In The News

EU Immigration Plans Arouse Debate in Germany

Carola Schlagheck June 20, 2003
Immigration policy is dividing Germany and temporarily stalling the ratification of the European Union’s constitution. Though German Chancellor Schröder supports the draft, his government is deeply divided over two immigration-related proposals – the Greek plan to harmonize immigration and asylum within the EU and the transition to majority voting on certain issues. Opponents of the plan like...

Left to Their Own Devices

Amr Elchoubaki June 20, 2003
The United States has frequently criticized Arab governments for suppressing freedom of expression and pluralism. Yet, when popular movements such as student protests in Iran belie such criticism, the author argues, the US does not see the protests as manifestations of an existing democracy but as expressions of popular revolt,. In Iran, the religious Supreme Guide and democratically elected...

The China Syndrome

John Elliott June 19, 2003
Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s trip to China is hailed for moving the two countries’ frosty relations forward. However, as this article by a New Delhi-based writer shows, growing trade ties with China and economic globalization are still subject to historical suspicion and national security concerns. If it were not for old security concerns, trade relations between India and China...

Rumblings in Iran

William Safire June 19, 2003
In recent weeks, Iran has seen a wave of student-led protests against the country’s theocratic leadership. The uprising has similarities to protests of several decades ago that led to the fall of Iran’s Shah, and it is this historical precedent, argues New York Times columnist William Safire, that should lead the rest of the world to take today’s demonstrations seriously. For the US to engage or...

WHO Lifts Travel Warning on Taiwan

Melody Chen June 18, 2003
The SARS epidemic finally seems to be waning. The World Health Organization (WHO) lifted its travel advisory to Taiwan on Tuesday, with Beijing the only place remaining on the list of areas with the health agency's warning. WHO officials said that Taiwan had met the agency's criteria for the lifting and that it was now a safe place for travelers. Because of SARS, Taiwan received more...

China Remains Wary of the US-Led World Order

Robert Sutter June 18, 2003
As it rises in economic strength, China is currently cooperating with the US-dominated global power structure. But this cooperation may not last, argues China scholar Robert Sutter. US attempts to contain China through international organizations and a regional military presence have frustrated China's leaders, who dream of a grander Chinese presence in Asia and the world. Beijing has also...

Deja-vu All Over Again

Tobias Buck June 16, 2003
At Doha-level trade meetings, the EU’s policies on agriculture are seen as hampering world trade liberalization. To ensure that Europe might have some influence at the next world trade talks, the EU farm commissioner has been pushing to reform widely its position on agriculture. But after yet another round of EU talks, this article argues, it can be expected that it will be an “uphill struggle”...