News from Around the World...OK, Just from the Ukraine

Is it just me, or does Yulia Tymoshenko and the Ukraine get a shit-ton of play from the google news aggregator?

Look, they could do worse than Yulia. Google could have a boner for Merkel. Or some other woofer of a leader that I can't name because I only know the names of attractive female world leaders. I'm trying not to complain about a good thing here. But I've given it FOUR YEARS. I wrote way back in 2007 -- Half-Ukrainian, Half-Latvian, 100% Boneable. I get the appeal of her braided mug. I'm just concerned that's it's gone too far. It's 2010. Let's all move on to some other mediocre, female leader of a borderline country.

Department of Speaking Too Soon

Mark Steyn at National Review Online Saturday afternoon:

Once upon a time we killed and captured pirates. Today, it’s all more complicated. The attorney general, Eric Holder, has declined to say whether the kidnappers of the American captain will be “brought to justice” by the U.S. “I’m not sure exactly what would happen next,” declares the chief law-enforcement official of the world’s superpower. But some things we can say for certain. Obviously, if the United States Navy hanged some eyepatched peglegged blackguard from the yardarm or made him walk the plank, pious senators would rise to denounce an America that no longer lived up to its highest ideals, and the network talking-heads would argue that Plankgate was recruiting more and more young men to the pirates’ cause, and judges would rule that pirates were entitled to the protections of the U.S. constitution and that their peglegs had to be replaced by high-tech prosthetic limbs at taxpayer expense.

The Washington Post today:

MOMBASA, Kenya, April 12 -- An American captain held hostage for five days by Somali pirates in a lifeboat adrift in the Indian Ocean was rescued unharmed Sunday in a surprise U.S. military operation in which snipers killed three pirates with the captain tied up just feet away, American military officials said. A fourth pirate was in U.S. custody.

The snipers, positioned near the fantail of the destroyer USS Bainbridge less than 30 yards from the lifeboat, fired within seconds after a commander determined that Capt. Richard Phillips, 53, was in "imminent danger" as one of the pirates aimed an AK-47 at his back, military officials said. President Obama had issued a standing order that the military was to act if the captain's life was in immediate jeopardy, said Navy Vice Adm. William E. Gortney, commander of the Fifth Fleet.
***
The rescue occurred at 7:19 p.m. local time Sunday, the Navy said, and involved dozens of SEALs. With one of the pirates pointing an AK-47 straight at Phillips's back, an on-scene commander gave the SEAL snipers authority to fire.

Norway First to Sign Cluster Bomb Treaty. Reminds Me to Give Up Non-Alcoholic Beer and Left Handed Masterbation for Lent

NYT:

Representatives of about 100 nations began signing the ambitious treaty Wednesday morning formally renouncing the use of the bombs, typically anti-personnel weapons that eject dozens of explosive bomblets when detonated.

But some of the world’s biggest military powers, including the United States, China and Russia, reject the pact and many of the signatories expressed concern that the treaty they were signing fails to bind the countries most prone to military conflict.

As the sponsor of a drive to outlaw the use of the bombs, Norway was the first to sign the treaty, followed by Laos, Lebanon and Ireland.

But the United States has rejected the new treaty and therefore may legally continue to deploy its vast cluster-bomb arsenal. Russia, China, India, Pakistan and most Middle Eastern states have also refused to give up their weapons despite the lethal danger they pose to civilians.

In an apparent policy reversal Afghanistan decided to join the treaty:

In a surprising last-minute change of policy, the government of President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan agreed Wednesday to join about 100 nations signing a treaty banning the use of cluster munitions, Afghan officials said.

The decision appeared to reflect Mr. Karzai’s growing independence from the Bush administration, which has opposed the treaty and, according to a senior Afghan official who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, had urged Mr. Karzai not to sign it.

Full article here.

Malaysia to Soon Ban Mullets and Joan Jett CDs

Muslims are so gay:

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters Life!) – Not content with banning women from wearing trousers, Malaysia's top Islamic council now wants a ban on yoga, according to a report on state news agency Bernama.[...]

Last week the Fatwa Council decreed that tomboyish behavior by girls, including wearing trousers, was immoral as it may lead to the practice of lesbian sex.

Gay sex is prohibited in this country of 27 million people where over half of the population is Muslim.

I'm glad pointed out that gay sex was illegal in a country where trousers are banned because they might make the women want to lick a vagina. I could have never guessed that gay sex would be illegal there. On a serious note -- How many lesbians do you know who do yoga? 'Cause the lesbians that I've known have never struck me as the type of women who do yoga. Golf yes. Music yes. Yoga not so much. Yoga seems more like a suburban housewife, or a single, urban, white 30-something kinda thing.

Hey Babe, Why Don't You Fight the Myanmar Regime For Me?

There's really nothing to add to this story:

MONTREAL - Canadian women are being asked to volunteer their undergarments in an international effort to shame Myanmar's ruling junta into giving citizens greater access to humanitarian aid and human rights.

Organizers launched the Canadian edition of the Panties for Peace! campaign Tuesday with a call for women to send their underwear to the Myanmar embassy in Ottawa.

The campaign plays off regional superstitions that contact with women's panties can sap a man's power. Activists claim the fear is shared by the leaders of the country's military regime.

"If you don't believe me, you can bring this to the Yangon airport - you will be shot dead," said activist Thet Thet Tun as she clutched a pair of white undies. "So we use this against them."

***
Tun, who fled the country seven years ago, described a society suffocating under state control and widespread misogyny.

"Our daily clothes are separated from a man's clothes, our towels are separated from their towels," she said. "That's what everyone still believes."

According to the campaign's organizers, Myanmar's embassies in Europe, Australia and Brazil, among other places, have been receiving female underpants in the mail.

Hat Tip: Dave Barry.

Kermit the Frog Should Help the Sun-Sentinel Write Editorials

War on Drugs insanity from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial:

U.S. should help Guyana fight drugs

ISSUE: Guyana's president wants a U.S. DEA office in his country.

English-speaking Caribbean countries have become transshipment ports for drugs headed to North America and Europe. So it's not a bad idea to have a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration office in the region to help combat illegal trafficking.[...]

Stronger relations with countries like Guyana could go a long way in fighting the flow of drugs here on the home front. And with Guyana and the United States having a history of cool relations due to the country's socialist leanings during the Cold War, having a DEA office in the country could help usher in a new era of cooperation, which is much needed at a time when national security is a concern.

BOTTOM LINE: The State Department should grant the South American country's request.

Excerpt from soon-to-be-published TtP editorial:

ISSUE: South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board is made up of dim-witted retards.

Editors of Florida newspaper show stunning lack of knowledge concerning the effectiveness of the US to police drugs within its own borders; let alone abysmal failures in foreign countries such as Afghanistan, Colombia, Jamaica.

Establishing a DEA office and working closely with the South American country would contribute greatly to corruption in the country, alienate much of the local population, and achieve exactly none of the stated goals -- such as reducing the flow of drugs into our country.

BOTTOM LINE: The editors should all find new jobs that require much less intellectual curiosity, and reasoning like washing cars, or cleaning monkey cages, and quit "journalism" for good.

Israeli Anti-Drug Authority Shares Notes with ONDCP

Good to know anti-drug hysteria linking pot smokers to terrorist isn't limited to just within our borders. Although from looks of it Israel's Anti-Drug Authority seems to be taking the cultural "destroy us from within" approach, different from the ONDCP's "you fund terrorism with your dime-bag purchase" meme. Neither are very persuasive.

From the LA Times blog -- Babylon and Beyond:

ISRAEL: Drugs - going out with a bong?
"At the end of every joint sits Nasrallah," an irresistible headline beckoned me this morning. A mouse-click led to a critique of the new campaign ad by The Israeli Anti-Drug Authority, showing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah wafting, genie-like, out of a bong. "They want to destroy us from within," it cautioned. Hezbollah intends to flood Israel with drugs, which pose a strategic threat to Israeli society: "Anyone doing drugs is lending a hand to the next terror attack!" The ads (below) ran in Tuesday's papers.

Pre-Lunch Links

Zimbabwe update.

Who knew fax machines were such an important component of diplomatic relations on the Korean Peninsula?

Meanwhile, South Korea's Defense Ministry sent a fax message to the North Korean military asking it to stop trying to rile its neighbor. The North's moves came after the South's top military officer said last week the country could strike suspected North Korean nuclear targets if there were signs of an imminent atomic attack.

Meanwhile South Korea also complained that North Korea "never sends confirmation of receipt" of their faxes, and always "claims that the fax never went through, even when we (South Korea) have a confirmation on our end".

That's so 1995 Koreas. Word is, South Korea would have sent an email to North Korea's Hot Mail account, but their e-mails always get marked as spam so it is faxes or ICQ messages for the neighboring country.

Sen. Jim DeMint makes a lot of sense when he says the tax-code makes no sense:

[...]a change in the American tax code two years ago that has raised considerably the tax burden facing many American expatriates - and which, in turn, often makes it more expensive for U.S. companies operating abroad to keep Americans on their payrolls.

"It makes absolutely no sense," said Senator Jim DeMint, Republican of South Carolina, of a system that makes the United States the sole developed country to tax income earned by its citizens abroad.

He is sponsoring legislation to remove the limit - currently $82,400 - on the amount of foreign-earned income exempt from taxation.

I've come to like Jim DeMint much more than I thought I would when he was running for Fritz Hollings's open Senate seat in 2004. I happened to be living in South Carolina at that time and was forced to listen to him say relatively (for the state he was running in) crazy things during a tight race like, "gays and unmarried woman shouldn't be allowed to be school teachers". In fairness to him he said even crazier things like "I will work to get rid of the IRS". He hasn't accomplished that goal, but I'd give him 2 out of 5 stars for his efforts against excessive government spending and taxation. That's practically an A+ in the Senate.

Best Buy beats expectations in the 4th quarter, and helps to confirm what the mall parking lot has been telling me for some time.

April 2 (Bloomberg) -- Best Buy Co., the largest U.S. electronics retailer, said fourth-quarter profit fell less than analysts estimated as the company sold more higher-priced items including laptops and video-game consoles.

'Cause you know, X-boxes, VIAOS and Mac Books are important things to have during an economic depression.

Leading Economic Indicators

How weak is the U.S. dollar? Well, a Chilean strip club has decided to accept dollars at 2004 exchange rates as a way to lure the gringos back, according to a story in Bloomberg News:

Bikini-clad pole dancers, mini- skirted hostesses and a deal on foreign exchange await customers at Passapoga, a Santiago nightclub, who pay with U.S. dollars.

At banks and foreign-exchange bureaus, $1 fetches less than 430 pesos. Passapoga pays 600 pesos.

``This campaign has had considerable success,'' said Jaime Retamal, 55, the club's manager. ``Customers come from all over, but a lot from the U.S.''

The dollar has lost a quarter of its value against the peso in the past three years, increasing U.S. travelers' expense for hotels, taxis and restaurants in Chile. Passapoga is discounting the exchange rate to discourage Americans from cutting back on nightclub visits.

***

Patricia Kart, a Passapoga hostess for 2 1/2 years, said workers agreed to the plan even though it reduces their commissions. The promotion is bringing in more customers, she said.

``We have to take what the house gives us, and our job is to do what it takes to make the clients happy,'' Kart, 28, said in a telephone interview from the club. ``They are very content.''

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.

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?

Mark Steyn on Richardson on Pakistan

Mark Steyn's reaction to Bill Richardson's idiotic, post-Bhutto assassination, seem spot on to me.

[Richardson]--Her death, and the deaths of so many of her supporters, is more than just a tragedy. It is a testament to the will of the Pakistani people to see democracy restored.

[Steyn]--Er, no. It's a testament to the ease with which "democracy" can be thwarted by those determined to do so. So what now? I'd always swallowed the conventional wisdom that Governor Richardson was an unglamorous candidate but far more sober and substantial and experienced in world affairs than the glitzier Dems. Instead, he strings the buzzwords and bromides together in apparently random fashion and gives Pakistan its marching orders:

President Bush should press Musharraf to step aside, and a broad-based coalition government, consisting of all the democratic parties, should be formed immediately... It is in the interests of the US that there be a democratic Pakistan that relentlessly hunts down terrorists.

Gotcha. What do we want? A broad-based coalition government that relentlessly hunts down terrorists and has a great prescription drug plan for seniors! When do we want it? Now! Well, gee, it would be unfair to let anybody else take credit for such a viable plan. Why doesn't Governor Richardson jet in and run for the Pakistani parliament himself? First rally in Rawalpindi on Saturday?

I'm should add that while I don't always swallow everything Styen argues, I agree with him more than just about any other reader of this blog. (outside of my Dad, although I'm probably being generous as to the size of our readership; I'm pretty sure he stopped reading us long ago.) But you can't disagree with his take on the general nonsense that spills out of our political class when it comes to complex problems. International or domestic. The idea that we can mold a country that didn't even exist 80 years ago into some sort of stable, western-loving democracy is beyond silly. Just because we want it to happen doesn't mean we can ignore the realities on the ground i.e., how much of the population doesn't want what we are selling. Or I guess we can, but we shouldn't be shocked when something as easy to predict as Bhutto's assassination occurs.

P.S. Disregard the TtPStaff signature on this post. The post, and it's opinion is all Rob's. I just forgot to sing out of our generic account and I'm too lazy to fix it.

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.

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.

Forget HIV, Lack of Clean Water, Proper Nutrition and the Corrupt Governments Who Excaberate the Problems...Blame Cocaine

Catching up on my drug related reading can be a depressing exercise. Via the ONDCP's blog I found UN Drug Czar's -- Antonio Maria Costa -- latest speech on Europe's cocaine "epidemic". The whole thing is utter nonsense, you can take a look for yourself here.

Let's focus for now, on the supposed impact of the global, illegal cocaine market on West Africa. From his speech:

What does cocaine have to do with Africa?

Traditional cocaine trafficking routes from the Andean countries to North America are heavily patrolled. Trafficking into Europe has also become very difficult, as our airspace and our coastline are becoming harder to penetrate. Seizure rates are as high as half of production (estimated by UNODC at 940 t/y). We used to seize batches of 100-200 kg of coke: the latest seizure in Mexico was a staggering 23 tons!

Yet as demand for cocaine in Europe keeps growing, traffickers have found an alternative route - through West Africa.[...]

The international community cannot remain idle -- and I have pleaded in favor of African countries in my recent statement at the General Assembly. The situation on the ground in countries like Guinea Bissau is so bad that police cars do not have gas to chase suspects, no equipment to run investigations, no paper or pencil to note witness statements, no radios to call for back-up, no prisons to lock up convicted criminals, nothing.

As a result, Africa is under attack and cannot defend itself. Cocaine is being shipped in from South America to the countries of West Africa by boat, often by plane, then broken up into smaller consignments and sent up the coast to Morocco and then towards Europe.

The international community is reacting, but not as forcefully as needed. More than 4 tons of cocaine were seized in West Africa this year, a 35 per cent increase over the entire haul for 2006. The Spanish and British navies seized 9 tons of cocaine off the coast of West Africa last year. But this is probably only the tip of a cocaine iceberg. The drugs trade in Guinea Bissau may be as high as the country's national income. By comparison, in Afghanistan - which is often cited as the worst case - opium is equivalent to about half (53%) of the country's GDP. So Africa faces a crisis of epic proportions, by and large fuelled by Europe's cocaine users.

So we can agree on most of the facts. Yes, smuggling routes have switched over the years. One more example of how you can not win this war, but rather push the battle on to someone else's turf. Yes, being a major transportation hub for drug traffickers will cause local problems. Most of these people are violent criminals. Criminals tend to be attracted to very profitable, but very illegal, activities. No surprise there. Europe is causing most all of these problems, no doubt. But it isn't the cocaine user; it's the governments who have insisted on a global war on drugs pushing the cultivating, production, and sale of these substances into the hands of criminals.

Violent criminals aren't attracted to drugs because they are cool, it's the astronomical profits involved in selling an illegal good that has a demand that never seems to diminish.

You can also watch Costa here, bloviating on how marijuana use is out of control and more dangerous than heroin or cocaine....Sooo which drug am I suppose to avoid? I'm so confused....

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.

Afghanistan

How bad is it currently looking in the perpetually war-torn country? From the anti-drug war, Senlis Council report:

"The insurgency now controls vast swaths of unchallenged territory including rural areas, some district centres, and important road arteries.

"The Taliban are the de facto governing authority in significant portions of territory in the south and east, and are starting to control parts of the local economy and key infrastructure such as roads and energy supply." [...]

"The depressing conclusion is that, despite the vast injections of international capital flowing into the country, and a universal desire to 'succeed' in Afghanistan, the state is once again in serious danger of falling into the hands of the Taliban.

"It is a sad indictment of the current state of Afghanistan that the question now appears to be not if the Taliban will return to Kabul, but when this will happen and in what form."

It may be a futile effort to keep Afghanistan out of the hands of Muslim fanatics; but that doesn't mean we should help the process along with our current poppy strategy that is both alienating the local population, and funding the terrorist enemies.

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.

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

Things to Avoid: Norway

Trust me on this one.

The rotting cadaver of a dead whale was floating in a west coast fjord on Wednesday, sending a foul odor over the area while officials worried it could explode at any time.

"Well, I wouldn't exactly call it an explosion, but it can be like an enormous fart," said Tore Haug of the Norwegian Marine Research Institute in Bergen.

He warned emergency crews trying to tow the cadaver out of the fjord that gases built up in the dead whale's stomach could cause a blowout.

"It would be quite unpleasant if the stomach blows up," Haug told web site bt.no. "It's not very nice to have rotten whale parts showering over you."

Indeed. More here.

Unrelated mammalia sidenote: Cattle gallstone thieves.