In The News

Iran President Facing Revival of Students’ Ire

Nazila Fathi December 25, 2006
Some Iranian students have decided that their president’s bluster doesn’t provide much in the way of jobs or progress. A similar student movement in 1979 overthrew the Iranian government and introduced control by Islamic clerics. More than 20 years later, protesting students are described as wanting more academic and personal freedoms by journalist Nazila Fathi in “The New York Times.” Students...

Iraq War Fuels Global Jihad

Fawaz A. Gerges December 21, 2006
Muslims initially condemned Al Qaeda’s 2001 attacks on the US. But then the US invaded Iraq, triggering chaos that could overwhelm more than one country throughout the Middle East. As a result, even more moderate Muslims support anyone who defends Muslim lands and values against occupiers, particularly in Palestine and Iraq. Jihadists emerged during the early 1980s, opposed to Egypt and Israel...

Yet Another Problem in the Middle East

December 20, 2006
Arab society as a whole suffers because of the marginalized status of its women. A series of Arab Human Development Reports, from the United Nations Development Programme, explore the many challenges facing Arab societies. Half the women in Arab society are illiterate along with one third of the men. Concern emerges in Arab societies that Western values draw women away from family roles, and yet...

The Challenge of Global Health

Laurie Garrett December 20, 2006
Wealthy nations and their citizens donate billions in cash to end AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and some other high-profile problems in the developing world. But with uncoordinated programs, lacking in sustainability and long-term planning, the fast flow of cash could make problems worse, not better, argues health analyst and author Laurie Garrett. Studies have shown that focusing on high-profile...

White House, Joint Chiefs At Odds on Adding Troops

Robin Wright December 19, 2006
With violence and civil war escalating in Baghdad, the US Joint Chiefs of staff do not agree with a White House plan to send more troops into Iraq. Since the US invaded and overthrew tyrant Saddam Hussein in March 2003, Iraqi public services, political control and law enforcement have steadily deteriorated. Dedicated military troops can overthrow dictators, deliver bombs to pinpoint targets and...

India: Emerging as Eastern or Western Power?

Kishore Mahbubani December 19, 2006
Asian nations grow more confident, more optimistic, even as the US withdraws from global leadership, fearful after the 9/11 attacks and lashing out in anger like a wounded animal, without plans or purpose. By condoning torture and instigating war while overlooking pressing problems, the US has abandoned lofty principles it once embraced. With that context, former Singapore ambassador to the...

US and China Differ on Aim of Economic Talks

Steven R. Weisman December 18, 2006
After proposing dialogue on trade with China, the US treasury secretary did not expect Beijing to be so quick with its own sage advice for Washington. While the US expects China to adjust its currency, allowing it to float in relation to the dollar, China wants the US to stop borrowing so much money. Adjusting the Chinese currency would perhaps slow the Chinese export market, allowing China to...