Geopolitics

Cameron targets terrorist ‘haven’ in Mali

"The Prime Minister said that Britain is now engaged in 'generational struggle' against al-Qaeda affiliates like the group behind last week’s Algerian hostage crisis, whose leadership is based in Mali. The National Security Council will today discuss boosting British assistance to the French intervention in Mali, he told MPs. Islamic militants who are threatening the government there raise the risk of 'a new terrorist haven developing on Europe’s doorstep,' Mr Cameron said. Mr Cameron also said that ministers could 'look again' at defence cuts and spend more on counter-terrorism capabilities and Special Forces like the SAS and SBS." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingCameron targets terrorist ‘haven’ in Mali

Belgian MP LAURENT LOUIS stands against war in Mali and exposes the international neo-colonial plot

"On January the 17th, 32 years old Belgian MP Laurent Louis, the most controversial and demonized national political figure ever, explained why he voted against the Belgian support to war in Mali. Meanwhile, he expressed his disgust and wrath against the criminal foreign policies of the Belgian elite and its submission to foreign financial and interest groups." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingBelgian MP LAURENT LOUIS stands against war in Mali and exposes the international neo-colonial plot

Russian central bank to keep buying gold

"The Russian central bank will continue to buy gold as it seeks to diversify its foreign reserves away from paper assets it views as risky, First Deputy Chairman Alexei Ulyukayev said on Thursday. The Bank of Russia has built up the world's fourth-largest foreign reserves, worth $530 billion, by buying oil export dollars to keep the rouble competitive. The hoard includes two rainy-day budget funds that guard against fiscal shocks. The bank has also been a bullion buyer and the share of gold in its reserves is approaching a medium-term target of 10 percent." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingRussian central bank to keep buying gold

Iran plans to phase out dollar, euro in foreign trade: Econ. min.

"Iran's Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance Shamseddin Hosseini says the country plans to phase out dollar and euro in its future international transactions after the US and the European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on Iran. '[Iranian] government has made up its mind to phase out vehicle currencies such as dollar and euro in its [foreign] trade,' Hosseini told reporters. He added that after the imposition of sanctions on Iran by the US and the EU, the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) immediately moved to change the country's hard currencies reserves into euro and gold which 'was beneficial to the country.'." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingIran plans to phase out dollar, euro in foreign trade: Econ. min.

Honi Soit Qui ‘Mali’ Pense

"The United States, incapable of allowing a military intervention to pass by without jumping on board, dutifully followed France in the Libya debacle, blowback from which was responsible for the re-igniting of the Touareg rebellion in Mali. What do the Touaregs have that is causing such stirring in France's colonial loins? France is dependent on nuclear power for 75 percent of its energy needs. The larger African region controlled by the Touareg, including particular in Niger, contains tons and tons of that substance that brings back memories of the Bush administration's Iraq lies: uranium." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingHoni Soit Qui ‘Mali’ Pense

Emerging China, Brazil and India agree to increased United Nations dues

"China, Brazil, India and other emerging powers agreed to major increases in their United Nations payments as the global body hammered out a new budget deal this week to avoid its own fiscal cliff. The boom countries will pay more as economic crisis allows European nations, such as Britain, Germany and France and Japan to cut their contributions. UN contributions are worked out according to a country’s share of global gross national income (GNI). China will pay an extra 61 percent in UN fees, taking its share of the budget from 3.2 to 5.1 percent. It will overtake Canada and Italy to become the sixth biggest UN contributor." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingEmerging China, Brazil and India agree to increased United Nations dues

Russia unveils $25 billion oil pipeline to the Pacific

"The East Siberia – Pacific Ocean (ESPO) link is also expected to expand sales to the United States and fulfil Putin’s dream of cementing Russia’s place as a dominant force on international crude markets. Moscow hopes to make ESPO into a benchmark in the Asia Pacific region that competes with WTI — the US oil standard whose price some traders believe is too heavily based on domestic political factors. The port — previously connected to East Siberian crude by rail — also provides Russia with quick access to Japan and South Korea. The head of the Transneft state oil pipeline operator said most of the crude from the final leg would in fact be destined for the U.S." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingRussia unveils $25 billion oil pipeline to the Pacific

Bahrain, a Brutal U.S. Ally

"The United States speaks about supporting human rights and democracy, but while the Saudis send troops to aid the Khalifa government, America is sending arms. The United States is doing itself a huge disservice by displaying such an obvious double standard toward human rights violations in the Middle East. Washington condemns the violence of the Syrian government but turns a blind eye to blatant human rights abuses committed by its ally Bahrain. This double standard is costing America its credibility across the region; and the message being understood is that if you are an ally of America, then you can get away with abusing human rights." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingBahrain, a Brutal U.S. Ally

Asian economies turn to yuan

"A 'renminbi bloc' has been formed in East Asia, as nations in the region abandon the US dollar and peg their currency to the Chinese yuan — a major signal of China's successful bid to internationalize its currency, a research report has said. Seven out of 10 economies in the region — including South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand — track the renminbi more closely than they do the US dollar. Only three economies in the group — Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Mongolia — still have currencies following the dollar more closely than the renminbi, said the report, posted on the institute's website." Continue reading →

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The Hidden Cost of Oil

"Prior to its $130 billion social-spending spree, Saudi Arabia needed oil prices somewhere north of $70 to balance the kingdom’s budget, according to the International Monetary Fund. Now the per-barrel cost is reportedly approaching $100. Russia needs something close to $120. Social costs also play a similarly large role in Bahrain, Kuwait, Venezuela, Iran and elsewhere, where oil revenue accounts for up to 90% of domestic income. The United Arab Emirates, for instance, needs oil prices in the $85 range to balance a budget larded with social programs. Tiny Bahrain needs about $119." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingThe Hidden Cost of Oil