Privatizing [Shhh... nationalizing ;)] Russian Media

"State to Fund Local Media"

The media in Russia has been controlled by local governments for decades, but... what's this? President Dmitry Medvedev has just ordered regional governments to sell these networks and companies to the federal government so as to "clean up" corruption and debts in the regional areas. The federal government plans to fund the media sources through a "transition period" until privatization can be fully established.

Medvedev comes off as quite a hero in this call to action, but I think his intentions might be different than what they appear to be. If all goes as stated, then bravo! But it looks to me like the federal government will have direct control over the media for the time being, and that will certainly have some negative side effects. If the state enjoys the power too much, privatization may be farther off than when they started.

Real shark spy weapon?

Unusual shark attacks at Egypt's Red Sea Resort? It must be Israel's Intelligence Agency, Mossad.

After numerous fatal shark attacks on Egyptian beaches, Egyptian officials have begun an investigation, hiring three shark experts. Egyptian officials stated that "Mossad throwing the deadly shark (in the sea) to hit tourism in Egypt is not out of the question." As a result of the shark attacks, several beaches were closed to swimmers for the week. Shark attacks near the Red Sea Resort are extremely rare, which has raised great suspicion.

Experts state that the attacks are a result of illegal feedings by irresponsible individuals "who have been feeding or trying to bait sharks with chicken." Other experts believe the shark attacks to be a result of man-made or environmental changes. However, it is agreed upon that the attacks are rare. Investigating about the possibility of Mossad's involvement, General Ahmed al-Eledkawy has dismissed the experts' claims as "unreasonable." Who would want to listen to an expert's logical explanation when a more exciting story, about Mossad being involved, has been concocted.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/12/07/egyptian-official-believes-israel-deadly-shark-attack/

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hm_P_UtIPX4LLul0DwlSF673rILA?docId=CNG.14a4e293d01a51c1733429bdd67c8378.cf1

Microsoft is a Russian Philanthropist?

"Russian rights groups get help from unlikely champion: Microsoft"

The Russian government has been invading NGO's and other activist organizations in the country claiming "Microsoft piracy". The state has been eliminating documents, programs, and even the companies themselves at times on these charges. It just so happens that these NGOs tend to oppose/criticize the current government or are fighting for minority/civil rights. Coincidence? I THINK NOT! The government is using the piracy excuse to take down their "enemies."

Microsoft is standing up for these NGO's by introducing a license that gives new software to all of the businesses using their Microsoft systems (regardless of where it came from or when it was received). In this way, Microsoft intends to prove that it does not approve of the government's actions (and of course, to promote their product.)

Elections have finished, but the fight has not

The streets of the Ivory Coast are filled with havoc, violence, and burning tires. The recent elections indicated Alassane Ouattara as the country's new president. However, incumbent president, Laurent Gbagbo, refuses to cede power. Protesters are outraged at Gbagbo's actions, especially since the winning margin was large. Ouattara and his team have been forced to meet in a hotel conference center, since the presidential palace complex is occupied by Gbagbo. In order to serve as a mediator, former president of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, arrived as a representative of the African Union. However, there have not been any signs of a compromise. The United Nations Security Council continues to apply pressure for the situation to be solved, being careful to not incite violence. Ouattara and Gbago have both gathered military resources, indicating that a resolution is not near.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/07/world/africa/07ivorycoast.html?_r=2&ref=africa

China is taking over!

They have one of the leading global economies; they have one of the highest populations in the world; they rule our school! China truly is a major power globally, leading in a number of industries, economies, advancements, and power. Below is a list of the seven primary areas where China transcends the industrialization of the United States.

7 Technologies Where China Has the U.S. Beat

1. High Voltage Transmission
2. High-Speed Rail
3. Advanced Coal Technologies
4. Nuclear Power
5. Alternative Energy Vehicles
6. Renewable Energy
7. Supercomputing

Though the U.S. is still viewed as the top international power, I wonder if this won't change in the VERY near future.... Hmm what would it be like to have a country with a unity state ruling globally?

Russia in the WTO? ..... ALMOST!

"EU backs Russia's entry to World Trade Organization"

Russia has be a process of "accession" into the WTO for about 17 years.... and it looks like its finally making ground! The EU, Russia's largest trading partner and one of the largest members of the WTO, came to terms with Russia at the Brussels Summit this week after Russia agreed to lower it's export taxes on timber and other Asian materials. This is big news because Russia must have the support of the 153-countries in the WTO in order to be accepted into it.

As the WTO is one of the most influential and large supranational trade organizations in the world, I think it's a very smart move for Russia to finally lock in. Russia, a relatively new industrialized democracy, must continue to take steps towards globalization and cooperation with other major powers in order to continue its growth as a nation, as an economy, and as a global influence.

Founder of WikiLeaks is focus of several investigations

Troubled waters lie ahead for Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks. The United States Attorney General, Eric Holder, has authorized "significant" actions in the investigation of WikiLeaks and the classified documents published on the site. The 250,000 secret U.S. documents contained communications between U.S. embassies from around the world, regarding high-level information. The leaked information is a threat to national security and has caused irreparable damage to the United States, putting citizens in danger. Attorney General Holder has declined to comment when asked about search warrants and other requests under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, but did comment that "people would be misimpressioned if they think the only think we are looking at is the Espionage Act." The United States has promised to "hold people accountable as they should be." In addition, Sweden authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Assange, accusing him of rape and sexual molestation.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/12/06/wikileaks.investigation/index.html