In The News

Wedding Vows Can Lock Danes Out of Their Homeland

Richard Bernstein September 10, 2004
Even if it is love at first sight, beginning a life together in Denmark is a lengthy, maddening ordeal for mixed Danish-foreign couples. New immigration laws which, opponents argue, are the strictest in the European Union, have barred over 1,000 recently married couples from living in the country. Many of these couples have opted to live across the bridge in Malmo, Sweden. This was not the...

Massacre Draws Self-Criticism in Muslim Press

John Kifner September 9, 2004
The recent rash of violence, most notably a Russian school siege, has made terrorist activities a consistent presence in world headlines. In reaction to the latest tragedy, several Arab media members have spoken out ardently against violent Muslim fundamentalism. Remarking that Muslim groups orchestrated the majority of recent attacks, commentators openly condemned terrorist activities as...

First-Class Brand, But Will it Travel?

Ellie Paynter September 7, 2004
Expanding business operations to foreign markets presents many challenges, and in the image-conscious fashion industry, marketing is essential. With the opening of a store in Saudi Arabia, and plans for future locations in Hong Kong and Dubai, luxury store Harvey Nichols has its sights set on international brand recognition. The UK retail group, which allots 40 percent of its budget to public...

Marginal or Mainstream?

Magda El-Ghitany September 3, 2004
Michael Moore’s controversial Fahrenheit 9/11 has suffered setbacks in the Arab world, banning largely due to its anti-Saudi content. To date, only Lebanon, Jordan, and, most recently, Egypt have released the full version of the film. In Cairo and Alexandria, the documentary has had a limited showing, as many theaters are earmarked exclusively for Arabic films. Despite these limitations,...

Asean Body Steps in to Help Budget Airlines

Nande Khin September 1, 2004
Under the Asean Pioneer Project Scheme (APPS), which aims to establish an Asean Economic Community, the Asia-Pacific region will see more economic and social integration. Two projects in the pipeline for the Asean Business Advisory Council (BAC) will ensure that people, goods, and services will travel more quickly and cheaply. The organization is currently negotiating the landing rights for...

English Craze Hits Chinese Language Standards

Goh Sui Noi August 30, 2004
The Chinese school system is placing increasing emphasis on learning English, perhaps to the detriment of Chinese language curriculum. English is mandatory in China starting in the third year of primary school, and proficiency is integral for Chinese applying for jobs in foreign companies. However, many criticize the quality of English education and worry that it is detracting from studies in...

English Craze Hits Chinese Language Standards

Goh Sui Noi August 30, 2004
The Chinese school system is placing increasing emphasis on learning English, perhaps to the detriment of Chinese language curriculum. English is mandatory in China starting in the third year of primary school, and proficiency is integral for Chinese applying for jobs in foreign companies. However, many criticize the quality of English education and worry that it is detracting from studies in...