Mexico's Calderon says drug gangs threatening democracy

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16027972

Mexico's president believes that the drug cartels' attempts to mainupulate elections is a threat to Democracy and to the country especially. He has propsed to crack down even harder by ordering troops to tackle the cartels. "It's a threat that affects everyone and we must all, without hesitation, move to stop it."

Katina Cuevas
TA John
9:00 AM Friday

Mexico 'stops entry' of Libya's Saadi Gaddafi

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16075043

In this article it states how Saadi Gaddafi tried to sneak in into Mexico, but he was stopped. But he wasn't the only only one, some of his family members were also trying to be smuggled into Mexico and some of them were arrested. It also talks about a criminal ring of "international dimensions", which it involved people from different countries involving Mexico, Denmark, and Canada.

Andres Ortegano

TA Ryan on Fridays @ 10:00 am

IMF releases 2.2 billion euro in aid for Greece

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund on Monday agreed to release a 2.2 billion euro ($2.95 billion) aid disbursement to Greece, part of a three-year IMF-EU bailout package to help the debt-stricken country avoid bankruptcy.

"The executive board of the International Monetary Fund today completed the fifth review of Greece's economic performance under a program supported by a three-year Stand-By Arrangement for Greece," the IMF said in a brief statement.

The disbursement brings to 20.3 billion the sum paid out to Greece so far under the 30 billion euro IMF loan agreed in May last year. It is part of a bigger 110 billion euro rescue package for the country.

The approval of the latest aid tranche followed assurances by Prime Minister Lucas Papademos and his new unity government that the country would stick to terms of a debt reduction deal.

Last week, European leaders approved an 8 billion euro tranche for Greece.

An IMF mission will travel to Athens between December 12 and December 16 for preliminary discussions with the new coalition on economic policies.

I saw this coming, since Greece has been in economic problems for a while now. In my opinion Greece had no other choice but to turn to the IMF-EU. Its good because Greece will be in good economic conditions under the IMF-EU, but its also bad because they have to abide by their rules and economic policies that the IMF has in mind.

Jose Acosta

Maness 10 am

Eurozone crisis: New EU treaty 'may not be needed'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16062378

In this article it it states how they believe they will be able to help the economic troubles that the Eurozone has without a new treaty. Some of the members believe that by amending a few things they will be able to gain more than if they drafted a new treaty and had members sign on again. Members like France are Germany are urging a new treaty and stricter rules for members. The main point is that they would like some important rules to be enforced such as monitoring for those who are bailed out by the EU.

Rocio Clara
TA Ryan

Eurozone crisis: New EU treaty 'may not be needed'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16062378

EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy is saying that there is a possible fast-track "fiscal compact" that does not need ratification by parliaments or national referendums. A protocol will have to amended which requires a national consensus but does not require any major changes to EU treaties. These provisions were found in the interim report:

Each eurozone member's budget deficit should be below 3% of GDP and national debt under 60%

A "golden rule" should be enshrined into national legislation to guarantee a balanced budget in the medium-term

The eurozone bailout fund to be given a banking licence to borrow directly from the European Central Bank

The European Commission to have the power to impose austerity measures automatically on countries which require bailouts

Great Britain still opts out unless safeguards are put up to protect financial interests of London and and for British role in the European single market. Greek debt has been written down by half and many think that the Portuguese, Irish, Spanish, and Italian governments will soon follow. If Greece, Italy and other default on their debts, German and French lenders will lose big. The dilemma is growing very large and needs to be taken care of quick. Heck the European public is far from understanding the issues.

Greece has been living outside its means before it joined the euro. Once it did spending soared and more and more debt piled up. The crisis just seems to go on and for serious action to be taken ratification will have to be made.

Sarvateet Patel

Benthuysen - 11am Friday

Pakistan recalls some troops from posts on Afghan border

After a NATO attack killing almost two dozen troops, Pakistan has withdrawn several soldiers along it’s Afghanistan border. This recall is part of an investigation by Pakistan on the NATO airstrike which killed 24 Pakistani soldiers on November 26. This all comes during heightened tensions between Pakistan and the US in the aftermath of the air strike. Due to a request by Pakistan, the US is vacating an airbase in Pakistan at Islamabad’s request. Withdrawn soldiers will return to their posts after consultations are complete. I think that this response by Pakistan will complicate communication between Pakistani, NATO, and Afghan forces within Afghanistan and was somewhat of a drastic approach.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/06/world/asia/pakistan-nato-fallout/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

Keara McGraw 9am F Maness

Libya authorities 'to disarm Tripoli by 31 December' Residents of the capital want the rebels to lay down their arms Continue reading the main story

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16060966

This article discusses the implications of military disarmament caused by third party deterrence. One of the heads in Trapolli's council has warned rebels that they have until the end of the month to disarm, stop protests, and go back to their normal lives. This was caused by a public outcry to stop the violence. The fact of the matter is that there were no consequences stated within the statement and thus deterrence was not executed. I understand both parties points of view, as one is trying to initiate change while the other is trying to stabilize violence. Overall I believe that change can be enacted through other means, even in the middle east. It has been successful in Libya, and it can in this case.

Qian Wu

Ryan Mannas F 9am

POLS 184