Syrian President Bashar Al-Azad has turned a ‘butcher’ by gunning down pro-democracy protestors on a daily basis. Up till now almost two thousands have been brutally killed and the story goes on unabated. Like father like son, it is said. Hafiz Al-Azad, his father was a wicked ruler during whose period, blood baths were common to bring situations under his control.
The genesis of unrest and protests calling for restoring democracy had its origin ever since ‘Arab Spring’ shook North Africa and West Asian nations. First Tunisia where acclaimed ‘Jasmine revolution’ overthrew the reign of Zinu-el-Abidin Bin Ali paving way for a new regime and also after a trial in absentia a court of law put him behind bars where he is paying dearly for the wrong steps taken without reading the pulse of citizens of Tunisia. Then came Egypt where too people rose in revolt against Hosni Mubarak who ruled Egypt like a Sultan suppressing rebellions one by one without heeding the cries for ending corruption, unemployment on a large scale, sky-high prices of essential commodities making life difficult for the masses. He amassed huge wealth and remitted abroad, led a life of pomp and pageantry for more than three decades.
The Jasmine revolution in Tunisia acted as a catalyst and drawing inspiration from it then masses rose in revolt against the dictatorship of Mubarak and they grouped at Tahrir Square in thousands for 18 days in succession defying bullets, finally forcing him to flee. As of now an ailing Mubarak is facing trial for his wrong deeds of the past. True in the present regime the military holds the key and the atmosphere remains fluid. The rebellion spread to Libya where Muammar Qaddafi is fighting a losing battle with the NATO forces and the rebels. It is nobody’s argument that the man is fighting with his back to the wall suffering loss of lives in his family as also several confidents deserting him and fleeing abroad. It is reported in today’s newspapers that he has lost one of his sons Khamis a wicked commander (unconfirmed) during the NATO strike.
Back to Syria, Bashar-Al-Azad of late has permitted formation of political parties in addition to the ruling B’ath party. The pro-democracy protestors are least satisfied with the too late declaration and they demand nothing short of democracy in other words the dethroning of Mr.Azad.
Like Qaddafi, Azad too is fighting with his back to the wall and it is anybody’s guess that how long he will continue in his present position. The only relief he draws is the friendship with Iran, Lebanon and Turkey. Instead of directly interfering they would prefer to extend outside support. As long as the internal turmoil is mounting day by day he will however find it a tedious task pulling on.
Turkey in the firm grip of Erdogan
With the resignation of military top brass from their positions as also the arrest of about 30 military personnel the power structure in Turkey has entirely changed for the better. It was Erdogan’s long cherished dream that military’s strong grip ever the country be loosened and bring in political Islam instead of a secular Turkey as envisaged by the military. His three successive wins in the elections made him more and more stronger and popular in Turkey. Popular because his AK party (Justice and Development party) could provide a better rule to the satisfaction of the masses. Unprecedented economic growth of Turkey made it one of the focal points of world nations.
However his strong ambition of joining the European Union is not much heard now perhaps because of the economic recession gripping the entire European nations. Instead, it is reported that his attention has turned towards the West Asian nations like Iran, Lebanon and even Israel for the betterment of relations.
Now with the military donning a secondary role, Erdogan has emerged stronger and observers expect radical reforms all to the bright future of the country.
US Economy in doldrums
Immediately after Barack Obama, US President caved in to the pressure of Republicans and reached a settlement it was conclusion foretold that US is on the path to the worst recession. The noted economist Paul Krugman predicted a grim scenario of US economy as soon as Obama surrendered to the dictates of Republican party. To arrive at a debt ceiling settlement the Republicans demanded their pound of flesh in the form of massive spending cuts. Krugman stated in no uncertain terms that Obama should not have surrendered to the pressures of Republicans instead he could have presented the true picture of the situation before the discerning public of US. Krugman had suggested legal procedures which too Obama didn’t follow or could have bargained by Obama in May itself and that it too didn’t happen.
Now that Standard and Poor, the International credit rating agency has for the first time in the history of US downgraded AAA to AA+ sending shockwaves through the stock markets with the stock markets nose diving not only in US but it reflected in other countries too. Even Indian stock market too plummeted sending the investors panicky.
Not only US, the entire Eurozone is in the grip of recession and to overcome US-Eurozone recession, G7 countries are going to meet and deliberate upon the steps needed to wriggle out of the crisis. Further downgrading of credit rating from AA+ to AA is feared if immediate measures are not adopted. Furthermore other international credit rating agencies like Moody’s and Fitch also watch the situation seriously and hinted at downgrading AAA.
Other countries like China and Switzerland are also observing the grim situation and as a result of America plunging into recession crude oil prices in the international market have fallen down. Add to this investors have turned towards gold purchases resulting in steep hike in prices of gold in the international market. Since economy is globally integrated it could immediately affect other nations simultaneously.
Barack Obama’s face saving formula has landed not only him but the entire US in trouble in no time. And the last laugh is that of the Republicans. Massive spending cuts demanded by them and agreed to by Obama has forced the US govt to adopt austerity measures which could lead to several repercussions on various fronts like Medicaid, social sector and salary to be paid to federal works besides many other sectors.
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