Foreigners have been barred from travelling in Tibet in the next three weeks, possibly due to the sensitive timing of 60th anniversay of the republic. (New York Times)
This is part of the huge campaigns to prepare for the grand celebration, in order to quell any attempt to disrupt it. Since the entry has already been very selective and the procedures deliberately complex, the impact on the tourism will be minimal.
Also in the news, China raised to 57th place on the failed state index. This is far from the successes in other indices right now, but congratulations anyway.
September 22, 2009
September 21, 2009
Democrats gained, but a long way to democracy in Macau
Democrats, who call for a universal suffrage in this Chinese special administrative region, won 4 seats out of 12 elected seats in today's Macanese legislative election. But the other 17 seats were selected by the Chief executive, which was appointed by the central government in Beijing.
The gaining hardly reflects a growing support of democracy because this is a result of changed strategy by the democratic movement. Because of the highest average method, the democrats split into two party lists in order to maximize their vote.
The pro-gov politicians still believe Macau is not yet ready for a universal suffrage. So when can they be ready? When they are more pliant to Beijing? If China really wants to have at least a minimal chance of having Taiwan back without a war, he should shows how a special administrative region works. It should be no less democratic than how Taiwan is right now.
The gaining hardly reflects a growing support of democracy because this is a result of changed strategy by the democratic movement. Because of the highest average method, the democrats split into two party lists in order to maximize their vote.
The pro-gov politicians still believe Macau is not yet ready for a universal suffrage. So when can they be ready? When they are more pliant to Beijing? If China really wants to have at least a minimal chance of having Taiwan back without a war, he should shows how a special administrative region works. It should be no less democratic than how Taiwan is right now.
September 20, 2009
End of the Star War?
Obama administration finally scrapped the plan to install anti-missile defense system in Eastern Europe. The plan was put forward by the previous administration, which they claimed to be a precaution to potential Iranian missile threat, but actually stirred Russian government's strong objection.
Some politicians and analysts voiced their concerns. They believe this move, clearly aiming to appease Russia before Obama's meeting with Pres. Medvedev in a few days, is a damaging precedent. The growing-aggresive Russian government will certainly be encouraged to take a more hawkish and less cooperative foreign policy. Moreover, this will anger Poland and Czech Republic, indicating U.S. will abandon their interests whenever necessary.
I applaude this move, because this serves the best interests of the United States, Eastern European countries and the international community.
The plan was based on a non-existent Iranian threat to Europe. Iran's long-distance missile technology still has a long way to go, and whether he wants to threaten Europe is also disputable. But what we know is this installment will certainly make Russians angry. Of course, Russian's assertion of sphere of influence in Eastern Europe is objectionable, but showing off power in front of Russia's front door is not a good way to quell Russian's growing ambition, but to stimulate it.
Realists believe the states will always ask for more if they are given what they want. That was possibly true during the time of Cuban Missile Crisis, but whether it would be the case now is questionable. No longer a superpower, Russia understands his capability and limitless demand wouldn't help his dream of reemergence. On the contrary, Obama administration's new plan strips Russia of his excuse of non-cooperation. Russia now will face a massive pressure from international community to work with other countries in forcing Iran to terminate its nuclear program. It also weakens the popular support of hawkish foreign policy in Russia. This is not a surrender of power, but a correction of a non-starter in the first place.
On the other hand, this plan doesn't mean that U.S. forsakes its right to install any missile system in Eastern Europe in the future if necessary. And military believes the new plan will work more efficiently.
We should also remember the fact that Polish and Czech governments and public didn't like that plan proposed by the Bush administration at first. The high cost and a clear provocation to Russia is hurtful to both of them. The implication on the relations with those two countries won't be so distrastrous as many predict.
Flexibility in foreign policy is always important. Setting too many things as non-negotiable would hurt the foreign policy-making process and the result is unlikely to be pleasing. Being tough will never bring an ambitious Russian back to the table, so why not try something new? The end of the star war is a good news for everyone.
Some politicians and analysts voiced their concerns. They believe this move, clearly aiming to appease Russia before Obama's meeting with Pres. Medvedev in a few days, is a damaging precedent. The growing-aggresive Russian government will certainly be encouraged to take a more hawkish and less cooperative foreign policy. Moreover, this will anger Poland and Czech Republic, indicating U.S. will abandon their interests whenever necessary.
I applaude this move, because this serves the best interests of the United States, Eastern European countries and the international community.
The plan was based on a non-existent Iranian threat to Europe. Iran's long-distance missile technology still has a long way to go, and whether he wants to threaten Europe is also disputable. But what we know is this installment will certainly make Russians angry. Of course, Russian's assertion of sphere of influence in Eastern Europe is objectionable, but showing off power in front of Russia's front door is not a good way to quell Russian's growing ambition, but to stimulate it.
Realists believe the states will always ask for more if they are given what they want. That was possibly true during the time of Cuban Missile Crisis, but whether it would be the case now is questionable. No longer a superpower, Russia understands his capability and limitless demand wouldn't help his dream of reemergence. On the contrary, Obama administration's new plan strips Russia of his excuse of non-cooperation. Russia now will face a massive pressure from international community to work with other countries in forcing Iran to terminate its nuclear program. It also weakens the popular support of hawkish foreign policy in Russia. This is not a surrender of power, but a correction of a non-starter in the first place.
On the other hand, this plan doesn't mean that U.S. forsakes its right to install any missile system in Eastern Europe in the future if necessary. And military believes the new plan will work more efficiently.
We should also remember the fact that Polish and Czech governments and public didn't like that plan proposed by the Bush administration at first. The high cost and a clear provocation to Russia is hurtful to both of them. The implication on the relations with those two countries won't be so distrastrous as many predict.
Flexibility in foreign policy is always important. Setting too many things as non-negotiable would hurt the foreign policy-making process and the result is unlikely to be pleasing. Being tough will never bring an ambitious Russian back to the table, so why not try something new? The end of the star war is a good news for everyone.
September 19, 2009
Nigerian government launched a war on District 9
Nigerian military is busy fighting rebels, and their government waged a new 'war' yesterday. (BBC)
I'm still yet to see this movie, but the critics gave it good reviews. I saw the trailer and felt this must be a good one. No matter how it was made, the idea of plot is new. The allusion to political issues in Africa is applausible (most notably, apartheid).
Of course, this information minister was overreacting. But her accusation is not totally unfounded. Making his first movie, the director should learn the lesson that before picking a name for the villain, he should check the names of the national learders. Mugabe sounds better for a typical antagonist, doesn't it?
Nigeria's government is asking cinemas to stop showing a science fiction film, District Nine, that it says denigrates the country's image.
Information Minister Dora Akunyili told the BBC's Network Africa programme that she had asked the makers of the film, Sony, for an apology.
She says the film portrays Nigerians as cannibals, criminals and prostitutes.
The Malawian actor, Eugene Khumbanyiwa, plays a gang leader with the nickname of Obasanjo, also the surname of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
I'm still yet to see this movie, but the critics gave it good reviews. I saw the trailer and felt this must be a good one. No matter how it was made, the idea of plot is new. The allusion to political issues in Africa is applausible (most notably, apartheid).
Of course, this information minister was overreacting. But her accusation is not totally unfounded. Making his first movie, the director should learn the lesson that before picking a name for the villain, he should check the names of the national learders. Mugabe sounds better for a typical antagonist, doesn't it?
September 17, 2009
Fairy tale = One night stand?
Still have 200 more pages to read for tomorrow's class, but I really wanna leave something here for today. I didn't have the time to read through today's headlines, but yesterday, a video shocked me. I really wanna share it with you guys.
Remember, this "mother" actually is an actress, making an ad in a desperate attempt to boost tourism in Denmark during difficult time. Of course, one night stand is always attractive to men, and women. I believe it will definitely work. Besides lifting the tourist avenue, it can also help resolve the problem of low fertility rate. Wow, it sounds more intriguing than Anderson's fairy tales.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-SSHxGGpjM
Remember, this "mother" actually is an actress, making an ad in a desperate attempt to boost tourism in Denmark during difficult time. Of course, one night stand is always attractive to men, and women. I believe it will definitely work. Besides lifting the tourist avenue, it can also help resolve the problem of low fertility rate. Wow, it sounds more intriguing than Anderson's fairy tales.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-SSHxGGpjM
September 16, 2009
I'm back! Hope you can join me here!
I'm finally back after finally settling down in my new home in Rosslyn. It's been a long time since I last wrote here when you-know-who started blocking this wonderful blog site. Feeling the free air now, I feel compelled to continue my daily report here to share my personal thought about my life and the events around the world.
The life in DC is fantastic. It's such a privilege to meet so many wonderful and excellent guys lately. But schoolwork is unbelievably tough. I haven't been working so hard since 1st grade but I'm still struggling to keep up with the pace of the five courses, each of which requires substantial readings, writings, and more importantly, thinkings.
There is always so much happening around the world that is worthy of being talked about, and I will try to cover those interesting, or even funny topics. Moreover, I will focus on the elections around the world since this is the one issue I'm extremely attracted to.
"Who is the hero? It's you, who is reading this post." I borrow this from my favorite Stephen Colbert. I hope you can enjoy this blog. You guys have your own distinctive experience and knowledge, so I'm imploring to hear your perspectives. Please point out my mistakes whenever there is any, and I believe, there will be a lot.
I know it's hard to find a time when there is so much work to do, but nothing can stop me from writing here. Not the government, not the readings. Hope you can join me here! Thank you~
The life in DC is fantastic. It's such a privilege to meet so many wonderful and excellent guys lately. But schoolwork is unbelievably tough. I haven't been working so hard since 1st grade but I'm still struggling to keep up with the pace of the five courses, each of which requires substantial readings, writings, and more importantly, thinkings.
There is always so much happening around the world that is worthy of being talked about, and I will try to cover those interesting, or even funny topics. Moreover, I will focus on the elections around the world since this is the one issue I'm extremely attracted to.
"Who is the hero? It's you, who is reading this post." I borrow this from my favorite Stephen Colbert. I hope you can enjoy this blog. You guys have your own distinctive experience and knowledge, so I'm imploring to hear your perspectives. Please point out my mistakes whenever there is any, and I believe, there will be a lot.
I know it's hard to find a time when there is so much work to do, but nothing can stop me from writing here. Not the government, not the readings. Hope you can join me here! Thank you~
May 10, 2009
One Week Off
Things are still going on around the world. There're always plenty of them to talk about. But probably I have to go hiatus for at least one week to finish my Mission-Impossible-like graduation thesis. God bless me.
Enjoy your week!
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