In The News

Globalization Spawns Port Situation

Douglas Birch February 23, 2006
Controversy surrounding a plan to transfer management of six US ports from a British company to Dubai Ports Worldwide reveals the complexities of US-Arab relations. Dubai belongs to the United Arab Emirates, not known for radical Islamic politics. In fact, the UAE is a key Arab ally of the US, with US Navy ships frequently moving in and out of its ports. The al Dafrah Air Base facilitates US...

American Ports in a Storm

Thomas L. Friedman February 23, 2006
New York Times foreign affairs columnist Thomas L. Friedman criticizes politicians in Washington for their opposition to a proposal to turn management of six US ports over to a state-run Dubai company. In an interview with YaleGlobal editor Nayan Chanda, Friedman argues that a far greater danger than any perceived threat to US security is thinking that holds it untenable for the US to cooperate...

An Interview with Thomas L. Friedman

February 23, 2006
New York Times foreign affairs columnist and author Thomas L. Friedman talks about the next edition and updates to his bestselling book, "The World Is Flat," with Nayan Chanda, editor of YaleGlobal Online. A full transcript of their conversation follows.

Iran Plays Growing Role in Iraq, Complicating Bush’s Strategy

Jay Solomon February 16, 2006
When the Bush administration pressed for war in Iraq, the ideal scenario for reconstruction did not include significant influence from Iran. Iran’s influence is strongest on Iraq’s political arena, but extends to other realms of Iraqi life as well. While the ruling Shiite-dominated coalition has nominated a prime minister with strong links to Tehran, Iranian businessmen are principal investors...

Enlightened Independence

Arundhati Ghose February 15, 2006
On February 4, 27 out of 35 governing members of the IAEA expressed discontent over Iran’s emerging nuclear program. Rather than immediately referring Iran to the UN Security Council, however, the members passed a resolution that the author calls a “reporting procedure.” The work to contain Iran will be continued under the auspices of the IAEA, with no call for direct action from the Security...

Let's admit to a growing Islamist problem

Michael Young February 13, 2006
Governments often blame riots and violence – such as those that erupted throughout the Middle East after a Danish newspaper published cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed – on a few infiltrators from outside the country. Expressing helplessness, authorities suggest that small radical groups can quickly disrupt diverse communities who would otherwise live together in relative stability. In Lebanon,...

SHIN Deal: Is National Security Compromised?

February 9, 2006
In a move that reportedly skirts laws concerning foreign ownership of assets designated strategic or sensitive, Singapore’s state investment arm has acquired a near-majority stake in a Thai telecommunications conglomerate. The deal between Temasek and Shin Corp. has raised alarm in Thailand over privacy and security, especially since Temasek’s investment gives it indirect control over a...