Except for south Asia, the global economy is stalling as government spending soars

Except for south Asia, the global economy is stalling as government spending soars

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS — “Economic activity in the world economy remains lackluster, with little prospect for a turnaround in 2016,” cites the gloomy prognosis by the World Economic Situation and Prospects Update for 2016. The UN survey cautions that weak global growth “continues to linger,” posing a serious challenge […]

At UN debate, platitudes about terrorism and near silence about state sponsors

At UN debate, platitudes about terrorism and near silence about state sponsors

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS — Stressing that terrorism “can only be defeated by a sustained and comprehensive approach” involving the active participation and collaboration of all States, the UN Security Council hosted an open debate on developing a counter-narrative campaign to in effect dissuade, discourage and ultimately defuse this widening […]

In super free Estonia, you can start a new company in 20 minutes, online

In super free Estonia, you can start a new company in 20 minutes, online

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS — When I first visited Estonia over twenty years ago, the Baltic country had recently regained its independence from the Soviet Union. Tallinn, the capital and an old Hanseatic trading city, offered an intriguing mix of medieval architecture and shoddy Soviet style construction. Situated on the […]

Report: ‘Deep and disturbing decline in media freedoms’ … including in the USA and Europe

Report: ‘Deep and disturbing decline in media freedoms’ … including in the USA and Europe

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS — Governments throughout the world seem increasingly nervous if not paranoid over a free press and media, according to a searingly poignant survey by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The annual survey of the global media in 180 countries, the French-based monitor report underscores a gradual deterioration […]

Presidential primary circus does New York

Presidential primary circus does New York

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler NEW YORK CITY — The seemingly never ending presidential primary circus came through New York with the predictable partisan name calling and puerile political promises. For much of the campaign the political charges and arguments resembled peeved sandbox kicking kindergarten kids more than serious adults running for the […]

Modern slavery: Silent scourge that reduces humans to commodities is a $150 billion business

Modern slavery: Silent scourge that reduces humans to commodities is a $150 billion business

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS — Calling for an end to “human trafficking and other forms of human slavery,” British Cardinal Vincent Nichols presented a stunning testimony against the “resurgence of slavery” where up to 21 million people are affected by the scourge. As Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Nichols has led […]

China closely watching as Burma evolves from a socialist winter

China closely watching as Burma evolves from a socialist winter

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS — A new dawn has come to Burma. At long last the political pariah state, also known as Myanmar, has ushered in a new civilian government in which Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has a strong if not formal hand at the democratic […]

Cultural barbarians for the ages: ISIL, Taliban, Chairman Mao

Cultural barbarians for the ages: ISIL, Taliban, Chairman Mao

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS — The modern day barbarians have been routed from the ancient city of Palmyra, but the destruction left in the wake of the nearly year long Islamic State occupation has been near catastrophic. After five years of conflict, war torn Syria sees the fruits of limited […]

The long, global thread of jihadi terror extends to Brussels

The long, global thread of jihadi terror extends to Brussels

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS — The tide of hate has come to Brussels with three terrorist attacks in the Belgian capital. Islamic State (ISIL) jihadi militants carried out coordinated bombings on the Brussels Airport as well as the Metro killing at least 31 people and wounding hundreds of civilians. Coincidentally […]

One year after premature U.S. withdrawal, Afghans again struggle for ‘survival’

One year after premature U.S. withdrawal, Afghans again struggle for ‘survival’

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS — It came as a stunning reality check which many diplomats knew but did not expect to hear. In 2016, “survival will be an achievement for the National Unity Government” in war torn Afghanistan. The words came as a blunt assessment by the UN’s new political […]

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