In The News

China Evacuates Citizens From Yemen

James T. Areddy April 1, 2015
With civil war expanding in Yemen, China quickly evacuated 600 people, most by a navy frigate. A few Chinese chose to remain in Yemen and China diverted missile frigates and a helicopter-equipped supply ship engaged in anti-piracy patrols along the African coast to the area, reports the Ministry of Defense. In a separate military matter, China reported that its air force completed its first drill...

The Curse of Chávez’s Ghost

María Elena Candia March 27, 2015
In the wake of the abrupt drop in global oil prices, Venezuelans have experienced a shortage of food, paper goods and medicines. The Maduro administration makes no effort on economic reforms and instead blames the United States for its heavy dependence on oil revenues and other economic troubles. “There is still no commitment from the government to hike the cost of gasoline, which is heavily...

Does Destroying Ivory Really Save Elephants?

Mwangi Kimenyi March 26, 2015
Africa’s elephant and rhino populations have declined precipitously as the continent’s illegal ivory and rhino horn trade expands out of control. Despite the international ban on the ivory trade in 1989, African governments have failed to address the poaching. In an effort to disrupt the illegal ivory market, African governments’ anti-poaching teams regularly burn intercepted stocks of ivory....

“Big Brother” Technology Comes to Australia's Shops

Nina Hendy March 23, 2015
Most shoppers realize that retailers analyze internet traffic to study consumer habits. But free wireless in retail stores, restaurants and hotels could also turn consumer phones into tracking devices. “Retailers and other businesses with high foot traffic - such as pubs, cafes and restaurants - are increasingly offering free access to wi-fi networks and asking consumers to grant access to their...

Anchor, With Prudence

Nayan Chanda March 20, 2015
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the island nations of Sri Lanka, Mauritius and the Seychelles demonstrates India’s renewed interest in reclaiming influence over the broad Indian Ocean region. “Modi’s initiative is indeed a first and long overdue push-back against the notion of China’s inexorable ascendancy in the Indian Ocean, but New Delhi is a long way from countering Beijing’s growing...

A Windfall for China as Commodity Prices Plunge

Mark Magnier and Chuin-Wei Yap March 16, 2015
Many analysts argued that China was poised for recession in 2015 but falling commodity prices worldwide could bring respite: “the world's largest importer of natural resources stocks up and saves money in the process,” reports the Wall Street Journal. “By some estimates, China is enjoying annual headline savings of as much as $250 billion from stepped-up purchases of discounted oil, copper...

Saudi Nuclear Deal Raises Stakes for Iran Talks

Jay Solomon and Ahmed Al Omran March 13, 2015
Saudi Arabia, possibly nudged by rival Iran’s negotiations with the US and allies, has signed its own civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with South Korea. This follows similar Saudi agreements with China, France and Argentina. Saudi officials have criticized the US position on the Iranian negotiations, and the US has agreements with allies France and South Korea that prohibit distribution of...