In The News

Even Statelessness Goes Better With Coke. Or Does It?

Marc Lacey July 19, 2006
In 2004, local investors – carefully chosen to represent the various clans of Somalia – opened a Coca-Cola bottling plant in the capital city of Mogadishu. Since then, Islamic militias have taken control of the government, and Somalia’s investment scene has changed substantially for those who want to sell an American brand of soda. The militias brought unprecedented levels of security, greatly...

A Conflict That Will Stay Close to Home

Edward M. Luttwak July 18, 2006
The heated missile exchange between Israel and Hezbollah factions in southern Lebanon is influenced by Syria and Iran, both openly supportive of Islamist agendas to obliterate the Zionist state, according to political analyst Edward M. Luttwak. However, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has reasons to step gingerly, as his precarious reign depends on the loyalty of the small Alawite religious...

Options for US Limited as Mideast Crises Spread

Robin Wright July 18, 2006
Three crises have been building in the Middle East, and Iran is behind each, according to author Robin Wright. The Islamic Republic has supported Hamas and Hezbollah, and both are currently escalating violence with Israel. Iran also lends support to the Shiite militias that move Iraq toward all-out civil war. Iran has also refused to respond to a package of incentives offered by the US and allies...

North Korea’s Missiles Backfire

Shim Jae Hoon July 18, 2006
North Korea’s missile launches in early July, despite repeated pleas by all, enraged an international community worried about a growing threat to global security. The launches even provoked North Korea’s longtime allies, China and Russia, prompting both parties to sign on to the UN resolution calling for sanctions. South Korea, which favored negotiations and reconciliation with the North, now...

Written Again in British Blood

Ben Macintyre July 17, 2006
The UK has 3,300 troops in the Afghan province of Helmand, with increasing casualties, and thus author Ben Macintyre suggests that the British engagement in Afghanistan is settling into the pattern of what he calls a fourth Anglo-Afghan war. The deep history of conflict between the two countries, combined with the ongoing, organic nature of historical storylines in Afghan culture, combine to...

The Fighters and the Freeloaders

Sebastian Mallaby July 17, 2006
Hezbollah’s attacks have focused on Israel, but growing extremism combined with North Korea’s missile tests and Iran’s nuclear-weapon program threaten many countries. Israel’s bombing campaign in response to Hezbollah could foreshadow a major war. Unfortunately, nations lack diplomatic options to negotiate with extremists who thrive in failed states. To avoid major conflicts, powerful nations...

Nasrallah Has Dismissed International Law

Chibli Mallat July 14, 2006
By conducting operations over the Lebanese-Israeli border, Hezbollah has violated international law, transforming domestic division into international conflict. To prevent violence in the Middle East from escalating to another level, strong and steady leadership is needed from several parties: The Lebanese government must insist on going through the channels of the United Nations to bring about...