Issues of Global Import

16 February 2004


French Parliament Closes in on Headscarf Ban
The result wasn't even close in the Chamber of Deputies when the French legislature voted on banning headscarves and other overt religious symbols in schools -- Oui 494, Non 36. The Senate takes up the debate next, and there is every chance this ban will become law. It may keep France French, but it shows an incredible lack of creativity. Click here for more.

Haitian Unrest Has Relevance for Iraq
For most of its history, Haiti has been a dreadfully mismanaged state. Under the Duvalier family, it became an unmitigated disaster. And so it was with some hope that Jean-Bertrand Aristide became president and, thanks to some American help, was installed to lead his people. Thanks to a tainted election, whatever good he has done is vanishing, and Haiti gives the world of foreshadowing of events in Iraq for the future. Click here to read Kensington's Opinion.

Suha Arafat Under Investigation in France over Funds
Bringing a rival's wife into a dispute is rarely the gentlemanly approach. Still, there is some doubt about the wealth that Mr. and Mrs. Yasser Arafat have accumulated over the years. Although French authorities say it is early in their investigation of a transfer of $11.4 million to Suha Arafat's accounts at the Arab Bank and at BNP, she has not hesitated to blame Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for cooking up a scandal to deflect attention from his own bribery troubles. The French should call her bluff. Click here to read why.