U.S., UK and France agree that the UN discuss the Russian proposal on Syria

U.S. President Barack Obama agrees that the Russian proposal to put Syria chemical weapons under international control to be discussed at the UN, sources tell AP.

A White House official said Obama discussed the proposal on Tuesday with French President Francois Hollande, and British Prime Minister David Cameron. The French Foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius, announced that his country will propose a resolution on Syria in the Security Council of the UN on Tuesday.   Cameron added that the Russian proposal on Syria should be tested as well as being subject to a deadline.

The talks on the Russian proposal at the UN will begin today, according to an official NBC News White House. In the early hours of Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia and Syria are currently developing one concrete plan of how to perform the transfer of Syrian chemical arsenals to international control. 

A video showing the brutal execution of Syrian soldiers at the hands of rebels

A video shows how Syrian rebels executed seven soldiers of the Government of Bashar al Assad. In the recording, released by the newspaper " The New York Times ', is a group of rebels pointing guns at naked bodies and wounded seven soldiers who were previously tied up and thrown to the ground.

Just before the murder, the ringleader of the group, Issa Abdul Samad, reciting a poem in which notes that "his duty is to take revenge". At the end of the video the rebels throw the bodies into a well. The scene, filmed in April 2012, was provided to the newspaper by a repentant rebel in order to show the brutality of his companions then.

According to the source, Issa, 37 years before the war was a businessman and pastor. Currently leads a rebel group which has about 300 fighters. According to the exrebelde, Issa's motivation to join the insurgents was, as explained in the poem he recited, revenge.

These images come to light while in Russia celebrated the G-20, which is discussed, among other issues, the serious situation in Syria. The U.S. secretary of state, John Kerry, Congress recently said that only 15% or 20% of the Syrian rebels are aligned with Al Qaeda or extremist factions. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin branded as "lies "Kerry's statements. It's not the first time that video is broadcast atrocities committed by Syrian insurgents. Last May the recording showed a biting rebellious heart, liver or lung slice a government soldier.

Venezuela at the crossroads populist

 Venezuela's economic crisis hits the poorest sectors, and not shaping political change, except from within the ranks of Chavez, says expert. After a large-scale blackout to stop the dark part of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, as well as 19 of the 23 states of the central and western regions of the country on Tuesday, September 3, President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro , chose to blame the "right unpatriotic" of having committed a "electric shock" to destabilize the country. "Active Alerts and beat them," said Maduro in his Twitter account. Electricity Minister Jesse Chacon did not rule out sabotage.

Klaus Bodemer, political scientist at the Institute for Global and Regional Studies (GIGA), Hamburg, considers, however, that the causes of the blackout was due, among other things, the nationalization of large sectors of the U.S. economy, which has resulted in a lack of investment and hence a massive deterioration of infrastructure supply services. The ability to generate electricity is far outweighed by demand, which causes frequent rationing. The country's infrastructure is also many years in a sorry state, especially concerning the transport. A crisis that affects all Government after 14 years of the late Hugo Chavez, oil country records the highest inflation rate Latin America, about 25 percent, surpassed analysts say only by that of Argentina, which, according to unofficial data, is 26 percent. It is estimated that by the end of 2013, inflation in Venezuela could become one of the highest in the world.

The country is suffering from an economic downturn makes scarce commodity and is also confronted in a situation of increasing dependency, to swings in oil prices. "Almost three years ago the government of Venezuela was forced to import staples at extremely high prices, and that hits harder, of course, to the poorest sections of the population," says Bodemer. As a result of the crisis also increased unemployment, and insecurity remains a serious problem, says expert: "In 2012, Caracas recorded the highest crime rate in the world". Among other reasons, this is because, according to him, to a deficient training of law enforcement and the low salaries paid and corruption within its ranks. To Bodemer, "Venezuelan educational sector also reflects the ambivalence of government measures. Although conducted literacy programs, these do not cover the huge deficits that has that area. Similarly, there has been a leak brain and qualified personnel abroad. “Rich country, poor country.

One wonders how a country rich in oil as Venezuela goes through a situation so bleak in regard to infrastructure. Bodemer Klaus explains: "As always, and as happened during the Chavez government and previous development depends on a decisive factor, i.e. the income from the sale of oil." In the medium term, it is expected that lower oil prices, taking into account international demand, but increase, says Bodemer. But that does not mean that the oil price does not oscillate down temporarily due to the situation. "Another problem, more structural in nature, is to Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA), which is underfunded for years, in large partly because oil revenues were not invested in modernizing it, but on social programs for the poor’s i.e. not invested in the development of the oil industry, and it became heavily dependent on foreign companies in the form of credits, among other countries, China ", explains the expert. Maduro will continue the legacy of Chavez? "The great debt of Chavez's economic success", said recently the minister of Finance of Venezuela, Nelson Merentes. According to Klaus Bodemer, that success is not shaping up as plausible medium term: "For example, the Bolivarian project subsidies for oil supplies are in place, but Maduro had to cut them." Mature does not have the charisma of Chavez, adds, and failed to continue the style of the late president. "On the other hand, his attempt to counteract the impetus given his rival, Capriles, foreign policy through improving Venezuela's diplomatic relations with other countries did not work". At Maduro Venezuela become more visible socio-political problems, of which Hugo Chavez distract knew through his leadership style, says the analyst.

What direction does Venezuela? "Right now we cannot speak of a specific address. Rather has lurched, and the model is no longer articulates Chavez efficiently but rather is in the process of dissolution. Depends Chavism mature figure. In that sense, I have my doubts about whether Chavez can survive in the medium term, "says Bodemer. Regarding whether the result of the municipal elections, to be held in December 2013, could pave the way for a profound change in Venezuela, Bodemer believes that "while Capriles has gained ground, does not have much chance of being a threat to mature". Rather, it could be a change from within the ranks Chavez, if they decide that Maduro is not the man to continue governing Venezuela. That is, to be outlined in order of Chavez, that surely will result from the inability to mature to continue giving support to the model following in the footsteps of Hugo Chavez.  

G20: great stage for tough issues

The Russian city of St. Petersburg is ready to host the G20 summit. Besides treating the ailing state of the world economy, the Syrian conflict threatens to break into the agenda. As if it were an omen, sun illuminated St. Petersburg on the Baltic. It is the city that gave birth to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and shortly before the G20 summit, shining in its entire splendor to host a key meeting between emerging and industrialized countries. A scenario almost perfect if not for the difficult situation in which the world finds itself.

 

Will Syria on the agenda?

You could say that the book is something of destiny. When the G8 met in St. Petersburg in 2006, began to escalate the conflict in the Middle East with the second Lebanon war. In the meeting, they spent a lot of time talking about this conflict. But in the end, the result was only one sterile paper and war continued.

As then, now is the Syrian conflict which threatens to dominate the agenda. Something that the Russian president will try to avoid. Get this forum in a line unit in view of the conflicting positions on Syria seems impossible. With Russia, China, USA, Britain and France in the G20 are five countries with veto power in the Security Council of United Nations. But it will be Turkey, which fears for his safety, and Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, relations between Putin and Barack Obama are not at their best, with patent cooling since the Snowden case.

Before the summit Obama had scheduled a visit to Moscow, appointment subsequently canceled by the White House. So far there is no evidence of a bilateral meeting in the framework of the G20. Although Putin has already made clear its position following recent differences on Syria. If U.S. President provides convincing evidence of the use of poison gas by Syrian troops, will rethink their position and adopt the UN mandate for intervention, Putin recently declared to the Agency AP and First Russian channel.

Ailing Economy

Syria interfere on the agenda, will not prevent the global economy is the main issue for attendees. A state economy that shows little hope. While some improvement is recorded, and processes are sighted take new risks. While at the last summit in Los Cabos (Mexico) the European crisis was in the spotlight, now both the U.S. as the European Union suggests a positive trend. However, the U.S. announcement of the end of cheap money may cause investors to flee emerging countries with serious consequences drastically devalue currencies and a boom that threatens to end, in addition to having to face serious internal problems.

With these issues in the first order for the participants, the agenda will not leave much room for debate. While dinner on Thursday will be devoted to new strategies for development, as a final document is provided an action plan for growth and jobs. Finally, will also be world trade, an issue that, as always, end with demands to remove protectionist measures. Interestingly, under the protection measures maximum security forces of President Putin, with a sealed city by land, sea and air.

Syrian Christians could be condemned to extermination

An Islamist regime post-Assad after an attempted attack on Syria by the U.S. could recreate a Christian as genocide suffered by the Armenians nearly a century ago. An attack on Syria by the U.S., France and get some allies to weaken the government of  Bashar al-Assad  and even overthrow, says an article in the magazine The American Conservative '.

"From the ruins emerge radically anti-Western regime that might kill or expel millions of Christians and Alawites. This would be a political catastrophe, religious and humanitarian unprecedented since the Armenian genocide of nearly a century ago, "he adds.

According to the publication, it is puzzling that the U.S.  Seems to be determined to eradicate Christianity in one of its oldest cores on a sensitive historical moment. And, although Syria has a Sunni Muslim majority, also hosts major minority communities as Christian and Alawite, among others, which together represent more than a quarter of the population. These communities have for centuries in Syria, where the Muslim and Christian were always closely linked to each other. However, the current crisis represents a serious threat to these minorities.

Although Christianity originated in Galilee and Judea, soon spread to Syria . After the First World War, Christians concentrated increasingly in the Arab country, which benefited from French protection. Since the 1960s, Syria has been a Baathist state, which in practice has meant the hegemony of religious minorities, who dominate the country's military and intelligence apparatus. Hafez al-Assad, president from 1971 to 2000 and father of the current president, was Alawite, but during the 1990s, five of his seven closest advisers were Christians.

The country, says the website of the magazine, it has remained a "genuine refuge for religious minorities," which does not happen in the rest of the region, and today many Christians fear that in the future a strictly Islamist or Salafist abrupt end to the era of diversity. Worsens As the conflict in Syria increases the number of Christians fleeing en masse from their homes by threats, kidnappings and killings carried out by the rebels. This Wednesday extremist group members Nusra Front attacked the Christian village of Maalula old, located northeast of Damascus.

'Murderer' Russian aircraft carrier sets sail towards the Mediterranean

 The Russian missile cruiser Moskva, the flagship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet by NATO nicknamed 'carrier murderer', was sent to the eastern Mediterranean rather than the port of Mindelo (Cape Verde), where he was initially saturate.

 "The plans of the naval task force under the banner of Admiral Valery Kulikov had to be modified. Instead of calling at the port of Cape Verde, the cruiser Moskva will go towards the Strait of Gibraltar. After about ten days, enter the Mediterranean east, where replaced as flagship of the group of Russian Navy operating the large anti-submarine ship Pacific Fleet Admiral Panteleev, "a Russian official told Interfax on condition of anonymity.

Cruiser Moskva, the flagship of the Fleet Russian Black Sea, sailed from Sevastopol on July 2 to the North Atlantic, where he led a Russian naval group comprising vessels of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, North and Baltic. In early August, the ship visited the port of Havana and Cuban August 13 entered the Nicaraguan port of Corinto, after crossing the Panama Canal. On August 27 Russian Fleet visited the Venezuelan port of La Guaira. In the Atlantic Ocean the cruise conducted test launches of its main weapon: the anti-ship missiles   P -1000 Vulcan (Volcano).

The cruiser Moskva (Moscow) 1164 project was built in 1983. Its main armament is made up 16 twin launchers (4 facilities on both tacks) missile anti-ship system P -1000 Vulcan. 3m70 missiles are equipped with system startup accelerators with nozzles vector and its range is increased from 550 to 700 kilometers. To remove a carrier is required impact, at least three of such missiles.

Putin warns west not to take unilateral action on Syria

Russian President Vladimir Putin warns West not to take unilateral action on Syria in an interview with Russian television channel Pervy Kanal and AP. During the interview the Russian president reiterated that there is not "accurate" about the alleged chemical attack in Syria. "We believe that at least have to wait for the results of research conducted by the commission of UN inspectors," he said.

Also insisted that considers "absurd" Assad forces, which are currently attacking and scoring victories, began to use chemical weapons knowing that this could lead to new sanctions and even military action against them. "We convince thorough research and the presence of data are evident and demonstrate clearly who used [chemical weapons] and what substances were used," said Putin. "After this we would be willing to act in the most firm and serious" he added.

Possible U.S. attack stances against Syria and other countries

The president did not rule could accept U.S. military operation if there was irrefutable evidence that the Government of Al Assad who used chemical weapons. Nevertheless, he emphasized that "under existing international law, only the Council Safety of United Nations can authorize military action against a sovereign state. " "Any other cause, pretext to justify the use of force against a sovereign independent state are unacceptable and can only be described as an assault," he said. "And if it is determined that it was the rebels who use weapons of mass destruction, what will the U.S. do with them? What will make these sponsors with the rebels? Will they stop supplying arms? They begin? Military action against them? "Asked the Russian president. Putin praised the decisions of certain countries not to participate in the military operation against Syria.

 "Honestly I was surprised because I thought that in the Western community and is all done according to the principles of uniformity, but it turned out that it is not". "It turns out there are people who value their sovereignty, analyze the situation and have the courage to make decisions in the interests of their own countries, to defend their point of view, "said Putin. "That's very good, it shows that the world really is strengthened in its multipolarity" he added.

Jordan and Damascus attack Turkey if they participate in military intervention

Syria will strike not only Israel, but also Jordan and Turkey if they participate in the US-led military intervention, said Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Al Mekdad. In an interview with the newspaper "The Wall Street Journal ', Al Mekdad warned of the consequences of a U.S. attack against Syria. He said that Damascus will strike not only to Israel but also to neighboring Syria, Jordan and Turkey, if they participate in an international military operation led by the United States.

"Once war starts no one can control what will happen. Believe that any attack on Syria will certainly result in chaos in the region, if not beyond," said the vice chancellor. He also said that military action would strengthen extremist rebel groups linked to al Qaeda. Al Mekdad called U.S.  To dialogue. "We hope that the U.S. representatives exercise wisdom, listen to the voice of justice and flee from provocative actions.

We love the people of America, there is millions of Americans of Arab origin, even Syrians, and we do not want war with the United States", said the diplomat, who served as his country's envoy to the UN in New York from 2003-2006. According to Al Mekdad, the  decision  of Barack Obama to postpone a military operation does not change anything for Syria and called his statements " maneuver political and media "whose sole purpose is to gain time. According to the Syrian senior U.S. President is "indecisive and confused".

Obama plans to help Syrian rebels

 U.S. President Barack Obama said Tuesday he is confident that Congress will vote in favor of U.S. military action in Syria, saying Washington had a broader plan to help the rebels to defeat the forces of President Bashar al-Assad. During a meeting with congressional leaders at the White House, Obama called for a quick vote in Congress and reiterated that the U.S. plan will be limited in scale and not repeat the protracted wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. "What we are expecting is somewhat limited’s proportionate. Degrade Assad capabilities, "said Obama.       

"Meanwhile, we have a broader strategy that will allow us to enhance the capabilities of the opposition," he added. Obama expressed his willingness to answer all the concerns of legislators on the request for authorization to use force that the White House sent to Congress. Moreover, Russia raised the alarm on Tuesday after detecting the release of two "ballistic objects in the Mediterranean Sea, but later said that Israel had carried out a missile test together with the United States.

There were no reports of any missile attack against Syria. Syrian Government sources said the missile fell into the sea without damage and there were no explosions in the capital Damascus, according to Russian news agencies’ first Russian news agencies on the pitch altered the financial markets because the United States has been preparing a possible military offensive in Syria after an alleged chemical attack made by the Syrian government in its war with rebels trying to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad.      

But the Israeli Defense Ministry said it had tested a missile, used as a target for a missile defense system funded by the United States, at 09:15 local time (0615 GMT), about the same time that the Russian radar detected the launch. "Trajectory of these objects goes from the middle of the sea Mediterranean to the eastern part of the Mediterranean coast, "said the spokesman of the Russian Defense Ministry, as quoted by Interfax. Spokesman said the launch was detected by a radar station in Armavir early warning near the Black Sea, which is designed to detect missiles from Europe and Iran. did not say who was the author of the release or if an impact is detected, although the RIA news agency quoted a source from the "state structures" in Syria saying that objects fell harmlessly into the sea.

 The Russian Defense Ministry refused to comment to Reuters. The Russian Embassy in Syria said there were no signs of a missile attack or explosions in Damascus, according to state news agency Itar-Tass. Systems early warning radar in Syria did not detect any missile approaching his territory, according to a Syrian security source quoted by the Lebanese TV channel al-Manar. The Russian defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, President Vladimir Putin told the launch, but it was not immediately clear how he reacted.  The price of Brent oil raised more than a dollar and Dubai stock market fell after Russia said it had detected the launches. Assad's government denied responsibility for the deaths of hundreds of people in the course of chemical attack on August 21.    

   Russia opposes any foreign military intervention in the Syrian civil war and an official of the Ministry of Defense had earlier criticized the United States to deploy warships in the Mediterranean.  Moscow ally Asad mightiest during more than two years of conflict in Syria, says he suspects the attack was carried out by rebels to provoke military intervention. Five U.S. destroyers and an amphibious ship in the Mediterranean are prepared for possible attacks against Syria cruise missiles, which are not ballistic.  

     U.S. officials said the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and four other ships in its battle group were transferred to the Red Sea on Monday. "Pressure applied by the United States cause particular concern," said the official Russian Defense Ministry Oleg Dogayev Itar-Tass quoted. "Deployment of ships armed with cruise missiles off the coast of Syria has a negative effect on the situation in the region," he added.

West and Al Qaeda plan to destroy the powerful Arab neighbors of Israel

After two decades of bloody struggle between the West and the different groups of Al Qaeda, suddenly both fighting on the same side. According to Egyptian media, could be a plan to weaken the powerful Arab neighbors of Israel. While Western countries threatening to take action against the government of  Bashar al-Assad  for the alleged use of chemical weapons in a recent attack near Damascus, the Syrian branch of  Al Qaeda  seems to have no intention of ending their attacks in Syria.

According to conspiracy theorists cited in the Egyptian pro-government press, there has long been a conspiracy among Israelis, Americans and the Muslim Brotherhood. His "diabolical plan" is, as described by an article in the magazine ‘The Economist' , divide and weaken one by one the most powerful Arab neighbors of Israel. The conspiracy theorists claim that the first victim was Iraq, and today is Syria, which at any moment could suffer airstrikes. However, according to the magazine, the West and Al Qaeda certainly expect the fall of Egypt.

In Egypt, Israelis, Westerners and Islamists have been proposed to foment sectarian violence and install the Muslim Brotherhood government to divide the country, says that medium. Proof of this is that the newspaper "Al-Masry Al-Youm ' last week published an article about a recent secret meeting at a U.S. base in the German city of Darmstadt. During the meeting, whose participants are unknown, they discussed a plan to overthrow the Egyptian government, destroy the economy and stop the flow of the Nile by dams in Ethiopia. The conspirators agreed that to achieve a similar level of chaos in Iraq and Syria, Egypt would have to reach a "mortality rate" of about 12,000 deaths per month.

For its part, the Egyptian state newspaper 'Al Ahram' published details of another alleged conspiracy. According to the newspaper, a group of businessmen, journalists and politicians in the service of Western intelligence agencies are conspiring to weaken the country. "U.S. imperialism and European elements believe that the best way to maintain its regional interests to undermine the political and economic stability in Egypt," the judge said Abul Ela Esam 'Al Ahram.

Hezbollah announces its mobilization due to increased tension in Syria

The Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah has announced the mobilization of its members after reports of the intentions of the West to attack Syria France-Presse reported. According to the news agency, citing the information portal Lebanese Al Akhbar, many of the fighters of the movement, including armed, have left their usual positions and have  cut  lines on their mobile phones so they cannot be located. 

However, Hezbollah spokesman declined to comment on the redeployment of forces of the Islamic movement. Meanwhile, Al Akhbar also reported that the Army has also mobilized Syrian military units who have not participated so far in the conflict.

U.S. President Barack Obama on August 31 U.S. lawmakers sent a formal request for the approval of the military operation in Syria. According to the draft resolution, the task will be to deprive the Pentagon "Assad regime" of the ability to use weapons of mass destruction. The Syrian government meanwhile vehemently rejects all allegations of the use of chemical weapons, saying the toxic agent attacks were carried out by the rebels to provoke Western military intervention.

Hezbollah Movement supports the regime of Bashar al Assad and participates in the operations of government forces against rebels in Syria. In June, its fighters participated in the operation that targeted release around the city of Al Quseir, on the border with Lebanon, from the hands of armed militants of the opposition.

CRITICAL SITUATION IN THE ARAB COUNTRY:"We are ready to attack when necessary"

If the Friday after the staging of John Kerry and then Barack Obama, left little doubt about the military response to the White House prepares against Syrian targets for the alleged use of chemical weapons by the regime in Damascus, yesterday became the all solved: "We are ready to strike when necessary." In a brief press appearance in one of the gardens of his official residence, with his 'number two' Joe Biden, U.S. President confirmed his plans, his own time outside the Security Council of the UN and reiterated the accusation against El-Asad than 1,400 deaths caused by the use of these weapons in the festering conflict in the country. The surprise jumped when Obama, also commander of the U.S. Army confirmed that prompted the approval of Congress who have received this morning the bill for this attack, "it is not of schedule" and can occur "within a day, a week or a month. "

 

According to White House officials, Obama had decided in principle to carry out military action without seeking congressional authorization, but at the last minute on Friday night, changed his mind after holding lengthy discussions with his team national security after testing on evidence that the regime of President Assad was responsible for the chemical weapons attack on August 21 on the outskirts of Damascus and seeking to punish him for that action.

The president declared himself ready to give the "order" of attack and said the military operation can occur when Washington forbid, in a day or a month, because their armed forces are ready with a display of several destroyers in the region. But "I am aware that I am the president of the oldest constitutional democracy in the world", he said.

Therefore, "although I think I have the authority to carry out this military action without specific authorization of Congress, I know that the country will be stronger if we take that step and our actions will be even more effective," Obama said then. Thus, Obama's goal is that the attack against Syria have more legitimacy and greater domestic support as possible, but also takes a political risk given the current polarization in Congress and the House is controlled by Republicans.

What's unclear is whether carried out military action against Syria even if Congress does not give permission. "We are the United States and we cannot and we must not close our eyes to what happened in Damascus" Obama said in reference to strong chemical attack of the past 21, which he called the "worst" of the twenty-first century and an "assault to human dignity.”

He also threw a question to Congress and the international community: "What message we will send if a dictator can gassed to death hundreds of children in broad daylight and without paying any price?". Obama also said he feels "comfortable" with his decision to attack Syria despite not having the approval of the Security Council of the UN, which in his view has so far been "completely paralyzed" and "unwilling" to Asad answer for his crimes.

"Limited duration and scope"

As it did on Friday, the president reiterated that military action in Syria will be designed to be "limited in duration and scope", and in no case will involve sending troops. "I know that we are tired of war," he admitted as he addressed the American people and remember the Iraq war, just ended, and the conflict in Afghanistan still open.

Most Congress leaders, including Republicans, welcomed Obama's decision to seek the approval of the Legislature. "Under the Constitution, the responsibility to declare war lies with Congress. We are pleased that the president is seeking authorization for military action in Syria," said a statement signed, among others, by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Republican John Boehner.

After consultation with the President, "we hope the House of Representatives to consider a measure on the week of September 9," said the statement. The Congress, which is dawn has received the document from the request of the president, is in summer recess and return to work is due precisely to the September 9. However, it is possible that the Senate be convened next week to begin discussing military intervention in Syria. While Obama announced his decision to attack Syria over a hundred people demonstrated outside the White House in opposition to U.S. military action in that country.  

Asaram attended to the collaborative inquiry

 Sexual harassment case key witness and Asaram Saturday Shiva's key ally in Jodhpur Rajasthan appeared before police for questioning. The official said that in this case the key witness is. A teenager (16) of the Asaram against sexual harassment complaint to be lodged. Asaram has denied the allegations. 

Shiva Chandra hostel wardens to oversee sculptor and investigators were called in for questioning on Thursday. , a police officer, "said Keshav sculptor and the victim's parents had threatened the girl 'phantom barrier" suffers from Ashram has to take her religious ritual. Their advice on the girl's parents took her to Jodhpur ashram where Asaram alleged sexual harassment did. Room in which sexual harassment had occurred among the shiva. Therefore that we are questioned. "

GERMANY ELECTIONS 2013 Merkel wins pre-election debate

 When candidates for the leadership of the German Government attend a televised debate, discussion moderators are careful that the duration of all interventions is exactly alike. In that sense, argumentative combat this Sunday (01/09/2013) was no exception. However, it was German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrat, who took the helm in his hands for most of the 90-minute program. The strong woman of Berlin controlled the debate, even physically, especially in the first hour.

While its main rival, the Social Peer Steinbruck, stood rigidly behind his lectern and looked sideways Merkel, in a spirit rather fearful, Chancellor frequently turned to his opponent and his actions implied that he listened carefully to what Steinbruck had to say. Merkel did not let stop by moderators, repeatedly demanded respect for his right to speak with the harshest of tones and tended to respond to claims Steinbruck without waiting for the moderators speak.

The most prominent figure of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) came to direct the drama about the debate when he said: "We have to organize." Merkel referred to the somewhat hasty in that discussion were undergoing a dozen highly topical issues. Later, realizing that some of the topics addressed were not enough, Merkel to explain the systematically resumed at ease both their past and future policy. That allowed him to imprint his seal to the debate.

Although Steinbruck speech inflections were different from those of Merkel, issue lacked sensationalism. Instead of fireworks there was a reasoned exchange of arguments, which made him much good to debate. After all, what matters in Germany is not directly elect one or a chancellor, but about programs present candidates in their election campaigns. Maybe that was why Merkel offered no new developments in terms of content. "You know me," he said confidently. The Social Peer Steinbruck stood rigid behind his lectern, looking sideways Merkel in a spirit rather fearful. The Social Peer Steinbruck stood rigid behind his lectern, looking sideways Merkel in a spirit rather fearful.

Peer Steinbruck, the "Mr. No"

"You know how I act. We had about four good years in Germany. And only together can we solve our problems, "said Merkel, who many Germans call" mommy "with a jocular tone. The Chancellor is perceived as a woman to take up arms because of the challenges that you faced during his administration and election campaign seems tailor-made. However, a survey concluded the discussion as soon as the winner was his contender, Peer Steinbruck.

The majority of respondents said that if the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) had not beaten in the debate, the confrontation had ended in a virtual tie. "Do not be numb," said Steinbrueck at the beginning of the issue, and then criticize the "empty boxes that Merkel had placed in the windows for display." With this metaphor the politician referred to Merkel's insistence on describing the current situation in the country as paradise. Many of the interventions began with a "no".

Steinbruck tacitly emphasized that the SPD would do everything differently when speeding enumerated evidence of how bad it was Germany under the command of Merkel, with a health system that is on its way to the precipice, a growing gap between rich and poor, tangible inflation, savings that depreciate and low paid jobs. The SPD candidate appealed to a general feeling in German territory when he said that the country needs a new impetus and social justice.

But Steinbruck evaded questions from the moderators at the time of going into the details, noting a qualitative statement was enough to support his opinion and that WikiPedia quantitative data could be obtained allusive. As example will suffice: "It is necessary to curb the rise in some way.” Merkel, however, had specific numbers at hand and not intimidated at any time. In addition, Chancellor Marksmanship exhibited by directly attacking the SPD candidate for the elections of September 22.  Merkel used the televised duel to explain its policy; Steinbruck did his best to appeal to the emotions of the audience. Merkel used the televised duel to explain its policy; Steinbrück did his best to appeal to the emotions of the audience.

The rational versus the emotional

What prestamismo system work is a tragedy? But if it was opened during the government of Gerhard Schröder's Social Democrat. What the European bailout for Greece has failed? But if the SPD supported the granting of financial aid to Athens. And it is good that did. So Merkel responded to the complaints of Steinbruck. Chancellor was more condescending to the moderators.

Merkel did not hesitate when he made remarks on political matters flashpoints. Yes, she was always against approving the payment of German motorway toll for foreign drivers, a demand made by his coalition partner, Horst Seehofer, Chairman of the Christian Social Union of Bavaria (CSU). No, a new aid package for Greece is not raised. First, Merkel was fair. And although the situation in Germany painted pink, as he said his opponent, the Chancellor insisted that the direction taken by his Government was correct: Germany did not come out unscathed from the crisis?

While Merkel took pains to leverage the televised duel to explain its policy, Steinbruck did his best to appeal to the emotions of the audience. Unfortunately, it is very easy and effective when a politician paints a landscape in which the country is on a precipice or down to the same level of the rock with phrases such as "the taxpayer is the fool" or "lethal doses for countries Southern European.” Steinbruck was introduced as El Salvador powerful "200 percent" committed to his draft Government.

As ominous forecasts must have scared a few viewers and confirmed the fears of others, accustomed to seeing the future with fear, which is a typical German quality. From this point of view, the debate between Merkel and Steinbruck was a duel with different weapons: the rational to the emotional. Each voter will react in their own way to these stimuli. But politics reasoned discussion needs an arena where Merkel has everything to gain.

Egypt fights for its future: What are the prospects?

The situation is terrible hardened fronts, dead and wounded. Egypt prospects are bleak, judging the present. But not all seems lost, as they believe two experts consulted by DW. The "Arab Spring" ended in 2011 with 30 years of dictatorship of Mubarak in power. Then won the elections the Muslim Brotherhood, later to be overthrown its president, as the military reaction to the violent protests against Mursi.

Hundreds of people died during the evacuation of camps of supporters of Muslim Brotherhood leader who demanded restitution. Now the fronts are divided between the military and the Islamists. Last Friday Islamists called for a "Friday of Determination", but few heeded the call. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, deputy premier and defense minister of Egypt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, deputy premier and defense minister of Egypt.

Political analyst Hamadi El-Aouni, Berlin believes that military forces are achieving "stabilization" of the situation. "Something that Egyptians yearn after bloodshed", says Professor Cilja Harders, director of the department "Near East Policy" at the Free University of Berlin. Harders believe that "the military cannot keep the violent repression against Islamists". The promise of the Army is to restore security and stability in three months.

What about the Muslim Brotherhood?

"The Islamists are no longer able to convince so many people," says Hamadi El-Aouni, adding that "some of its leaders are in jail and the bases are losing their importance." Muslim Brotherhood is no longer calling the shots in mosques.

Repression and public campaign against the Islamists are convinced many followers that may have been mistaken in his election a year ago. Harders believe that the Muslim Brotherhood there is several options: "back into hiding or returning after a break willing to use violence and to confront it." The third option is the worst and the most dangerous for Egypt: the radicalization of the Islamists.

What does the population?

Harders Cilja perceived in Egypt a strong need for reassurance. "Many believe that the military is capable of writing a constitution reliable." Many also believe to be followed later in the path of democracy, adds Harders. El-Aouni also believes there is reason to believe that Egypt will achieve peace recover "Egyptian society will encourage the process of democratization in the medium term."

"Once you regain security and stability, the State will address economic and social problems," confides the-Aouni who believed then, Egypt will emerge as "a model for the new Arab reality." But there is one big problem to solve: "The role religion should play in politics and public life." This is a task that all political forces should discuss peacefully, because "until that happens, the situation will remain unstable and violence generates more violence," warns Harders. By the same the next goal is to achieve reconciliation. To achieve this, concludes Harders, should be included in the debate to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Between the Syrian conflict and financial market reform: G20

Russian President Vladimir Putin has spared no expense to get the eighth summit of the Group of Twenty (G20), which will be held in St. Petersburg from this Thursday (09/05/2013) - unperturbed. The Constantine Palace, where the event will be well protected from the protesters. Journalists can only get aboard barges, the right to protest in the city has been severely restricted and traffic on its international airport will be suspended between 4 and 6 September.

The only alterations of the established order for the meeting shall be borne by the participants. Although the G20 is defined as an economic forum in which foreign policy has no relevance members was Putin himself who suggested discussing the development of the Syrian crisis and the announcement that the United States intervene militarily in the conflict, with or without a UN mandate. So far it is unclear whether the Russian president will discuss the matter with his U.S. counterpart, Barack Obama.

And the "case Snowden" tangibly has cooled relations between Washington and Moscow. It remains to be seen whether these tensions, that cast its shadow over the appointment of St. Petersburg, will allow members of the G20 closer positions ahead of Syrian civil war. On the other hand, the official points of the agenda are no less flashpoints. Two of them are experiencing turbulence emerging economies like India and Brazil, and the need to combat tax evasion practiced by multinational corporations. In the picture, the conference room of the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg. In the picture, the conference room of the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg.

A mixture of good and bad news

Reducing the national debt-a target set at the 2010 Toronto summit - should be discussed, but so little progress has been made in this area that no one has a deep discussion about it. Germany is the exception; his austerity policy is so severe that their representatives feel the need to be increasingly attending forums such as the G20. The most encouraging aspects of this meeting will be the "development agenda" and the partial balance of financial market reform.

Recalling the conclusions of the summit in South Korea three years ago, the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, recently stressed that the global economy could not function if they were promoting the development of poorer countries. From what the G20 leaders can boast itself to some extent, is of the amendments proposed in London in 2009 to better manage the financial market. According to Martin Faust of the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, has been movement in this area.

"Today, banks are apertrechadas with a stronger equity," Faust said DW, adding, though, that banks remain too big a problem to be solved. If they face difficulties, states and taxpayers will be forced to put his shoulder again for them. "If they acted accordingly, the dimensions of international banks already have been reduced," says the expert of the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

According to Sven Giegold, MEP for the Greens and avowed critic of globalization as it has been promoting financial sector regulation is well underway. However, he also warns that the dangers have not been overcome. The good news is that banks have more capital than before, and the hedge funds are being supervised in the name of transparency. "But the debt is still as excessive as before. The debt bubble is still there and this can lead to undesirable outcomes, "says Giegold. The pending reforms will give much to talk about at the summit in St. Peters-burg.  

Mursi will stand trial for inciting violence in Egypt

Prosecutor decided to submit to a process along with 14 other members of the Muslim Brotherhood. The wave of decisions affecting the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt seems unstoppable. Withholding successive leaders of the movement that ruled Egypt with Mohamed Mursi in the lead up to the July 3, when they were driven from power by a coup, joined this Sunday (01.09.2013) the decision of a prosecutor to submit suing the former president.

 Mursi was accused of committing and inciting violence by the prosecutor Herham Barakat, who is also the former head of state led 14 other members of the Muslim Brotherhood to a Cairo criminal court on charges of "committing acts of inciting violence and killing and bullying, "according to Egyptian state news agency.

These charges relate to the acts of violence that occurred in December 2012 when the opposition took in Cairo against the Islamic regime, after Mursi ignited the wrath of the citizenry to extend its powers. The start date of the trial of Mursi has not yet been decided. Other accusations Mursi also being investigated for his escape from prison during the uprising of 2011 cotra Hosni Mubarak, as well as against him for murder and conspiracy charges with the group Palestinian Hamas during that escape from prison, although in that case no formal charges have been filed so far.

Mursi, the first democratically elected president in Egypt, replaced after a short transition to Hosni Mubarak, who left his post after the protests staged in the context of the "Arab Spring". No embago, lasted just over a year in office until he was removed from office by the military, who have since launched a fierce repression against the Muslim Brotherhood. Security forces have also killed hundreds of supporters of Mursi during protests arising from its fall.

 In turn, the government accused the Brotherhood of committing acts of violence. About 100 members of the security forces have died since August 14, when police used force to break up protest camps pro Mursi in Cairo.

Obama does not want to change the situation in Syria

According to U.S. analyst John Pyke, the U.S. not interested in overthrowing the Assad regime. Given the possibility that Al Qaeda extends the area, Washington prefers to continue the Syrian president.

Deutsche Welle: Whether Assad has used poison gas or not, people wonder why it would do such a thing in a scenario that, in principle, was favorable.

John Pike: That may be true, but he does not see it that way. It has a large army, but most of his soldiers are Sunni. Moreover, a large part of that army politically untrustworthy. Only a little trust officers. And the few Alawites who enjoy his confidence should stay in the barracks to make sure men do not mutiny. It offers little strength to the real combat and, after two years of intense warfare, few people in his circle still has the strength of will to keep fighting. What will happen now? Is this the beginning of the end for Assad? Do not know. But if you really used poison gas on 21 August, we understand why he did it.

Otherwise, it would be very difficult to stop a new attack of this kind. So far, I have not heard a single reason, good or bad, for the behavior of Assad. And if we do not understand why he did something that has rendered the world, we are in a very uncertain. We do not understand how a key figure in this war behaves as it does. Perhaps Assad has noted that Obama does not have a clear line of action in Egypt. It could, therefore, have lost their fear of U.S. and believe they can get away with it to a toxic gas attack. How do you rate Obama's announcement to seek the approval of Congress to an intervention?