In The News

Islamic Groups Cautious over Bombing Blame

Salim Osman September 13, 2004
A recent suicide attack in Indonesia has once again fueled controversy over the connection between religious fundamentalism and terrorism. Many Indonesian Islamic groups condemned the attack, which was most likely the work of the militant group, Jemaah Islamiah. Few of the religious critics, however, actually took the step of publicly censuring the suspected fundamentalist group. The...

Gathering Nuclear Crisis Calls for a Drastic Policy Overhaul

Ramesh Thakur September 10, 2004
As a growing number of countries flirt with nuclear capabilities, it may be time to reconsider the effectiveness of the current arms-control doctrine. Political scientist Ramesh Thakur asserts that the inconsistencies in the application of non-proliferation policy, as developed by the US and the other four Security Council members, may bring about its collapse. The five nuclear powers, argues...

European survivors of 9/11: Torn 2 ways

Katrin Bennhold September 10, 2004
Tomorrow, three years will have passed since Europe stood beside the US in the aftermath of the most traumatic event ever to occur on American soil. Today, after European outrage over the US-led invasion of Iraq and American jabs at the cowardice of "Old Europe," the former allies are drifting ever further apart. Painfully stranded in the middle of this rift are three European survivors...

Massacre Draws Self-Criticism in Muslim Press

John Kifner September 9, 2004
The recent rash of violence, most notably a Russian school siege, has made terrorist activities a consistent presence in world headlines. In reaction to the latest tragedy, several Arab media members have spoken out ardently against violent Muslim fundamentalism. Remarking that Muslim groups orchestrated the majority of recent attacks, commentators openly condemned terrorist activities as...

Chechen Terrorism: Old World Motive, New World Method?

Ben Wetherall August 31, 2004
Less than a week after a recent Russian airline tragedy, a female suicide bomber attacked a Moscow subway station; evidence indicates that Chechen separatists were likely the perpetrators of both attacks. According to Russia analyst Ben Wetherall, the government's approach to the Islamic Chechen rebellion will determine the degree of success in preventing further violence. Outlining the...

Polls a test for Iraq policy

Roger Maynard August 30, 2004
On October 9, Australians will hold their federal election. The outcome will be the first real test of public support for Canberra's decision to back the US over Iraq. It may also prove a harbinger for the outcome of upcoming elections in the US and Britain. Australian Prime Minister John Howard’s decision to join the Washington’s ‘coalition of the willing’ has been a divisive issue in...

Jakarta-Singapore Ties: Time Right for a Fresh Start

Hendropriyono August 26, 2004
In the past, Singapore and Indonesia have not always been the best of neighbors. However, it is time to face the common threat of maritime terrorism, says Indonesian intelligence official Hendropriyono. Despite recent diplomatic blunders and economic friction, the two countries have also enjoyed mutual support and cooperation. Singapore has been the fourth-largest investor in Indonesia for five...