Uncategorized

Will the Thai generals who led a coup last week revert the country to democracy or consolidate their absolute control in a police state? To find out, FP spoke with John Brandon of the Asia Foundation about what the coup means for the generals, the Muslim insurgency in the south, and the stability of the region.

Rumors that the world’s most wanted man, Osama bin Laden, died recently of typhoid are likely just that—rumors. But what about the other fugitives keeping him company atop the world’s most wanted list? FP tracks down a few of the world’s notorious outlaws.

The war on terror is a ripe issue for political advertisements, and the spots have never been more partisan—or more terrifying. In this week’s List, FP looks at five recent ads that hope to sway your vote in November, either by inspiring raw fear, stoking your anger, or appealing to your sense of patriotism.

Observers on the right and left have criticized ABC’s docudrama, The Path to 9/11, for inaccuracies in its portrayal of the run-up to the 9/11 terror attacks. American Airlines might even sue the network. But where does a commitment to history end and artistic license begin? To find out, FP spoke with The Path to 9/11 scriptwriter and producer, Cyrus Nowrasteh.

Germany has been eavesdropping on its own citizens for decades. Yet its vast system of surveillance hasn’t helped the country convict terrorists or detect terror plots. Why does the United States think it can do better?

The U.N. General Assembly is where the world talks to—or at—each other. This year, containing Iran, fixing Lebanon, and finding a successor for Kofi Annan top the agenda. As the General Assembly reconvenes this week, FP previews the speeches to watch at the global jamboree.

Five years after the attacks of 9/11, is the United States any safer? To find out, FP spoke with Lee Hamilton, vice chairman of the 9/11 Commission, about whether the U.S. government is prepared for the next attack.

Some political prisoners are cause célèbres; others are little-known figures. But each of the detainees in this week’s List reflects their nations’ stalled progress on human rights. The fate of these individuals will reveal much about whether their countries are committed to the rule of law—or simply paying lip service to reform.

How Pervez Musharraf is endangering himself, Pakistan, and the war on terror.

As millions of students head back to campuses and classrooms, FP sat down with Bob Kerrey, president of New York’s New School, former U.S. senator, and decorated Navy SEAL, to talk about coming of age in the post-9/11 world, whether American students are falling behind, and what kind of world they will inherit.

Disaster tourism isn’t getting sunburned or leaving your travelers checks at home. It’s traversing the globe to gawk at the aftermath of natural and man-made catastrophes. In this week’s List, FP explores the disaster zones that today’s intrepid (and voyeuristic) explorers are increasingly making their destinations of choice.

The United States received hundreds of millions in foreign aid last year, after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. But what happened to the money? One year later, the fate of international disaster assistance has turned into a tale of inept bureaucracy, diplomatic bungling, and unspent cash.