In The News

Pakistan on the Brink

Ahmed Rashid September 19, 2008
The US shotgun marriage with Pakistan, arranged after the 9/11 attacks in order to launch the US “war on terror,” has begun to fall apart, and in the process endangers the very state of Pakistan. The US detoured to Iraq and relied on Pakistan’s military ruler General Pervez Musharraf as an ally to manage the region. He’s gone and during the long period of US neglect, both Afghanistan, original...

Is Mexico the New China?

Rafael Rivero, Sara Miller Llana September 17, 2008
With uncertainty in oil prices and rising labor costs in Asia, Mexico is luring manufacturing jobs away from China. US companies seek manufacturers close to US markets, an attempt to curb transport costs. Chinese workers also demand protections and higher wages. An emphasis on public and worker education also attracts jobs: Mexico has emphasized worker education, which complements value-added...

Pakistan’s Dangerous Double Game

Ron Moreau September 16, 2008
After the 9/11 attacks, planned by Al Qaeda in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, Pakistan and the US linked up as allies in the “war on terror” declared by George Bush. The Taliban have long since scattered, many to the rugged Pakistan-Afghanistan border area, and regrouped in camps. The US alludes to an agreement, possibly made with former President Pervez Musharraf, that allows its troops to cross the...

Russia Takes Control of Turkmen (World?) Gas

M.K. Bhadrakumar August 6, 2008
Russia has signed two agreements on gas in Turkmenistan, ensuring Russian control over gas exports from the region. Russia will pay higher market prices for Turkmen gas, notes M.K. Bhadrakumar in an article for Asia Times, and that could reveal a geopolitical rather than money-making strategy. At the same time, China and Russia concluded negotiations on energy cooperation. “Suffice it to say that...

Beijing Lights Up the Night

Dan Levin June 25, 2008
Money and instantly accessible foreign culture fuel Beijing’s vibrant nightlife, where young Chinese adults express themselves via impressive dance moves and access to exclusive nightclubs. Dance, alcohol and music blind patrons to dire poverty confronting most of China’s population. The increasing inequality on display could shatter national instability. Beijing Olympics organizers, intent on...

China Leader Makes Debut in Great Wall of Facebook

Edward Wong June 4, 2008
In the aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake, amongst the rubble, aid and rescue operations, a Facebook profile of the Chinese leader Wen Jiabao has surfaced. Regardless of the actual identity of the profile creator, its existence suggests unprecedented level approachability. Increasing numbers of politicians, including US presidential candidates, recognize the value of online social networking...

40% of Afghan Aid Returns to Donor Countries, Says Report

Richard Norton-Taylor March 25, 2008
The US and the UK toppled the Taliban regime in Afghanistan in 2001, and NATO forces have battled extremists since. In the six years since, the Western nations have spent more on military endeavors than on health, education or economic initiatives. Wealthy nations have not come though with amounts originally pledged, and a substantial percentage of aid money that did come through went for...