article source:
http://www.economist.com/node/21549992
"Wink or blink: Iran may be declaring victory while seeking a way out"
This article makes it clear that in any government policies of economics and politics are highly connected. In Iran's case, it is far from coincidental that the majlis elections at the beginning of this month were highly boycotted and predetermined just as the impacts of international sanctions on Iranian oil become more obvious. The idea that "a text-message joke in Tehran quipped that 80% of Iranians had sat on their couches, amazed to see 70% of Iranians voting" is a serious sign of a decrease in legitimacy for Ahmedinejad's regime, especially for the supposedly "democratic" institution of the majlis. Economic strains such as the increase in imports of grain (to prevent future shortages), inflation, and further restrictions on Iran's trading capabilities mean that resentment towards the government (and Ahmedinejad's position in particular) will only increase.
This strain is then a probable cause of Iran's recent increase in cooperation over it's nuclear weapons capabilities. Though there has been severely heated rhetoric from the regime on this topic, Iran's nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, answered a letter sent to him by the EU’s foreign-policy chief requesting renewed talks with the six-nation contact group, and Ayatollah Khamenei continued to deny the pursuit of nuclear weapons. That is not to say that there has been a complete turnaround by any means, but the evidence of economic strain will continued to have a significant impact on Iran's foreign policy issues, especially considering the dependence on oil as an export.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
current event #5
article source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/russian-tv-attack-draws-angry-protests/2012/03/18/gIQA80PmKS_story.html
"Russian TV program draws protests from Putin critics"
With Putin's recent "reelection" to the presidency, there is no shortage of evidence that he will continue on his current path of restricting civil liberties and consolidating power in the Russian government. This article outlined one example of such restriction, namely that a "documentary" television program was created and shown specifically to attack those who have protested against Putin in recent weeks. The program, "Anatomy of a Protest", was shown on the NTV channel and claimed that citizens had been bribed or coerced to protest against Putin, though there is no evidence that these claims have any basis in truth.
The "documentary" is an example of the propaganda that surrounds Putin in the media and pop culture in Russia. It also illustrates Putin's continued intentions to restrict the media, especially in light of the fact that the television channel that aired the program (NTV) was previously a very independent and liberal organization until Putin's ascendancy to power in 2000. There was some protest by citizens over the airing of the program, though witnesses reportedly stated that they were afraid of the police and consequences, statements which only enhance the idea that legitimacy in Russia is declining, especially with Putin in the presidency once again.
"Russian TV program draws protests from Putin critics"
With Putin's recent "reelection" to the presidency, there is no shortage of evidence that he will continue on his current path of restricting civil liberties and consolidating power in the Russian government. This article outlined one example of such restriction, namely that a "documentary" television program was created and shown specifically to attack those who have protested against Putin in recent weeks. The program, "Anatomy of a Protest", was shown on the NTV channel and claimed that citizens had been bribed or coerced to protest against Putin, though there is no evidence that these claims have any basis in truth.
The "documentary" is an example of the propaganda that surrounds Putin in the media and pop culture in Russia. It also illustrates Putin's continued intentions to restrict the media, especially in light of the fact that the television channel that aired the program (NTV) was previously a very independent and liberal organization until Putin's ascendancy to power in 2000. There was some protest by citizens over the airing of the program, though witnesses reportedly stated that they were afraid of the police and consequences, statements which only enhance the idea that legitimacy in Russia is declining, especially with Putin in the presidency once again.
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