In The News

Islamic State Is Prime Suspect in Turkey Bombing as Protests Erupt

Daren Butler and Humeyra Pamuk October 12, 2015
Suicide bombers attacked a peace rally organized by activists in Ankara, killing at least 97 people. Many suspect that Islamic State extremists are responsible for the attack as the country prepares for the November 1 election: “Opponents of [President] Erdogan, who has led the country over 13 years, blame him for the attack on a rally organized by pro-Kurdish activists and civic groups, accusing...

Islamic State Is Prime Suspect in Turkey Bombing as Protests Erupt

Daren Butler and Humeyra Pamuk October 12, 2015
Suicide bombers attacked a peace rally organized by activists in Ankara, killing at least 97 people. Many suspect that Islamic State extremists are responsible for the attack as the country prepares for the November 1 election: “Opponents of [President] Erdogan, who has led the country over 13 years, blame him for the attack on a rally organized by pro-Kurdish activists and civic groups, accusing...

Myanmar Ousts Rising Political Star

Bertil Lintner August 18, 2015
The West celebrated the promise of democratic reforms for Myanmar after a new government was installed in 2011. The military signaled its desire to restore relations with the West, ending crippling sanctions while reducing excessive reliance on neighboring China. Observers in the West had pointed to the speaker of the Lower House of Myanmar’s bicameral parliament as a “bridge” linking Myanmar’s...

Power Transitions in Saudi Arabia Spell Changes in the Middle East

Bruce Riedel July 2, 2015
Saudi Arabia has long valued continuity, reducing uncertainty by planning leadership transitions years in advance, preparing individuals for their future roles. But King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, crowned this year, has made many changes, including removing his predecessor’s choice for crown prince and naming his son as minister for defense as the country wages war against rebels in neighboring Yemen...

Why the World Is Becoming the Un-Sweden

John Feffer June 15, 2015
Fifty years ago, academics predicted that that the two ideological systems of the Cold War would converge to include the best features of capitalism and collectivism, or a Swedish type of social democracy. They expected modernization to force governments to evolve. Today, many countries demonstrated a convergence, but with versions that incorporate the worst of both – ruthless forms of capitalism...

3D Printing Comes Of Age

Nayan Chanda June 5, 2015
The first 3D printers were introduced in the 1980s. Rapid development combined with dropping cost has put these printers into general circulation – accessible to small businesses and artists through special orders, available for ongoing use and study in university workshops, small-town libraries and high schools. Innovations abound as students apply their imaginations. “The potential of this...

Doubtful Result Will Endanger UK's Global Role

Catherine Field May 8, 2015
Belying forecasts Prime Minister David Cameron won reelection and is set to form a new cabinet. During the campaign Cameron promised to stage a referendum on British membership in the EU. Catherine Field, writing for the New Zealand Herald, points out that such ballot measures divide the electorate. If the referendum is held as planned and the electorate supports British exit from the EU, the...