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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 2-May-2011
2-May-11 World View -- Osama bin Laden is dead

Web Log - May, 2011

2-May-11 World View -- Osama bin Laden is dead

Syria's security forces arrest hundreds, shell Daraa

This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com.

Osama bin Laden is dead

Osama bin Laden (file photo)

Osama bin Laden (file photo)

Late Sunday evening, President Barack Obama announced that Osama bin Laden was killed a week ago by a U.S. bomb delivered manually, not by a drone, based on actionable US intelligence. DNA tests have confirmed that it's really OBL. Bin Laden was killed in a mansion in Abbottabad, Pakistan, near Islamabad. American bases around the world have been told to be on high alert for revenge attacks. The death of OBL is an important symbolic act at this time, but it may not have much effect on the operations in Afghanistan. OBL's death by American attack in Pakistan will have repercussions in relations between the U.S. and Pakistan, and will cause a backlash among Pakistanis who object to U.S. missile strikes in Pakistan. Furthermore, the fact that OBL was killed near the Pakistani capital of Islamabad will raise suspicions that Pakistan's intelligence group suspected or knew where he was. Hundreds of joyful Washingtonians and students gathered outside the north lawn of the White House, cheering, chanting "USA!" and singing the Star Spangled Banner. (FNC/CNN)

Syria's security forces arrest hundreds, shell Daraa

Thousands of Syrians continued pro-democracy protests on Sunday. Security forces arrested hundreds, and shelled the city of Daraa into submission with a tank-backed force. In the central city of Homs, thousands marched chanting "downfall of the regime." Signs of discontent are emerging in the army, a reaction to being forced to fire on and kill peaceful Syrian protesters. Reuters

As the situation in Syria appears to be going out of control, Arab leaders are being forced to break their silence. The Arab League was instrumental in facilitating the international military intervention in Libya, but has issued only a general statement saying peaceful protesters in Arab states deserved "support, not bullets." Arab officials are afraid of facing similar uprisings in their own countries. But a former Arab official says, "Everyone is concerned about Syria but everyone is also worried about the day after. Still, things are moving at a pace that is faster than anyone imagined and governments are making decisions hour by hour, not even day by day." Financial Times (Access).

Israel halts transfer of tax funds to Palestinian Authority

Reacting to the reconciliation of Hamas and Fatah, and plans for a meeting in Cairo later this week to form a unity government, Israel has decided to temporarily halt the transfer of millions of dollars of tax revenue to the Palestinian Authority (the governing side of Fatah). Israel collects $80-100 million each month in taxes at border crossings, and turns the money over to the PA. The PA warned that it will not be able to pay the salaries of its civil services, and said that it as "an assault on the Palestinian economy." Jerusalem Post.

European Union considers reinstating border controls

Migrants travel from Italy to UK (Sun)

Migrants travel from Italy to UK (Sun)

The flow of thousands of Tunisian and Libyan migrants to Italy, where they've received travel visas for travel throughout the European Union, is causing the EU to consider reinstating border controls that were abandoned in 1995 by the Schengen agreement. Many migrants speak French and wish to reach France, and so France is particularly interested in border controls. Reuters

Many migrants hope to reach the UK, where they believe that they'll be able to live on rich benefits without working. One is quoted as saying, "There is nothing for us in France. I sleep outside. I hear the Government in Britain gives money. I want to go to England. I will be rich. I will receive benefits." The Sun (UK)

Right-wing extremists in Hungary target Roma Gypsies

Last year's promises by Hungary's government for "a notable increase in public security" have gone unfulfilled, as the police and judiciary have lost control over the growing right-extremist citizen groups and paramilitary-style gangs. They've staged repeated anti-Roma marches against "Gypsy criminality," and police have stood aside as vigilante groups have attacked. Roma activist Aladár Horváth says that the country has been gripped by a "civil war-like atmosphere" and "rampant racism." Der Spiegel

(Comments: For reader comments, questions and discussion, see the 2-May-11 News -- Libya war controversy rages after missile strike on Gaddafi compound thread of the Generational Dynamics forum. Comments may be posted anonymously.) (2-May-2011) Permanent Link
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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 2-May-2011 2-May-11 World View -- Osama bin Laden is dead

Osama bin Laden is dead

Syria's security forces arrest hundreds, shell Daraa

Israel halts transfer of tax funds to Palestinian Authority

European Union considers reinstating border controls

Right-wing extremists in Hungary target Roma Gypsies

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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 2-May-2011
2-May-11 World View -- Osama bin Laden is dead