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Putin Claims Right to Intervene in Ukraine -- During his annual live phone-in TV broadcast, President Vladimir Putin of Russia had to field a great many questions about Ukraine. In his answers, the world got an insight into his thinking that does not bode well for peace in the region. He stated that Russia has a right to intervene if things get out of hand in Ukraine before adding he hoped he would not have to exercise that right. While he might have a case given recent developments in international law, it is the Russian government causing the instability. [17 April]
Bloomberg Gunning for NRA with $50 Million -- After 12 years as Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg has decided to continue his participation in the political process by fighting the gun lobby. He has started a group called Everytown for Gun Safety, and he plans to spend $50 million to counteract the political spending of the National Rifle Association. This is what has been missing from the gun safety (formerly gun control) faction. [16 April]
Berlusconi Sentenced to Community Service on Tax Charge -- Former Prime Minister and Italian oligarch Silvio Berlusconi finally received a sentence for his many convictions. This is the first time that the Italian legal system (one can't call it a justice system) has managed to get a sentence pronounced on him. For the crime of tax fraud, the 77-year-old will serve community service for a year. The service will consist of one-half day per week at a retirement home. Sad laughter is the appropriate response [15 April]
Afghan Run-off Will Feature Pro SOFA Candidates -- The Afghan people voted several days ago on whom they wished to succeed the oleaginous Hamid Karzai as their president. As the count comes in, two of the 11 candidates are emerging as contenders for a spot in the run-off, as neither will breach the 50% threshold needed to avoid one. Former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah and former Finance Minister Arshaf Ghani have several differences, but both are likely to back a Status of Forces Agreement that would permit US troops to stay in the country past the end of this year. . [14 April]
Venezuelan Politicians Hold Pointless Talks -- Yesterday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Enrique Capriles, the man he defeated in the most recent election, held six hours of talks on the nation's future. The discussions were forced on Mr. Maduro as the streets remain filled with protesters against the incompetence of his regime, and of his predecessor, Hugo Chavez. The trouble is that neither side really wants to make a deal, just as the parties in the Israeli-Palestinian situation don't want peace. Each wants victory, and as a result, nothing will be accomplished. [11 April]
Copyright 2014 by The Kensington Review, Jeff Myhre, PhD, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Produced using Ubuntu Linux.
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