Another massacre is being reported in Syria, with many noncombatants killed, some by stabbing. After 15 months of violence, it seems as if Syria is entering into a full-fledged civil war, although the opposition movement still seems to be incoherent and uncoordinated. The number of platitudinous statements coming out of the diplomatic corps is reaching an all-time high, but effective action still seems quite remote.
National Public Radio interviewed Joseph Stiglitz on his new book on income inequality in the United States. Stiglitz (an Amherst grad) is a Nobel Prize winner who has been a persistent critic of contemporary economic policy. The interview is intelligent and compelling.
The BBC has done a review of the policy positions taken by the two candidates in the Egyptian presidential election. Ahmed Shafiq, an official from the Mubarak regime, is one of the candidates, although it is hard to believe that someone with his background could have the confidence of those who participated in the revolution against Mubarak. Muhammed Mursi is the candidate of the Muslim Brotherhood. The second round of the election is scheduled for 16-17 June–the Greek elections are also on the 17th. It should be an interesting day.
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