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COMMENTARY

Nov 26, 2007

Upbeat band of moderates keep the faith

By Tom Plate and Elizabeth Moore

BALI, Indonesia — A bad idea can sometimes illuminate the darkest landscape of truth with brilliant flair in a way that mere fact cannot. Consider, for example, the idea that Islam is incompatible with democracy. It's a really bad idea, but it can serve a very good purpose.

EDITORIALS

Nov 25, 2007

Higher consumption tax on the table

For the first time in three years, the Tax Commission has proposed raising the consumption tax (now at 5 percent) in its tax-reform recommendations for fiscal 2008. It regards the consumption tax as a stable core revenue source to cover growing social security costs. But the commission, an advisory body...

EDITORIALS

Nov 25, 2007

What's pushing up the oil?

Prevailing high prices for crude oil show that efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which drive most production activities and power our daily lives, are imperative. West Texas Intermediate, a benchmark in oil pricing, went above $98 per barrel on New York's oil futures market Nov. 7 and hit an...

COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT

Nov 25, 2007

Salvation Skype's out for a state of despair

By Roger Pulvers

I must confess this Sunday. No, I am not about to blurt out my sins. I would rather keep those to myself, thank you. The confession today is out of total despair. Despair for this country we are living in: Japan.

EDITORIALS

Nov 24, 2007

North-South progress in Seoul

The governments of both North and South Korea are firmly focused on the latter's December presidential elections. With conservative opposition candidates leading in South Korean opinion polls, Mr. Roh Moo Hyun, the incumbent in Seoul, and Mr. Kim Jong Il, his counterpart in Pyongyang, are eager to alter...

COMMENTARY

Nov 24, 2007

Evidence on Iran doesn't seem to matter

By Gwynne Dyer

LONDON — Shaul Mofaz, the Israeli defense minister, is not a fan of Mohammed ElBaradei, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency. In fact, he wants him fired. "The policies followed by ElBaradei endanger world peace. His irresponsible attitude of sticking his head in the sand over Iran's...

COMMENTARY

Nov 23, 2007

Australia facing tough nuclear issues

By Robyn Lim

Australia's election Saturday will be fought mostly over domestic issues, especially interest rates. While Labor is well ahead in the polls, its victory is not assured. But whoever becomes prime minister after the election will face some contentious decisions on nuclear issues. And it's not just Australians...

EDITORIALS

Nov 23, 2007

Mr. Fukuda makes progress in Asia

This week Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda stepped up efforts to recalibrate Japan's foreign policy. His visit to the ASEAN summit and its associated meetings were designed to focus attention on the Asia component of Japan's foreign relations. Key to that effort are his meetings with Chinese Prime Minister...

COMMENTARY / World

Nov 23, 2007

It's Taiwan's referendum

By Hisahiko Okazaki

For China, the launch of the Fukuda Cabinet in late September was good news, so it must expect many things from the new administration. What concerns me now in this respect is Taiwan's move to hold a national referendum on whether to seek U.N. membership in the name of "Taiwan."

EDITORIALS

Nov 22, 2007

ASEAN's broken heart

It was supposed to be a landmark event. To celebrate its 40th anniversary this week, heads of state from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) signed a charter that was intended to push the region toward more complete integration and more coherence. The final product — ASEAN's new charter...

COMMENTARY / World

Nov 22, 2007

Thanksgiving Day's economic lessons

By Christopher Lingle and George Akerlof

BALI, Indonesia — One aspect of globalization is that some holidays have become internationalized. That is certainly the case with Thanksgiving Day, a distinctly American feast day now celebrated throughout the world on the fourth Thursday of each November.

EDITORIALS

Nov 21, 2007

Admission of a medical crisis

Medical services are collapsing in many parts of the nation. Doctor shortages are especially acute in obstetric-gynecological, pediatric and emergency care departments. It is high time that the government, lawmakers and the public seriously start discussing how to increase the number of doctors and nurses...

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.

Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Mount Fuji is considered one of Japan's most iconic symbols and is a major draw for tourists. It's still a mountain, though, and potential hikers need to properly prepare for any climb.

What it takes to save lives on Mount Fuji

By Alex K.T. Martin

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Muji has been sustainable from the beginning

Muji has been sustainable from the beginning

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