In The News

“Partner for Russia”: Europe's Far Right Flirts With Moscow

Charles Hawley April 16, 2014
Members of the far right want to put a chokehold on government power in Europe, a goal shared by Russia. “Skepticism of immigration and a keen worry about the threat posed by Islamist extremism make Putin a natural ally for a xenophobic right whose political bread and butter is their vociferous attacks on European immigration policy,” reports Charles Hawley for Spiegel Online. “His heavy-handed...

Non-Resident Supporters Prop Up AAP's Lok Sabha Campaign

Himanshi Dhawan April 9, 2014
People who relocate do not leave behind an interest in the politics of their homeland – and use the internet and global financing to support candidates: “A motivated band of non-resident Indians (NRIs) are pitching in from across the globe to lend a helping hand to AAP's ambitious Lok Sabha campaign through the party's ‘support a state’ (SAS) initiative,” reports Himanshi Dhawan for the...

Relief in Afghanistan After Largely Peaceful Landmark Election

Mirwais Harooni and Jessica Donati April 7, 2014
More than 7 million, 58 percent of 12 million eligible Afghan voters, defied Taliban threats and headed to the polls to begin a transition of power. “This could be the beginning of a potentially dangerous period for Afghanistan at a time when the war-ravaged country desperately needs a leader to stem rising violence as foreign troops prepare to leave,” report Mirwais Harooni and Jessica Donati...

Saudi Arabia: Atheists Are Terrorists

Adam Withnall April 4, 2014
A series of royal decrees and laws in Saudi Arabia are defining terrorists – and atheists, peaceful protesters, members of the Muslim Brotherhood as well as those who leave to fight wars in other country, particularly Syria, all qualify, suggests a Human Rights Watch report. The crimes can be published with prison sentences up to 20 years. “Article one of the new provisions defines terrorism as ‘...

Of Climate and Political Change

Nayan Chanda April 3, 2014
The threat of climate change – which poses an array of economic consequences – is missing from the political debate as Indians prepare for April-May general elections. “The impact of climate change has become more urgent and definitely more evident than it was five years earlier,” suggests Nayan Chanda, YaleGlobal editor, in his column for Businessworld. The “monstrous cyclone Phailin that took...

The Cult of Cronyism

Siddharth Varadarajan April 2, 2014
India’s general election kicks off 7 April and by May should determine the next prime minister for the world’s largest democracy. Analysts anticipate a single-minded focus on global corporate interests and wealth creation from candidate Narendra Modi. Writing for Seminar, Siddharth Varadarajan suggests the shift in corporate allegiance from INC, the Congress party, to BJP, or Bharatiya Janata...

Philippines Prepares for Historic Peace Deal

Ted Regencia March 28, 2014
Benigno Aquino III, president of the Philippines, signed a historic agreement with the country’s largest rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front, or MILF, mediated by Malaysia and a team of international observers. Aquino was initially criticized for meeting with the rebel leader. “Supporters hope the deal creating the autonomous Bangsamoro region will bring an end to 40 years of armed conflict...