 14, 2009
The seventh year of cruelties are underway in Darfur, the most protested and well documented case of genocide in history, reports author Eric Reeves for Dissent. The International Criminal Court filed formal charges of genocide in July 2008, yet Western countries hesitate to take action, and China, Russia and other nations continue to provide military equipment and economic investment that aids...

Doctor Freed After Court Forbids Forced Marriage

Ian Johnston December 17, 2008
A judge in Bangladesh intervened on behalf of a National Health Service physician held by her parents in Bangladesh and expected her to marry a man of their choosing. “Her lawyers said the case set a precedent in Bangladesh and it is also one of the first cases where legal action was taken in the UK since the Forced Marriages Act became law last month,” reports Ian Johnston for the Independent....

Lawyers Wanted: Abroad, That Is

John Bringardner December 8, 2008
As a result of a credit crunch, closure of major investment banks and economic recession, many American law firms seek to expand internationally to sustain profits. Previously, lawyers were unwilling to move abroad, but the economy is shifting attitudes, as evidenced by increasing numbers of applicants to law firms abroad, especially in wealthy places like Dubai and Hong Kong. Lawyers anticipate...

Evicted from Coastal Homes

Dave Bull November 10, 2008
Spain’s 1988 "Ley de la costa," forbids homes within 550 yards of the coast, and the government is taking action to enforce the law. Owners may get leases, up to 60 years, to use the property, but can’t resell. Some analysts suggest the government is less forceful with developers and owners of commercial properties. Up to 500,000 homes are threatened, and complicating matters is many...