Falling Markets Welcome New Spanish Leader

The Popular Party of Mariano Rajoy won its biggest majority since the 1970s return to democracy in Spain. The current feeling of many people is whether or not Rajoy will be given enough time to remove the pile of economic problems that Zapatero left behind. There are rising concerns about the viability of the euro, as the main Spanish share index fell in line with other European stock markets. There is an enormous pressure on Rajoy from the financial markets, and it is said that he will "unfortunately have extremely little room to maneuver." The new government will face a recession, a labor market that is continuing to destroy jobs, missed budget deficits targets, a banking sector whose restructuring is clearly far from complete and regions whose financial difficulties are brutal - these are all problems that await Rajoy in a "very difficult European environment."
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/22/world/europe/falling-markets-welcome-new-spanish-leader.html?_r=1&ref=spain

Partido Popular Victory

To basically no one’s surprise the Partido Popular won this election, and they also won an overall majority. Everyone was so sure the Partido Popular was going to win that even the PSOE possible prime minister, Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba´s, campaign message was more about warning against the dangers of an all rightist government as opposed to actually campaigning for his party. Having said that, the Partido Popular basically won off the campaign slogan, ¨Vote for Change¨, a purposefully vague message since Mariano Rajoy is planning on cutting many different spending avenues such as education and health care. In fact, he is planning on cutting so many expenditures that pundits say had he actually revealed everything, he probably would not have won.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2064030/Eurozone-debt-crisis-Spanish-conservatives-declare-victory-General-Election.html

Barcelona riots -iraq war

Strong outroar caused by the relatively high islamic population in spain has lead to protests in Barcelona. USA and spain were very close togethether at the time and spain sent troops to assist USA war. After a spanish Journalist was killed many fled to the streets and demanded that the troops be removed. Also, in this article there was a survey on terrorism and thoughts about it in spain. Link

Occupy eviction

Zuccotti park was cleared out this wednesday by police in riot gear. The protestors will be able to return to the park but will not be able to camp out. The park is open to all for 24 hours but people are prohibitted from sleeping in it.Other occupy movements are also coming attack occupy Dallas is under threat of being pushed out of city hall. Seattle had a crack down on its occupy movement arresting six and pushing out others. UC berkley's demonstration had a strong police pressence as students were cleared from the main office by police . The school claims to support the protest but will not allow people to campout on campus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELkDSwIyRFs

STOMP AROUND AND CARRY A SMALL STICK: CHINA´S NEW "GLOBAL ASSERTIVENESS" RAISES HACKLES, BUT HAS MORE FORM THAN SUBSTANCE

First off, this wikileak has a very funny title, "stomp around and carry a small stick". But anyways, This article explores the feelings that different countries have towards Chinas new aggressive approach to international relations. Many countries are saying that they are having troubles dealing with and doing business with china. The EU has voiced strong opinions about feeling that China has become increasingly more stubborn. Many countries want to work closer with the United States in order to deal with China. I wonder what affect that will really have on dealing with China. One specific example that the leak gives is Japan is having troubles dealing with china over an issue of the East China Sea, with different oil and gas fields. China has repeatedly not followed through with their actions that they agreed upon and has become more intense with their coast guard which has created dangers for the Japanese. People believe that by China taking the approach that they are, they will begin to lose their high status compared to other countries.

The link is here.

Why U.S. Companies Aren't So American Anymore

This article highlights the different effects that globalization is having on America. Many people think that globalization is bad for their country because it has taken away many jobs from americans and given them to immigrants that ask for less pay or because some companies keep all products overseas to avoid paying taxes on them. But what they dont think about is the amount of money that it has brought from the expanding different markets in large growing countries such as China and India. By having markets in different countries, America can now rely on other economies to help build them up instead of only having their own declining economy to work with. This article showed some figures that shocked me. Walmart, a company that started in Arkansas gets 26% of their revenue from overseas. Nike gets 50% of their money from other countries. and the one that shocked me the most, McDonalds, the most american food chain in my mind, gets 66% of their revenue from overseas. I agree that it is good to be able to have help from other countries and rely on their economies as well. But what happens now when all of the economies are starting to tank? Does that mean that those companies tank extra hard?

The article that I read is here .

SPAIN - 2009 COUNTRY REPORTS ON TERRORISM

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In 2009, Spain realized it was a principal target for Islamic terrorist attacks. It continued to confront and suffer from Islamic terrorist attacks and Basque terrorists. Spain maintained in close contact with the US to investigate these acts and prosecute those guilty.
In October, Al Qua'ida in the Islamic Maghreb's (AQTM) named its propaganda unit "al Andalus" which reinforced Spain's concern that the nation remained a primary target. In November, AQTM kidnapped three Spanish aid workers. Spain's geographical location and large immigrant population from North Africa and South Asia, combined with the ease of travel to other European countries, made it a strategic crossroads for international terrorist groups.

http://wikileaks.ch/cable/2009/12/09MADRID1200.html

Australia agrees to US Marine deployment plan

Prime Minister, Julia Gillard of Australia announced at a news conference with President Obama that Australia has agreed to host a full US marine force. Around 250 marines would arrive next year, bringing the total to 2,500 personnel. Obama has said reasons for this include, "stepping up its commitment to the entire Asia-Pacific." However, many see the deployment as a move to counter China's growth and influence. An editorial stated that if "Australia uses its military bases to help the US harm Chinese interests, then Australia itself will be caught in the crossfire." This has been the biggest deployment in Australia since World War II. Obama has said that the employment will permit the US, "to meet the demands of a lot of partners in the region" in terms of training exercises and "security architecture."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15739995

Rising star Kidnapped

A rising MLB star who was a rookie catcher for the Washington Nationals last season was kidnapped last week. His name is Wilson Ramos and he returned back to Venezuela for winter league to play ball. Last week in the middle of the night he was taken out of his mothers house at gun point. Security forces found him in a mountainous region and arrested all suspects. source

Four Spaniards arrested in huge Cocaine Bust

Last Friday Australia’s seized their fifth largest haul of cocaine from four Spaniards, two being residents in Australia. Three hundred kilos of cocaine were taken from a yacht in Bundaberg, Queensland. This haul has a value of about 80 million dollars. They also seized 3 million dollars in cash after searching two addresses in Australia. The next hearing will be on January 12^th and if convicted, these men will face possible life imprisonment.

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_32678.shtml

Foreign Policy in Spain 2 Months before Madrid Bombings

This article was originally written on February 2, 2010. It’s about the meeting between Spanish Chief of Defense, General Jose Julio Rodriguez, and the United States Ambassador. In this meeting they discussed the mission in Afghanistan, U.S access to Spanish military bases, and the changing economy. There is a strong level of support for Obama in the office, to the point where Rodriguez promised additional Spanish troops in Afghanistan even before hearing of Obama’s strategy announcement. The troops were already for deployment and be on the ground by mid March. A key aspect of the strategy in this war is selling it to the people. Spain has realized in order to increase approval for the war they need to change the perception that Afghanistan is “an American war” and Spain, as well as the other 44 countries involved, are invested in the outcome. Lastly, Spain did discuss a bit about their economic troubles and the fact that this would prevent them from making any long term investments into their military future before 2011.

http://wikileaks.ch/cable/2010/02/10MADRID188.html#

Iran's 20% Enrichment Plan

This article was originally written in 2010 and it discussed the senior nuclear expert’s discomfort with Iranian President Amadinejad’s announcement to enrich uranium to 20 percent. With such an increase Carlos Torres, Counselor for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, stated that Iranian nuclear program’s capabilities will increase at an exponential rate and it’s only a matter of time before Iran is capable of making nuclear weapons. He also said that the Revolutionary Guard Corps is the real power behind Ahmadinejad and they could not be trusted to follow typical global law.

http://wikileaks.ch/cable/2010/02/10MADRID191.html#

Popular Party headed toward record victory

New polls released Monday, predict the Popular party will for the first time in 7 years, win the upcoming elections in record fashion. According to the article "A poll by Sigma for centre-right daily El Mundo gave 47.6 percent to the Popular Party and 29.8 percent to the Socialists. Such a result would deliver a historic 198 seats to the Popular Party." It would also give the Popular Party an absolute majority in congress as well as the presidency.As many Spaniards blame the current socialist government for the economic downturn and job crisis, the conservatives will undoubtedly be the winners on Sunday.
http://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/spain-s-right-romps-to-poll-victory-1.1177454

Spain's Immigrant Population

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The economic crisis in Spain has not only effected the native Spanish in regards to finding work, but also immigrants, many who came to Spain in hopes of finding jobs. This has lead to a decreased immigrant population, as word has gotten out job are not as easy to come by, and life not as easy in Spain. Many immigrants from North Africa and Latin America are unable to find work and thus are unable to send much money back to their home country. However despite this, many immigrants find life in Spain much better than life in their home country, and few say they want to go back. The small amount of Euros one makes, can be a significant amount of money in one's home country.

Penn State Scandal continues: Jo-Pa out

The most loved face of college football and holder of most wins was relieved of his dutyyesterday after 61 years as the universities head coach. The university is confronted with a huge cover up scandal that happened in 2002. As stories come out a former coach molested 9-10 boys through his charity program that was suppose to help children in need. As the story surfaces the school president and Paterno did not alert authorities to fullest extent. Many believe tha=ey did not want to stir up the football program. Many students are outraged at the removal of iconic coach. Link

What to do about Iran

Iran's nuclear activities have been identified as coming close to a very "dangerous turning point" according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. The United States face one of two options: either take military action or diplomatic engagement. Military action is seen as being too risky and a small possibility of payoff. U.S.-Iranian diplomacy would expand the negotiating space and facilitate the reaching of agreements. However, Iran insists that its nuclear program is for peaceful civilian purposes. But regardless of that, the U.S. has to create some communication with Iran because right now, the state of the nuclear weapons is very dangerous.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/09/world/meast/iran-nuclear-analysts/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

Poverty Issues in Spain

This is an article I found interesting about poverty in Spain. It is an interview and story with a women and her family who have been effected by the economic downturn in Spain. In addition, it highlights the economic problems in Spain as well as citing statistics representing the crisis. I found it surprising that according to the article, only about a quarter of the population has been effected while the other 3/4 cite no or little change to their day to day lives.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hPmXV9CKZFsvXDnm3P43ONZ9ecHw?docId=CNG.83836e5f1645ca4f109734aee0b1e702.f1

Italy and Their Debt

This article that I found describes the debt and crisis in Italy. They are currently six times more in debt then Greece, with a 1.9 trillion debt. Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi will be stepping down in the very near future. Did you know that Italy is the euros third largest economy? One of the main reasons Italy has found itself in such a huge problem is because with out a new government plan or recovery plan, Italy is having troubles borrowing money to help finance their debt. Italy is really not too sure of where to go from here. Silvio Berlusconi is pushing elections because he is certain his party can win but others are in favor of letting an interim goverment step in and take care of the necessary things that are at risk right now. My huge question is how does one country acquire a 1.9 trillion euro debt? And how in the world does a country recover from that?

The link with a video can be found here.

Italy Becomes Aware of Safe Driving

This wikileak is about Italy's attempt to help prevent reckless driving. Italy is interested in partnering with the united states in their attempts to create more laws to help insure safe driving. Italy has had laws prohibiting driving with a cell phone since 2003 but they feel as if they need to be more strict to decrease the numbers of mortalities and car accidents. The leak relates to a change in an era because they are now trying to spread the word or safe driving to not only the cities but to all of the rural towns as well. They are also trying to pass laws against distracted drivers, which a couple of decades ago would not have been a problem. They are in the process of dealing with texting and driving. They are also suggesting the placement of a "black box" in a car in order to record the events during a reckless driving incident.

This leak was created 2010-02-08

the leak can be found here.

Climate change and emissions

Spain is trying to reduce emissions in thoughts of slowing down climate change. It is trying to rally the EU to cut emissions. Anzar said in Seville convetion that he is shooting for a 20% emissions target for Spain. Spain was very dedicated in the Copenhagen conference and is looking to better society. Spain leaders expressed concerns on how to involve non EU countries into a plan. Link

Spain Supports TFG

Spain has sent out a message that it supports the TFG or the transitional force government in Somalia. While the government of Spain supports the TFG the only real help it has sent to the Tfg is through the African Union. The TFG has been loked in battle with AL Sahabaab for a long period of time and efforts to retake the south have been troubling. With the recent invasion of the Nigerian government along with other African Union troops the recapture of the south seems hopeful once.Spain has put in over 10 million dollars into the African Union and has allocated more than 9 million dollars of the funds to Somalia. Spain is also putting money AMISOM the a program whose goal is to train 8000 foot soldiers to combat the militants in the south and help retake the country. The program hopes to create a stable democracy and through aide from the African Union a resolution does seem possible.
http://wikileaks.ch/cable/2009/08/09MADRID786.html

Juan Carlos's Suspends Agenda after Achilles tendon operation

This was a pretty short article on King Juan Carlos. It just stated that he was suspending his agenda, travel to the Prado in Madrid and the opening of a show in Barcelona, in order to rest after his operation on his Achilles tendon. The official statement from the Royal Household is that there has been no change in the Monarch’s health and that this was just a measure to favor his recovery. Anyway, the main reason I’m bringing it up is because I think it would be interesting to discuss Juan Carlos’s role in Spain and what difficulties would occur when he dies and rule goes to his son.

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_32596.shtml

Zapatero After Winning Presidency in 2004

This article was originally written in June 2004 about the Madrid Bombings and about how Zapatero was still in campaign mode even after winning his presidential elections. This is because he wanted the party to win a victory for Spanish socialists in the European Parliament elections in order to show that his presidency was not a fluke. Possibly because this wikileak is an extract from a longer article, I was unable to find out who this was from and who it was sent to but I think it’s safe to assume the United States sent it since it talks a lot about Spain and United States Relations. Anyway, the reason I’m mentioning this is because the extract when on to say that, since Zapatero really wants the Socialist party to win in the Parliament elections, foreign policy was being put on hold. In essence, Zapatero was waiting until after June 13 to talk about whether or not Spain would send more troops to Iraq or not. He also seemed too afraid to lead the Spanish people and would most likely follow.

http://wikileaks.ch/cable/2004/06/04MADRID2136.html#

Spain's "White Elephants" in Construction

This was originally written on October 5, 2011 but I thought it was quite relevant considering this past week I had just heard about Ryanair cutting flights to and from Alicante Airport. Anyway, this article was about how Spain’s newest airport, Castellon Airport, was created in March at the cost of 150 million euros and has yet to send a plane off its runway. They don’t even have an airport license, possibly due to the clash between the socialist government in power and the conservative run region. It was created during Spain’s construction boom with the promise that it would provide jobs for locals and bring in tourists. Yet in actuality not only has no one ever used that airport, it still doesn’t have an airport license with speculation being that it’s because of the clash between the socialist government and the conservative run region. The article goes on to state that this is the most recent example of infrastructure “white elephants” or huge projects paid for with taxpayer money that helped to show Spain’s economic boom and subsequent bust over wasteful spending. In fact, during the peak of the construction boom, authorities rushed to build more low cost airlines and plan new airports to increase tourism. But currently of the 48 regional commercial airports built in less than 20 years, only 11 of them are profitable.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/spain/8807723/Spains-white-elephants-how-countrys-airports-lie-empty.html

Who is who in ETA

Before ETA was terminated last month it was still a very prominent group in the basqueland. This is an article about the power structure and the leaders of ETA in 2009.Spanish and French authorities arrested 11 of the known leaders over a 7 month span.The name of authority was called the Zuba and usually had 5-11 leaders.It simply explains the hirearchal nature of the group and the new age of leadership. It goes on to tell the history of members such as pastor, Dienteputo and many other leaders whereabouts. Link

Government fixes a "crack" in the system

In the United States a new law has gone into effect limiting the size of the sentence for the drug crack cocaine. The drug sentence has gone down from a sentence of 18 years to a sentence of one. This means that for over 12,000 prisoners currently serving time the doors may open early. All those sentenced are entitled to ask for shorter sentences and have their case heard. This controversy arose over the fact that the sentence for powder cocaine a more aristocratic drug was only one year while crack- cocaine had a sentence of about 18 years. Crack cocaine has often been seen as a lower class drug and a huge injustice in the United States. Of those sentenced the majority of prisoners are African-American and now more then 1,800 are eligible for release immediatly.
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/01/justice/crack-cocaine-sentencing/index.html?hpt=us_c2

Shepherds lead flocks though Madrid

Last Sunday, shepherds lead more than 3000 sheep though the streets of Madrid, in the defense of the free migration rights these shepherds have been guaranteed. Modern Madrid sits right in the middle of migration routes for shepherds to lead their sheep from the cold highlands to graze in warmer parts of Spain for the winter. These routes have existed for over 800 years, and now each fall farmers bring their sheep though the busy streets of Madrid as a preservation of these traditions.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/10/30/MNV81LO9VO.DTL

The Russian Connection

In a meeting in January 15 a prosecutor by the name of Grinda Gonzalez outlined his plan for combating the Russian mob. The plans discussed how to use foriegn aide and the spanish court system to best combat the Euraisan group that operates through multiple boarders. Gonzalez had just finished his investigation and prosecution of Zahkar Kalashov, a thief in law in the Russian Mafia and the highest ranking mafia member arrested outside of Russia.Gonzalez will also lead the charge against the organized crime syndacit arrested in operation Troika. Gonzalez even went so far as to say that Chenya and Russia were both mafia states and that Ukraine was about to become one. The reason is that the activites of the government could not be differentiated from the actions of the Organized crime syndacits.
http://wikileaks.ch/cable/2010/02/10MADRID154.html

40 Kilos of Cocaine Recovered on Ibiza

Two Spaniards and two Argentineans have been arrested on the island of Ibiza. 40 kilos of cocaine was discovered in hydraulic machinery tubes. Another arrest was made in Argentina, due to the cocaine originating there. This case has been under investigation due to police's suspicion that medium scale drug trafficking organizations were working with Argentinean residents to obtain their drugs. One of the individuals was responsible for most of the operation, including the price and amount of the sale, making regular trips to Madrid, where the head of the organization was.

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_32542.shtml

SPAIN CONTINUES TO LEAD HAITI ASSISTANCE EFFORTS

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Spain is the third largest contributor to the Haiti relief effort. After an earthquake on January 12, Spain immediately provided generous support and aid. As of February 19, Spain had sent 26 planes full of humanitarian supplies. They also deployed 450 physicians, nurses and engineers as well as security forces aboard the ship Castilla. It is estimated that Spain's net contribution is 158.861 million Euros (215 million US dollars).
Spain's hospital equipped ship, Castilla, has been very useful in helping with medical needs. It was equipped with 68 beds, surgical equipment, two medical teams, psychological, dental, veterinary, and preventive medicinal services.
Spain has provided additional relief as well. A wide range of assistance, such as material, military, sanitary, economic, private and more was contributed.

http://wikileaks.org/cable/2010/02/10MADRID203.html