In The News

The Siren Song of a Two-Speed Europe

Heather Grabbe December 16, 2003
In a caustic critique of France and Germany's proposal to form a 'core Europe', Heather Grabbe, deputy director of the Center for European Reform, argues that such a plan would only damage the dream of an integrated Europe. The economic viability of the European Union is already under threat from Berlin and Paris' refusal to pay fines for economic transgressions earlier this...

Among Arabs, Embarrassment Over the Surrender of a Figure Who Once Defied the West

Neil MacFarquhar December 15, 2003
Across the Arab world, reaction to the capture of Saddam Hussein ranged from joy to frustration, according to this New York Times article. That Saddam was captured with no resistance – despite having weapons at his side – shocked and embarrassed many who had for decades looked to him as a leader of anti-foreign resistance for the region. "He did not fight like his sons; he went like a dog...

Justice for Saddam

Harold Hongju Koh December 15, 2003
The capture of Saddam Hussein on December 13, 2003 marks an historic moment in the US-led effort to re-shape Iraq and the Middle East. To many of his foes and friends alike, Saddam's ignominious surrender to US forces was unexpected. Now, says Harold Koh, Dean-Designate of the Yale Law School, the world must face the question of what to do with this former dictator who chose to go...

Editorial: Window of hope opens for Iraq

December 15, 2003
Saddam Hussein's capture by US forces has taken the world by storm. For Iraqi politics, says this editorial in the United Arab Emirates' Gulf News, the news could not be better. The paper encourages Iraqis to take control of their own political futures and "build a new political momentum looking for peaceful political development." Noting that the Iraqi Governing Council...

European Press Review: Saddam Captured, but Iraqi Problems Still Persist

December 15, 2003
Reacting to the news of Saddam Hussein's capture, newspapers across Western Europe see both hope and continued difficulties ahead. This review of press commentary in Germany, France, the UK, and Spain highlights the problematic future for Iraq and the US. The British Guardian emphasizes the opportunity to hear Saddam's testimony and hopefully settle questions about Iraq's weapons...

Readying for Development

Nevine Khalil December 12, 2003
President Hosni Mubarak traveled from Cairo to Geneva for the first World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) with one message: African, Middle Eastern, and Latin American states must work together to develop their capacities as "IT-savvy" states. President Mubarak envisions a well-integrated system of cooperation, where nations can help each other's development through...

500 to 700 Ground Troops to Be Sent to Iraq

Reiji Yoshida December 9, 2003
In the "most heavily armed overseas mission ever" for Japan's Self Defense Forces (SDF), between 500 and 700 soldiers will be sent to Iraq to support the reconstruction. Japan has recently sustained strong criticism from its allies over its refusal to send troops to Iraq. On the other hand, Japanese law prohibits the SDF from engaging in any activity that is not explicitly for...