Jul

26

2011

The Rescue Package for Greece and the Euro

Abgelegt in  Europe

Greece debt continues to threaten the euro that provides the basis for EU economic exchange. In June 2011, a second European rescue fund of €109 billion was approved by the Eurozone Countries and the I.M.F. to rescue Greece. The I.M.F. share of this bailout was €3.3bn. The European rescue fund came from the €440bn European Financial Stability Facility that the European Union countries had approved as a general rescue fund May 2010. The IMF had provided an additional €250bn to the EFSF European rescue package. (more…)

Jun

22

2011

Syria’s Revolution: a brief history

Abgelegt in  World Politics

Syria has been wracked by massive protests since the end of January of this year. President Bashar Assad, who was seen as a reformer, however, has failed to hear the voices of his people. As a result, what first started as peaceful protests have erupted into violent confrontation. What first started in the country as a peaceful movement, inspired by the events of Tunisia and Egypt has become the main issue of Syrian politics. Because President Assad has refused to follow the voices of his people and reform Syrian politics, Damascus now faces major defections in the army. Latest reports indicate, that the country may indeed begin to come apart at its seams. (more…)

May

26

2011

The case of Dominique Strauss-Kahn

Abgelegt in  Europe

Dominique Strauss-Kahn has made a considerable amount of news over the past few weeks. Strauss-Kahn was the director of the International Monetary Fund, a branch of the UN that differs from the World Bank and was a candidate for the presidency of France as a member of the socialist party. (more…)

Apr

22

2011

Ai Weiwei – the Chinese artist under arrest

Abgelegt in  human rights

The Chinese government’s arrest of internationally acclaimed artist Ai Weiwei, has once again drawn widespread attention to the country’s dismal human rights record.

The 54 year-old artist whose biography includes working on the iconic Beijing National Stadium that was used in the 2008 Olympics, was detained on April 3 on his way to Hong Kong from Beijing. (more…)

Mar

28

2011

War in Libya: the Western alliance vs. Gaddafi

Abgelegt in  war

The United States began launching missiles into Libya last weekend, striking multiple targets in the North African country. The war was precipitated when rebels, hoping to overthrow the government led by Muammar Gaddafi, managed to take and hold a number of key cities. (more…)