Equatorial Guinea’s Unhealthy Attractions

Sir Mark Thatcher, son of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, has just been arrested on charges of conspiring to overthrow the government of Equatorial Guinea. Equatorial where? “The United States has not posted an ambassador to Equatorial Guinea since...

Venezuela’s Sea of Unhappiness

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has survived a recall referendum and may well serve out the remainder of his term. Global oil prices dropped a bit on the prospect of stability. So all’s well in Venezuela? “Venezuela…is heading in the same direction, toward the same...

Maintaining Singapore’s Miracle

In a single generation, Singapore has leapt from dire poverty to become one of the richest countries on earth. This month Singapore has a new prime minister – only the third in its history. Can the miracle continue? 1 / Very Low / 0 – 10 percent 2 / Low / 10 – 25...

Qatar Punches above its Weight

“Qatar” is no household name. But that is changing. The current round of world trade talks is named for Qatar’s capital, Doha. The Al Jazeera television network is based there; so is the US military’s Middle Eastern command. Why is Qatar suddenly so hot? “…drivers...

What’s the Matter with Pakistan?

The 9/11 Commission Report identified three countries as the top concerns in the war on terror: Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. In theory, nuclear-armed Pakistan has been a US ally for decades. What’s the matter with Pakistan? “It is hard to overstate the...