tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16948885946655024912024-02-20T09:33:10.943-08:00Political Pulse 647 - 100W G.Y.politicalpulse647http://www.blogger.com/profile/15950706039526252315noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694888594665502491.post-3561307529442219292014-12-11T00:01:00.000-08:002014-12-11T00:01:03.849-08:00Addressing Massive Outflows Across the MediterraneanAljazeera:"UN urges countries to save boat refugees amid record number of drownings"<br />
URL: http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/12/10/unhcr-asylum-europe.html<br />
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The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees placed estimates for asylum seekers at nearly 400,000 so far this year with more than half of these crossing the Mediterranean into Europe. This recent phenomenon is especially noteworthy given that estimates for this year have exceeded the previous historic peak of 70,000 by a factor of three. <br />
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With reported deaths for refugees in the Mediterranean posted at over 4,000 and with deaths continuing to rise, the Euro-zone is facing a unique challenge in controlling inflows of immigrants. States on the Mediterranean, seeking to mitigate inflows of asylum seekers are being forced to weigh the tradeoffs of providing to relief to desperate refugees: the possibility of encouraging greater immigration and the moral costs of allowing vulnerable populations to perish in the Mediterranean.<br />
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States within the Euro-zone need to arrive at a consensus on how to address the underlying causes of current immigration flows. By placing a heightened foreign policy emphasis at stabilizing surrounding regions, these states may be able to stem the outflows of these refugees. Additionally, if states within Europe can create a unified system under which refugees can receive asylum that can distribute the allocation of immigrants across states, it may mitigate negative effects incurred by the states as a whole.politicalpulse647http://www.blogger.com/profile/15950706039526252315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694888594665502491.post-43385068506228564622014-12-03T10:09:00.000-08:002014-12-03T10:09:05.410-08:00Republicans Temper Outrage over Obama's Immigration Initiative - Seek Pragmatic Response while Biding TimeWashington Post: "GOP readies Obama immigration response: No shutdown, but a nod to conservatives" <br />
URL: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/gop-readies-obama-immigration-response-no-shutdown-but-a-nod-to-conservatives/2014/12/02/46e7c2ee-7a5b-11e4-b821-503cc7efed9e_story.html <br />
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President Obama's recent immigration initiative has stoked significant Republican outrage. Introduced as an executive order, the initiative includes measures that provide a potential route to citizenship for individuals who have been living within the United States illegally for an extended period. In his speech, Obama asserted that his use of an executive order to introduce immigration reform was legitimate given the extensive historical precedent. He noted in particular how past presidents have introduced policies relating to immigration reform in a similar manner. Republican Congressional Leaders were extremely vocal about their disapproval of the policy and the manner in which it was introduced. Shortly after Obama's unveiling of the initiative, Senate Minority Leader John Boehner (R) openly condemned the policy as damaging to the state and condemned Obama for 'blatantly circumventing the democratic process'.<br />
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While the GOP is notably heated over the policy, many Republican leaders have noted that they do not intend to force another shutdown of the government. Despite the positions of Republican leaders on the proposed policy, it appears as though Congressional leaders broadly agree that an unnecessary shutdown would be extremely damaging to the state and largely counterproductive. Instead of taking a hard line position against Obama's policy on immigration reform, Republicans seem to be adopting a more pragmatic approach, seeking to publicly scold President Obama and undercut the initiative through budgetary discretion. Congressman Ted Yoho (R) is sponsoring legislation that would effectively bar the President from making changes to immigration policy. While the measure is not expected to pass, Republican leaders believe it is important step in demonstrating their open disapproval and condemnation of the President's actions.<br />
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The Republican Party appears to be tempering down its response to Obama's immigration reform policy quite a bit. Perhaps they are afraid of being stuck with the blame for another shutdown, choosing instead to conserve their goodwill with the public. This appears to be the case as Republicans seek to shorten the funding renewal periods for immigration related agencies, gathering leverage for renegotiation at a later point. As Republicans are due to assume power in the Senate and with the President advancing further into his second term, the GOP is biding its time until it has sufficient political clout to take a strong position against Obama's policy on immigration reform.politicalpulse647http://www.blogger.com/profile/15950706039526252315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694888594665502491.post-34978619844349194922014-11-25T23:30:00.000-08:002014-11-25T23:30:20.184-08:00Homeless Sprayed with Hoses by DPW employees: Gentrification or SensationalismAljazeera: "Activists say San Francisco trying to wash away the homeless" by Massoud Hayoun<br />
URL: http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/2/18/san-francisco-tensionbetweenhomelessandsecondtechboomers.html <br />
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The Coalition on Homelessness, a homeless advocacy group, has recently called attention to what appears to be a resurgence in unbecoming behavior on the part of San Francisco's Department of Public Works (DPW) employees. According to this advocacy group, DPW employees have recently begun hosing and kicking homeless in the downtown area while cleaning the sidewalks each morning. A recent article entitled "Activists say San Francisco trying to wash away the homeless" by Massoud Hayou, notes that in past years, when programs of this nature have previously been introduced, advocacy groups and local media have verified the reality of these types of unsavory activities.<br />
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In Hayou's article, Jennifer Friedenbach, director of the Coalition on Homelessness, observed that "There was a very orchestrated campaign to gentrify the Mid-Market area and draw in tech companies" and that "What goes hand in hand with that is
displacement of poor people." DPW spokeswoman Rachel Gordon notes that the recent street cleanings are part of a pilot program to maintain sanitation in the city. Additionally, contrary the statements of Friedenbach, Gordon denies the claims of advocacy groups and local media that the street cleanings are a deliberate attempt to spray the homeless. She stated "We do not point water at homeless people".<br />
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Despite claims that this program is a signal of the government's outright support of gentrification, I believe this type of street
cleaning program has been long overdue merely on the grounds of public health alone. Business incentives were merely a catalyst. From personal experience, I can attest that the area has for a long time been covered in human excrement. The city's recent interest in fostering an attractive business climate for technology companies seems to be more of a tipping point, just one of many factors that supports the enactment of the recent program. While the displacement of homeless individuals in the immediate area is an unfortunate consequence, it is not a surprising phenomenon. <br />
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While claims that DPW has been deliberately hosing down homeless people sound
like sheer sensationalism by advocacy groups and the local media, I believe it is a fair assessment that the enactment of the
street/sidewalk cleaning program is an attempt to attract tech companies
into the area. The reality is that municipalities are primarily funded and driven by property taxes. Likewise fostering job growth is a high priority amongst the city's electorate and by extension city officials. The controversy surrounding this program in the context of gentrification in San Francisco highlights the dilemma public officials face while navigating a political environment that is defined both as a region of rapid economic growth and a staunchly socially and fiscally liberal electorate. <br />
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<br />politicalpulse647http://www.blogger.com/profile/15950706039526252315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694888594665502491.post-22321414878332880532014-11-19T00:41:00.003-08:002014-11-19T08:01:23.975-08:00Social Security Support Services Crumble as Meager Budgetary Appropriations Constrain Operations <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]-->Washington Post: “Social Security advocates fear more cuts in staff and
service”
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
URL: <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/federal_government/social-security-advocates-fear-more-cuts-in-staff-and-service/2014/11/18/d0c087cc-6f5b-11e4-8808-afaa1e3a33ef_story.html">http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/federal_government/social-security-advocates-fear-more-cuts-in-staff-and-service/2014/11/18/d0c087cc-6f5b-11e4-8808-afaa1e3a33ef_story.html</a>
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<br /></div>
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In his article “Social Security advocates fear more cuts in
staff and service”, Author Joe Davidson illustrates the disintegrating
circumstances of Social Security operations. He notes that “wait times for
callers to the agency’s 800 number averaged more than 17 minutes in 2014, more
than triple the five-minute average wait just two years earlier” and “Between
FY 2010 and January of FY 2013, the average wait time for field office visitors
without appointments increased by 40 percent.” In his analysis, he ascribes the
deterioration in services to the historic lack of funding over the past 3 years
by appropriations committees.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Conservative’s efforts to scale back entitlement programs
can perhaps most readily be seen here. Unable to immediately reduce the
quantity of benefits dispersed, they are seeking to reduce the effectiveness of
the disbursement processes. Such actions likely foreshadow more direct, sweeping
attacks on entitlement programs as Republicans assume greater congressional
power in the months to come. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Personally, the reductions in budgetary allocations to
Social Security operations seems petty. While I am sympathetic to conservatives’
impassioned cause to reduce the scale of entitlement programs, I don’t believe
this is the right way to do so. While attacking operations in this way may be
somewhat effective in slowing the expansion of program recipients, I believe such
actions will and have produced many unintended consequences insufficient to
justify this agenda. Bureaucrats personally vested in the interests of Social
Security recipients may work off the clock in an attempt to service those in
need. Additionally, current recipients who are already approved may be unable
to receive the service they require and for which there are sufficient funds. If conservatives are interested in reducing entitlement
programs, I would rather they do so through formal, transparent channels rather than undercutting existing operations through appropriations,
especially at the expense of exploiting bureaucrats and reneging services to
approved recipients. </div>
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politicalpulse647http://www.blogger.com/profile/15950706039526252315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694888594665502491.post-87399517677148997782014-11-18T23:59:00.001-08:002014-11-19T08:02:03.815-08:00 Keystone XL Pipeline faces set-back as bill is narrowly defeated in the Senate NY Times: “Senate Defeats Bill on Keystone XL Pipeline in
Narrow Vote”
<br />
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URL: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/19/us/politics/keystone-xl-pipeline.html?ref=politics&_r=0">http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/19/us/politics/keystone-xl-pipeline.html?ref=politics&_r=0</a>
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<br /></div>
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Despite impassioned statements on the part of Louisiana
Democrat Senator Mary L. Landrieu, legislation approving construction of the
Keystone XL pipeline was narrowly defeated in a 59-41 Senate vote. The narrow nature
of the defeat of the project is unsurprising given the contentious nature of
the issue. Environmental and oil interest groups have each allocated massive
amounts of time and resources into lobbying for and against this legislation. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Landrieu in particular has been outspoken in her support for
this legislation given that the project has serious implications for employment
opportunities of Louisiana residents. Her state’s economic dependence on the
oil industry has frequently put her at ends with many within the Democratic
Party. Democrats have had to tread lightly with Landrieu. She represents one of
the few remaining Democrats in South, but her policies on energy and
environmental issues have frequently caused her to clash with those of the
majority of Democrats. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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While the defeat of the Keystone XL Pipeline legislation has
temporarily stopped the project’s progression, new legislation is likely to be
introduced as existing incumbents are unseated in the months to come. Even if
the legislation had been able to successfully pass through the Senate, it would
have likely been vetoed by the President.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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This defeat of the Keystone XL Pipeline does not mean the
end of the project. More significant to the debate will be the reintroduction
of the project in the months to come as proponents will likely be able to
secure greater support amongst incoming Republicans. Minor increases in support
will ensure that the bill reaches the President. Significant sway could allow the
Senate to override a Presidential veto.</div>
politicalpulse647http://www.blogger.com/profile/15950706039526252315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694888594665502491.post-72581588925115635752014-11-13T22:32:00.001-08:002014-11-13T22:32:22.234-08:00Uncertainty abounds in the midst of pending hand-off of Burkina Faso governance to Civilian Leadership <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">BBC:
Burkina Faso leaders agree transitional framework</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">URL:
<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-30046413">http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-30046413</a></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
blueprint for the formation of and transition of power to a new civilian
government in Burkina Faso received unanimous approval in a recent meeting in
Ouagadougou (Capital of Burkina Faso). In 2013, former President Blaise
Compaoré introduced measures that would allow him to extend his term as
President by an additional five years and – in principle – for the foreseeable
future. Such actions instigated mass protests throughout the state resulting in
Compaoré’s resignation in late October, 27 years after first assuming power. Lt
Col Isaac Zida assumed on the 1<sup>st</sup> of November. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
approve charter states:</span></div>
“An interim president will be chosen by a special college composed of religious,
military, political, civil and traditional leaders.”<br />
“The president will then name a prime minister to appoint a 25-member
government.”<br />
“The charter also calls for a 90-member national transitional council to
serve as a legislative body.”<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">While
those in attendance supported the proposed blueprint unanimously, I am curious
to the extent which the general populace approves. I do, however, recognize
though that a metric of public approval of the proposed plan in its entirety
may not quite be relevant to the general discussion given the historical lack
of political involvement in the state. What is clear is that there is
widespread approval for an immediate transition to a civilian government.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I am
also somewhat concerned about the manner in which this transitional/interim government
is to be appointed. It appears that a large amount of power is being allocated
into the hands of a few select individuals. It appears as though once the interim
president is chosen, they can choose their prime minister and the result
25-member government. What controls exist to ensure that this interim government
will not make a grab for power? Compaoré emerged as a consequence of a coup.
How will the state prevent leaders from assuming too much power in the future?</span></div>
politicalpulse647http://www.blogger.com/profile/15950706039526252315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694888594665502491.post-6702106432104704262014-11-13T19:56:00.002-08:002014-11-13T20:13:27.107-08:00Mexican President’s Activities Abroad Stoke Domestic Unrest over Corruption Allegations<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Aljazeera:
“Mexico president pushes trade ties in China while protests rage at home”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">URL:
<a href="http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/11/13/mexico-china-trade.html">http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/11/13/mexico-china-trade.html</a>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mexican
President Enrique Peña Nieto recently spent time in China discussing
opportunities for increased trade between the two states. Meanwhile, civil unrest
is raging as evidence mounts supporting the conclusion that the disappearance
of forty-three students late last September was a consequence of collusion
between drug cartels and local police.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">While
this type of trade initiative under stable circumstances would likely be
received positively by the Mexican public, it has propelled perceptions of President
Nieto as misdirected in his priorities and its worst, apathetic to the tragedy
at hand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">President
Nieto has sought to justify his actions abroad by arguing that increased trade
with China will help drive economic growth and subsequently mitigate poverty
throughout the state - a driving factor of drug operations in Mexico. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">While
the participation of Mexican authorities in the recent tragedy is extremely
concerning, I don’t believe Nieto’s recent tour of China is sufficient reason
to label the President as apathetic to the incident. I agree with President
Nieto that increased trade between China and Mexico could contribute to the
long-term uprooting of the pervasive drug trade problem in Mexico. I am less
certain as to whether the President might have been able to delay his tour
abroad to address the more immediate concerns of corruption. </span></div>
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politicalpulse647http://www.blogger.com/profile/15950706039526252315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694888594665502491.post-47916099890426101282014-11-06T00:14:00.002-08:002014-11-06T00:14:42.315-08:00Referendum on State of the Union, Not an Ideological Shift<br />
<b>Aljazeera: "After winning big, GOP faces challenge of governing"</b><br />
URL: http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/11/5/gop-agenda-midtermelections.html<br />
by Naureen Khan<br />
<br />
After securing a Senate majority in the midterm elections, the Republican Party has demonstrated considerable political confidence from what it perceives to be renewed ideological traction amongst voters (and the general public). In the midst of its recent success, Republican leaders have, over the past few days, unveiled a renewed political agenda centered on deficit reduction, tax reform, changes to entitlement programs, etcetera. In the article "After winning big, GOP faces challenge of governing" Author Naureen Khan disputes the perception that the midterm election results are a sign of approval for the Republican Party. Instead, Khan argues that the results of the recent midterm election were moreso a product of general dissatisfaction amongst the public rather than a signal of renewed interest in conservative policies. Khan contends that the greatest challenge for Republican Party will be to maintain the support it has recently gained.<br />
<br />
Khan notes that over the past several years, Republicans have managed to garner significant political support by simply bashing policies adopted Democrats that in hindsight produced negative consequences. Now that the Republican party possesses overwhelming support in Congress, it will need to remain united and execute effectively on its espoused goals. It will no longer be politically sufficient to bash failed policies of the opposing political party to garner/maintain political support.<br />
<br />
I am curious as to the extent in which President Obama's choice of political agenda in his second term affected the results of the midterm election. I recall another article (I can't remember what) which discussed the potential dichotomy of presidential legacy vs. long-term party interests. The article discussed how Obama's choice of contentious public policy issues as priorities coincided well with his desire to establish a political legacy, but possibly at the expense of the Democratic Party. It noted that the party as a whole may become potentially divided and/or suffers due to the effect of contentious policies on the maintaining of the party's political base.<br />
<br />
Despite that the results of this election favor the Republican Party for the moment, the party should be wary of celebrating in excess, as it will still need to execute on its stated promises in order to garner sufficient support to stay in office and make long-term changes in policy.<br />
<br />
<br />politicalpulse647http://www.blogger.com/profile/15950706039526252315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694888594665502491.post-61021958388851845642014-10-29T21:54:00.002-07:002014-10-29T22:09:24.651-07:00Turkey / U.S. Disputes over U.S. / Syria Engagements Highlight a Fundamental Shift in AllianceWashington Post: "For Turkey and U.S., at odds over Syria, a 60-year alliance shows signs of crumbling"<br />
URL: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/for-turkey-and-us-at-odds-over-syria-a-60-year-alliance-shows-signs-of-crumbling/2014/10/29/9fa07c49-0546-4afd-b6ad-cf6fa70e7fe4_story.html?hpid=z1<br />
<br />
While there exists agreement between Turkey and the United States that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must be removed in order for stability to return to Syria and the surrounding region, there are fundamental disagreements on how the problem is to be approached. The United States has been adamant in its support (military or otherwise) for Syrian rebels and others who oppose the Islamic State. Meanwhile, the Turkish government has been quite vocal in its opposition of U.S's involvement, especially with regards to the distribution of arms. As noted in the article, Turkish officials have frequently stated that "Washington policymakers do not always sufficiently take into account the concerns of allies", arguing that United States has the privilege of "cherry-picking" initiatives and problems while its allies in the region suffer the brunt of the resulting retaliation.<br />
<br />
Over the past several decades, there has been a divergence in the foreign policy agendas of the two states. During the Cold War, Turkey, as a member of NATO, represented a key ally in the U.S.'s communism containment initiative. Utilizing Turkey's proximity to the USSR to establish missile launch sites, the U.S. was able to negotiate mutual reductions in missile / nuclear weapons systems. Since then, the U.S.'s relationship with the state has been rocky. Relations between Turkey and the U.S. have deteriorated notably since the end of the Cold War, particularly as a result of tensions surrounding Turkey's invasion of Cyprus in the 1970s and the U.S.'s invasion of Iraq following the turn of the millennium. <br />
<br />
Given Turkey's proximity to many of the volatile regions in which the United States is involved, Turkey's concerns about the broader implications of being aligned with the United States appear legitimate. That being said, it appears as though the United States should seriously re-evaluate its relations with Turkey and its approach towards engagements in the Middle East. Despite the United States' disposition to act unilaterally in its engagements abroad, Turkey represents a significant ally and point of leverage from which the United States is able to engage with Russia and the Middle East. To lose this strategic ally would be to forfeit significant geopolitical influence.<br />
<br />
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<br />politicalpulse647http://www.blogger.com/profile/15950706039526252315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694888594665502491.post-88776199930561835422014-10-29T20:39:00.002-07:002014-10-29T22:19:48.750-07:00Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi Secures Borders and Public Infrastructure as Militant Attacks Escalate <br />
NY Times: "Egyptian Forces Demolish Homes for Buffer Zone Along Gaza Border"<br />
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/30/world/middleeast/egypt-sinai-peninsula-gaza-buffer-zone.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=photo-spot-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0 <br />
<br />
This past Friday in what New York Times journalists Kareem Fahim and Merna Thomas have called "the deadliest (attack) on the Egyptian military in years", as many as thirty-one Egyptian soldiers were massacred by militant forces. Since then, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has expedited the establishment of security zones around Egyptian borders and utilities. While ordinarily, such measures would appear rationale means by which to secure public safety, they may instead be the consequence of ulterior motives. As the government's crackdown on dissenters continues to intensify, citizens and international spectators question whether this truly is a matter of public safety or perhaps an opportunistic power grab on the part of the administration.<br />
<br />
One of the key problems associated with this particular scenario is that the government and populace are not entirely certain whom it is they are defending against. The authors noted that while the government has often blamed Palestinian militants for the attacks, they have often been unable to substantiate any of these claims with evidence. Additionally, according to one local resident cited in the article "The attack could be from outside the borders, from inside, from the governorates — who knows." Unable to distinguish who the perpetrators are, it is not immediately clear whether these actions are signals of domestic unrest or foreign assault.<br />
<br />
The politically questionable policies adopted by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in conjunction with the focus of these militant attacks on Egyptian military forces leads me to believe that these attacks are motivated by unrest. Terrorism is defined by its emphasis on civilian targets / populations and it appears that up to this point the attacks have been largely directed towards the government. The nature of these attacks seems to imply that these assaults are internal, motivated by defiance against the administration and its current policies. If this is the case, securing of the borders and public infrastructure will be ineffective in quelling the violence. Perhaps President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi recognizes this and is capitalizing on the opportunity to consolidate his power through military control of key infrastructure.politicalpulse647http://www.blogger.com/profile/15950706039526252315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694888594665502491.post-38794841893817916942014-10-15T23:56:00.002-07:002014-10-15T23:56:52.565-07:00Clinton Vists the South to Rally Support for Democrats in the midst of Midterm Elections<br />
New York Times: In South, Clinton Tries to Pull Democrats Back Into the Fold <br />
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/16/us/in-south-clinton-tries-to-pull-democrats-back-into-<br />
the-fold.html?ref=politics&_r=0<br />
<br />
Presidential Candidate Hilary Clinton visited Kentucky this past week in
an attempt to rally support for Kentucky Senate Democratic Candidate
Alison Lundergan Grimes as she seeks to unseat Republican Senate
Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. <br />
<br />
Over the past few presidential cycles, Kentucky voters -- more centrist in political stance, have become somewhat alienated from the Democratic Party. Kentucky Democratic voters, largely composed of white working class Americans, were significantly opposed to the election of Barack Obama in the past two elections. Clinton, during the 2008 primary, led by as much as forty-nine percentage points over Obama. Furthermore, Grimes has consistently refused to disclose who she voted for in the previous election for reasons that some speculate relates to the lack of Obama's popularity in Kentucky.<br />
<br />
The author notes how former U.S. President Bill Clinton's reputation in Kentucky is viewed quite positively in the South and how fondness for his policies and character are and have been a driving force in support for Clinton in this region. A tone of nostalgia embodies much of the discussion of sentiment for the Clintons in the South.<br />
<br />
It is interesting to see how animosity for Obama and favorable perceptions of Bill Clinton interplay to shape voter sentiment in South. The angle with which the Democratic Party has sought to rebuild relations in the South appears quite rational. Focusing on platforms of workers rights and social programs seems likely to resonate amongst the Southern Democrats given the prevalent base of blue-collar workers.<br />
<br />
I am uncertain as to how much of an effect Hilary Clinton's appearance in the South will have in this particular election. While voters in the region may be nostalgic for policies of Bill Clinton and supportive of the centrist platform Grimes has presented, it is still unclear whether this will be sufficient to unseat long-time incumbent Mitch McConnell.politicalpulse647http://www.blogger.com/profile/15950706039526252315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694888594665502491.post-34629812741157300992014-10-09T00:03:00.001-07:002014-10-09T00:03:09.547-07:00Missing the Forest for the Trees: First Ebola Victim Diagnosed on U.S. Soil DiesDeath of Thomas Eric Duncan in Dallas Fuels Alarm Over Ebola<br />
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/09/us/ebola-us-thomas-eric-duncan.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=HpSum&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news<br />
<br />
Over the past week or so, the media has been riled up posting constant updates on the condition of Eric Duncan, a Liberian national and the first individual diagnosed with the Ebola Virus on U.S soil. This Wednesday, Duncan succumbed to the illness and passed at Texas Health Presbyterian. While the presence of the virus on the continent is concerning, media networks have exploited the unfortunate circumstances of Duncan to unduly arouse panic and fear.<br />
<br />
While consistently reiterating irrelevent and redundent information about Duncan's personal history and activities, media sources have quite consistently and egregiously been remiss in their discussion of the difficulty with which the virus is transmitted. The virus relies on exchanges of body fluids in order to spread from one host to another. By convenienty abstaining from mentioning this fact, they exaggerate the risk this man's illness poses to the general public. Instead, journalists appear content to inflate articles with emotionally charged anecdotes and testimonials. The map presented in the article misrepresents the significance of the reported cases in Europe and North America as they remain relatively isolated in nature.<br />
<br />
Far more noteworthy are the procedures in place to deal with such potentially malicious viruses. The article mentions how doctors at Texas Health Presbyterian failed to diagnose and recognize the possibility of Duncan's contraction of the virus while abroad. The time frame and means by which Duncan was eventually diagnosed are far more concerning. The Washington Post recently noted how the World Health Organization in conjunction with many of the most prominent developed nations sub-national organizations failed to effectively identify the threat the virus posed and its potential for outbreak.<br />
<br />
Far too much attention has been granted to individual cases of Ebola outbreak. The broader bureaucratic failures associated with the failed attempts of containment have much more significant implications as to how effectively we as a globe can collective problems.<br />
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<br />politicalpulse647http://www.blogger.com/profile/15950706039526252315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694888594665502491.post-75279244001582083832014-09-17T23:59:00.000-07:002014-09-17T23:59:32.474-07:00Federal Agencies Seek to Overhaul Background Checks Policies Amidst Outbreak of Security Lapse Scandals Federal Agencies Seek to Overhaul Background Checks Policies Amidst Outbreak of Security Lapse Scandals <br />
<br />
"Federal background checks, one year after the Navy Yard shooting" by Josh Hicks<br />
URL: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/federal-eye/wp/2014/09/17/federal-background-checks-one-year-after-the-navy-yard-shooting/<br />
<br />
Following the tragic deaths of twelve at the hands of Navy / Marine Corp Subcontractor Aaron Alexis, legislators and federal agencies alike have increasingly recognized the need for change in how the U.S. government screens its employees and contractors. According to recent article "Federal background checks, one year after the Navy Yard shooting" published in the Washington Post, earlier this month, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) made the ground breaking decision to not renew its contact with USIS for background checks. As noted by the Post, USIS was formerly integrated within OPM and has handled as much as forty percent of federal background checks over the past several years - notably including Snowden and Alexis.<br />
<br />
In addition to this critical change in how background checks are to be processed in the future, a special council appointed by President Obama made two significant recommendations: the need for more easily accessible files from state and local agencies and the need for a reduction in individuals granted security clearance. The latter seems rather non-contentious, given the extent of information the government possesses. The former is more interesting as Hicks notes in particular the problems associated with outdated data storage systems in use at the state and local levels. Although it is no revelation that state and local government often operate on outdated systems, it is interesting to see itaddressed as a potential contributing factor to issues such as murder.<br />
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<br />politicalpulse647http://www.blogger.com/profile/15950706039526252315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694888594665502491.post-66298037122925350342014-09-10T23:59:00.000-07:002014-09-10T23:59:14.822-07:00<b>Detroit's Vulnerable Financial Position forces Shutdown of Water for Overdue Residents</b><br />
URL: http://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21615614-what-shutting-running-water-detroiters-reveals-about-city-finances-owe-town<br />
<br />
Detroit residents have lost access to running water. This is the case for a significant number of Detroit citizens as the financially vulnerable City of Detroit is desperate to emerge from its recent bankruptcy and rebuild. As a result of its debt restructuring, the local government is being forced to abandon its formerly lenient utilities collections policies and crackdown on residents whom have failed to sufficiently service their utilities bills. The article "Owe Town" published in the Economist this past Saturday discusses the dilemma facing the government and citizens of Detroit as bankruptcy has sapped vital resources from destitute citizens, exacerbating already tense conditions of civil unrest.<br />
<br />
The extreme nature of cutting off vital resources to citizens without readily accessible alternatives demonstrates the extreme financial position the City of Detroit is in. The act of withholding water from citizens is not one that any individual would take lightly and was without certainty the result of much deliberation on the part of local officials. Their decision to pursue this particular policy measure in an attempt to rectify this division of the city's financials does however raise some important questions.<br />
<br />
While it is clear that such a policy 'pay or be cut off' embodies a dramatically better incentive system than the former 'pay or don't, we will provide you with service', it is uncertain whether it was implemented in a manner that is appropriate to the current circumstances of residents. The short term effects of this policy are dramatic given the fact that these sweeping new measures have been implemented in a manner that is relatively unprecedented. In economics, two critical components to understanding what effect an action will have relate to understanding expectations and time. The less time individuals have to react to a change in an incentives the more dramatic the reaction. Combine this phenomenon with a significant reduction in income and a good/service that is vital, meaning demand is highly inelastic and you are laying the foundation for significant civil unrest.<br />
<br />
It is uncertain whether the policy decisions pursued were without alternative. While the state of financial distress is more than clear for the City of Detroit, I am curious whether local officials might have found a better way to implement these policies and rectify its financials. Could other less essential goods or services been reduced first? How much advanced notice did the City of Detroit provide to local residents and could have it provided more? Could the measures implemented been integrated in a less extreme fashion (over time)? Can the City of Detroit provide exceptions to individuals who may be considered to be significantly at risk (families, low-income individuals)?politicalpulse647http://www.blogger.com/profile/15950706039526252315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694888594665502491.post-46351749237454028152014-09-03T23:59:00.001-07:002014-09-03T23:59:03.911-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Refocusing Political Priorities - Roles of the West in the 21st Century</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Written in response to "</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr Putin’s wake-up call" - The Economist</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21614140-western-alliance-responding-better-russian-aggression-ukraine-there-more </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With the crisis in Ukraine continuing to escalate and in the midst of the upcoming NATO summit, leaders within the West and Central Europe are under intense pressure to reevaluate their stances towards Russia and towards military spending in particular. The recent article entitled “Mr Putin’s wake-up call” published within ‘the Economist’ presents an interesting perspective on the predicament the West now faces, particularly how recent events may instigate adaptations to formerly conservative foreign policy stances, especially amongst nations in Europe. The author discusses their viewpoint on current events, their significance given the historical context, and how they signal the need for changes in the long term approach of Westward aligned states towards Russia.</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-e5b4e7f2-3f6f-5461-5161-87ed99527d60" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The author begins by updating readers on NATO's latest reactions towards Russia’s recent interventions within Ukraine. The author regularly notes the West’s emphasis on “deterrence” and “appeasement” emphasizing what they perceive to be a hesitant and complacent stance taken by the West. In particular, the article implies how NATO has shirked some of its previous statements noting “A</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">rticle 5: an attack on one is an attack on all”. The author emphasizes the hypocrisy of choosing to not comply with Poland’s request for 10,000 troops, despite escalating provocations on the part of Russia.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I enjoyed the author’s perspective on the West’s approach to foreign policy, particularly how Europe’s national interest / political focus has centered on domestic issues to a greater extent while downsizing its emphasis on military expenditures. The case the author makes within the article is quite compelling as the article frames their statements in a manner that is reminiscent of the familiar critiques of European appeasement preceding World War II.</span></div>
politicalpulse647http://www.blogger.com/profile/15950706039526252315noreply@blogger.com0