Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki called for German companies to take a greater interest in his country. Despite a German-Iraqi still being held hostage, the security situation in Iraq has dramatically improved, he said. Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told the German mass-market daily Bild on Tuesday, Feb. 17, that it would be "excellent if (German firms) would take on a greater role in the reconstruction" of his country, adding that it was "the perfect time for foreign investment" in Iraq. He said his country wants to "build good relationships and true friendship with Germany and Europe," and added that he was "hoping for political as well as economic cooperation." Germany has contributed to the training and equipping of the Iraqi army and police forces, and, al-Maliki said, German companies have made agreements with the Iraqi government to participate in the reconstruction of Iraq's rail network.
Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told the German mass-market daily Bild on Tuesday, Feb. 17, that it would be "excellent if (German firms) would take on a greater role in the reconstruction" of his country, adding that it was "the perfect time for foreign investment" in Iraq.
He said his country wants to "build good relationships and true friendship with Germany and Europe," and added that he was "hoping for political as well as economic cooperation."
Germany has contributed to the training and equipping of the Iraqi army and police forces, and, al-Maliki said, German companies have made agreements with the Iraqi government to participate in the reconstruction of Iraq's rail network.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier landed in Baghdad on Tuesday for the first visit to Iraq by a German foreign minister in 22 years. The gesture underscores a significant shift in Germany's policies toward the war-torn country. In the end, the only real surprise was the timing: On Tuesday morning, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier landed at the Baghdad International Airport. SPIEGEL reported back in November that Steinmeier, who is running against Chancellor Angela Merkel in general elections scheduled for September, was interested in visiting the Iraqi capital. And his objective is clear: He wants to put an end once and for all to the extended German-American quarrel regarding the Iraq War. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier (left) arrived in Baghdad on Tuesday, where he was greeted by his Iraqi counterpart Hoshiyar Zebari. Steinmeier's plane -- a Transall belonging to the German military -- touched down at 9:15 a.m., arriving from Amman, Jordan where he had spent the night. It was the first Iraq visit by a German foreign minister in 22 years. The foreign minister isn't alone. Along with the standard team of diplomats and journalists, Steinmeier is accompanied by veteran members of the German parliament Otto Schily and Peter Gauweiler along with a handful of business representatives. An impressive team of security personnel also made the trip.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier landed in Baghdad on Tuesday for the first visit to Iraq by a German foreign minister in 22 years. The gesture underscores a significant shift in Germany's policies toward the war-torn country.
In the end, the only real surprise was the timing: On Tuesday morning, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier landed at the Baghdad International Airport. SPIEGEL reported back in November that Steinmeier, who is running against Chancellor Angela Merkel in general elections scheduled for September, was interested in visiting the Iraqi capital. And his objective is clear: He wants to put an end once and for all to the extended German-American quarrel regarding the Iraq War.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier (left) arrived in Baghdad on Tuesday, where he was greeted by his Iraqi counterpart Hoshiyar Zebari. Steinmeier's plane -- a Transall belonging to the German military -- touched down at 9:15 a.m., arriving from Amman, Jordan where he had spent the night. It was the first Iraq visit by a German foreign minister in 22 years.
The foreign minister isn't alone. Along with the standard team of diplomats and journalists, Steinmeier is accompanied by veteran members of the German parliament Otto Schily and Peter Gauweiler along with a handful of business representatives. An impressive team of security personnel also made the trip.
Israel has launched a covert war against Iran as an alternative to direct military strikes against Tehran's nuclear programme, US intelligence sources have revealed. It is using hitmen, sabotage, front companies and double agents to disrupt the regime's illicit weapons project, the experts say. The most dramatic element of the "decapitation" programme is the planned assassination of top figures involved in Iran's atomic operations. Despite fears in Israel and the US that Iran is approaching the point of no return in its ability to build atom bomb, Israeli officials are aware of the change in mood in Washington since President Barack Obama took office. They privately acknowledge the new US administration is unlikely to sanction an air attack on Iran's nuclear installations and Mr Obama's offer to extend a hand of peace to Tehran puts any direct military action beyond reach for now.
It is using hitmen, sabotage, front companies and double agents to disrupt the regime's illicit weapons project, the experts say.
The most dramatic element of the "decapitation" programme is the planned assassination of top figures involved in Iran's atomic operations.
Despite fears in Israel and the US that Iran is approaching the point of no return in its ability to build atom bomb, Israeli officials are aware of the change in mood in Washington since President Barack Obama took office.
They privately acknowledge the new US administration is unlikely to sanction an air attack on Iran's nuclear installations and Mr Obama's offer to extend a hand of peace to Tehran puts any direct military action beyond reach for now.
Iran's defence minister is holding talks with his Russian counterpart in Moscow over strengthening military ties, amid speculation Tehran is pushing Moscow to supply it with air defence missiles. Mostafa Najar and Anatoly Serdyukov were set to discuss "current and future questions about bilateral military relations," Russia's defence military said. "I hope that this visit will lead to long-term development of relations in military co-operation, security and the strengthening of security in the region and around the world," Najar said. Russian newspapers have reported that Najar is urging Moscow to fulfil a contract for the delivery of Russia S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Iran. "It is not ruled out that during the talks the Iranian side will raise the question about fulfilling a contract for the delivery of the S-300," the Interfax news agency quoted a military source as saying.
Iran's defence minister is holding talks with his Russian counterpart in Moscow over strengthening military ties, amid speculation Tehran is pushing Moscow to supply it with air defence missiles.
Mostafa Najar and Anatoly Serdyukov were set to discuss "current and future questions about bilateral military relations," Russia's defence military said.
"I hope that this visit will lead to long-term development of relations in military co-operation, security and the strengthening of security in the region and around the world," Najar said.
Russian newspapers have reported that Najar is urging Moscow to fulfil a contract for the delivery of Russia S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Iran.
"It is not ruled out that during the talks the Iranian side will raise the question about fulfilling a contract for the delivery of the S-300," the Interfax news agency quoted a military source as saying.
An emboldened Hugo Chávez vowed to speed up "the construction of true socialism" in Venezuela after winning the right to stand for reelection indefinitely - a measure that opponents say puts the country on the path to dictatorship. The President told ecstatic supporters that his decisive victory in a referendum on removing term limits had smashed the barriers to a permanent socialist revolution in Venezuela, one of the world's largest oil producers. To chants of "Chávez will not go" from a crowd gathered outside Miraflores Palace in Caracas, the President vowed to stand in the next elections in 2013 and beyond. "Unless God decides otherwise, unless the people decide otherwise, this soldier is already a candidate," Mr Chávez declared.
An emboldened Hugo Chávez vowed to speed up "the construction of true socialism" in Venezuela after winning the right to stand for reelection indefinitely - a measure that opponents say puts the country on the path to dictatorship.
The President told ecstatic supporters that his decisive victory in a referendum on removing term limits had smashed the barriers to a permanent socialist revolution in Venezuela, one of the world's largest oil producers.
To chants of "Chávez will not go" from a crowd gathered outside Miraflores Palace in Caracas, the President vowed to stand in the next elections in 2013 and beyond. "Unless God decides otherwise, unless the people decide otherwise, this soldier is already a candidate," Mr Chávez declared.
CARACAS, Venezuela: When voters abolished term limits for President Hugo Chávez over the weekend, they handed him a long-sought victory, one that could easily embolden him to step up his socialist-inspired visions for his country. And yet, major obstacles to that revolutionary dream lie ahead, in the form of sagging prices for the country's oil and a sizable opposition whose strength is not eroding. Chávez, a consummate political survivor, even reflected this in his victory speech, focusing on more mundane tasks like improving government efficiency and combating violent crime, as if acknowledging the criticism leveled at him during the campaign and the limitations likely to be imposed on any grand plans for the time being. "This is a victory even for those who voted 'No,' " Chávez said Sunday night, in a nod to the country's opposition. "He was in effect saying that in the immediate future, the government will not push further radicalization," said Steve Ellner, a political scientist at Venezuela's Oriente University. "Lower oil prices undoubtedly influence Chávez's decision to follow a more cautious approach."
CARACAS, Venezuela: When voters abolished term limits for President Hugo Chávez over the weekend, they handed him a long-sought victory, one that could easily embolden him to step up his socialist-inspired visions for his country.
And yet, major obstacles to that revolutionary dream lie ahead, in the form of sagging prices for the country's oil and a sizable opposition whose strength is not eroding. Chávez, a consummate political survivor, even reflected this in his victory speech, focusing on more mundane tasks like improving government efficiency and combating violent crime, as if acknowledging the criticism leveled at him during the campaign and the limitations likely to be imposed on any grand plans for the time being.
"This is a victory even for those who voted 'No,' " Chávez said Sunday night, in a nod to the country's opposition.
"He was in effect saying that in the immediate future, the government will not push further radicalization," said Steve Ellner, a political scientist at Venezuela's Oriente University. "Lower oil prices undoubtedly influence Chávez's decision to follow a more cautious approach."
The number of civilians killed in the conflict in Afghanistan rose 39% last year, the United Nations says. Militants were to blame for 55% of the 2,118 civilian deaths, while US, Nato and Afghan forces were responsible for 39%, according to the UN report. Civilian casualties have increased despite repeated pledges by US-led forces to reduce civilian deaths. The data came as a US Congress-funded think tank said it was unlikely the US and Nato would defeat insurgents. The Institute of Peace called for new forces deployed in the country to be used to train Afghan security forces.
The number of civilians killed in the conflict in Afghanistan rose 39% last year, the United Nations says.
Militants were to blame for 55% of the 2,118 civilian deaths, while US, Nato and Afghan forces were responsible for 39%, according to the UN report.
Civilian casualties have increased despite repeated pledges by US-led forces to reduce civilian deaths.
The data came as a US Congress-funded think tank said it was unlikely the US and Nato would defeat insurgents.
The Institute of Peace called for new forces deployed in the country to be used to train Afghan security forces.
Defense officials say Obama approves several thousand new troops for Afghanistan warDefense and congressional officials say President Barack Obama has approved an increase in U.S. forces for the flagging war in Afghanistan. The Obama administration is expected to announce on Tuesday or Wednesday that it will send one additional Army brigade and an unknown number of Marines to Afghanistan this spring. One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the total is about 17,000 troops.
Defense and congressional officials say President Barack Obama has approved an increase in U.S. forces for the flagging war in Afghanistan. The Obama administration is expected to announce on Tuesday or Wednesday that it will send one additional Army brigade and an unknown number of Marines to Afghanistan this spring. One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the total is about 17,000 troops.
Obama said in a statement released by the White House that he approved a request for the additional soldiers and Marines made by Defense Secretary Robert Gates and military commanders. "This increase is necessary to stabilize a deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, which has not received the strategic attention, direction and resources it urgently requires," Obama said in the statement. ... The U.S. has 37,000 troops in Afghanistan now. Army General David McKiernan, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, asked for as many as 30,000 more over the next year to beat back a renewed Taliban insurgency. Insurgent attacks in Afghanistan rose last year to the highest level since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001. ... There are about 32,000 troops from other North Atlantic Treaty Organization members in Afghanistan, in addition to the U.S. forces. The U.S. is pressing NATO allies to add military and civilian resources there this year.
"This increase is necessary to stabilize a deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, which has not received the strategic attention, direction and resources it urgently requires," Obama said in the statement. ...
The U.S. has 37,000 troops in Afghanistan now. Army General David McKiernan, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, asked for as many as 30,000 more over the next year to beat back a renewed Taliban insurgency. Insurgent attacks in Afghanistan rose last year to the highest level since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001. ...
There are about 32,000 troops from other North Atlantic Treaty Organization members in Afghanistan, in addition to the U.S. forces. The U.S. is pressing NATO allies to add military and civilian resources there this year.
A UN-backed tribunal in Cambodia has begun the first ever war crimes trial of a Khmer Rouge leader, 30 years after the fall of the regime. Kaing Guek Eav, better known as Duch, appeared in front of a court in the capital Phnom Penh for initial procedural hearings on Tuesday morning. Duch, 65, is accused of murder, torture, rape and persecution, and faces life imprisonment if convicted. Cambodia does not have a death sentence. Shielded by a bullet-proof screen to prevent physical attacks against him, Duch did not speak publicly throughout the court's opening session. He had been driven to the court from a nearby villa where he is being held with four other Khmer Rouge leaders, who will each face trial later this year.
A UN-backed tribunal in Cambodia has begun the first ever war crimes trial of a Khmer Rouge leader, 30 years after the fall of the regime.
Kaing Guek Eav, better known as Duch, appeared in front of a court in the capital Phnom Penh for initial procedural hearings on Tuesday morning.
Duch, 65, is accused of murder, torture, rape and persecution, and faces life imprisonment if convicted. Cambodia does not have a death sentence.
Shielded by a bullet-proof screen to prevent physical attacks against him, Duch did not speak publicly throughout the court's opening session.
He had been driven to the court from a nearby villa where he is being held with four other Khmer Rouge leaders, who will each face trial later this year.
The Catholic News Agency confirmed Monday that Pelosi (D-Calif.) is to meet Wednesday with Pope Benedict XVI, who has said supporters of abortion rights should not receive Communion. Pelosi, a staunch supporter of abortion rights, is on an official trip to Italy. The news agency said there have been contradictory reports about whether the Pope would receive her. The agency said the Vatican's press office confirmed today that the audience would take place Wednesday. The Vatican reportedly made clear that the Pope is meeting with her as a head of state, since she is third in line to the presidency. ... In April, Pelosi received Communion in a service during the Pope's visit to Washington, though she did not receive it directly from the Pope. She said she felt very comfortable taking communion during the mass, despite her difference "Communion is the body of the people of the church coming together," Pelosi said at her weekly news conference after returning from the mass. "I feel very much a part of that."
Pelosi, a staunch supporter of abortion rights, is on an official trip to Italy. The news agency said there have been contradictory reports about whether the Pope would receive her. The agency said the Vatican's press office confirmed today that the audience would take place Wednesday. The Vatican reportedly made clear that the Pope is meeting with her as a head of state, since she is third in line to the presidency. ...
In April, Pelosi received Communion in a service during the Pope's visit to Washington, though she did not receive it directly from the Pope. She said she felt very comfortable taking communion during the mass, despite her difference
"Communion is the body of the people of the church coming together," Pelosi said at her weekly news conference after returning from the mass. "I feel very much a part of that."
To help meet customer needs and increased federal fuel economy standards, Chrysler plans 24 vehicle launches in 48 months, and announced electric technology as a primary strategy for developing fuel-efficient, low emission vehicles, including an electric-drive vehicle in 2010. The viability plan shows compliance with current federal fuel economy requirements as set fort in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Going forward, Chrysler supports the development of a uniform national standard that reflects the input of all constituents. ... Chrysler has sign a non-binding agreement to pursue a strategic alliance with Fiat that represents significant strategic and financial benefits to stakefolders. ...The proposed Fiat Alliance would enhance Chrysler's viability plan and would provide the Company with access to competitive fuel-efficient platforms, distribution capabilities in key growth markets and substantial cost-saving opportunities.... [W]e will require incremental financial support to continue our orderly and effective restructuring and are therefore now seeking an incremental $2 billion in addition to the remaining $3 billion that was within the scope of our original December 2 [2008] plan submission. ... Restructuring Actions ... Management Concessions Chrysler will fully comply with the restrictions established under section 111 of EESA [Bailout Bill, Oct 2008] relative to executive privileges and compensation. In addition, the Company has suspended the 401k match, incentive bonuses, merit increases and has eliminated retiree life insurance benefits. ...
Chrysler has sign a non-binding agreement to pursue a strategic alliance with Fiat that represents significant strategic and financial benefits to stakefolders. ...The proposed Fiat Alliance would enhance Chrysler's viability plan and would provide the Company with access to competitive fuel-efficient platforms, distribution capabilities in key growth markets and substantial cost-saving opportunities....
[W]e will require incremental financial support to continue our orderly and effective restructuring and are therefore now seeking an incremental $2 billion in addition to the remaining $3 billion that was within the scope of our original December 2 [2008] plan submission. ...
Restructuring Actions ...
Management Concessions Chrysler will fully comply with the restrictions established under section 111 of EESA [Bailout Bill, Oct 2008] relative to executive privileges and compensation. In addition, the Company has suspended the 401k match, incentive bonuses, merit increases and has eliminated retiree life insurance benefits. ...
Reportedly, GM is soliciting $16.6B more from US Treasury and predicts profitiability in 24 months. pdf, "2009-2014 Restructuring Plan," (117pp) "as required under section 7.20 of the Loan and Security Agreement Between General Motors and the US Department of the Treasury Dated December 31, 2008".
Contents of interest --
General Motors is also investing significantly in hybrid and plug-in vehicles for both cars and trucks and offers 9 hybrid models in 2009 ...a number which will increase to 14 models in 2012 and 26 models in 2014. The Chevrolet Volt is included in this count, as are two additional models sharing the Volt's extended range electric vehicle (EREV) technology. ...One item of particular note is the Company's announcement on January 12, 2009 to construct a new manufacturing facility in the United States to build Lithium-Ion battery packs for the Chevrolet Volt. ...The Company has already submitted two Section 136 [Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007] applications to the Department of Energy in support of various 'advance technology' vehicle programs ... These two requests combined total $8.4 billion, and a third application is planned for submission by March 31, 2009.
I don't think that a solution where the US government puts in money that is used to prop up foreign divisions (the European divisions were profitable, but now everything is operating at a loss) is going to be politically viable.
And GM has the nuclear option to play. Give us money or we close our factories and take the machines back to the US. With global auto demand down substantially, there's a real argument to make the cuts overseas.
Not to mention, that machinery located at Opel and Vauxhall plants could be shipped to the US and save an enormous amount of retooling costs that the company will have to deal with if existing machines are retooled instead of bringing machines that have already been put through their paces back to the home market, to secure the future of the company in the US. And I'll give my consent to any government that does not deny a man a living wage-Billy Bragg
It certainly seems that GM is playing a game of pattern negotiation here.
Great observation. The strategic advantages of transnational incorporation over geographic incorporation of stakeholders know no boundaries. The securities owners of the holding company --consolidated revenues-- are everywhere. Driving the perceived value of a company's "nationalization" and industry consolidation.
there's a real argument to make the cuts overseas.
Looks like rationalizing [read: reducing number of] GM assets --P&E by brand rather than regional revenue shares-- in order to satisfy equity- and bondholders' demand for profitability [read: uninterrupted interest payments] amounts to holding hostage employment guarantees by brand.This makes politically motivated counter offers to assure so-called social benefits of "nationalizating" a global enterprise difficult to quantify. Meanwhile, FRB handed GMAC a bank charter -- all the more reason to unwind GM manufacturing.
viz. SAIC, Saab, Opel, Saturn and HUMMER (no love lost there).
machinery located at Opel and Vauxhall plants could be shipped to the US and save an enormous amount of retooling costs ...to secure the future of the company in the US.
Not likely. GM will abandon that P&E. Although I haven't read the plans entirely, both GM and Chrysler explicitly tie existing covenants and new financing to launch of 'advanced technology', i.e. hybrid and plug-in EVs, multiple new make and models by 2012, and Li-Ni batteries. Ha.
US Treasury source: GM (117pp), Chrysler (177pp) Diversity is the key to economic and political evolution.
And I'll give my consent to any government that does not deny a man a living wage-Billy Bragg
I won't argue placing Phill Gramm at #1, although I would prefer to see Alan Greenspan, (#17,) in that spot. I am dismayed to find Milton Friedman, Ronald Reagan and G.H.W. Bush absent from their top 25. As enablers and promoters of deregulation and neo-classical economics I rank them above the heads of Wall Street firms that took "advantage" of the de-regulation they facilitated.
I am glad to see such discussion started in the MSM. As the Dutch said while fighting the Spanish: "It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."
The Israel Defense Forces said Tuesday that Hamas has commandeered a large cache of unexploded weapons fired by Israel into the Gaza Strip during its offensive last month. The cache had disappeared while under guard by Hamas officials. United Nations experts had planned to dispose safely of the stockpile, which includes aircraft bombs and white phosphorous shells
The cache had disappeared while under guard by Hamas officials. United Nations experts had planned to dispose safely of the stockpile, which includes aircraft bombs and white phosphorous shells
