The Impudent Observer - Global Liberal Issues Analyzes issues of liberal concern and gives readers a digest of what is reported in over forty newspapers throughout the world to engage them in critical thinking issues. Statistics Unique Visitors: Total Unique Visitors: Outgoing: Total Outgoing: 0 0 110 8518

Articles from The Impudent Observer - Global Liberal Issues

Israel-Palestinian Press Reports Death Before Birth 2007-11-29 01:13:01 There was widespread consensus among leading Israel and Arab newspapers that Annapolis was anything but a rousing success. In the Israeli Yediot Ahronot, columnist Nahum Barnes noted that nothing less than a “miracle would be required” for a Palestinian state to be created by the end of 2008. Its military expert blasted Olmert for placing restrictions on the military in dealing with the Gaza situation. Maariv, the nation’s second largest newspaper commented in an editorial that “peace agreed for the cameras” and the main achievment was helping Olmert make it through another year in office. It commented that Defense Minister Ehud Barak, “knows that the chances for a peace treaty in a year as as great as Olmert being elected US president next November.” According to the Arab newspaper, Al-Quds Al-Arabi, “the only success at Annapolis is that the conference took place.” It caustically claimed Olmert was the winner since the world now ...

NATO Planes Blast Friendly Workers–Again! 2007-11-29 01:08:54 A recurring problem for NATO forces fighting in Afghanistan is there continual failure to distinguish between friendly and unfriendly forces in the nation. NAT) planes on the search for the Taliban, blasted a target that contained people engaged in an American work project. After the bombing ceased, 14 Afghans were dead. According to Sayed Jalili, director of the Kabul-basec construction company, “I don’t think the Americans were targeting our people. I’m sure it’s the enemy of the Afghan who gave the Americans the wrong information.” This has been the deadliest year for the Afghan people since being liberated from the Taliban with 6,000 people killed, including over 800 civilians. NATO command sources insisted they were bombing enemy forces, but admitted, “the situation is not clear at all at this stage. We are carrying out the investigation and trying to get a clear picture.” War is confusing and rarely tidy. Combat operations usually entail ...

Greenlanders–We’re For Global Warming! 2007-11-29 01:01:55 In most parts of the world, the threat of global warming is viewed in distressing terms, but to the people of Greenland, it may well bring a new surge of prosperity. Climate changes and melting ice enable farmers and fishermen to engage in agricultural activities that previously have been closed. Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, potatoes and strawberries may shortly become Greenland staples that are even shipped to all corners of the world. Bent Olesen has even built a greenhouse where he intends to grow lettuce, tomatoes, and even bananas. The government expects within the coming years that Greenlanders will be able to raise cattle and pigs. Ironically, global warming does have benefits to people throughout the world. At present, people in Greenland must import fruits and vegetables, but their children undoubtedly will be raising those products– and even exporting them. Unfortunately, as the economy of Greenland benefits, other areas of the world like North Africa may well be ...

Did US Military Aid Kurdish Insurgents? 2007-11-28 16:39:15 A former member of the outlawed Kurdish Workers Party(PKK) told Turkish authorities he had been at insurgent camps where American military personnel visited and discussed topics with senior commanders. He had been a truck driver in Iraq who was captured by the Iraqis and turned over to Turkey. He claimed to see high ranking US military officers in the camp, “they (US officers) used to come and go in a regular basis. However, only senior members were admitted to the meetings so I don’t know about details.” A spokesperson for the US Embassy in Athens termed his remarks as “ridiculous” and claimed there was absolutely no evidence such meetings had ever taken place. The testimony of a truck driver undoubtedly can not be taken at face value, but there are several unanswered question which still haven’t been cleared up by the American government. Turkish soldiers captured PKK insurgents who were carrying American made weapons which most probably originally ...

Is Paris Burning? Sarkozy Blunder Helped Make It Happen! 2007-11-28 14:17:27 Massive police reinforcement led by Prime Minister Francois Fillon in person tried to halt the spread of violence in the nation’s capital. Cars and shops continued being set ablaze, but there was nothing like the bloody shootings on Monday which left 82 police officers wounded, including four on the critical list. Despite a momentary lull, many are awaiting further attacks from infuriated Muslim youths, most in their teens, who fought the police and even burned down a library. Two years after the riots of 2005, France again confronts angry, alienated youth. Even politicians from Sarkozy’s own party are citing a decision made by him when Minister of the Interior which played a role in the rioting. At that time, Sarkozy abolished local police units in the suburbs and replaced them with flying squads composed mostly of riot police. The appearance of any police now triggers emotions that outside forces are entering the area to deal with violence. Hughes Portelli, the mayor of ...

Teach Us About Ourselves, Ask Canadian Students 2007-11-28 11:30:59 About seven out of ten students in the Toronto School District of Canada are not of white European background, they come from all parts of the world to schools which ignore who they are as people. In one of the most comprehensive studies ever done by a school district, the Toronto school board asked every student in grades 7-12 to complete an intensive survey regarding their feelings and views of going to school. The anonymous nature of the survey enables young people to feel free to express their views. Many reported never learning anything about their own place of origin or about the nations of Asia from which many come. The survey revealed many interesting pieces of data such as that only 56% ate breakfast or that 35% say home distractions impact their ability to do homework. Despite some concerns about school safety the overwhelming majority said they got along well with peers and did not really encounter physical threats to their being. The school board is following up the survey ...

Great Britain Unveils New Rape Trial Procedures 2007-11-28 08:55:36 Vera Baird, Solicitor General of Great Britain, announced new procedures that will be used in rape trials. Expert witnesses will be allowed to review with juries the psychological impact of rape on a victim as well as point out it is normal for rape victims to delay reporting such crimes. Juries will also learn that in many cases, the rape victim does know the assailant. Baird is considering altering the law regarding the extent to which a victim who took alcohol or drugs is capable of giving an informed “consent” regarding sexual relations. At present, fewer than 6% of reported rape cases in England result in a conviction which is considerably down from the 33% figure of convictions in 1977. There is scant doubt sexual promiscuity is more openly discussed and presented in the media than in prior times in history. This inundation of information and graphic imagery plays into the act of rape, and there is need for greater protection for women who are caught in a society in w ...

Saga Of Repayment Story For Wounded Soldiers Continues! 2007-11-28 08:39:27 The sad story of what happened to private Jordan Fox continues to unravel despite Pentagon efforts to bury their mistake. The Department of Defense today stated unequivocally that military personnel wounded in action would not have to repay any portion of their enlistment bonus and claimed the letter to Private Fox was a clerical error. However, Senator Schumer of New York claims similar letters were sent to other wounded soldiers indicating this was a policy, not a clerical mistake. Furthermore, Jordan Fox pointed out a week after receiving the first letter another one came threatening that interest would be charged if he didn’t repay the money. Senator Schumer is going to push for a Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act to prevent such further “mistakes.” If an unbiased observer reviewed what has happened to protection of veterans and fighting men and women since Democrats gained control of Congress he/she would discover that dramatic efforts have been made to safeguard mil ...

Study Claims Filipinos 2nd Happiest Asian Population 2007-11-28 08:20:07 A report issued on Wednesday asserts the people of the Philippines are the 2nd happiest group in Asia while people from India ranked number one. the study tries to measure how satisfied people are at present and how optimistic they are about the future. The Philippines domestic product grew by 7.3% and inflation was about 2%. Of course, only middle class people were polled which means 30% of the population is speaking for the remaining 65%. For some reason, people in this poll were optimistic about health care although Filipinos have among the lowest levels of self purchased medical insurance. Those polled are looking forward to a healthy retirement even though their nation does not provide good retirement pay. Is there something wrong with this picture? This type of poll may well make the headlines, but it means little to the majority of Filipinos who live in a society that does little for those at the bottom and is wracked with constant corruption at the political level. If one meas ...

Hugo Chavez Seeks To End Venezuelan Democracy 2007-11-28 01:18:55 As President Hugo Chavez continues his effort to create a new socialist Bolivarian society even some of his radical supporters are wondering is he concerned about the people of his nation or does this have to do with his personal needs for power. Several months ago, the Tupamaros were a leftist group supporting his efforts, but many have now turned on their former beloved leader. They refused to support the upcoming referendum which would allow Chavez to govern indefinitely. The new constitution ends term limits, allows the president to control parliament and the judiciary, to declare a state of emergency when he so desires and even extends his control over the banking system. Former Chavez ally, Raul Baduel, who served as Defense Minister, states bluntly, “Chavez is staging a coup against democracy.” The Podemos Party which supported Chavez has ended that alliance and its leader Ismael Garcia says “Chavez is gambling away the future of the nation.” Chavez initi ...

Admiral Mullen–Frustration And Hope 2007-11-28 01:09:49 Admiral Mike Mullen who commands US forces in Iraq expressed hope the recent surge has proved successful in reducing the pace of terrorism, but there has not been a matching effort on the part of Iraqi political leaders to create a viable government that includes all sectors of society. President Bush noted, “The more successful we are the more American troops can return home,” but many experts believe the more successful are American military efforts, the more pressure is being exerted on Iraqi political leaders to step up and act in a decisive manner. Admiral Mullen commented that despite military success the future is “difficult to predict” because of so many variables. He is particularly “frustrated with the pace of political reconciliation at the central, senior level.” In a sense, good news increases the possibility of poor results. As American troops clamp down on terrorists, the pressure on the Iraqi government to do something becomes even mo ...

Riots Sweep Paris Over Death Of Teenagers 2007-11-27 16:16:28 A fury of anger among inhabitants of housing developments enveloped Paris as people protested the death of two teenagers whose moped crashed into a police car. President Sarkozy termed the outbreak an example of “urban guerrilla warfare” which witnessed young men firing shotguns at the police while others torched dozens of automobiles. An estimated 77 policemen were injured, including five who were listed in critical condition. People in the neighborhood charge police left the scene of the accident and did not provide assistance to the boys who crashed into their vehicle. Omar Sehhouli, brother of one of the dead boys, characterized the outbreak as stemming from the “failure to assist a person in danger” since he believes his brother was left to die by police who drove away. He also claimed people were not engaging in violence, but it was an “expression of rage.” This is not the first example in which young men, mainly Muslim, rioted over alleged a ...

Jacob Zuma And President Mbeki Fight Over Power 2007-11-27 14:20:46 Jacob Zuma, African National Congress leader, who was acquitted of rape and corruption charges, appears in line to become the next president of South Africa. Despite being dogged by graft allegations, he has capitalized on the blunders of President Thabo Mbeki in order to gain overwhelming support of ANC members. Zuma is using the autocratic leadership style of Mbeki to gain widespread support as well as emphasizing a commitment to help the poor of his nation. Many people believe, although Mbeki has helped to generate a vibrant economy by working closely with business interests, he has paid less attention to those in the bottom rung of society. Zuma has gained the support of most trade union leaders, and in an amazing turnaround, the ANC Women’s League announced it would back Zuma. This group severely attacked his behavior when Zuma was charged with rape and then justified having sex with an HIV positive woman on grounds that he showered afterwards. President Mbeki is still figh ... President

Sure Bet– Who Wins Russian Duma Election! 2007-11-27 10:17:05 All polls suggest that President Putin’s United Russia party will win an overwhelming victory in this week’s election for the Duma, but he president apparently wants to make double certain victory is guaranteed. Election officials have been ordered to make sure that United Russia collects double the number of votes it is expected to win in the State Duma elections on Sunday. The Central Elections Commission strongly denied the allegation, but accounts from other people familiar with the issue– including opposition politicians and state-paid workers, spoke of mounting pressure to round up votes for United Russia. One official who heads a key regional election committee told the Moscow Times that United Russia was aiming at doubling the number of votes the latest opinion polls indicate it will win. The official noted in previous elections, they would falsify figures even while foreign observers were present. The Moscow Times claims there are reports teachers, doctors, a ...

Finally- Iran Court Orders Investigation Into Canadian’s Death 2007-11-27 09:54:36 Iran’s Supreme Court finally gave its OK for an investigation of the death of Zahra Kazemi, a Canadian journalist, who was killed while taking pictures outside of the Evin prison in 2003. Iranian officials initially said Ms. Kazemi died of a stroke, but a committee appointed by the reformist President Mohammad Khatami found she died of a fractured skill and brain damage. The conservative judiciary rejected the committee’s findings and concluded she died of an accidental fall. Initially, a secret agent who interrogated Ms. Kazemi was charged with murder, but a conservative court naturally acquitted him of the charge. At no point was Ms. Kazemi charged with any crime, but most probably, some police became upset at the pictures she was taking of a notorious prison which houses many political prisoners.Ms. Kazemi’s parents believe a prison official, Mohammad Bakhshi was the one who killed her. The case eventually was appealed to the Iran Supreme Court which now wants a fu ...