The notion that Western standards are incompatible with regional cultures belies reality. There is nothing wrong with having US President George W Bush pushing for greater freedom and democratisation in Asia this time around.

JUST A THOUGHT: Patronising sexists and gluttons are alive and well!

I found this leaflet on my doorstep yesterday morning, and quite contrary to the usual ambiguity, the authorities are giving us the straight facts about an emerging virus, and so I wanted to share it with everyone, in case you haven’t one of your own yet:

The WTO: picking your pocket

One area most desired for liberalisation by developed nations is the service-industry sector. Most developed nations are highly advanced in this area and have been impatient in their desire to access new market opportunities. To the credit of developing nations and less-developed countries (LDCs), they have so far successfully resisted pressure from developed nations.

Modernising Europe’s defence

The gap between Europe’s security needs and its military capacities is widening, and most European leaders lack the will to do what is necessary to close it. Forces built to defend against a Soviet attack are unsuitable for the kinds of operations that define today’s post-Cold War environment.