|
Мировые новости |
|
Asia Times Online
|
News and business analysis from Asia
|
|
-
Pakistan snubs US over Osama informer
Pakistan has rejected an American bid for the release of Shakil Afridi, the doctor who helped the Central Intelligence Agency establish Osama bin Laden's whereabouts in the successful US raid to kill the al-Qaeda leader on Pakistani soil. Branded a "friend" by US lawmakers who want to give him citizenship, and a "national criminal" by the commission probing the incident, Afridi faces a possible trial for treason - and the death penalty. - Amir Mir (Feb 7, '12)
-
Obama switches play on war with Iran
United States President Barack Obama used a prime-time slot before the Super Bowl to show a more serious commitment to engagement in diplomacy with Iran. While that makes good economic sense, it suggests he may be thinking a few moves ahead of the full-pelt sprint towards war - and playing a domestic political game. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi (Feb 7, '12)
-
Gulf crisis ripples across the globe
As United States air and naval forces gather near Iran to protect US oil interests and menace Tehran's nuclear program, security gaps are opening in hotspots ranging from East and Southeast Asia to the AfPak region. While China and North Korea will avoid regional provocations due to domestic pressures, for the Taliban and al-Qaeda it is potentially too good an opportunity to miss. - Brian M Downing (Feb 7, '12)
-
US weighs options as Syrian violence rises
The failure of the United Nations Security Council to pass a resolution calling for regime change in Syria has increased calls in Washington for independent action on the country to influence the course of events on the ground. Such a move would force Syria ever closer toward civil war.
- Samer Araabi (Feb 7, '12)
-
Kidnaps highlight urgent task for China
Fresh from kidnappings in Sudan and Egypt and an unprecedented evacuation from Libya last year, China is increasing confronted by problems over how to protect a growing band of workers abroad. From the Mekong to Africa, cooperation with other nations is possible, but Beijing must also look inward and decide which institution steps in when Chinese nationals are in trouble overseas. - Mathieu Duchatel and Bates Gill (Feb 7, '12)
-
Beijing finds vulnerable ally in Berlin
German Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to China highlights a significant warming of relations as the countries find common ground on issues ranging from the eurozone crisis to Libya. However, China is concerned that an easing of economic troubles will see Berlin and Europe betray Beijing's vision of a multipolar world and return to the high ground over human rights and democracy. - Jian Junbo (Feb 7, '12)
-
Kicking down the world's door
A new era of military planning is being launched to preserve an American planet - fewer troops, fewer full-frontal missions, no full-scale invasions, no more counter-insurgency: that's the order of a newly dawning day in which US might is going "offshore" to face China where the American military position can be strengthened without more giant bases or monster embassies. - Tom Engelhardt (Feb 7, '12)
-
Chinese give boost to illegal ivory trade
A surge in the number of Chinese visitors to Egypt - tourists and expat workers - has given a new lease of life to Egypt's illegal ivory business, with US$50,000 trades on carved ivory items possible during a single bargaining session.- Cam McGrath
-
Confidence in Nabucco fades
Backers of the Nabucco project, with a decision imminent by Azerbaijan on which pipeline to match with the Shah Deniz gas field, are belatedly seeking to take a gas-producing company on board. That may not be enough to rescue the increasingly costly European project. - Vladimir Socor
-
Obama may win on pessimism
President Barack Obama rightly welcomed the decline in US unemployment with caution. Adults are struggling to find work, new jobs require few skills. Still, slow growth and stagnant incomes might be enough for voters to keep him in office. - Peter Morici
-
THE BEAR'S LAIR : The government bubble
The growing US government bubble, pumped up by cheap money, will eventually end with a burst of inflation, falsified statistics, and the Federal Reserve attempting to depress the real value of the government's obligations - until hyperinflation of 100% per year has entered the American experience for the first time. - Martin Hutchinson
|
|
