South Africa's ANC at 104: its rhetoric is no longer connected to reality

Jan 11, 2016 15:05 pm UTC| Politics

When language is alive and searches for new ways to illuminate reality and possibility, it can attain real power. Philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre wrote: Words wreak havoc … when they find a name for what had...

Congress' bipartisan Christmas gifts will lead to ballooning deficits

Jan 11, 2016 14:04 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics

Christmas came early for Congress this year as politicians from both sides of the aisle came together to pass by wide margins a US$1.8 trillion package of tax cuts and new spending. At year end, Washington seemed...

Migrant Crisis Series

Cologne – smells terrible for Merkel

Jan 11, 2016 13:08 pm UTC| Commentary Politics

No sweet cologne for German Chancellor Angela Merkel. On New Years Eve, in German town of Cologne, 120 people most of whom were attacked by group of people, who are allegedly migrants. Charges include mostly theft to...

Hard Evidence: this is the Age of Dissent – and there's much more to come

Jan 11, 2016 06:54 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics

The year 2011 is widely viewed as the peak of protest and dissent in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis and the austerity agenda that followed it. It was the year of the Arab Spring, Occupy, UK Uncut, indignados, urban...

Taiwan's economic data still weak; focus on election results

Jan 11, 2016 02:04 am UTC| Commentary Politics Economy

Taiwans economic data remained disappointing. Exports contracted for the 11th straight month in Dec15 (-13.9% YoY), as shipments to emerging markets continued to fall and the seasonal demand for electronics started to...

Big boys DO cry: why Obama was right to shed tears over dead children

Jan 09, 2016 05:14 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics

Politicians crying in public always make the headlines and the tears shed recently by US president Barack Obama have triggered a new round of debate about whether it is acceptable for public figures particularly male...

Free vote on EU referendum could see Cameron keep the peace within his party

Jan 07, 2016 01:41 am UTC| Politics

David Camerons decision to allow members of the government to campaign on either side of the referendum on European Union membership was presented as a magnanimous gesture. He would graciously offer a free vote to the...