In The News

First Ever Ruling for Inter-Arab Court

Magda El-Ghitany October 27, 2004
The 22-member Arab League this week handed down a verdict via its business court. Although the judicial body was established in the 1980s, it had remained out of commission until 2003, when the League renewed the court's operations. The inaugural dispute centered on the Tunisian government and a Saudi Arabian company, in which the company sued for damages surrounding the execution of...

The French Dilemma

Dogu Egril October 26, 2004
Amidst the controversy surrounding Turkey’s bid for EU inclusion, France is responsible for the most passionate opposition. Not only does the current government make its position abundantly clear, but most French citizens, regardless of political leanings, are also against Turkey’s inclusion. This opinion piece suggests that the strength of these anti-Turkish sentiments can be attributed to a...

Frustrations in Beijing

October 20, 2004
Because of geopolitical imperatives, Russia and China need each other's economic and political cooperation – all the more so, now that Putin is seeking to boost Russia's global influence in the US-dominated world order. According to this Japan Times editorial, however, recent speculation about a new Beijing-Moscow axis is exaggerated. The two governments sealed their relationship in...

Why Most Arabs Ignore the US Presidential Election

Rami G. Khouri October 20, 2004
As the American public bears down for its presidential election, the frenzy of debate in the US is met with a general lack of interest in the Middle East. On the issues of concern, primarily the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the situation in Iraq, Middle Easterners see little difference between the two main candidates. The gap between American policies and Arab interests is widening, says The...

US Presidential Campaigns and the World – Part II

Alan Bisbort October 20, 2004
Environmentalists all over the world may be aghast at the US lack of concern about global warming, but the American electorate has been left blissfully undisturbed. This year's presidential candidates have been almost entirely silent when it comes to the environment, a politically divisive issue that – contrary to public belief in the United States – remains globally relevant. According to...

Rex Americana

Seema Sirohi October 19, 2004
As the US presidential campaigns come to a close, many Indian Americans support John Kerry because of his strong civil rights message, though those more financially successful favor Bush's tax policies. India itself, despite traditionally leaning toward Democrats, is split down the middle regarding this election. According to this Outlook India analysis, US election results will define...

US Presidential Campaigns and the World – Part I

Kyle Usrey October 18, 2004
The two candidates in the US elections have showed the gulf of difference that exists on many policies. But they seem to share one thing in common: foreign trade is seen as the culprit behind many of the citizens’ economic woes. Kyle Usrey writes that protectionist rhetoric is shortsighted and dangerous to the US economy. Critiques of outsourcing are misplaced in their diagnosis. In fact,...