In The News

A Clash of Civilizations in Europe?

Patrick Sabatier October 17, 2006
Secular Europe and some of its Muslims citizens continue to clash – not in direct battle but over cartoons, operas, newspaper essays and school customs. The clashes are a product of a globalized media system, according to French journalist Patrick Sabatier, with instant information about any perceived slight to faith over satellite television or internet obscuring complex issues and provoking...

Across Europe, Worries on Islam Spread to Center

Dan Bilefsky October 13, 2006
Not long ago, politicians who questioned the possibility of reconciling European and Islamic values were accused of extremism and bigotry. Today, however, even moderates are pondering whether multiculturalism and tolerance should have limits. Europeans have begun to question whether Islamic religious beliefs and social values, which are at odds with typical European views on issues like...

Technical Perspective on North Korea’s Nuclear Test

October 12, 2006
The news that North Korea had successfully tested a nuclear weapon on Monday morning shocked the world. Estimates about the size of the explosion ranged wildly, with some reporting a half-kiloton blast to others guessing that it was much larger. The key questions are: did the test go as planned, and is there likely to be another soon? Dr. Gi-Wook Hin of Stanford sat down with Dr. Siegfried Hecker...

N. Korea Links Next Move to U.S. Policy

Choe Sang-Hun October 11, 2006
While Western governments wonder whether the weak blast was indeed what North Korea claimed to be a nuclear test, Pyongyang has issued threat of further testing. In an interview, Kim Yong Nam, president of the North Korea's legislature, has warned that future testing is contingent upon the attitude of the US. If the US were to impose global sanctions, he claims "we will have no choice...

China's Iron Grip

Fred Hiatt October 10, 2006
The experience of Rebiya Kadeer, a 60-year old Chinese woman, Nobel Peace Prize nominee and critic of the regime in China, demonstrates the growing brazenness of that government in its retaliation against dissent. Released after six years in prison, Kadeer was exiled to the United States, only to find herself under surveillance by Chinese agents after she became involved with pro-democracy...

North Korea’s Nuclear Gamble

Shim Jae Hoon October 10, 2006
A nuclear test by North Korea has plunged East Asia in a new crisis and brought worldwide condemnation, the strongest being from Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe supports drafting a resolution calling for tougher sanctions under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which authorizes the use of military force should North Korea disregard the UN. Although highly critical of North Korea, China,...

Time for the N word

Amira Howeidy October 9, 2006
Two decades ago, after the Chernobyl disaster, Egypt abandoned its nuclear program. But oil prices are on the rise and the government offers generous subsidies for its citizens. So, the government explores options and reports the country could have a nuclear power plant online in 10 years. Some analysts suggest that the government is in a hurry to proceed with nuclear development and does not...