An interesting article in the Los Angeles Times about the likelihood of an Israeli attack on Iran. This article comes down squarely in the psychological warfare camp–the last few sentences are persuasive.
Italy steps into the forefront of the Eurozone crisis. Bond interest rates of above 6% are generally regarded as impossible to repay (compound interest essentially doubles the amount a government has to pay back to the bondholders in ten years) and Italian bonds are now above that level. It also appears as if Berlusconi may go the way of Papandreou. Initially, Berlusconi’s departure will ease pressure on Italy. But he has probably been disguising some funny accounting techniques during his tenure which will probably blow the lid off Italian debt. It is going to be interesting.
The self-immolations in Tibet remain a horrifying puzzle. The act conveys a profound sense of desperation, but it is difficult to figure out why that level of frustration was reached at this particular point in time. The BBC offers some insights into this puzzle, but the article is far from satisfying.
The violence in Syria continues. It does not appear as if the end-game in Libya has had any effect on Assad’s decision-making in Syria. Perhaps it even made him less reluctant to be conciliatory.
World Politics News 
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