In The News

The New Yellow Peril

Oliver Cattaneo October 6, 2004
Responding to public fears about job loss, the French government recently announced new measures to prevent the outsourcing of domestic production. Opponents of offshoring, however, overstate its harmful effects, argues French trade specialist Olivier Cattaneo. For instance, in the United States – where outsourcing has become a potent political issue – the trade surplus in information services...

Turkey: EU Reports Pave Way for Qualified Approval of Entry Talks

Ahto Lobjakas October 4, 2004
For over a decade, Turkey has tried to force the issue of its accession into the European Union (EU) onto the agenda of the European Commission. With the recent release of two draft progress reports, serious discussions seem imminent. While the reports laud the country's social and political reforms, Turkey still fails to meet certain entry requirements. At issue are the country's...

States Pressing for Right to Set Shopping Hours

William Pratt October 1, 2004
Most Americans take for granted that they can stop by their local mini-mart anytime, day or night. Now, some German officials want their citizens to enjoy the same simple convenience – but not on Sundays. The idea of allowing stores to stay open 24 hours a day, six days a week represents one of the latest plans aimed at unlocking the legal padlock on German store owners. This effort, led by the...

A Graphic Film of Protest, and Cries of Blasphemy

Marlise Simons September 27, 2004
The assimilation of Europe's many millions of Muslim immigrants dominates public discourse in the continent today. Many critics of Islam see Muslims as carrying a set of values at odds with the European identity, calling for internal reform within Muslim communities. Even some Muslims also approach the contentious issue from this angle. Ayaan Hirsa Ali, a Somalian-born refugee, now a member...

Running Out of Reasons to Say "No" to Turkey

Philip Robins September 24, 2004
Having inducted ten new members into in May, the European Union (EU) will soon consider Turkey’s case. The EU first granted the candidacy in December 1999, and Turkey immediately set out to meet the accession criteria. In 2002, however, the EU responded to Turkey’s concerted reforms by delaying a decision for two more years. The membership debate commenced within the last six months, leaving the...

Germany Lobbying for UN Seat

September 24, 2004
This past Tuesday, German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer joined his counterparts in Brazil, Japan, and India in announcing their intention to seek permanent UN seats. Germany's case to join the five permanent members on the Security Council seems compelling: According to Fischer, Germany, in addition to providing substantial funding, contributes the second-largest number of troops to UN...

Iran on the Brink

Henry Sokolski September 22, 2004
World leaders continue to debate the most effective way to prevent development of Iran's nuclear arsenal. Henry Sokolski, executive director of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center, argues that the international community must now also address an even more ominous threat of nuclear proliferation throughout the Middle East. This will require instituting - and enforcing - strict rules...