Stories about Economics & Business from July, 2012
Spain: Deputy Apologizes for Insult
Due to the outcry produced by parliamentarian Andrea Fabra's declarations, she had to publicly retract [es] (PDF) and present a written apology after having declared “¡qué se jodan!” (“Fuck them!”) when President Mariano Rajoy announced the harshest social cuts in the history of Spanish democracy. The letter is an apology to the House of Representatives...
China: Blogger Shorts SINA to 8% Shares Plunge With a Tweet
On July 16, famous Chinese blogger Isaac Mao wrote on Twitter that he would be shorting $SINA everyday, in reaction to SINA Weibo's (a Chinese microblogging platform) deletion of his user account. His message was delivered to investors from all around the world and next day SINA's NASDAQ listed price dropped by 8%.
Argentina: Starbuck's Public Apology Trending
Starbucks Argentina caught the attention of social networks after publishing an apology for using locally manufactured white cups instead of iconic cups with the Starbucks logo. Some attributed the lack of cups to the current restrictions on imports in Argentina and some took a satirical approach to the situation.
Jamaica: Half a Century of Independence
Come August 6th 2012, Jamaica will celebrate 50 years of independence from Great Britain. In this post, two bloggers - one from the diaspora and the other living on island - talk about how Jamaicans are preparing for the celebrations, how social media has had an impact and what the country has accomplished in the last half a century.
Brazil: Middle East Economic Policy Under the Radar
The current search for new trading partners in unexpected geographic areas demonstrates the extent to which Brazil has changed its foreign policy the last few years. With an agenda that has focused primarily on global business performance, the Middle East has emerged as a key area for Brazilians.
Madagascar: Will Air France Jet Purchases Really Help Air Madagascar?
The year 2011 saw Air Madagascar being banned from flying to European destinations due to the airline failing to comply with security regulations. The transition government had been celebrating the purchase of two Air France Airbus A340s with great fanfare, yet multiple questions have been since been raised over the purchase.
United States Eases Sanctions on Myanmar
The United States Treasury and State Department have issued a joint fact sheet about the government's decision to ease financial and investment sanctions on Myanmar in response to the recent political and economic reforms implemented by the Myanmar government
Russia: A Great Firewall to Censor the RuNet?
The Russian language section of Wikipedia suspended service today in protest against a draft law now under review by the Russian parliament that many believe threatens the RuNet with censorship. Kevin Rothrock reports on the political context and details of the legislation.
Angola, China: Netizens Discuss New Development Ghost Town
The government of Angola hired a Chinese company to build 750 expensive apartments in Kalimba, about 30km outside the capital Luanda. Despite rich natural resources, many people in Angola live in abject poverty and cannot afford these apartments. Will Kalimba become Africa's biggest ghost town?
South Africa: Chinese Account of Attacks on Foreign-Owned Businesses
On June 27 riots started in Botshabelo in reaction to the eviction of street vendors, and the rioters attacked and looted foreign-owned businesses. In the following days the attacks spread to nearby Thaba Nchu. A Chinese employee of a factory in Thaba Nchu gave an eyewitness account.
Rwanda: From Colonialism And Genocide to Recovery
1 July was a very special day in Rwanda as the country celebrated 50 years of Independence and 18 years of liberation which brought an end to Rwandan genocide. It is estimated that over a million people died in a period of 100 days.
Africans in China about China in Africa
Tom from Seeing Red in China has two interesting posts about the perception of Africans in China on China's presence in Africa. The second post is a follow-up discussion by his friends from Zambia, Zimbabwe and Ghana.
Greece: Attack on Athens Microsoft Headquarters
On June 27, 2012, arsonists attacked Microsoft's headquarters in Athens, Greece. On Athens Indymedia, a group took responsibility [el] for the attack as an “act of war against suspicious silence and general captivity”. Greek-American startup entrepreneur Eric Thanopoulos-Parks reacted [el] on Facebook: “In its offices, Microsoft incubates Greek startup companies, unsupported at this...
Portugal: Citizens Audit of Public Debt Still Without Answers
With the troika's "bailout" operation in full implementation, recession and social woes worsen in Portugal. The Initiative for a Citizens Audit of Public Debt (IAC), launched in late 2011, promised to deepen the debate around the legitimacy, legality and implications of bailout. However, months have passed, and the IAC presents itself as a "great nebula."
Global: The World Talks Back to Nick Kristof
New York Times journalist Nick Kristof has found himself in a bit of hot water with the global blogosphere after two recent articles on Iran and Africa.
Armenia: Public Outcry Over Killing Tests Oligarch's Power
The controversial reign of Armenia's oligarchs might be challenged following the death of an army doctor at the hands of security guards at a restaurant owned by businessman, politician, and Armenian Football Federation President, Ruben Hayrapetyan.
China: How Myanmar's Opening Up Differs
Just back from the Myanmar Investment Summit in Yangon, as the country continues rapid opening to foreign capital, China Law Blog‘s Steve Dickinson contrasts Myanmar's economic globalization efforts with China's own process of opening up.
India: A Troubled Airline And Its Staffs
“Air India's pilots, engineers, cabin crew, ground staff etc. have not been paid salaries for several months,” reports the Voice of an Indian Citizen while discussing how to solve this problem.
Chinese Investment: Boon or Bane for Southeast Asia?
The emergence of China as a global economic powerhouse is bringing tremendous benefits to its cash-strapped neighbors in Southeast Asia. But some of its investments have been mired in various controversies involving land disputes, village displacements, environment destruction, and corruption.
