Reporters on the Job

E-mail this story Write a letter to the Editor Printer-friendly version del.icio.us [ What is this? ] digg [ What is this? ]

Get all the Monitor's headlines by e-mail. Subscribe for free.

Scott found that other diplomats at the party were loath to discuss the matter as well, although some agreed that it was an "overreaction" by the Indian government. " 'It makes them look ridiculous,' " one diplomat told me. He then requested – no, demanded – anonymity," says Scott. One diplomat, when asked for his opinion, off the record, smiled and said, "I'm not touching that one." Just then, the doorbell rang, announcing more guests. "Excuse me," he said, dashing off. Scott had to be satisfied with another helping of tandoori chicken.

• READY TO STRIKE BACK: Reporter Charles Hawley was talking with a group of six striking construction workers at a construction site in Munich, Germany, while working on today's story ( see story). "They were all talking at the same time, making it clear to me that they were angry with their employers."

"One word, spoken over a cellphone by union secretary Michael Schell, who was also serving as my guide, changed their whole demeanor. The word was 'strike breakers,' and the strikers at gate 9 needed backup. "We piled into Schell's station wagon and sped off to the other side of the construction site, union members readying for a confrontation. It turns out, a truck driver had been trying to make a delivery, but gave up and left when he saw nobody there to unload his truck. The union members seemed a bit disappointed. I was somewhat relieved."

David Clark Scott
World editor

Cultural snapshot

ROBOCUP 2002: Forget the World Cup. In Fukuoka, Japan yesterday, students from 30 countries were competing in a humanoid robot soccer tournament. SHIZUO KAMBAYASHI/AP

• Let us hear from you. Mail to: One Norway Street, Boston, MA 02115 via e-mail: world@csmonitor.com