In The News

US Isolated in Iran Crisis: The Hill

Lawrence J. Haas June 24, 2019
Amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, the two countries jockey for international support. The United States withdrew from an international agreement limiting Iran’s nuclear weapons development and re-imposed sanctions despite Iranian compliance. The United States has since accused Iran of sabotaging oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, dispatching more troops and military...

Political Prisoners in Turkey: Al-Monitor

Diego Cupolo June 21, 2019
Since a 2016 coup attempt, the Erdogan regime in Turkey has been sensitive about any opposition, viewing valid criticism as a challenge to its policies and control. “Sixteen people are facing life imprisonment without parole for allegedly organizing and financing the 2013 Istanbul Gezi Park protests,” reports Diego Cupolo for Al-Monitor. “A 657-page indictment issued on Feb. 20 charged the...

Swine Fever in N Korea May Spur Talks: Korean Times

Park Ji-won June 6, 2019
Africa swine fever attacks domestic and wild pigs and causes severe economic losses. The disease emerged last year in China and has since spread to Mongolia, Vietnam, and North Korea. US and South Korean officials are in talks to assess how South Korea can provide food aid and prevent the disease’s spread. Seoul has urged cooperation and awaits response from North Korea. South Korea also requires...

China Warning on US Study: South China Morning Post

Sarah Zheng June 5, 2019
The escalating US-China trade war could last for months or years with uncertainty spreading throughout both economies. “China issued an official warning on Monday for Chinese students seeking to study in the United States, amid heightened tensions between the two countries,” reports Sarah Zhen for the South China Morning Post. “The Ministry of Education urged students and academics to ‘raise...

Sudan Military Tries to Clear Protests: Al Jazeera

June 4, 2019
Sudan security forces have tried to clear a camp of protesters who have persisted for months with demands for civilian rule. At least nine people have died. Most of the protesters have cleared the camp and military vehicles are blocking their return. Protest organizers are now calling for a campaign of civil disobedience in the quest for civilian rule. “The sit-in has become the focal point of...

Climate Change and Capitalism: Guardian

Phil McDuff June 2, 2019
Children witnessing climate disruptions express alarm about the future and question why governments fail to take action against the planet’s destruction. “Today’s children, as they become more politically aware, will be much more radical than their parents, simply because there will be no other choice for them,” suggests Phil McDuff for the Guardian. “Climate change is the result of our current...

Global Military Spending Booming: The Economist

May 27, 2019
Global military spending, now at US$1.8 trillion, is set to keep rising as superpowers like the United States and China upgrade their arsenals to respond to geopolitical tensions. The US budget expands, reaching 36 percent of the worldwide military expenditure in 2018. While China’s spending does not approach the exorbitant US numbers, it has risen rapidly under Xi Jinping, especially for the...