In The News

The Arab World Must Participate in Global Affairs and Not Follow

Najla Al Rostamani November 1, 2002
The first conference hosted by the Arab Thought Institute, a new pan-Arab organization founded by a Saudi prince, emphasized both greater intra-regional communication and increased Arab participation in international arenas. Despite the departure of European colonial powers, the West is seen by many Arabs as a constant oppressor of national freedoms. Noting that while some have characterized...

Leftist Brazilian Victor Moves to Calm Nervous Markets

Larry Rohter October 29, 2002
Brazil is suffering a severe economic crisis. In the past year, the value of Brazilian currency has fallen by 30 percent, and the people are hungry and frustrated. Many now look to President-Elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to guide their country out of dire economic straights. da Silva ran a campaign full of populist rhetoric – inspiring to Brazilians, but frightening to foreign investors who...

A Fight Over Farms Ends, Opening Way to Wider Europe

Elaine Sciolino October 25, 2002
One of the most contentious issues for the European Union as it prepares to admit 10 new members are the farm subsidies to the Eastern European economies. The question of who should foot the bill generates the greatest wrangling. Yet, much of the disagreement has suddenly disappeared now that France and Germany have negotiated a scheme in which subsidies to French farmers will be slowly reduced...

Beijing’s $2b Reminder to US Varsities

Jason Leow October 24, 2002
Recent clampdowns on immigration have prevented Chinese students from attending US universities. China Central Television claimed that China leads the world in providing graduate students to the US. Since 2001, however, larger numbers of Chinese students have had their visa applications rejected. A Beijing scholarship center noted that Chinese students contribute close to US$2 billion to...

Debate on Intellectual Property

Steve Lohr October 14, 2002
Based on the economic history of the United States, Taiwan, South Korea, and other nations, the borrowing of ideas – and the making of improvements upon them – is essential to building strong domestic industries. Each of these countries owes a great deal of its economic success today to earlier eras in which foreign patents, copyrights, and trademarks received little or no protection. Now,...

World Court Rules for Cameroon in Prolonged Oil-Land Border Dispute With Nigeria

Marc Lacey October 11, 2002
The World Court has declared Cameroon the rightful owner of the Bakassi peninsula, ending the country's long-standing dispute with Nigeria. Located in the Gulf of Guinea, the Bakassi area is rich in oil and has provided important naval access for Nigeria. Concern that the Nigerian military might balk at the decision worried some observers, but many are encouraged that the presidents of...

World Court Rules for Cameroon in Prolonged Oil-Land Border Dispute With Nigeria

Marc Lacey with Neela Banerjee October 11, 2002
The World Court has declared Cameroon the rightful owner of the Bakassi peninsula, ending the country's long-standing dispute with Nigeria. Located in the Gulf of Guinea, the Bakassi area is rich in oil and has provided important naval access for Nigeria. Concern that the Nigerian military might balk at the decision worried some observers, but many are encouraged that the presidents of...