The Economic Consequences of Mr. Bush by Joseph Stiglitz When we look back someday at the catastrophe that was the Bush administration, we will think of many things: the tragedy of the Iraq war, the shame of Guantánamo and Abu Ghraib, the erosion of civil liberties. The damage done to the American economy does not …
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Category:2 Geopolitics
Emperor Qian Long to King George III
This link came across my desk and I share it because of my ties to Hong Kong and fondness for China. It is the text of a famous letter from Emperor Qian Long sent to King George III at the height of Chinese civilisation in the 18th century. China entered into a 200-year period of …
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Is Japan joining the US as a global pariah?
Japan has started to fingerprint and photograph all foreigners when they arrive in the country, joining the United States in checking foreigners in this way. (Japan will require foreigners resident in Japan, as well as visitors, to be checked each time they enter.) This kind of checking is a sad comment on the way humanity …
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IPCC 4th report: Synthesis – abrupt and irreversible impact
The 4th IPCC report synthesises the three aspects of climate change that it has already discussed in reports earlier in the year. As well as the unequivocal blame on humanity for climate change some of the irreversible impacts include: 20%-30% of species assessed so far at increased risk of extinction. between 75m and 250m people …
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Koreas to open rail links
On 11 December a freight rail link between north and south Korea will open. This will be the first for 50 years. It follows the recent detente between the two countries. It is a good step in the right direction. Either it is a sign of Kim Jong-Il’s softening or a sign of greater desperation …
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Will Money Solve Africa’s Development Problems?
A Templeton conversation. The concensus seems to be No. Either was the participants are well informed and offer a broad insight to the challenges of Africa. Read it here. Will Money Solve Africa’s Development Problems?
Report on Iran’s nuclear programme is not the drama expected
The report by the IAEA on Iran’s nuclear programmes is not the dramatic revelation that some expected. In Iran’s favour, most of the data reveals authentic energy applications of nuclear material. On the other hand, questions remain about what current activities are. And those questions are being asked. The response by both Iran and the …
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Iraq war costing twice as much as we were told
The US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are costing nearly double the amount previously thought, according to a report, War At Any Price?, by the Joint Economic Committee of the US Congress. (Press release here – pdf) It says “hidden costs” have pushed the total to about $1.5 trillion – nearly twice the requested $804 …
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Suu Kyi “optimism” – is it real or diplomatic?
We have been sanguine about the prospects of reform of the sad situation in Myanmar. The first sign that there might be positive change is the statement that Aung San Suu Kyi is optimistic that a dialogue might produce reconciliation with the military junta. He sentiment was revealed through intermediaries and comes as she communicates …
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Saudi visit to Vatican shows the way
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia visited the Pope on this European tour. This meeting helps to alleviate some of the religious tension in geopolitics and an example for enlightened Muslims and Christians to observe. Both leaders represent communities which legislate restrictions on personal behaviour, from celibacy to limitations on public expression, and may seem to …
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