According to current and former US government officials, it has just been confirmed that in 2005 the Central Intelligence Agency destroyed at least two videotapes documenting the interrogation of two al-Qaeda suspects in the agency’s custody, a step it took in the midst of Congressional and legal scrutiny about its secret detention program. Its like …
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IBM report explores sustainable economic development in Africa
The Global Innovation Outlook 3.0 report explores sustainable economic development in Africa. GIO is sponsored by IBM. It attempts to synthesise a consensus from more than 150 business, government, academic and NGO leaders across nine deep dive sessions. Read the summary here or download the report here (3.8mb pdf).
King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Celebrations are taking place in Thailand today to mark the 80th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest serving monarch. National Geographic has published a special report celebrating King Bhumibol’s life. It is worth seeing because of his life long example of care and commitment in his role. Why Thailand’s king is so revered …
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Tropics expanding because of climate change
Climate change is causing the tropics to widen, with possible impacts on the global food supply. Scientists examined five different measures of the width of the tropical belt, and found it expanded by between 2 and 4.8 degrees latitude since 1979. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned in its series of reports this …
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Even Canada has cut rates
The Bank of Canada cut interest rates for the first time since April 2004, saying that the global economic outlook looked uncertain. It cut rates by a quarter of a percentage point to 4.25% from 4.5%. The central bank said that it expected financial market turmoil, stemming from a collapse of the US sub-prime mortgage …
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Will US vindication of Iran promote softer diplomacy?
The US National Intelligence Directorate issued a report today stating that Iran has not pursued nuclear weapons development since 2003. This is in stark contrast to the US’s aggressive words in international circles and the snubbing of Iran’s President on a recent visit to the US. The IAEA continuing to analyse the nature of Iran’s …
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Middle east peace: after Annapolis
This report and linked reports by the BBC analyse the problems and opportunity for peace in the Middle East which the Bush administration has sponsored. Unfortunately there remain fundamental differences which will impede progress, including the exclusion of important stakeholders in the process (such as Hamas) and the favourable bias that many feel the US …
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More sex education needed for all
In the UK Children the Terrence Higgins Trust, the NSPCC and the National Union of Teachers have called for enhanced and extended education about sex. The authors of a letter ot the Times say that children should be taught about sex and relationships throughout their time in school because children needed to know about health …
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The Warwick Commission report on world trade
The Warwick Commission report on the world trade system … Experts Say Consensus Should No Longer Be Deal Breaker in World Trade The Warwick Commission, a panel of leading specialists on world trade is this week publishing the results of its 10 month study of the state of the world trade system. They are concerned about what …
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Australia joins Kyoto
Kevin Rudd made his first official act as new Prime Minister of Australia, ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. Well done! Australia now joins the civilised world in contracting together to tackle climate change in a coordinated and concerted effort. The US continues to dissent. This welcome news comes shortly after Australia (under Howard) was highlighted …
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