In The News

The Global News War

Marcel Rosenbach May 5, 2006
The terms used to describe media globalization rely on metaphors of war – as more countries realize that a strong media presence is as powerful as traditional diplomacy. More industry leaders and governments struggle to portray events with new perspectives and reach new audiences. Emerging networks include Aljazeera International, a French version of CNN, and a BBC Arabic channel. Several...

A Setback for Democracy

Dilip Hiro May 4, 2006
Before the US-led invasion of Iraq, states throughout the Middle East had been loosening some controls, particularly in the economic and communication spheres. Increasing internet use and lively broadcasts from Aljazeera satellite TV gradually encouraged economic and political debate. But increasing debate did not automatically lead to representative government or elections. As chaos reigns in...

Radical Islam – Globalization for Losers

Jonah Goldberg May 2, 2006
Globalization is hardly limited to spreading American or western concepts. The phenomenon can take on many forms, used by governments of all sizes as well as individuals – anyone who catches media attention, intentional or otherwise. The forms can extend philosophies of freedom or safety, choices or control. Author Jonah Goldberg suggests that Osama bin Laden’s call upon Muslims to attack UN...

Daring to Use the Silver Screen to Reflect Saudi Society

Hassan M. Fattah May 2, 2006
Saudi Arabia has no legal movie theaters, but its filmmakers have a big budget and huge ambitions. The first Saudi Arabian feature film, funded by a Saudi prince and featuring a Saudi actress, portrays a family caught in a struggle between modernity and tradition. The film’s timing could be right, with Saudi women taking more public roles, pursuing education and opening companies without the...

American Indie Filmmakers: Thinking Globally and Acting Globally, Too

Dennis Lim May 1, 2006
National cinema has expanded into international cinema, with directors of all nationalities chafing at audience expectations for a certain style or theme. Directors who are first- or second-generation immigrants in the US push film boundaries to explore new settings and characters, often beyond their own ethnicity. Author Dennis Lim suggests that the directors “go beyond dutiful multiculturalism...

On Tape, Bin Laden Warns of Long War

Craig Whitlock April 24, 2006
Osama bin Laden insists that the US War on Terrorism is really a War on Islam and warns his followers by audiotape to prepare for long conflict. The tape contradicts his previous message from January that called for a long-term truce with the US for withdrawal from Iraq. In the April tape, bin Laden urges followers to head to Sudan and fight with peacekeepers, suggesting that the West wants to...

Chinese Turn to Civic Power as a New Tool

Howard W. French April 19, 2006
It’s human nature to complain. As China encounters more social problems – land seizures, accidental AIDS transmissions, pollution and corruption – citizens expect some legal recourse. Disgruntled citizens turn to the media, community groups and even public protests to point out social problems. Nongovernmental organizations – more than 280,000 registered in all – have taken a lead in giving...