Search

Issues concerning the sinking of the Kursk, the Russian nuclear-powered submarine, are discussed. Two explosions were heard coming from the area of the Kursk and the shock waves were recorded 2000 miles away.

Japan and China have begun building an economic relationship, but many within both countries resent the other nation. Many older Chinese who experienced the horrors of the World War II remember Japanese soldiers killing more than 200,000 Chinese soldiers and civilians. In the 1990s, Japan invested billions of dollars in China and Shanghai is home to more than 10,000 Japanese residents.

Investigations of scandals at Japan's Ministry of Finance have revealed a corrupt culture based on overly close ties among businessmen, bureaucrats and politicians. Sordid revelations have compounded the crisis of confidence in financial institutions caused by Japan's recession. Economic reforms to revive Japan's economy are underway, but change will be slow.

Issues concerning the dilemma facing illegal immigrants who are desparate to begin a new life away from conflict are presented. Reference is made to the tragedy in Dover where 58 Chinese people lost their lives. Wealthy countries must deal with the controversial and complex issues of illegal immigration, which has become big business.

This article discusses opium production in Afghanistan, and the relation of the opium trade and the Afghan government, run by the Islamic militia Taliban. Topics include the reliance of the Taliban on earning taxes from opium poppy famers and heroin labs, and its unwillingness to curb opium production.

This article describes how extremist Albanians in Kosovo are now perpetrating atrocities against Serbs and Gypsies, with many of the victims being Serb Orthodox priests. Relevant points include the destruction of Orthodox churches by ethnic Albanians and the suspected role of the Kosovo Liberation Army.

A profile of Osama bin Laden, the person believed to be behind the terrorist attack on New YOrk, United STates, in September 2001, is presented. Particular attention is given to bin Laden's education and charismatic personality.

The world's financial markets in Jul 1998 reacted to Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto's resignation and speculation that Japan may adopt policies that would end its financial difficulties. Financial markets' positive reactions were also based on the assumption that Hashimoto will be succeeded by either Junichiro Koizumi or by two of the Liberal Democratic Party's oldest members.

The Asian economic crisis has resulted in South Korea opening its market to foreign ownership. The government with its new president is allowing this in hopes of bailing out some of the hardest hit businesses. In Dec. of 1997, 1,226 business went bankrupt and the number is likely to grow in 1998. In the meantime, a culture of corruption may be exposed as South Korean companies open internal accounts to foreign banks and investors.

South Korea's president Kim Dae Jung is attempting to solve his country's economic crisis. The nation owes over $15 bil to foreign banks and unemployment increases weekly. Dongsuh Securities Co. Ltd., one of the country's best-known traders, collapsed in Dec 1997, and its workers will have no jobs unless the company is purchased. More than a million workers may have to be fired to meet South Korea's economic targets set by the International Monetary Fund.

Issues discussed concern preparation for the 1999 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in New Zealand. Topics addressed include the unstable Asian economy, the management of APEC, and US-China relations.