In The News

Google, CIA Invest in “Future” of Web Monitoring

Noah Shachtman August 19, 2010
Spies have long studied publicly available news reports or cultural events to gather data. Recorded Future is a new firm that tries the same with the internet, explains Noah Shachtman for Wired magazine, by analyzing connections, plotting momentum and trends, and predicting the future while studying websites, blogs or Twitter accounts. Google has joined the Central Intelligence Agency in...

Thailand's Disheartening Aftermath

Pavin Chachavalpongpun August 18, 2010
Throughout the spring, large groups of Thai citizens banded together for protests, risking arrest and injury. After a harsh crackdown in May, the Abhisit government promised reconciliation. But rather than listen and respond to opponents, the leaders control the reconciliation process and work on consolidating their own power, dawdling over election reform and limiting freedom of expression....

US Sounds Alarm at China's Military Buildup

Adam Entous August 18, 2010
With a trade surplus, China steadily builds its military and develops technology to engage in electronic warfare, suggests a US Department of Defense report. China and the US have strong economic ties, but are increasingly at odds over military activities. An article in the Wall Street Journal explains that the US Department of Defense expresses concerns about China’s advantages over Taiwan and...

Pakistan Floods: UN Urges World to Step Up Aid Efforts

Gethin Chamberlain, Saeed Shah, Sam Jones August 16, 2010
Floods continue to batter Pakistan, where 20 million are already homeless. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urges government leaders to hurry relief to the region to avoid additional fatalities, refugees and chaos. “His warning came amid growing fears of social unrest or even a military takeover after the government's shambolic response to the floods,” notes an article in the Guardian, which...

Cluster Bomb Ban Takes Effect

August 16, 2010
In an increasingly connected world, improved security and protection of human rights are jointly pursued through international laws. The Convention on Cluster Munitions became a binding international law on August 1, 2010. The convention – signed by 107 countries and ratified by 37 – bans the use, production and trade of cluster munitions. The US, Israel and Russia – which have used the...

BlackBerry Challenges May Spread as Governments, RIM Collide

Anthony DiPaola, Hugo Miller August 12, 2010
Business people on the go, in need of instant contact and information, appreciate mobile devices and can’t imagine doing without smartphones like the BlackBerry. A major feature of the BlackBerry includes high-level security around communications, with encrypted messages and delivery through protected equipment in Canada and maker Research in Motion. “However, the system also makes it harder for...

Power Game in Asia Trips Nuclear Non-Proliferation

Harsh V. Pant August 12, 2010
The aim of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, in force since 1970, was to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and eventually eliminate them altogether – even among the original five nuclear nations. The goal has been elusive as other nations seek and succeed in acquiring the technology. While the treaty allows for civilian use of nuclear technology, special deals signed for national...