As the world struggles to find alternatives to hydrocarbon fuels, many countries find themselves increasing their use of the traditional fuels in order to stimulate economic growth. The use of coal, for example, continues to soar in both China and India. The consequences of their consumption is compromising their ability to enhance the quality of life of their citizens. The shortage of electricity, however, in certain parts of India is crippling the economic growth of the country.
Afghan President Karzai leveled some astonishing charges against the US military while US Secretary of Defense Hagel visited the country. Karzai accused the US of colluding with the Taliban so that US forces could stay in Afghanistan. He also accused US troops of harassing university students. While it is always very important to take every charge seriously, it is hard to imagine that Hagel was trying to figure out ways to keep US troops in Afghanistan. It seems very clear that the goodwill trip did not go as planned.
Sectarian violence broke out in Pakistan after several Christian residences were torched after an accusation of blasphemy. The Christian community in Pakistan has long felt under pressure, and the growing intolerance against all Pakistanis who are not Sunni is a worrying trend.
The candidate who won the largest number of votes in the recent Italian election was Beppe Grillo, a comedian turned politican, who launched a political party called the Five Star Movement. He is clearly a showman and wants to shake up Italian politics. But he is also someone who asks some very serious questions. Here’s an example of his analysis of the economic situation in Europe.
World Politics News 
Vinny, what do you think about Grillo’s movement? Is he feeding off of cult of personality and oversimplifying the problems in Europe, or is he the only straight talker in the deck of cards over there? It is refreshing to see that economic despair can create groups about community and inclusion rather than what’s going on with the Golden Dawn in Greece… I’m thinking we could use some more people like Beppe across the pond over here…
-Eric
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I think that Grillo’s 5 Star Movement is a sign that politics-as-usual is no longer acceptable to the Italian people. The Economist calls him a clown (along with Berlusconi). I disagree. Traditional politics have left the Italian people much worse off. If you connect the dots to what is happening in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Spain, Portugal, and Greece then I think serious trouble is brewing if the political establishment doesn’t change. I also think that the movement resonates with a lot of American politics as well.
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