In The News

All at Sea Over Resources in East Asia

Barry Wain August 14, 2007
As Asia celebrates ongoing economic growth, the nations that ring the South China Sea cannot resolve their dispute over geographic features that dot the sea. The waters could cover rich reserves of oil and gas, and more than half the world’s merchant fleet sails across every year. Nations that prove claims to islands and rocks hope to collect those resources. Six countries claim the Spratly...

Tougher Stance on Pakistan Took Months

Karen DeYoung August 7, 2007
The US has long counted on the Pakistan government to combat Al Qaeda, the Taliban and other terrorists in the region. But the US got impatient with Pakistani efforts after intelligence reports suggested that Al Qaeda has “established a safe haven” within Pakistan, along its remote northwestern border. US criticism prompted Pakistan to abandon a truce with tribal leaders in the region and launch...

When Democracy Goes Bad

Gwynne Dyer August 3, 2007
After independence from Pakistan in 1971, Bangladesh was ruled by dictators for 20 years. Even after the advent of democracy in 1991, power alternated between legacy candidates from the previous era. In January 2007, the army took matters into its hands, actively purging politicians accused of corruption. Eliminating corruption is a worthy goal in any country. But military takeovers, such as...

The US and India: Nuclear Bonding

Nayan Chanda August 2, 2007
The leaders of India and the US reached an agreement on civilian nuclear cooperation, marking a major strategic shift in US policy. The deal still requires approval from the US Congress, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the international Nuclear Suppliers Group. The Bush administration has often resisted constraints of international agreements, and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of...

Breastfeeding: A Philippine Battleground

Carlos H. Conde July 18, 2007
Research demonstrates that breastfeeding provides many health benefits for infants. As a result, mothers in developed nations have substantially increased breastfeeding rates since 1990. In search of new customers, pharmaceutical firms that make infant formula target mothers in developing nations, including those in the Philippines. One ad campaign hints that formula’s nutrients can increase...

China Aims for Bigger Share of South Asia's Water Lifeline

Brahma Chellaney July 2, 2007
Asia has less fresh water per capita than any other continent except Antarctica. As the population booms and a growing middle class seeks modern conveniences like washing machines and dishwashers, water becomes a prized commodity and the source of conflict. The latest concern about Asia’s water supplies stems from Chinese plans to build additional dams, redirecting water from the Tibetan plateau...

Worlds Collide in India Over Global Warming

Jo Johnson June 8, 2007
Leaders of industrial nations meeting at the G8 summit have announced plans to open negotiations for global action to slow climate change and involve emerging economies India and China. China and India, with the world’s largest populations, contribute increasing proportions of carbon emissions, which spur global warming. The world has many inequities, both among nations and within, reminds Jo...