Trade : Impasse over AB selection process lingers on, US again criticised (PRIV)
(Kanaga Raja, Geneva)
The impasse over the launch of the process for the selection of new Appellate Body (AB) members to fill current and upcoming vacancies on the Appellate Body continues with the United States again saying that it is not in a position to agree to the launch of this process until its concerns over the continued service of former AB members are addressed.

Finance : Why 1997 Asian crisis lessons lost (PRIV)
(IPS, Kuala Lumpur)
Various different, and sometimes contradictory lessons have been drawn from the 1997-1998 East Asian crises.

United Nations : Russian & US vetoes protect client states (PRIV)
(IPS, New York)
The vote on the latest American-sponsored resolution in the UN Security Council (UNSC) on Syria was predictable: of the five big powers, China abstained and Russia vetoed, while the US, UK and France voted for it.

Development : Open or closed borders, or something in between? (PRIV)
(IPS, New York)
Recent elections around the world have clearly shown growing public support for candidates and political parties advocating the deportation of migrants and stricter restrictions on immigration, including halting it altogether.

Africa : Time running out for Somaliland's crumbling and neglected treasures (PRIV)
(IPS, Berbera)
The name alone - Berbera - ripples with exotic resonance, conjuring images of tropical quays, swarthy traders and fiery sunsets imbued with smells of spices, incense and palm oil.