World’s Weekly Blue Streak
October 10, 2008TOP STORIES
World Court to Rule on Kosovo
Serbia Busts America
October 10, 2008: SERBIA- Serbia has made the unusual move of appealing to the International Court of Justice in reviewing Kosovo’s independence. Besides the large number of abstainers, 77 countries in the United Nations voted for the review and 6 against, with the United States planted firmly in the latter party. Serbia has viewed the ruling as a major success, streaming local headlines such as “Serbia Busts America” and a “Great Diplomatic Victory.” Regardless of whether the case actually makes it to World Court, the plea is a clever move by Serbia to buy time while the newly installed pro-western government attempts to join the European Union. The British Ambassador is quoted as saying that even a positive verdict would be “advisory, and couldn’t influence Kosovo’s independence.” However, regardless of the court’s decision, Serbia could claim international cover–making the ruling a win-win situation for Belgrade.
A Constitutional Coup?
The perpetually cheerful President Victor Yushchenko
October 10, 2008: UKRAINE- Wednesday evening, Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko dissolved the parliament and called for immediate elections in December. According to the Ukrainian constitution, the President can exercise this right if parliament fails to form a ruling coalition within 30 days. This will be the country’s third elections in less than three years, and demonstrates the growing divide between President Yushchenko and his pro-Russia rival, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. The previous pro-Western coalition dissolved on September 3, after Yushchenko’s bloc withdrew from the alliance with Tymoshenko on the grounds that the Prime Minister’s call for reduction of presidential powers amounted to a “constitutional coup.” Tensions between the former allies are likely to get worse—the two are predicted to both run for president in 2010. And we all know that there is nothing like a presidential race to stir up friendship and level headed thinking.
Click here for related article
WEEKLY BRIEFS (Not Boxers)
The future looks grim for Afghanistan as a newly released report argues the Afghan government will be unlikely to stop the rise of the Taliban.
Anti-government protestors in Thailand are victorious in court when charges of treason are dropped against nine major protest leaders.
Somali Pirates are expected to receive a negotiated 8 million dollar ransom, meaning they can vacate the waters and order some filet mignon.
A Russian scientist is under investigation for possibly helping Iran conduct nuclear tests.
And finally, George Bush’s approval rating has plummeted to a new low of 25%, a whopping 1% higher than Richard Nixon the month before he resigned. Truman better watch his back.
