In The News

Turkey’s Authoritarian Turn

Seyla Benhabib June 6, 2013
Parks are civic gathering places. Plans to turn Istanbul’s Gezi Park and Taksim Square into a shopping mall were weighted with symbolism – galvanizing protests and representing what “seems an effort to erase the face of the old, majestic Istanbul, which has largely disappeared in recent years in favor of shallow, gaudy, stupefied consumerism,” writes Yale professor Seyla Benhabib in an opinion...

Half of EU Members “Oppose China Solar Tariffs”

May 28, 2013
The EU, as China’s biggest trade partner, is divided over imposing tariffs on Chinese solar panels. The UK and Germany, along with other EU member states, are at odds with pro-tariff France and Italy. Tariff supporters argue that Chinese-made solar panels are being sold below cost in Europe, also long regarded a global leader in promoting alternative energies. Germany’s position is curious,...

Europe’s Double Jeopardy

Nayan Chanda May 24, 2013
Reliance on austerity measures could still push Europe into recession. But political leaders are responding to criticism from the International Monetary Fund and others – that austerity failed to deliver economic relief. An end to belt-tightening could improve consumer demand, increasing hiring and government revenues, but an aging population and large numbers of unemployed youth pose challenges...

EU Considers Emissions Fines on Chinese, Indian Airlines

James Kanter, John M. Broder, Neha Thirani Bagri May 22, 2013
Ten airlines from China and India face fines over their refusal to comply with legislation that regulates carbon emitted into European air. According to the New York Times, Chinese carriers may be hit with fines of up to €2.4 million; Indian carriers are facing fines of €30,000. While the fines apply to flights within European airspace, there are plans to expand the coverage to international...

Arctic Council Adds 6 Nations as Observer States, Including China

Steven Lee Myers May 21, 2013
The resource-rich Arctic is attracting international interest, and the Arctic Council has added six nations. Besides traditional nations with territory in the Arctic, new members with observer status include China, India, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, reports the New York Times. A similar application for the European Union as member with observer status was postponed. “With the Arctic ice...

To Arm or Not to Arm? That Is Obama’s Question

Zvi Bar’el May 7, 2013
Weapons last longer than alliances, and the Obama administration is highly cautious about arming even a small segment of Syria’s rebels. It’s happened time and time again that weapons quickly change hands and are used against the original providers. The chief of staff of the Free Syrian Army is pleading for US assistance while trying to build coalitions among fragmented forces resisting the Assad...

Cameron's Rift With China Could Cost UK Billions

Malcolm Moore, James Quinn May 7, 2013
China’s tough reaction to international leaders’ meeting with the Dalai Lama threatens to hit where it hurts – the economy, reports the Telegraph. British Prime Minister David Cameron met privately with the Tibetan spiritual leader in 2012. The Chinese foreign ministry then summoned the British ambassador to China and explained that “meeting with the exiled Tibetan leader had ‘seriously...