In The News

Sinking States

Patrick Skyes October 30, 2015
As sea levels continue to rise, island states in the Pacific and Indian oceans may soon find their territory submerged. More than 9.5 million people are at risk of climate displacement, and evacuations, described as “population transfer,” are already occurring throughout the Pacific. While international law guarantees individuals the right of asylum, never before have entire countries, such as...

In China’s Alleyways, Underground Banks Move Money

Chuin-Wei Yap October 30, 2015
China’s government restricts movement of funds out of the country, but a network of middlemen charge fees for underground currency exchanges and remittance transfers. “Facing a turbulent stock market and a weakening economy, many Chinese are trying to move money offshore,” reports Chuin-Wei Yap for the Wall Street Journal. “No official data track the underground transfers, but central-bank...

Iran Involvement in Syria Talks Reflects Russia's Growing Influence

Michael Pizzi October 30, 2015
Nations have taken sides in Syria’s civil war: The United States and Saudi Arabia support rebels striving to topple Syria’s ruler, while Russia and Iran support the Assad regime. Since Russia’s entry in September, the rebel forces have been pushed back; Turkey, fearing autonomy for the Kurds, attacks forces that have fought fiercely against Islamic State extremists. Diplomatic talks start today...

China Abandons One-Child Policy

October 29, 2015
Human rights advocates have long blasted China for its strict one-child policy. Confronting an aging population and slowing growth, China’s Communist Party is scrapping a policy crafted to ease poverty and allowing two children per family. “China is trying and complete its transition from a[n] investment-and-export-dependent developing nation to a ‘moderately prosperous society’ with an economy...

However Welcome, Overdue US Climate Plan Falls Short

Sunita Narain and Chandra Bhushan October 29, 2015
The world celebrates emerging US recognition that climate change is a treacherous phenomenon caused by human reliance on coal and other fossil fuels. The United States has prepared an emissions reduction framework to present to the UN climate treaty secretariat at December’s conference in Paris. Still, a report from the Centre for Science and Environment in India is highly critical of the US...

US Sail-By Rattles Beijing's Sovereignty Claims

Minnie Chan and Agencies October 28, 2015
The South China Sea includes some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, and areas of the sea are under dispute. China, one of several claimants, has built up reefs once submerged under high tide, adding airstrips, ports and other infrastructure. A US Navy warship challenged China’s claims by sailing within 12 nautical miles of the disputed Mischief and Subi reefs in the Spratly archipelago....

Islamic Group Blocked From Building “Britain's Biggest Mosque” in London

Andrew Gilligan October 28, 2015
An Islamic group is reported to have lost its appeal for building a mega-mosque in a London neighborhood. The court decision could end a 16-year battle that included protests in support and opposition to the plans. “Tablighi Jamaat is an ultra-conservative and separatist group which believes that Muslims should not integrate into non-Muslim society. Its current UK headquarters, in Dewsbury, West...