http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1c9395ce-7a52-11e1-839f-00144feab49a.html?ftcamp=published_links/rss/home_uk/feed//product#axzz1qdlbCGWq
The death of a prominent English business man with possible ties to British intelligence agencies in Chongqing has brought new scrutiny to bear on Bo Xilai, Chongqing's recently deposed Communist Party Secretary. The mysterious circumstances surrounding Mr. Neil Percival Heywood, as well as the lack of an autopsy report, have called in to question whether his death was actually, as reads the official Chinese report, due to alcohol, and not a murder.
Mr. Bo and Mr. Heywood were well acquainted, but Mr. Heywood was, according to some sources, embroiled in a business dispute with Mr. Bo's wife, Gu Kailai.
The scandals just keep piling up for Bo Xilai. I'm almost certain they will ruin his political ambitions, which, until he was wracked by scandals, looked to be bright.
30.3.12
Obama Clears Way to Tighten Iranian Oil Sanctions
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/31/business/global/obama-to-clear-way-to-expand-iranian-oil-sanctions.html
Today President Obama authorized further sanctions on Iranian oil, claiming that world supply and prices were sufficient to allow for even more restrictions on Iranian oil imports. This decision comes even as gas prices in the US continue to climb. Mr. Obama's measure has been mandated by a rare unanimous senate vote, and will place increased penalties on corporations and other entities that purchase Iranian oil. The aim of the sanctions is to isolate the Iranian Central Bank from the world economy, harming the Iranian economy in an effort to pressure Iran to drop its nuclear program.
I believe this move is necessary, as the prospect of a nuclear Iran is very frightening indeed. The measure adopted contains loop-holes that will allow it to be quickly waived in the case of a spike in gas prices, so if the measures threaten to do significant damage to the American economy, Obama can swiftly lift them. Already, sanctions on Iranian oil have succeeded in decreasing the amount of money Iran has available to pursue its nuclear ambitions. While these sanctions will harm many citizens of both the US and Iran, I believe the costs are necessary.
Today President Obama authorized further sanctions on Iranian oil, claiming that world supply and prices were sufficient to allow for even more restrictions on Iranian oil imports. This decision comes even as gas prices in the US continue to climb. Mr. Obama's measure has been mandated by a rare unanimous senate vote, and will place increased penalties on corporations and other entities that purchase Iranian oil. The aim of the sanctions is to isolate the Iranian Central Bank from the world economy, harming the Iranian economy in an effort to pressure Iran to drop its nuclear program.
I believe this move is necessary, as the prospect of a nuclear Iran is very frightening indeed. The measure adopted contains loop-holes that will allow it to be quickly waived in the case of a spike in gas prices, so if the measures threaten to do significant damage to the American economy, Obama can swiftly lift them. Already, sanctions on Iranian oil have succeeded in decreasing the amount of money Iran has available to pursue its nuclear ambitions. While these sanctions will harm many citizens of both the US and Iran, I believe the costs are necessary.
15.3.12
Wen Calls for Political Reform but Sidesteps Details
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/15/world/asia/china-wen-jiabao-calls-for-political-reform.html?_r=1&ref=world
Wen Jiabao, Premier of China, made statements concerning political and economic reform at a recent news conference, which could be his last, as he will be stepping down soon. He declaimed the current party leadership as being to averse to change, a situation which, in Wen's eyes, could lead to another Cultural Revolution.
Wen's calls are not to be taken as calls for greater political freedom or involvement for average Chinese citizens, rather as calls for a restructuring of the Communist Party and a revision of its policies and agenda.
Specific problems Wen addressed included the income gap, unaffordable housing, and Tibetan opposition. His responses to these questions were cautious, sticking very close to official Party doctrine. It remains to be seen in what directions the next generation of Communist leadership, including Jiabao's replacement, will lead the country.
Wen Jiabao, Premier of China, made statements concerning political and economic reform at a recent news conference, which could be his last, as he will be stepping down soon. He declaimed the current party leadership as being to averse to change, a situation which, in Wen's eyes, could lead to another Cultural Revolution.
Wen's calls are not to be taken as calls for greater political freedom or involvement for average Chinese citizens, rather as calls for a restructuring of the Communist Party and a revision of its policies and agenda.
Specific problems Wen addressed included the income gap, unaffordable housing, and Tibetan opposition. His responses to these questions were cautious, sticking very close to official Party doctrine. It remains to be seen in what directions the next generation of Communist leadership, including Jiabao's replacement, will lead the country.
Russia May Let NATO Use Airfield as Afghan Hub
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/15/world/europe/kremlin-willing-to-let-nato-use-airfield-for-afghan-transit.html?ref=world
The Kremlin has said that it is willing to allow NATO to use an airbase in Ulyanovsk, on the Volga river, to transport troops, vehicles, and supplies in and out of Afghanistan, where the NATO mission is being wound down. The use of this airbase provides a useful alternative to dangerous and expensive land routes through Pakistan.
Russia's cooperation comes at a time when the Kremlin seems unwilling to compromise on solutions for Syria and Iran, two of Russia's closest trading partners in the Middle East, leading to tensions between Russia and western leadership.
I believe that Russia's decision is designed to increase its influence on the world stage. By providing key logistical points for NATO and the US, Russia will increase the dependence of western countries on its cooperation, giving it a key diplomatic tool, especially as events in the Middle East continue to shape the geopolitical scene.
The Kremlin has said that it is willing to allow NATO to use an airbase in Ulyanovsk, on the Volga river, to transport troops, vehicles, and supplies in and out of Afghanistan, where the NATO mission is being wound down. The use of this airbase provides a useful alternative to dangerous and expensive land routes through Pakistan.
Russia's cooperation comes at a time when the Kremlin seems unwilling to compromise on solutions for Syria and Iran, two of Russia's closest trading partners in the Middle East, leading to tensions between Russia and western leadership.
I believe that Russia's decision is designed to increase its influence on the world stage. By providing key logistical points for NATO and the US, Russia will increase the dependence of western countries on its cooperation, giving it a key diplomatic tool, especially as events in the Middle East continue to shape the geopolitical scene.
Chongqing Party Leader Ousted
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/16/world/asia/bo-xilai-ousted-from-communist-party-post-in-china.html?pagewanted=2&ref=world
Bo Xilai, the popular party chief of Chongqing province, was ousted today following scandals involving shoddy legal procedures in which Bo accelerated the convictions and executions of organized crime leaders and affiliates, including one Communist official, whom Bo accused of shielding gang leaders.
Beyond the scandals, It is many analysts' beliefs, as well as mine, that Mr. Bo was removed for more political reasons. Mr. Bo is a well-connected son of a revolutionary, with strong ties to former president Jiang Zemin. Throughout his leadership in Chongqing, he has advocated a populist strategy of wealth redistribution that has many in the Communist leadership wary of a return to the destructive elements of the Maoist past.
Bo's demotion is a setback for his political ambitions, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to regain his favor with the party and gain the coveted spot in the standing committee of the politburo he seemed he was on the way to getting. In the meantime, his former position has been filled by Zhang Dejiang, Vice Prime Minister.
Bo Xilai, the popular party chief of Chongqing province, was ousted today following scandals involving shoddy legal procedures in which Bo accelerated the convictions and executions of organized crime leaders and affiliates, including one Communist official, whom Bo accused of shielding gang leaders.
Beyond the scandals, It is many analysts' beliefs, as well as mine, that Mr. Bo was removed for more political reasons. Mr. Bo is a well-connected son of a revolutionary, with strong ties to former president Jiang Zemin. Throughout his leadership in Chongqing, he has advocated a populist strategy of wealth redistribution that has many in the Communist leadership wary of a return to the destructive elements of the Maoist past.
Bo's demotion is a setback for his political ambitions, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to regain his favor with the party and gain the coveted spot in the standing committee of the politburo he seemed he was on the way to getting. In the meantime, his former position has been filled by Zhang Dejiang, Vice Prime Minister.
With Arms for Yemen Rebels, Iran Seeks Wider Mideast Role
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/15/world/middleeast/aiding-yemen-rebels-iran-seeks-wider-mideast-role.html?_r=1&hp
Iran seems to be sending weapons and munitions to Yemeni rebels, one shipment of which was recently intercepted by the Yemeni government. This involvement in Yemen has been linked to increased Iranian activities throughout the region, including training and support given by the elite Quds force to Syrian forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad and suspected assassination attempts on Israeli officials and a Saudi diplomat.
Most analysts believe that Shi'a Iran is seeking greater recognition and influence in the region in a bid to compete with its Sunni rival Saudi Arabia as well as to retaliate against Israel-sponsored attacks on Iranian nuclear technicians.
Iran seems to be sending weapons and munitions to Yemeni rebels, one shipment of which was recently intercepted by the Yemeni government. This involvement in Yemen has been linked to increased Iranian activities throughout the region, including training and support given by the elite Quds force to Syrian forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad and suspected assassination attempts on Israeli officials and a Saudi diplomat.
Most analysts believe that Shi'a Iran is seeking greater recognition and influence in the region in a bid to compete with its Sunni rival Saudi Arabia as well as to retaliate against Israel-sponsored attacks on Iranian nuclear technicians.
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