In The News

Seoul Criticized for Sweeping Information on North Korean Nukes under Carpet

Hwang Jang-jin October 21, 2002
The North Korean revelation about its secret weapons program has emerged as a hot new issue in the South Korean election campaign. The fact that the South Korean government was informed by the US of North Korea’s secret program in August but it kept quiet about it is being used to blast the government of president Kim Dae Jung, who won a Nobel Peace Prize for his reconciliation effort vis-à-...

North Korea's Latest Nuclear Gambit

Andrew Mack October 21, 2002
This essay focuses on the consequences and future implications of relations between North Korea and the United States given the North Korea's surprise admission of a clandestine nuclear weapons program via enriched uranium. It argues that the United States is in a lose-lose foreign policy situation due to potential accusations of hypocrisy (vis a vis its foreign policy with Iraq) and...

US Takes Place of Saddam as Saudi 'Threat'

Roula Khalaf October 20, 2002
As the US moves toward military action against Iraq, many people in Saudi Arabia are adamantly opposed to Saudi assistance of the US. Dismissing the idea that the US wishes to spread democracy, ordinary Saudis see an anti-Muslim and pro-Israel agenda in America's every move in the region. Indeed, some would rather see a Middle East with Saddam Hussein in power than an American "puppet...

A Bombshell That's Actually an Olive Branch

Leon V. Sigal October 18, 2002
North Korea is seeking better relations with its neighbors and the US, not trying to start an international conflict. Although the country has breached the 1994 agreement to end its nuclear weapons program, what North Korean leaders want is more international acceptance. The record on North Korea suggests that Pyongyang will cooperate when the US stays true to its word and will retaliate when...

World Court Rules for Cameroon in Prolonged Oil-Land Border Dispute With Nigeria

Marc Lacey with Neela Banerjee October 11, 2002
The World Court has declared Cameroon the rightful owner of the Bakassi peninsula, ending the country's long-standing dispute with Nigeria. Located in the Gulf of Guinea, the Bakassi area is rich in oil and has provided important naval access for Nigeria. Concern that the Nigerian military might balk at the decision worried some observers, but many are encouraged that the presidents of...

European Union Set for Historic Expansion

Judy Dempsey October 9, 2002
The European Commission approved an expansion of the European Union that will take the regional bloc from 15 to 25 member countries by 2004. Several former Soviet states are joining the group, but Turkey's accession is still under negotiation. The expansion brings millions of new people into the EU's common market and also compels their national governments to enact EU-required...

Stable Oil Prices Likely to Become a War Casualty, Experts Say

Neela Banerjee October 2, 2002
The current conflict between the US and Iraq, should it escalate to outright war, would have major de-stabilizing effects on the world oil market. A variety of scenarios exist, including short-term price spikes, long-term price decreases, and increases or decreases in Saudi Arabian political and economic influence. Whatever changes may ensue, one thing is clear – oil is the blood that pumps...