Topic: Institute for Policy Studies

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Fukushima meltdown could be template for nuclear terrorism, study says

The Fukushima meltdown showed how some nuclear plants are vulnerable to cooling-system failures. That might be of interest to Al Qaeda, which considered attacking US nuclear facilities after 9/11, a new study says.
Report: 'Unacceptable threat' from spent-fuel pools at US nuclear power plants

Overcrowded spent-fuel pools at US nuclear power plants pose an 'unacceptable threat to the public,' says risk assessor. Much of the leaked radiation from Japan's stricken Fukushima Daiichi came from spent-fuel pools.
How the US is like North Korea

Much of North Korea’s population is starving, yet its government pours money into missile and nuclear programs. Such behavior seems to be the height of irrationality. But North Korea is only following the international community’s – especially America’s – example.
Japan's radiation leak: Shades of Three Mile Island and Chernobyl?

Scientists at a press conference for anti-nuclear power groups say the Japanese nuclear reactor crisis could get worse before it gets better. But other scientists say it's not yet clear whether the accident will become another Three Mile Island – let alone a Chernobyl.
News that Raymond Davis is CIA could further jeopardize his return

The news that Raymond Davis, the American being held in Pakistan for a double murder, is a CIA agent that previously worked for Blackwater adds public pressure on Pakistan not to release him.
This jobless recovery could be the worst yet

Shifting attitudes towards employees may make this recovery the weakest in 30 years for job creation.
What happened to all that anger over CEO pay?

Now that most of the firms that received taxpayer money have paid back the government, they're setting their own compensation levels again. CEOs of major US firms make nearly 300 times the wage of the average American worker.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar capture: Triumph of Pakistan-US cooperation?

The announcement that Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Afghanistan Taliban's military chief, was arrested underscores increasing US-Pakistan intelligence cooperation, targeting Taliban leaders inside Pakistan for arrest and assassination.
ECONOMIC SCENE: US begins crackdown on CEO pay. Will it work?

In 1965, CEOs of major US firms made 24 times an average worker’s pay. By 2004, that ratio was 431 times.
Hillary Clinton, in Liberia, targets good government

The country, led by Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, has made significant strides since its brutal civil war ended in 2003.
ECONOMIC SCENE: ‘Tax me,’ some rich Americans tell Obama

Petition is one sign that the idealistic wealthy are not a small minority.
Arabs losing hope in Obama's ability to broker Mideast peace

In a push for progress, three heavy hitters from the administration – Mitchell, Gates, and Jones – visited the region this week.
Tax the heirs of the rich (at least of few of them)

Efforts to keep the estate tax would help trim looming US deficits.
Mass protests in Georgia aim to unseat Saakashvili

As many as 100,000 people are expected to demonstrate Thursday against the president.
Big win for Pakistan protesters

The government agreed Monday to restore deposed judges. Activists want further reforms.
Pakistan’s Sharif capitalizes on lawyers’ march

The opposition lawyer has championed the popular protest that began Thursday. Some see a rule-of-law hero; others cite political expedience.
Should CEO pay restrictions spread to all corporations?

One analyst likens huge compensation packages as 'a form of robbery.'
Pakistani power struggle flares up

Protesters rallied in several cities after a court banned popular opposition leader Nawaz Sharif from running for office.
Obama is right to take on the very rich

They're paying far less of their incomes in taxes than average Americans.
Pakistan tested by battles with Al Qaeda, Taliban

The US pursuit of Al Qaeda with airstrikes complicates Pakistan's struggle against the Taliban, who launched their largest attack in months over the weekend.
Financial crisis fallout: from your stocks to America's global role

Some economists see some rays of light amid the economic gloom.
Could bailout's pay caps launch Wall Street trend?

Some see the beginning of the end for huge compensation for financial titans. Others say the limits are too weak to bring real change.
U.S. and Pakistan: different wars on terror

One seeks domestic security, the other stability for Afghans.
How long will politicians look the other way on CEO pay?

Inequity between top executives and average workers remains at jaw-dropping levels.
Russian clout prevails in S. Ossetia

Georgian President Saakashvili called for international mediation over the breakaway region in a conflict some see as East vs. West.