Monthly Archives: September 2011

President Obama gave order to take out Awlaki

Posted on September 30, 2011 by

Anwar al-Awlaki, a U.S.-born Islamist militant, was killed in Yemen on Friday in a CIA drone strike described by President Barack Obama as “another significant milestone” in efforts to defeat al Qaeda. Awlaki’s killing deprives the Yemen-based al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) of its “chief of external operations,” and an eloquent propagandist in English and Arabic who was implicated in attacks on the United States. “This is further proof that al Qaeda and its affiliates will have no safe haven anywhere in the world,” Obama said, adding that Awlaki’s death was a result of the government of Yemen joining international efforts against the militants. A U.S. official said … Continue reading →

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Europe averts disaster in its debt crisis

Posted on September 30, 2011 by

Following a now-familiar script, Europe again averted disaster in its debt crisis when German deputies rallied behind Chancellor Angela Merkel to approve a stronger euro zone bailout fund on Thursday. But bigger challenges lie ahead for the euro zone and markets are already demanding more far-reaching measures to prevent a crisis that began in Greece from spreading far beyond Europe and its banks. The Bundestag (German lower house) overwhelmingly approved new powers for the 440-billion-euro (383 billion pound) EFSF fund to make precautionary loans, help recapitalise banks and buy distressed countries’ bonds in the secondary market. Despite a rebellion by 15 backbench Eurosceptics, Merkel won 315 votes from her own … Continue reading →

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Greece to face investors as Merkel hints at bailout change

Posted on September 28, 2011 by

ATHENS (Reuters) – EU and IMF inspectors will return to Greece on Thursday to decide whether Athens has done enough to secure a new batch of aid vital to avoid bankruptcy, while Germany suggested a new bailout may have to be renegotiated. Facing a wave of strikes and protests, Greece‘s Socialist government is accelerating budget measures to meet the terms of an International Monetary Fund and European Union rescue deal so it can receive a new loan next month. The “troika” team of inspectors, which had threatened to cut off aid if Athens did not move faster, will hold talks on a plan to deepen budget cuts and raise taxes … Continue reading →

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Putin set to equal Stalin’s term in office

Posted on September 26, 2011 by

In what appeared to prove beyond doubt that Russian democracy is still too young and incomparable to that of the Western world, President Dmitri A. Medvedev announced at a party convention in Moscow over the weekend that he would step aside for Mr. Putin, who served as president from 2000 to 2008 but was limited by the Constitution to two consecutive terms. Mr. Medvedev is to take his place as prime minister after presidential elections in March that Mr. Putin is assured of winning. At the announcement, wave upon wave of applause washed over the hall, where 11,000 members of Mr. Putin’s party, United Russia, had gathered. Mr. Medvedev’s face … Continue reading →

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Russia counts cost of dithering about Libyan rebels

Posted on September 3, 2011 by

By Tom Balmforth Russia’s belated recognition of Libya’s provisional leadership on September 1 carried a hint of desperation. For months,Moscowhad refused to recognize the National Transitional Council (NTC), was reluctant to distance itself from Muammar Qaddafi, with whom it had good relations, and was critical of NATO’s military campaign to assist rebel fighters. But with the NTC now in control of most of Libya, Russiafears that it could lose billions of dollars in energy, defense, and infrastructure contracts it had negotiated with the ousted Qaddafi regime. Russia’s policy toward the conflict has appeared schizophrenic from the very start. Moscowdid not veto the United Nations resolution authorizing NATO air strikes, but … Continue reading →

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