Tools of globalization like the internet, so often blamed for homogenizing the world, are also encouraging diverse lingual communities to connect and even revitalize their endangered languages. “Linguists estimate that of the world’s remaining 6,500 languages, up to half will no longer be in...
Disappearing voices: Gyani Maiyi Sen, 75, remains one of the world's last Kusunda speakers, top; Boa Sr., the last known Bo language speaker died in Andamans at 85 (Photo of Boa by Anvita Abbi)
NEW YORK: No one should be too surprised to overhear an...
Global challenges – including North Korea’s nuclear ambitions or climate change – require global leadership and partners. US citizens express less confidence in their government to lead global partnerships, with near 70 percent suggesting that the country is less respected by others, according to...
Plunging influence, rising anger: US President Donald Trump has succeeded in alienating many citizens of the world, but remains a favorite of the Israelis.
WASHINGTON: As the Trump administration embarks on a new course in foreign policy within its...
A US national intelligence estimate – a consensus of 16 intelligence agencies – recently concluded that Iran discontinued its nuclear-weapons program due to “international pressure.” Author and Middle East analyst Dilip Hiro examines the chronology of events and argues that Iran started and ended...
Once in charge: The 2003 US invasion of Iraq not only ended Saddam Hussein's rule, but probably also the Iranian quest for nuclear weapons
LONDON: Contrary to the claim by Washington’s latest National Intelligence...
Some blame for the violence pervading war-torn Iraq rests in the hands of its neighbors, Iraqi officials claim. By facilitating or simply turning a blind eye to the religious militants who infiltrate Iraq in order to attack coalition and Iraqi forces, neighboring countries are undermining...
Leaders of the newly formed Iraqi interim government have stepped up criticism of their neighbours, accusing them of doing too little to help restore security and peace in their war-torn country. They even accused some...
The Trump administration announced a plan to impose tariffs: 25 percent for steel imports and 10 percent for aluminum. There are many unknowns including exemptions for allies and close trading partners or certain products. The plan relies on Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and World...
International trade was already in retreat before the Covid-19. The pandemic will test cross-border supply chains, alliances, investments, travel and other connections. Douglas Irwin, writing for the Peterson Institute for International Economics, warns that protectionist steps to limit trade will...
Fiction has the power to deliver insights into complex social challenges, and in the words of China’s President Xi Jinping, “Great works have such a great power to move readers.” Xi is an avid reader, reports the People's Daily, and Victor Hugo is among his favorite authors. The French poet,...
Victor Hugo and the China divide: While a song from the Broadway adaptation of Les Misérables inspires Hong Kong protesters, Hugo's Hunchback of Notre Dame attracts Beijing theatergoers
IRVINE: Despite worldwide popularity for a Frenchman who died...
The European Commission wants the world’s top tech companies – Amazon, Facebook, Google and others to follow the lead of financial services firms by sharing data with small firms. The commission released a “European Strategy for Data,” and proposes compulsory data-sharing in areas with market...
