In The News

Anti-Americanism: Causes and Characteristics

Andrew Kohut December 10, 2003
A series of public opinion surveys conducted by the Pew Global Attitudes Project in various countries has found unprecedented levels of anti-American sentiment around the world. Majorities express unfavorable opinions of the US, not only in Western Europe and the Muslim world but also in countries like Brazil and Russia. Even in Britain, the United States' most trusted European ally, 55...

War Opponents Denounce U.S. Rules on Contracts in Iraq

Jackie Spinner December 10, 2003
Citing security concerns, US officials have announced that only those countries that supported the invasion of Iraq will be allowed to bid on $18.6 billion in reconstruction contracts. The decision enraged Russia, Germany, France, and Canada, who under the decision will be excluded from much of the biggest nation rebuilding effort since the Second World War. Igor Ivanov, the Russian foreign...

Modern-Day Mercenaries

Raenette Taljaard December 9, 2003
From Iraq to Afghanistan, the US and its allies are relying on private military companies (PMCs) to provide a range of security services commonly associated with national militaries. Raenette Taljaard, Member of Parliament in South Africa, cautions that this move toward the privatization of security should not go un-checked. As unregulated non-state actors motivated by profits, PMCs can serve...

500 to 700 Ground Troops to Be Sent to Iraq

Reiji Yoshida December 9, 2003
In the "most heavily armed overseas mission ever" for Japan's Self Defense Forces (SDF), between 500 and 700 soldiers will be sent to Iraq to support the reconstruction. Japan has recently sustained strong criticism from its allies over its refusal to send troops to Iraq. On the other hand, Japanese law prohibits the SDF from engaging in any activity that is not explicitly for...

Jihad Has Worked – The World is Now Split in Two

Ewen MacAskill December 8, 2003
"Osama bin Laden, two years and three months after the New York and Washington attacks that were part of his jihad against America, appears to be winning," writes the diplomatic editor of the UK's Guardian. The al-Qaeda leader has achieved a good deal of his objectives, says the author. Not only are US troops off Saudi Arabian soil now, but the world is also increasingly...

Asean: Japan Refreshes Ties

December 8, 2003
Japan still plays a very important role in Southeast Asia, despite China's recent overtures to the region, says this editorial in Singapore's Straits Times. As the region's largest foreign aid donor, biggest investor, and largest trading partner, Japan's influence cannot be underestimated. Yet the upcoming ASEAN-Japan summit is important for Japan to ensure its continued...

Terror Takes Toll on Kenya's Tourism Industry

William Wallis December 8, 2003
Kenya's tourist industry used to be able to count on the Christmas season as a peak time of year. Now, after two terrorist attacks in recent years, UK and US officials are telling their citizens not to go, and people are heeding the warning. Hotels are seeing occupancy of 10-25% only, and the whole economy is being dragged down as a result. Kenyans feel unfairly singled out, for, as they...