In The News

Hacia Aguas Ignotas

Pratap Bhanu Mehta March 7, 2006

A Welcome End to India's Pariah Status

Bronwen Maddox March 3, 2006
US President Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced an agreement that would allow shipment of nuclear components to India for peaceful energy development. India agreed to “irreversibly” turn nearly two-thirds of its 22 nuclear reactors into civilian facilities that will be open for inspection. The agreement is not final, and the US Congress could block the deal, taking advantage of...

Think Again: Soft Power

Joseph S. Nye Jr. March 1, 2006
In 1990, “Foreign Policy” first analyzed “soft power.” Here, Joseph S. Nye, Jr., author of the original article, returns to correct notions that have since become associated with soft power. The concept, he asserts, is the power of “attraction,” as opposed to the power of “coercion” or “payment.” Soft power is not exclusively cultural power, yet exporting cultural goods that hold attraction...

Iran Plays Growing Role in Iraq, Complicating Bush’s Strategy

Jay Solomon February 16, 2006
When the Bush administration pressed for war in Iraq, the ideal scenario for reconstruction did not include significant influence from Iran. Iran’s influence is strongest on Iraq’s political arena, but extends to other realms of Iraqi life as well. While the ruling Shiite-dominated coalition has nominated a prime minister with strong links to Tehran, Iranian businessmen are principal investors...

Enlightened Independence

Arundhati Ghose February 15, 2006
On February 4, 27 out of 35 governing members of the IAEA expressed discontent over Iran’s emerging nuclear program. Rather than immediately referring Iran to the UN Security Council, however, the members passed a resolution that the author calls a “reporting procedure.” The work to contain Iran will be continued under the auspices of the IAEA, with no call for direct action from the Security...

Keeping North Korea from the Brink – Part I

Peter Beck February 14, 2006
Countries throughout the north Pacific recognize the grave danger of the North Korean nuclear program, but lack a coherent strategy for restraining it. This two-part series examines the specific concerns for US and China in containing the program – as well as proposals for a long-term resolution. Peter Beck, an analyst with the International Crisis Group in Seoul, notes that US economic...

Saudi Prince Slams Iran’s Nuclear Program

February 10, 2006
The Saudi Arabian ambassador to the US, Prince Turki Faisal, denounced Iran’s nuclear program, but also criticized US policies on nuclear weaponry as inconsistent. Although he agreed that Iran’s uranium enrichment program is heightening tension throughout the Middle East, he noted that Iranian citizens support their government’s efforts in part because the US operates from a double standard...