In The News

A Less Super Superpower

Jonathan Schell March 9, 2005
To some, the United States is history's only all-encompassing empire – from military to economics to culture – but according to philosopher Thomas Hobbes, power is only a "present means to obtain some future apparent good." In this sense, writes Jonathan Schell, distinguished fellow at the Yale Center for the Study of Globalization, America's superpower status seems less...

Crafting Intelligence: Iraq, North Korea, and the Road to War

Selig Harrison March 8, 2005
As the North Korea nuclear problem continues to unfold, the need for credible intelligence becomes even more urgent. And to avoid another Iraq-type situation – an overextended US military, thousands of deaths, transatlantic ill will – the American public should be wary of the Bush administration's use of intelligence, writes Selig Harrison. According to Harrison, the administration...

China Doubts US Data on North Korean Nuclear Work

Joseph Kahn March 7, 2005
As diplomatic jousting over East Asian security continues, the United States received a public blow from China. Questioning the accuracy of US intelligence on North Korea's nuclear arsenal, a Chinese official essentially communicated Beijing's unwillingness to pressure its neighbor. The Bush administration had appealed previously to China, North Korea's only significant ally, to...

A Drug-Free Afghanistan Not So Easy

Paula R. Newberg March 7, 2005
The recent announcement of surging Afghan poppy production, while no surprise, is indicative of a dangerous trend – one that may ultimately undo the recovery of the fragile Asian state: Illegal poppy production now, more than ever, forms the basis of Afghanistan's economy. The fledgling state's existence as a cornerstone of both the war on terror and international anti-narcotics...

A Question in Blix

Mohamed Sid-Ahmed March 4, 2005
Developed nations no longer monopolize weapons of mass destruction; nor are rogue states the most troubling new nuclear threats. The secrets of producing nuclear weapons have been spilled, and the cost of their production has fallen, making them available to non-state actors – namely, terrorists. Against this backdrop, UN weapons expert Hans Blix answers a difficult question: "Given that...

Abbas: Time to Walk the Walk

Barry Rubin March 4, 2005
The recent death of Yasser Arafat provided a hopeful opening in the search for Mideast peace. Newly-elected Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas quickly instituted internal reforms and pledged his support for a ceasefire. On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon agreed to withdraw some settlers and release Palestinian prisoners. Regional neighbors have taken an interest in the peace process,...

Bloodsport: A Sequel

Boria Majumdar March 3, 2005
For some, sport is simply viewed as another forum for entertainment – but it may serve other functions, as well. Sometimes, it is promoted as a way to bridge cultural gaps and facilitate peace, as seen most prominently with the Olympics. But as this Outlook India opinion suggests, an undercurrent of nationalism is ever-present in international sporting events. For India and Pakistan, the...