Apparently the rioters in France are about to form a union and will soon be limited to wreaking mayhem 32 hours per week.
Monthly Archives: November 2005
Bloggers *in* Paris riots!
Below, David asked about Bloggers who contributed to our common attempts to understand what is happening in France, and possibly elsewhere in Europe, and why it is happening. But it seems, some Bloggers have been contributing a little too much: No pasaran! and Loic LeMeur link to a Reuters report (in French) stating that three bloggers have been arrested for using their blogs to incite people to participate in riots
I guess that’s a first.
Scott into the breach
Well, I don’t read or speak French, have probably spent less than 30 days in France in my entire life, and I don’t tend to follow French politics much. But what the heck, here I go.
Of leading French politicians, it seems Nicolas Sarkozy has actually made one of the stronger efforts to reach out to the Muslim community…
Continue reading
Elections in Azerbaijan
The Head Heeb on the Azerbaijan elections
“This seems to be one of the many recent cases where the government stole an election that it didn’t really have to steal, and ended up with a victory that was large but tainted rather than narrow but clear.”
Also: BBC.
Bloggers on the Paris riots?
We would like to be the go-to blog for all things European and political, but we’re obviously not quite there yet (to my great annoyance). There’s little point in commenting if you can’t add anything to what the mainstream media is already offering, and we don’t necessarily have any special expertise or insight here. We also have work to do. I for example maybe have something to say, but hardly something so valuable that I can ignore tomorrow’s deadline.
Anyway, I’m wondering if anyone know any francophone or especially anglophone blogs or websites that does provide quality coverage of the riots, and does compliment the MSM?
I will say ( through gritted teeth) that our leftwing counterpart European Tribune does add value here, though I find some wrongheadedness in their takes on the riots (wish I had time to elaborate).
And the Wikipedia article is better as a primer and summation of the facts than any newpaper article.
Sarkozy into the breach
From a July profile on Nicolas Sarkozy in Foreign Policy:
Stéphane Rozès of the polling institute CSA compares Sarkozy to Napoleon during the famous Arcole bridge battle, in which Napoleon charged ahead urging his soldiers to trust him despite not knowing what was on the other side. “Sarkozy charges ahead, begs his supporters to follow him and defy adversity but he does not tell them what lies ahead,†says Rozès. “In his mind, the movement creates the destination.â€
Discuss…
More bad news for French people
The Head Heeb: A murder in Cote d’Ivoire
“While unsuccessful attempts continue to break Cote d’Ivoire’s political deadlock, the latest scandal to arise concerns the murder of a local gang leader by French peacekeepers”
Jonathan’s conclusion:
“Absent a political solution in Cote d’Ivoire, however, it is unlikely that this will be the last or only such case. The French are being dragged, unwillingly but inexorably, toward the point where peacekeeping becomes occupation.”
Buried lead?
Saturday over at European Tribune says:
In the past few days, everyone talked about Franz Müntefering’s resignation as SPD chairman. I did, too. That is why I nearly missed one of the most important news in German politics for months (or maybe even years):
SPD and CDU/CSU have agreed on the most contentious points of federal reform. Federal reform will be the first big reform project of the coming grand coalition.
Bosnian protectorate
Can an Iron Fist Put Power in Bosnia’s Hands? – New York Times
“There is a growing consensus that Paddy Ashdown, Bosnia’s high representative, may be doing as much harm as good by holding back the development of democracy.”
This line of criticism has been put forward by some at least since Bildt was succeeded by the spaniard in 97, but naturally become more widespread and vocal over time. It hitting the NYT online frontpage may be a sign of some kind of turning point.
As for the the substance, the criticism souds sensible, but I don’t have any strong opinion. Curious what the Dougs and Brussels Gonzo think.
Orange Update
In late October, Ukraine re-privatized its Kryvorizhstal steel works in a live auction watched, apparently, by millions on television. The action was a reversal of the privatization that had taken place under the previous government. The old sale would have brought in $800 million. The new sale, to Mittal Steel Germany GmbH, will net $4.8 billion. Broadcasting the auction was a clear sign of transparency, a way of bringing crucial deals out of the back rooms and away from suspicion.
As the Wall Street Journal Europe noted on October 26, that sum is 20 percent of Ukraine’s annual budget. The sale increased total foreign investment in Ukraine since independence in 1991 by 50 percent.
Ukraine still has a long way to go to live up to the ideals of the Orange Revolution, and old structures are hard to root out. But this sale is one of a number of positive signs. Here’s hoping for more, as the first anniversary of the revolution approaches.