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% o