Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 141
Political Issues
Noam Chomsky told Zaman, a Turkish magazine that objection 
to
Noam Chomsky’s view tallies with the new decision made by Centre-right French MPs that intends to stop
Power struggle is taking a toll on the European Union. The debate is to what extent MEPs can be part of EU delegations to multilateral and bilateral meetings and negotiations with other countries. The Parliament wants to have its representatives guaranteed participation in all multilateral, but also bilateral agreements "of particular political importance" for instance on trade or fisheries.
The European Parliament has won the right to look into the nitty gritty of spending in foreign delegations in the EU's new diplomatic service European External Action Service (EEAS). The ambassador will have to take personal responsibility for making sure that European Commission funds channeled through their offices are spent correctly.
According to an Ifop poll 71 % of the French fear the country's image abroad is suffering due to the recent laws made by the government welcomed domestically but offensive abroad. As
European Liberals are wary as new the Dutch government takes office due to the government coalition with far-right, nationalist, anti-immigration and anti-Islam party.
Economic Issues
Acknowledging the hitch of the economic problem the country faces,
Meanwhile in
Social/Humanitarian Issue
Dutch prosecutors have asked an
The refusal of certain Chinese journalists into EU conference hall has raised the view that EU is conceding to Chinese censorship even on its own soil. EU-China relation is definitely burgeoning and is expected to continue growing.
Meanwhile, Roma, Livia Jaroka, the only Roma MEP in the European Parliament is hoping the media interest will help her push for a "micro-regional" strategy for
As part of EU’s effort to curtail the health and environmental hazard of smoking, the bloc’s Health commissioner said the European Commission is bent at banning smoking totally in public by 2011. The addiction kills some 650,000 Europeans every year.
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
The Nabucco pipeline project is an unfinished business and bottlenecked by politics despite the huge interest the EU has thrown in it. It is yet to be seen whether a new negotiation by a Belgian engineering firm with
The EU is hoping to fight for an extension of the Kyoto Protocol during environment talks in
It also welcomed an international deal to limit carbon emissions from the aviation sector. However due to economic issue, EU is not expected to donate any money in this regard.
After a two years debate, the EU Commission was able to reach a consensus on green tariff for curtailing heavy lorries creating air and noise pollution. The law is part of EU’s effort to improve its environment.
The European Commission appears to have backtracked on earlier plans for a compulsory moratorium on deepwater oil drilling inside the EU, with new proposals set to call for a voluntary ban at member state discretion.
Meanwhile the recent Hungarian toxic spill from an aluminium plant grips EU’s attention and experts from the bloc’s commission have been sent to
Geostrategic Issues
The intended cut of military spending by the British government has raised dust among NATO members particularly
The repeated message by the U.S. State Department's counterterrorism is that Europe is more likely to experience an event similar to the deadly 2008 Mumbai attacks in
Meanwhile, Pakistani foreign minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi has urged the EU to keep fund flowing and to enhance economic development in
Political Issues
Albanian ruling party is under fire from coalition partners as well as the opposition party, for electoral reforms and the inability to resolve pending accusation of electoral irregularities in last June 2009 election. Meanwhile,
It is not election time in
Following the resignation of President Fatmir Sejdiu last month, Kosovo parliament is expected to be dissolved by the end of the year; meanwhile political parties have commenced preparations for the next elections.
Serbian parliament is heading towards making a resolution to declare as war crimes action committed against the Serbs during the 1990s war. The resolution was deemed fit following the same done by the parliament to condemn the war crime perpetrated against Albanians and Bosnians.
The Bosniak cultural community of Sandzak, a part of
On-going municipal and senatorial elections in Czech Republic is becoming a concern for the ruling centre-right government, whose coalition is losing public support after being in office for three months.
Estonian opposition leader and Center Party Chairman Edgar Savisaar commented on recent Latvian elections; Savisaar believes Latvian elections result would have been different if discontented persons had not left the country due to high unemployment.
Latvian elections result indicate the victory of Dombrovskis’ centre- right Vienotiba (Unity) bloc garnered 31% of the vote and won 33 seats in the 100-seat parliament.
Economic Issues
Failing economic policy has pushed Macedonian main opposition Social Democratic Alliance of Macedonia (SDSM) to launch a series of anti-government demonstrations across the country.
The Romanian government was able to reach a compromise with striking civil servants after a long strike action was launched against the government for its IMF inspired austerity measures.
While economies all around the world have been struggling to halt appreciation of their currencies, the central European states are reaping benefits from currency strength. Meanwhile, Polish economy continue to experience growth and decline in unemployment
The Czech government has approved a plan to tax solar plants and to use proceeds from future carbon credit sales to keep power price hikes below 10% for homes and businesses in 2011.
It was a sound opportunity for both countries, as Bulgarian-Slovak Consultative Commission for Economic Cooperation signed agreements to improve economic cooperation in many fields. Yet, several thousand trade unionists marched through the Slovak capital
Recent Statistics on Estonian economy show a slight growth despite its troubles.
The preparation of 2011 Latvian budget will decide whether or not the country will implement tough budget cuts recommended by the World Bank.
Social/Humanitarian Issue
Ilija Jurisic a former Bosnian security officer received a hero’s welcome in
Meanwhile despite problems facing the government, Pristina has taken the responsibility of building houses for ethnic minorities residing in the disputed new country.
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych promised to sack any public employee responsible for media terrorism. Under Yanukovych, who was elected last February, there have been spates of attacks on journalists.
The European parliament president (Speaker) said that too many people were dying on Europe’s roads in reference to
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
Romanians finally laid the controversial energy issue to rest by signing a memorandum of intent with officials from Russian gas giant Gazprom regarding the possibility of the South Stream pipeline transiting
Toxic spill from
Hungarian police has detained the director of the aluminum company responsible for a flood of caustic red sludge that killed eight people when it burst from its reservoir last week. The arrest coalesce with the vow by the Hungarian Prime Minister Orban that the perpetrator of the environmental crisis will be held responsible.
Following the meeting of leaders of the two countries,
Lithuanian government signed a new cooperation agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA), in research related areas and geared at using space technologies for peaceful purposes.
Geostrategic Issues
The head of the European Commission (EC) delegation to
Political Issues
The on-going election in Russia is projected as a victory for the ruling party; the regional elections has been punctuated by emotions about the next step of democracy in Russia as ruling and opposition parties have been at loggerhead and independent parties are emerging.
Economic Issues
Russia-Algeria bilateral ties moved to the next stage following the final inking of agreement in six sectors including energy and transportation. Similarly,
Social/Humanitarian Issues
The Russian government is not backing away from the plan to ban a comprehensive tobacco advertisement and public tobacco smoking by 2012.
Meanwhile the Russian Orthodox Church has joined the YouTube family by opening its own channel on the popular video hosting site to “bring God's word closer to lives of modern youth," Patriarch Kirill said in a video recorded for the channel.
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
Reaching an agreement with
Russian authority is prepared to beef up monitoring of environmental pollution. Scallop garden is expected to start monitoring the
Geostrategic Issues
US/CANADA
Political Issues
In
According to the Nanos Research survey, Canadian Conservatives minority government has picked ahead all opposition parties, although election is not imminent but analysts hold the view that the minority government would face serious setbacks over its budget in early 2011.
Economic Issues
As the U.S economy continues to experience a downturn with no hope for recovery at the earliest, banks and customers are busy struggling to streamline the issue of foreclosures, while there is growing accusation that banks have ignored signs of troubled foreclosures.
Canadian economy recorded a bigger deficit than expected. The Conservatives government is trying to stabilize the economy but like every other developed economy, the recession is still lingering.
Social/Humanitarian Issue
Toronto-born Omar Khadr is the only Canadian citizen accused of murdering a
As marijuana becomes an acceptable drug across states in the U.S, there is growing tension that addiction to the drug might become high among youth and could transcend into adulthood. Even though not all Americans consent to the legality of the drug, some elders believes the drug is helpful for medical and health related diseases.
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
Google and Good Energies, an investment firm specializing in renewable energy, have each agreed to invest heavily in a proposed $5 billion transmission backbone for future offshore wind farms along the Atlantic Seaboard that could ultimately transform the region’s electrical map.
Geostrategic Issues
America's ambassador to Britain said there is no evidence that violent dissident groups in Northern Ireland are getting money from the U.S amid the view that Irish-Americans have been accused of backing the IRA's campaign of violence before its was disbanded.
Political Issues
The Argentine government is prepared to veto a parliamentary bill that tends to increase pension and minimum wage. The president is against the bill as it would cost the economy.
As Brazilians look prepared for second round of election by October 31, abortion becomes a political issue tearing apart the leading Workers’ party and in friction with the Catholic Church.
Following troubled days of rescue operation for trapped miners, the Chilean parliament is preparing to enact law for better welfare of miners and company involve in the extraction sector.
It was a diplomatic plus point for
In
According to the president of the Venezuelan Confederation of Industries, Chavez administration has seized at least 185 manufacturing companies within 2010, excluding firms in the agriculture sector.
Economic Issues
Brazilian plane manufacturing company Embraer is on a deal with
Upon applauding the effort of the rescue effort of the Chilean government, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu requested President Pinera of
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
The protection of the Amazon is necessary for
Geostrategic Issues
The rift between
Meanwhile according to reports Argentine is offering help to
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is on a foreign tour geared at strengthening his ties with the expected visiting nations, though experiencing political fracture at home. Chavez has also reiterated his support for
Political Issues
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the ban on internet materials such as rape, drug use, bestiality and child sex abuse is premised on moral values but such could only be accessed by Internet Service Provider companies. The ban however has caused resentment among the Aussies.
Social/Humanitarian Issue
Indian student leader in
Geostrategic Issues
Having a regional refugee centre in East Timor remains unfinished business between
Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 142
Political Issues
The Franco-German agreement which gives leeway to EU members to having control over imposing penalties in exchange for Franco-German amendment of EU treaties has raised the ire of the German foreign minister Guido Westerwelle of the pro-business Free Democrats. The latter believes the new agreement is too flexible; rather it should show authority and assertiveness and should be free of political opportunism.
With the growing far right politicians across Europe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel was not shy to say that multicultural society in Germany have utterly failed, indicating the supposed failure of immigrants to integrate.
A cut in British public spending is being hailed by the government as best option for the deficit gripped economy. The cut also affects military spending and has raised
Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi argued during an interview with
Economic Issues
Despite the economic problems in the region and in the Eurozone, European MEPs have voted by a vast majority to increase next year's EU budget by 5.9 %, a move they define as "responsible" despite government spending cuts in member states.
The EU does not so much believe in U.S style of Big-government and stimulus package that bailed financial institutions out of recession. The regional bloc is bent at making law that will make banks shoulder the cross of their failure without endangering taxpayers.
Despite the massive strike actions that almost rendered the economy lame, French President Sarkozy and his centre-right government refused to back down on a bill seeking to plug a hole in pension funding by raising the minimum retirement age to 62 from 60 and raising the age at which people qualify for a full pension to 67 from 65.
The domestic crisis between the French and the government has transpired beyond domestic to EU issue. Shortage of fuel caused by the strike actions is causing fret for EU Strasbourg office as mobility of EU staffs is impaired.
Social/Humanitarian Issue
Arrest of transgender persons accused of prostitution and resisting police has stirred EU’s interest on
The EU and UN are seriously concern about the detention of illegal migrants apprehended in
Meanwhile, according to a report by Reporters without Borders, Greece ’s press freedom ranking plummeted from 35 places to 70 amid a general decline in press freedom in the whole of Europe . The Greek plunge is due to political unrest and related physical attacks on journalists.
Upon the submission of a document by
Complementing U.S State Department terror alert for Europe, the Saudi Arabian intelligence has issued a fresh alert about an Al-Qaeda plot in
In the Netherlands’ controversial Freedom Party MP Geert Wilders' party has become part of the ruling conservative government, but that does not stop the Amsterdam court from trying him over provocative and insulting comments made against Islam. However Wilders believes sitting judge should be dismissed for what he called judges’ prejudices.
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
The European Commission has sent a strong warning to
For most economies it was uneasy to accomplish a reduction in gas emission plan, but the 2009
Ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss is increasingly becoming a concern for the EU before the next
Geostrategic Issues
The European Commission is becoming worried over the increasing number of asylum seekers from
Meanwhile, the EU has given a green light to
The two powerhouses in the EU are debating on how to alleviate the concern of
The
Political Issues
Even as
Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski has approved a government motion to extend
The Czech ruling party is under fire as opposition parties are getting upper hand in Senatorial and municipal elections. Such atmosphere of victory could undermine the set of proposals the ruling party tends to undertake.
Current Slovak government is headed by a woman and it has just completed its 100 days in office. According to reports it will take great effort for the coalition government to live up to high expectation the public demands from it.
The President of
Hungarian government tends to be pushing for stronger ties with
Economic Issues
World Bank economists have contested
Meanwhile according to reports the Polish economy remains vibrant and its stock market attests to that fact leading to the insinuation that
The new Slovak government is yet to find a solution to the demand of Slovak’s trade unions. Meanwhile the government’s austerity package, with its 1.7 billion euros in cuts and tax raise makes the public unhappy.
The presence of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in
The European Commission has filed a query with
Social/Humanitarian Issue
In a latest ruling by the European Court of Human Rights the court ruled that
Polish-Lithuanian diplomatic relations is on a historic low upon the accusation by the Poles that minority Poles in
Meanwhile according to reports
Romanian President Traian Basescu after meeting visiting Hungarian President Pal Schmitt said that
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
Russian grains will remain scarce in the international market as
European Union member
The Slovak environment ministry has hinted a growing fear that the country might face a similar devastating toxic sludge spill that hit neighboring
Geostrategic Issues
US/CANADA
Political Issues
For the Democrats everything matters before the November 3rd elections and the deployment of former President Bill Clinton to campaign in swing states is no coincidence. Meanwhile, President Obama warns Americans consumers from voting republicans as their policy will further put consumer to jeopardy. Meanwhile, with the Tea Party advance, republicans continue to make a lead in run-up for the elections.
According to reports, in the
Condoleezza Rice, the former
Economic Issues
US President Obama has reiterated the need for a change in global trade rules particularly with the new emerging economies like
Meanwhile Canadian Central Bank mulls over future hike in monetary policy as the nation’s economy is yet to regain its stamina, added to that is the uncertain U.S economy which the Canadian economy is vulnerable to.
Social/Humanitarian Issue
American scholars are back discussing culture as explanation for poverty and other attitudinal disposition of people in different locale. Amid the socio-economic and political scenario in the country cultural discourse is becoming indispensable.
The next global attack might not be in the conventional military warfare but a cyber attack, which the United States is now set forth to challenge through the joint effort of Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security and Defense Department.
Canadian government is refusing the rings of human smugglers from profiting on its tradition of hospitality. The government is toughening its immigration policy refusing illegal asylum seeker to get safe havens in the country.
The Canadian police debunked the view that they has apprehended one of the assassins involved in the killing of Hamas leader in
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
Months after the runaway oil from BP operation on
Canadian Environmental Defense, Equiterre and the Pembina Institute are the trio group shouldered with the task of beefing up the enforcement of legislation in the
Political Issues
The ruling Workers’ party’s bid for a second run election is challenged by the Brazilian Catholic Church on the premise that Ms Rousseff is campaigning for legalization of abortion, which according to the church is detrimental to the growth of the society.
Recent Chileans experience might be the backdrop for President Sibestian Pinera willingness to send the Mine Workers Safety bill to the parliament so as to reduce the repetition of similar ordeal.
President Hugo Chavez has been on a foreign tour geared at garnering more diplomatic clout for
Social/Humanitarian Issue
For Colombians it would be a step forward as the nation participates in the UN sponsored Creative Economy Forum at the Shanghai World Expo.
It is not in the interest of the country receiving human right violation reports, even though it is facing an unending battle with drug lords. The recent human right publication by Inter-American Court of Human Rights depicted violations of the human rights by Mexican military in 1974 and such report tallies with other documents that Mexican military is not discriminatory in the killing civilians.
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
According to reports the protection of the Amazon is simply not environmentally wise for
Political Issues
Showing her commitment to the Afghan campaign, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard says her country is ready to face the challenges ahead in winning the war and
Economic Issues
Meanwhile,
Social/Humanitarian Issue
Australian government has deemed it fit to move certain vulnerable families among the asylum seeker to community settlement due to the hard times in the camp. Australian immigration policy has been stained due to series of unrest in the camp.
Meanwhile in
Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 143
Political Issues
According to
The European Commission has launched surveillance Rabit-teams on the Greek-Turkish border to stem the tide of undocumented immigrants passing through the Greek-Turkey border for EU countries.
Unfolding realities in the EU has forced the EU leaders to agree on the need for tweaking the EU’s rulebook on a limited basis, though a Franco-German proposal for a wholesale rewriting was once rejected. The rules can help resolve issues like the budget deficit; strengthening the Euro and many more could be laid to rest. However the change must be cautious not to trigger another round of referenda.
The tentative change is further creating brawl between EU justice commissioner Viviane Reding and
The European Commission urges the
Regardless of whether the Wikileak materials were justified or not, Britain deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg broken ranks with the UK and US administrations that the leak suggest that basic rules of war, conflict and engagement have been broken or that torture has been in any way condoned are extremely serious and need to be looked at.
Economic Issues
As the global economy problems linger, G20 summit held in
More importantly, Europe during the G20 summit agreed to give representation to the emerging economies which meant that
French strike actions have become more noticeable on the streets but the victims of the strike on sea are less known. Report has it that sailors get stranded on the sea failing to reach the shore due to striking workers and hence made life uneasy for sailors on the sea.
Wanting to reach the benchmark set by the EU and curtailing the repetition of Greek financial crisis, the Portuguese Socialist ruling minority government and its centre-right opposition PSD compromised on a deal on austerity budget for 2011. Meanwhile,
Social/Humanitarian Issue
As part of its Crisis Management plans, the EU’s Aid commissioner Kristalina Georgieva has proposed having standby Crisis Unit that will be responsible whenever natural disaster strikes. Having such unit will eliminate the dilemma of rescue operation among member state.
According to the latest report of Transparent International,
The world was once again gripped by bomb threat allegedly sent from
The issue of the Roma is once again coming to spotlight following the report of Human Right Watch that there is a forceful relocation of Roma to Kosovo. The NGO is asking all western European countries to stop sending Roma back to Kosovo until they can ensure that conditions for their integration there have improved.
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
EU leaders are at the last stage of rubber stamping the consensus of having the
Following the EU warning of a fine over environmental indiscipline, the Italian government has finally resolved the garbage problem of
Geostrategic Issues
Although a complete lift of sanction on
Political Issues
The Polish Parliament is debating laws to regulate In-vitro fertilization (IVF) but the bill is facing challenge from the opposition Law and Justice Party and the Catholic Church as morally wrong.
The result of recent Czech Senatorial elections has become a hurdle for Prime Minister Petr Necas’s drive to narrow the budget deficit. The Czech Social Democrats now with a majority has vowed to veto cuts in welfare programmes upon the election’s victory.
The upper house of the Czech parliament gave final approval to expand the country’s military mission in
Meanwhile, Slovak parliament passed a revision to the judicial council act on October 19, which requires the judicial council to appear before the public and its members will be obliged to provide arguments before the public for their decisions.
As
In
Economic Issues
On the other end, Czech National Bank Governor Miroslav Singer expects the country’s economy to grow faster than previously expected as current forecast for 2010 growth is 1.6 per
In
Social/Humanitarian Issue
Following the attack and murder of a political assistant in the offices of Law and Justice Party last week, the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) demands a complete ban on firearms in
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
The Slovak government intends to apply similar Czech’s law that slashes subsidies on solar power producers, though the Slovak law will only support solar power plants with a capacity of maximum 100 kilowatt hours.
Following the visit of President Hugo Chavez to the region,
Geostrategic Issues
European Union Foreign Ministers kept the threat of sanctions hanging over
Economic Issues
The Russian government heads for a huge privatization by embarking on a five-year plan to sell off stakes in prized state companies such as oil major Rosneft and banks Sberbank and VTB to raise US$60 billion for state coffers.
Social/Humanitarian Issue
As political tension heightens in
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
Geostrategic Issues
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has visited
US/CANADA
Political Issues
The pre-election polls show that coalition that brought Obama-Democrat party to power is faltering. Women, Roman Catholics, less affluent Americans and independents, who threw their support for democrat in 2008 are now showing interest for the Republican Party.
Economic Issues
As the midterm election campaign draws to a close, fear hangs in the air that U.S deficit might further increase owing to the on-going polarization between the Democrat and Republican parties and coupled with the frenzy that democrats might lose the House majority. Meanwhile,
According to Ben Bernanke, the Fed chairman of U.S, American economy would have been worse off without federal stimulus programme. Ben has refused to heighten the partisan fray on the state of the economy by avoiding public debates. Bernanke and the rest of Obama’s administration need magical effort to turn around the economy, revive it from further downturn.
Being a major U.S economy partner, the faltering
Canadian fertilizer producer Potash Corp,
Social/Humanitarian Issue
The U.S Justice Department has fined GlaxoSmithKline for putting on sale 20 drugs with questionable safety. The pharmaceutical company will have to pay $150 million for the settlement of criminal charges that will be the largest such payment ever by a manufacturer of adulterated drugs
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
Halliburton has refused to accept the blame for the blowout of BP oil well in the
Political Issues
The death announcement of the former
In
Economic Issues
The economy is being under fire and added to the
Social/Humanitarian Issue
The internet is reported by Ibope as the battle ground for Brazilian president candidates and their supporters. The avenue of social networking increases Brazilians internet usage which was reflected in the just concluded elections.
Mining tragedy is not usual in the region and the recent Chilean saga is becoming a wakeup call for others, therefore linking the closure of 18 illegal gold mines in
Colombian government is worried over the
The menace of drug lord is a protracted experience the Mexican government is still struggling to resolve as
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
With the aim of reducing environmental pollution and providing cheap energy, Chilean President Pinera inaugurated the Pacific Hydro's La Higuera and La Confluencia projects that will provide almost 1 million Chilean homes with renewable energy, equivalent to taking more than 250,000 cars off the road.
Meanwhile,
Venezuelans might have to endure months of unsupplied gas from
Geostrategic Issues
The 2nd South American-African joint summit is an indication that the global south can have a viable cooperation. Since 2020, trade between South America and Africa was recorded to have jumped from $6 billion to $36 billion and
The 12th Dialogue and Agreement Mechanisms of Tuxtla Presidential Summit (Tuxtla Group Summit) was recently held and attended by ten Latin American governments. The summit agreed to strengthen regional and bilateral cooperation on security and to create a united front against drug trafficking and organized crime.
Argentina-Russia consolidated their 125 years old diplomatic relationships through the inking of agreements in nuclear power engineering, space exploration, high technologies, and transportation sectors.
Meanwhile, tussle between
Chilean President Pinera’s visit to
President Chavez’s foreign tour is completed and Chavez believes it was a success encompassed Africa, Asia and
Economic Issues
The proposed merger of
Social/Humanitarian Issue
In
Geostrategic Issues
As
Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 144
Politics
According to reports EEAS chief Catherine Ashton has shown confidence in the experience and expertise of German and Polish diplomats to become deputy secretary generals in the European External Action Service (EEAS).
Sentiments regarding the U.S elections in the EU vary; while some believe EU-US will not rupture, EPP, an umbrella organisation of all centre-right parties in
Joining the passport-free Schengen zone for
Meanwhile, the bloc rained abundance of criticism on
With the intention of avoiding severe relations with allies, the British government is revoking its universal jurisdiction principle. The principle damaged UK-Israel relations upon the evocation of the principle to arrest foreign
For the socialist Greek government it has been an uneasy undertaken implementing austerity measures and abiding by EU and IMF conditions. The conservative opposition wants the government to replace austerity with a policy of state investment to stimulate the economy. Meanwhile a snap election is expected to test the support for the austerity measures.
Facing it own political and economic problems,
Economy
The proposed $600 billion by the U.S Fed is also angering EU that Washington has broken the tight belts and common policy reached at G20 Toronto summit.
Meanwhile in
A deal reached by the ruling and opposition Portuguese parties was to save the country from repeating the Greek financial crisis. The deal was applauded by the EU and
Society
Pope Benedict XVI visit to
The European Commission has adopted a Communication on “A comprehensive approach on personal data protection in the European Union,” outlining the Commission’s ideas for modernizing the EU legal system for the protection of personal data to address globalization and rapid technological changes. The Commission hopes to revise the data protection legal framework in 2011.
Abu Hamza al-Masri, an Islamic preacher was able to retain his British citizenship and delay his extradition to the
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
EU energy commissioner Guenther Oettinger is optimistic that the EU leaders will approve his plan to have radioactive waste buried deep underground and overseas exports of the toxic byproduct also banned. Doing this will be a conformity to International Atomic Energy standards, the idea is believed to be on a record high support than usual among EU leaders. Meanwhile, Oettinger has also called on
The EU is on the verge of finalizing the Danube Strategy aimed at making the
Geostrategic Issues
A controversial defense deal between
Estonian EU transport commissioner Siim Kallas has cautioned the EU against extremely restrictive measures and panic atmosphere following the Yemeni and Greek bombs. Kallas opined that proportionate response that will close the potential loopholes is what is needed though 100 % security is unattainable.
Politics
Amid Tirana’s gloating over its EU integration achievement, the government approved a historic budget for 2011, which aims to improve social amenities and hike salary and pension. Meanwhile, the ruling party rejects the proposal of the opposition to have an unlimited investigation into the alleged election irregularities of June 2009, an allegation that has roadblock the smooth functioning of the
In
As the EU prepares to amend the Lisbon Treaty, there is growing fear among EU aspirants that such changes might impair their accession but Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor takes a different view and hopes to close all EU chapters by 2011. Meanwhile Daniel Srb, leader of the Croatian Party of Rights (HSP) plans to hold a protest against the planned visit of Serbian President Boris Tadic to Vukovar in November. Vukovar symbolizes the bloodiest place for Croat during the 1990s war.
Kosovo enters a new political level following an institutional brawl that brewed parliamentarian anger for vote of no-confidence against the government. The dissolution of the government makes the country set for a snap December election intended to be monitored by the
Economy
After a complete supervision of its economy and financial doings, IMF will be issuing another loan to
Geostrategic Issues
Would there be a limit for
Politics
From any observers of Russian democracy, the recent veto by President Dmitry Medvedev was a landmark, halting the move by the Duma from hampering the right of freedom of assembly which is enshrined in the Russian Constitution. The Duma adopted changes to the law on protests and rallies which stipulated tighter sanctions against those who violate terms of public meetings set by the government.
The Visegrad Four EU members continue to flex their clout in the bloc by trying to make EU consider their stance on Romany minorities, economic and energy security issues.
Despite its stained relations with
The outcome of Ukrainian mayor and regional council elections was received with cold reaction from Washington, thus tallied with misgivings of opposition parties and election observers that the elections was not free from irregularities.
Economy
It was a signal for cautious economic planning as the World Bank cut its forecast for
Joint investment summit of Chinese and Polish entrepreneurs created the avenue for entrepreneurs of both countries to boast upon the manner with which their economies survived the global financial turmoil.
The continent is facing economic and financial trauma, but the Poles have cause to be happy as the National Bank of
Meanwhile, the
Hungarian economy is still struggling to regain is sovereignty even after it spat on the face of the IMF. The government is pushing to make the economy meet the European Union's deficit target amid a troublesome budget.
For
Society
The objection of religion once symbolized Communist Russia, but the increasing role of religion in the public and anti gay actions could be an unfolding new wave of conservatism.
According to a marketing survey most Russians take advantage of the internet for financial and economic dealings as in plane and train tickets, mobile services and music transactions.
The Poles were honoured as the EU brings together scientific minds to inaugurate the Copernicus Science Centre and to show a multi-media "Big Bang" extravaganza in their country.
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
Russia energy importance is far from being eclipsed in the soonest future as Europe though seeking for alternative energy still have active dependence on Russian gas. The renewal of agreement between
Similarly, the Russia-ASEAN recent summit also highlights
During the 14th International Trade Fair of oil and gas industry in the Ukrainian capital
Geostrategic Issues
NATO and
Can
US/CANADA
Politics
It is now a dusted issue; Republican Party has swept the House with landslide margins but failed to capture the Senate. The election results brought forth several questions: Was the election about President Obama? How powerful a phenomenon is the Tea Party movement? How will the new Congress address the still-weak economy? What will it mean for the crop of likely 2012 Republican presidential candidates? Did anonymous campaign money sway the outcome?
The White House has called the election result a shellacking for the Democrat Party and Obama realised a tough time to come from discontented Republican of his big government project.
According to Ipso poll, Canadian minority government takes a lead in opinion poll upon listening to the voice of the people not to allow the takeover of Potash Corp by BHP Billiton.
Economy
Could the proposed $600 billion by the Fed for the recovery of the banking sector go unattacked, such will never outpace republican dominated Congress radar, furiously against big government.
Could it be true that it would still take 12 years to close the gap between the growing number of American workers and the total available jobs, according to the Brookings Institution’s Hamilton Project? If such estimation should be true then jobless Americans will still have cause to be angry with the White House.
The Canadian government finally listens to the voice of the public as the minority government rejected the takeover bid by BHP Billiton for Potash Corp. Prime Minister Stephen Harper referred to the rejection as a rare case as Canada often welcome foreign companies. Meanwhile, Canadian employment rate is yet to pick its original stamina though few employment opportunities were recorded.
Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney opined that the financial industry will make lower returns after global banking reforms are put in place as these institutions must adopt stricter rules on capital and liquidity.
Society
An
The Midwest state of Iowa pioneered safeguarding minority rights back from 1839, when Iowa Supreme Court became the pacesetter protecting minority interest, but when same court legalized same-sex marriage, it irritated the public leading to the expulsion of three judges. Thus causing fear over the independence of judiciary.
Before the U.N. Human Rights Council, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Esther Brimmer had to prove U.S protection of human rights was higher than any other country, following cries over violation of human rights by foes and friends of
Omar Khadr terrorist case has finally been rested by 40 years jail sentence although he might be released in less than three years after being transferred to his country,
Geostrategic Issues
Paying a visit to
Scott Stewart argues in his article Al Qaeda Unlucky Again in Cargo Bombing Attempt published in STRATFOR November 2, 2010 that al- Qaeda intention was not to hurt the Jew but to bring down U.S airliners in the recent Yemeni bomb saga. Even though the tactical plan failed the group will continue to make effort as in camouflaging more bombs from security agents. But according to the New York Times, the foiling of the attack was a success of intelligence and infiltration of Taliban and al-Qaeda groups
LATIN AMERICA
Politics
Following the death of Argentina ex. President, Nestor Kirchner, criticisms have started rolling upon President Cristina Kirchner that her economic policies could be changed and her government has not be able to integrate Argentine poor into the status of the middle class as done by Brazilian Lula.
It was a landslide victory for the Brazilian Workers’ party as Ms. Dilma Rousseff, a former chief of staff under President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won the presidential elections with a strong mandate of 56 % against her opponent from PSDB. In order to keep the rhythm, Rousseff is promising her supporters an un-discontinued Lula’s policy.
Economy
Despite its social problems,
President Hugo Chavez is simultaneously nationalizing and privatizing companies in the country. One of Venezuelan refinery Citgo is about to be sold to
Society
Heap of allegations mount on Colombian military of being complicit in indiscriminatory killing of innocent Colombians under the premise of fighting drug and rebel groups. The killing has triggered UN and Human Right groups’ concerns and the government urges the military to offer apology to the public
President Calderon severely criticized the
Internet usage is increasing in the region and governments in the region are not taking their chances. The recent Brazilian presidential election brings internet social networking to limelight and Venezuelan Hugo Chavez’s support via the internet is increasingly growing.
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
Chilean mining investor displayed their willingness to invest in
Geostrategic Issues
The meeting of President Santos and Hugo Chavez is a clear indication that both countries have normalized their relations. Both leaders agreed to strengthen ties through energy projects and to increase joint effort to combat rebel groups. While the two resolve their differences,
AUSTRALASIA
Economy
For Australian opposition parties the merger of
Australian Treasurer Wayne Swan believes certain Australian banks are defying the rule of the Central Bank by hiking their lending rate. According to Swan, such action is a display of arrogance and the government will crack them down.
Geostrategic Issues
The increasing clout of
Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 145
Politics
EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy has spoken beyond the stereotype attached with him. He lambasted the increasing mantra for nationalism across Europe and made a reminiscence how nationalism puts
The European Commission has unveiled an overhaul of its code of conduct, which will curb ex-commissioners from exploiting their previous office. Ex-EU commissioners have found to be lobbying on behalf of corporations by taking advantage of their previous portfolio.
Italian Premier, Silvio Berlusconi is yet on another political threshold as oppositions mount no confidence votes against him and his policies. Berlusconi’s survivability will be determined by the social capital of his party.
Greek municipal elections would put to test and decide if the people agree with the austerity policy of the government or support the opposition’s anti-austerity policy. Despite the political trial, the Greek Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas extends appreciation to the German government for playing a role in bailing out his economy from recent crisis.
With the new EU border police sent to Greek-Turkey border, hundreds of illegal immigrants are now apprehended using
Economy
EU’s 2011 budget is becoming a leg dragging issue due to the lack of consensus between the European Parliament and the council. The dividing line is whether or not the
The British government is taking all measures to reducing backlog of the nation’s deficit. One of the measures is retrieving tax from all tax evaders banking in foreign countries. Therefore the coalition government is reaching agreement with foreign countries having tax evaders’ accounts
The Irish economy is sending alarm across
Society
The head of security at one of
Blacklisting airports did not get the approval of most EU members, following the proposal by
The French government commemorated the 92nd anniversary of the end of World War I. by honoring the war veterans. French Muslim soldiers of the war were honored at the Paris Grand Mosque.
European deputies have started raising voices for a transatlantic inquiry into Iraqi torture cases described in
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
Creating and facilitating naval traffic, cleaning up the highly polluted river and improving regional links through bridges, highways and better train connections are supposedly essence of the Danube River Strategy. A project under consideration by the EU to facilitate both EU and non-EU countries sharing border around the
The demand of energy particularly renewable is increasingly becoming a discussable issue for European leaders and through the effort of the European Commissioner for Energy the proposal of having unified energy policy has been sponsored. Such proposal is not unlikely to meet reservation from
As energy needs and cry over global warming increases, developed economies are struggling to re-channel attention for renewable energy. The attempt by the EU to having 10 % of transport energy needs from renewable sources (like biofuels) by 2020 will further increase greenhouse gas emissions as reported by Institute for European Environmental Policy.
Geostrategic Issues
After two weeks suspension on passenger flight ban from
Politics
As Albanians prepare for local elections, OSCE urges the parties to ensure women get their legal 30% representation.
Meanwhile a plea by Albanian President Bamir Topi asks that Kosovo be admitted soon to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Adding Kosovo in such an institution could further accelerate its EU integration.
It was applauded as a diplomatic success as European Commission finally lifted EU visa for Albanian citizens, but the protracted political impasse facing Tirana cost it EU candidate status deprival.
Politics of ethnicity continues to be the core of polarization in
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) mulls the possibility of sanction against
Amid the run-up for Kosovo December general elections, parties have started going for coalition in bid to maximize their chances. Meanwhile, the election is becoming a big dilemma for
Economy
Montenegrin government has suspended its controversial economic citizenship programme launched in August, in order to harmonize policies with those of the EU. according to the plan
The new Polish leader, President Bronislaw Komorowski is aiming for big changes in the country’s constitution, changes which according to his projection will redefine and reposition
Despite huge discontent for the policy, the Czech parliament went ahead to approve package of unpopular austerity measures designed to reduce
Having evaluated the results of the local authority elections, which received international criticism, Ukrainian leadership has decided to take several steps towards improving the national election legislation. .
Although a popular politician during his tenure as Slovakian leader, ex-Prime Minister Robert Fico was re-elected leader of his leftist SMER party and vowed to return to government when the next election is held in four years time. Meanwhile, Slovakian Prime Minister, Iveta Radicova, has threatened to resign after two failed bids to vote in a new prosecutor-general in place of the incumbent. She argues that he has been too feeble on cases involving dishonest politicians, business tycoons and privatizations.
Political wrangling between
The government of the
Amid the survival crisis facing the Eurozone, report by the European Commission shows that most Estonians are resentful that their country join the zone.
Social/Humanitarian Issue
Amid the political crisis facing Pristina, EULEX head Xavier Bout de Marnhac said ongoing corruption investigations will not be discontinued and hopes that such will propel developments.
Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic and Deputy Prime Minister Svetozar Marovic are to appear as witnesses before a court in a case of nine people charged with deporting Bosniak civilians from
Serbian government has launched smoking ban in offices and public places. The law bans smoking in all public buildings, offices, educational institutions and hospitals. People who break the rules will be fined 46 euros.
The celebration of
US-based Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI), the European Roma Rights Centre and the Greek Helsinki Monitor, has jointly filed complain with the EU against the failure of Czech Republic to comply with court order that ordered it to stop placing thousands of healthy Roma children in schools for the mentally disabled.
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
According to reports
Bulgarian cabinet finally approved a partnership in the planned Russian South Stream pipeline that will run across the
Geostrategic Issues
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad paid a visit to
It was a political slap for Kosovo as the European Commission did not recognize the readiness of Pristina for EU visa liberalization scheme. The commission holds that Pristina has yet to meet the readmission and reintegration criteria, something Interior Minister Bajram Rexhepi and Integrations Minister Besim Beqaj disputed.
The European Commission has agreed to equip
Politics
President Dmitri A. Medvedev vetoed the harsh law by the Russian Duma that would have made it more difficult for opposition to launch peaceful protest. Political atmosphere has been torrid recently due to opposition’s demand that politic should be more open. Meanwhile, the Russian president is clamoring for political and economic regeneration to be speed up in the North Caucasus Federal Region.
Economy
According to Renaissance Capital’s report, Russian
Russian authority wants IMF to change its quota realignment;
Social/Humanitarian Issue
Last week about 4,000 members of the Russian Communist Party gathered in downtown
According to reports over 450 terrorism-related crimes were registered in
With the aim of revitalizing the educational system, Russian president believes quality of education in
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
Although Gazprom’s profit fell less than expected in the second quarter, as rising Russian prices helped offset a foreign exchange loss and slower European gas sales. Yet the company continues to ink natural gas agreement with foreign countries like
European energy stakeholders like ex- German Foreign Minister, Joschka Fischer holds that
Geostrategic Issues
According to reports
US/CANADA
Politics
The midterm elections outcome was no doubt a victory for the Republican Party that has swept many gubernatorial seats, federal House and state Houses. They are in for rolling back democrats’ policy and tougher stance on issue the democrats have been mild with.
Meanwhile
Obama’s White House has a hard battle to fight; his party recently lost the House majority to Republicans during the midterm elections, meanwhile his new deficit reduction plan is awakening the scorn of both republican and democrats alike and it is hard to predict the outcome of the battle.
If a Federal election is held in
Economy
The weak American economy and the plan to pump $600 billion into the economy by Fed have been greeted with criticism.
Social/Humanitarian Issue
Immigration is increasingly becoming a politicized issue up from the
Geostrategic Issues
Politics
Economy
The loan by Brazil’s National Development Bank to build a bullet train track between
As the economy continues to experience growth, Brazilian government is opening more channels of opportunities for the economy as in sugar plantation in
Social/Humanitarian Issue
Freedom of thought and association is increasingly becoming a threat for the Argentine society as same-sex couples want similar recognition given to homosexual in other countries; however
The dengue fever is puncturing Brazilian society as number of infected has increases from the record of last year.
The order of Colombian President Santos and the cry of human rights organizations have forced
The question before the Mexican government is when will drug related violence cease. Mexican drug lords are increasingly opposing the writ of the state as discriminatory killings climbs the ladder. Rifle production in the
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
Venezuelan National Assembly has approved a bill to construct and operate a nuclear reactor for peaceful purposes. The plant is expected to be completed in ten years under
Geostrategic Issues
The bid of the Brazilian military to equip its arsenal with 36 air fighter jets is locking the heads of French and Swedish military industries as both are interested in the $4-6billion bid, though according to reports
The dust has settled over
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
The Australian government mulls over referendum for the recognition of the aborigines community as the first people of the nation in the constitution, though earlier referendum refuses to acknowledge it. Even if the recognition goes on the aborigines will want indigenous rights to be entrenched in the text of the constitution rather than a symbolic acknowledgment in a preamble.
Geostrategic Issues
The increasing power of
Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 146
Politics
EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy has referred to current financial trauma facing Eurozone as a survival crisis. He insinuated that the survivability of the European Union develops on the resilience and endurance of the Eurozone as three new EU countries are gripped by debts.
The lack of consensus among EU members over 2011 budget remains a headache for
Economy
Irish financial crisis is again sending a wrong signal to the Euro zone as a fragile economy. The Irish finance minister has hinted the desire to seek EU and IMF bailout for its troubled economy and once again raises the question of the fate of the Eurozone and whether or not disintegration of the zone is far. Meanwhile,
According to the latest EU audit,
Social/Humanitarian Issue
EU justice commissioner Viviane Reding believes national barriers should be no hindrance for European Disabled from getting their benefits, thus brings forth the necessity for a common European Disability Act that will remove barriers by the end of the decade and give sense of belonging to European Disabled anywhere within
The EU although has been relatively lenient with
Pauline Neville-Jones UK junior minister responsible for counter-terrorism observed that the continent is facing threats from Islamic radicals, increasingly radicalism in Northern Ireland and cyber-attacks, yet that must not stop Britain and the rest of Europe from keeping civil liberties of people.
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
According to the EU agriculture commissioner Dacian Ciolos, the EU's common agriculture policy (CAP), demands a change and that change should emphasize greater environmental protection with less divergence in payments between 'old' and 'new' member states. The changed policy needed to be greener, fairer, more efficient and more effective.
Ahead of NATO summit in Lisbon, EU-US foreign ministers hope to having a common transatlantic energy and security policy and regulatory regimes for energy saving and eco-friendly technologies. They hope that such will further strengthen ties and facilitate energy diplomacy in energy resourceful areas for the two sides of the
The rate of electricity consumption is said to be on the rise, a pointer to the increasingly necessity of energy. Smart grids is becoming household necessity for cutting bills by using energy-consuming devices at low-rate times of day, it also enables utility companies to cut peak-time demand and avoid costly blackouts.
Geostrategic Issues
Outcome of Lisbon NATO summit indicates success of diplomacy as NATO agrees to have a joint missile system which was different from ex-President Bush controversial missile system. The proposed system is believed to be problematic due to certain reservations from NATO members though a canopy for all NATO members and could be supported by
Politics
According to reports the growing tempo of Polish centric slogans among Polish leaders is a reality of how the Poles want the rest of
Czech President Klaus said he was frustrated with the excessive attention the media and politicians have paid to Czech post-war crimes. He said that post-war violence by Czechs against ethnic Germans in former
The Hungarian parliament has passed its next year’s budget with reduction in tax. Meanwhile, as
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych denied that he had eroded press freedoms since coming to power, saying that journalists could write what they liked so long as it was the truth.
As
Does
Economy
The economies in Central and Eastern Europe continue to show signs of recovery, as far as
Meanwhile, according to EU10 Regular Economic Report on the ten ex-communist states now members of the EU,
Similarly, the World Bank announces US$150 million loan for
Social/Humanitarian Issue
The Hungarian parliament may soon be voting on a new media bill that would restrict the ownership of TV channels and limit the expansion of media companies.
Geostrategic Issues
Politics
Russian political scenario was predicted to be a tussle ground between PM Putin and President Medvedev, though of less truth, as Putin continues to maintain greater popularity on domestic issues and Medvedev trying to be more diplomatic in foreign issues.
Economy
Russian economy has extended its tentacle globally but not felt adequately in far Eastern Asian countries, although there is a robust transaction between
Social/Humanitarian Issue
The Russian Parliament has passed a law to restore to religious organizations property seized by the state in Soviet times. Meanwhile, preliminary results of last month census conducted in
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
Russian government intends to halve the quota of imported poultry next year and wants farmers to sow 25 % more spring crops to meet the demand after a severe drought this past summer.
Geostrategic Issues
Russian pundits believe the change in
Russia, India and
The Russian-Czech joint modernization programme to upgrade Russian-made Mi helicopters is one good way of friendly and cooperative neighborhood between former Soviet blocs and readiness of EU countries to allow
US/CANADA
Economy
The report by the nonprofit Center for Automotive Research that that government aid to G.M. and Chrysler saved more than 1.1 million jobs in 2009 and 314,000 jobs in 2010 indicates the effectiveness of Obama’s bailout. Therefore the recent surge and sale of G.M’s stock gives tax payers certain degree of relief.
The breeze of financial problem is not exempting the state of California that of late rose from billion dollars budget shortfall but sunk back into yet another fiscal crisis which is calamitous for the departing governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger and fearful for the incoming governor Jerry Brown.
Social/Humanitarian Issue
The health care law is beginning to see another phase of discussion as health officials and institutions are lobbying to persuade the Obama administration to relax or waive a body of older laws intended to thwart health care monopolies. The debate is revolving around how effective and reaching is private and government sponsored health service.
Workers at the 9/11 disaster have finally reached a consensus with the
The trial of Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani charged with the 1998 U.S embassy bombings in
Geostrategic Issues
In its latest edition of Inspire, Al Qaeda’s branch in
What strategic peril should
LATIN AMERICA
Politics
Colombian President Santos appears to be on the good books of the people as Ipsos Napoleon Franco’s poll puts his rating popularity as 73% which of course has do with his diplomatic success with
In
President Chavez said his government is providing more opportunities to small investors by cracking down on the banks and other private firms which exploit small investors. Meanwhile, thousands of Venezuelans protested in
Economy
Being the world’s second largest corn exporter after the
Restricting Mexican trucks into the
Social/Humanitarian Issue
The protracted Mexican War on Drugs has increased the number of inmates in prisons. Meanwhile, the country’s tourism is also suffering following the outbreak of H1N1 flu and increasing violence.
Food, Environment and Energy Issue
Despite the natural and manufactured risks the country recently faced, the government of
Geostrategic Issues
The Chilean government continues to earn praise for rescuing trapped miners. The country has also strengthened its bilateral relations with Asian countries like
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