Saturday, April 26

Types of News: Analysis

Deeper analysis on world diplomacy, economics and geopolitics.

El Salvador’s Big Bitcoin Experiment
Cryptocurrency, Domestic Politics, Types of News: Analysis

El Salvador’s Big Bitcoin Experiment

Photo: Diario Libre Will It Be A Win-Win For Country And Currency? Editor's Note: In June, the World Bank rejected El Salvador's request for help in implementing Bitcoin as the country's legal tender. But that didn't stop El Salvador's ambitious leader, President Nayib Bukele, from making the cryptocurrency the country's national currency. Corresponding writer Ernesto Rodriguez examines the prospects for the country and currency in this report. September 23, 2021—It’s been a few years since cryptocurrency, and especially Bitcoins, appeared as a new exciting prospect in the world of economics. Since then, it has become an important part of the economic conversation, with some people worried about the lack of transparency they represent and others praising the freedom they see in a ...
Venezuela Ups the Ante In Talks With Opposition Leaders
Diplomacy, Domestic Politics, Political Systems, Domestic Politics, Sanctions, Types of News: Analysis

Venezuela Ups the Ante In Talks With Opposition Leaders

Next Round Of Talks In Mexico Are Scheduled For Sept. 24-27; Venezuela Now Wants Alex Saab Part Of Its Delegation Mexico is hosting talks between the Venezuela government and the opposition. Photo: Norway Foreign Ministry of Affairs Editors Note: Venezuela has been in the grips of political and economic crises for much of the past decade. It is the poorest country in South America with a per capita GDP of $3,374. Roughly 94 percent of the country lives in poverty, according to the United Nations. Nicolás Maduro, the successor to Hugo Chavez, rules the country with authoritarian control. The government controls much of the economy through ownership of major enterprises, price controls, and an overdependence on the state-run oil sector. And under Maduro's leadership and against the ...
Fintech’s Fast Growth in SE Asia Attracts Consumers And Investors
Big Tech, Digital Economy, Finance, Investing, Types of News: Analysis

Fintech’s Fast Growth in SE Asia Attracts Consumers And Investors

In The Last Decade Fintech Provided Access To Banking For Millions Of Southeast Asians September 3, 2021--Consumer and investor activity in e-commerce is disrupting the way transactions take place across the globe and reaching Southeast Asia’s massively underserved populations without access to formal banking or credit institutions. As the pandemic evolves and economies reopen, the result is a boom in e-commerce investment in the area is booming. Meanwhile, it is further supported by local governments. Today Southeast Asian economies are primed hotbeds for financial technology, also known as fintech, and investors are taking notice. What Is Fintech? Fintech is an emerging class of technology that supports banking and financial services. This ranges from cryptocurrency to e-w...
As The Economy Goes Greener, The Job Market Is Evolving Rapidly
Climate Action, ESG, Sustainable Finance, Energy Policy, Oil & Gas, Types of News: Analysis

As The Economy Goes Greener, The Job Market Is Evolving Rapidly

Solar jobs are growing. Photo: Science in HD, Unsplash Policymakers Deal With Both Climate Change And Economic Losses In Fossil-Fuel Communities August 19, 2021--As the long-term fight against global climate change intensifies, workers and communities reliant on the fossil fuel industry are increasingly feeling the pinch of potential job losses and revenue. That presents a challenge for policymakers in the public and private sectors. As they move toward a greener economy, they also need to think in terms of mitigating losses in traditional energy sectors. "It's important to be doing it now because the transition is beginning to accelerate," said Phil Jordan, vice president at BW Research Partnership. "We have to figure this out in the next three to five years at the latest." ...
And Just Like That, The Taliban Seize Control Of Afghanistan
Geopolitics, Types of News: Analysis

And Just Like That, The Taliban Seize Control Of Afghanistan

August 16, 2021--The writing was on the wall even as representatives from Russia, China, the United States, and Pakistan met with Afghan and Taliban political leaders last week in Qatar. Their goal was to negotiate a political settlement. But as they met, Taliban fighters were taking city after city under their vengeful control. By Saturday, they had circled Kabul, the nation's capital. The next day, they took that too. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani left the country, saying that he left to avoid bloodshed. Soon, Taliban fighters posed for photos in the presidential palace. They removed the Afghanistan flag, rolled it up, and waited for their political leader to return from Qatar. "I spent eight years in Guantanamo Bay," a Taliban commander behind a large, ornate desk in the president...
No Foreseeable Change In US-China Trade Status, Despite Push By U.S. Businesses
Global Trade, Political Systems, Domestic Politics, Types of News: Analysis

No Foreseeable Change In US-China Trade Status, Despite Push By U.S. Businesses

Image of port by Maksym Kaharlytskyi via Unsplash US Business Leaders Cite 'Core Structural Economic Concerns' in US-China Relationship August 11, 2021--Even as competition and disagreements intensify between the world's largest two economies, U.S. business leaders are urging U.S. and Chinese trade representatives to return to the negotiating table. More than 30 business, agricultural and trade organizations signed a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai late last week. The industry leaders asked U.S. trade representatives to work with the Chinese government on implementing an existing trade deal. Furthermore, they asked for relief from tariffs and retaliatory tariffs. President Joe Biden, meanwhile, is emphasizing domestic renewal...
Ice Cream Maker Under Fire For Stopping Sales In The Occupied Palestinian Territory
Human rights, Middle East, Political Systems, Domestic Politics, Types of News: Analysis

Ice Cream Maker Under Fire For Stopping Sales In The Occupied Palestinian Territory

EDITORIAL: Backlash Against Ben & Jerry's Draws Attention to Israel's Use of Settlers to Drive Palestinians Out August 6, 2021—A company that takes pride in its logo, "Peace, love and ice cream," finds itself in the hot seat this Summer as the government of Israel, politicians in the U.S. states of Florida, and activists in nonprofit organizations and on social media launch campaigns against it. On July 19, Ben & Jerry's announced that it would no longer sell ice cream in the Occupied Palestinian West Bank. "We believe it is inconsistent with our values for our product to be present within an internationally recognized illegal occupation," the company founders Jerry Greenfield and Ben Cohen wrote. Ever since that decision, the company and its parent company Unilever have b...
Even In The Olympics, There’s A Political Side
Diplomacy, Organizations, IMF, WTO, G7, Types of News: Analysis

Even In The Olympics, There’s A Political Side

August 3, 2021-- For the past week, people across the globe have gathered in front of their TVs to watch the momentous events of the Olympics. The Olympics emulate an image of peace through their recognition of cultures in the events and ceremonies. "The athletes show us that, despite all our differences, it is possible for humankind to live together in peace.," said IOC President Thomas Bach. "This is our Olympic message: yes, it is possible to compete with each other, even for the highest prize, but at the same time to live together peacefully under one roof in the Olympic Village.” Facing the option of a jump-off to decide who will win the gold medal for the high jump, Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim and Italy's Gianmarco Tamberi -- who both cleared 2.37m -- decided to share the victo...
U.S. & Indian Diplomats Strengthen Partnership, Discuss Regional Security And Afghanistan
Democracy, Diplomacy, Geopolitics, Political Systems, Domestic Politics, Types of News: Analysis

U.S. & Indian Diplomats Strengthen Partnership, Discuss Regional Security And Afghanistan

Press conference in New Delhi on July 28, 2021. The Top Diplomats Also Discuss The State Of Democracy In The World July 31, 2021—Afghanistan’s future and the withdrawal of U.S. troops were at the fore of discussions between Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in New Delhi this week. During a brief press conference on Wednesday, the two called for a peaceful solution to governance problems in Afghanistan. This came even as the Taliban continued to make military advances since the U.S. withdrawal. Ultimately, however, the Afghan people must work out the solutions that work best for them, they said. The country is under increasing stress as the Taliban takes control of territory and wreaks havoc. Both countries have i...
International Responses to Cuban Protests: From Sanctions To Aid
Communism, Dictatorship, Foreign Aid, International Development, Sanctions, Types of News: Analysis

International Responses to Cuban Protests: From Sanctions To Aid

July 26, 2021--Since mass protests erupted in Cuba earlier this month, the Cuban government has arrested hundreds of protesters and prosecuted many of them on charges of contempt, public disorder, vandalism and marching without face masks. The country is facing a grave economic crisis as the population deals with food and medical shortages. The United States responded by imposing sanctions against government officials. Meanwhile, Russia and Mexico are sending supplies of food and medicine. Thousands of citizens protested in fifty-eight locations throughout Cuba. They rallied for access to food as well as changes to their government's one-party rule. Many were met by Cuban police who the government ordered to arrest demonstrators.  Mass Arrests, Whereabouts Unknown The governm...

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