In The News

Europe Can No Longer Rely on Immigrant Workers

Jonathan Power February 19, 2004
Europe needs to realize that immigrant workers alone will not solve the problem of an aging population, says the author of this article. One country, Sweden, has already made this realization and has increased the retirement age to 67. But given Sweden's long-term demographic changes, analysts have estimated that the retirement age could go as high as 79. An aging population, however, is...

China's Taiwan Dilemma

Michael Yahuda February 18, 2004
China's leadership believes strongly in the goal of a unified country - and for Beijing that means preventing Taiwan from declaring independence. For many Chinese, uniting with Taiwan is a matter of national pride. China scholar Michael Yahuda argues that pushing the issue politically or militarily would stimulate hostility abroad and cause an economic downturn at home, possibly leading to...

Little Headway Seen in 6-Party Talks

Seo Hyun-jin February 18, 2004
Prospects for the upcoming talks between the two Koreas, the US, China, Japan, and Russia already look bleak. Although officials of the participating countries – particularly South Korea – are trying to stay optimistic and are suggesting measures to regularize the multilateral talks, many feel that there is little hope for a successful outcome, unless the deadlock between Washington and Pyongyang...

We Need a Common Strategy

Romano Prodi February 18, 2004
In recent years, the European Union has grappled with waves of violent anti-Semitic attacks. This, combined with the anger some Europeans feel over Israel's policies, has turned relations with Jewish citizens into a tense conflict. In this Financial Times editorial, Romano Prodi – president of the European Commission – calls for concrete action against intolerance. This week leading public...

Echoes of Panic over Global Disease

Philip Bowring February 17, 2004
Philip Bowring believes lessons from history should inform our current concerns over global epidemics. While epidemics lead to widespread fears and calls for global advisory boards and local action, Bowring asserts that we would be wise to question virologists, journalists, and health officials on the level of threat they suppose looms around the corner. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)...

Poppy Barons on the 'Speed' Boat

Larry Jagan February 16, 2004
The notorious Golden Triangle in Southeast Asia has long produced a large portion of the world's illicit drugs. Although authorities in Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and Laos have had substantial success in ending opium poppy growing, newer technologies are allowing for the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs. Poppy barons have discovered that trafficking in methamphetamines can be...

Indian Doctors Help Fill US Health Care Needs

Steve Raymer February 16, 2004
In the US, Indians and Indian-Americans make up the largest non-Caucasian segment of the American medical community, where they account for one in every 20 practicing doctors. In recent years, they have become a more vocal and visible presence, undertaking charitable activities and political lobbying. But in spite of their community's past success, many Indians are now having difficulties...