In The News

Alistair Burnett May 10, 2011
With differing levels of enthusiasm among members, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization mounts military operations to end the Libyan government’s attacks on civilians. This two-part series analyzes the NATO mission and members’ commitment to the alliance’s future. In the first article, Alistair Burnett, of BBC News, describes the alliance’s intervention in Libya as half-hearted. Of 28 NATO...
Daniel Michaels May 9, 2011
Money does not necessarily guarantee safety or efficiency, and Europe is trying to reduce airline industry costs by eliminating national boundaries and bureaucracy in air-traffic control. Iceland’s 2010 volcanic eruption, spewing ash into the sky, demonstrated haphazard rules and need for coordination. “The battle for Europe's skies – which directly affects every traveler, economy and air...
Nayan Chanda May 9, 2011
European unity is being tested by global recession, fierce international competition and the politics of impatience. Voters in the strongest EU economies are increasingly less keen on bailing out fellow members, like Greece, for economic mismanagement. Right-wing parties with isolationist, anti-immigration and protectionist platforms are gaining traction in Finland, Sweden, Austria, the...
Bruce Stokes May 2, 2011
To encourage growth, governments borrowed to finance infrastructure and current expenditures, and anticipated revenues to eventually cover the costs. Low interest rates led to surging debt, investment bubbles and unrealistic growth projections rather than a sustainable economy with jobs and tax revenues. This two-part series analyzes the impending crisis for advanced economies. Europe had hoped...
Aya Bach May 2, 2011
As Ai Weiwei prepared to open a Berlin show of his work, Chinese authorities detained the celebrated artist in a bid to limit damage his criticism might cause abroad. The censorship immediately triggered international censures and debate about effective methods – gentle education or intense pressure – for achieving human rights in China, explains Aya Bach for Deutsche Welle. Ironically, Ai was...
Jörg Himmelreich April 26, 2011
NATO’s attacks on Libya since mid-March, designed to protect citizens, so far deliver neither quick relief from the fighting nor end of the Gaddafi regime. NATO was divided going into Libya and is just as divided a month later. By encouraging Europe to take the lead in Libya, the US exposed European security weaknesses. Alliance members lack a sense of purpose, instead pursuing national or even...
Alexandra Topping April 20, 2011
As China’s economy continues to grow, wealthy Chinese develop a new taste for luxury goods from around the world, including fine wines and French vineyards. Chinese investors increasingly make inquiries about purchasing centuries-old vineyards, and a few properties have been conveyed. Investors typically retain the local staff, though some critics express fear that newcomers won’t produce high-...