In The News

Iran’s Nuclear Smuggling Legacy: Finders Keepers?

Leonard S. Spector November 18, 2014
November 24 is the deadline for Iran concluding a deal to limit its suspect nuclear program. “A final agreement is expected, among its key provisions, to authorize Iran to operate a small enrichment facility and to provide the IAEA-enhanced inspection rights in that country,” notes Leonard S. Spector, based at the James Martin Center of Nonproliferation Studies. “Since illicitly acquired goods...

Central Asia Hurting as Russia’s Ruble Sinks

David Trilling and Timur Toktonaliev November 6, 2014
As Russia’s ruble declines in response to western imposed sanctions, Central Asian countries face rising inflation. The economies of countries like Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan rely on remittances from workers in Russia, notes an article originally published by EurasiaNet. As the value of these remittances decreases, prices of imports skyrocket, often by double digits. Turkmenistan,...

Saving Languages Through Korean Soap Operas

Rose Eveleth October 6, 2014
About half of the world’s languages are at risk of falling into disuse in the near future. This rapid disappearance of languages is attributed to globalization, which has granted languages like English a special status of utility that rare languages do not share. Translators from entities like the Living Tongues Institute seeking to preserve endangered languages are working with “Viki,” a website...

War Against the Islamic State

Talmiz Ahmad October 1, 2014
The differences between Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran seem small compared with barbaric plans for the region by Islamic State terrorists. Fast-spreading violence and a growing refugee crisis compel a coordinated response from Iran and Saudi Arabia to defend the region, argues Talmiz Ahmad, former Indian ambassador to Saudi Arabia and other nations in the region, for the Hindu. He calls for...

Russia: Friction With the West, New Ties With the East

Laurence Neville September 23, 2014
After stalled reforms, intervention in Ukraine and an alleged role in shooting down a Malaysian passenger jet, Russia has lost international goodwill. So like the United States, Russia is conducting its own pivot to Asia: “Rather than retreating from globalization, Russia, some think, is instead redefining it. Russia is choosing to look east rather than west,” suggests Laurence Neville for Global...

Afghanistan Has New President; Vote Totals Kept Secret

Daniel Politi September 23, 2014
Afghanistan has concluded its first peaceful transfer of power, though the process with elections in April and June was possibly riddled with fraud and long-drawn with months of negotiations and costly recounts overseen by the United Nations. The outcome will lead to a new form of governance for Afghanistan as two finalists share power: Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai will serve as president, and opponent...

Silk Road Diplomacy – Twists, Turns and Distorted History

Tansen Sen September 23, 2014
In foreign policy initiatives, China’s leaders promote an idyllic version of the Silk Road network of land and maritime routes stretching from Europe to Asia’s eastern coast, linking diverse cultures in trade. The goal is to link China’s historic and modern roles in promoting peace and prosperity for Asia. But the history of ancient expeditions is complicated, with goals and practices...