Asia in general, and China in particular: The pressure in Asia is starting to show, beginning with South Korea. But anecdotal reports out of China also show the ratcheting of pressure. We have reports of plant closures due partly to informal taxes for earthquake relief imposed by the government and partly to the business environment. [...]

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Since the late 1990s, there has been a flood of research on natural resources and civil war. This article reviews 14 recent cross-national econometric studies, and many qualitative studies, that cast light on the relationship between natural resources and civil war. It suggests that collectively they imply four underlying regularities: first, oil increases the likelihood [...]

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Speak fraternally but carry a stick. Is there a new arms race—or just overdue retooling of armies?
Even as its leaders talk, Latin America is re-arming—or rather some South American countries are. In the broader region, including Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, total defence spending shot up to $38 billion in 2007 from $25 billion [...]

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If you’re new to 1913 Intel then welcome. Thanks for coming.
You’ve probably noticed that I’ve been focusing on YouTube videos more and more in the last few weeks. Generally, I post articles then later go back and try to add YouTube videos for each article. I like watching the videos myself, so hopefully you’ll [...]

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It’s an issue the Liberal govenrment of Ontario, led by Premier Dalton McGuinty, doesn’t want to deal with — polygamy in the Muslim community. Last week the Toronto Star told the story of Safa Rigby, a 35-year-old mother of five children who recently learned her husband of 14 years had two other wives. Ms. Rigby’s [...]

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Thousands of Chinese children died in the Sichuan earthquake when poorly constructed schools collapsed on top of them. Now, grief-stricken parents are demanding a reckoning.
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Video: China earthquake: Angry parents protest collapse of China’s School

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