In The News

US Vote Threatens Anglican Unity

Stephen Bates August 4, 2003
A decision today by the US Episcopal church could lead to a wave of dissension and split the worldwide Anglican church, says this article in the UK's Guardian. Yesterday, at the triennial general meeting of the US church, American lay and clergy representatives voted to approve the election of the church's first openly gay bishop. Earlier this year, openly gay Gene Robinson was elected...

US Courts' Role in Foreign Feuds Comes Under Fire

Adam Liptak August 3, 2003
Courts in the United States are increasingly being used to adjudicate disputes occurring beyond US orders, explains the New York Times. Some cases involve human rights concerns and also financial compensation: A Scottish woman sued in New York to stop construction of a proposed holocaust memorial in Poland, relatives of Venezuelans killed in Caracas sues the Venezuelan president in a Miami court...

All's Fair in Love, Trade and FTAs

Honigmann Hong July 31, 2003
Since China's accession into the World Trade Organization, it has indicated that it will not have economic interactions with Taiwan until the 'One China' problem is settled. However, recent statements by a Chinese official seem to suggest Beijing's willingness to engage Taiwan in a free-trade agreement. Although the intentions may not be friendly, the author observes, this may...

Vatican Says Lawmakers Have Duty to Oppose Gay Marriage

Kirk Semple July 31, 2003
In North America and Europe, recognition of gay rights is slowly growing. Homosexual civil unions – which grant same sex couples the same rights and responsibilities of married couples – are legal in several European countries, including Germany, France, Sweden, and Denmark. Canada recently disposed of a ban on gay marriages; and the US Supreme Court recently struck down a long-standing Texas...

Hail Britannia!

Immanuel Wallerstein July 25, 2003
In the lead up to the invasion of Iraq – and especially with the difficulties the US has encountered since – there is a renewed interest in the historical experience of past imperial efforts. Not surprisingly, the publication of British historian Niall Ferguson's provocative history of the British Empire has aroused special interest. In this review of the book, noted historian and World...

Two Top Hong Kong Ministers Resign

Mary Kwang July 17, 2003
Coming on the heels of massive street protests, two of Hong Kong's top appointed officials resigned yesterday. The Security Secretary and the Financial Secretary said they were leaving office as soon as possible. Both officials were targets of angry protests over a proposed sedition law that threatened to restrict Hong Kong people's rights of assembly and free speech. Protestors have...

Pentagon Seeking New Access Pacts for Africa Bases

Eric Schmitt July 5, 2003
The United States influence and presence in Africa is set to increase with the signing of a series of bilateral agreements between the United States and several African countries. The US is already planning to provide troops to join an international peacekeeping force in Liberia. The US is also seeking to establish Army bases in Mali and Algeria, and sign aircraft refueling agreements with...