“We oppose anyone interfering in Syria’s internal affairs under the pretext of ‘humanitarian’ issues.”
Conflict
China Announces 11.2% Increase in Military Spending
China announced it will increase its military spending by 11.2% this year, further establishing its position as a growing regional power. The figure, which was announced ahead of the start of this year’s National People’s …
Once Under Siege, a Chinese Village Takes to the Polls
This weekend China will see an exercise of democracy in an unlikely place — a village that just months ago had been in a tense standoff with police. Voters in Wukan, a coastal village of 12,000 in Guangdong province, will go to …
Must-Reads from Around the World: March 2, 2012
Treaty Talk – A fiscal compact aimed at capping euro-zone debt was signed by 25 of the 27 European Union states on Friday. The Guardian reports that the new measures will be put to the test immediately, as Spain and the …
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Must-Reads from Around the World: March 1, 2012
The Lady – Exiled Burmese media the Irrawaddy analyzes Aung San Suu Kyi’s prospects for a cabinet post after by-elections on April 1, mooting the health or education portfolios. “Both would be a good fit—she has often …
In Exchange for Food, North Korea Says it Will Halt Nuclear Activities
When Glyn Davies, the the U.S. special representative for North Korean policy, left Beijing last week after two days of talks with North Korean envoys, he would only say their discussions produced “a little bit of progress” but …
Must-Reads from Around the World: February 29, 2012
Weight of History – Following a backbench revolt in the German parliament Monday over the Greek bailout that’s left Angela Merkel’s coalition government weakened, Der Spiegel reports former Chancellor Helmut Kohl has stepped into …
China’s Restive Xinjiang Region Hit by Renewed Violence
Violence erupted Tuesday in the Xinjiang region of northwest China, with at least 10 civilians and two assailants killed in an attack that the state-run Xinhua news service blamed on “rioters.” State media said that a mob armed …
Must-Reads from Around the World: February 28, 2012
Electioneering – The New York Times casts skepticism on revelations Monday that Ukrainian and Russian intelligence services have thwarted an assassination attempt on Vladimir Putin. “The report came less than a week before the …
“The dream of an Iraq governed by elected leaders answerable to the people is rapidly fading away.”
Must-Reads from Around the World: February 24, 2012
Fighting Failure – Foreign Policy‘s Douglas Wissing posts a damning indictment of U.S. strategy in Afghanistan amid continuing violence over the burning of copies of the Koran. “This wave of protest is just the latest example of …