WESTERN EUROPE
About 2,500 people marched through downtown Oslo in a protest last week against a Norwegian newspaper that printed a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad.
Phil Jones, the professor behind the "Climategate" affair, has admitted some of his decades-old weather data was not well enough organized contributing to his refusal to share raw data with critics.
The head of MI5 has denied officers withheld information over what it knew about the torture of a UK resident. The Court of Appeal earlier ruled that Mr Mohamed could learn what MI5 knew about his 2002 mistreatment while in secret detention in Pakistan.
As Europe edges toward emergency guarantees to stem market panic amidst the Greek financial crisis, Germany is suffering from growing doubts about the European experiment it has long championed. Eurozone leaders promised last week (February 11th) to help Greece overcome its severe financial crisis but stopped short of offering financial assistance.
SOUTH-EAST EUROPE
Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha confirmed last week (February 11th) his government's intention to transform the country into a "regional electricity superpower".
EU envoy to Macedonia Erwan Fouere and US Ambassador to Skopje Philip Reeker on Wednesday (February 10th) strongly rejected as unacceptable a recent remark by the leader of the Democratic Party of Albanians (DPA). Menduh Thaci said that if the government continues to discriminate against Albanians, there will be war in Macedonia. The opposition DPA has been boycotting parliament since last summer, protesting the government's policy towards Albanians.
Fierce blizzards have blocked dozens of roads and left about 20 towns and villages without electricity in Romania. Mean while the country confirmed last week that it is ready to take part in the new version of the US anti-missile defence shield.
Croatian Army Chief of Staff Slavko Baric said last week that almost half of the country's troops have been sent on a prolonged unpaid holiday because of national budget constraints.
Shunning warnings from the international community, the parliament of Republika Srpska (RS) adopted a law on February 10th that could pave the way for a future referendum on the entity's independence; further destabilizing Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
RUSSIA
With NATO and the US increasingly seeking help in Afghanistan, Russia has refused to provide any. Meanwhile Russia is increasingly warming up to the U.S. sanctions push against Iran, a move that China has so far opposed.
According to the US ambassador to Russia the new arms reduction treaty between the two states reflects a link between strategic offensive and defensive weapons. Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright was in Russia last week in an effort to reduce Russia’s anxieties over NATO expansion and a proposed US missile defense system in Romania.
Meanwhile Russia's military doctrine through 2020, publicized last week does not include a provision for pre-emptive nuclear strikes, as officials had previously suggested.
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin promised Baltic statesmen last week that Russia would curtail its sewage dumping in the Baltic Sea and reassured them that the Nord Stream pipeline would not harm the Sea, as Finland nears a decision on the final permit for the pipeline.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said last week that nuclear energy development was a national priority, in particular as an instrument for combating global warming. Meanwhile Russia's nuclear chief Sergei Kiriyenko said that the first reactor of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in India being built using Russian technology and expertise will be launched in 2010 as scheduled.
Last week the Japanese government adopted a document claiming that Russia “illegally occupies the South Kuril Islands.” The disputed territories have been under Russian administration since World War II in accordance with international agreements. Tokyo, however, claims the islands should be returned to Japan.
Sberbank became the first Russian bank to ever make the Top 20 Most Valuable Banking Brands list, complied by Brand Finance. The bank is rated 15th, and lists its 2010 brand name value at $11,729 billion after showing a 160-percent growth last year.
Last week around 20 Chechen ‘militants’ were killed in counter-terrorist operation in southern Russia.
Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has launched a large-scale offensive against excessive vodka consumption aiming at reducing the level of alcohol consumption by half by the year 2020.
The Russian Federal Guard Service has lifted a January 2008 ban on professional photo and video shoots on the Kremlin's territory on orders of President Medvedev.
A group of French holders of bonds issued by the Czarist government of Russia during World War One have urged Moscow to pay out the century-long debt threatening to seize the Russian property in Paris through courts. The International Federative Association for Russian Bond Holders (AFIPER) estimates the value of bonds at $137 billion (100 billion Euros).
US/CANADA
President Obama has called on the Republican Party for a bipartisan meeting geared at discussing the deadlock healthcare issue. Meanwhile Key Democrats and Republicans in the Senate reached a rare bipartisan agreement last week on steps to spur job creation. According to a latest New York Times/CBS News poll, Americans blame former President George W. Bush, Wall Street and Congress much more than they do Mr. Obama for the nation’s economic problems and the budget deficit.
LATIN AMERICA
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy has been signed between the Russian state nuclear company, Rosatom and Argentina's Ministry of Federal Planning, Investment and Services. Meanwhile the Canadian government too made an agreement with the Atomic Energy Commission of Argentina to work peacefully on nuclear technology.
With history repeating itself Argentina and the United Kingdom are once again engaged in a dispute over Falkland Island. U.K government has acquired a contract for the drilling in the region that Argentina has a disputed claim over. In 1980 both countries fought a war over the island that touts a billion dollars oil reserve.
According to a Sao Paulo newspaper, the Brazilian government has decided to buy 36 Rafale fighter aircraft from France at $6.2 billion. The government however announced that a decision is yet to be finalized though Brazil is planning to upgrade its air force. France and Sweden are in competition to provide the facility.
Meanwhile in preparation for the 2016 Olympics, the Brazilian government is incentivizing its police forces with promises of bonuses while providing special training for the high profile event.
Brazilian government has issued the license to build the controversial hydroelectric dam in the Amazon rainforest a $17 billion project, to be the world’s third largest dam at Xingu. River. Contention exists over the issue of relocation of an estimated 12,000 resident Indians.
Installment of virtual fence at US-Mexican border, a project initiated by the Bush administration at a total cost of $6.7 billion, has now been delayed till 2014. Meanwhile the death of 16 school children in Mexico’s war against drug cartels has sparked a heated blame debate in the congress. Journalists have voiced reluctance to perform their duties where 89% of the crimes against journalists are still unresolved and the figure is even higher in the case of citizens.
Heavy rains in Mexico City have claimed 33 lives and have left 3500 homeless.
Trucking dispute between US and Mexico regarding the violation of NAFTA trade agreement against allegations of U.S. protectionism is to be resolve in the US congress.
Amidst its electricity crisis Venezuela’s Chavez has sought help from long term ally Cuba. Meanwhile the police used tear gas, plastic bullets and water cannons on the student gathered in Caracas to protest against the government. The same day supporters of Chavez gathered in the city to celebrate the Day of Dignity marking the 18th anniversary of the failed coup attempt against Chavez. The UN has taken note of Rights violations in Venezuela where two students died last week in similar protests.
Twitter an internet social blog is becoming popular in Venezuelan community where Chavez opponents employ it to criticize government’s policies freely. Previously 5 channels critical of the government have been refused licenses renewals. Chavez has also launched his own radio show to broadcast directly to the nation. §
About 2,500 people marched through downtown Oslo in a protest last week against a Norwegian newspaper that printed a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad.
Phil Jones, the professor behind the "Climategate" affair, has admitted some of his decades-old weather data was not well enough organized contributing to his refusal to share raw data with critics.
The head of MI5 has denied officers withheld information over what it knew about the torture of a UK resident. The Court of Appeal earlier ruled that Mr Mohamed could learn what MI5 knew about his 2002 mistreatment while in secret detention in Pakistan.
As Europe edges toward emergency guarantees to stem market panic amidst the Greek financial crisis, Germany is suffering from growing doubts about the European experiment it has long championed. Eurozone leaders promised last week (February 11th) to help Greece overcome its severe financial crisis but stopped short of offering financial assistance.
SOUTH-EAST EUROPE
Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha confirmed last week (February 11th) his government's intention to transform the country into a "regional electricity superpower".
EU envoy to Macedonia Erwan Fouere and US Ambassador to Skopje Philip Reeker on Wednesday (February 10th) strongly rejected as unacceptable a recent remark by the leader of the Democratic Party of Albanians (DPA). Menduh Thaci said that if the government continues to discriminate against Albanians, there will be war in Macedonia. The opposition DPA has been boycotting parliament since last summer, protesting the government's policy towards Albanians.
Fierce blizzards have blocked dozens of roads and left about 20 towns and villages without electricity in Romania. Mean while the country confirmed last week that it is ready to take part in the new version of the US anti-missile defence shield.
Croatian Army Chief of Staff Slavko Baric said last week that almost half of the country's troops have been sent on a prolonged unpaid holiday because of national budget constraints.
Shunning warnings from the international community, the parliament of Republika Srpska (RS) adopted a law on February 10th that could pave the way for a future referendum on the entity's independence; further destabilizing Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
RUSSIA
With NATO and the US increasingly seeking help in Afghanistan, Russia has refused to provide any. Meanwhile Russia is increasingly warming up to the U.S. sanctions push against Iran, a move that China has so far opposed.
According to the US ambassador to Russia the new arms reduction treaty between the two states reflects a link between strategic offensive and defensive weapons. Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright was in Russia last week in an effort to reduce Russia’s anxieties over NATO expansion and a proposed US missile defense system in Romania.
Meanwhile Russia's military doctrine through 2020, publicized last week does not include a provision for pre-emptive nuclear strikes, as officials had previously suggested.
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin promised Baltic statesmen last week that Russia would curtail its sewage dumping in the Baltic Sea and reassured them that the Nord Stream pipeline would not harm the Sea, as Finland nears a decision on the final permit for the pipeline.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said last week that nuclear energy development was a national priority, in particular as an instrument for combating global warming. Meanwhile Russia's nuclear chief Sergei Kiriyenko said that the first reactor of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in India being built using Russian technology and expertise will be launched in 2010 as scheduled.
Last week the Japanese government adopted a document claiming that Russia “illegally occupies the South Kuril Islands.” The disputed territories have been under Russian administration since World War II in accordance with international agreements. Tokyo, however, claims the islands should be returned to Japan.
Sberbank became the first Russian bank to ever make the Top 20 Most Valuable Banking Brands list, complied by Brand Finance. The bank is rated 15th, and lists its 2010 brand name value at $11,729 billion after showing a 160-percent growth last year.
Last week around 20 Chechen ‘militants’ were killed in counter-terrorist operation in southern Russia.
Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has launched a large-scale offensive against excessive vodka consumption aiming at reducing the level of alcohol consumption by half by the year 2020.
The Russian Federal Guard Service has lifted a January 2008 ban on professional photo and video shoots on the Kremlin's territory on orders of President Medvedev.
A group of French holders of bonds issued by the Czarist government of Russia during World War One have urged Moscow to pay out the century-long debt threatening to seize the Russian property in Paris through courts. The International Federative Association for Russian Bond Holders (AFIPER) estimates the value of bonds at $137 billion (100 billion Euros).
US/CANADA
President Obama has called on the Republican Party for a bipartisan meeting geared at discussing the deadlock healthcare issue. Meanwhile Key Democrats and Republicans in the Senate reached a rare bipartisan agreement last week on steps to spur job creation. According to a latest New York Times/CBS News poll, Americans blame former President George W. Bush, Wall Street and Congress much more than they do Mr. Obama for the nation’s economic problems and the budget deficit.
LATIN AMERICA
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy has been signed between the Russian state nuclear company, Rosatom and Argentina's Ministry of Federal Planning, Investment and Services. Meanwhile the Canadian government too made an agreement with the Atomic Energy Commission of Argentina to work peacefully on nuclear technology.
With history repeating itself Argentina and the United Kingdom are once again engaged in a dispute over Falkland Island. U.K government has acquired a contract for the drilling in the region that Argentina has a disputed claim over. In 1980 both countries fought a war over the island that touts a billion dollars oil reserve.
According to a Sao Paulo newspaper, the Brazilian government has decided to buy 36 Rafale fighter aircraft from France at $6.2 billion. The government however announced that a decision is yet to be finalized though Brazil is planning to upgrade its air force. France and Sweden are in competition to provide the facility.
Meanwhile in preparation for the 2016 Olympics, the Brazilian government is incentivizing its police forces with promises of bonuses while providing special training for the high profile event.
Brazilian government has issued the license to build the controversial hydroelectric dam in the Amazon rainforest a $17 billion project, to be the world’s third largest dam at Xingu. River. Contention exists over the issue of relocation of an estimated 12,000 resident Indians.
Installment of virtual fence at US-Mexican border, a project initiated by the Bush administration at a total cost of $6.7 billion, has now been delayed till 2014. Meanwhile the death of 16 school children in Mexico’s war against drug cartels has sparked a heated blame debate in the congress. Journalists have voiced reluctance to perform their duties where 89% of the crimes against journalists are still unresolved and the figure is even higher in the case of citizens.
Heavy rains in Mexico City have claimed 33 lives and have left 3500 homeless.
Trucking dispute between US and Mexico regarding the violation of NAFTA trade agreement against allegations of U.S. protectionism is to be resolve in the US congress.
Amidst its electricity crisis Venezuela’s Chavez has sought help from long term ally Cuba. Meanwhile the police used tear gas, plastic bullets and water cannons on the student gathered in Caracas to protest against the government. The same day supporters of Chavez gathered in the city to celebrate the Day of Dignity marking the 18th anniversary of the failed coup attempt against Chavez. The UN has taken note of Rights violations in Venezuela where two students died last week in similar protests.
Twitter an internet social blog is becoming popular in Venezuelan community where Chavez opponents employ it to criticize government’s policies freely. Previously 5 channels critical of the government have been refused licenses renewals. Chavez has also launched his own radio show to broadcast directly to the nation. §
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Business and Politics in the Muslim World (BPM)refers to the project entitled, "Globalized Business and Politics: A View from the Muslim World.' The blog development project has been undertaken and jointly developed by the Gilani Research Foundation and BPM as a free resource and social discussion tool.
Please Preview your comments before posting.
Business and Politics in the Muslim World (BPM)refers to the project entitled, "Globalized Business and Politics: A View from the Muslim World.' The blog development project has been undertaken and jointly developed by the Gilani Research Foundation and BPM as a free resource and social discussion tool.
Please Preview your comments before posting.
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