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Russia Groups
Resilience of the Russsian economy to the fall in oil prices and the decline in the ruble in 2015-2016
01/25/2016
Grouped Articles
Russia and Turkey Show Oil Prices Aren’t Everything
Wall Street Journal 01/25/2016
Oil Falls Most Since 2015 on Fears of Oversupply
WSJ 11/13/2018
Saudis Struggle to Share Pain of Pumping Less Oil
WSJ 11/30/2018
Stephen Bosworth, U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy, and the need for a new policy with North Korea in 2016-2017
01/06/2016
Stephen Bosworth was appointed by Hillary Clinton as U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy. He was one of the State Department's best diplomats, and after several postings overseas was Dean of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy of Tufts University, in Medford, Massachusetts. Here Prof. Drezner describes the policies that have not worked with North Korea of pressuring China on the DPRK and its nuclear weapons tesing. Drezner cites Chinese analysts who say that China does not want to see Korean unification because it would bring U.S. influence to its borders. South Korea plans to resume anti-DPRK broadcasts in 2016 in response to nuclear tests. The fact remains that South Koreans and Chinese both see the problems of renunification and have not taken serious steps- the South wary of the situation similiar to that of integration of Communist East Germany which took over a decade. Drezner credits diplomats of the reputation of Bosworth to keep dialogue alive with North Korea till a solution can be found, as pressuring China appears to have become a worn playbook.
Grouped Articles
The U.S. diplomatic corps loses a legend just when it needs him the most - The Washington Post
Washington Post 01/07/2016
North Korea Bomb Test Challenges U.S. Policy in Asia
Wall Street Journal 01/07/2016
North Korea’s Hydrogen Bomb Claim Strains Ties With China
New York Times 01/06/2016
Stephen W. Bosworth, U.S. Diplomat Who Helped Oust Ferdinand Marcos, Dies at 76
New York Times 01/08/2016
U.S.-China Tensions Thwart Response to North Korea Threat
WSJ 09/09/2016
Analyst: 'We need an entirely new North Korea strategy' | Asia | DW.COM | 09.09.2016
DW.COM 09/09/2016
How the Saudis are coping with lower oil prices and revenues- cutting gasoline subsidies and other spending to reduce budget deficits in 2016
12/28/2015
Gasoline prices for some grades of gasoline sold in Saudi gas stations will increase by 50% as the Saudi Finance Ministry copes with dropping oil revenues. The 2016 budget shows adeficit of $87 billion compared to $98 billion in 2015. At this rate Saudi Arabia would exhaust its foreign exchange reserves of $640 billion by 2020. Saudi Arabia has a rapidly growing population which will increase budget pressures and local oil demand. Its defense spending to counter Iran and Russia in the Syria-Iraq conflict and in Yemen also affect spending. Lower oil prices are partly a result of the geopolitical conflict in the region and rivalry betweeen Iran backed by Russia and Sunnis led by the Saudi and Emirates, as well as technology in shale oil production. This comes at a good time for China as it slows, India as it increases its growth rate, and the U.S. and Eurozone as their economies recover from a deep recession, Japan as it improves its economy from low or no growth. For Russia it is seen as away to shift away from imports to domestic industry. For the Saudis an opportuntiy to cut subsidies and improve the productivity of spending.
Grouped Articles
Saudi Arabia, Squeezed by Low Oil Prices, Cuts Spending to Shrink Deficit
New York Times 12/28/2015
Oil Prices at $30 Bend Nations, But Which Ones Could Break?
Wall Street Journal 01/13/2016
Saudi Arabia Keeps Pumping Oil, Despite Financial and Political Risks
New York Times 01/27/2016
Oil-Price Poker: Why the Saudis Won’t Fold ‘Em
Wall Street Journal 02/01/2016
Young Saudis See Cushy Jobs Vanish Along With Nation’s Oil Wealth
New York Times 02/16/2016
Weak Oil Prices Curbing Production
Wall Street Journal 04/13/2016
Extension of European Union sanctions against Russia for 6 months in Dec. 2015
12/18/2015
Grouped Articles
E.U. to Extend Sanctions Against Russia, but Divisions Show
New York Times 12/18/2015
Grim challenges for EU after rollercoaster year - BBC News
BBC News 12/19/2016
White House Signals Acceptance of Russia Sanctions Bill
The New York Times 07/23/2017
Congress Reaches Deal on Russia Sanctions, Setting Up Tough Choice for Trump
The New York Times 07/22/2017
EU Cautions U.S. on Russia Sanctions Bill
WSJ 07/26/2017
Putin’s Bet on a Trump Presidency Backfires Spectacularly
The New York Times 07/31/2017
Russian president Putin's year end news conference in Dec. 2015
12/17/2015
Sharp words for Turkey, references to his daughters at Russian universities working in 3 languages, and saying Russia's bombing campaign in Syria comes from the Defense Ministry training budget, part of the year end conference answering questions from journalists. Putin says the Russian economy's downturn is bottoming out. He continues to enjoy high popularity in Russia for defending Russian interests more than for management of the economy. Russians may see the oil price declines as beyond Putin's control, and see the effect of NATO at Russia's borders in the same way as Putin does. Putin points to the increase of life expectancy in Russia to 71 as one of the achievements of this period.
Grouped Articles
Vladimir Putin Chides Turkey, Praises Trump and Talks Up Russia’s Economy
New York Times 12/17/2015
Putin’s self-destructing economy - The Washington Post
Washington Post 01/18/2016
Prepare for serious turbulence in Russia - The Washington Post
Washington Post 01/18/2016
What Is Russia Up To, and Is It Time to Draw the Line?
The New York Times 09/30/2016
Russian Special Forces Seen as Key to Aleppo Victory
WSJ 12/16/2016
Truckers and the protests over new toll fees in Russia in Dec. 2015
12/04/2015
Grouped Articles
Russian Truckers, Irate Over New Tolls, Block Roads Near Moscow
New York Times 12/04/2015
Russia's role in the Syrian crisis in 2015-2017
11/18/2015
Grouped Articles
U.S. Eyes Russia-Iran Split in Bid to End Syria Conflict
Wall Street Journal 11/20/2015
Teaming up with Russia in Syria could be a dangerous false step for the U.S. - The Washington Post
Washington Post 11/19/2015
For France, an Alliance Against ISIS May Be Easier Said Than Done
New York Times 11/18/2015
Putin Gambit Over Syria Proves to Be Dual-Edged Sword
New York Times 12/15/2015
Why Obama’s Middle East Policy Is Failing
Wall Street Journal 02/16/2016
Never Ending War: Why The Cease-Fire in Syria Won't Help - SPIEGEL ONLINE
SPIEGEL ONLINE 09/17/2016
The G-20 Summit in Antalya, Turkey, in November 2015
11/13/2015
Grouped Articles
In Hosting G-20, Turkey Strives to Bolster Its Status
New York Times 11/13/2015
Paris attacks underscore risks of a slow U.S. campaign against Islamic State - The Washington Post
Washington Post 11/15/2015
World order in crisis mode as G20 meets | World | DW.COM | 16.02.2017
DW.COM 02/16/2017
Former German chancellor Helmut Schmidt- a significant contribution towards building the European Union
11/10/2015
Grouped Articles
Former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt Dies at 96
Wall Street Journal 11/10/2015
Helmut Schmidt, Assertive West German Chancellor, Dies at 96
New York Times 11/10/2015
Grim challenges for EU after rollercoaster year - BBC News
BBC News 12/19/2016
Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl dies, aged 87 | Germany | DW | 16.06.2017
DW.COM 06/16/2017
Early retirement and risk of dementia- studies showing higher risks from retiring before age 65
10/30/2015
Grouped Articles
This is your brain on retirement — not nearly as sharp, studies are finding - The Washington Post
Washington Post 10/30/2015
The Biggest Mistake People Make Nearing Retirement
WSJ 10/25/2016
The Best Exercise for Aging Muscles
The New York Times 03/23/2017
Projected further decline in oil demand for 2016, after the drop in oil prices in 2015
10/22/2015
Grouped Articles
Global Demand Growth for Oil May Fall by a Third in 2016
Wall Street Journal 10/22/2015
The Global Battle for Oil Market Share
Wall Street Journal 12/16/2015
Oil Plunge Sparks Bankruptcy Concerns
Wall Street Journal 01/12/2016
How American Shale Drillers Flipped OPEC’s Script
WSJ 05/24/2017
Kissinger on the Middle East in 2015-2016
10/16/2015
Grouped Articles
A Path Out of the Middle East Collapse
Wall Street Journal 10/16/2015
Why Bernie Sanders sees Henry Kissinger’s controversial history as an asset - The Washington Post
Washington Post 02/12/2016
Clinton and Sanders summarize their clash in 10 seconds - The Washington Post
Washington Post 02/12/2016
IMF warning for corporate debt in emerging markets increasing from $4 trillion in 2004 to $18 trillion in 2014
09/29/2015
The IMF singles out China and Turkey for large increases in corporate debt since 2007. Concentrated holdings by American mutual funds of emerging market debt securities is seen by the IMF in 2015 as creating potential systemic instability.
Grouped Articles
I.M.F. Cautions on Concentrated Positions in U.S. Mutual Funds
New York Times 09/29/2015
Emerging-Market Debt: How Big a Threat Is It?
Wall Street Journal 02/16/2016
Oil prices decline to nearly $30 a barrel in January 2016
01/12/2016
Grouped Articles
Oil Plunge Sparks Bankruptcy Concerns
Wall Street Journal 01/12/16
Weak Oil Prices Curbing Production
Wall Street Journal 04/13/16
How American Shale Drillers Flipped OPEC’s Script
WSJ 05/24/17
Iran's shipment of its stockpile of uranium to Russia in Dec. 2015
12/28/2015
Grouped Articles
Iran Hands Over Stockpile of Enriched Uranium to Russia
New York Times 12/28/15
The impact of the slump in oil prices to $35 and other pressures in Dec. 2015 on sovereign wealth funds
12/23/2015
Grouped Articles
The Trouble With Sovereign-Wealth Funds
Wall Street Journal 12/23/15
Oil Plunge Sparks Bankruptcy Concerns
Wall Street Journal 01/12/16
UN Security Council Resolution in Dec. 2015 for initiating the peace process for Syria
12/18/2015
Grouped Articles
After Years of War in Syria, U.N. Passes Resolution on Talks
New York Times 12/18/15
Arrival of US troops intensifies struggle for influence in Syria
The Guardian 03/09/17
Continuing decline in oil prices at the end of 2015, with likely continued decline in 2016
12/07/2015
Grouped Articles
As Oil Keeps Falling, Nobody Is Blinking
Wall Street Journal 12/07/15
Energy Sector Rout Intensifies on Mild Weather, OPEC
Wall Street Journal 12/08/15
Oil Prices Plunge 5% After OPEC Stands Pat
New York Times 12/07/15
The Oil-Price Rout: Blink and You Won’t Miss It
Wall Street Journal 12/12/15
The Global Battle for Oil Market Share
Wall Street Journal 12/16/15
Oil Plunge Sparks Bankruptcy Concerns
Wall Street Journal 01/12/16
The global economy in 2015-2016- slowing growth in China, Brazil, Russia and Turkey, as growth picks up in the U.S. and India, and Europe emerges from the eurozone debt crisis
11/29/2015
High debt to GDP ratios in China, Brazil and Turkey lead to slowing growth. India is the exception in emerging markets as foreign investment increases and GDP growth is above 7%, with a boost from halving of oil prices. Europe sees the need for more quantitative easing, and the U.S. makes a slow recovery. Russia may see an improvement after a large devaluation of the ruble. Argentina's prospects are seen as improving with a change in government. Canada sees a change from the drift in the last years of the Harper government and the hollowing out of the industrial sector, with the election of Justin Trudeau. Overall the situation in 2015-2016 is a marked improvement compared to ten years earlier in 2005, as debt issues are tackled seriously in Europe and the U.S. and governance in the private sector improves.
Grouped Articles
Tensions With Russia Add to a Chill in Turkey’s Economy
New York Times 11/29/15
China Unveils Economic Blueprint for 2016
Wall Street Journal 12/22/15
Oil Prices at $30 Bend Nations, But Which Ones Could Break?
Wall Street Journal 01/13/16
Putin’s self-destructing economy - The Washington Post
Washington Post 01/18/16
Russian Economy Stumbles as Stocks and Oil Prices Fall
New York Times 01/21/16
Emerging-Market Debt: How Big a Threat Is It?
Wall Street Journal 02/16/16
The Metrojet plane crash in Nov. 2015 from Sharm el-Sheikh in the Sinai to St. Petersburg that killed 224 Russian tourists
11/17/2015
Grouped Articles
Russia confirms Sinai plane crash was the work of terrorists - The Washington Post
Washington Post 11/17/15
The roots of the present conflicts in the Iran-Iraq region and the nuclear program in Iran- the Iran - Iraq war of 1980-1988
11/12/2015
The wars and conflicts in the Middle East starting in 1980 and stretching into the fourth decade by 2015 if they were to continue would be like the conflicts in Europe in the 17th century. It took Europe many years to recover from the religious conflicts that went on for decades in that period following the Protestant Reformation and the Counter Reformation, accompanied by nationalist governments such as France and Sweden looking for gains against rivals.
Grouped Articles
Wall Street Journal 11/12/15
What is the best age for retirement?
10/30/2015
With longer life spans and improving medical care people tend to live longer. This means the traditional ideas about the age when people should retire are becoming obsolete. Medical studies of increasing risk of dementia type illness the greater the number of years one spends in retirement, provide additional incentives to remain active mentally by engaging in work and tasks of complexity. Financial reasons and pension plans funding, also make it better to to work longer close to age 65, and past 65 years.
Grouped Articles
This is your brain on retirement — not nearly as sharp, studies are finding - The Washington Post
Washington Post 10/30/15
Why Older Couples Must Look Beyond Life Expectancy When Planning for Retirement
WSJ 02/05/19
Why men are at a ratio of 106 to 100 for women in India and China (rural female infanticide), and why there are more women in Russia than men (wars and alcohol)
10/29/2015
Grouped Articles
See where women outnumber men around the world (and why) - The Washington Post
Washington Post 10/29/15
Asia Struggles for a Solution to Its ‘Missing Women’ Problem
Wall Street Journal 11/27/15
ISIS (Islamic State) and the different interests in the Middle East region- the U.S. under the Obama administration, Turkey under Erdogan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Russia under Putin and Iran under Khamanei in 2015-2016
10/16/2015
Turkey's Erdogan is fighting PKK and Kurds, as he faces domestic opposition with Kurdish parties doing well in the recent election, Israel is focussed on Iran's growing influence, the Saudis in protecting Sunni interests and limiting Iranian influence, the U.S. under the Obama administration focussed on limiting the U.S. involvement to an extraordinary degree, and Putin supporting the Iranian government.
Grouped Articles
Regional Discord Fuels Islamic State’s Rise in Mideast
Wall Street Journal 10/16/15
Sinjar Victory Bolsters Kurds, but Could Further Alienate U.S. From Iraq
New York Times 11/13/15
Islamic State Understands One Thing: Force
Wall Street Journal 11/20/15
Turkey Shoots Down Russian Military Jet
Wall Street Journal 11/24/15
Wall Street Journal 11/24/15
Russia, West Diverge on Military Tactics in Syria
Wall Street Journal 12/16/15
Russia's policy in the Middle East during president Putin's second term- 2014-2016
09/29/2015
Grouped Articles
Russia Buildup Seen as Fanning Flames in Syria
New York Times 09/29/15
Russia’s legislature authorizes Putin to use military force in Syria - The Washington Post
Washington Post 09/30/15
It’s No Cold War, but Vladimir Putin Relishes His Role as Disrupter
The New York Times 09/30/16
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