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World briefs |
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Russian Presidential election – Putin to become PM: Russia’s 101 million voters cast their votes on March 2 to elect a new President in place of Vladimir Putin. Putin’s protégé who is the First Deputy Prime minister in his Government, Dmitry Medvedev [42], is certain to win. Putin who presided over Russia’s longest economic boom in a generation in all likelihood will become Prime Minister – as a way of preserving stability. Putin, 55, who steps down in May, is expected to keep his hands on the levers of power by becoming Prime Minister. Putin cannot stay on as President as the Constitution bars him from serving three consecutive terms. Some Kremlin watchers have described it as a dream team, Putin moving into the Prime Minister’s job and his protégé Medvedev taking over as Head of State. But, many observers say a breakdown in the working relationship between the two men could destroy the stability the arrangement is supposed to safeguard. Putin is Medvedev’s mentor, but as Prime Minister he will be in a junior role answering to a younger man who has for years been in his shadow. It is especially unusual for Russia with its tradition – enforced by Putin in his eight years in office - of strong leaders who do not welcome rivals for their power.
Thailand – Thaksin returns home: Ousted Thai Premier Thaksin Shinawatra flew home to an ecstatic welcome from thousands of supporters on Feb 28 ending nearly one-and-a-half years of self-imposed exile. He will face corruption charges filed by the military regime that deposed him in a bloodless September 2006 coup. The graft cases date back to 2003 when he was accused of using his influence as Premier to win a sweetheart property deal for his wife and making fraudulent filings to securities regulators in the listing of a property company. He and his wife, Pojaman, could each face up to 15 years in prison if convicted on all charges in both cases. Thaksin insisted the graft charges were politically motivated. Observers say, the Samak Government must strictly adhere to its promise not to interfere with the legal proceedings so that justice will run in course.
Cuba : Raul takes over from Castro: Raul Castro, who has laboured in the shadow of Fidel Castro since the days of their revolution, became Cuba’s new President on Feb 27, ending his brother’s 49-year rule and washing away hopes in the Communist Island that a younger generation might take power.
While addressing the National Assembly of People’s Power [ANPP] as President, he promised to bring about changes to make the Government more efficient and economy stronger. But, he made it clear that there would be no radical changes and promised to consult his elder brother on every important decision who, he said, was still alert despite illness which forced him to give up his position. Raul also said the Government needed to change to survive in the new era and promised to put more powers in the hands of provincial Governments.
Iran – clean chit by IAEA: After the IAEA gave a clean chit to Iran, accused of having in hand a clandestine programme to develop nuclear weapons, Teheran has sought a return of its file from the UN Security Council. President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad [Feb 24] described the findings by IAEA as a “historic victory” for Iran in its greatest confrontation with the “ oppressive powers since the Islamic revolution” of 1979.
In an 11-page report released on Friday, the IAEA chief, Mohammed El-Baradei said, “With the exception of the issue of the alleged studies, the Agency has no concrete information about possible current undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran.” It said, the “alleged studies” relate to “the green salt project, high explosive testing and the missile re-entry vehicle.” The IAEA noted that it has not detected the use of nuclear material in connection with the alleged studies not does it have credible information in this regard.”
Yet, the six major powers are seeking new sanctions against Iran over its disputed nuclear programme. They want the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution soon, said a US State Department spokesman.
Iraq - Chemical Ali’s execution okayed: Iraq’s Presidential Council has endorsed the execution within a month of Saddam Hussein’s cousin, known as “Chemical Ali”, for his role in the 1980s scorched-earth campaign against Kurds. But, it spared the life of two other officials on Feb 29 amid Sunni protests that they were only following orders. The approval by Iraq’s President Jalal Talabani and two Vice Presidents was the final step clearing the way for Ali Hassan al-Majid’s execution by hanging. It could now be carried out at any time.
Al Majid would be the fifth former regime official hanged for alleged atrocities against Iraqis during Saddam’s nearly three decade rule.
US Democratic nomination : Hillary losing the race: Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are deadlocked in Texas and Ohio, heading into potentially decisive Presidential showdowns. Hillary is fighting to save her White House candidacy in the two primaries to be held on Tuesday. Obama, an Illinois Senator, has beaten her in 11 consecutive contests to take control of the race for the Democratic nomination in November’s Presidential election, according to a poll survey by Reuters/Houston Chronicle released on March 1. In Texas, the survey shows Obama leads 45% to 43% and in Ohio, they are dead even at 45%. On the other hand, Republican frontrunner John Mccain had a huge lead in both States over his last major rival, Mike Huckabee, as he moves closer to clinching the Republican nomination.
Both Obama and Hillary Clinton have sharpened their attacks on each other, trading barbs over health care, trade and experience as they head for key showdowns in Taxas and Ohio on March 4. Hillary has slammed Obama for campaign leaflets on her health care plan that she called “blatantly false” and accused him of using Republican tactics in their contest. On the other hand, Obama is alleging that Hillary Clinton was behind the release of a photograph on the Web linking him to Islam. The photo showed him in Kenyan tribal garb wearing a turban like the one worn by Taliban and Al-Qaeda leaders, including Osama bin Laden and Al-Zawahiri. Obama said, he has repeatedly stated that he is a Christian who took the oath of office on a family bible. Yet, on the Internet and in radio talks, he is being depicted falsely as a Muslim with shadowy ties and his middle name, Hussein, is emphasized.
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