In The News

Congress Set to Tighten Scrutiny of Foreign Deals

Greg Hitt July 16, 2007
In the wake of the public backlash against the proposal that would have allowed Dubai Ports World, owned by the government of Dubai, to manage some US ports, the US Congress is expected to pass legislation that will tighten scrutiny of such investment deals. The legislation includes an extended 45-day examination period of companies owned by foreign governments and also requires the Committee on...

China's Diplomatic Gain Is Taiwan's Loss

Edward Cody July 13, 2007
Taiwan and China compete for diplomatic alliances. Taiwan often finds itself on the losing end of the competition, especially as China becomes more integrated in the global political and economic systems. Costa Rica’s decision to create diplomatic relations with China shocked politicians in Taiwan. Analysts expect other Central American countries, such as Nicaragua, to follow Costa Rica’s lead....

Nuclear Friends in Need

Teresita C. Schaffer July 12, 2007
India and the US continue to struggle over how to implement a landmark nuclear pact. Agreed to by leaders in 2006, the deal would allow the US to sell nuclear fuel and technology to India for its civilian program and end India’s status as a “nuclear outlaw,” explains Teresita Schaffer, director of the South Asia Program with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. But some tricky...

Pakistan's Political Monsoon

Graham Usher July 11, 2007
Cyclones and floods battering southern Pakistan contribute to increased political unrest in the nation. The 2007 monsoon season represents the worst disaster for Pakistan since the October 2005 earthquake. In 2005, Pakistanis united to bring relief to victims and President Pervez Musharraf rallied the world for international support. In contrast, the 2007 disaster reveals the divisions throughout...

Canada Heats Up Rhetoric Over Claims to North Pole

Ed Pilkington July 11, 2007
Canada means business when it comes to claiming, protecting and using the Arctic. With climate change gradually melting arctic ice, potentially exposing oil and minerals, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has warned other nations to stay away from the region. Canada is investing in a deepwater port to support eight military ships that will patrol Arctic waters. Canada, Denmark, Russia, the US,...

European Wine Wars: EU Vintners Turn Up Noses at Wine Reform

July 10, 2007
Europe is the world’s largest producer of wines. But in the EU, wine consumption is decreasing, even as inexpensive imports enter the market. About 15 percent of wine produced in the EU goes unconsumed, and the EU invests hundreds of millions of euros to turn unwanted wine into cheap cleaning products. The European Farm Commissioner proposes saving the EU money by paying farmers to destroy vines...

Russia Puts Energy Importers Over a Barrel

Michael Richardson July 10, 2007
Russia, the world’s second largest oil exporter and leading exporter of natural gas, has traditionally targeted most of its sales to Europe. But demand for energy products is rising fast in India and China. Hoping to gain both economically and politically, Russia is poised to sell more energy products to Asia. China is the largest potential market, but Russia also targets Japan, South Korea and...