Here is the Tuesday May 13th 2008 edition of interesting reads from around the world.

Love, Saudi-Style, part II
Yesterday’s New York Times’ piece focused on Saudi men in their pursuit of love. Today’s piece focuses on Saudi women. I was struck by this comment: “Islam forbids a stranger to hear your voice.” Saudi women seem hostages in their own families.

Dutch Back the EU
A large majority of the population supports Dutch membership of the European Union although there is a hardcore 8% who are extremely anti-EU, according to a study by the government’s leading social policy advisor, the SCP. More from Dutch News.

Peak Oil and Globalisation
European Tribune has an interesting discussion on the growing Transition Culture taking is taking place in Europe and Australia. Peak Oil is already having a massive impact on our way of life and the recent global food riots are but one of its effects.

Is the Rise of Income Inequality Unique to the U.S.?
A key aspect of the rise in income inequality in the United States since the 1970s is the soaring incomes of the top 1%. In 1964 the ratio of CEO to average worker pay stood at 24:1, today it is over 430:1. Lane Kenworthy explores the question and finds that other English-speaking countries have experienced a similar trend.

The US-Korea FTA, the Koreans have a Beef
The debate over U.S. beef imports is expected to take center stage at a National Assembly in Korea as the legislature looks to ratify the US-Korea FTA. More from the Korea Herald.