This article is part of a News-Decoder series of “decoders” that explain crucial background to big issues. For more decoders, click here. By Pauline Bock The Volkswagen diesel car scandal has thrown a spotlight on corporate cheating, consumer regulations...
This article is part of a News-Decoder series of “decoders” that explain crucial background to big issues. For more decoders, click here. By Pauline Bock Islets, reefs and shoals in a vast stretch of sea almost twice the size of the Mediterranean may...
It grew out of the Cold War. Now the NATO alliance faces fresh challenges as Russia flexes its muscles in Eastern Europe and Syria. U.S. President Harry Truman speaks at the signing of NATO treaty in Washington, 4 April 1949 (AP Photo) This article is part of a...
This article is part of a News-Decoder series of “decoders” that explain crucial background to big issues. For more decoders, click here. By Pauline Bock They share a common history and culture. They speak the same language. But they have been divided for...
The world’s population will double this century, with most growth in Africa. But many nations are ageing quickly and face a new population challenge. Tourists in China, 2011. (AP Photo) This article is part of a News-Decoder series of “decoders” that...
Syria is in its 10th year of gruesome armed conflict — a war that has important implications for the region and increasingly for global security. Syrian men play backgammon at a market in Damascus during more peaceful times, 26 October 2005. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)...
Recently we published an article on the Rugby World Cup, and a hungry reader asked for more information. We listen to our readers — here’s chapter and verse on one of the world’s major sporting events. For more “decoders” explaining big...
This article is part of a News-Decoder series of “decoders” that explain crucial background to big issues. For more decoders, click here. By Pauline Bock Waves of migrants and refugees are threatening one of Europe’s bedrock achievements — the...
Cocaine seized by police in Panama City, 21 September 2011. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco) This article is part of a News-Decoder series of “decoders” that explain crucial background to big issues. For more decoders, click here. It’s the stuff of...
This is the second in a series of articles on the U.S. presidential election. To read about the election process, click here. For more “decoders” explaining big issues, click here. The 2016 presidential election is 14 months away, but candidates are...