German Chncellor Merkel has decided to allow German prosecutors to pursue a case against Jan Boehmermann, a comedian, who had recited a poem about Turkish President Erdogan suggesting that Erdogan watch pornography and engaged in bestiality. There is, in fact, a German law prohibiting insults to foreign leaders, but the code allows discretion in pursuing such cases. Many in Merkel’s ruling coalition believe that Merkel has failed to protect freedom of speech and is instead capitulating to Erdogan because of the refugee crisis.
Last February smashed all previous records for high monthly temperatures for the month and everyone though that the increase was incredible (1.04° C). Unfortunately, February has now lost the record to March which ended up 1.07ºC higher than the previous March. There is evidence to suggest that the temperature increase may be due to the record-setting el Niño. Even so, the temperature increase is truly troubling.
Last month, Russia declared that its military operations in Syria were over and the mission had been accomplished. There is evidence that the Russians have in fact decreased the number of jets stationed in Syria. But overall, the Russian military forces in Syria remain unchanged and the number of Russian attack helicopters has in fact increased. We now are left with an interesting question: Was the mission left unaccomplished because the Russians thought there was more left to do, or because Syrian President Assad demanded that the Russian forces remain. The second possibility has been something that the US experienced in Vietnam and Afghanistan. Being hostage to a government that needs outside support is usually a losing proposition.
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