In The News

Islam is Gaining a Foothold in Chiapas

Jens Glusing June 8, 2005
With indigenous Mayans converting to Islam, the Mexican government is anxious about a possible culture clash in traditionally Catholic southern Mexico. Wary neighbors have suspected the Muslim Mayans of everything from basic subversive activity to having ties to al-Qaida. In fact, the converts belong to the moderate Sunni, Murabitun sect, a branch of Islam known not for extremism, but for a...

The Globalization of Absurdity

Richard S. Ehrlich June 6, 2005
Cheaply produced knick-knacks are a feature of tourist traps around the globe. Recently, those in the market for something unusual have been purchasing Osama bin Laden action figures, al-Qaida video games and other products which either glorify or condemn the elusive terrorist, most of which are manufactured by nebulous Chinese firms and shipped worldwide. Many of the products' buyers are...

Nationalism Ignites EU Rebellion

Daniel Williams June 5, 2005
Last week's French and Dutch referendums on the EU constitution are believed to be popular expressions of unease over the pace and nature of European integration. While most Europeans have benefited from 50 years of developments that have brought about a common currency, convenient travel and easier trade, many citizens are anxious about future unification measures that threaten to impinge...

Marching in Europe Will Not End African Poverty

DR Tajudeen June 3, 2005
Sir Bob Geldof, organizer of the 1985 Live Aid concert to benefit famine in Africa will be reviving the event under the moniker "Live 8," in reference to the G-8 summit. Live 8 differs from its predecessor in that it seeks to facilitate action – encouraging demonstrations against poverty in Africa and in favor of free trade, debt write-off and more aid – not simply raise awareness....

Hidden Tiger

N. Chandra Mohan May 24, 2005
Aishwarya Rai is one of Bollywood's most celebrated stars, and her current quest: To land a mainstream crossover film. "Although the buzz is that she is India's best bet to cross over and become an international star like China's Zhang Ziyi," writes Outlook India commentator N. Chandra Mohan, "she is still not quite there." Though India's film industry...

On Advertising: Lenovo Tries to Win the West

Eric Pfanner May 18, 2005
Only a handful of Chinese brand names have achieved global consumer recognition. More often, many view China as a low-cost producer of Western consumer goods. The fact that Western companies essentially place their logos on goods manufactured in China, preventing Chinese companies from developing name recognition, exacerbates this perception. Lenovo, a major Chinese computer company that...

And Now, the News in Latin America's View

Juan Forero May 16, 2005
Supporters of the proposed Latin America Telesur tout it as an "antihegemonic network" – a direct reference to perceived US-based media dominance. Largely supported by Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, the network is slated to cover regional news from a uniquely Latin American perspective. Many critics, however, believe Chávez's intentions to be less about independent journalism...