Posted By The Editors 19 Nov 2009
Jim Lehrer interviews Winston Lord, former U.S. ambassador to China and
Xiao Qiang, Chinese human rights activist and professor of journalism.
Qiang says that one of the big differences in the human rights
discussion now, versus twenty years ago, is that the average Chinese
citizen is much more aware of human rights violations and what freedoms
they should expect. Though still heavily censored, Ambassador
Lord says he believes it is the Internet that will have one of the
greatest impacts on the future of human rights in China.
Posted By The Editors 19 Nov 2009
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi
talks about his decision to veto a key law that would enable elections
in Iraq to move forward. He contends that his decision will only
briefly delay the impending election. Al-Hashemi's veto was spurred by
a stipulation in the election law that he felt would misrepresent
exiled Iraqis.
Posted By The Editors 19 Nov 2009
Al Jazeera's Tony Birtley reports on the fragile peace process taking
place in Nepal. Negotiations have been stalled as Maoists come to
terms with the fact that operating as a legitimate unit within the
government may be their only feasible option for moving forward.
Meanwhile, the coalition government is standing firm, refusing to make
concessions to the Maoist opposition.
Posted By The Editors 19 Nov 2009
Russia Today interviews former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.
Kissinger says that since the Obama administration has taken office,
great gains have already been made in the Russia-U.S. relationship. He
further explains that common interests such as curbing arms
proliferation in Iran will bring the two powers even closer. On
Afghanistan, Kissinger says that after deliberations are over he thinks
there will certainly be a troop surge and that he is confident this
will be the right decision.
Posted By The Editors 17 Nov 2009
President Barack Obama held a town hall meeting with Chinese students in Shanghai on his much anticipated trip to China. Though the conditions of the meeting were dictated by Beijing -- students' questions were pre-approved and the audience was a carefully selected batch of China's finest, most obedient, youth -- Obama managed to infuse some of his own message into the interaction. Throughout the exchange he carefully broached subjects such as uncensored Internet access, freedom of religion and political participation. However, it was clear that any remarks the Obama administration had prepared for this encounter were calculated to discuss sensitive topics without overstepping clearly marked boundaries.
Posted By The Editors 17 Nov 2009
The NewsHour's Jim Lehrer speaks with a panel of China experts in light of
President Barack Obama's visit to the nation. Lehrer's
panelists include the Atlantic magazine's James Fallows, professor of
government and China analyst Minxin Pei, and author and historian Niall
Ferguson. The panelists discuss the ways in which China can be a
partner -- albeit a limited one -- as well as a contender for the
United States. In summing up the complex relationship with China that
spans economic, ethical and military dimensions, Ferguson refers to the
developing nation as a "frenemy."
Posted By The Editors 16 Nov 2009
President Barack Obama will wrap up his Asia tour in Seoul, sending a
message to North Korea that he is holding firm on the U.S. relationship
with the South. Talks are expected to focus on the possibility of
opening up free trade between South Korea and the U.S., a sensitive
topic between the two nations in the past. Voice of America's Kurt
Achin reports from Seoul.
Posted By The Editors 16 Nov 2009
President Barack Obama met with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev during an Asia Pacific summit in Singapore. Though in Asia, the leaders took time out to discuss the persisting standstill in nuclear negotiations with Iran. "We are now running out of time," Obama said, referring to Iran's current tacitness. Both leaders say they are prepared hold a tougher line on the matter.
Posted By The Editors 13 Nov 2009
Al-Jazeera's Hashem Ahelbarra reports on the continuing violence on the Saudi-Yemeni border. Citizens on the northern border are caught in the crossfire while the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. With no sign of the conflict in Northern Yemen abetting anytime soon, Saudi Arabia is hoping that a naval blockade will prevent Yemeni rebels from acquiring weapons.
Posted By The Editors 13 Nov 2009
From Ukraine's ongoing payment issues to a new gas pipeline that would circumvent a number of Central-Eastern European countries, Russia continues to use gas as a way to strengthen some relationships and cause fissures in others. As Russia warns Europe that Kiev may have a particularly cold winter, EU citizens are feeling the burden of picking up the tab for their Ukrainian neighbors.
