In The News

The Great Reverse – Part II

Marvin Ott September 6, 2004
As the rise of China alters the geopolitical landscape, countries in both hemispheres must devise foreign policy accordingly. In the second of a three-part series on the changing power balance, National War College professor Marvin Ott writes that while Chinese military and economic capabilities are evident, its intentions remain ambiguous. Experts fear that China - despite claims to the...

Polls a test for Iraq policy

Roger Maynard August 30, 2004
On October 9, Australians will hold their federal election. The outcome will be the first real test of public support for Canberra's decision to back the US over Iraq. It may also prove a harbinger for the outcome of upcoming elections in the US and Britain. Australian Prime Minister John Howard’s decision to join the Washington’s ‘coalition of the willing’ has been a divisive issue in...

Countdown in Khartoum

Gamal Nkrumah August 27, 2004
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan, has rendered 1.5 million people homeless and claimed 50,000 lives. Tensions between the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) threaten to destabilize the region, with costly consequences for Sudan’s neighbors, and the world at large. Efforts to secure peace have involved diplomats from neighboring Egypt and...

Jakarta-Singapore Ties: Time Right for a Fresh Start

Hendropriyono August 26, 2004
In the past, Singapore and Indonesia have not always been the best of neighbors. However, it is time to face the common threat of maritime terrorism, says Indonesian intelligence official Hendropriyono. Despite recent diplomatic blunders and economic friction, the two countries have also enjoyed mutual support and cooperation. Singapore has been the fourth-largest investor in Indonesia for five...

Koizumi May Reopen Territory Row with Russia

David Pilling August 25, 2004
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi may aggravate an ongoing territorial dispute with Russia. Mr. Koizumi indicated his intention to "inspect" four islands, the sovereignty of which has been contested since World War II. With Japanese business interests in Russian fuel pipelines and possible infrastructural investments in Siberia, this is a crucial juncture for Russo-Japanese...

Bill Punishes Cuba Travelers

Lesley Clark August 25, 2004
Competition continues in the effort to attract the coveted Cuban-American vote in November's US presidential election. Republican Congressman David Rivera has proposed a ''Travel and Commerce with Terrorist Nations Act,” which would cut off government aid to Florida residents traveling to Cuba. Rivera explained that his proposal is a result of the concerns of his Florida...

A Little Red Dot and Tension Across the Taiwan Strait

Lee Hsien Loong August 23, 2004
During his first National Day Rally speech, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced and expounded upon the continuance of Singapore’s “One China” policy in the wake of his non-official visit to Taiwan. Tracing the root of the policy back to Singapore’s independence in 1965, Lee emphasized his nation’s desire for good relations with both Taiwan and the mainland. At the same time, he...