In The News

Seoul, Israel Differ on Korean Pilgrims

Choi Soung-ah July 28, 2004
It was only one month ago that South Korean citizen Kim Sun-il was beheaded in Iraq due to what his captors claimed to be participation by him and his company in Christian activities. So it may come as no surprise that South Korea’s government is concerned about the prospect of 3,000 Korean college students traveling to Israel. The students are traveling to participate in the "Jerusalem...

Knock-on Effects will be Global if Iraq Carries on Downhill

Daljit Singh July 28, 2004
According to this op-ed by Daljit Singh, a senior research fellow at the Institute of South-east Asian Studies, defeat, or perception of defeat, of America in Iraq could have destabilizing consequences for not just the Middle East, but all of Asia as well. If the United States, the global hegemon, is unable to restore peace to this one Middle Eastern country, its credibility as a superpower will...

Berlin to Ban Religious Symbols

Elizabeth Goetze July 23, 2004
Berlin’s ruling coalition of Social Democrats and the Party of Democratic Socialism decided after much deliberation to pass a bill introduced by the city’s Interior Minister, Ehrhart Körting, that bans the display of any religious symbols by those employed in the public sector. Unlike previous legislation passed by several German states, this bill transcends the Muslim headscarf and includes...

Breaking for the Border

Salah Hemeid July 16, 2004
Some blame for the violence pervading war-torn Iraq rests in the hands of its neighbors, Iraqi officials claim. By facilitating or simply turning a blind eye to the religious militants who infiltrate Iraq in order to attack coalition and Iraqi forces, neighboring countries are undermining stabilization efforts. Iraq plans to step up pressure on its neighbors at an upcoming July 21 meeting in...

Wise Trade Policy Can Address the Roots of Terrorism

Edward Gresser July 8, 2004
A lot of ink has been spent in debating what is the best way to fight the growing terrorist threat coming essentially from Islamic parts of the world. One way the West can help drain the swamps that breed fundamentalism and terrorism is by removing a basic cause of anger and frustration – economic stagnation and unemployment. Trade expert Edward Gresser says the West needs to make its trade...

Can of Worms?

Gamal Nkrumah June 25, 2004
Al-Qaeda may have penetrated deep into the Saudi security apparatus, says this article in Egypt's Al-Ahram Weekly. Officials deny that there is a problem and are working hard to contain the terrorists, even killing Al-Qaeda’s reputed leader in Saudi Arabia last Friday. But the rapid replacement of this man by Al-Oufi, a former policeman and war veteran of Afghanistan, suggests both the...

Unravelling 'Enlightened Moderation'

Masooda Bano June 18, 2004
In a critical rejoinder to an article by Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, Masooda Bano chastise Musharraf for calling on all Muslims to "bow unquestioningly to US demands." The "apologetic mindset" Musharraf evidences is an insult to Muslims worldwide and overlooks the achievements and strengths of many Muslims. He accepts that Muslim groups are responsible for...