In The News

A Thaw in South Asia? – Part I

Michael Krepon December 23, 2004
India and Pakistan's feud over the disputed region of Kashmir may at last be subsiding, says nuclear proliferation expert Michael Krepon. The issue has long been a dangerous sticking point between the two nuclear powers. Yet after a year-long cease fire along the Line of Control, both Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf seem willing to compromise on...

African Renaissance

Gamal Nkrumah December 17, 2004
When the Egyptian and Nigerian presidents met recently to discuss bilateral and trans-African issues, top items on their agenda included economic cooperation, and most importantly and urgently, the Sudanese peace process. For both leaders, this process is both a crisis and an opportunity: If solved successfully, it will help enhance African-Arab cooperation. African leaders are more interested...

Schröder Boosts Arms Sales to China

Peter Sturm December 17, 2004
The topic of weapons sales frequently divides the coalition government of German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. But despite the controversy that has raged over past plans to sell tanks and submarines to Turkey and Israel, Schröder is pushing to vend weapons to China. "In economic terms, the gigantic country fuels people's money-making fantasies," writes FAZ Weekly columnist Peter...

Moment of Truth as UN Chief Confronts Fiercest Rival

Michael Fullilove December 16, 2004
The past month has been difficult, at best, for the United Nations and its Secretary-General Kofi Annan. As Annan prepares to announce a reform package for the organization, this is a crucial moment for both the organization and its leader. In what may be a true test of grit, Annan will fight to pass a report on global security threats, which will outline the UN's role in addressing...

Rising Tensions in Asia

Anthony Rowley December 15, 2004
In an already tense region, Northeast Asia, the announcement of Japan's new defense upgrade brings a new wave of anxiety to its neighbors. As the United States and Japan forge a stronger strategic alliance, and considering the growing US presence in central Asia and the Middle East, Chinese officials have expressed concern. Neighbors are also wary of Japan's heightened regional and...

What the Bush Victory Means for East Asia

Lee Kuan Yew December 15, 2004
As US President George W. Bush eases into his second term of office, governments in East Asia and around the world are reevaluating their place within an American foreign policy. The upcoming elections in Iraq, recently endorsed at a summit attended by the EU, the Arab League, China, and other nations, may prove a test of international dedication to security and democracy in the Middle East. Bush...

Bush Needs Decisive Change of Course

Fred Bergsten December 14, 2004
As US account deficits deepen and global oil prices escalate, President George W. Bush will face some serious challenges in his second term. According to economist Frank Bergsten, neither the US nor world economies can afford an extension of Washington's economic and energy policy status quo. A combination of strong domestic fiscal action - deficit reduction to enhance savings - and...