Kasparov Predicts Quick End to Medvedev Presidency
Opposition leader Garry Kasparov has predicted that the financial crisis will bring about unrest that will end the presidency of Dmitry Medvedev within 18 months (Kasparov predicts).
Opposition Leaders Meet
Notable opposition leaders met to coordinate their efforts to prevent changes to the Russian constitution, including extension of presidential terms, and to bring down the present regime (Wendle).
Presidential Term Extended to Six Years
The Duma approved a bill to extend presidential terms to 6 years. Interestingly, all Communist Party members in the Duma voted against the bill on its first reading of three. The bill would also extend terms of Duma members to 5 years (Malpas, Nowak, Wendle).
Sources
Kasparov predicts short Medvedev presidency, mass protests (2008 Nov. 17). RIA Novosti. http://en.rian.ru/russia/20081117/118358740.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.
Malpas, A. (2008 Nov. 17). Duma backs 6-year presidential term. Moscow Times. http://www.moscowtimes.ru/article/1010/42/372406.htm, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.
Nowak, D. (2008 Nov. 14). Russian lawmakers back extending presidential term. Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jPsRzMy3_geQb7l75K7KZ6iNTizQD94EUGQ80, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.
Wendle, J. (2008 Nov. 24). Big names miss Solidarity meeting. Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/1010/42/372566.htm, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.
2008/11/29
Blogspeak 2008 November 29
Energy
Obama pushes alternative energy as a jobs issue (McClure, R., Dateline Earth, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 2008 Nov. 23)
Infrastructure & Environment
Water Infrastructure News (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Nov. 24)
Water Resources News Nov. 24, 2008 (Infrastructure Watch)
Obama & McCain Meet
Why Barack Obama needs John McCain (Goldstein, Y., Full Comment, National Post, 2008 Nov. 17)
Some Still Question Obama’s Eligibility
Obama’s Birth Certificate Challenger Keeps Going (Serchuk, D., Trailwatch, Forbes)
Obama pushes alternative energy as a jobs issue (McClure, R., Dateline Earth, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 2008 Nov. 23)
Infrastructure & Environment
Water Infrastructure News (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Nov. 24)
Water Resources News Nov. 24, 2008 (Infrastructure Watch)
Obama & McCain Meet
Why Barack Obama needs John McCain (Goldstein, Y., Full Comment, National Post, 2008 Nov. 17)
Some Still Question Obama’s Eligibility
Obama’s Birth Certificate Challenger Keeps Going (Serchuk, D., Trailwatch, Forbes)
Putin Intelligencer 2008 November 29
Defense and Foreign Affairs: United States
Putin called on the United States to abandon plans for a missile defense shield in Eastern Europe. The Bush administration has pushed or the project, but Russian President Dmitry Medvedev seems to thing Obama may be less attached to it (Russian PM urges Obama to scrap missile shield). The Russians hope Obama will be more receptive to them on many issues (Levy).
Energy
Putin continues to say Russia is not interested in joining an OPEC-style cartel because it will retain its sovereignty. He says he is interest in coordination that would ensure continuous energy supplies (Putin denies plan), which seems to back off his previous statements of an interest in sustaining oil prices.
Possible Return to Presidency
There is speculation that Putin would like to return to the presidency, possibly for a 12 year stretch (Malpas, Nowak, Wingate-Hayes). Even as prime minister, Putin is very powerful in the Russian government and recognized as leader of the ruling clique.
Sources
Levy, C. (2008 Nov. 24). Putin and Medvedev hope for a brighter future with Obama. International Herald Tribune. http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/24/europe/russia.php, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Malpas, A. (2008 Nov. 17). Duma backs 6-year presidential term. Moscow Times. http://www.moscowtimes.ru/article/1010/42/372406.htm, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.
Nowak, D. (2008 Nov. 14). Russian lawmakers back extending presidential term. Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jPsRzMy3_geQb7l75K7KZ6iNTizQD94EUGQ80, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.
Putin denies plan for OPEC-style gas cartel. (2008 Nov.17). New Europe. http://www.neurope.eu/articles/90618.php, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.
Russian PM urges Obama to scrap missile shield. (2008 Nov. 24). Voice of America. http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-11-24-voa82.cfm, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Wingate-Hayes, R. (2008 Nov. 14). What is Putin’s game? BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7730179.stm, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.
Putin called on the United States to abandon plans for a missile defense shield in Eastern Europe. The Bush administration has pushed or the project, but Russian President Dmitry Medvedev seems to thing Obama may be less attached to it (Russian PM urges Obama to scrap missile shield). The Russians hope Obama will be more receptive to them on many issues (Levy).
Energy
Putin continues to say Russia is not interested in joining an OPEC-style cartel because it will retain its sovereignty. He says he is interest in coordination that would ensure continuous energy supplies (Putin denies plan), which seems to back off his previous statements of an interest in sustaining oil prices.
Possible Return to Presidency
There is speculation that Putin would like to return to the presidency, possibly for a 12 year stretch (Malpas, Nowak, Wingate-Hayes). Even as prime minister, Putin is very powerful in the Russian government and recognized as leader of the ruling clique.
Sources
Levy, C. (2008 Nov. 24). Putin and Medvedev hope for a brighter future with Obama. International Herald Tribune. http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/24/europe/russia.php, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Malpas, A. (2008 Nov. 17). Duma backs 6-year presidential term. Moscow Times. http://www.moscowtimes.ru/article/1010/42/372406.htm, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.
Nowak, D. (2008 Nov. 14). Russian lawmakers back extending presidential term. Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jPsRzMy3_geQb7l75K7KZ6iNTizQD94EUGQ80, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.
Putin denies plan for OPEC-style gas cartel. (2008 Nov.17). New Europe. http://www.neurope.eu/articles/90618.php, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.
Russian PM urges Obama to scrap missile shield. (2008 Nov. 24). Voice of America. http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-11-24-voa82.cfm, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Wingate-Hayes, R. (2008 Nov. 14). What is Putin’s game? BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7730179.stm, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.
2008/11/25
President-Elect Intelligencer 2008 November 25
Foreign Affairs: China
As Obama take the reigns of America’s foreign policy, he’ll face a challenge of a China that is more equal to U.S. power than ever before. China’s economy is still relatively strong and they own more than a half-trillion dollars in U.S. government bonds (Bodeen).
Meeting with McCain
Obama met with formal rival Sen. John McCain. They promised to work together to solve the nation’s problems (MacAskill; Mason & Bohan).
Radical and Socialist Connections
Now that the election is over the previously quiet is making many public appearances, sometimes addressing his relationship to Obama and sometimes promoting the new edition of his book, Fugitive Days (Ayres says relationship; Hutton; Overby).
Staff; Scrutinizing Bill and Hillary Clinton
In preparing to name Sen. Hillary Clinton as nominee for Secretary of State, the Obama transition team carefully look into the background of her husband and former president Bill Clinton. Since leaving office, the 42nd president has developed complicated finances from books and other deals and many relationships, especially abroad, through the charitable foundation he runs (Mason & Bohan; Reid).
Other staff announcements include:
Deputy Director of Communications—Dan Pfeiffer, communications director for Obama’s transition team
Director of Communications—Ellen Moran, executive director of EMILY’S List, an organization of black female candidates who support abortion rights
Director, Domestic Policy Council—Melody Barnes, Executive Vice President for Policy at the Center for American Progress
Director, National Economic Council—Lawrence Summers formerly held posts in the Treasury Department
Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors—Christina Romer, an economic historian
Secretary of Treasury—Timothy Geithner from the New York Federal Reserve Bank
Press Secretary—Robert Gibbs, served as communication’s director on Obama’s senate staff (Obama announces economic team; Obama fills out White House communications team).
Unusual
J. Crew is enjoying a bounce and arranged its online advertising to take advantage of Michelle Obama’s appearance in their clothes (Clifford).
The Secret Service codenames for the new first family have been revealed:
President Barack Obama—Renegade,
First Lady Michelle Obama—Renaissance,
Malia—Radiance,
Sasha—Rosebud (Huppke).
War in Iraq
Some are preparing to put pressure on Obama to keep his promise to withdraw troops from Iraq (Clary; Thrush & Grim).
Sources
Ayers says relationship with Obama “exaggerated.” (2008 Nov. 20). Associated Press in Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-williamayers-monm,0,1689248.story, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Clary, M. (2008 Nov. 23). South Floridians intend to hold Barack Obama to Iraq pullout pledge. South Florida Sun-Sentinel. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbobamawar1123sbnov23,0,5706554.story, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Clifford, S. (2008 Nov. 16). J. Crew benefits as Mrs. Obama wears the brand. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/business/media/17crew.html?_r=1, accessed 2008 Nov. 19.
Bodeen, C. (2008 Nov. 22). Economy, not rights, rule the new China-U.S. world. Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j2ZxyVtR_dPyd75yfIAMpV4QNXOgD94K3EE00, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Huppke, R. (2008 Nov. 10). “Renegade” joins “Twinkle,” “Rawhide,” “Lancer” on list of Secret Service code names. Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-secret-service-code-names-obama,0,2687400.story, accessed 2008 Nov. 19.
Hutton, M. (2008 Nov. 21). Ayers speaks at Monmouth College. Galesburg Register-Mail. http://www.galesburg.com/news/x1720662768/William-Ayers-speaks-at-Monmouth-College, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
MacAskill, E. (2008 Nov. 17). Obama and McCain meet for the first time since the election. Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/17/barack-obama-john-mccain-meeting, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Mason, J., & Bohan, C. (2008 Nov. 17). Obama, McCain pledge to work together. Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4AG5MW20081117, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Obama announces economic team. (2008 Nov. 24). New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/24/us/politics/24text-obama.html?pagewanted=3&_r=1, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Obama fills out White House communications team. (2008 Nov. 22). Associate Press in Globe & Mail. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081122.wobama1122/BNStory/Front, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Overby, P. (2008 Nov. 18). As election spotlight dims, Ayers the author speaks out. Morning Edition. NPR. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97124808, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Reid, T. (2008 Nov. 18). Barack Obama’s vetters study Bill Clinton’s foreign ties. Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article5175364.ece, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Thrush, G., & Grim, R. (2008 Nov. 21). Left cuts Obama slack for now. Politico on CBS News. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/21/politics/politico/main4624733.shtml, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
As Obama take the reigns of America’s foreign policy, he’ll face a challenge of a China that is more equal to U.S. power than ever before. China’s economy is still relatively strong and they own more than a half-trillion dollars in U.S. government bonds (Bodeen).
Meeting with McCain
Obama met with formal rival Sen. John McCain. They promised to work together to solve the nation’s problems (MacAskill; Mason & Bohan).
Radical and Socialist Connections
Now that the election is over the previously quiet is making many public appearances, sometimes addressing his relationship to Obama and sometimes promoting the new edition of his book, Fugitive Days (Ayres says relationship; Hutton; Overby).
Staff; Scrutinizing Bill and Hillary Clinton
In preparing to name Sen. Hillary Clinton as nominee for Secretary of State, the Obama transition team carefully look into the background of her husband and former president Bill Clinton. Since leaving office, the 42nd president has developed complicated finances from books and other deals and many relationships, especially abroad, through the charitable foundation he runs (Mason & Bohan; Reid).
Other staff announcements include:
Deputy Director of Communications—Dan Pfeiffer, communications director for Obama’s transition team
Director of Communications—Ellen Moran, executive director of EMILY’S List, an organization of black female candidates who support abortion rights
Director, Domestic Policy Council—Melody Barnes, Executive Vice President for Policy at the Center for American Progress
Director, National Economic Council—Lawrence Summers formerly held posts in the Treasury Department
Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors—Christina Romer, an economic historian
Secretary of Treasury—Timothy Geithner from the New York Federal Reserve Bank
Press Secretary—Robert Gibbs, served as communication’s director on Obama’s senate staff (Obama announces economic team; Obama fills out White House communications team).
Unusual
J. Crew is enjoying a bounce and arranged its online advertising to take advantage of Michelle Obama’s appearance in their clothes (Clifford).
The Secret Service codenames for the new first family have been revealed:
President Barack Obama—Renegade,
First Lady Michelle Obama—Renaissance,
Malia—Radiance,
Sasha—Rosebud (Huppke).
War in Iraq
Some are preparing to put pressure on Obama to keep his promise to withdraw troops from Iraq (Clary; Thrush & Grim).
Sources
Ayers says relationship with Obama “exaggerated.” (2008 Nov. 20). Associated Press in Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-williamayers-monm,0,1689248.story, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Clary, M. (2008 Nov. 23). South Floridians intend to hold Barack Obama to Iraq pullout pledge. South Florida Sun-Sentinel. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbobamawar1123sbnov23,0,5706554.story, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Clifford, S. (2008 Nov. 16). J. Crew benefits as Mrs. Obama wears the brand. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/business/media/17crew.html?_r=1, accessed 2008 Nov. 19.
Bodeen, C. (2008 Nov. 22). Economy, not rights, rule the new China-U.S. world. Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j2ZxyVtR_dPyd75yfIAMpV4QNXOgD94K3EE00, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Huppke, R. (2008 Nov. 10). “Renegade” joins “Twinkle,” “Rawhide,” “Lancer” on list of Secret Service code names. Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-secret-service-code-names-obama,0,2687400.story, accessed 2008 Nov. 19.
Hutton, M. (2008 Nov. 21). Ayers speaks at Monmouth College. Galesburg Register-Mail. http://www.galesburg.com/news/x1720662768/William-Ayers-speaks-at-Monmouth-College, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
MacAskill, E. (2008 Nov. 17). Obama and McCain meet for the first time since the election. Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/17/barack-obama-john-mccain-meeting, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Mason, J., & Bohan, C. (2008 Nov. 17). Obama, McCain pledge to work together. Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4AG5MW20081117, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Obama announces economic team. (2008 Nov. 24). New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/24/us/politics/24text-obama.html?pagewanted=3&_r=1, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Obama fills out White House communications team. (2008 Nov. 22). Associate Press in Globe & Mail. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081122.wobama1122/BNStory/Front, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Overby, P. (2008 Nov. 18). As election spotlight dims, Ayers the author speaks out. Morning Edition. NPR. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97124808, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Reid, T. (2008 Nov. 18). Barack Obama’s vetters study Bill Clinton’s foreign ties. Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article5175364.ece, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
Thrush, G., & Grim, R. (2008 Nov. 21). Left cuts Obama slack for now. Politico on CBS News. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/21/politics/politico/main4624733.shtml, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.
2008/11/24
Russia Intelligencer 2008 November 24
Assassination, Chechnya & Russian Criminal Justice
Some have called for Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov to testify in the trial of those accuse of killing journalist Anna Politovskaya. He has been implicated in trial documents. On the up side, Judge Yevgeny Zubov of the Moscow District Military Court has declared the trial will be public. There was some fear the trial would be secret because one of the accused is a former FSB agent (Halpin).
Foreign Affairs: Libya, United States
It appears Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi gave Russian leaders the slip, winning the forgiveness of Libyan debt held by Russia, but not promising anything solid in return. Consideration of a Russian naval base in Libya continues, but it’s not certain Russia has the ships to make use of it (Baev).
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is hoping to meet with Barack Obama when he takes office to establish a new tone in relations with the U.S. European Union leaders are also calling for a new approach with Russia, which has taken on a less friendly note because it is angered with U.S.-supported plans for NATO expansion and western aid to Georgia (Berry, Keleman, Medetsky).
Sources
Baev, P. (2008 Nov. 3). Qaddafi and Zyazikov: Reality checks for Russia’s petro-politics. Eurasia Daily Monitor. http://jamestown.org/edm/article.php?article_id=2373498, accessed 2008 Nov. 12.
Berry, L. (2008 Nov. 15). Russia’s Medvedev calls for talks with Obama. Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jfS6y-A7WF82KotI6KMN41IA3M4QD94FQCH81, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.
Halpin, T. (2008 Nov. 17). Chechen leader “should testify” at Politkovskaya trial. Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article5173093.ece, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.
Keleman, M. (2008 Nov. 17). Analysts, EU leaders urge new approach to Russia. All Things Considered. NPR. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97100969, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.
Medetsky, A. (2008 Nov. 17). Medvedev signs tariff deal in U.S. Moscow Times. http://www.moscowtimes.ru/article/600/42/372393.htm, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.
Some have called for Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov to testify in the trial of those accuse of killing journalist Anna Politovskaya. He has been implicated in trial documents. On the up side, Judge Yevgeny Zubov of the Moscow District Military Court has declared the trial will be public. There was some fear the trial would be secret because one of the accused is a former FSB agent (Halpin).
Foreign Affairs: Libya, United States
It appears Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi gave Russian leaders the slip, winning the forgiveness of Libyan debt held by Russia, but not promising anything solid in return. Consideration of a Russian naval base in Libya continues, but it’s not certain Russia has the ships to make use of it (Baev).
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is hoping to meet with Barack Obama when he takes office to establish a new tone in relations with the U.S. European Union leaders are also calling for a new approach with Russia, which has taken on a less friendly note because it is angered with U.S.-supported plans for NATO expansion and western aid to Georgia (Berry, Keleman, Medetsky).
Sources
Baev, P. (2008 Nov. 3). Qaddafi and Zyazikov: Reality checks for Russia’s petro-politics. Eurasia Daily Monitor. http://jamestown.org/edm/article.php?article_id=2373498, accessed 2008 Nov. 12.
Berry, L. (2008 Nov. 15). Russia’s Medvedev calls for talks with Obama. Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jfS6y-A7WF82KotI6KMN41IA3M4QD94FQCH81, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.
Halpin, T. (2008 Nov. 17). Chechen leader “should testify” at Politkovskaya trial. Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article5173093.ece, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.
Keleman, M. (2008 Nov. 17). Analysts, EU leaders urge new approach to Russia. All Things Considered. NPR. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97100969, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.
Medetsky, A. (2008 Nov. 17). Medvedev signs tariff deal in U.S. Moscow Times. http://www.moscowtimes.ru/article/600/42/372393.htm, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.
Foreign Affairs Intelligencer 2008 November 24
G20 Agrees to Hiatus on New Tariffs
The G20 nations, representing 90 percent of the world economy, agreed to impose no new trade restrictions over the next 12 months. This is a response to the global credit crunch (Medetsky).
Georgia
Vice-presidential candidate and Delaware Senator Joe Biden met with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili in Milwaukee (Borowski). Russian leaders have not welcomed American assistance to their neighbor.
Sources
Borowoski, G. (2008 Sept. 26). Joe Biden to meet Georgian President Saakashvili at Phister Hotel. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal. http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/32483519.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 1.
Medetsky, A. (2008 Nov. 17). Medvedev signs tariff deal in U.S. Moscow Times. http://www.moscowtimes.ru/article/600/42/372393.htm, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.
The G20 nations, representing 90 percent of the world economy, agreed to impose no new trade restrictions over the next 12 months. This is a response to the global credit crunch (Medetsky).
Georgia
Vice-presidential candidate and Delaware Senator Joe Biden met with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili in Milwaukee (Borowski). Russian leaders have not welcomed American assistance to their neighbor.
Sources
Borowoski, G. (2008 Sept. 26). Joe Biden to meet Georgian President Saakashvili at Phister Hotel. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal. http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/32483519.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 1.
Medetsky, A. (2008 Nov. 17). Medvedev signs tariff deal in U.S. Moscow Times. http://www.moscowtimes.ru/article/600/42/372393.htm, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.
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