In The News

US Secret Service Wants Sarcasm-Detection Tool for Twitter

Sophie Curtis June 23, 2014
Understanding the tone and trends of social media is essential in the modern world. The US Secret Service monitors the short, fast messages in search of security targets and has put out a request for proposals on a software system that can analyze social-media data with the ability to "detect sarcasm and false positives," reports Sophie Curtis for the Telegraph. “As well as detecting...

As Latin American Economic Growth Slows, Regional Economies Are at a Crossroads

Mimi Whitefield June 20, 2014
Latin America had a long spell of economic growth, 5.9 percent, and a so-called “golden decade” due to bubbles, loose credit and a commodity boom that peaked in 2010. Latin American growth was analyzed at the University of Miami Latin America Symposium, covered by Mimi Whitefield for the Miami Herald. Since 2010, the region’s growth has tapered. Governments now face challenges to maintain...

The Potential Downside of Natural Gas

Matthew L. Wald June 20, 2014
The natural gas industry suggests that reliance on its fossil fuel rather than coal will reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but the effects are difficult to quantify. A US plan to control carbon emissions at power plants centers on that promise. Natural gas produces fewer emissions than coal, but may not be superior to nuclear energy. Two consequences of replacing nuclear power with natural gas:...

Colombia Polls Give President Santos “Mandate for Peace”

June 16, 2014
Reelected for a second term Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos claims to have a mandate for wrapping up a peace process with FARC after five deades of war. Santos’ opponent Oscar Ivan Zuluaga criticized methods of peace negotiations and failure to levy sanctions against rebel groups. The opponent promised stricter conditions on the peace talks, threatening to break them off unless the rebels...

Obama’s Disciplined Leadership Is Right for Today

Fareed Zakaria June 13, 2014
US opposition parties often blast the president for “weakness” in foreign policy. No understanding of faraway places, complex history or intricate relationships is required. In a stable period, diplomacy is more essential than a fast finger on the trigger. “In this context, what is needed from Washington is not a heroic exertion of American military power but rather a sustained effort to engage...

Obama's Climate Plan Is Already Working — in China

Ryan Cooper June 11, 2014
The United States, considered a global leader on many issues, has long shied away from a climate change policy and reduction of carbon emissions. Now US President Barack Obama’s announced plans for new regulations on power plant emissions, reducing levels by 30 percent by 2030, and the new plan could inspire other countries to “take action of their own accord,” argues Ryan Cooper of The Week....

US Alarm at the Growing Number of Illegal Child Migrants

June 10, 2014
US President Barack Obama described the increasing number of unaccompanied children migrating to the United States as an “urgent humanitarian situation.” Most come from Central America and Mexico, and many are escaping domestic abuse, poverty or violent gangs who prey on them. However, children are unaware of the dangers of traveling alone, including sexual assault, forced labor and hunger. Since...