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NEWNATIONS BULLETIN 3RD MAY 2010
Nuclear weapons… Speaking truth!
Some awkward questions are seldom asked and when it relates to Israel, even less so, but there is a nuclear weapons dispute involving the US, Iran, the Arab states and yes, Israel. It is not possible to evaluate the size of the problem without including Israel’s nuclear capabilities. We look dispassionately at this, knowing that the sensitivities are profound. Nevertheless, we say our piece in the belief that the very lack of discussion inhibits a rational resolution, which is available if it is wanted.
Taming the banks and what about the CRA’s?
With wretched Greece turning on a spit, we consider the part played by the Credit Ratings Agencies.We have lived through difficult times and it is nowhere over yet. We fundamentally disagree with the concept of ‘for profit’ companies acting as judge and jury in the examination of failing economies. This against the background of the US Senate examination into the probity of these organisations, described by one observer as a “picture of ethical decay.”
North Korea: Unreality Rules OK!
A naval disaster with no culprit – unlikely. Forty six young South Korean naval personnel dead by explosion, but nobody knows… We present the known facts in that theatre of unreality, North Korea.
Taiwan: Streaking back to success
We look at Taiwan, with a quick glance at Singapore and Hong Kong. These are the longest established Sino-business nations, all extraordinarily successful, and all, by their own choice democracies. We ponder if mainland China might eventually come to see their point of democratic change allied to business acumen?
Colourful Revolutions
All gone now, but we see what they have left behind.
Iraq: still uncertainty of government
Having followed the story since the invasion we have no high expectations, but it could conceivably still go right (for the inhabitants), even if it is hardly doing so at this time. Our judgement years ago, was that a federal system of government was the best solution [“IRAQ”] and we see no reason to change that view, looking at the unified system that is in place.
Afghanistan: War weariness at every level
It’s not going anywhere when victory is not possible and hard-won territory has such a cost in human lives. We look at what a settlement might be depending on the favoured choices, and the possibilities of achieving them.
Saudi Arabia & Syria : Israel and Iran
Our reports this month for both Arab states look at their complex situations, given the regional problems of Israel and Iran.
Pakistan : The onwards progress of an ambitious man
Things have continued to go to plan for Nawaz Sharif, the cool-hand politician of Pakistan. His adversary President Zardari has been stripped of powers which have gone to the PM’s office, which Nawaz Sharif plans to occupy himself. The presidency is now ornamental. But the next problem is Yusuf Raza Gilani, the current prime minister of Zardari’s (and Benazir Bhutto’s) PPP, who is seen to be doing quite a good job. Engineering the downfall of Zardari may have just promoted a more formidable adversary than he had ever been. The PPP has to be beaten also and that won’t be a walk-over.
Philippines Elections – the moment of truth is near
We continue to describe the election story in this heavily flawed democracy where bullets and ballots are interchangeable and equally employed.
India’s problems with violence
It isn’t just Islamic crazies coming to kill at random, but INDIA has also had a long term problem with Maoists, the home grown version being called Naxalites. Formed at the time of the split in the Communist Party of India they actually kill people, including 76 paramilitary troops in a recent night-time fight in dense jungle.
Bangladesh: also no stranger to violence
Bangladesh has also had more than a fair share of violence. We report the conviction of 56 border guards, a batch of those who mutinied last year and murdered their officers, in all 74 people died. So far 136 mutineers have been tried with many more to come.
Ukraine cosies up to Russia
Ukraine’s Moscow orientated government has lost no time in concluding deals with the Russians which we describe. Russia has ensured that the Black Sea once again becomes a Russian Lake.
The new START treaty
With the new treaty signed by Presidents Obama and Medvedev, we like many other observers are hoping that this marks a new beginning in Russia’s relations with the US. No good outcome in post cold-war relations seems to have happened between these former adversaries until now. No useful purpose was being served by the previous hostility, which we would like to hope will be superseded by a recognition that in this dangerous world, the key is co-operation.
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