In The News

Polls a test for Iraq policy

Roger Maynard August 30, 2004
On October 9, Australians will hold their federal election. The outcome will be the first real test of public support for Canberra's decision to back the US over Iraq. It may also prove a harbinger for the outcome of upcoming elections in the US and Britain. Australian Prime Minister John Howard’s decision to join the Washington’s ‘coalition of the willing’ has been a divisive issue in...

English Craze Hits Chinese Language Standards

Goh Sui Noi August 30, 2004
The Chinese school system is placing increasing emphasis on learning English, perhaps to the detriment of Chinese language curriculum. English is mandatory in China starting in the third year of primary school, and proficiency is integral for Chinese applying for jobs in foreign companies. However, many criticize the quality of English education and worry that it is detracting from studies in...

امریکہ کیلئےواپسی کاراستہ کھلاہے؟

August 29, 2004

Countdown in Khartoum

Gamal Nkrumah August 27, 2004
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan, has rendered 1.5 million people homeless and claimed 50,000 lives. Tensions between the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) threaten to destabilize the region, with costly consequences for Sudan’s neighbors, and the world at large. Efforts to secure peace have involved diplomats from neighboring Egypt and...

What Can We Expect from a Trade Deal with Japan?

Arjaree Sriratanaban August 26, 2004
The fourth round of negotiations for a bilateral free-trade agreement (FTA) between Thailand and Japan is set for early September. Amidst debate over similar agreements, Arjaree Sriratanaban, of the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership (JTEP), highlights the benefits Thailand can expect. Sriratanaban says the agreement should increase business opportunities for Thai companies and provide greater...

Jakarta-Singapore Ties: Time Right for a Fresh Start

Hendropriyono August 26, 2004
In the past, Singapore and Indonesia have not always been the best of neighbors. However, it is time to face the common threat of maritime terrorism, says Indonesian intelligence official Hendropriyono. Despite recent diplomatic blunders and economic friction, the two countries have also enjoyed mutual support and cooperation. Singapore has been the fourth-largest investor in Indonesia for five...

Bill Punishes Cuba Travelers

Lesley Clark August 25, 2004
Competition continues in the effort to attract the coveted Cuban-American vote in November's US presidential election. Republican Congressman David Rivera has proposed a ''Travel and Commerce with Terrorist Nations Act,” which would cut off government aid to Florida residents traveling to Cuba. Rivera explained that his proposal is a result of the concerns of his Florida...