All Articles
Egypt's Uncertain Democracy
Watching these events unfold, I was pleased to see the protests come out in force (easily the largest in the country’s history), and launch historic change in Egyptian politics. But as footage surfaced of tanks rolling down the streets, I couldn’t help but ask myself: was it the right kind of change?
Ich Bin Ein Hypocrite
Those sweeping speeches, those resolute condemnations of secrecy and surveillance; it was all just pandering to popular anti-Bush opinion.
Egypt's Mexican-Style Coup
The opposition, seeing that the government will fall if they don’t enter into dialogue with it, has steadfastly refused to settle for anything except its total overthrow, which, through their reticence, it would presumably precipitate.
Greener and Greater For Some
Can we really place our faith in empirical data to help combat the rampant environmental injustices that plague our city? Some say no because environmental injustices between neighborhoods are social and economic problems in which science plays no role. But other, emerging voices in the environmental justice conversation have a different perspective.
Old Times There Are Not Forgotten
The federal government should naturally not have favorite states, but in the same vein it should also not brand certain states as adversaries.
Voters-R-Us
It is readily evident that an honest and sound debate cannot occur in Congress when (ultimately, at least) one of the primary effects of a bill is to inject millions of new voters into the electorate.
Let Them Eat Cake
Gitmo has damaged the international perception of the US, and not only because it has questioned our commitment to the rule of law – it has also questioned our courage.
Down Goes the Great Mosque
It is irrefutable that the destruction of the minaret carries great symbolic meaning, but the longer-term ramifications are less clear.
Changing the Cityscape
The Atlantic yards district today is not what it was twenty years ago, one hundred years ago, one thousand years ago. The question begs itself to be asked: why should it remain the same twenty years from now, one hundred years from now, one thousand years from now?
An Inconvenient Choice
The question now is, do we, a country with a per capita GDP 138 times that of the DRC, and a per capita carbon emissions 432 times as high, have a right to expect true environmental cooperation on a global scale?
The Lady is Not For Turning
Though policymakers need to evaluate the relationship between the state and the market in the light of the crisis, they must use the key principles that Thatcher espoused as a guiding light, just tempered by a sense of realism and pragmatism.
Hope and Reform
The American people and the millions currently in the United States vying for citizenship stand to gain from comprehensive immigration reform.
It’s Raining (Rich) Men
Perhaps it is because Singapore is my home, but when people in the United States complain about Saverin leaving for pastures new, sometimes it is tempting to say: “you can have him back!”
Orange Environmentalism
The decision of a group like BCD to adopt another color as the symbol of their movement - which implicitly entails a decision not to wear green - should raise some questions about our accepted notions of environmentalism.
The North Korean crisis: the future of North Korea?
Many Koreans and non-Koreans alike hope for a revolution from the people. However, in order for this to happen, there are two vital actions that must take place: one, the people must be aware of their situation and two, have a means to mobilize.
Egypt's Authoritarian, Redux?
But while America has received handsome payouts for previous bets on regional autocrats, it must be careful on how it moves forward in Egypt. Not all authoritarianism is created equal. Morsi is not Mubarak. And the Egyptian revolution is far from over.
Man at a Crossroads
Yet, this new affair could prove highly embarrassing: if convicted (though that seems unlikely) Sarkozy risks jail. Even if he ends up being acquitted, the long judicial process will likely drag on to be an embarrassment, especially given the despicable behavior of most cadres of his party who have publicly doubted the judge’s independence.
Sir, Yes, Sir
At all cost, the Burmese military needs to maintain peace legitimately; it needs to support the civilian government, and not override it. For the alternative – renewed military crackdowns, political coups, the reversal of reforms – is possibly the grimmest yet.
The Great Green Wall of China
China, with its aspiring renewable energy projects, “green cities”, and reforestation efforts, has shown a willingness to combat climate change while not sacrificing economic growth.