From JAPAN- At public hearings on nuclear power citizens of Japan have expressed distrust of the industry and government- a strong majority supports zero nuclear energy. Tens of thousands protested against nuclear power last weekend in Tokyo. There is a new political party in Japan with their primary issue being the elimination of nuclear energy. Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Society, explained why he skipped bail in Germany.
From GERMANY- President Obama announced new US sanctions on trading with Iran and on countries using gold to purchase oil. Hillary Clinton is traveling around Africa with a business delegation while Leon Panetta is touring the Middle East and North Africa, pushing for an overthrow of Syria. Qatar, home of al-Jazeera news, wants to buy 200 high tech tanks from Germany.
From CHINA- Syria is accusing Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey of funding and arming the rebels in Syria. Japan criticized China's defense policy, notably its maritime expansion. The per capita use of antibiotics in China is 10 times that of the US- the government has now severely limited the prescribing of antibiotics.
From RUSSIA- Is American foreign policy, especially in the Middle East, a continuation of the political justification called Manifest Destiny?
From SPAIN- The Spanish economy is stuck in a second recession in 3 years. Two press reviews about the future of the Euro and the likely exclusion of Greece from the currency. Spain has criminalized the withholding or falsification of economic data by government officials. Protests against austerity measures continue in Spain. An alternative Olympics is being held in Bhopal India to protest Dow Chemicals sponsorship of the London games.