From Athens to Tehran, powerful countries make the rules and break the rules. Everyone else just squeezes the best deal they can — for now, anyway.
The Sins of Poland’s Solidarity Came Back to Haunt It
Deficiencies in dealing with parliament and the judicial and education systems hobbled Solidarity and Poland.
Smashing the Austerity Idols
Greece and Germany don’t belong on the same continent, let alone in the same currency union.
German Kettle Calls Greek Pot Black
The German government has forgotten how much debt forgiveness contributed to its post-World War II economic success.
Are Foreign NGOs Rebuilding Haiti Or Just Cashing In?
Haiti plays host to over 10,000 NGOs, whose foreign workers make up an affluent class of their own.
Ripped From Hillary’s Emails: French Plot to Overthrow Gaddafi and Help Itself to Libya’s Oil
French intelligence plotted to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi to horn in on Libya’s oil and to provide access for French businesses.
While Saudi Arabia Goes to War Abroad, It’s Simmering at Home
To hear Saudi leaders tell it, the kingdom is under constant threat from Iran. But graver threats of their own making lurk at home.
Why Greece Won’t Take a Deal
Half of young Greeks are unemployed, and over 40 percent live in poverty. Is default really worse than letting Europe squeeze the country dry?
Lawmakers Are Using Trade Rules to Blacklist Critics of Israel
Legislation to fast track new trade pacts specifically targets supporters of the BDS movement against the Israeli occupation.
Slavery, Genocide, Abuse: The Dark Side of Asia’s ‘Tiger Economies’
From declining worker protections to violent labor trafficking and ethnic cleansing, the dark underbelly of Southeast Asia’s “tiger economies” is on full display this year.