In The News

Protests greet North Korean ferry in Nigata

David Pilling August 25, 2003
A North Korean ferry sailed into a Japanese port on August 24 morning to loud and angry protests. The ferry is the only direct link between Japan and North Korea, but has not been in service since January. Accusations abound that the boat was used to smuggle drugs, counterfeit money, and parts for missiles. However, Japanese protesters are seething primarily because of North Korea's...

International Public Concern about North Korea

August 22, 2003
The six-party talks on North Korea that will start on August 27 in Beijing is taking place against the backdrop of growing divergence over North Korea. A recent public opinion poll taken by Pew Global Attitudes Project shows that the country closest to North Korea - its southern counterpart is one of the least concerned about North Korean threat that the US and other powers are trying to...

Search for Bodies Continues at UN Headquarters

August 20, 2003
As the international community condemned the bombing, UN secretary-general, Kofi Annan, said that his staff would remain in Iraq and continue their humanitarian mission. Countries around the world echoed Mr Annan's resolve, though responses varied from country to country. While Thailand reiterated its commitment to sending troops, the European Commission announced that it would be scaling...

Japan Vows to Proceed with Oil Deal in Iran

David Pilling August 19, 2003
Japan may seek an oil deal with Iran, despite US objections. Earlier this year, many speculated that Tokyo had abandoned a lucrative deal to develop Iran's Azadegan oilfield because of US opposition and accusations that Tehran was seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Several months later, however, Japanese companies have revived the temporarily stalled deal. Analysts maintain that Japan is...

Security Measures May Not be Sand in the Wheels of Commerce

William Mougayar August 19, 2003
Seaports have been described as America's most vulnerable entry-point. Everyday, ships from around the world dock in American harbors and unload a vast array of cargo. Most inbound crates contain products from trusted trade partners. However, since September 11, concern has grown that the crates entering these under-regulated gateways could hold chemical, biological, or even nuclear...

Russia to Hold Large-Scale Naval Exercises

Vasily Bubnov August 18, 2003
The Russian Pacific Navy began large scale military exercises on August 18 y in its Far Eastern waters. Invitations to participate were sent to several of Russia's neighbors as well as to Canada and the United States. South Korea and Japan dispatched ships to join the exercise, but China, North Korea, and the US declined. The official aim of the navy maneuvers is to hone skills for...

Rogue Nuclear Programs Require Creative Approach

Arch W. Roberts, Jr. August 8, 2003
Iran, Iraq, and North Korea were singled out as comprising George W. Bush's 'axis of evil' for a reason, says nonproliferation expert Arch W. Roberts, Jr. The trio comprises the worst violators of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, an agreement intended to halt the spread of nuclear weapons. To effectively address the threats their nuclear programs pose, Roberts says, traditional...