In The News

A Problem for Merkel and Germany

Sebastian Fischer September 7, 2016
State parliament elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania were widely regarded as a referendum on immigration. German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union lost to a right-wing populist party. Alternative for Germany, formed in 2013, initially opposed the euro and eurozone bailouts, later shifting focus to target immigration, refugees and Islam. Merkel’s position as chancellor...

The Battle of the Burkini

Ian Buruma September 6, 2016
French coastal communities went too far with rules targeting Muslim women who visit beaches in the so-called burkini – a bathing suit that covers most of the body but not the face. “A grotesque photograph soon appeared in newspapers around the world of three French policemen, one of them with a machine gun slung across his back, forcing a woman to undress on a beach in Nice,” explains Ian Buruma...

Apple Must Pay Billions for Tax Breaks in Ireland, EU Orders

James Kanter and Mark Scott August 30, 2016
Countries go to great lengths to attract jobs to their shores, and companies do the same to avoid taxes. The European Commission has ordered Apple, the world’s largest company in terms of market value, to pay €13 billion in back taxes and argues that Ireland’s tax incentives extend an unfair advantage. Apple assigned profits of Irish subsidiaries to a “head office” to reduce taxes, report James...

How the Refugee Crisis Became Invisible

Yiannis Baboulias August 26, 2016
Problems that go unresolved for months on end become the new normal, and the media spotlight can fade. Refugees continue to flee fighting and violence in Syria and other countries. Total numbers may be down, with Turkey stemming migrant flows, but infrastructure is strained. Refugees are in limbo – stuck in temporary camps not intended for years on end. “Inside the camps, reports of overcrowding...

We Won't Trigger Article 50 Until After 2017 – and That Means Brexit May Never Happen at All

Denis MacShane August 19, 2016
United Kingdom leaders are in no hurry to trigger action on Article 50 or begin formal negotiations to separate from the European Union. No planning has started. Likewise, other countries will hold back on negotiating new trade deals with the UK until a detailed understanding of separation is reached. “No-one in Europe wants to ‘punish’ Britain but no EU leader dare deny his or her own citizens...

Among Uncertainties After Brexit Vote, Low Growth Is Sure

David Dapice August 18, 2016
British voters elected to leave the European Union, which in turn ushered in new leadership for the United Kingdom. But few are sure of the next step, and British leaders are wise to proceed cautiously before invoking Article 50 of the EU treaty and starting the process of negotiating a separation agreement. If agreement is not reached in two years, membership ends unless both parties approve an...

Brexit Success Hinges on Global Goodwill

Simon Nixon August 17, 2016
British leaders’ cautious approach to Brexit demonstrates the challenges of withdrawing from tightly integrated trade. Analysts anticipate a cost of up to 6 percent of GDP, depending on whether the United Kingdom retains a relationship with the European Union or tries to trade on World Trade Organization terms. A new tariff schedule on WTO terms would require consensus of 160 members including...