In The News

Moving Targets

Seymour M. Hersh December 8, 2003
American military officials have recently been struggling to find an effective strategy to counter the Iraqi resistance movement. One solution that has been proposed, and is being strongly supported by US Defense Secretary Rumsfeld, is to increase the number of Special Forces units who can operate covertly and in small numbers. The deployment of Special Forces does not need to be approved by...

Where Taiwan Support Stops

Michael D. Swaine December 7, 2003
The potential for conflict between China and Taiwan seems to have increased recently with Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian announcement that he wants to hold a referendum on Taiwan's independence next March. Although the island-state – a thriving democracy for over a decade – already enjoys de facto independence from mainland China, Beijing still views it as an integral part of...

Security Key Factor in Japan-ASEAN Relations

Bantarto Bandoro December 4, 2003
Japan may soon overhaul its relationship with ASEAN. The country is expected to sign the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation at an upcoming summit, an act that will deepen Japan's role in regional political affairs. According to this editorial in The Jakarta Post, Japan is concerned that its political and economic influence in Southeast Asia will diminish as China's presence continues to...

For the Iraqis, a Missile Deal That Went Sour

David E. Sanger December 1, 2003
Initially reported in the Central Intelligence Agency's October report on Saddam Hussein's weapons programs, it now seems that North Korean leader Kim Jong Il "took Saddam to the cleaners" by cheating him of $10 million. In exchange for the money, which may have been a down payment, North Korea reportedly promised to turn over the technology of their Rodong missile program....

'Key' Terrorists Passing Through Kingdom

Prayuth Sivayaviroj November 26, 2003
220 people suspected of engaging in international terrorism are now on Thailand's immigration watch-list. After a check of border crossing records from the last 3 years, Thai authorities discovered the names of over two hundred people who were on most-wanted lists of the US FBI, the US CIA, and other international security organizations. Sources told Thailand's "The Nation"...

Two's a Company

Moritz Schuller November 25, 2003
After disagreeing with the UK over supporting the US-led Iraq War, France and Germany seemed to become true bosom buddies this year. Germany even took part in the French-led mission to Congo, although Berlin had no compelling interests there, writes Moritz Schuller. Despite the apparent comraderie, however, France may now be moving closer to the British on security issues. At a recent meeting...

America's Vulnerable Imperialism

Jonathan Schell November 24, 2003
'American imperialism' has become a common refrain for people seeking to understand the glue holding together the current international order. A variety of scholars and commentators claim authority on the topic, says author Jonathan Schell. But, he cautions, in their rush to proclaim the rise or decline of an American empire, they consistently overlook a crucial aspect of true empire...