International News
Coverage of international events and global policy shifts. The Daily Signal offers news reporting with opinion and commentary on world affairs.
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- News
Meet the Man Who Found the Jonathan Gruber Videos
Jonathan Gruber, once heralded by President Obama and Democrats for his work on Obamacare, in two short weeks has become a lightning rod for criticism and outrage. And the discovery of the videos that have taken over the debate on Obamacare can be traced back to one man who took a financial hit from the…Melissa Quinn -
- Opinion
Nearly Two-Thirds of Human Trafficking Victims Are from Asia
The 2014 Global Slavery Index (GSI) found that there are nearly 36 million victims of human trafficking worldwide. Of that, 36 million, nearly two-thirds, are from Asia. Without serious attention from the U.S. and Asian governments, millions of adults and children will continue to be forced into bonded labor, sex trafficking, slave-like conditions, and child…Olivia Enos -
- Opinion
How Hiking Taxes Is Working Out for Japan (Hint: Not Great)
Japan is suffering another economic free fall. Following a second quarter GDP decline of an annualized 7.3 percent, this last quarter the economy in Tokyo sank again by another 1.6 percent. The land of the rising sun is looking a lot like the land of the setting sun. There are lessons here for U.S. policymakers…Stephen Moore -
- Opinion
Japan Falls into Recession
Japan’s economy contracted by 1.6 percent annually between July and September, according to preliminary results released Sunday night. Following a second-quarter contraction of 7.3 percent, Japan has fallen into a recession, casting a shadow over Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s economic plan “Abenomics.” Japan should end its quantitative easing, which has increased its national debt, and…Riley Walters -
- Opinion
International Broadcasting Reform Overdue: Dissident Slams VOA Broadcasts to China
Chinese dissident Wei Jinsheng blasted U.S. broadcasting to China, offering yet one more reason for Congress to put broadcasting reform back on the table when the 114th Congress convenes in January. Criticisms of Voice of America Wei delivered his criticisms of Voice of America (VOA) at the October 30 meeting of the Broadcasting Board of…Helle Dale -
- Opinion
Venezuela’s Chavistas Win Big if Keystone XL Pipeline Loses
In an attempt to save her Senate seat, Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu (D) has launched a “Hail Mary XL legislative strategy” by pushing for congressional approval of the Keystone XL pipeline, which would bring 380,000 barrels of oil daily from Alberta, Canada, to the Gulf Coast. Not to be outdone, Representative Bill Cassidy (R–LA), her…James M. Roberts -
- News
Meet Bill Flores, the Texas Congressman Who Wants to Be ‘Consensus Leader’ for Conservatives
Bill Flores could be one of the friendliest faces in Congress. True to his Aggie roots, his Capitol Hill office parades pride for both his country and home state of Texas. Talk to Flores for five minutes, and you’ll feel a special allegiance to the Lone Star state. Flores touts himself as a congressman who…Kelsey Bolar -
- News
President Obama on Jonathan Gruber: He’s ‘Some Adviser Who Never Worked on Our Staff’
In an attempt to distance himself from Jonathan Gruber, President Obama is downplaying the Obamacare architect’s role in the crafting of his signature health care law. During a press conference at the G20 summit in Brisbane, Australia, Obama said Gruber was “some adviser who never worked on our staff.” Over the last week, six videos have…Melissa Quinn -
- Opinion
The Only Republican Governor Who Lost in 2014 Was the One Who Raised Gas Taxes
For months on end, Democrats crowed that voters were going to toss Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and his tax-cutting agenda out of office on Tuesday. He was pounded in the media for the evident sin of following the Laffer-Moore model of income-tax rate reductions to stimulate growth and prosperity. This reform was denounced as a…Stephen Moore -
- Opinion
Why Asia’s Economic Miracle May Be Ending
Historically, economics has often driven the narrative surrounding presidential visits to Asia. Consider President Obama’s 2009 trip to China in the midst of the global financial crisis. It gave wings to a narrative about China’s rise and American decline. The economic environment may be changing again. Only this time, the change is less dramatic and…William T. Wilson -
- News
Energy Group Warns US-China Climate Deal Will Hurt You in Long Run
China’s agreement to reduce coal emissions isn’t worth the paper it was printed on, an energy research group says. Noting that Beijing made no binding promises, the Institute for Energy Research said President Obama “got swindled” during his appearance with Chinese leaders Wednesday. The swindle ultimately hits the American taxpayer, according to the group. “The…Kenric Ward -
- Opinion
Has the State Department Learned the Lessons of Benghazi?
A Veteran’s Day feature from the Associated Press showcased the improved training of diplomatic security agents, with a view to demonstrating that the lessons of Benghazi have been absorbed by the State Department. In a simulation in a location in Virginia dubbed Erehwon (“nowhere” spelled backwards), State Department security staff beat back an attack resembling the attack on the ill-fated U.S. consulate in Benghazi…Helle Dale -
- News
The Reason the Navy SEAL Who Killed bin Laden Decided to Speak Out
For the man who shot and killed the most wanted terrorist in the world, opening up to the world about the night Osama bin Laden died was about closure. In a highly anticipated Fox News special focused on him, former Navy SEAL Robert O’Neill spoke of the responsibility he thought he had to tell the…Melissa Quinn -
- Opinion
Obama (Probably) Just Made a Military Deal With the Chinese. We Have the Details.
What’s the takeaway from President Obama’s meetings with Chinese president Xi-Jinping? While the Obama administration has been trumpeting an agreement by both sides to limit greenhouse gas emissions, news reports suggest that an agreement also was reached to limit the prospects of military confrontation. This would entail prior notification to each other of military exercises,…Dean Cheng -
- Opinion
The Problem with Japan’s “Womenomics”
On October 20, two female ministers in Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s cabinet, Yuko Obuchi and Midori Matsushima, resigned over alleged improper use of campaign funds. Their resignations raise questions about the viability of one of the Prime Minister’s central social and economic policies: “womenomics.” The essence of womenomics is to increase the number of…Arthur Oaden -
- Opinion
The Real Story on China Climate Change Deal: We Make Changes Now, They Wait Until 2030
President Obama has announced what he calls “an historic agreement” in a climate change deal with China. In his commitment to reduce carbon emissions 26 percent to 28 percent below 2005 levels, the president is committing Americans to higher energy prices, a weaker economy and a lost competitive advantage. China’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas…Nicolas Loris -
- Opinion
Suspected Russian Penetration of U.S. Critical Infrastructure Calls for Firm Response
When people think of computer hacking, China immediately comes to mind. Recent news reports, however, puts the spotlight on Russia as a sophisticated state player silently infiltrating U.S. cyber systems. ABC News reported that a “Trojan Horse” malware program, reportedly of Russian origin, infiltrated the software of critical infrastructures in the U.S. and has been…David Inserra -
- Opinion
Why North Korea Released Its Last Two American Captives
North Korea unexpectedly released the final two American citizens it had been holding on trumped-up charges of espionage. Kenneth Bae and Matthew Miller were freed Saturday following a secret mission by Director of National Intelligence James Clapper to Pyongyang. North Korea’s gesture follows its recent release of Jeffrey Fowle, who had been arrested and held…Bruce Klingner -
- Opinion
Russia’s Relentless “Soft Power” Push
A new “Russian Soft Power” report from the Russian ITAR-TASS news agency has concluded that President Vladimir Putin is both the main asset and the main intellectual force in the Russian bid for global public opinion. Though Putin’s personal charisma may not be as overwhelming as ITAR-TASS reports to those of us here in the…Helle Dale -
- Opinion
Asia’s Essential Contributions to America
America is inextricably linked to Asia; whether through trade, investment, or immigration, the United States and Asia have been and will continue to be vital and lasting partners. The Heritage Foundation’s latest product, the 2014 Asia Update: What’s at Stake for America, visually represents the myriad of factors that make Asia so important for America….Olivia Enos