In The News

Iran to “Reverse Engineer” US Drone

Damien McElroy December 15, 2011
Photos of a US drone, released by Iran, show a relatively intact piece of equipment. Iranian officials claim to have electronically intercepted the aircraft and promise to reverse-engineer the technology and then reproduce it. If necessary, Iran could turn to China for assistance. “The RQ-170 Sentinel drone is one of the most advanced used by the US military and is equipped with technology also...

Why a New York Cheese Buyer Hangs On the Euro's Fate

David Kestenbaum December 7, 2011
Steady currency exchange rates smooth the way for global trade. But the threat of default by Greece, Italy and other European nations has reduced the value of the euro and upset predictability in pricing. Reporting for National Public Radio, David Kestenbaum explains the effect of the euro crisis on a small cheese shop in New York City: “Through his cheese deals, Foster essentially trades in...

Help Wanted: In Unexpected Twist, Some Skilled Jobs Go Begging

Ben Casselman December 6, 2011
Industries are struggling to hire skilled workers for welding, wiring, drill-rigging and machine-work, but such abilities may be vanishing in the United States. “Data show the skills gap doesn't exist in whole industries but in specific jobs, including certain heavy-duty blue-collar ones,” reports Ben Casselman in an article for the Wall Street Journal. The shortages have boosted pay rates...

Plugging the Brain Drain

Huang Shaojie December 5, 2011
A tough stance on immigration in the US could play into China’s hands and keep more talented Chinese workers at home. “The US quota system for skilled worker immigrants provides a maximum of 9800 ‘green cards’ a year to citizens of any one nation,” reports Huang Shaojie of China’s Global Times. More than 100,000 Chinese students study in the US, and of course, the quota system puts the world’s...

Burma in the US-China Great Game – Part I

David I. Steinberg December 5, 2011
The ice-breaking visit of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Naypyidaw ended 50 years of US-Burma estrangement. The Obama administration has signaled desire for US engagement with the pariah regime since 2009, and since March, Burma’s Thein Sein has strived to widen the military regime’s legitimacy both at home and abroad. Hope for reforms is in the air – and this YaleGlobal series analyzes...

Central Banks' Action Hints At US Fears

Geoffrey T. Smith December 2, 2011
The world’s largest central banks, led by the US Federal Reserve, have united to ease the flow of money and bank loans in the global system. The Wall Street Journal’s Geoffrey Smith compares the defensive measures tried in war, pointing out many analysts worry about what comes next and whether the defenses will hold. Perhaps most notable is the support from the US Federal Reserve. US taxpayers...

Brazilian Paves Way for China’s Carmakers

Joe Leahy November 29, 2011
With a burgeoning middle class, the Brazilian automotive market has expanded rapidly, becoming the fourth largest in the world in 2010. In such a fast-growing market, Brazilian consumers have developed no brand loyalty and show no aversion to foreign models, explains Joe Leahy of the Financial Times. So taking advantage of a market opportunity, Chinese car manufacturers like JAC Motors are...