Shorthand Politics :: Wessex Scene Online

Shorthand Politics

26th January 2008

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Oct 07 - Shorthand Politics
Apr 07 - Shorthand Politics
Dec 06 - The Banshee screams in West Virginia
Jan 03 - War fight back?
Mar 09 - O’Reilly Wins Presidential Race

In the Maldives, President Gayoom was saved from an assassin by a boy scout. Mohammed Jaisham Ibrahim grappled with the assailant, whose knife was concealed in the national flag, and was able to fend off the attacker, sustaining injuries to his hands.

In Sri Lanka, days following the break down in peace deals between the government and rebel groups DM Dassanayake, Minister for nation building was assassinated in a bomb attack. Sri Lankan security forces have responded by tightening security for MPs. The Tamil Tigers have been blamed for the attack in which 10 others were wounded.

In Pakistan, following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto the PPP, Pakistan’s largest party, has appointed her son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as chairman. At 19 years old he will not be allowed to serve in Parliament if elected in the upcoming elections.

In Georgia, Mikhail Saakashvili has been confirmed as President following his victory in the General Elections. Winning 52% of the vote he was able to avoid a run off with his nearest rival. Despite complaints by opposition groups electoral watchdogs have declared the election democratic.

In Kenya, violence continues following the recent election. President Mwai Kibaki has been accused of vote rigging following his highly controversial victory over opposition leader Raila Odinga. With both political and tribal violence raging, John Kufour, President of Ghana and Head of the African Union has offered to help mediate however there is little hope for a swift end to the fighting.

President Bush has called for Israel to end it’s occupation of Arab land for the creation of a viable Palestinian state. The plan which would involve compensation to Palestinian refugees and an adjustment to boundaries to reflect the current political reality is Bush’s strongest statement on Palestine and the President has pushed for a successful conclusion in time for Bush’s exist of the White House in 2009.

Bush was speaking on his Middle Eastern tour, just days after tensions were raised by an incident between Iranian speedboats and a US Navy convoy.

The US Primary elections have begun with the Republicans and Democrats seeking a Presidential Candidate, this marks the first time since 1928 that an incumbent has not competed in the race.

In Westminster, the Labour Party have advertised for the position of General Secretary following the resignation of Peter Watt over the cash via proxies’ scandal. If you are seeking "an exciting and challenging executive position" and able to "drive through... cultural change" then get in touch with them.

In Bolivia, President Evo Morales and the regional governors have drawn up an agreement to avoid a national split. This follows a month of uncertainty after four regional governors declared autonomy from the government in response to the new constitution.