In The News

Obama Presidency Signals Changes in US-Cuba Policy

Frances Robles November 12, 2008
Currently, Cuban-Americans can travel to Cuba once every three years. They’re also subject to restrictions on how much money they can send to relatives on the island. With the election of Barack Obama, US foreign policy towards Cuba will likely change, though it’s not yet clear to what extent. Obama supports the embargo, but plans to lift travel restrictions to Cuba as well remittance...

Evicted from Coastal Homes

Dave Bull November 10, 2008
Spain’s 1988 "Ley de la costa," forbids homes within 550 yards of the coast, and the government is taking action to enforce the law. Owners may get leases, up to 60 years, to use the property, but can’t resell. Some analysts suggest the government is less forceful with developers and owners of commercial properties. Up to 500,000 homes are threatened, and complicating matters is many...

The World Looks to Obama – Part III

Shada Islam November 10, 2008
Enthusiastic and relieved, Europe joins the impromptu global celebration of Barack Obama’s election as US president, but problems lurk. This YaleGlobal series examines reactions from around the world, and in the third and final article of the series, journalist Shada Islam reports on how Europe anticipates a stronger transatlantic alliance with greater openness, multilateralism and respect. But...

The World Looks to Obama – Part II

Mary Kay Magistad November 7, 2008
For nations around the globe, the US plays various roles – trendsetter, shopper, policeman, inventor and more. For China, the US, as the largest market for Chinese exports, is a valued customer. This YaleGlobal series examines world reactions to Barack Obama’s victory and his likely approach to critical foreign policy issues. In the second article of the series, journalist Mary Kay Magistad...

A Need to Master the Tyranny of the Urgent

Strobe Talbott November 7, 2008
The number of issues awaiting President-elect Barack Obama and his administration lengthens as storm clouds of recession form worldwide. Obama and his team have stressed that quick fixes won't magically erase the many financial problems. Strobe Talbott, former deputy secretary of state under President Clinton, would agree with the Obama camp's cautionary tone, while also stressing that...

Tough Road Ahead

Nayan Chanda November 7, 2008
The US, as the world’s largest economy, is inextricably linked into the global economy. Foreign observers anticipate a new spirit of cooperation emerging from Washington, and Barack Obama, as the next US president, must remind Americans that their ongoing prosperity has been rooted in the nation’s engagement with the world, notes Nayan Chanda, YaleGlobal editor, in his column for Businessworld....

The World Looks to Obama – Part I

Bruce Stokes November 5, 2008
Tackling global challenges is nearly impossible when the world’s sole superpower – the largest economy, the largest user of energy, the most powerful nation technologically – does not pitch in. A YaleGlobal series analyzes foreign reaction to the US election and explores how President-elect Barack Hussein Obama is likely to respond to the global expectations from his presidency. In the first...