As slaughter continues in Syria, many people hope for a resolution or some kind of solution to emerge. Civilians are being shelled by artillery & fired upon by tanks, in what are indisputable war crimes.
In this environment, many question what US and NATO action should be taken. Senator John McCain is now criticizing President Obama’s lead on the issue. But does this actually recognize the situation — and realistically, what can be done? Continue reading
With Greece experiencing political instability & embarking on a slow banking run, attention must be paid to other — more important — countries.
While the exit of Greece from the Euro may be of great importance to the Greeks, it won’t make much difference to the rest of Europe. However, what does become critical is preventing “follow on” — breaking the chain of dominoes, before failure ricochets across Europe.
Spain’s banking sector is in trouble, and with it likely next after Greece, action is needed now. The future of the Euro, may well play out in front of us over the next 2 months…
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With Facebook’s public IPO just days away, many investors are looking at the online social-networking giant. Much-hyped, hugely popular & with spectacular $100-billion plus valuations, the IPO seems a “ray of sunshine” amidst grey weather.
But is this promise oversold? Will investors achieve growth by holding Facebook shares for 2-5 years? Or, is this at least partly just a ‘pop’ so the smart money can get out?
The U.S. military is now shifting its focus from Iraq and Afghanistan as the Pentagon now believes that Iran is the most pressing scenario for the U.S. now. The Pentagon has now put in a contingency plan for Iran, according to the new strategic guidelines put in place by President Barrack Obama. Continue reading
The European Central Bank has stopped providing liquidity to some Greek banks as they have not been successfully recapitalized, the ECB said on Wednesday.
Greek banks have been experiencing strong withdrawls of euro (800 million per day), as citizens prepare against possible exit from the euro & devaluation of their deposits. Continue reading
Many moderates, and Republicans, are concerned about the current (and growing) US debt. As America finds itself post- financial crisis, winding down two wars, debts exceeding $14 trillion dollars — let’s ask where this came from? Continue reading
Since the financial crisis broke in 2008, there has been economic confusion as to what policies, if any, will help US and European economies recover.
Spending cuts, or ‘austerity’, have been strongly advocated; by Republicans in the US, by Britain’s Conservatives, and by Germany. This school of thought believes that ‘confidence’ must be restored, for growth to resume.
Yet historical experience shows a different picture. Continue reading
As the war in Afghanistan rattles towards its 11th year, Western forces are trying to find a way to exit the conflict.
The government of Hamid Karzai, however, presents an inadequate partner for peace. Viewed as a feeble Western puppet having no authority beyond Kabul, the Karzai government cannot secure the country — & will likely flee, as soon as NATO leaves.
No other central figure or electable leader, is apparent (excluding Taleban). There are, however, one group of effective power-brokers on whom Washington could call. Continue reading
In a major advance, scientists have found a pathway which may help treat brain disease — preventing cells from dying.
Research published in Nature, describes a major pathway leading to cell death in mice with prion disease. As the cell became clogged with accumulating mis-folded disease proteins, protein synthesis automatically shut off. Continue reading
A recent report by Tel Aviv University says Saudi Arabia is the last hope and defense line for Israel, and describes the Saudis as Tel Aviv’s last chance to protect its political interests in the Arab world.
The report said most of Israel’s allies in the region have collapsed and cannot play a significant role in the Arab world. Continue reading