Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
With Flights Grounded, Kenya’s Produce Wilts
Post by Stephanie Wright, Great Decisions student
Article
Europeans aren’t the only ones being affected by the Icelandic ash blocking much of their airspace. Kenya’s cut-flower and gourmet vegetable industry is being compromised by the ash, too. Two million pounds of produce is shipped out of Kenya nightly, with over 80 percent of these goods shipped to Europe, and over a third of that shipped only to Great Britain. Because of the ash, this entire industry has come to a near standstill. All available refrigerated warehouses at the airport in Nairobi have already been filled, waiting for the first chance to be shipped.
The horticulture industry is losing 3 million dollars a day, cutting jobs and growing stressed. All temporary workers and thousands of others have already been let go. Those still employed have little to do but sit and watch millions of flowers wilt and tons of vegetables and fruits go to feed livestock. Owners and managers of plants are becoming more and more worried that their clients, such as European grocery stores, will find other producers because they cannot stock their shelves. The plants are looking to Prime Minister Raila Odinga to help pay for special flights to get the industry moving again. Already a volatile state, Kenya cannot afford to lose more capital in agriculture, the largest sector of its economy.
Article
Europeans aren’t the only ones being affected by the Icelandic ash blocking much of their airspace. Kenya’s cut-flower and gourmet vegetable industry is being compromised by the ash, too. Two million pounds of produce is shipped out of Kenya nightly, with over 80 percent of these goods shipped to Europe, and over a third of that shipped only to Great Britain. Because of the ash, this entire industry has come to a near standstill. All available refrigerated warehouses at the airport in Nairobi have already been filled, waiting for the first chance to be shipped.
The horticulture industry is losing 3 million dollars a day, cutting jobs and growing stressed. All temporary workers and thousands of others have already been let go. Those still employed have little to do but sit and watch millions of flowers wilt and tons of vegetables and fruits go to feed livestock. Owners and managers of plants are becoming more and more worried that their clients, such as European grocery stores, will find other producers because they cannot stock their shelves. The plants are looking to Prime Minister Raila Odinga to help pay for special flights to get the industry moving again. Already a volatile state, Kenya cannot afford to lose more capital in agriculture, the largest sector of its economy.
Darker Than Usual
Post by Chris Scanzoni, Great Decisions student
New York Times journalist Ethan Bronner recently published a poignant piece illustrating the paradox of the festivities in Jerusalem (1). Despite the grandiose displays of fireworks and outdoor celebrations, popular sentiment on the 62nd Day of Independence in Israel (April 19, 2010) may be better characterized by a grim sense of the nation's international legitimacy and security. Bronner speculates that this year's festivities appear "darker than usual" in the face of the relentless Iranian nuclear program and unprecedentedly strained relations with the United States. Moreover, Bronner cites a widely-reported BBC poll placing Israel among Iran, North Korea, and Pakistan as one of the least-favorably viewed nations in the world. The poll points to a dangerous reality for Israel: without unconditional support for its policies by the United States, a regionally-isolated Israel can no longer ignore the fundamental interests of its immediate neighbors (i.e. water allocation, militantism, etc.). A sustained hardline Israel posture that seeks settlement in the West Bank, starves the Palestinians of basic essentials, and flexes its unrivaled military capacity only serves to embolden Israel's enemies. Nevertheless, it still feasible that Prime Minister Netanyahu can advance policies to remedy this trajectory and peacefully integrate Israel among the moderate Arab powers (e.g. Egypt, Jordan). Overtures indicating a genuine Israeli interest in a comprehensive and just peace agreement with West Bank Palestinians is an immediate option at Netanyahu's disposal. A prudent peace agreement in the West Bank would simultaneously undermine the clout of Iranian leaders and of Hamas, repair the US and EU-Israel alliances, and expand available trading networks for Israel's businesses.
Senior Program Office at the United States Institute of Peace Matthew Levinger contends that "a conflict must arrive at a state of 'ripeness' for negotiation before a settlement becomes possible. This condition can involve a 'hurling stalemate,' where both sides recognize that they are likely to suffer more by continuing the conflict than by ending it" (2). The time has arrived that President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Netanyahu reengage the peace process, act responsibly, and allow Israel to return to the mantle of an indispensable friend for its neighbors.
CITED:
1. Bronner, Ethan. "Memo from Jerusalem: Mood is Dark as Israel Marks 62nd Year as Nation." The New York Times Online, 19 Apr, 2010. Accessed 20 Apr, 2010.
2. Levinger, Matthew. "Enhancing security through peace-building." Great Decisions 2010. The Foreign Policy Association. New York, NY: Dartmouth Printing Company, 2010. 93-102. Print.
New York Times journalist Ethan Bronner recently published a poignant piece illustrating the paradox of the festivities in Jerusalem (1). Despite the grandiose displays of fireworks and outdoor celebrations, popular sentiment on the 62nd Day of Independence in Israel (April 19, 2010) may be better characterized by a grim sense of the nation's international legitimacy and security. Bronner speculates that this year's festivities appear "darker than usual" in the face of the relentless Iranian nuclear program and unprecedentedly strained relations with the United States. Moreover, Bronner cites a widely-reported BBC poll placing Israel among Iran, North Korea, and Pakistan as one of the least-favorably viewed nations in the world. The poll points to a dangerous reality for Israel: without unconditional support for its policies by the United States, a regionally-isolated Israel can no longer ignore the fundamental interests of its immediate neighbors (i.e. water allocation, militantism, etc.). A sustained hardline Israel posture that seeks settlement in the West Bank, starves the Palestinians of basic essentials, and flexes its unrivaled military capacity only serves to embolden Israel's enemies. Nevertheless, it still feasible that Prime Minister Netanyahu can advance policies to remedy this trajectory and peacefully integrate Israel among the moderate Arab powers (e.g. Egypt, Jordan). Overtures indicating a genuine Israeli interest in a comprehensive and just peace agreement with West Bank Palestinians is an immediate option at Netanyahu's disposal. A prudent peace agreement in the West Bank would simultaneously undermine the clout of Iranian leaders and of Hamas, repair the US and EU-Israel alliances, and expand available trading networks for Israel's businesses.
Senior Program Office at the United States Institute of Peace Matthew Levinger contends that "a conflict must arrive at a state of 'ripeness' for negotiation before a settlement becomes possible. This condition can involve a 'hurling stalemate,' where both sides recognize that they are likely to suffer more by continuing the conflict than by ending it" (2). The time has arrived that President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Netanyahu reengage the peace process, act responsibly, and allow Israel to return to the mantle of an indispensable friend for its neighbors.
CITED:
1. Bronner, Ethan. "Memo from Jerusalem: Mood is Dark as Israel Marks 62nd Year as Nation." The New York Times Online, 19 Apr, 2010. Accessed 20 Apr, 2010
2. Levinger, Matthew. "Enhancing security through peace-building." Great Decisions 2010. The Foreign Policy Association. New York, NY: Dartmouth Printing Company, 2010. 93-102. Print.
Obama’s Summit as a Success?
Post by Lindsay Rosenfeld, Great Decisions student
Talk regarding the dangers of nuclear weaponry has become quite prevalent throughout the past few years, reaching its peak this month with the two-day nuclear security conference in Washington D.C. With representatives from 46 countries in attendance, Barak Obama aims to enlist the support of these nations in securing all nuclear material. In today’s world, the prospect of nuclear materials falling into the “wrong” hands is far from unbelievable.
The summit has already proven to be quite promising with the Ukraine’s announcement that it would get rid of its supply of highly enriched uranium by 2012 and Russia’s promise to close its ADE-2 reactor. The truth of the matter is, however, that the true success of the summit will not be apparent until years from now. The primary concern and, likewise, danger is not necessarily the proliferation of such nuclear weaponry, but the unaccounted presence of such materials that can fall into the hands of extremists and terrorists.
Unfortunately, not every country is as concerned with maintaining nuclear security as the United States. This regrettable truth could prove to be the downfall for the nuclear security summit. Rightfully so, countries in sub-Saharan Africa will prioritize eradicating poverty and advancing development over securing nuclear materials. In order to ensure the cooperation of such countries, the Obama administration will need to provide incentives to encourage these countries to cooperate. Whether these incentives come in the form of monetary aid or personnel deployment, these countries need to support the efforts of the summit or else its success will be compromised.
Talk regarding the dangers of nuclear weaponry has become quite prevalent throughout the past few years, reaching its peak this month with the two-day nuclear security conference in Washington D.C. With representatives from 46 countries in attendance, Barak Obama aims to enlist the support of these nations in securing all nuclear material. In today’s world, the prospect of nuclear materials falling into the “wrong” hands is far from unbelievable.
The summit has already proven to be quite promising with the Ukraine’s announcement that it would get rid of its supply of highly enriched uranium by 2012 and Russia’s promise to close its ADE-2 reactor. The truth of the matter is, however, that the true success of the summit will not be apparent until years from now. The primary concern and, likewise, danger is not necessarily the proliferation of such nuclear weaponry, but the unaccounted presence of such materials that can fall into the hands of extremists and terrorists.
Unfortunately, not every country is as concerned with maintaining nuclear security as the United States. This regrettable truth could prove to be the downfall for the nuclear security summit. Rightfully so, countries in sub-Saharan Africa will prioritize eradicating poverty and advancing development over securing nuclear materials. In order to ensure the cooperation of such countries, the Obama administration will need to provide incentives to encourage these countries to cooperate. Whether these incentives come in the form of monetary aid or personnel deployment, these countries need to support the efforts of the summit or else its success will be compromised.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Nature and Business
Post by Alyssa Baskam, Great Decisions student
The cloud of Volcanic ash from Mount Eyjafjallajokull continues to delay air transit throughout Europe. Businesses are beginning to be concerned about possible losses as businessmen remain stranded or unable to complete their business trips. Businesses such as DHL must find creative ways to get their products into and out of Europe and have started shipping to perimeter airports, from where they use ground transport to move their items. This has led to some delays and it is yet to be seen how much loss businesses will accrue. Interestingly enough, other industries have started to boom because of the ash cloud. Bus and train transportation, car rentals, and hotels have benefitted from increased usage. Hotels are full of people who are stranded in the midst of their journeys, at the beginning of their journeys, and unable to return home from their journeys. There is hope that the increase in business at these ends will help to stabilize the GDP. It is still uncertain what kind of effect this ash cloud "freeze" will have on the European economy.
The cloud of Volcanic ash from Mount Eyjafjallajokull continues to delay air transit throughout Europe. Businesses are beginning to be concerned about possible losses as businessmen remain stranded or unable to complete their business trips. Businesses such as DHL must find creative ways to get their products into and out of Europe and have started shipping to perimeter airports, from where they use ground transport to move their items. This has led to some delays and it is yet to be seen how much loss businesses will accrue. Interestingly enough, other industries have started to boom because of the ash cloud. Bus and train transportation, car rentals, and hotels have benefitted from increased usage. Hotels are full of people who are stranded in the midst of their journeys, at the beginning of their journeys, and unable to return home from their journeys. There is hope that the increase in business at these ends will help to stabilize the GDP. It is still uncertain what kind of effect this ash cloud "freeze" will have on the European economy.
“Ahmadinejad: Iran too 'mighty' to attack”
Post by Emily Jacobson
In response to being snubbed from last week’s nuclear summit in Washington, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sent a warning letter to Obama, spoke out condemningly against the U.S. and the UN Security Council, and held his own retaliatory nuclear conference in Tehran. His seemingly oversized reaction reflects the seriousness of Iran’s intention to be seen as a high status power. Yet while Obama utilized the Washingtonian nuclear summit to pressure countries to support sanctions against Iran, Ahmadinejad repeated the overstated claim that Iranians are after energy not nukes.
"One of the greatest treasons by those that monopolize nuclear weapons is to equalize nukes with nuclear energy,” he asserted. And yet if Iran is only after nuclear energy, one should question why the president reacted so fiercely to being excluded from the conference.
Additionally, Ahmadinejad played the global good guy in his speech. He called the Security Council the “tool” of a few bullying nations and insisted that “Iran is a friend and brother of regional and independent nations and it wants peace, progress and security for all countries.” It may be time for Obama to shift his approach to Iran, especially if Scheuer can be credited when he named two other regional concerns that should take more priority over struggles with Iran. However, if Iran’s reaction to merely being excluded from a nuclear conference is any indication, we should be cautious in our approach with Iran. Especially as they complete their nuclear homework.
Article
In response to being snubbed from last week’s nuclear summit in Washington, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sent a warning letter to Obama, spoke out condemningly against the U.S. and the UN Security Council, and held his own retaliatory nuclear conference in Tehran. His seemingly oversized reaction reflects the seriousness of Iran’s intention to be seen as a high status power. Yet while Obama utilized the Washingtonian nuclear summit to pressure countries to support sanctions against Iran, Ahmadinejad repeated the overstated claim that Iranians are after energy not nukes.
"One of the greatest treasons by those that monopolize nuclear weapons is to equalize nukes with nuclear energy,” he asserted. And yet if Iran is only after nuclear energy, one should question why the president reacted so fiercely to being excluded from the conference.
Additionally, Ahmadinejad played the global good guy in his speech. He called the Security Council the “tool” of a few bullying nations and insisted that “Iran is a friend and brother of regional and independent nations and it wants peace, progress and security for all countries.” It may be time for Obama to shift his approach to Iran, especially if Scheuer can be credited when he named two other regional concerns that should take more priority over struggles with Iran. However, if Iran’s reaction to merely being excluded from a nuclear conference is any indication, we should be cautious in our approach with Iran. Especially as they complete their nuclear homework.
Article
Russia Rejecting Belarus-Kazakhstan Joint Bid to WTO
Post by Bryan Kozik, Great Decisions student
In June 2009, both Prime Minister Putin and President Medvedev of Russia publicly discussed the likelihood of Russia’s joint bid to join the World Trade Organization with Belarus and Kazakhstan. This bid would be the result of a proposed customs union between the three states. This union’s first stage took effect on 1 January, and is planned to be complete by 1 July 2011.
Russia has debated joining the WTO since the fall of the Soviet Union. This most recent plan, which was surprising to world leaders and unlikely at its inception due to WTO regulations, has proved to be an idea that both Russian politicians and WTO leaders would like to rescind. Russia, though still committed to the customs union, is likely to join the WTO individually by the beginning of next year.
President Medvedev and First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov agree that the necessary measures that need to be taken to join the WTO, such as lowering certain customs duties, are not likely to happen quickly. They also agree that they expect the United States to put substantial effort towards facilitating Russia’s process.
Article
In June 2009, both Prime Minister Putin and President Medvedev of Russia publicly discussed the likelihood of Russia’s joint bid to join the World Trade Organization with Belarus and Kazakhstan. This bid would be the result of a proposed customs union between the three states. This union’s first stage took effect on 1 January, and is planned to be complete by 1 July 2011.
Russia has debated joining the WTO since the fall of the Soviet Union. This most recent plan, which was surprising to world leaders and unlikely at its inception due to WTO regulations, has proved to be an idea that both Russian politicians and WTO leaders would like to rescind. Russia, though still committed to the customs union, is likely to join the WTO individually by the beginning of next year.
President Medvedev and First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov agree that the necessary measures that need to be taken to join the WTO, such as lowering certain customs duties, are not likely to happen quickly. They also agree that they expect the United States to put substantial effort towards facilitating Russia’s process.
Article
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