Montana's Booming Economy

While the rest the America's economy is floundering, Montana's keeps chugging along. It has been buoyed by high commodity prices from mining exports. Nice to see one state is taking advantage of a weak dollar. Story from The Economist.

Supporting a Global Middle Class

Foreign Policy recently published an article about how the world will struggle to support a middle class. Its worth a read and details many of the issues that will arise as the people of the developing world advance.

Zimbabwe's Black Market

What do you do when the price of soap goes up 1,000 times in an hour? Buy it on the black market! In Zimbabwe price controls are causing food shortages which feed a thriving community of illegal traders. Story from The Washington Post.

Wanted: Kidneys

Indian officials have uncovered a kidney racket. The Washington Post reports the network operated by robbing kidneys from poor people and selling them to the wealthy for a handsome profit. Some of these organs have even found their way to the United States. It is good to see that people are always willing to meet demand in a scare market.

EU to Assist Dictator in Chad

For all the crap the U.S. takes over Iraq from Europe the old world should really examine some of their own foreign policy decisions. The nations of France and Ireland have promised about 2,000 troops to act as a buffer between Chad and Darfur.

One of the main fears here is that instability will danger aid workers, but Sudan and Chad have been engaged in a constant power struggle. One of the unintended side consequences will be to further insulate the regime of Idriss Deby in Chad. Story from the BBC.

Italian Government Collapses!

Once again the Italians have proven that they are unable to run a functioning country. If you think politics in the United States are divided and partisan, it is nothing compared to the legislative gridlock on the boot shaped peninsula. They do have a flair for the dramatic... Story from the New York Times.

Emblematic of those divisions, during the debate one senator rushed in fury to the desk of a colleague, Stefano Cusumano, and taunted and apparently tried to attack him. Mr. Cusumano, 60, reportedly cried, then collapsed.

Lets Try to Provide Some Power

The Washington Post reports that power outages have wreaked havoc on the economies of the Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. An explanation has yet to be given, but power was restored to Zambia. It is safe to say that other things are ailing the economy of Zimbabwe besides power outages.

This just really further illustrated the ineptitude of Africa. Until African nations can successfully provide power through a basic infrastructure it is doubtful that they will be able to attract investment to develop.

Hey Saudi Arabia, Help Us Out!

Bush has appealed to OPEC nation Saudi Arabia to consider the damage that high fuel prices are having on the U.S. economy. Bush hopes that the market size of the United States will help him sway members of OPEC to increase production, lower prices, and allow U.S. consumers to spend on something besides gas.

Bush fails to recognize that while the United States maybe the largest consumer of fuel it is the rise of India and China that have put a strain on the fuel markets. With a combined population of well over 2 billion, these nations dwarf the market potential of the United States. The U.S. isn't the only country that can buy oil. Story from the International Herald Tribune.

Biofuels Damaging the Environment

The BBC released a story that indicates that the EU is worried about how biofuel production is damaging the environment because of deforestation. Land that produces biofuels is also being blamed for higher food prices. Is the EU just getting this news now?

Furthermore, a new report from the Royal Society questions how much biofuels actually decrease carbon emissions. The EU's target of 10% of road fuel coming from biofuels maybe reconsidered due to this study. Energy is always going to be a dirty business and there will be no easy way out.

Greater Africa and Balkanization

Listening to BBC World Service this morning I was shocked to hear a rather optimistic forecast for African development due to high commodity prices and relative peace. What is the BBC thinking? While they do acknowledge that corruption is still a major retardant of growth, they seem to overlook the fresh wave of violence that has enveloped eastern and central Africa.

Kenya is still a mess and the failure of it's leaders to reach an agreement will only result in deeper societal divisions and ethnic violence. Furthermore, as a nation that boarders an ocean, it holds the nations of Uganda and Burundi hostage because their goods are unable to reach a port to engage in global trade. Story from the BBC.

The New York Times published an excellent story today on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This could be called World War III, but is just lost in the seemingly endless cycle of violence in that has pulled in a half dozen other nations. Here too violence is largely based upon ethnic groups.

Perhaps Africa would be better off if a wave of Balkanization swept through the continent. Smaller, ethnically homogeneous nations, are more peaceful on the whole. The lines Europe drew on a map haven't worked, so it is worth a try...

Brazilian Police Exercise Some Degree of Competence

Brazil is not known for its high-tech security systems or competent police force, but everyone deserves a lucky break once in a while. The BBC reports that two precious pieces of art work, including a Picasso, have been recovered by Brazilian authorities.

What excellent police work lead to the discovery? The paintings were found leaning up against in building in Sao Paulo. Two suspects have been brought in for questioning who allegedly used only a crowbar and a hydraulic carjack to break into the museum.

Russia and Nigeria to Cooperate on Gas Exploitation

The Financial Times reports that Gazprom, the Russian state owned energy giant, is willing to invest heavily in Nigerian gas. Just what Nigeria needs, more money from another corrupt country to further destabilize the Niger Delta.

In other Nigeria related news, OPEC has blamed Nigeria for high global oil prices. Story from AllAfrica.

Britons to Make More Money than Yanks

The BBC reports that, for the first time since the 1800s, Brits will make more money than Americans by 250 pounds. This caps a dramatic swing over the past 15 years, the last time that the UK was mired in an economic recession.

There is a sunny side for Americans. Cheaper foods and services will allow yanks to retain their purchasing power advantage over their colonial oppressors. Hurray for a weak currency!

In Nigeria, They Love Corruption!

Its becoming clear that being an anti-corruption figure in the Nigerian government is a thankless position. Corruption is rampant in the state and the training assignment of corruption fighting official, Nuhu Ribadu, only reinforces this culture.

Ribadu, however, has refused to accept his training and is resigning from his position reports the Washington Post. His decision is in response to a statement calling for him to step down by President Yar'Adua. Oh how rare integrity is in the Nigerian government.

Sometimes Making a Sex Tape is Not Such a Good Idea

Malaysian Health Minister, Chua Soi Lek, was forced to resign after a sex tape depicted him and another women preforming the dirty deed was widely circulated in his home state the BBC reports. The videos were made in a hotel suite without Lek's knowledge or so he says.

Well actually it was not a tape, but a DVD. It is important to get a clear picture for such a production when I am sure it was done on a tight budget. Three cheers for the distributer, but next time lets hope for an international release.

A Fishy Election in Kenya

Over the past decade Kenya has steadily emerged as one of Africa's most stable democracies. The most recent round of elections may call that into question. While violence and elections have always been present in Kenya, the most recent manifestation is frightening for the future of democratic institutions.

Incumbent candidate Mwai Kibaki rode a late surge to capture a second term as president. Challenger, Raila Odinga, is refusing to recognize Kibaki as President and many more are questioning the validity of the results. Violence is breaking out with many of Odinga's supporters having taken to the streets in protest AllAfrica reports.

The current situation is tense and harmful to a nascent democracy. With accusations of a rigged election flying about it is doubtful that either side will be able assert a government of legitimacy. Can democracy in Africa ever thrive?

Ben's Friday Links

Pakistan is disintegrating in the aftermath of the assassination of Bhutto. The Washington Post

Kenyans go to the polls. Financial Times

Paul Krugman displays his grasp of simple economics on why trade with developing world hurts the U.S. economy, but in a free-market sort of way. The New York Times

Ethiopia and Eritrea are close to fighting another war, again. UN News

The MLS SuperDraft in Baltimore is quickly approaching, here is a look at the top defensive prospects. Soccernet

The Dangerous Profession of Fuel Pirating

If you are interested in stealing fuel and selling it on the black-market then Nigeria is the place to be. Thief beware according to the BBC, which reports 34 peopled died stealing fuel and some instances of such theft have killed as many as 260.

Its Mail Bag with Al-Qaida!

Le Monde reports that Ayman al-Zawahiri has invited citizens and members of the media to submit questions to the terrorist organization via the internet. The deadline for questions is set for 16 January, so hurry!

The questions must be short and concise if they are to have any chance of soliciting a response. So many questions are swirling around my head at the moment, but I don't believe it is worth getting on the terror watch list by visiting one of these Islamic websites, not to mention emailing them.

Sarko Hooks Up with Another Supermodel

You can take French President Nicholas Sarkozy off of Foreign Policy's 'hot' list of eligible world leaders.

The lucky lady is Carla Bruni, an Italian supermodel and pop-star. They made this fairytale romance public at Disneyland Paris. Background story on Bruni from The Times.

My work computer must not like pictures very much, so here again is a Google search link for pictures of this Italian.

More on Ron Paul Fundraising...

The Nation offers it's opinion on how Ron Paul and Trevor Lyman's fundraising campaign is revolutionary.

Tymoshenko Update!

Yulia Tymoshenko has regained her rightful place as Prime Minister of Ukraine. She narrowly won her second term, nonconsecutive, in a 226-450 vote. Story from the BBC.

If you would like to read the Ukrainian perspective over biased English publications take a gander at this Ukrainian newspaper online called Interfax. I have no idea what it says, but I am sure this story is on there someplace. Be Warned, the alphabet is a bit ugly.

Blogger is being stupid and not letting me put up a picture of Yulia, so here is the link to a Google search of pictures, Enjoy!

Power Struggle in South Africa

The direction of South Africa is up for grabs at the ANC conference. Incumbent Thabo Mbeki is facing a direct challenge to his power by ANC deputy Jacob Zuma. Story from the New York Times.

This will be the classic struggle between calculated, pro-growth policies and populism. Mbeki is attempting to assert that his policies have caused sustainable economic growth, while Zuma is appealing to the people's desire for instant gratification.

Oh yeah, Zuma was charged with rape and corruption, but in African politics anything can happen.

U.S. and Germany Snuggle Up

Bush has a new best friend and its not that dashing Frenchman. Its the European leader everybody forgets about, German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The Washington Post indicates that they act like a couple of chatty teenagers who can get enough of each other. The two often talk about Iraq, Iran, and global warming, a topic that Merkel was able to woo Bush.

The relationship blossomed during a romantic weekend getaway at Crawford, Texas, better known as the Paris of the the Crawford region. Why doesn't Bush invited Mahmoud there? I'd love to read that blog entry.

South Korean Credit Cards a New Tool For Government Regulation

Many South Koreans use credit cards as a way to trim costs. These cards have nice incentives like airline miles, reward points, and tax rebates which Koreans use with prudence. Credit cards have also been encouraged by the government to regulate the flow of cash to fight corruption and the underground economy.

Come to think of it, I have never heard of a drug or arms dealer accepting Visa or MasterCard and I have done business with quite a few. Its a shame really, the underground economy is able to employ people in places that many businesses would not operate and form lasting friendships. Think of all the culture, love, and money that these people will lose. Story from The International Herald Tribune.

TtP's Main Blogging Competition -- Iran

For those of you who don't know, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has entered the blogosphere. Now you can read the president of Iran musings on rainbows, unicorns and governance. His site, affectionately named Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's Personal Memos, if offered in four languages: English, French, and two squiggly line languages, most likely Arabic and Farsi. You can check out his blog here.

The French are Pissed About Something Again

The French police have sent 1,000 officers to quell riots in a rowdy Parisian suburb. Earlier in the week a French police car killed two youths in a heavily populated immigrant part of Paris.

Sometimes I wish American youths were more like this. Taking to the streets and setting things one fire sounds like a smashing evening. The French streets have become something of legend while the streets in the United States have been sedated.

Who Has the World's Worst Currency?

Well the good news is the U.S. dollar is not on the list by Foreign Policy. The bad news is the list only has five currencies. The thing these countries all share in common is they are all command economies with the exception being Somalia, but they really don't have a government.

Meth Use in Europe Grows

The drug of choice in the American heartland is now all the rage in Europe. Meth's seemingly ubiquitous presence as the media's drug of choice continues with this story from the New York Times.

Authorities estimate that the rise of meth use coincides with growing cocaine prices. Meth use is being outpaced by coke's expansion, but European officials hope to control the supply before it demand gets worse. This tactic hasn't worked yet, but I suppose its worth a try.

UN Overestimates AIDS in Africa

The Washington Post reports that the United Nations will state that they overestimated the size, by up to 40%, and trend of the AIDS epidemic in Africa. UN AIDS scientists now believe that the rate of infection has been slowing for over a decade.

While this is good news, AIDS is still a major problem in Africa that drains resources from an already limited pool.

Soccer is so hot right now...

The MLS has solidified its presence as the number four sport in America. I am making this statement because NASCAR is not a sport and no one watches the NHL.

The Boston Globe ran story story on the state of the MLS citing that TV ratings are up by 25% and attendance passed the 2 million persons mark.

U.S. Helps Pakistan Keep Nukes Safe

Should I feel better than the United States government is assisting the Pakistani government to secure their nuclear arsenal? Considering it is incompetent people like myself who dream of working for the U.S.G. forgive me that I do not have much faith in this program. Story from the New York Times.

I assume this program is to help keep these powerful weapons from falling into the hands of mean terrorist organizations that would use them against strategically important U.S. cities. I would like to think that since I live in D.C. this makes me important or at least important by association.

Were You Watching Big Brother Africa Last Night?

In a stunning development Richard Bezuidenhout of Tanzania has won Africa's hit T.V. show Big Brother. He won the show despite cheating on this new wife and won $100,000. The show features a collection of Africans hailing from countries all over the continent in competition for the large cash prize by African standards.

This show must be extremely entertaining to watch. It must be interesting to see Africans lie and cheat when violent rebellions are not involved. I would suggest an African Survivor, but that maybe to close to reality. Story from AllAfrica.

OPEC Asks an Obvious Question

That tidy group of thieves and dictators known as OPEC is shivering in their boots about sustaining levels of global demand for oil. The Financial Times reports that OPEC is seeking reassurance that demand will remain high if they ramp up production. As if current billions of dollars they have hoarded away for themselves isn't enough. With the rise of India and China I am surprised this is even an issue.

NPR ran a wonderful story on how we got to$100 oil. Its not a bad read for some quick hitting factoids.

Weekend Reading

India's strengthening Rupee hurting the export sector. Washington Post

Glasgow to host 2014 Games Commonwealth Games. BBC

Rough week for the global markets and things aren't looking any brighter. Financial Times

Rising street prices for drugs leads U.S. government to believe they are winning the war. LA Times

Tony Blair can't charm the Chinese. Guardian Unlimited

Oil discovery in Brazil could make it one of the world's largest producers. CNN

Want to be Refugee?

Ever wanted to know what it feels like to be a refugee? Here is your chance! Thanks to those altruistic Swedes the UNHCR has released a game entitled "Against All Odds" that details the plight of a refugee. Obstacles include intolerance, interrogation, flight and language barriers. The main purpose of the game is to create empathy for the struggles of refugees. You can play the game for yourself here.

To Sexy for the Dollar

News flash! The dollar isn't looking too hot right now. The BBC reports that supermodel Gisele Bundchen is refusing to be paid with stacks of Washingtons and is now only signing contracts to be paid in euros. More contracts these days are being to be signed in euros, only fueling doubts of the future of the dollar.

Amsterdam is so Last Year

According to the New York Times, the Afghan province of Balkh is the new 'it' location for cannabis. The province made the switch from opium to marijuana mainly because it is easier and more profitable for farmers to grow. Well at least is not heroin. This article also features a super special bonus surprise of an original New York Times video for those of you who are to lazy to read.

Musharraf Declares State of Emergency

Pakistani dictator/president Musharraf has declared a state of emergency and suspended the constitution. This action will not only damage his standing domestically, but internationally as well. It now becomes difficult for the United States to support him as his attempts to roll back democratic reforms that go against the Bush Doctrine. Story from the Washington Post.

I feel sorry for Condy getting a call at 2 a.m. These time zones need to go and everyone needs to get on the same schedule. Does it matter if people are up in the day or night hours? No one can delivery sound policy advance after being awoken from their slumber at 2 in the morning.

Weekend International Links

The U.S. adds over 100,00 jobs, calming economic fears. International Herald Tribune

EU criticizes the pace of Turkey's reform, slowing any possible entry into the Union. IHT

"To engaged in aggressive personal diplomacy" is Obama's stance on Iran. New York Times

Hollywood writers call for strike against studios on Monday at midnight. Financial Times.

Floods inundates 70% of the Mexican state of Tabasco. LA Times

Putin cuts two-thirds of the international observing force from Russia's December elections. MSNBC

Oil Prices Up, Exxon Down

High oil prices are usually associated with bursting profits for the oil titans. Information released today points contrary to this populist notion.

Oil prices rose above $96 dollars a barrel today, but Exxon issued a weak earnings report causing its stock to drop.

The reasons are simple, a weak dollar which translates to only a slight increase in the price of oil by 1% when economic adjustments are taken to account. So far the oil companies are bearing the burden of higher prices and not consumers.

Stories from the International Herald Tribune and New York Times.

Culture in Development

In the development debate the question of the impact of culture is always hotly contested. In today’s Washington Post, Robert Samuelson dissects the argument of Gregory Clark’s new book, "A Farewell to Alms: A Brief Economic History of the World." His main argument is that the rest of the world’s poverty is somewhat permanent because all of the tools for development exist, but repressive cultural beliefs keep societies down.

In other news, the World Bank reports that the IMF has revised their expected growth numbers for Africa upwards to 6.8% in 2008 from 6.1% in 2007.

So does culture matter? Sure it does, but societies also have the power to cast off outdated beliefs and embrace development. The idea of self determination has been lost in all of this. The most important aspect of development has been the agency of the individual to improve his life and influence government policies to favor growth.

You Can Draft Me for Rambo

In Sylvester Stallone’s latest film he puts on his glorious red bandana once more. In Rambo Syl illustrates how to bring democracy to Burma, a one man assault by an aging movie star against thousands of government oppressors. Check out the trailer on Yahoo! Movies.

If Syl’s past track record serves as any indicator of this film, I expect it to be a roaring success. He understands that when people go to see an action film they do not want to see a story, but rather an orgy of action and violence in less than 100 minutes. All too often today we must sit through three hour action/suspense movies with no plot just to see Michael Bay or M. Night masturbate on screen.

Sarko Throws a Hissy Fit

While on the set of 60 minutes the President of France, Nicholas Sarkozy, walked out of an interview after being questioned about his recent break-up with wife, and former supermodel, Ceciclia. The interview was apparently filmed before the announcement of their separation. It is rather surprising to see a Frenchmen run from confrontation. Story from the New York Times.

Putting Buffaloes Down

We all know from Rob's constant bitching that Baltimore is a wretched city. While many focus on the urban revival that has swept through Washington D.C. and New York many are forgetting a once major city in upstate New York, Buffalo.

While it does not have the entertaining murder scene of Baltimore it does illustrate what a depressed American city looks like. Income in Buffalo is 60% less than the national average and the city has lost about 55% of its total population. Check out the full article from the City Journal of the demise of the Jewel on Lake Erie.

Cocaine Use Soars in Europe

European officials are attempting to stem the rise of cocaine use in Spain and Britain particularly. Studies indicate that 10 million people or 3% of the population in Europe have used the drug. Authorities are stepping up efforts to apprehend smugglers, but new routes are always being explored. The newest hot spot is West Africa NPR reports.

This story mainly regurgitates old news of coke being an acceptable party drug of the upper-class. Its depressing, but is the news media really that slow?

China Reaches the Moon 30 Years Later

The New York Times reports that the Chinese has sent their first lunar probe into space. This is the first step in an ambitious 10 year plan, after which the Chinese hope to be able to retrieve their moon rover. This launch comes weeks after Japan did the very same thing.

Don’t these Asian countries get that the US and the USSR did this 30 years ago? It means nothing to everyone. It’s like that kid at school who was always the last one to get everything.

Mafia is the Strongest Sector of the Italian Economy

Italy, the new sick man of Europe, has suffered from economic stagnation for a long period. Perhaps officials in Italy should consider creating tax incentives for mafia operations, if they probably aren't already involved. The International Herald Tribune reports that mafia activities account for 7% of the country’s GDP. The mafia’s dealings encompass everything from legitimate businesses to public works adding up to $128 billion annually.

A Couple of Big Business Moves for China

Today the New York Times ran a pair of stories on Chinese businesses. Citic Securities of China today announced the investment of $1 billion into Bear Sterns. The American firm hopes that this move will help access the Chinese market, a place dominated by Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.

PetroChina will begin to sell shares on the Shanghai Market. It is easy to see the investment potential of the fuel provider of one of fastest growing economies in the world with a rapidly expanding middle-class.

Weekend International Reading

John Locke’s assertion of life, liberty and property, well at least property to be essential for rising incomes. World Bank

Oil hits $90 a barrel because of weak dollar. BBC

Romney shows he knows nothing about the U.S. role in the United Nations. MSNBC

Les divorce du Sarkozy et l’impact politique. Le Monde

Pakistan recovers from suicide attacks during Bhutto’s arrival. New York Times

Attention All International Development Geeks

Courtesy of FP Passport, I discovered the World Bank’s has a blog, and that the IMF just launched one today. They are worth a look unlike the State Department’s aptly named Dipnote. The World Bank and IMF blogs easily trounce State it in every erudite regard in what is shaping up to be an international institution blogging war. Be prepared for Ben to begin droning on about international development at length, linking endlessly to these two blogs. I am sure my audience was getting a little sick of me just posting whatever was on the New York Times, BBC, etc. websites.

EU in Trade Deficit with China

The United States isn’t the only country to have an uneven balance of trade with China. EU Trade Commissioner, Peter Mandelson, is worried about the very same problem for Europe. The trade deficit is increasing at the astounding rate of 10 million pounds an hour, leading Mandelson to comment that China’s industry is “to some extent, out of control.” Now it looks like Europeans are worried about the fairness of Chinese trading policies. Story from the BBC.

Britain’s Liberal Democrats Look for a New Leader

New faces abound in Britain’s House of Commons. Sir Menzies Campbell has been forced to step down as leader of the Lib Dems. He remarked that he is “irritated and frustrated” about the decision and believes that age and leadership are the primary reasons for his removal.

At the bottom of this article is a very interesting poll on the approval ratings of the Labor, Conservative, and Lib Dem leaders. After suffering from Blair fatigue Britons seem to be high on their new PM Brown. The Conservatives, lead by Cameron, seems to be faltering a bit as of late. Story from the BBC.

U.S.-India Nuclear Pact Put on Hold

The Washington Post reports that India has encountered “certain difficulties” that will prevent it from signing a nuclear deal in the near future. It is believed that leftist parties in India fear that the country is becoming too cozy with the United States. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh signaled that a signed deal could spell the end of his coalition government. Indian communists factions were a primary reason for the disintegration of negotiations.

This is major setback for the Bush Administration. The deal with India and a warming of relations was a bright spot of its foreign policy. Looks like plans of finding a regional counter weight to China have been put on hold.

Sunday Reading

Your favorite football squad having a rough day? Its ok, I have some compelling international reading for you! These stories are sure to clear your gray skies!

Angola’s oil wealth is not improving the lives of its poorest citizens. New York Times

Israel claims their attack on Syria was to disrupt a nascent nuclear program. International Herald Tribune

SPLM withdraws from Sudan’s Unity Government, heightening fears of a renewed North-South Civil War. UN News

Pakistan is the premiere training ground for international terrorists. Los Angles Times

Now don’t you feel a little bit better?

Oxfam Points Out the Obvious in Africa

A new report released by Oxfam indicates that conflict is hurting African development. What a shocker. Wars cost Africa about $18 billion a year or roughly 15% of its potential GDP.

Did you know that most of Africa’s firearms come from outside the continent? At least all those wars keep Africa from developing the industrial base to produce weapons on their own. For more of Oxfam stating the obvious check out the full report here.

The Flagging Green Revolution in Africa

In Africa, where rural development is largely ignored, many believed that farmers were primed for a green revolution. New seed technologies have shown great promise in the past by spurring the development of East Asia. In Africa, daunting obstacles to development have stymied any attempt to fuel an agrarian boom.

Chronic corruption and local attitudes and poverty have made it difficult for these seeds to catch on. In a place of the world where famine is a realistic possibility, an African green revolution remains a tantalizing scenario, but according to The New York Times complications always arise.

Turkey Considering Invasion of Kurdistan

Turkey has decided to seek parliamentary approval for possible military action against the Kurds in northern Iraq. This would signal a step-up of Turkey’s military actions against Kurdish rebel forces.

Kurdistan has long been considered the one bright spot of Iraq since the U.S. led invasion in 2003. The U.S. wants Turkey to find some sort of political solution. State Department spokes person Sean McCormack said, "If they have a problem, they need to work together to resolve it, and I'm not sure that unilateral incursions are the way to go."

If only the United States followed that advice before the invasion of Iraq….

Story from the LA Times.

Oil Companies Working for You…Kind of..

The New York Times reports on the mounting difficulties facing oil companies as they attempt to keep up with global demand. Discovery and development technologies to extract oil have tripled since 1999 to $15 a barrel.

Oil prices are only expected to rise in the next 25 years. United States analysts predict that over this period global demand will increase by 50%. As oil becomes more costly to extract and demand rises, the days the cheap gas will be over soon, even if supply remains high.

Iranian Students Rally Against Ahmadinejad

The International Herald Tribune reports that Tehran University, aka Iranian party central, was the site of demonstrations against President Ahmadinejad. Mahmoud was giving a lecture to a pre-selected group of students at the university during the protests. The Ahmadinejad administration has attempted to suppressed demonstrations, adding to the rarity this display.

One of the central reasons for the fall of the Shah in 1979 was a lack of knowledge of the mood on the streets. With Mahmoud giving a speech to select students, one must wonder if he has insulted himself from the public as the U.S. and the Shah did almost 30 years ago.

Weekend International Links

In attempt to broaden the appeal of To The People I have decided to post a story from the erudite USA Today. It looks as if President Musharraf will retain power in Pakistan pending final election results and a Supreme Court ruling.

China becomes the land of opportunity for Chadian citizens to dream about. The Washington Post

German Chancellor Merkel endorses 2010 World Cup preparations in South Africa. The Mail & Guardian

The Orange Bloc, lead by minx Yulia Tymoshenko, has gained control of the Ukrainian Parliament. The BBC

Mexican authorities seized 10 Tons of cocaine in Tampico. The LA Times

Future Flows of Foreign Direct Investment Predicted to Grow

The flow of capital across borders in expected to rise in the coming years according to the UN. Despite fear of the volatility of the global market this survey by UNTAD shows the resilience of investors to take risks, seize opportunities, and secure growth.

Foreign direct investment is the one of better ways to determine if a developing country is on the right track. Businesses want stability and security for their investments and in return will provide infrastructure, industry and jobs, in developing nations. All countries listed in this report as the probable top states for investment fit in this category.

Polish Politics: the Most Entertaining in Europe

If the Polish Women's Party secures any seats in the upcoming round of elections, I may have to order Polski C-Span. In what maybe the best political advertising campaign of all time the Polish Women’s Party has taken to posing in the nude on their party posters. Time add a bunch of candidates to the world leaders I’d like to bone list.

Alas, it looks like the Polish Women's Party will need all the help they can get to defeat the dastardly Law and Justice Party ruled by the Kaczynski twins. Sounds like the makings of a really bad soap. For the finer points on Polish Politics go check out Foreign Policy’s Passport.

Mexico’s Domestic Drug Market

In Mexico, drug use is usually relegated to cheaper substances like crack and meth. This is not a surprise for developing nation with high levels of economic inequality. An article in the New York Times mentions that violent crime didn’t exist 15 years ago when the local market just had marijuana.

One positive is that Mexico is home to a growing industry of private rehab clinics. It is obvious that for this industry to really take off Mexico requires further development of its film industry.

Europe Wants a Stronger Dollar

The Financial Times reports that at the next G7 meeting Eurozone policy makers will push for a stronger dollar by taking a stance against the volatile global currency markets. Why is Europe so worried? It seems that Europe is unwilling to shoulder burden of existing global imbalances.

Tomislav Damjanovic: Making Money through War

Serbia based arms dealer Tomislav Damjanovic has supplied arms to conflict zones all over the world. An illuminating story in the International Herald Tribune goes into some detail on the life of a real arms broker. It is not quite a how to guide on how to make money from war, but a story on how to outwit the UN (not difficult). However, it looks like things are over for Tomislav Damjanovic. He is currently attempting to restructure his operation into a legitimate air-freight business.

Bridging the 38th Parallel

South Korea should learn one thing from East and West German unification at the end of the Cold War. It is simple, that East Germany was the worst thing to happen to West Germany, end of story. The East is still lagging far behind the West. In Korea the divide is even greater and leaders are holding their second meeting. Korean leaders dream of a unified peninsula, but would this be good for the South? BBC reporting…

George Michael Cutting Back on Pot

Keeping on the pot themed Monday, pop singer George Michael is trying to limit his marijuana consumption. Story from Reuters

Ben’s Worthless International Links

I know nobody reads what I post and I am fine with that really, but here is some more nothingness...

World Bank President Robert Zoellick announced today that the bank will slash its loan interest rates to pre-1998 levels. From the Financial Times.

Kenyan Presidential candidate claims to be cousin of Obama, which has been denied by Barack’s people. New York Times.

Ban Ki-Moon is fretting over global economic situation, particularly the volatility of the markets. UN News.

Iraq and Turkey unite against their common enemy, the Kurds. Yahoo! News.

The New Hot Spot for Pot…Parks

In California there is an increasing amount of marijuana being grown in parks. Park rangers now spend a great deal of time hunting these pot preserves down and destroying them. California ranks as the number one producer of pot in the US and data from the Justice Department indicates that $6.7 billion worth of the crop were eradicated in 2006. This Californian practice, the BBC reports, is thought to be spreading across the continent.

More Smart Moves from Mugabe

Robert Mugabe is not known for sound economic judgment and his latest move will not improve his reputation. The parliament of Zimbabwe has passed a bill that will transfer ownership of foreign companies operating in the country into the hands of black Zimbabweans.

This completes his seizure of property owned by Zimbabwe’s white population, which began in 1999 when the state took over the land of white farmers. In a country that lacks the human resource capacity to effectively run these businesses, Mugabe’s plan will ultimately hurt the people of Zimbabwe instead of leveling the playing field. Story from the BBC.

Italy Considering Prostitution Crackdown

Italian prostitutes may have to consider relocating to a country more favorable to their trade. The Italians are considering on the spot fines and shaming for the solicitors of prostitutes. Apparently they blame the addition of the 12 new members of the EU for the rise in prostitution. Story from the BBC.

A Possible Change of Government in Myanmar

A New York Times story reports that protests against the authoritarian regime in Myanmar continue into the 8th day as Buddhist monks once again peacefully take to the streets. Why are their demonstrations succeeding? It’s the use of peaceful action. The government finds it to risky to brutally put down well organized pacifists, which could cause violent demonstrations by thousands more.

It is simple economics. The likelihood that an authoritarian regime will tolerate opposition increases as the costs of suppression increase. The cracks are beginning to form in Myanmar...

Why I Hate J.J. Abrams

For those of you who don’t know, J.J. Abrams is the creator of some of the most annoying and addicting entertainment made by man. He cursed the world by writing what would later become the mega-Affleck film, Armageddon, which led to another horrible Aerosmith song. On the small screen he created Alias, a show I never saw or intend to. From what I gather it was based about an attractive female shape shifter or something like that.

Then there was Lost. A show written by English majors that idiots could understand. Its not to subtle to name all the shows characters after major philosophers and place selected science fiction novels throughout the show as clues, but the writers see this as endlessly clever. The show also adds and erases storylines at will and yet it’s qualities are similar to like crack. America can’t get enough of it and now the show has so much freedom the makers of Lost only have to work part-time and still make millions of dollars….but his nonsense is far from over….


Behold! Abrams latest! It’s a film that looks to be some sort of Blair Witch Project/Godzilla in New York. But guess what! To keep you thinking he won’t even tell you the name of it. What happened to name repetition increasing success? I hope everyone will forget about this film and that politicians use the same advertising tactic in the next round of elections. Check out 1.18.08. via Apple.

The Disintegration of Belgium

A New York Times story reports on the growing movement in the Kingdom of Belgium for the breakup of the state into two separate entities. This situation has been steadily building for the past three months. A mutual distain between the Franco-Belgiums and the Flemish populations has existed since the formation of the state as a buffer to French expansion in 1830.

The economic ramifications, if this occurs, could be large. The economies of the two regions are interwoven and Flanders must subsidize the poorer French speaking regions. Another example of lazy Frenchmen.

The NBA's Drive Towards China's Market

The Unites States government and its policies are not the most popular abroad. That really doesn’t matter if U.S. culture continues to spread to the world’s youth. The march of U.S. soft diplomacy persists as the NBA has decided to start a subsidiary marketing company in China according to the International Herald Tribune.

Basketball is a sport that I could care less about and I couldn’t be happier for its waning popularity in the U.S, but I was completely unaware of its mass appeal in China. According to the article, one-third of all website traffic to NBA.com is routed through their Mandarin site. Moreover, the NBA estimates that 300 million people play basketball in China, equal to the population of the United States.

Ending Content Exclusion, One Pretentious Paper at a Time

In an outstanding turn of events for Leonardo and I, who seem to only be able to post New York Times and Washington Post stories, the New York Times is canceling their online subscription service. Those dastardly orange Ts next to stories which signify ‘premium content’ will begin disappearing tonight! Huzzah for editorial rubbish! Be prepared for even more content from something most of you are probably already reading. Story from Reuters.

The Militant French?

For a culture better known for its food, perfume, and high art, the French are not world renowned fighters. Usually they are associated with the tactic of retreat or building long lines of fortifications that the Germans, using their superior intellect, elect to go around. But they French are beginning to feel threatened from another neighbor to the east, Iran.

The BBC reports that yesterday Bernard Kouchner, the French foreign minister, has declared that France is preparing for the worst in regards to confrontation with Iran. In typical French fashion, he wishes to exhaust diplomatic negotiations, but acknowledges that a nuclear Iran poses a great danger. War should be avoiding at all costs, but it takes a lot to make the French even mildly bellicose.

Extra! Extra! Propaganda!

One thing that all of us will miss with the disappearance of so many autocracies is the state run press. No worries, their are still a few out there. In Angola, Africa’s second largest producer of oil, President Dos Santos maintains his grip on power. It is very amusing to look an ANGOP once in awhile, the state owned press which builds up this man’s personality cult.

While the translation from Portuguese to English is a bit spotty at points you get the basic idea. Distract the populous that the profit from their countries immense resources is being stolen by a corrupt few. Well at least they have table tennis tournaments to celebrate national heroes.

Sorry, No More Pandas

China has announced that it is ending one of its more successful forms of diplomacy, giving away pandas. This form of Chinese foreign policy has lasted over 1,300 years. China’s relationship with Sudan could get very interesting after the bears stop flowing, which could cause Sudan to stop the oil flowing back to China.

One another note, nothing disappointed me more as a small child than seeing the Pandas at the National Zoo. These bears did nothing and reached levels of fame in the DC area I could never hope to achieve. I have attempted to apply to apply the same strategy in my life with little success. Story from The Guardian.

Happy Russian Sex Day!

Oh Russia, an endless source of entertainment. While most of Europe’s population decline is well documented, it is the Russians that are leading the race to the grave. The Russian population is declining at about 0.5% a year, with a life expectancy for men of only 59 years according to the CIA Fact Book. This drop is forecasted to lead to 40 million less Russians by the middle of the century. To combat this deficiency, the BBC reports, the governor of a Russian province is encouraging couples to take today off to make a baby. If a baby is born on the National Day, June 12, the family can receive numerous prizes for their efforts.

Ebola’s Back!

Move over Avian Flu, Ebola’s back. For those of you believe the world is coming to its end, you can celebrate its return. Ebola has resurfaced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is probably one of the worst diseases one can get. It has a mortality rate of 50-90%. Cultural traditions have played a role in its spread. In Central Africa mourners often come into direct contact with the body during burial, often infecting themselves. Story from the UN News Centre.

I Hope To the People is this Important

A spy in my humble opinion is a sign of status. You don’t matter if international spies aren’t monitoring your every move. This is one reason why I try not to leave my dark dwelling and constantly search my room or through my poo for surveillance bugs. So far nothing, but if I find something I will be sure to let everyone know.

The Washington Post reports that the Chinese government has employed 30,000 internet spies to censor electronic communications. Seems like you would need a billion people to effectively monitor that vastness of the internet, oh wait…

How Elections Should Be Done

American politics are rather boring. We go to the polls, chose between two relatively similar parties, and no one gets killed. Where are the Marxists? Where are the Liberals? Where is the flair and drama? It would be much more interesting if Republicans and Democrats went mafiso and began to systematically knock each other off. I would also appreciate it if I was voting for something with an organic feel. All Candidates, especially Mit Romney, have a feel similar to that of a Matryoshka doll.

This is one thing the developing world has done right. Leave it to the Central American nation of Guatemala to show us how elections are done. So far, 50 candidates have been killed in the run-up to the vote. The passion to capture power is very respectable between the parties. How many of the current U.S. candidates would take this risk to be President? My guess is not many.

Story from the Washington Post.

Indians Mooching Off the Rest of Us

In the south of Indian state of Kerala, many suffer from high rates of poverty and widespread unemployment. The state does offer first-class health and education services. The New York Times reports that this socialist state can pay for these basic services for its poor population through remittances from surrounding liberal oriented regions. The rising tide of India’s liberalization can lift even ineffective governments.

The Finns Stop Making Films

Oh unions, so much drama. Its like an episode of The Hills, but with fat white men. In a turn that will have global implications, Finnish film-makers are on strike to protest a lack of government assistance for their craft. Worst of all, the BBC reports, this will have the greatest effect on art house and independent productions. Think of all of the major cultural contributions that will be lost! Films like Laitakaupungin valot must be made at any cost. There go Ben’s pretentious musings on Finnish cinema.

EU Economic Growth

In a continent usually associated with stagnant economic policies. The European Union has been able grow, but with varying degrees of success. Who was the biggest winner? Slovakia, with a second quarter growth rate of 2.4%. Some countries, while they are not specified in the article from Financial Times, only had growth rates of 0.2%. There are some concerns of the sustainability of growth with the U.S. subprime market and of a strong Euro hurting exports. Its all good, but I still won’t be sold on the EU until Germany doesn’t invade France for 100 years.

I’m Not There, In This Cinema

I have been skeptical of the new Bob Dylan biomovie I'm Not There since I heard about Cate Blanchett playing the famous singer/poet/musician. What I didn’t know was how many actors are playing him. The list includes Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, and Richard Gere. From the clips up on Yahoo! Movies, no one disappoints more than Blanchett. While she pulls off the look, she just sounds too much like a woman to play Dylan during what looks to be his 1965 tour of England. She is the only one to speak in any clips, so the rest of the movie maybe even worse. It wouldn’t surprise me at this point if this film could make Mystery Science Theater 3000 if it was still on. I love Dylan, but please Hollywood, don’t shit on his legacy. Check out the clips.

Seems to be a Bad Weekend for Rebel Movements

Most rebel movements are drenched in an ambiance of romanticism. Probably because they enjoy fighting against great odds, blazing a path into the unknown, and reading books by Che. Today, however, rebel movements have been dealt a couple major blows across the globe.

The Lebanese army has taken control of the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp, home to Fatah al-Islam.

Things aren’t going well in Sri Lanka either, where the Army took seized a naval base of the Tamil Tigers’. Both reports are from the BBC.

Nigerian Oil Giant Dissolves

All Africa reports that the Nigerian government announced their plans to breakup the state run oil giant NNPC. This is mainly an attempt to eliminate rampant corruption in Nigerian oil. The unbundling of the petrol giant is also expected to increase efficiency inline with the best international practices in a country which has seen production decline due to civil unrest in the delta region according to EIA. Whether this will be done remains to be seen, much hinges on whether President Yar’Adua can effectively fulfill his capacity and hold officials accountable.

The Industrious French

Recently elected French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced his plans to loosen taxes for those working over 35 hours a week reports the BBC. While no one particular enjoys working, its something one must do and for the French this change is long overdue. This is just one item on the growing list of reforms Sarkozy has initiated since entering office. Other accomplishments to motivate lazy Frenchmen include a 50% ceiling on income tax rates and abolishing the inheritance tax.

UN Reports Stagnation in the Global Drug Trade

Akira Fujino, the East Asia representative for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, notes a large drop of poppy cultivation in the Golden Triangle. This decrease of roughly 128,000 hectares offsets recent growth in Afghanistan reports Reuters. It is also worth taking a look at the executive summary of the 2007 annual report on Trends in World Drug Markets by the UN. One indicator used is the amount of drugs apprehended by authorities, noting an 8% reduction in heroine heroin seized. Interestingly, they don’t consider that the mind expanding properties of heroine heroin aren’t contributing directly to drug runners devising more ingenious methods to elude authorities.

The State of the Education System in South Carolina

It is difficult to comment on this. First of all, I find it hard to comprehend how someone can live in United States and not have the ability to find it on a map, so I have some empathy for receiving such a question. But this incoherent ramble Miss Teen USA of South Carolina went on attempting to answer this question gives meaning to each one of those horrible dumb blonde jokes I’ve heard.

Condom Corruption in S. Africa

BBC News reports the South African Ministry of Health has recalled millions of defective condoms due to government corruption. The Zalatex Company allegedly bribed a South African government official to certify 4 million faulty condoms in accordance with national standards. While Zalatex officials are denying these allegations, it's just the latest incident of the ANC’s inability to effective curb the HIV/AIDS rate. Just last year ex-Vice President Jacob Zuma admitting to having unprotected sex with an HIV positive woman. His solution to this? He took a shower.

George Washington: Nation's Most Expensive School

As a graduate student at a rival private university in Washington D.C. I often slip into a Seinfeldian like question of what’s the deal with George Washington. Obviously it's paying the most expensive undergraduate tuition in the country to go to a school ranked 54th nationally. Just how much will it set back an incoming freshman in 2007 per year? $50, 630. Part of this the University says is because of its relatively small endowment of $1 billion in comparison with Princeton’s $13 billion, but perhaps it is because of GW's aggressive growth plan in NW, which in 20 years hopes to expand the university’s size by 2.5 million square feet in accordance with D.C. zoning policies. Hey, as long as they have rich kids too stupid to go the Georgetown and to stuck up to attend a state university, good for them.

When a Government’s Incompetence Turns Into Art

An urban landscape ubiquitous with potholes is nothing new. The most disparaging aspect of this is that a government should at least be able to provide a suitable infrastructure to conduct everyday commercial activities. Potholes have never inspired any creative aspirations of my own and usually just conjure up thoughts of the type of person who must be in charge of public works. Often it is of a sordid, unresponsive, individual with stacks of papers on his desk, letting all complaints go to voicemail, and a love of Rob Schneider films. According to the International Herald Tribune, in Uganda these potholes are becoming works of art. Artist paint abstract works on plaster casts of potholes using them as a vehicle to protest the ineffectiveness of the Kampala Government. But understand how big some of these potholes are: [emphasis mine]

Edison Mulago’s pothole is vividly colored with red, yellow and black. Figures in boats grace the jagged surface. "In some of the slum areas, the potholes are so big people are using boats to get across them," he said. But a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Works and Transport, Susan Kataije, said the exhibition was in "very poor taste."

Everyday Kenyans Benefit From Free Markets

The intrinsic value of free-markets has been remarkably absent in one part of the world, Sub-Saharan Africa. This is undoubtedly because of flaws in many African libraries call numbering systems. In an article in Sunday’s Washington Post, Stephanie McCrumme illustrates the broad based growth that is beginning to permeate throughout Kenyan society.

Since 2002, the number of investors has risen from 50,000 to more than 750,000,according to stock exchange executives, with much of that growth coming from rural areas. The exchange's total value has jumped from $1 billion to $12 billion, amounts that are predicted to swell again following the biggest initial public offering in Kenyan history.

The most encouraging aspect of this, is the growth which has manifested in rural areas, places largely ignored by Africa’s urban centrist and statist policies. Greater opportunities in the market are allowing the Kenyan economy to grow at a robust 6.1 % rate according to a new study by the Economist Intelligence Unit,via All Africa.