Issues of Global Import

12 May 2003


Afghan Role for NATO
While all eyes in the NATO alliance were on the Paris-Washington kerfuffle, a move of "almost earth-shattering imporatnce," according to NATO Secretary-General Lord Robertson, took place. The 19 members of NATO agreed to take over Afghan peace-keeping operations. The move, so far outside of traditional NATO borders, will forever change what the alliance is and does. Click here to read Kensington's Opinion.

Franco-American Cooperation on IDs
There are still hurt feelings and ruffled feathers both in Washington and Paris over the recent unpleasantness. However, as developed nations with industrial needs and economies that require a certain mobility of worker at all levels, the US and France both have identical needs when it comes to internal security. Both sides are acting like grown ups in the matter of passport forgery -- talks are under way and a solution is in sight. Click here for more.

Mexico's PRI in Mid-Term Chaos
The Partido Revolucionario Institucional governed Mexico for 71 consecutive years, until the 2000 elections. Now, out of office for just over 2 years, the question is whether the party will survive. Party Leader Roberto Madrazo appears more interested in taking care of his own rather than returning to the presidential palace. Click here to read why.