In The News

Theologians Battle Female Circumcision

Amira El Ahl December 19, 2006
The World Health Organization estimates that up to 140 million women worldwide are circumcised, most living in Africa, with some also in Asia and the Middle East. Some cultures – mostly in Africa, but also in Asia – have embraced female circumcision for thousands of years, expecting it to decrease sexual desire in women. The practice is common in Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia, but not in Iraq,...

Seeking Iran Intelligence, U.S. Tries Google

Dafna Linzer December 15, 2006
With the Central Intelligence Agency busy, the US State Department turned to Google to track individuals linked to Iran’s nuclear development program, collecting names that emerged most often when searching for “Iran” and “nuclear.” Critics question whether a Google search is the best way for tracking down targets for international sanctions that involve limiting their travel and freezing assets...

Washington’s Iraq Dilemma: Why Engaging Iran Is a Good Idea

George Perkovich December 12, 2006
Many states throughout the Middle East have authoritarian leaders, disgruntled citizens, troubled economies – and governments as tenuous as houses made of cards. The report from the Iraq Study Group warns that the war in Iraq could widen into a regional conflict and encourages US policymakers to change tactics by initiating direct engagement with Iran and Syria to gain their cooperation in...

Without International Support, Lebanon May Go Under

Nizar Abdel-Kader December 4, 2006
Dissatisfied with a secular government approved by the West, Hezbollah wants to control the government of Lebanon by having veto power over any decision – and calls such a process a “unity government.” Such demands, combined with thousands taking to the streets of Beirut in protest, sudden resignations of ministers and assassinations, can only lead to political instability and chaos. Some...

China Filling Void Left by West in UN Peacekeeping

Colum Lynch November 27, 2006
Joining the UN in 1971, modern China did not become active in peacekeeping efforts until after the conclusion of the Cold War. But as a rising economic power, China increasingly contributes to more UN peacekeeping efforts, particularly in Africa, a center for Chinese trade deals and foreign investment. The Chinese ambassador to the UN took the lead in criticizing major powers during summer 2006...

Managing Globalization: The Trouble with Water

Daniel Altman November 17, 2006
The United Nations Development Program issued a report this month highlighting the growing problem of access to water and sanitation in poor areas of the world. Water is becoming both costlier and more dangerous for those who can afford it least. The UN report made three proposals: first, that access to water is recognized as a human right. Second, that local governments be held accountable...

Unifying the UN

Shaukat Aziz November 9, 2006
An increasingly interconnected world cannot withstand enormous inequality. An overhaul of the UN system is in order or the international body will be marginalized, warn prime ministers from Pakistan, Mozambique and Norway, who were charged by the UN secretary general to offer recommendations on improving policies in three key areas: sustainable development, response to world crises and...