U.S. Tea Party Loses in Fight with Big Business Jim Lobe* WASHINGTON, 16 May (IPS) - For leaders of the right-wing populist "Tea Party" who have bragged about their growing influence – if not domination – of the Republican Party, the past week's battle over the future of the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im) has been a humbling experience. more...   U.S. Arms Sale Sends Wrong Signal to Bahrain, Groups Say Jim Lobe* WASHINGTON, 14 May (IPS) - The administration of U.S. President Barack Obama is sending the wrong signal to the government of Bahrain in proceeding with a partial sale of new arms to Manama, according to human rights activists and some lawmakers here. more...   Unresolved Ethnic Issues Threaten Myanmar Reforms Carey L. Biron WASHINGTON, 11 May (IPS) - Discussion of economic reforms in Myanmar (Burma) should not overshadow the critical need for a political solution to the longstanding grievances of the country's ethnic minorities, observers in Washington warned on Friday. more...   China Key to Green Tech Innovation? Carey L. Biron WASHINGTON, 9 May (IPS) - With U.S. federal funding sources for renewable energy sources already drying up, coupled with a newfound antipathy towards "green" issues issue here in Washington, some are suggesting that China could offer an important opportunity for the future of renewables in the United States and around the world. more...   OP-ED Waiting for Copernicus John Feffer* WASHINGTON, 9 May (IPS) - It's happening in Buenos Aires. It's happening in Paris and in Athens. It's even happening at the World Bank headquarters. more...   Target U.S. Foreign Aid More Selectively Amidst Austerity Jim Lobe* WASHINGTON, 8 May (IPS) - Given the likely persistence of political pressure to reduce the yawning federal deficit, the United States – whether under President Barack Obama or his presumed Republican challenger, Mitt Romney – must be more selective in its foreign aid programme, according to a new report released here Tuesday by two influential think tanks. more...   Next Round of Pacific Trade Talks Pact to Be Lengthy, Secretive Carey L. Biron WASHINGTON, 7 May (IPS) - On Tuesday, the latest round of negotiations begins on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), potentially the largest free trade agreement ever signed by the United States. more...   Over-investment Fears Loom in Myanmar Carey L. Biron WASHINGTON, 3 May (IPS) - As governments around the world continue to discuss how to ease sanctions in Myanmar, fears are increasing that a sudden massive influx of foreign investment could be detrimental to the delicate ongoing transition. more...   U.S. Should Double Aid to Curb Violence in Central America: Report Jim Lobe* WASHINGTON, 3 May (IPS) - The United States should double aid to Central America and focus it more on programmes designed to strengthen the region's criminal justice institutions to help curb the skyrocketing violence in the region, according to a new report published by an influential foreign policy group. more...   U.S. Marches and Militancy at Occupy Oakland's May Day Judith Scherr OAKLAND, California, 2 May (IPS) - It was May Day and Oakland was bathed in sunshine. Union workers staged militant actions; immigrants and allies marched for justice with brass bands and drummers; spontaneous street parties erupted. more...