In The News

Spiegel Online: Only Radical Thinking and Action Can Tame Globalization

Alexander Jung July 8, 2017
A growing global economy expanded the middle class and wealth for many nations that were once poor. That is of little comfort to the 800 million people who live in extreme poverty. Widening inequality and climate change are serious threats. “The G-20 nations represent two-thirds of the global population, just over three-quarters of its economic output and four-fifths of its greenhouse gas...

Human Rights Watch: Philippine Officials Propose "Muslims Only" ID

Carlos H. Conde July 6, 2017
The Philippines is considering expansion of a program that issues mandatory ID cards for Muslims with the goal of identifying what one official calls “undesirable individuals and terrorists.” Muslims make up about 11 percent of the nation’s population of 10.7 million. The proposal is in response to ongoing fighting with ISIS-affiliated militants taking Christians hostage in Mindanao and forcing...

The Japan Times: North Korea ICBM Poses “Global Threat”

Jesse Johnson July 5, 2017
North Korea claims to have tested an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching up to 6500 kilometers, a range stretching as far as Alaska, Beijing, Hong Kong or even New Delhi. The test was conducted while the United States was celebrating a holiday celebrating the nation’s independence. North Korean leaders view development of such weapons, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, as...

The New York Times: Hacks Raise Fear Over US NSA’s Hold on Cyberweapons

Nicole Perlroth and David E. Sanger June 30, 2017
US National Security Agency cyberweapons have been used against Britain and the Ukraine before spreading to other computers around the globe. The agency – charged with securing US information systems – is the largest of 17 intelligence agencies that combined had a budget of about $70 billion in 2015. The NSA has long declined to answer questions. “But the silence is wearing thin for victims of...

The Guardian: Qatar Given 10 Days to Meet 13 Sweeping Demands by Saudi Arabia

Patrick Wintour June 24, 2017
Saudi Arabia is demonstrating insecurity and intolerance for other points of view by leading a trade and diplomatic embargo against tiny neighbor Qatar and then issuing a 13-part ultimatum. Saudi Arabia’s population is 15 times larger than Qatar’s 2.2 million. Qatar denies that it funds or harbors terrorists, and certainly not more than Saudi citizenss have been reported to do. The demands...

EurasiaNet.org: Moscow’s Perennial Quest for Recognition

Igor Torbakov June 13, 2017
US intelligence agencies point the finger at Russia for attempting to intervene in US and other democratic elections, but the shenanigans won’t increase Russian influence. “The rise of Donald Trump’s administration in the United States was supposed to be a boon for Russia,” explains Igor Torbakov of Uppsala University. “Instead, it has become a source of profound disappointment for the Kremlin.”...

Brookings: The $110 Billion Arms Deal to Saudi Arabia Is Fake News

Bruce Riedel June 8, 2017
During Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia in May, he announced a $110 billion arms deal, a claim reported by YaleGlobal and other media. “Only problem is that there is no deal,” writes author Bruce Riedel. “So far nothing has been notified to the Senate for review. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the arms sales wing of the Pentagon, calls them ‘intended sales.’ None of the deals...