October 05, 2009 Nº 826 - Vol. 7
"There are things I can't force. I must adjust. There are times when the greatest change needed is a change of my viewpoint."
Denis Diderot
Insider's view: see how local concerns shape up the global world. Read the daily press review in Migalhas International
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Ireland backs EU's Lisbon Treaty
Irish voters have strongly endorsed the European Union's Lisbon Treaty - 16 months after their first vote rejecting it plunged EU reforms into deadlock. About 67% voted "Yes", official results from the latest referendum showed. Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen hailed a "clear and resounding" endorsement. Political leaders across the EU have also welcomed the result. The president of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, said it was a great day for Europe. He urged the leaders of Poland and the Czech Republic - the only other countries yet to ratify Lisbon - to sign the treaty as soon as possible.
After vote, debate in Europe shifts to new leader
Ireland's vote to ratify the European Union's Lisbon Treaty has finally cleared the way for the creation of a powerful new president, intended to elevate the 27-nation bloc's standing on the global stage. But do European leaders actually want one? Ahead lies a difficult discussion about how much power and influence a new European Union president should have and whether the post should fall to a political star — like former Prime Minister Tony Blair of Britain — or one of his grayer, more technocratic rivals. The leaders of member countries will decide, probably this month, and their decision could determine whether the union really seeks the bigger role it says it needs to try to match the influence of the United States and that of rising powers like China, Russia, India and Brazil. The Lisbon Treaty, which aims to streamline decision-making and reform the bloc's ramshackle structures, lays down a two-and-a-half-year term for a full-time president of the European Council, the body that represents member nations. The treaty, if finally ratified by the Poles and Czechs, also mandates a single new foreign affairs chief, in charge of both policy and aid money, and a new European diplomatic corps. Both new jobs would be subordinate to the leaders of member countries, and the position of commission president, held by José Manuel Barroso of Portugal, continues. But those who fill the two new posts will have a considerable chance to carve out significant roles for themselves, since they will be the most prominent faces of a collective Europe.
Rio de Janeiro named host of 2016 Olympics
Rio de Janeiro was chosen Friday as the host site of the 2016 Olympic Games, brushing aside an unprecedented personal appeal from President Obama and the first lady on behalf of their home town of Chicago. The winner beat surprise finalist Madrid in the last round of voting. Chicago was eliminated in the first round of voting at the meeting of the IOC in Copenhagen, and Tokyo was eliminated in the second. In awarding Olympic bids, the IOC holds rounds of voting until one city receives a majority. Rio's victory marks the first time a South American city has been chosen to host the games. Hours before the votes, the Obamas appeared before the IOC to directly make the Chicago pitch, marking the first time a standing U.S. president had appeared before the panel to back a bid. Lula beat the world's richest nations for the 2016 Olympic Games. -- Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid --; this victory continues a welcome trend of acknowledging the growing importance of developing countries. The World Cup next year will be hosted by South Africa and in 2014 it will be held in Brazil. Now, the games present a tremendous opportunity for Brazil. The Olympics will give Brazilians a huge shot of self-confidence and boost the country’s tourism industry and Rio’s public transportation system. It’s also an opportunity to counter the violent imagery of drug lords, gang murders and grinding poverty realistically captured in films such as “City of God” (2002). Those scenes have replaced postcard images of beaches and mountains that used to seduce people around the world. Lula must defeat Rio de Janeiro's violent crime, which residents call the biggest cloud over their city's postcard-perfect bid. When the world’s attention is on them, Brazilians don’t take chances. During these types of events, law enforcement is shifted from the local police, who don’t exactly enjoy a reputation for moral rectitude. Instead, Brazil’s military runs security, sporting assault weapons and tanks. If you think Rio’s drug kingpins are crazy enough to conduct business as usual under those conditions, think again. It’s worth noting also that Rio hasn’t been subject to terrorist attacks like those that sadly hit Madrid and London, where the 2012 Olympics will be held.
Regardless of which city hosts the Olympics, some things are certain:
1) The event will cost three times more than originally budgeted. The estimated cost of the 2016 games is 25.9 billion reais ($14.5 billion). Still, lack of money won’t be an issue. Brazil’s monetary authority can simply print more money if necessary. That’s no different from what the world’s developed nations are doing.
2) Architectural white elephants will dot the landscape. Stadiums, gymnasiums, cycling centers, athlete dorms and so much more infrastructure will be little-used eyesores as soon as the closing ceremony concludes.
3) Athletes may take home medals, but politicians and politically connected business people are the ones who really achieve success at any Olympics.
EU queries airline tie-up plans
The European Commission's competition authorities have raised concerns about the transatlantic plans of British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia. The Oneworld alliance members want to operate as a joint business on flights between the EU and North America. If they are to go ahead they will also need approval from US regulators. The Commission has sent its Statement of Objections to the airlines, and they now have the chance to respond before a competition decision is reached. The Commission confirmed that it was still looking into similar plans for co-operation by Star Alliance members Lufthansa, Continental, United and Air Canada and between Skyteam members Air France/KLM and Delta/Northwest.
US economic power 'is declining'
"One of the legacies of this crisis may be a recognition of changed economic power relations," said World Bank president Robert Zoellick. US economic power is declining as a result of the financial crisis, he said. The US, the world's biggest economy, has been in recession for almost two years, while emerging economies like China and Brazil have grown. This may help bring about a long-term rebalancing of the world economy.
US health bill gets Senate boost
The US Senate Finance Committee has completed its work on a health bill, bringing healthcare reform in America a step closer. The committee is expected to vote on its bill on Monday. The bill will not include a government-run insurance option for people without employer-provided coverage, unlike other panels' bills. But it will mandate all Americans to get health insurance, and offer subsidies for the less well-off.
Court weighs life terms for minors
The US Supreme Court will consider whether sentencing a juvenile to life without parole for a crime in which no one died violates the Eighth Amendment prohibition of "cruel and unusual punishments."
Online lecture
Georgetown University Law CLE and Lex Mercator International Education offer for free a online lecture for Migalheiros. "Contract Drafting: The Structure of the Common Law Contract" will be presented on 10/06 live from Washington by professor John Rooney, professor in the Miami University. To book, click here.
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China visit sparks N Korea hopes
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is spending a second day in North Korea in a visit regional neighbours hope will help restart stalled nuclear talks. The importance of Mr Wen's visit was underlined when he was met on arrival on Sunday by leader Kim Jong-il who said Pyongyang had not abandoned denuclearisation and was open to "bilateral and multilateral dialogue". But there was no solid commitment to rejoin the multilateral talks. North Korea withdrew from six-party talks - which also involve China, the US, Japan, Russia and South Korea - in April and conducted its second nuclear test in May, raising regional tensions. But in recent weeks it has issued more conciliatory statements, suggesting it could resume negotiations.
U.S. business groups, in turnabout, warn of growing Chinese protectionism
The two largest groups representing U.S. companies in China said the Asian nation has enacted a series of policies discriminating against foreign investors and imports.
Embraer denies speculation it may close China factory as orders decline
Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica SA, the world's fourth-largest aircraft maker, said it is seeking more customers for its Chinese operations and denied speculation that it will shutter the Harbin plant as orders decline.
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Colombia denies US base reports
Colombian has sought to reassure other South American countries about its plans to continue military co-operation with the United States. Foreign Minister Jaime Bermudez said that contrary to some reports there would be no US bases in the country. Bermudez said that Colombia appreciated US help but there was no need for more US military personnel. He insisted that Colombia desired good relations with all countries in the region, including Venezuela.
Canada bishop faces porn charges
A Roman Catholic bishop facing charges of possessing child pornography has turned himself in to Canadian police. Prosecutors say the charges of importing and possessing child pornography stem from allegedly pornographic images found during a random search of Bishop Lahey's laptop by border agents as he returned from a trip abroad.Bishop Raymond Lahey made no comment as he arrived at an Ottawa police station. He was later released on bail. He had resigned from his position as bishop in the diocese of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, on Saturday. In August, he oversaw a multi-million dollar settlement over child sex abuse allegations by priests in the diocese dating back to the 1950s.
Court reveals Polanski settlement
The French-Polish director is being held in Switzerland on a US arrest warrant over his 1977 conviction for unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl. Polanski - who faces extradition to the US - was detained in Switzerland as he travelled from France to collect a lifetime achievement award at the Zurich Film Festival. The director pleaded guilty to unlawful sex with an under-age girl following a plea bargain - he had originally been charged with six offences including rape and sodomy. Polanski agreed to pay his victim of sexual assault $500,000, 15 years after he fled the US, according to court documents released to the media. The last court filing in August 1996 stated that he owed Ms Geimer $604,416.22, including interest. The court records did not reveal whether the 76-year-old director had ever paid.
Fugitives run out of places to hide
As the Roman Polanski case shows, the U.S. justice system has stepped up its global capabilities, making it harder for fugitives to find havens abroad.
Brazil's bid for tech-powered economy
Florianopolis, in southern Brazil, is firmly fixed on becoming the regional technological powerhouse. Sapiens Parque science park is the $1.3bn brainchild of the Brazilian government, as part of a wider $24bn initiative to promote science and technology in the country. If Florianopolis is to become the Silicon Valley of South America, that lack of self-confidence needs to be addressed - as do other deep-set structural and cultural issues like low productivity, a shortage of tech graduates, and a bloated bureaucracy. If companies such as Cisco and Sun confirm their interest for Sapiens, it would be a historical move as it will encourage other businesses to establish on-site, and give credibility to the project. Observers believe that to really succeed, Brazil needs to look beyond its borders and take the initiative. In reaching out to the rest of the world, Brazilian companies tend to have an insular focus, critics say.
Pope warns of 'new colonialism'
The Pope has warned that a form of colonialism continues to blight Africa. Opening a three-week synod of African bishops, he said political colonialism was over. But he said the developed world continued to export materialism - which he called "toxic spiritual rubbish" - to the continent. "In this context, the political colonialism is never finished," the Pope said.
Terrorism case shows range of investigators' tools
Experts say the way law enforcement gathered evidence against Najibullah Zazi may be a textbook case of how to conduct a terrorism investigation. The FBI used a blend of wiretaps and subpoenas, search warrants and local police, among other things, to build its case. "I think what's striking about the Zazi case is not so much that new tools were being used, but that old tools were being used in a comprehensive fashion," says Sam Rascoff, who used to work terrorism cases for the NYPD’s intelligence unit. "And that they were being stitched together in a thoughtful, strategic way, so that one tool naturally gave way to another." Prosecutors have already informed Zazi's lawyer and the judge in the case that much of the evidence they'll present at trial came from a wiretap. They also said some of the evidence will include classified information — which means the case is likely to be complicated.
Italy approves tax amnesty bill
Italy's parliament has approved a controversial tax amnesty on undeclared funds held overseas. Berlusconi says the expected repatriation of 300bn euros ($437bn) will help boost state revenues. But the left-wing opposition says the amnesty will benefit organized crime. This is Italy's third tax amnesty in only eight years and has drawn heavy criticism from opposition politicians who have branded it a reward for crime. The new amnesty not only provides anonymity for anyone repatriating undeclared funds held illegally offshore, but also provides impunity for crimes of false accounting relating to these funds.
Italians rally for press freedom
Tens of thousands of Italians have protested in Rome against what they say are threats to press freedom by Berlusconi. They say his decision to sue newspapers for their coverage of alleged scandals involving young women reveals his contempt for free speech. Demonstrators also allege Berlusconi has too much control over the media.
EU ministers to discuss milk row
Agriculture and farming ministers from across Europe are to gather in Brussels for a special meeting on what some call a crisis in dairy production. For weeks now farmers around the EU have been dumping milk stocks and withholding supplies. They are protesting against what they say are uneconomic prices for milk. There is a pretty simple problem in the European milk market: there is a lot of supply and not enough demand, and prices have fallen. Farmers are at the sharp end of this problem and have seen their sale price tumble.
Madoff's relatives who used firm as `family piggy bank' sued by liquidator
Bernard Madoff's brother, sons and niece were sued by a liquidator over claims they spent $198.7 million of victims' money and treated the con man's investment firm as their personal bank.
Companies seeking turnaround in new Supreme Court term as Sotomayor joins
Justice Sonia Sotomayor's first U.S. Supreme Court term will be heavy on business cases, as companies aim to rebound after a year of high court setbacks.
Borrowing for Dividends
Low interest rates and thawed credit markets are emboldening some companies to use bond-sale proceeds to fund dividends, stock buybacks and acquisitions.
Is the bankruptcy boomlet over?
For close to a year now, BigLaw bankruptcy practices have been going like gangbusters, providing some rain to law firms where the work in other departments, especially the transactional departments, has largely gone dry. But has the golden age of bankruptcy (at least this one) run its course? Lynn LoPucki, a law professor at UCLA and bankruptcy expert thinks so. He provided the statistics and noted that large-company filings are on the wane. "Given the shape of the curve, I can't see it turning back for another bump," says LoPucki. "This is a real indication that the economy has improved, that we are through the worst of the financial crisis." Of course, work doesn't go away just because filings dip; work in a bankruptcy can go on for months — even years — after a company emerges from Chapter 11.
Germany court rules accused Nazi guard can be tried as accessory to murder
A German court ruled Friday that alleged Nazi war criminal John Demjanjuk can stand trial on accessory to murder charges that took place during World War II. The Munich Regional Court said that it would hear the case and ordered that Demjanjuk remain in custody despite pleas by his friends and family that he is too old and sick to face trial. The ruling follows an earlier determination by German prison medical experts that Demjanjuk is fit to stand trial. Demjanjuk faces 27,900 accessory counts stemming from his alleged involvement as a guard at the Sobibor concentration camp where more than 260,000 people were executed in gas chambers. The former Ohio resident was deported in May by the US after exhausting his appeals for a stay and having his objections to extradition rejected by a German court. The court did not set an exact date for the start of the trial, but it indicated it is likely to be in November.
Time
The war up close. A Window On the War in Afghanistan. As Washington debates what to do about the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, photographer Adam Ferguson captures and describes the daily lives of the men fighting it
Newsweek
After Iran gets the bomb. Containing a Nuclear Iran.
Business Week
America’s high-tech sweat shops. Can Google Stay on Top of the Web?As Bing, Facebook, Twitter, and less well-known upstarts nip at its heels, Google has hundreds of wizards racing to come up with smarter answers.
The Economist
After the storm. The new economic landscape will be grim unless policymakers act to foster growth.
Le Nouvel Observateur
LE TRAVAIL QUI FAIT MAL. Dépression, harcèlement, suicides... L'actualité nous rappelle combien notre relation au travail peut se révéler malsaine. Au centre de la vie sociale, l'activité professionnelle devrait être un mode d'accomplissement personnel. Pourquoi et comment...
Der Spiegel
Wer erlöst die SPD?
Sudan: A Split within Sudan's National Congress Party Shaping Up
Asharq Al-Awsat, Pan-Arab daily, London, England
Three people injured in blast at UN office in Pakistan
Gulf News, Independent daily, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Vice Premier and ex-IDF chief cancels U.K. visit over arrest fears
Haaretz, Liberal daily, Tel Aviv, Israel
ECONOMY: 'Too Early To Declare Success'
IPS Middle East, International cooperative of journalists, Rome, Italy
Saudi vice police creates 'human rights division'
JPost, Conservative, Jerusalem, Israel
Ministry to Close Schools without Nurses
Khaleej Times, English-language daily, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Zain Iraq signs agreement with Motorola
Middle East North African Network, Online financial portal, Amman, Jordan
IMF Will Need Substantial Increase in Funds
Nahamet, Online news portal, Beirut, Lebanon
Panel formed on Lebanon poll law
Saudi Gazette, English-language daily, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Tensions in Jerusalem after new Al-Aqsa clashes
The Daily Star, Independent daily, Beirut, Lebanon
Tensions in Jerusalem after new Al-Aqsa clashes
Times of Oman, English-language daily, Muscat, Oman
New window for future Yemeni entrepreneurs
Yemen Times, Independent weekly, Sana'a, Yemen
Tories spell out benefit cut plan
BBC News, Centrist newscaster, London, England
Barrymore glad to miss out on 'Twilight' sequel
BreakingNews.ie, Online news portal, Cork, Ireland
Samoans mourning victims of tsunami
Daily Express, Conservative tabloid, London, England
Benefits slashed for the work-shy: Tories declare war on 5m who never worked under Labour
Daily Mail, Conservative daily, London, England
KPN raises bid for iBasis
DMeurope, Online news portal, Amsterdam, Netherlands
City planners pave the way for Peel's Liverpool Waters
icLiverpool, Online news portal, Liverpool, England
Mother held over death of 3-year-old girl
Manchester Online, Independent daily, Manchester, England
Bridge Pair 'Hold Hands' In Suicide Jump
Sky News, Independent newscaster, Middlesex, England
Voting on the Lisbon Treaty: Ireland Overturns Its 'No' to EU Reform
Spiegel International, Liberal newsmagazine, Hamburg, Germany
Cameron retreats on European referendum
The Guardian, Liberal daily, London, England
Retailer challenges tobacco advert ban
The Irish Times, Centrist daily, Dublin, Ireland
2.6 million on incapacity benefits to face tough new Tory tests
The Telegraph, Conservative daily, London, England
Back to class for students in quake stricken Padang
Times Online, Conservative daily, London, England
West Sumatra quake death toll rises to 603
Antara News, News agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
10th Seoul International Financial Forum Kicks Off
Chosun Ilbo, Conservative daily, Seoul, South Korea
Hakimullah Mehsud meets reporters
Dawn, English-language daily, Karachi, Pakistan
Flood havoc: Over 1 mn displaced in K'taka, AP, Maharashtra
India Express, News portal, Mumbai, India
Fire in Delhi school, 2 students injured
India Times, Conservative daily, New Delhi, India
DPJ wary of SDF missions overseas
Japan Times, Independent centrist, Tokyo, Japan
Transparency International Malaysia's Paul Low resigns
Malaysian Star, Online news portal, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Four dead in Thai train crash
New Zealand Herald, Conservative daily, Auckland, New Zealand
Strong earthquake shakes S Philippines
People's Daily Online, English-language, Beijing, China
ESPN 'sexiest' reporter stalker 'just a regular guy'
Sydney Morning Herald, Centrist daily, Sydney, Australia
Flood situation worsens in Andhra Pradesh
The Hindu, Left-leaning daily, Chennai, India
Structured products stage comeback
The Standard, Business daily, Hong Kong
Coast, Tanya 'sell off'
Antigua Sun Online, Independent daily, St. John's, Antigua
Bounty Killer denied entry into Trinidad
Caribbean News Portal, Online news aggregator
Mental evaluation for mother of abandoned baby
Caribbean360, Online news portal, St. Michael, Barbados
Budget set at $557 Million
Cayman Net News, Online news portal, George Town, Cayman Islands
Dominican Republic and Barbados to strengthen ties
Dominican Today, Independent daily, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
MEXICO: Underwater Museum to Protect Coral Reefs
IPS Latin America, International cooperative of journalists, Rome, Italy
Dudus has company - Extradition files reveal prominent names - State says papers not ready for signature
Jamaica Gleaner, Independent daily, Kingston, Jamaica
Peru: Nicolas Fuchs wins 'Caminos del Inca' race
Living in Peru, News portal, Lima, Peru
Ignatieff highlights party unity
Toronto Star, Liberal daily, Toronto, Canada
Guard kills self in wife's presence
Trinidad Guardian, Independent daily, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
Leading Nigeria oil rebel disarms
BBC News, Centrist newscaster, London, England
Heartland, Mazembe on course to reach African Champions League final
CongoPlanet.com, Independent online news aggregator
Government, Mengo in deadlock over CBS
Daily Monitor, Independent daily, Kampala, Uganda
Ex-teacher crafts money through works
Daily Nation, Independent daily, Nairobi, Kenya
Busia retuns from Exile
GhanaWeb, Online news portal, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Still no house for Zim PM
iafrica, Online news portal, Cape Town, South Africa
IOL Exclusive: Selebi all smiles before court
Independent Online, News portal, Cape Town, South Africa
Mesqel Celebration at Kenenisa's Residence
Jimma Times, Online news portal, Jimma, Ethiopia
Happy days for Chiefs
Mail & Guardian Online, Liberal, Johannesburg, South Africa
5 drown at baptism ceremony
News24.com, Online news portal, Cape Town, South Africa
Plateau youths plan 1 million man march against Ogbulafor
Vanguard, Independent daily, Lagos, Nigeria
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