The new Dutch government is expected to be installed on Jan. 10, almost 10 months after the last election, a statement released by Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s office said on Thursday.
Political parties earlier this month agreed on the details of their governing pact, after the longest such negotiations in Dutch history. [nL1N2SY0UW}
The coalition will consist of the four parties that have been in power since 2017, but it took almost 300 days to bring them back together after the March 17 elections produced an inconclusive result.
Rutte is expected to lead his fourth consecutive administration as prime minister, making him the longest serving government leader in the European Union together with Hungary’s Viktor Orban.
Read more at:
New Dutch government expected to be installed on Jan 10 | WTVB | 1590 AM · 95.5 FM | The Voice of Branch County
12/30/21
Netherlands Announces Plan To Give People Up to Six Doses of COVID Vaccine
Hugo de Jonge, health minister of The Netherlands, has indicated the country could be preparing another three coronavirus booster vaccines.
De Jonge wrote a letter to his country's parliament Wednesday suggesting the Netherlands should consider additional rounds of booster vaccines to fight new variants, with two of these in 2022 and another shot in 2023.
Read more at: Netherlands Announces Plan To Give People Up to Six Doses of COVID Vaccine
De Jonge wrote a letter to his country's parliament Wednesday suggesting the Netherlands should consider additional rounds of booster vaccines to fight new variants, with two of these in 2022 and another shot in 2023.
Read more at: Netherlands Announces Plan To Give People Up to Six Doses of COVID Vaccine
EU Back on Track: 5 reasons for the EU to be hopeful in 2022 – by Paul Taylor
The dark cloud of the Omicron coronavirus variant may be plunging your plans for the New Year into uncertainty, but there are still reasons to hope that Europe can make significant progress on a range of thorny issues in 2022.
While it is clear we will have to live with COVID-19 for another while, new political constellations have been emerging since Germany’s change of government in December. These will offer the prospect of innovative solutions for long-standing problems in the European Union.
To be sure, there are several things that could go wrong: an uncontrollable surge of more deadly coronavirus variants that set back the economic recovery; a Russian military offensive against Ukraine; a Polish blockade of EU institutions in the battle over the rule of law and EU funds.
However, none of those worst-case scenarios is certain — or even likely. And there are undeniable grounds to be more optimistic about the coming year. After years of sterile battles over the EU’s much abused fiscal rules — which were suspended at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic — a consensus is emerging that in order to avoid strangling the recovery, budget discipline regulations must be changed before they return to force in 2023.
From the frugal north to the more spendthrift south, there is widespread recognition that public investment will be key to the success of the green and digital transformations of the European economy, and that outdated debt and deficit limits must not prevent this. Along this line, French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi have jointly called for reform to perpetuate collective EU borrowing beyond the temporary recovery fund created in 2020.
Read more at: 5 reasons for the EU to be hopeful in 2022 – POLITICO
While it is clear we will have to live with COVID-19 for another while, new political constellations have been emerging since Germany’s change of government in December. These will offer the prospect of innovative solutions for long-standing problems in the European Union.
To be sure, there are several things that could go wrong: an uncontrollable surge of more deadly coronavirus variants that set back the economic recovery; a Russian military offensive against Ukraine; a Polish blockade of EU institutions in the battle over the rule of law and EU funds.
However, none of those worst-case scenarios is certain — or even likely. And there are undeniable grounds to be more optimistic about the coming year. After years of sterile battles over the EU’s much abused fiscal rules — which were suspended at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic — a consensus is emerging that in order to avoid strangling the recovery, budget discipline regulations must be changed before they return to force in 2023.
From the frugal north to the more spendthrift south, there is widespread recognition that public investment will be key to the success of the green and digital transformations of the European economy, and that outdated debt and deficit limits must not prevent this. Along this line, French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi have jointly called for reform to perpetuate collective EU borrowing beyond the temporary recovery fund created in 2020.
Read more at: 5 reasons for the EU to be hopeful in 2022 – POLITICO
Wise words: The book of Revelation and the passing of political powers - by Martin Davie
This message is that, in spite of challenges from other powers, the US remains the greatest and most powerful nation on earth, and that all will be well in the world providing that what happens is determined by the actions of the benevolent US government and the honourable and heroic US military.
In this view of things, the Pax Americana, the political and military domination of the world by the US is, to quote Francis Fukuyama, 'the end of history,' the end point of human political development beyond which nothing better can be expected or hoped for.
Of course, in reality, this view of the world is fantasy. The actions of the US government are not always benevolent, the US military is not always honourable or heroic, and the political and military power of the US is on the wane due to the resurgence of China and Russia and internal political and social conflict.
Read more at: The book of Revelation and the passing of political powers
In this view of things, the Pax Americana, the political and military domination of the world by the US is, to quote Francis Fukuyama, 'the end of history,' the end point of human political development beyond which nothing better can be expected or hoped for.
Of course, in reality, this view of the world is fantasy. The actions of the US government are not always benevolent, the US military is not always honourable or heroic, and the political and military power of the US is on the wane due to the resurgence of China and Russia and internal political and social conflict.
Read more at: The book of Revelation and the passing of political powers
12/29/21
Covid Cases: U.S. Shatters Prior Record Of New Covid Cases Over Past 7 Days - by Lisa Kim
As of Wednesday morning, the seven-day average of new infections totaled 282,117, eclipsing the previous record of around 250,000 on January 11, according to Johns Hopkins University’s Covid data tracker.
Comparing the U.S. seven-day average with other countries most affected by new Covid cases, the U.K. and France set new records this week, peaking at around 115,000 and some 88,000, respectively, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Read more at: U.S. Shatters Prior Record Of New Covid Cases Over Past 7 Days
Comparing the U.S. seven-day average with other countries most affected by new Covid cases, the U.K. and France set new records this week, peaking at around 115,000 and some 88,000, respectively, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Read more at: U.S. Shatters Prior Record Of New Covid Cases Over Past 7 Days
Global Energy Supplies: Europe needs an energy policy independent of US interference
It is no secret to the world that the US government has been obstructing the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline for many years by imposing all types of political and economic sanctions on related parties. The stake is high behind the US' suppression of the project, because the pipeline could enable more cheap gas supplies from Russia to Europe, depriving US suppliers of a prime export market.
Whether the Nord Stream 2 will promote energy cooperation between Russia and Europe, or become a trigger of tensions across the Atlantic will remain to be seen. While the US doesn't really care about Europe's energy security, Washington won't tolerate anything that threatens its energy trade.
What the US government wants is to preserve its global hegemony in the energy sector. The US energy hegemony is one of the important pillars of American global hegemony. So, the US will do everything in its position to ensure global energy supply patterns are in line with its global geopolitical power play. If the energy cooperation between Russia and Europe were allowed to unfold without any complications, it is conceivable that many things would be out of the control of the US.
If anything, the energy crisis is another example demonstrating why Europe needs to have the ability to independently form its own political and economic policies including energy security. Europe needs to be clear that its interests are not the same as the US', and it cannot completely follow the US lead on many issues, or it will end up hurting itself.
Read more at: GT Voice: Europe needs an energy policy independent of US interference - Global Times
Whether the Nord Stream 2 will promote energy cooperation between Russia and Europe, or become a trigger of tensions across the Atlantic will remain to be seen. While the US doesn't really care about Europe's energy security, Washington won't tolerate anything that threatens its energy trade.
What the US government wants is to preserve its global hegemony in the energy sector. The US energy hegemony is one of the important pillars of American global hegemony. So, the US will do everything in its position to ensure global energy supply patterns are in line with its global geopolitical power play. If the energy cooperation between Russia and Europe were allowed to unfold without any complications, it is conceivable that many things would be out of the control of the US.
If anything, the energy crisis is another example demonstrating why Europe needs to have the ability to independently form its own political and economic policies including energy security. Europe needs to be clear that its interests are not the same as the US', and it cannot completely follow the US lead on many issues, or it will end up hurting itself.
Read more at: GT Voice: Europe needs an energy policy independent of US interference - Global Times
US between a stone and a hard rock: Putin and Xi Working Together to Force Biden into a Two-Front Crisis He Can't Win - by Tom O'Connor
As crises mount over Ukraine and Taiwan, an unprecedented bond between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping has allowed the United States' two top rivals to force President Joe Biden into a two-front crisis that could spread his administration too thin to respond adequately to either.
And should a shooting war erupt, there's little guarantee the U.S. would come out on top.
"I don't think the United States is prepared to go to war in Ukraine. I don't think the United States is prepared to go to war over Taiwan," Lyle Goldstein, an expert on China and Russia who served for 20 years as a research professor at the Naval War College up until October and now holds the position of director of Asia engagement at the Defense Priorities think tank, told Newsweek.
Read more at: Putin and Xi Working Together to Force Biden into a Two-Front Crisis He Can't Win
And should a shooting war erupt, there's little guarantee the U.S. would come out on top.
"I don't think the United States is prepared to go to war in Ukraine. I don't think the United States is prepared to go to war over Taiwan," Lyle Goldstein, an expert on China and Russia who served for 20 years as a research professor at the Naval War College up until October and now holds the position of director of Asia engagement at the Defense Priorities think tank, told Newsweek.
Read more at: Putin and Xi Working Together to Force Biden into a Two-Front Crisis He Can't Win
12/28/21
The Netherlands: Dutch law in 2022: Here's what's changing in the Netherlands next year
As was announced on Prinsjesdag, the government has introduced a tax-free allowance for employees who work from home. From January, companies will be able to provide employees with an allowance of two euros per day to cover the costs acquired from working from home (i.e. energy bills, cups of coffee).
The criteria used to determine whether couples are eligible for the income-related combination tax credit will change in January, which could mean that some couples may no longer qualify as tax partners. In better news, the new system for tax partners will ensure that you and your tax partner will receive the maximum benefits.
Read more at: Dutch law in 2022: Here's what's changing in the Netherlands next year
The criteria used to determine whether couples are eligible for the income-related combination tax credit will change in January, which could mean that some couples may no longer qualify as tax partners. In better news, the new system for tax partners will ensure that you and your tax partner will receive the maximum benefits.
Read more at: Dutch law in 2022: Here's what's changing in the Netherlands next year
European Strategic Autonomy After Afghanistan - by Ana Palacio
In Europe, the rapid collapse of the Western-backed Afghan government has prompted a spate of finger-pointing and accusations. But the return of the Taliban to power has also intensified an already-growing sense of insecurity regarding the NATO and the and the dominant role played by the US in the Atlantic Alliance.
Read more at: European Strategic Autonomy After Afghanistan by Ana Palacio - Project Syndicate
Read more at: European Strategic Autonomy After Afghanistan by Ana Palacio - Project Syndicate
The Root of All Evil: Arms sales: Capitalizing on conflict: How defense contractors and foreign nations lobby for arms sales
The defense industry's business prospects are tightly controlled and in many ways entirely decided by official decisions made in Congress and the Pentagon in a way that other industries don't have to contend with. Despite those restrictions, business is undeniably good both at home and abroad. Foreign sales delivered an average of $12 billion worth of arms per year between 2016 and 2018, according to Security Assistance Monitor data analyzed by the Center for Responsive Politics.
That's on top of a sizable portion of the $740 billion Pentagon budget spent on weapons for use by the U.S. military. When it comes time for Congress to decide funding levels for a Pentagon that spends nearly three times as much as any other military in the world, arms manufacturers and military support sellers have an extensive network of lobbyists and former government employees pushing their business interests to members of Congress who have taken contributions from them and also often have constituents employed by them.
Read more at: https://www.opensecrets.org/news/reports/capitalizing-on-conflict
China-US relations: Despite sharp divide on major issues, Congress largely agrees on China - because heavy lobby Arms industry
Despite sharp divisions on most major issues, congressional Democrats and Republicans agree on at least one way to deal with China.
President Joe Biden signed into law just before Christmas a bipartisan bill banning goods from China’s Xinjiang region unless companies can prove they aren’t made with forced labor. The House and Senate unanimously passed the measure earlier this month, showing the parties are largely aligned on China policy.
“The United States will not standby as the Chinese Communist Party commits genocide against the Uyghurs. Our bipartisan Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, now law, will help keep China accountable by ensuring no goods made with Uyghur slave labor are sold in American markets,” Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said in a tweet.
Read more at https://www.deseret.com/utah/2021/12/28/22857023/despite-sharp-divide-congress-agrees-china-human-rights-uyghurs-genocide-joe-biden-mitt-romney
President Joe Biden signed into law just before Christmas a bipartisan bill banning goods from China’s Xinjiang region unless companies can prove they aren’t made with forced labor. The House and Senate unanimously passed the measure earlier this month, showing the parties are largely aligned on China policy.
“The United States will not standby as the Chinese Communist Party commits genocide against the Uyghurs. Our bipartisan Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, now law, will help keep China accountable by ensuring no goods made with Uyghur slave labor are sold in American markets,” Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said in a tweet.
Read more at https://www.deseret.com/utah/2021/12/28/22857023/despite-sharp-divide-congress-agrees-china-human-rights-uyghurs-genocide-joe-biden-mitt-romney
Turkey: ‘There’s jobs but no money’: Turkey’s economic crisis begins to bite - by Ruth Michaelson
In a jewellery shop close to Istanbul’s Taksim Square, Seda unzips an elegant black leather pouch and piles her gold jewellery on the counter to discuss selling it all. The shop owner gently places gold chains, rings and a pendant on a small scale, before immediately calling a trader to discuss the latest rates.
“I used to look at the price of gold once a week. Now I look roughly 50 times a day,” says the owner, who asks that his name is withheld. He advises Seda to wait – perhaps the price will stabilise.
Turkish citizens like Seda, who declines to give her surname, are frantically trying to find ways to cope as the lira continues a downward slide. The currency lost half its value against the dollar this year, falling almost 30% in November alone. Those without foreign currency or gold to sell are finding other ways to cut down, avoiding buying meat or turning to government-subsidised bread stands for sustenance.
Read more at: ‘There’s jobs but no money’: Turkey’s economic crisis begins to bite | Turkey | The Guardian
“I used to look at the price of gold once a week. Now I look roughly 50 times a day,” says the owner, who asks that his name is withheld. He advises Seda to wait – perhaps the price will stabilise.
Turkish citizens like Seda, who declines to give her surname, are frantically trying to find ways to cope as the lira continues a downward slide. The currency lost half its value against the dollar this year, falling almost 30% in November alone. Those without foreign currency or gold to sell are finding other ways to cut down, avoiding buying meat or turning to government-subsidised bread stands for sustenance.
Read more at: ‘There’s jobs but no money’: Turkey’s economic crisis begins to bite | Turkey | The Guardian
12/27/21
Coronavirus - isolation period: US cuts recommended isolation period
US health authorities on Monday announced that quarantine periods for asymptomatic coronavirus patients would be shortened from 10 to five days.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cited evidence that those infected with the virus were most infectious during the two days before and then three days after symptoms developed.
Read more at: Coronavirus: US cuts recommended isolation period | News | DW | 27.12.2021
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cited evidence that those infected with the virus were most infectious during the two days before and then three days after symptoms developed.
Read more at: Coronavirus: US cuts recommended isolation period | News | DW | 27.12.2021
Covid Symptoms: What are COVID symptoms after getting vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect people from getting seriously ill with the virus, as well as stave off extended hospital stays and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
However, no vaccine is 100% effective and, though rare, fully vaccinated people can contract coronavirus. These cases, known as breakthrough infections, can cause COVID-like symptoms — or no symptoms at all. Researchers behind the ZOE COVID Symptom Study found that the five most common symptoms reported by those vaccinated against the virus are:
Read more at: What are COVID symptoms after getting vaccine? | Miami Herald
However, no vaccine is 100% effective and, though rare, fully vaccinated people can contract coronavirus. These cases, known as breakthrough infections, can cause COVID-like symptoms — or no symptoms at all. Researchers behind the ZOE COVID Symptom Study found that the five most common symptoms reported by those vaccinated against the virus are:
Read more at: What are COVID symptoms after getting vaccine? | Miami Herald
Press Freedom - Poland’s president vetoes controversial media law following pressure from US
Poland’s president has vetoed a controversial media law that had been passed in the country’s parliament, under pressure from the US.
Andrzej Duda said on Monday he has decided to veto the bill that would have forced US company Discovery to give up its controlling share in Polish TV network TVN.
The president noted that the bill was unpopular with many Poles and would have dealt a blow to Poland’s reputation as a place to do business.
Read more at: Poland’s president vetoes controversial media law following pressure from US | Euronews
Andrzej Duda said on Monday he has decided to veto the bill that would have forced US company Discovery to give up its controlling share in Polish TV network TVN.
The president noted that the bill was unpopular with many Poles and would have dealt a blow to Poland’s reputation as a place to do business.
Read more at: Poland’s president vetoes controversial media law following pressure from US | Euronews
China - US Relations: China anger after space station forced to move to avoid Elon Musk Starlink satellites
Beijing has called on the UN to remind the US to abide by the treaty regulating outer space after space satellites launched by tech tycoon Elon Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX almost collided with its space station twice in the past year.
China said its space station deployed prevention collision avoidance control measures in July and October to avoid colliding with Starlink satellites in a recent report submitted by Beijing to the UN’s Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space earlier this month.
Read more at: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/dec/28/china-complains-to-un-after-space-station-is-forced-to-move-to-avoid-starlink-satellites?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
China said its space station deployed prevention collision avoidance control measures in July and October to avoid colliding with Starlink satellites in a recent report submitted by Beijing to the UN’s Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space earlier this month.
Read more at: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/dec/28/china-complains-to-un-after-space-station-is-forced-to-move-to-avoid-starlink-satellites?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
12/26/21
The Netherlands: Dutch streets deserted as snap Christmas COVID lockdown starts
Dutch urban centres were largely deserted on Sunday as the country bega a snap lockdown that, aimed at stemming an expected COVID-19 surge caused by the fast-spreading Omicron variant, left people's Christmas plans in disarray.
Read more at: Dutch streets deserted as snap Christmas COVID lockdown starts | Reuters
Read more at: Dutch streets deserted as snap Christmas COVID lockdown starts | Reuters
USA: Omicron, weather ground more than 1,300 U.S. flights on Sunday
.S. airlines called off more than 1,300 flights on Sunday as surging COVID-19 infections due to the highly transmissible Omicron variant of the coronavirus grounded crews and forced tens of thousands of Christmas weekend travellers to change their plans.
Commercial airlines cancelled 1,318 flights within, into or out of the United States on Sunday, according to a tally on flight-tracking website FlightAware.com.
It was the third straight day of travelling pain, after a total of 997 flights were scrapped on Christmas Day and nearly 700 on Christmas Eve. Thousands more were delayed on all three days.
Read more at: Omicron, weather ground more than 1,300 U.S. flights on Sunday | CBC News
Commercial airlines cancelled 1,318 flights within, into or out of the United States on Sunday, according to a tally on flight-tracking website FlightAware.com.
It was the third straight day of travelling pain, after a total of 997 flights were scrapped on Christmas Day and nearly 700 on Christmas Eve. Thousands more were delayed on all three days.
Read more at: Omicron, weather ground more than 1,300 U.S. flights on Sunday | CBC News
French Guiana: NASA Space telescope blasts off from French Guiana to replace aging Hubble
The world’s largest and most powerful space telescope was blasted off on Christmas Day on a high-stakes quest to behold light from the first stars and galaxies and scour the universe for hints of life.
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope soared upwards from French Guiana on South America’s northeastern coast, riding a European Ariane rocket into the Christmas morning sky.
“What an amazing Christmas present,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA's science mission chief.
Note EU-Digest: "NASA's James Webb Space Telescope soared from French Guiana on South America’s) northeastern coast, riding a European Ariane rocket into the Christmas morning sky. Isn't that a far better, productive cooperation between the EU and the USA, than in the outdated and destructive NATO ?"
Read more at: Space telescope blasts off from French Guiana to replace aging Hubble | Euronews
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope soared upwards from French Guiana on South America’s northeastern coast, riding a European Ariane rocket into the Christmas morning sky.
“What an amazing Christmas present,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA's science mission chief.
Note EU-Digest: "NASA's James Webb Space Telescope soared from French Guiana on South America’s) northeastern coast, riding a European Ariane rocket into the Christmas morning sky. Isn't that a far better, productive cooperation between the EU and the USA, than in the outdated and destructive NATO ?"
Read more at: Space telescope blasts off from French Guiana to replace aging Hubble | Euronews
12/25/21
Ukraine: Russia withdraws troops from regions near Ukraine
The pull back was announced by the Southern Military District Command, on Saturday, with Interfax reporting that forces have finished their “operational coordination” exercise. It added that more than 10,000 servicemen would now “march to their home bases from the territory of joint training ranges.”
Read more at: Russia withdraws troops from regions near Ukraine — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union
Read more at: Russia withdraws troops from regions near Ukraine — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union
12/24/21
USA: Florida - COVID update: State breaks single-day case record - by Devoun Cetoute and Carli Teproff
Florida on Friday saw it’s largest single-day increase of newly reported COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began — and that was even before people gathered for Nochebuena and Christmas brunch.
“After the holidays I suspect we will have a very busy week,” said Randy Katz, associate district medical director of emergency services for Memorial Healthcare System. “I do think we have another week or two before we really peak and then see the numbers come down.”
There were 31,758 cases on Thursday, according to Miami Herald calculations of state data reported Friday to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The previous record was during the height of the delta wave in Florida with 27,584 cases reported on Aug. 27, according to Herald calculations.
Read more at: Florida COVID update: State breaks single-day case record | Miami Herald
“After the holidays I suspect we will have a very busy week,” said Randy Katz, associate district medical director of emergency services for Memorial Healthcare System. “I do think we have another week or two before we really peak and then see the numbers come down.”
There were 31,758 cases on Thursday, according to Miami Herald calculations of state data reported Friday to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The previous record was during the height of the delta wave in Florida with 27,584 cases reported on Aug. 27, according to Herald calculations.
Read more at: Florida COVID update: State breaks single-day case record | Miami Herald
Suriname: IMF board approves 3-year, $688 mln program for Suriname
The International Monetary Fund approved on Wednesday a three-year, $688 million program for Suriname, with some $55 million enabled for immediate disbursing.
“The program aims to rebuild Suriname’s foreign reserves, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said in a statement. “The authorities’ decision to move to a market-determined exchange rate will strengthen the economy’s resilience to external shocks. This step, together with the program’s catalytic effect on external financing, will address external imbalances and contribute to increasing foreign reserves to prudent levels.”
Read more at: IMF board approves 3-year, $688 mln program for Suriname | Financial Post
“The program aims to rebuild Suriname’s foreign reserves, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said in a statement. “The authorities’ decision to move to a market-determined exchange rate will strengthen the economy’s resilience to external shocks. This step, together with the program’s catalytic effect on external financing, will address external imbalances and contribute to increasing foreign reserves to prudent levels.”
Read more at: IMF board approves 3-year, $688 mln program for Suriname | Financial Post
Turkey: Lira rallies late after Erdogan props up currency - by Tuvan Gumrukcu and Ece Toksabay
Turkey's lira ended the session up over 20% on Monday after President Tayyip Erdogan introduced a series of steps that he said will ease the burden of the weakened currency on Turks, while vowing to press on with a low-rates policy that led to the lira's slide in the first place.
Read more at: Lira rallies late after Erdogan props up currency | Reuters
Read more at: Lira rallies late after Erdogan props up currency | Reuters
USA: How America's obsession with global democracy has led us astray - by Damon Linker
Democracies are obsessed with "democracy."
That makes some sense. Basing politics on the consent of the governed, limiting government power, respecting the rights of citizens — all of these are important human achievements, ones from which even nominal democracies often fall short and toward which they must continually strive. Indeed, some countries that have long thought of themselves as fully consolidated democracies — including the United States — have begun to undergo a process of backsliding away from democratic norms and expectations.
All of this is important and troubling. Yet the way it gets expressed in terms of our relations with the rest of the world is often misguided.
Take Joe Biden's ongoing "Summit for Democracy," which is taking place against a backdrop of rising tension with Russia over Ukraine, and China over Taiwan. The idea behind the summit is clear: Democracy is under threat from authoritarianism around the world. Democratic governments, therefore, need to work together to defend themselves and their common interests against hostile anti-democratic regimes that aspire to remake international order in their own image.
The United States and its allies do face challenges around the world, with China and Russia posing two of the biggest ones. But the primary source of this rising tension isn't democracy or its lack. The strain has far more to do with power and clashing interests than regime type. That's one powerful reason (among others) why it would be a good thing for those formulating American foreign policy to spend less time worrying about whether or not our rivals are democracies.
This hasn't always been the right way to proceed. At its core, the Cold War was a struggle between hostile comprehensive ideologies, each of which (democratic capitalism and communism) thought of itself and its opponents in something approaching eschatological terms. The world seemed poised to become all one thing or all the other. In that zero-sum competition, it often made sense for geopolitical decision-making to take regime-types into consideration. Democracies were America's natural allies; communist regimes were our enemies. (Of course, we were sometimes inconsistent on this, forming alliances of convenience with brutal authoritarian governments when doing so made possible what we considered to be more important moves on the geopolitical chessboard.
Read more at: How America's obsession with global democracy has led us astray | The Week
That makes some sense. Basing politics on the consent of the governed, limiting government power, respecting the rights of citizens — all of these are important human achievements, ones from which even nominal democracies often fall short and toward which they must continually strive. Indeed, some countries that have long thought of themselves as fully consolidated democracies — including the United States — have begun to undergo a process of backsliding away from democratic norms and expectations.
All of this is important and troubling. Yet the way it gets expressed in terms of our relations with the rest of the world is often misguided.
Take Joe Biden's ongoing "Summit for Democracy," which is taking place against a backdrop of rising tension with Russia over Ukraine, and China over Taiwan. The idea behind the summit is clear: Democracy is under threat from authoritarianism around the world. Democratic governments, therefore, need to work together to defend themselves and their common interests against hostile anti-democratic regimes that aspire to remake international order in their own image.
The United States and its allies do face challenges around the world, with China and Russia posing two of the biggest ones. But the primary source of this rising tension isn't democracy or its lack. The strain has far more to do with power and clashing interests than regime type. That's one powerful reason (among others) why it would be a good thing for those formulating American foreign policy to spend less time worrying about whether or not our rivals are democracies.
This hasn't always been the right way to proceed. At its core, the Cold War was a struggle between hostile comprehensive ideologies, each of which (democratic capitalism and communism) thought of itself and its opponents in something approaching eschatological terms. The world seemed poised to become all one thing or all the other. In that zero-sum competition, it often made sense for geopolitical decision-making to take regime-types into consideration. Democracies were America's natural allies; communist regimes were our enemies. (Of course, we were sometimes inconsistent on this, forming alliances of convenience with brutal authoritarian governments when doing so made possible what we considered to be more important moves on the geopolitical chessboard.
Read more at: How America's obsession with global democracy has led us astray | The Week
USA: Joe Biden's Winter of Discontent—Failed Bills, Terrible Polls and Now Omicron
President Joe Biden is facing his first holiday season as commander in chief while confronting a slew of problems from the new variant of COVID-19 to stalled legislation and his own unpopularity.
The president could be bracing for a winter of discontent as the Omicron variant is expected to surge and efforts to pass the $1.75 trillion Build Back Better Act flounder due to opposition from Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV).
He may also have to sacrifice the enhanced child tax credit in the new year as part of a deal to pass Build Back Better—a key achievement that could further damage his standing with voters if it's not extended.
Read more at: Joe Biden's Winter of Discontent—Failed Bills, Terrible Polls and Now Omicron
The president could be bracing for a winter of discontent as the Omicron variant is expected to surge and efforts to pass the $1.75 trillion Build Back Better Act flounder due to opposition from Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV).
He may also have to sacrifice the enhanced child tax credit in the new year as part of a deal to pass Build Back Better—a key achievement that could further damage his standing with voters if it's not extended.
Read more at: Joe Biden's Winter of Discontent—Failed Bills, Terrible Polls and Now Omicron
12/22/21
French Guiana - Kourou: Nasa to launch newest space telescope with an ESA Ariane 5 rocket on Christmas Day
Dangerously high winds will keep Nasa’s newest space telescope on the ground for at least an extra day, with the launch now targeted for Saturday – Christmas Day – at the earliest.
Nasa announced the latest delay Tuesday. Upper-level high wind could force a rocket off-course or even damage or destroy it.
The James Webb space telescope will soar from French Guiana on South America’s northeastern coast, aboard a European Ariane rocket. Launch managers will meet again Wednesday to assess the weather.
The $10bn infrared observatory is considered the successor to the Hubble space telescope, in orbit since 1990.
Read more at: Nasa to launch newest space telescope on Christmas Day | Nasa | The Guardian
The James Webb space telescope will soar from French Guiana on South America’s northeastern coast, aboard a European Ariane rocket. Launch managers will meet again Wednesday to assess the weather.
The $10bn infrared observatory is considered the successor to the Hubble space telescope, in orbit since 1990.
Read more at: Nasa to launch newest space telescope on Christmas Day | Nasa | The Guardian
12/21/21
A Blessed Christmas Story: Church agency describes how missionaries escaped their captors after 2-month ordeal in Haiti
Captive missionaries in Haiti found freedom last week by making a daring overnight escape, eluding their kidnappers and walking for kilometres over difficult, moonlit terrain with an infant and other children in tow, officials with the agency they work for said Monday.
The group of 12 navigated by stars to reach safety after a two-month kidnapping ordeal, officials with the Christian Aid Ministries (CAM), the Ohio-based agency that the captive missionaries work for, said Monday at a news conference.
The detailed accounting of their journey to safety comes after news Thursday that the missionaries were free.
Read more at: Church agency describes how missionaries escaped their captors after 2-month ordeal in Haiti | CBC News
The group of 12 navigated by stars to reach safety after a two-month kidnapping ordeal, officials with the Christian Aid Ministries (CAM), the Ohio-based agency that the captive missionaries work for, said Monday at a news conference.
The detailed accounting of their journey to safety comes after news Thursday that the missionaries were free.
Read more at: Church agency describes how missionaries escaped their captors after 2-month ordeal in Haiti | CBC News
USA: Army Has Over 3,800 Refuse to Get COVID Vaccine, Could Be Removed From Military Next Month - by Zoe Strozewski
More than 3,800 members of the Army have refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine by this week's deadline, setting them up for a potential ouster from the military beginning in January.
Six soldiers resisting the mandate were fired from leadership roles and more than 2,700 others have already been issued written reprimands, according to Army data.
Read more at: Army Has Over 3,800 Refuse to Get COVID Vaccine, Could Be Removed From Military Next Month
Six soldiers resisting the mandate were fired from leadership roles and more than 2,700 others have already been issued written reprimands, according to Army data.
Read more at: Army Has Over 3,800 Refuse to Get COVID Vaccine, Could Be Removed From Military Next Month
Iran nuclear talks: EU urges Tehran to salvage deal quickly
European negotiators on Friday called on Iran to move faster toward salvaging the 2015 nuclear deal after the seventh round of talks adjourned in Vienna.
European representatives from the UK, France and Germany, known as the E3, have called the pause "disappointing," although they say there has been some "technical progress." The diplomats say Iranian officials requested the pause in negotiations.
Read more at: Iran nuclear talks: EU urges Tehran to salvage deal quickly | News | DW | 17.12.2021
European representatives from the UK, France and Germany, known as the E3, have called the pause "disappointing," although they say there has been some "technical progress." The diplomats say Iranian officials requested the pause in negotiations.
Read more at: Iran nuclear talks: EU urges Tehran to salvage deal quickly | News | DW | 17.12.2021
12/19/21
The Netherlands: Covid: Dutch go into Christmas lockdown over Omicron wave
rime Minister Mark Rutte said the measures were "unavoidable".
Countries across Europe have been tightening restrictions as the heavily mutated variant spreads.
The new rules in the Netherlands - the strictest to have been announced over Omicron so far - come into force on Sunday.
"I stand here tonight in a sombre mood And a lot of people watching will feel that way too," Mr Rutte told a news conference on Saturday. "To sum it up in one sentence, the Netherlands will go back into lockdown from tomorrow."
Read more at: Covid: Dutch go into Christmas lockdown over Omicron wave - BBC News
Countries across Europe have been tightening restrictions as the heavily mutated variant spreads.
The new rules in the Netherlands - the strictest to have been announced over Omicron so far - come into force on Sunday.
"I stand here tonight in a sombre mood And a lot of people watching will feel that way too," Mr Rutte told a news conference on Saturday. "To sum it up in one sentence, the Netherlands will go back into lockdown from tomorrow."
Read more at: Covid: Dutch go into Christmas lockdown over Omicron wave - BBC News
Eye care: Declining Eyesight Could Be Given a Boost by Short Morning Doses of Seeing Red - By DAVID NIELD
A short burst of red light in the morning has been shown to improve declining eyesight, researchers report, potentially providing a simple, safe, and easy-to-use treatment for keeping our eyes sharper as we head into old age.
In tests on 20 participants exposed to three minutes of 670 nanometer deep red light in the morning between 8 am and 9 am eyesight improved by 17 percent and lasted (at a lower level) a week on average. In some of the volunteers, the improvement was as much as 20 percent.
This link between long wavelength red light and improving vision matches up with what scientists have seen in previous studies on animals, and the study follows on from a similar one carried out last year – but in this case, the red light was limited to a single, daily exposure that required less red light energy than previously.
Read more at: Declining Eyesight Could Be Given a Boost by Short Morning Doses of Seeing Red
In tests on 20 participants exposed to three minutes of 670 nanometer deep red light in the morning between 8 am and 9 am eyesight improved by 17 percent and lasted (at a lower level) a week on average. In some of the volunteers, the improvement was as much as 20 percent.
This link between long wavelength red light and improving vision matches up with what scientists have seen in previous studies on animals, and the study follows on from a similar one carried out last year – but in this case, the red light was limited to a single, daily exposure that required less red light energy than previously.
Read more at: Declining Eyesight Could Be Given a Boost by Short Morning Doses of Seeing Red
12/18/21
Dutch health experts advise a full lockdown to slow Omicron
The health experts advising the Netherlands' government on COVID-19 strategy have recommended the country go into a "strict" lockdown, Dutch media reported on Friday, just days after a partial lockdown was extended through January.
Read more at: Dutch health experts advise a full lockdown to slow Omicron -media | Reuters
Read more at: Dutch health experts advise a full lockdown to slow Omicron -media | Reuters
12/17/21
USA: Hillary Clinton forecasts when US democracy could end
Hillary Clinton has warned that American democracy may not survive another four years of Donald Trump in the White House, should the Republican win the 2024 election.
The former US secretary of state and 2016 democratic nominee shared her concerns in an interview with NBC’s Willie Geist that was aired on Sunday. Clinton claimed that if Trump “or someone of his ilk were, once again, to be elected president, and if especially he had a congress that would do his bidding, you will not recognize our country.” She added that a Trump victory in 2024 “could be the end of our democracy.”
Read more at: Hillary Clinton forecasts when US democracy could end — RT USA News
The former US secretary of state and 2016 democratic nominee shared her concerns in an interview with NBC’s Willie Geist that was aired on Sunday. Clinton claimed that if Trump “or someone of his ilk were, once again, to be elected president, and if especially he had a congress that would do his bidding, you will not recognize our country.” She added that a Trump victory in 2024 “could be the end of our democracy.”
Read more at: Hillary Clinton forecasts when US democracy could end — RT USA News
France: Macron cancels visit to Mali after new Covid-19 measures announced
French President Emmanuel Macron Friday cancelled a trip to Mali to meet transitional leader Colonel Assimi Goita after France announced new measures to battle the pandemic.
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Macron was to meet Goita on Monday, for the first time since the Malian colonel was sworn into office in June after leading the country's second coup in less than a year.
Macron was also supposed to pay a Christmas visit to French troops stationed there to fight a jihadist insurgency in the country.
Read more at: Macron cancels visit to Mali after new Covid-19 measures announced
Macron was to meet Goita on Monday, for the first time since the Malian colonel was sworn into office in June after leading the country's second coup in less than a year.
Macron was also supposed to pay a Christmas visit to French troops stationed there to fight a jihadist insurgency in the country.
Read more at: Macron cancels visit to Mali after new Covid-19 measures announced
Turkey blasts EU over stalled accession talks
Turkey has accused the EU of “strategic blindness,” criticizing the bloc’s decision this week to keep membership talks with Ankara in stalemate as being “detached from reality” and based on “ideological motives.”
The Turkish foreign ministry stated on Friday that the move – taken at the EU’s General Affairs Council meeting on Tuesday – proved once again that Brussels does not see the issue of the bloc’s enlargement through a “strategic point of view.” Instead, the ministry said it approaches the question on the basis of narrow interests and “membership solidarity.”
Read more at: Turkey blasts EU over stalled accession talks — RT World News
The Turkish foreign ministry stated on Friday that the move – taken at the EU’s General Affairs Council meeting on Tuesday – proved once again that Brussels does not see the issue of the bloc’s enlargement through a “strategic point of view.” Instead, the ministry said it approaches the question on the basis of narrow interests and “membership solidarity.”
Read more at: Turkey blasts EU over stalled accession talks — RT World News
12/16/21
Geniuses: Brain surgeons and rocket scientists are no smarter than the rest of us: study shows
Neurosurgeons and aerospace engineers are equally smart in different ways — but no smarter than the general population, a new study has found.
So it may be time to ditch the phrases "It's not exactly rocket science," and "It's not exactly brain surgery," say the researchers behind the findings.
Read more at: Brain surgeons and rocket scientists are no smarter than the rest of us: study | CBC Radio
So it may be time to ditch the phrases "It's not exactly rocket science," and "It's not exactly brain surgery," say the researchers behind the findings.
Read more at: Brain surgeons and rocket scientists are no smarter than the rest of us: study | CBC Radio
Suriname: Journalist mistreated by security guards vice president Suriname - by Edit Porkson-
Security guards of Surinamese vice president Ronnie Brunswijk have taken the phone from a journalist from De Ware Tijd, the largest newspaper in Suriname, in a heavy-handed manner. The journalist, Jason Pinas, wanted to take pictures of the vice president, but was then held in a stranglehold by the security personnel and pushed to the ground, he told the website Starnieuws. He has reported it.
The incident happened in front of the parliament building in the Surinamese capital Paramaribo. Pinas photographed the vice president there after getting into his car. Brunswijk was not pleased with this and a disagreement arose. Pinas was grabbed by a group of security officers from the vice president. They ended up taking his phone too.
Read more at: Journalist mistreated by security guards vice president Suriname - The Gal Times
The incident happened in front of the parliament building in the Surinamese capital Paramaribo. Pinas photographed the vice president there after getting into his car. Brunswijk was not pleased with this and a disagreement arose. Pinas was grabbed by a group of security officers from the vice president. They ended up taking his phone too.
Read more at: Journalist mistreated by security guards vice president Suriname - The Gal Times
NATO's Future: Euro-Atlantic Alliance in a Peacetime War- by Alessandro Marrone Karolina Muti
Looking at 2030, NATO evolution will depend on two main variables. First, whether the international security environment will lean towards a scenario of “aggressive multipolarity”. In this scenario, global and regional powers are engaged in various forms of proxy wars, cyber-attacks, information warfare, and use to put societies of its competitors under pressure by targeting critical infrastructure, energy security, political decision-making, public opinion, etc., without escalating to military conflict – a sort of “peacetime war”. Second, NATO’s future will depend on domestic politics of the Alliance’s major members. US future approach to multilateral alliances will be a determining factor. The two variables are intertwined, and in Europe they further interact with the EU integration process and the path towards greater strategic autonomy in the defence domain. In this context, Italy has to move forward its traditional priorities regarding relations with the US, dialogue and deterrence towards Russia, NATO–EU strategic partnership, and the stabilisation of the “Enlarged Mediterranean” region.
Paper prepared for the webinar “The Future of NATO” jointly organized on 8 October 2020 by Aspen Institute Italia and Istituto Affari Internazionali, in partnership with Real Istituto Elcano and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Published also in Italian: “Il futuro della Nato: l’Alleanza euro-atlantica nella guerra in tempo di pace”.
Read more at: NATO's Future: Euro-Atlantic Alliance in a Peacetime War | IAI Istituto Affari Internazionali
Paper prepared for the webinar “The Future of NATO” jointly organized on 8 October 2020 by Aspen Institute Italia and Istituto Affari Internazionali, in partnership with Real Istituto Elcano and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Published also in Italian: “Il futuro della Nato: l’Alleanza euro-atlantica nella guerra in tempo di pace”.
Read more at: NATO's Future: Euro-Atlantic Alliance in a Peacetime War | IAI Istituto Affari Internazionali
USA: As Joe Biden Touts Global Democracy, Signs Point to Concern Nearer to Home
While President Joe Biden looks to tout global democracy in the coming days, signs point to concern at home on the matter—and a potential lack of public desire to intervene elsewhere.
Biden hosts the first White House Summit for Democracy over the next two days, in which he will urge those attending to commit to "reversing the democratic recession and ensuring that democracies deliver for their people."
Read more at: As Joe Biden Touts Global Democracy, Signs Point to Concern Nearer to Home
Biden hosts the first White House Summit for Democracy over the next two days, in which he will urge those attending to commit to "reversing the democratic recession and ensuring that democracies deliver for their people."
Read more at: As Joe Biden Touts Global Democracy, Signs Point to Concern Nearer to Home
Alien organisms could hitch a ride on our spacecraft and contaminate Earth, scientists warn
The growing demand for space exploration is increasing the chances of alien organisms invading Earth and of Earth-based organisms invading other planets, scientists have argued in a new paper.
The researchers point to humanity's record of moving species to new environments on Earth, where those organisms can become invasive and harm the native species; they say such behavior suggests the same could happen with alien life from another planet contaminating Earth and vice versa, according to the paper, published Nov. 17 in the journal BioScience.
"The search of life beyond our world is an exciting endeavour that could yield an enormous discovery in the not-too-distant future," lead author Anthony Ricciardi, a professor of invasion biology at McGill University in Montreal, told Live Science in an email. "However, in the face of increasing space missions (including those intended to return samples to Earth), it is crucial to reduce the risks of biological contamination in both directions."
Read more at: Alien organisms could hitch a ride on our spacecraft and contaminate Earth, scientists warn | Live Science
The researchers point to humanity's record of moving species to new environments on Earth, where those organisms can become invasive and harm the native species; they say such behavior suggests the same could happen with alien life from another planet contaminating Earth and vice versa, according to the paper, published Nov. 17 in the journal BioScience.
"The search of life beyond our world is an exciting endeavour that could yield an enormous discovery in the not-too-distant future," lead author Anthony Ricciardi, a professor of invasion biology at McGill University in Montreal, told Live Science in an email. "However, in the face of increasing space missions (including those intended to return samples to Earth), it is crucial to reduce the risks of biological contamination in both directions."
Read more at: Alien organisms could hitch a ride on our spacecraft and contaminate Earth, scientists warn | Live Science
12/15/21
USA: Disparity in the US: America's 1% Has Taken $50 Trillion From the Bottom 90% - by Nick Hanauer and David M. Rolf
Lke many of the virus’s hardest hit victims, the United States went into the COVID-19 pandemic wracked by preexisting conditions. A fraying public health infrastructure, inadequate medical supplies, an employer-based health insurance system perversely unsuited to the moment—these and other afflictions are surely contributing to the death toll. But in addressing the causes and consequences of this pandemic—and its cruelly uneven impact—the elephant in the room is extreme income inequality.
How big is this elephant? A staggering $50 trillion. That is how much the upward redistribution of income has cost American workers over the past several decades.
This is not some back-of-the-napkin approximation. According to a groundbreaking new working paper by Carter C. Price and Kathryn Edwards of the RAND Corporation, had the more equitable income distributions of the three decades following World War II (1945 through 1974) merely held steady, the aggregate annual income of Americans earning below the 90th percentile would have been $2.5 trillion higher in the year 2018 alone. That is an amount equal to nearly 12 percent of GDP—enough to more than double median income—enough to pay every single working American in the bottom nine deciles an additional $1,144 a month. Every month. Every single year.
Read more at: America's 1% Has Taken $50 Trillion From the Bottom 90% | Time
How big is this elephant? A staggering $50 trillion. That is how much the upward redistribution of income has cost American workers over the past several decades.
This is not some back-of-the-napkin approximation. According to a groundbreaking new working paper by Carter C. Price and Kathryn Edwards of the RAND Corporation, had the more equitable income distributions of the three decades following World War II (1945 through 1974) merely held steady, the aggregate annual income of Americans earning below the 90th percentile would have been $2.5 trillion higher in the year 2018 alone. That is an amount equal to nearly 12 percent of GDP—enough to more than double median income—enough to pay every single working American in the bottom nine deciles an additional $1,144 a month. Every month. Every single year.
Read more at: America's 1% Has Taken $50 Trillion From the Bottom 90% | Time
The Netherlands to build new nuclear plants under coalition deal – by Karl Mathiesen
The Netherlands will build two nuclear power stations in a bid to hit more ambitious climate goals, according to the new government's coalition agreement, published Wednesday.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s liberal VVD, the centrist D66, the Christian Democratic CDA and the Christian Union reached a coalition deal on Monday, ending nine months of coalition talks and paving the way for Rutte to serve a fourth term.
Read more at: The Netherlands to build new nuclear plants under coalition deal – POLITICO
Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s liberal VVD, the centrist D66, the Christian Democratic CDA and the Christian Union reached a coalition deal on Monday, ending nine months of coalition talks and paving the way for Rutte to serve a fourth term.
Read more at: The Netherlands to build new nuclear plants under coalition deal – POLITICO
The Netherlands: World's largest wind farm on a lake commissioned in Netherlands
The 383MW Wind Farm Fryslan north of Amsterdam was held up by Covid and adverse weather
Read more at" World's largest wind farm on a lake commissioned in Netherlands | Recharge
Read more at" World's largest wind farm on a lake commissioned in Netherlands | Recharge
Coronavirus: spreads in deer. Scientists worry about what that means for people
People are the likely source, but that doesn't mean the virus can't evolve among these animals and then spill back into humans, and researchers are worried about what this spread means for the risk of future pandemics.
There's little doubt SARS-Cov-2, the virus that caused the ongoing pandemic, came from an animal -- almost certainly a bat. And the prevailing scientific opinion is that there as an intermediate host, an animal of some sort, that was infected by a bat or bats and then infected people.
Reag more at: Coronavirus spreads in deer. Scientists worry about what that means for people - CNN
There's little doubt SARS-Cov-2, the virus that caused the ongoing pandemic, came from an animal -- almost certainly a bat. And the prevailing scientific opinion is that there as an intermediate host, an animal of some sort, that was infected by a bat or bats and then infected people.
Reag more at: Coronavirus spreads in deer. Scientists worry about what that means for people - CNN
12/14/21
Life Expectancy: Can we live forever? New anti-ageing vaccine could bring immortality one step closer
What if you could live forever? It's a question long pondered by fictional supervillains and Silicon Valley billionaires alike.
Now researchers in Japan say they may have taken a step toward boosting human longevity with successful trials of a vaccine against the cells that contribute to the ageing process.
In laboratory trials, a drug targeting a protein contained in senescent cells - those which have naturally stopped reproducing themselves - slowed the progression of frailty in older mice, the researchers from Tokyo's Juntendo University said.
Read more at: Can we live forever? New anti-ageing vaccine could bring immortality one step closer | Euronews
Now researchers in Japan say they may have taken a step toward boosting human longevity with successful trials of a vaccine against the cells that contribute to the ageing process.
In laboratory trials, a drug targeting a protein contained in senescent cells - those which have naturally stopped reproducing themselves - slowed the progression of frailty in older mice, the researchers from Tokyo's Juntendo University said.
Read more at: Can we live forever? New anti-ageing vaccine could bring immortality one step closer | Euronews
UK: MPs vote for new COVID measures, amid rebellion against PM Boris Johnson
British MPs have voted for further measures to battle the coronavirus pandemic, despite a sizeable rebellion against the measures from within prime minister Boris Johnson's own Conservative party.
Johnson suffered by far the biggest rebellion of his time as PM, with the government relying on the support of the opposition Labour Party to get the measures passed.
Before the vote in Parliament it was expected that some 60 and 80 Conservative lawmakers would vote against the government's latest COVID measures.
Read more at: UK: MPs vote for new COVID measures, amid rebellion against PM Boris Johnson | Euronews
Johnson suffered by far the biggest rebellion of his time as PM, with the government relying on the support of the opposition Labour Party to get the measures passed.
Before the vote in Parliament it was expected that some 60 and 80 Conservative lawmakers would vote against the government's latest COVID measures.
Read more at: UK: MPs vote for new COVID measures, amid rebellion against PM Boris Johnson | Euronews
12/13/21
WHO warns of 700,000 more COVID deaths in Europe by March 2022
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Europe remains “in the firm grip” of the coronavirus pandemic and the continent’s death toll could top 2.2 million this winter if current trends continue.
Another 700,000 Europeans could die by March 1, the WHO said on Tuesday, in addition to the 1.5 million who have already succumbed to the virus.
Read more at WHO warns of 700,000 more COVID deaths in Europe by March | Coronavirus pandemic News | Al Jazeera
Another 700,000 Europeans could die by March 1, the WHO said on Tuesday, in addition to the 1.5 million who have already succumbed to the virus.
Read more at WHO warns of 700,000 more COVID deaths in Europe by March | Coronavirus pandemic News | Al Jazeera
USA: Nearly two decades after 9/11, military-industrial complex is stronger than ever - by C.J. Atkins
It has been almost 20 years since Al Qaeda terrorists flew hijacked planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and crashed another into a field in Pennsylvania after a passenger revolt. On that day, 2,977 people lost their lives, leaving behind hundreds of thousands of grieving family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. First responders in the immediate target cities and volunteers from around the country courageously rushed to aid those in need, coming together in a moment of national unity unmatched since perhaps Pearl Harbor.
Today, the country is again living through a disastrous tragedy. It is one that emerged outside our borders but which has been made immeasurably worse by the failed response of our country’s leader. The COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to Trump’s lies and incompetence, has claimed over 193,000 American lives as of Sept. 11, 2020. That’s more than 65 times the number of people who perished on 9/11. When this nightmare finally ends, someday, tens of millions will count themselves among those who’ve lost someone to the virus.
Besides the shared death and human destruction that characterize these two periods, they’re also defined by something else—both represent a time of huge wins for the military-industrial complex. In the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, war profiteering exploded as the administration of George W. Bush forked over billions of dollars to giant defense corporations (whose former heads populated his cabinet). Now, Trump is doing the same.
Read more at: Nearly two decades after 9/11, military-industrial complex is stronger than ever – People's World
Today, the country is again living through a disastrous tragedy. It is one that emerged outside our borders but which has been made immeasurably worse by the failed response of our country’s leader. The COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to Trump’s lies and incompetence, has claimed over 193,000 American lives as of Sept. 11, 2020. That’s more than 65 times the number of people who perished on 9/11. When this nightmare finally ends, someday, tens of millions will count themselves among those who’ve lost someone to the virus.
Besides the shared death and human destruction that characterize these two periods, they’re also defined by something else—both represent a time of huge wins for the military-industrial complex. In the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, war profiteering exploded as the administration of George W. Bush forked over billions of dollars to giant defense corporations (whose former heads populated his cabinet). Now, Trump is doing the same.
Read more at: Nearly two decades after 9/11, military-industrial complex is stronger than ever – People's World
Space exploration: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope now at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana being placed on a ESA Ariane 5 rocket
The next steps ahead are to safely lift Webb to an upper platform which has been prepared so that Webb can be connected to the Ariane 5's upper stage. After being connected to the rocket, technicians will move forward to encapsulate Webb inside Ariane 5's specially adapted fairing.
In preparation for a Dec. 22 launch, ground teams have already successfully completed the delicate operation of loading the spacecraft with the propellant it will use to steer itself while in space.
Read more at: James Webb Space Telescope moved to meet its rocket
In preparation for a Dec. 22 launch, ground teams have already successfully completed the delicate operation of loading the spacecraft with the propellant it will use to steer itself while in space.
Read more at: James Webb Space Telescope moved to meet its rocket
USA: Kentucky tornadoes: up to 100 feared dead in historic US storms
Dozens remained unaccounted for on Sunday as rescuers worked overnight searching for survivors after what could be the longest tornado in US history left a trail of destruction from Arkansas to Kentucky, part of a vast storm front that it is feared may have killed at least 100 people.
Kentucky governor Andy Beshear said the path of devastation was about 227 miles (365km) long, which, if confirmed, would surpass the 218-mile Tri-State tornado in 1925, which killed at least 695 people and destroyed 15,000 homes across Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.
Read more at: Kentucky tornadoes: up to 100 feared dead in historic US storms | Tornadoes | The Guardian
Kentucky governor Andy Beshear said the path of devastation was about 227 miles (365km) long, which, if confirmed, would surpass the 218-mile Tri-State tornado in 1925, which killed at least 695 people and destroyed 15,000 homes across Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.
Read more at: Kentucky tornadoes: up to 100 feared dead in historic US storms | Tornadoes | The Guardian
12/12/21
Grand Prix Auto Racing: Dutch Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to F1 title on last lap
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won a dramatic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by overtaking Lewis Hamilton on the last lap to clinch the F1 world title in a remarkable conclusion to the season.
Hamilton had seemed on course for victory and an eighth world title in total, but a late safety car allowed Verstappen to pit for fresh tires as he snatched the lead from the Mercedes man on the last lap.
Read more: Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to F1 title on last lap — RT Sport News
Hamilton had seemed on course for victory and an eighth world title in total, but a late safety car allowed Verstappen to pit for fresh tires as he snatched the lead from the Mercedes man on the last lap.
Read more: Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to F1 title on last lap — RT Sport News
Canada-US Relations: Canada threatens U.S. with tariffs, partial suspension of CUSMA over electric vehicle tax credit
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland has written to top U.S. senators threatening to suspend parts of the CUSMA trade agreement and impose tariffs on American goods unless U.S. officials back away from a proposed tax credit for American-built electric vehicles.
"We are deeply concerned that certain provisions of the electric vehicle tax credits as proposed in the Build Back Better Act violate the United States' obligations under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement," Freeland and International Trade Minister Mary Ng say in the letter.
Read more at: Canada threatens U.S. with tariffs, partial suspension of CUSMA over electric vehicle tax credit | CBC News
Read more at: Canada threatens U.S. with tariffs, partial suspension of CUSMA over electric vehicle tax credit | CBC News
Israeli-UAE relations: Israeli PM Bennett makes first official visit to UAE
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, marking the first official visit by an Israeli premier, after they established diplomatic ties last year.
Read more at: Israeli PM Bennett makes first official visit to UAE | News | DW | 12.12.2021
Read more at: Israeli PM Bennett makes first official visit to UAE | News | DW | 12.12.2021
12/11/21
Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte Set to Clinch Coalition Deal - by Diederik Baazil-
Prime Minister Mark Rutte is closing in on a coalition deal after the longest negotiations in Dutch history, according to people familiar with the discussions.The outline for a fourth Rutte government is expected early next week, the people said,
March’s general election consolidated Rutte’s VVD as the Netherlands’ biggest party but a fragmented parliament complicated the coalition math. Negotiations have dragged on ever since, amid a coronavirus crisis that hit the country hard.
The government will likely be sworn in this January.
Traditionally, the second-largest party takes the finance ministry, meaning that Christian Democrat Wopke Hoekstra won’t keep his job as finance minister.
Read more at: Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte Set to Clinch Coalition Deal - Bloomberg
The government will likely be sworn in this January.
Traditionally, the second-largest party takes the finance ministry, meaning that Christian Democrat Wopke Hoekstra won’t keep his job as finance minister.
Read more at: Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte Set to Clinch Coalition Deal - Bloomberg
UK: Omicron could cause tens of thousands of deaths in England, study says
The Omicron variant could cause tens of thousands of deaths in England by the end of April if additional virus restrictions are not imposed, new modelling suggests.
Researchers said the new variant, which is expected to be more transmissible, could cause 24,000 deaths by 30 April 2022 in the most optimistic scenario and nearly 75,000 deaths in the most pessimistic scenario.
Read more at: Omicron could cause tens of thousands of deaths in England, study says | Euronews
Researchers said the new variant, which is expected to be more transmissible, could cause 24,000 deaths by 30 April 2022 in the most optimistic scenario and nearly 75,000 deaths in the most pessimistic scenario.
Read more at: Omicron could cause tens of thousands of deaths in England, study says | Euronews
12/10/21
The Dutch style of government: good for dykes, bad for covid
THE DUTCH are not used to being ranked among the worst in Europe. But that is where they stand in covid booster vaccinations: 4.1% of the population have had an extra jab, just behind Romania at 5%. They started on November 18th, months after other countries. “It is impossible to explain,” says Roel Coutinho, a former head of the national outbreak-management team. He blames the Dutch culture of governing via exhaustive negotiations and consensus—a system known as the “polder model”.
READ MORE AT: The Dutch style of government: good for dykes, bad for covid | The Economist
READ MORE AT: The Dutch style of government: good for dykes, bad for covid | The Economist
Turkey: Erdoǧan loses his way
Some 10 years ago, Time magazine featured Turkey’s then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoǧan on its cover. Erdoǧan was riding high. His Justice and Development Party (AKP) had just convincingly won a third general election and internationally he was lauded as a can-do leader. Since the AKP won power in 2002, Erdoǧan had overseen an economic boom, re-invigorated European Union accession talks and, alongside Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoǧlu, engineered a more active international role for Turkey.
A lot can change in a decade. Turkey joining the European Union now seems little more than a pipe dream, doubts have been raised over Erdoǧan’s democratic credentials and Turkey’s economic situation
Read more at: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/erdo-loses-his-way
A lot can change in a decade. Turkey joining the European Union now seems little more than a pipe dream, doubts have been raised over Erdoǧan’s democratic credentials and Turkey’s economic situation
Read more at: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/erdo-loses-his-way
Brexit: UK economy almost flatlined in October, adding to rate hike doubts - by William Schomberg and Andy Bruce
Gross domestic product edged up by just 0.1%, slowing sharply from September’s 0.6% growth and much weaker than a forecast of 0.4% in a Reuters poll of economists.
The world’s fifth-biggest economy remained 0.5% smaller than it was just before Britain was first hit by COVID-19 in early 2020, the Office for National Statistics said.
Read more at: UK economy almost flatlined in October, adding to rate hike doubts - Metro US
The world’s fifth-biggest economy remained 0.5% smaller than it was just before Britain was first hit by COVID-19 in early 2020, the Office for National Statistics said.
Read more at: UK economy almost flatlined in October, adding to rate hike doubts - Metro US
EU: Germany′s Olaf Scholz eyes stronger EU in first trip abroad as chancellor
n a marathon day of talks in Paris and Brussels, Olaf Scholz aims to lock down a common strategy with leaders regarding the urgent issues facing the bloc. It's his first trip abroad as German chancellor.
Read more at Germany′s Olaf Scholz eyes stronger EU in first trip abroad as chancellor | News | DW | 10.12.2021
Read more at Germany′s Olaf Scholz eyes stronger EU in first trip abroad as chancellor | News | DW | 10.12.2021
U.S. inflation rate spikes to 6.8% — highest level in almost 40 years
The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics said Friday that higher costs for gasoline, shelter, food and new and used vehicles were the biggest factors in pushing the rate to its highest point since June of 1982.
Canadian data for November is not yet available, but it, too, is expected to rise from the 18-year high of 4.7 per cent it hit last month.
Read more at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/us-inflation-1.6280794
Canadian data for November is not yet available, but it, too, is expected to rise from the 18-year high of 4.7 per cent it hit last month.
Read more at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/us-inflation-1.6280794
The Dutch style of government: good for dykes, bad for covid
THE DUTCH are not used to being ranked among the worst in Europe. But that is where they stand in covid booster vaccinations: 4.1% of the population have had an extra jab, just behind Romania at 5%. They started on November 18th, months after other countries. “It is impossible to explain,” says Roel Coutinho, a former head of the national outbreak-management team. He blames the Dutch culture of governing via exhaustive negotiations and consensus—a system known as the “polder model”.
READ MORE AT: The Dutch style of government: good for dykes, bad for covid | The Economist
READ MORE AT: The Dutch style of government: good for dykes, bad for covid | The Economist
12/9/21
USA: Court rules Trump cannot block release of documents to Capitol attack panel - by David Smith
Donald Trump, the former US president, suffered a major defeat on Thursday when a federal appeals court ruled against his effort to block the release of documents related to the 6 January attack on the US Capitol.
Trump is expected to appeal to the supreme court.
A select committee in the House of Representatives is investigating the events on and surrounding 6 January, when a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol in a bid to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s election win. Amid scenes of violence that shocked America and the world, five people eventually died and scores were injured.
Read more at: Court rules Trump cannot block release of documents to Capitol attack panel | Donald Trump | The Guardian
Trump is expected to appeal to the supreme court.
A select committee in the House of Representatives is investigating the events on and surrounding 6 January, when a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol in a bid to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s election win. Amid scenes of violence that shocked America and the world, five people eventually died and scores were injured.
Read more at: Court rules Trump cannot block release of documents to Capitol attack panel | Donald Trump | The Guardian
EU Presidency: Six takeaways as Macron unveils priorities of French EU presidency
France's upcoming presidency of the European Union will aim to "move towards a powerful Europe in the world, a fully sovereign Europe, free to make its own choices and able to master its destiny," said French president Emmanuel Macron.
The six-month tenure, due to start on January 1, overlaps with the country's presidential election.
Here are six takeaways from Macron's speech on Thursday as he unveiled Paris' priorities for the rotating presidency of the 27-nation bloc.
Read more: Six takeaways as Macron unveils priorities of French EU presidency | Euronews
The six-month tenure, due to start on January 1, overlaps with the country's presidential election.
Here are six takeaways from Macron's speech on Thursday as he unveiled Paris' priorities for the rotating presidency of the 27-nation bloc.
Read more: Six takeaways as Macron unveils priorities of French EU presidency | Euronews
Iran nuclear talks pulled back from brink as Tehran shifts stance | Iran nuclear deal - thanks to Chinese and Russian pressure - by Patrick Wintour
Efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal have been hauled back from the brink of collapse as Tehran revised its stance after pressure from Russia and China and clear warnings that the EU and the US were preparing to walk away.
The cautiously optimistic assessment came at the start of the seventh round of talks on the future of the nuclear deal in Vienna. It follows what was seen as a disastrous set of talks last week in which the US and the EU claimed Iran had walked back on compromises reached in previous rounds.
The Russian ambassador to the talks, Mikhail Ulyanov, said: “We managed to eliminate a number of misunderstandings that created some tension. Everyone confirmed their commitment to productive work [to restore the nuclear agreement].”
Read more at: Iran nuclear talks pulled back from brink as Tehran shifts stance | Iran nuclear deal | The Guardian
The cautiously optimistic assessment came at the start of the seventh round of talks on the future of the nuclear deal in Vienna. It follows what was seen as a disastrous set of talks last week in which the US and the EU claimed Iran had walked back on compromises reached in previous rounds.
The Russian ambassador to the talks, Mikhail Ulyanov, said: “We managed to eliminate a number of misunderstandings that created some tension. Everyone confirmed their commitment to productive work [to restore the nuclear agreement].”
Read more at: Iran nuclear talks pulled back from brink as Tehran shifts stance | Iran nuclear deal | The Guardian
12/8/21
USA: Opinion- It’s time to break up the military-industrial complex - by Katrina vanden Heuvel
Two days after the United States withdrew from Afghanistan, the House Armed Services Committee voted to set the Pentagon’s 2022 budget. Given that U.S. officials claim to be winding down decades-long wars, even maintaining current levels of military spending would seem a mystifying choice. But the committee didn’t just vote to maintain current spending levels. It voted to increase them by a whopping $24 billion.
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Which begs the question: Are we spending this money because we need to, even though our military budget is already higher than those of the next 11 largest countries combined? Or are there other incentives at play?
Ties between the government and the private sector — what President Dwight D. Eisenhower famously called the “military-industrial complex” — form the foundations of our national defense. Since 9/11, between one-third and half of the nearly $14 trillion the Pentagon has spent went to for-profit defense contractors. Dozens of members of Congress and their spouses own millions of dollars’ worth of stock in those companies.
Read more at: Opinion | It’s time to break up the military-industrial complex - The Washington Post
Which begs the question: Are we spending this money because we need to, even though our military budget is already higher than those of the next 11 largest countries combined? Or are there other incentives at play?
Ties between the government and the private sector — what President Dwight D. Eisenhower famously called the “military-industrial complex” — form the foundations of our national defense. Since 9/11, between one-third and half of the nearly $14 trillion the Pentagon has spent went to for-profit defense contractors. Dozens of members of Congress and their spouses own millions of dollars’ worth of stock in those companies.
Read more at: Opinion | It’s time to break up the military-industrial complex - The Washington Post
Netherlands undecided on diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics says government
The Netherlands has not decided yet if it will join a U.S. diplomatic boycott of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, Dutch Foreign Minister Ben Knapen said on Tuesday.
Read more at: Netherlands undecided on diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics -government | Reuters
Read more at: Netherlands undecided on diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics -government | Reuters
EU: The Netherlands and Australia find the omicron variant as curbs spread
The Netherlands confirmed 13 cases of the new omicron variant of the coronavirus on Sunday and Australia found two as the countries half a world apart became the latest to detect it in travelers arriving from southern Africa.
A raft of curbs being imposed by nations around the world as they scramble to slow the variant's spread also grew, with Israel deciding Sunday to bar entry to foreign nationals in the toughest move so far.
Confirmed or suspected cases of the new variant have already emerged in several European countries, in Israel and in Hong Kong, just days after it was identified by researchers in South Africa. The "act first, ask questions later" approach reflected growing alarm about the emergence of a potentially more contagious variant nearly two years into a pandemic that has killed more than 5 million people, upended lives and disrupted economies across the globe.
Read more at: The Netherlands and Australia find the omicron variant as curbs spread : NPR
A raft of curbs being imposed by nations around the world as they scramble to slow the variant's spread also grew, with Israel deciding Sunday to bar entry to foreign nationals in the toughest move so far.
Confirmed or suspected cases of the new variant have already emerged in several European countries, in Israel and in Hong Kong, just days after it was identified by researchers in South Africa. The "act first, ask questions later" approach reflected growing alarm about the emergence of a potentially more contagious variant nearly two years into a pandemic that has killed more than 5 million people, upended lives and disrupted economies across the globe.
Read more at: The Netherlands and Australia find the omicron variant as curbs spread : NPR
12/7/21
Russia-US relations: Biden warns Putin on call against Ukraine invasion - by QUINT FORGEY
President Joe Biden on Tuesday warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that the United States and European allies would join together to impose “strong” economic penalties and other
In a highly anticipated secure video call, Biden “voiced the deep concerns of the United States and our European Allies about Russia’s escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine and made clear that the U.S. and our Allies would respond with strong economic and other measures in the event of military escalation,” according to a White House readout.
Note EU-Digest: "The real problem facing Joe Biden is that he not only has to deal with the Ukraine situation, but also has to watch the dark clouds forming over Formosa. Bottom line is that Biden does not want to get caught between a rock and a hard place".
Read more at: Biden warns Putin on call against Ukraine invasion - POLITICO
In a highly anticipated secure video call, Biden “voiced the deep concerns of the United States and our European Allies about Russia’s escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine and made clear that the U.S. and our Allies would respond with strong economic and other measures in the event of military escalation,” according to a White House readout.
Note EU-Digest: "The real problem facing Joe Biden is that he not only has to deal with the Ukraine situation, but also has to watch the dark clouds forming over Formosa. Bottom line is that Biden does not want to get caught between a rock and a hard place".
Read more at: Biden warns Putin on call against Ukraine invasion - POLITICO
USA - GOP : Turning outrage into power: How far right is changing GOP
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy appears to have settled on a strategy to deal with a handful of Republican lawmakers who have stirred outrage with violent, racist and sometimes Islamophobic comments.
If you can’t police them, promote them.
The path to power for Republicans in Congress is now rooted in the capacity to generate outrage. The alarming language, and the fundraising haul it increasingly produces, is another example of how Donald Trump, the former president, has left his mark on politics, changing the way Republicans rise to influence and authority.
Read more at: Turning outrage into power: How far right is changing GOP | AP News
If you can’t police them, promote them.
The path to power for Republicans in Congress is now rooted in the capacity to generate outrage. The alarming language, and the fundraising haul it increasingly produces, is another example of how Donald Trump, the former president, has left his mark on politics, changing the way Republicans rise to influence and authority.
Read more at: Turning outrage into power: How far right is changing GOP | AP News
Saudi Arabia: One of suspected killers of Saudi journalist Khashoggi arrested in France - by Alain Acco and Tassilo Hummel
French police on Tuesday arrested a suspected member of the hit squad that killed Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi as the man was about to board a flight from Paris to Riyadh, French law enforcement sources said.
Khashoggi's fiancee welcomed the detention of the suspect and said he should be prosecuted for his role in the 2018 killing. But the Saudi Embassy in Paris said the arrested person "has nothing to do with the case in question."
Read more at: One of suspected killers of Saudi journalist Khashoggi arrested in France | Reuters
Khashoggi's fiancee welcomed the detention of the suspect and said he should be prosecuted for his role in the 2018 killing. But the Saudi Embassy in Paris said the arrested person "has nothing to do with the case in question."
Read more at: One of suspected killers of Saudi journalist Khashoggi arrested in France | Reuters
12/6/21
The Netherlands holds off on restrictions for the unvaccinated — for now – by Thibault Spirlet
The Dutch government on Monday decided not to move ahead with imposing restrictions on people who haven't been vaccinated against COVID-19 amid political opposition to the move and pressure on the country's health care system.
The cabinet was on December 14 due to discuss the measures, known as 2G, which would require people to show a certificate to prove they are vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 to access the hospitality industry and public events.
Critics of 2G say it is aimed at creating an incentive to get vaccinated but is not effective at limiting the spread of COVID-19, as even people who have been jabbed can suffer a breakthrough infection and infect others. Those who have previously been infected with COVID-19 also appear to be vulnerable to the new Omicron strain, designated a variant of concern by the World Health Organization.
Read more at: The Netherlands holds off on restrictions for the unvaccinated — for now – POLITICO
The cabinet was on December 14 due to discuss the measures, known as 2G, which would require people to show a certificate to prove they are vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 to access the hospitality industry and public events.
Critics of 2G say it is aimed at creating an incentive to get vaccinated but is not effective at limiting the spread of COVID-19, as even people who have been jabbed can suffer a breakthrough infection and infect others. Those who have previously been infected with COVID-19 also appear to be vulnerable to the new Omicron strain, designated a variant of concern by the World Health Organization.
Read more at: The Netherlands holds off on restrictions for the unvaccinated — for now – POLITICO
USA: CEOs across economy agree on one 2022 prediction: No Covid end -
Chief executive officers of companies from sectors including healthcare, restaurants, packaged food, manufacturing, logistics and chip sector tell CNBC that any hope of a “return to normal” in 2022 is misguided and volatility will remain a primary business challenge.
CEOs see opportunity in the changes already made during Covid to become permanent competitive advantages, and for global economic growth to remain strong, but it won’t be without a high level of uncertainty and volatility.
Read more at: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/02/ceos-across-economy-agree-on-one-big-2022-prediction-more-volatility.html
Read more at: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/02/ceos-across-economy-agree-on-one-big-2022-prediction-more-volatility.html
China-US Relations: GOP Senator Bill Hagerty Says 'China's Laughing All the Way to the Bank' - by Emma Mayer
Tennessee Republican Senator Bill Hagerty gave an address on the second day of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas on Saturday. In an interview with Fox News' Griff Jenkins that same day, Hagerty said he talked about "the threats that face our nation," while also slamming President Joe Biden's foreign policies and saying that "China is laughing all the way to the bank."
"What we're seeing right now," Hagerty said in the interview, "in either the knee-jerk policies that Biden has used in collapsing our border, the countdown to the WHO in refunding them, Nordstream Two, letting the Russians have that pipeline, entering the START deal with the Russians and getting nothing in return."
Read more at: GOP Senator Bill Hagerty Says 'China's Laughing All the Way to the Bank'
"What we're seeing right now," Hagerty said in the interview, "in either the knee-jerk policies that Biden has used in collapsing our border, the countdown to the WHO in refunding them, Nordstream Two, letting the Russians have that pipeline, entering the START deal with the Russians and getting nothing in return."
Read more at: GOP Senator Bill Hagerty Says 'China's Laughing All the Way to the Bank'
Western corrupt Capitalism versus China's authoritarian Capitalism: A spectre is haunting the West – the spectre of authoritarian capitalism
Amidst the turmoil in global financial markets in recent weeks, something unusual has happened.
Investors, seeking shelter from the coronavirus-linked sell-off, have piled into Chinese government bonds on an unprecedented scale. These purchases have increased the total foreign ownership of Beijing’s bonds to record highs, even as much of the country is still emerging from lockdown after the viral outbreak. In an ironic twist, the country where the pandemic originated has become an unlikely safe haven for investors – a shift that one prominent trader has described as “the single largest change in capital markets in anybody’s lifetime.”
Read more at A spectre is haunting the West – the spectre of authoritarian capitalism | openDemocracy
Investors, seeking shelter from the coronavirus-linked sell-off, have piled into Chinese government bonds on an unprecedented scale. These purchases have increased the total foreign ownership of Beijing’s bonds to record highs, even as much of the country is still emerging from lockdown after the viral outbreak. In an ironic twist, the country where the pandemic originated has become an unlikely safe haven for investors – a shift that one prominent trader has described as “the single largest change in capital markets in anybody’s lifetime.”
Read more at A spectre is haunting the West – the spectre of authoritarian capitalism | openDemocracy
EU: Reimagining care –by Anne-Marie Slaughter
The recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) and the ongoing negotiations over the social infrastructure bill of the United States president, Joe Biden, known as the Build Back Better Act, share an important feature. At the heart of global efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change is a commitment to care for our planet. Similarly, Biden’s bill is a down-payment on building an entire infrastructure of care—including paid family leave, childcare, a child tax credit and affordable community and home-based care for anyone else who needs support—in the US.
Read more at Reimagining care – Anne-Marie Slaughter
Read more at Reimagining care – Anne-Marie Slaughter
12/5/21
The Netherlands: Former Dutch queen Beatrix tests positive for coronavirus
Princess Beatrix, the 83-year-old former Dutch queen, has tested positive for the coronavirus, the royal house announced Saturday.
In a statement, the royal house said Beatrix got tested after feeling “mild cold symptoms.” It said she is in isolation at home and abiding by rules for people who have tested positive. The princess lives in a castle in the central Netherlands.
Read more at: Former Dutch queen Beatrix tests positive for coronavirus - ABC News
In a statement, the royal house said Beatrix got tested after feeling “mild cold symptoms.” It said she is in isolation at home and abiding by rules for people who have tested positive. The princess lives in a castle in the central Netherlands.
Read more at: Former Dutch queen Beatrix tests positive for coronavirus - ABC News
COVID in Europe: Denmark reports jump in Omicron cases as Belgium protest ends in clashes
COVID-19 cases are sweeping Europe once again — here is a breakdown of how each country has reacted to the surge.
Measures vary across the continent — from a national lockdown in Austria and moves towards mandatory vaccination in Germany, to the United Kingdom where only light restrictions are in place.
Read more at: COVID in Europe: Denmark reports jump in Omicron cases as Belgium protest ends in clashes | Euronews
Measures vary across the continent — from a national lockdown in Austria and moves towards mandatory vaccination in Germany, to the United Kingdom where only light restrictions are in place.
Read more at: COVID in Europe: Denmark reports jump in Omicron cases as Belgium protest ends in clashes | Euronews
Germany′s new government: A new style Germany
In 1980 a young member of parliament was put in his place. "When we elect the chancellor tomorrow, I expect you to dress properly and wear a tie," Parliament Vice President Annemarie Renger told the young Gerhard Schröder. Almost two decades later Schröder himself was to become chancellor — and became notorious for his expensive and elegant suits and coats.
During his election campaign,Olaf Scholz was often asked whether he'd start wearing a tie if he were to become chancellor. His response was always noncommittal: "I'll be wearing a tie most of the time — but not always," he said.
The prospective head of government has sometimes displayed a penchant for casual attire. When he arrived in Washington this year, Finance Minister Scholz walked down the gangway of the government jet dressed in a T-shirt and sand-colored slacks.
Read more at: Germany′s new government: A new style | Germany | News and in-depth reporting from Berlin and beyond | DW | 05.12.2021
During his election campaign,Olaf Scholz was often asked whether he'd start wearing a tie if he were to become chancellor. His response was always noncommittal: "I'll be wearing a tie most of the time — but not always," he said.
The prospective head of government has sometimes displayed a penchant for casual attire. When he arrived in Washington this year, Finance Minister Scholz walked down the gangway of the government jet dressed in a T-shirt and sand-colored slacks.
Read more at: Germany′s new government: A new style | Germany | News and in-depth reporting from Berlin and beyond | DW | 05.12.2021
12/4/21
The Netherlands: Dutch say 14 air passengers from S. Africa with Omicron were vaccinated - by Toby Sterling
Dutch health authorities on Thursday said most of the 62 people who tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving on two flights from South Africa last week had been vaccinated, lending weight to a call for pre-flight testing regardless of vaccination status.
In addition, all 14 passengers who were later found to have been infected with the Omicron variant were vaccinated, health officials said on Thursday.
Read more at: Dutch say 14 air passengers from S. Africa with Omicron were vaccinated | Reuters
In addition, all 14 passengers who were later found to have been infected with the Omicron variant were vaccinated, health officials said on Thursday.
Read more at: Dutch say 14 air passengers from S. Africa with Omicron were vaccinated | Reuters
EU Justice System: Europe's most-wanted fugitives revealed
Suspected cocaine trafficker Joël Soudron is among 62 of Europe's most-wanted fugitives, according to a list released on Friday.
Police say they have traced the 42-year-old to the 2011 discovery in Le Havre of 230 kg of cocaine from Guadeloupe.
Investigators say he has invested heavily in the legal economy in French-speaking Africa to launder money from the trafficking.
Read more at: Europe's most-wanted fugitives revealed | Euronews
Police say they have traced the 42-year-old to the 2011 discovery in Le Havre of 230 kg of cocaine from Guadeloupe.
Investigators say he has invested heavily in the legal economy in French-speaking Africa to launder money from the trafficking.
Read more at: Europe's most-wanted fugitives revealed | Euronews
12/3/21
Covid-19: First data points to Omicron re-infection risk - James Gallagher
The first real world data showing the coronavirus variant Omicron may evade some of our immunity has been reported by scientists in South Africa.
Scientists have detected a surge in the number of people catching Covid multiple times.
It is a rapid analysis and not definitive, but fits with concern about the mutations the variant possesses.
Read more at: Covid: First data points to Omicron re-infection risk - BBC News
Scientists have detected a surge in the number of people catching Covid multiple times.
It is a rapid analysis and not definitive, but fits with concern about the mutations the variant possesses.
Read more at: Covid: First data points to Omicron re-infection risk - BBC News
12/2/21
Coronavirus: Omicron was in Netherlands before South Africa raised alarm about new coronavirus variant - Perry Stein
The omicron variant had a foothold in multiple countries in Europe before travel restrictions were imposed, new genetic sequencing data has revealed.
Dutch officials said Tuesday that they had detected the variant, with its unusually high number of mutations, in a sample collected on Nov. 19 and another on Nov. 23 — well before Dutch authorities panicked over two flights from South Africa carrying infected passengers.
The earliest known cases are still from southern Africa. The first identified samples were collected Nov. 9, from a 34-year-old man and a 23-year-old man in Johannesburg, according to the GISAID global database. On Nov. 11, five
Read more at: Omicron was in Netherlands before South Africa raised alarm about new coronavirus variant - The Washington Post
Dutch officials said Tuesday that they had detected the variant, with its unusually high number of mutations, in a sample collected on Nov. 19 and another on Nov. 23 — well before Dutch authorities panicked over two flights from South Africa carrying infected passengers.
The earliest known cases are still from southern Africa. The first identified samples were collected Nov. 9, from a 34-year-old man and a 23-year-old man in Johannesburg, according to the GISAID global database. On Nov. 11, five
Read more at: Omicron was in Netherlands before South Africa raised alarm about new coronavirus variant - The Washington Post
China-US Relations: Beijing warns China-linked US businesses: you cannot ‘make a fortune in silence’- by Helen Davidson
Beijing has urged US business groups with interests in China to “speak out” and lobby the US government in its defence, warning that as bilateral relations deteriorate they cannot make money “in silence”.
The vice-foreign minister Xie Feng, in charge of managing China’s relationship with the US, also urged against political boycotts of the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics, saying it harms the interests of athletes and was “unpopular”.
Key business groups including the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and the US-China Business Council, met Xie at a virtual forum on Tuesday, according to a transcript of his address.
Read more at: Beijing warns China-linked US businesses: you cannot ‘make a fortune in silence’ | China | The Guardian
The vice-foreign minister Xie Feng, in charge of managing China’s relationship with the US, also urged against political boycotts of the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics, saying it harms the interests of athletes and was “unpopular”.
Key business groups including the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and the US-China Business Council, met Xie at a virtual forum on Tuesday, according to a transcript of his address.
Read more at: Beijing warns China-linked US businesses: you cannot ‘make a fortune in silence’ | China | The Guardian
12/1/21
The Netherlands: Dutch Covid: Couple win freedom from Omicron quarantine in TB ward - by Anna Holligan
A couple who were moved into forced isolation in a Dutch hospital after they walked out of a Covid-19 hotel have been told they can now leave.
Carolina Pimenta tested positive for Covid-19 after landing at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport on a flight from South Africa on Friday.
She was arrested by military police on Sunday night on a plane about to take off for Spain. The couple have now been told prosecutors have decided not to pursue the case.
Read more at: Dutch Covid: Couple win freedom from Omicron quarantine in TB ward - BBC News
Carolina Pimenta tested positive for Covid-19 after landing at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport on a flight from South Africa on Friday.
She was arrested by military police on Sunday night on a plane about to take off for Spain. The couple have now been told prosecutors have decided not to pursue the case.
Read more at: Dutch Covid: Couple win freedom from Omicron quarantine in TB ward - BBC News
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