In The News

From New York to Melbourne, Protest Against War on Iraq

Robert D. McFadden February 16, 2003
In what may be the largest, most diverse worldwide peace protest since the Vietnam War, millions of people protested against a war on Iraq. The demonstrations were largely peaceful worldwide, with very few problems reported. Under the umbrella organization United for Peace and Justice, protests were coordinated worldwide in many major cities, showing the extent to which the world has become...

Arab Press Welcomes NATO Split

February 12, 2003
Newspapers around the Arab world are joyful at the split that has occurred between the US and its NATO allies Germany, Belgium, and France. The three countries have stated their opposition to protecting Turkey, a fellow NATO member, arguing that to promise it even defensive support would mean encouraging a US-led war on Iraq. Interpreting the three countries' move as support of Arab...

Reform Begins At Home

Rasha Saad February 11, 2003
In the past few weeks, Saudi Arabia’s leaders have allowed officials from Human Rights Watch to visit their country, encouraged popular participation and tolerance, and signaled a willingness to pursue a more moderate state. But, as this article explains, both domestically and internationally Saudi Arabia is attempting a delicate balancing act and faces an uncertain political future. – YaleGlobal

Magazines Take China Plunge in Search of Growth

February 7, 2003
With global advertising sales down and China’s economy up, several big US magazines have entered the Chinese market. Undaunted by the prospects of government censorship, Newsweek, Harvard Business Review, and Forbes are following in the footsteps of Time and Fortune, which currently publish or have published Chinese-language editions. In a nod to government censors' concerns, however,...

Germans Export Soccer to Asia

February 7, 2003
After the success of the 2002 World Cup put China, Japan, and South Korea on the world soccer map, several German teams have begun to look to the region to recruit new players. Since signing three major Asian stars, German teams have seen their popularity rise in Asia, where twice as many people play soccer as in Europe. – YaleGlobal

Filmmakers Seek Protection from U.S. Dominance

Alan Riding February 5, 2003
The World Trade Organization has begun a new round of negotiations on trade in services, and European filmmakers, fearful of foreign media giants intruding further into domestic industries, are hosting a cultural convention at the Louvre to campaign for continued cultural protection. Although cultural products are currently exempt from the regulations of the WTO, American and other international...

Number of Hong Kong Emigrants Hit 22-Year Low Last Year

February 4, 2003
The shrinking of economies in Western countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Australia, has led to Hong Kong emigration figures tapering off in the past eight years. The better life once guaranteed by immigration has been slowly changing. If anything, China’s own entry into the globalization arena has seen its economy expand much faster, thereby attracting some of those...