Geopolitics, Soccer, and the Korean Peninsula

The Korean Peninsula is never far from the news cycle. Between the presence of nuclear weapons and thousands of U.S. troops, it seems a military confrontation is always just around the corner on the 38th parallel. Even mildly positive developments, such as North Korea recently agreeing with the United States to suspend its uranium enrichment program in exchange for food aid, are met—appropriately—with skepticism and criticism. But occasionally you need to look beyond the level of the nation-state for hope. Inspiration, however small and fleeting, can come from individuals and institutions outside of high diplomacy. Enter global soccer and . . .
read more

A Home-Grown Monster

This is a slightly longer version of an op-ed I had published in the Express Tribune in Pakistan today. I have updated the number of fatalities.

A somber mood hung over Oslo Saturday evening as people tried to make sense of the two terrorist attacks the previous day. A new and thoroughly unexpected enemy had emerged—not from outside, but from within. The streets were filled with people, but an unusual calmness permeated the crowds. Block after block was cordoned off with armed soldiers, police tape and flowers. Outside the main church people stood in line waiting to go in . . .
read more