In The News

Egypt's Islamist Surprise

Mohamed El Dahshan August 21, 2012
Concerns emerged after the Muslim Brotherhood candidate, Mohamed Morsi, prevailed in Egypt’s presidential election – about rigid Islamist ways, rejection of the peace treaty with Israel, distancing with the US and inadequate leadership in general. In less than two months, he has surprised many with a moderate stance while neutralizing the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which has controlled...

US Economy – Muscular or Obese?

David Dapice August 16, 2012
The US, with great potential for economic growth, still could rescue the dragging global economy – the country’s energy development, agricultural output, steady labor force, and education programs all offer promise. But the US has immediate challenges, argues economist David Dapice, including rising inequality and high youth unemployment rates. Young workers often bring innovations to workplaces...

Beijing Unflustered by Cool Ties With Seoul

Scott W. Harold August 14, 2012
China displays keen indifference to improving relations with South Korea. South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has set up a chat-room to solicit public input on improving ties, but Scott W. Harold, China specialist for the RAND Corporation, is pessimistic about new foreign-policy approaches. He lists wide policy differences. South Korea hopes for eventual reunification with North...

How Weibo Is Changing China

Mary Kay Magistad August 9, 2012
Weibo, China’s microblog that’s celebrating its third anniversary this month, offers a national platform for ordinary citizens to hold the powerful to account. In an instant, an ordinary citizen can launch a public debate or shame government and corporate officials by posting photos, videos, comments and messages. Weibo has some 350 million users, and China's leaders are torn between...

7 Reasons to Expect US Manufacturing Resurgence

Farok J. Contractor August 7, 2012
The US may be a service economy, but it’s still the world’s largest manufacturer. There are many reasons to remain bullish on US manufacturing and the American worker, suggests Farok Contractor, professor of management and global business at Rutgers Business School. US firms invest in high-tech equipment, and the US worker is tops in adding value per hour on products. Recent economic difficulties...

South China Sea: New Arena of Sino-Indian Rivalry

Harsh V. Pant August 2, 2012
A worrisome tussle is underway over the South China Sea. China is preparing to auction off two sections that are widely recognized to fall within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone, 200 nautical miles offshore, even after Hanoi turned the exploration rights over to India. The discord between China and India is not limited to maritime border and exploration rights, argues Harsh V. Pant of King’s...

Is Partition a Solution for Syria?

Dilip Hiro July 31, 2012
The roots of Syria’s intractable civil war rest in sectarian differences and a legacy of colonialism that divided a region’s people, favoring a few elites and suppressing dissenters. Today, the violence continues unabated. The bitter feud that divides Syria’s minority Alawites and Christians and the majority Sunni has similarities to the Hindu-Muslim division in British India. Author and South...