In The News

A Question for the Global Community

Rachel Clogg August 14, 2008
As regions gain new freedoms, minority groups with longstanding differences and gripes try to break away from central governments, too often stirring international conflict in the process. Attempting to separate from Georgia, provinces South Ossetia and Abkhazia have fueled tensions between the West and Russia. “For years the Georgian government has failed to engage seriously with the needs and...

War in Georgia: How the Caucasus Erupted

Carmen Eller August 8, 2008
The provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia struggle to break away from Georgia, and build closer links with Russia. Russia issues passports to residents in the provinces seeking independence and has also built a gas pipeline. Spreading conflict underscores ongoing differences between Russia and the US and the struggle to control energy sources. “Russia does not want to lose its influence on...

Maliki Votes for Obama

Charles Krauthammer July 29, 2008
The US underestimated the difficulties of invading Iraq and how long the war would last. Now Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki must prepare to deal with a new US commander in chief. By accepting Obama's campaign goal of removing US troops from Iraq sooner rather than later, Maliki indicates an opinion that the war has been won, with Al Qaeda defeated and Sunni-Shiite conflicts under...

Report Urges Overhaul of the War Powers Law

John M. Broder July 14, 2008
In 1973, toward the end of the Vietnam War, US Congress passed the War Powers Resolution, setting out guidelines for presidents in committing American troops to international conflicts. A yearlong study by a bipartisan group was led by Warren Christopher and James A. Baker III, both former secretaries of state. They conclude that the 1973 law is “ineffective at best and unconstitutional at worst...

Election Season Wild Card: Covert Operations Against Iran, Al-Qaeda

Kevin Whitelaw July 1, 2008
Nearly three decades after the Iran hostage crisis, confrontation with Iran may again make November’s presidential election susceptible to an “October surprise.” Amid reports that US Special Forces are already operating in Iran, the specter of an escalating conflict with Tehran looms over the presidential campaign. Meanwhile, reports that the US military may begin covert operations in Pakistan...

US Election Grabs Intense Interest Overseas

June 12, 2008
A panel of foreign journalists, including YaleGlobal Editor Nayan Chanda, analyze for the News Hour and the Public Broadcasting Service why citizens around the world remain mesmerized by the US presidential election, with presumptive nominees John McCain and Barack Obama. In a transcript of the June 12, 2008, broadcast, Chanda explains that Obama draws tremendous interest, in part, because of the...

Crisis and Response – Part I

Ramesh Thakur May 19, 2008
In today’s connected world, news of human disaster anywhere brings immediate sympathy and offers of international assistance. The recent tragedy to hit Burma is no exception. What’s different is the attitude of the ruling military junta, which declined most assistance, denying entry to relief workers and insisting the country could manage the aftermath on its own. Nothing could show the contrast...