Globalization and FIFA World Cup 2006®

From loss of productivity in Australia to imported turf, the international sporting event that comes around every four years has direct and indirect economic consequences worldwide. Corruption and bribery scandals also show that FIFA officials may have manipulated...

‘Noah’s Ark’ for Seeds Launched

In case of extinction, a “doomsday vault” for three million seeds will be built on Svalbard, a very cold island about 966 kilometres (604 miles) south of the North Pole. The seed vault will be guarded by polar bears. Five Nordic prime ministers attended...

Hugo Chávez Helps Needy Americans

Hugo Chávez offers poor Americans free eye care, bus passes and discounted heating oil. (Photo: UNDPI) Hugo Chávez, the irascible president of Venezuela, is sticking it to the Bush administration in a big way by offering free eye surgery, bus passes and heating oil...

For Bolivia, Socialism Is a Coca-Leaf Cake

What would you give Fidel Castro for his 80th birthday? “A cake made from coca leaves,” said Bolivian President Evo Morales who wants to be just like “Che” Guevara. Mr. Castro, who used to speak at Wagnerian length with a stogie in hand, is an...

Timor-Leste: Trouble in Paradise

This paradise could go up in flames again without long-term international help. (Photo: Courtesy Timor-Leste Tourism Ministry) East Timor is another lesson for the United Nations as well as Australia that stability and democracy do not develop overnight — even...