Italy: As Goes Rome, So Does Europe?
This past week, Italian voters – staying true to their unpredictable history – once again shocked Europe by not giving any one political party the majority needed to form a … Continue reading
Middle East: United Arab Emirates Procurement of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Signals More Opportunities for US Firms
Every defense contractor worth their salt knows that if they want to hit their sales targets, they should immediately move to the Arabian Gulf. With their enormous resources and real … Continue reading
United States: Sequestration’s Impact Limited, Unfair and Ineffective
Over the past few weeks, elected representatives and US federal agencies have been very vocal about how the US economy and security will be damaged by the congressionally mandated budget … Continue reading
Mongolia: Domestic Politics May Strip Rio Tinto of Share of Mine
Mongolia, the sparsely populated landlocked Asian country, is one of the world’s fastest growing economies; according to the International Monetary Fund, its inflation-adjusted gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 12.7 … Continue reading
India: Cuts in Defense Spending Neither Surprising or Permanent
New Delhi recently announced plans to cut its 2013-14 fiscal year defense budget by over $2.5 billion as part of an overall $21 billion spending reduction. These cuts are due … Continue reading
Technology: Microsoft’s Newest Challenge is a Store from Google
Almost everyone – including the company’s chairman – agrees that Microsoft missed the mobile computing boat and surrendered this market to its competitors, primarily Google. The California-based company, which started … Continue reading
Pakistan: Use the Citizens’ Selfish Nature in Service of the Country
On February 16, 2013, over 60 Hazara Shias were killed when a bomb exploded in a crowded market in the western Pakistani city of Quetta. This was the second attack … Continue reading
Technology: Apple’s Movement to Supply Chain Efficiencies Reflects Lack of Innovative Products
One of America’s most innovative companies is moving from the innovation to efficiency stage. This transition, which shouldn’t have surprised seasoned industry-watchers, seems to have caught the financial markets unawares. … Continue reading
Afghanistan: Shadow of US Withdrawal Darkens Hopes for a Stable Future by Clouding the Hopes of the Middle-Class
US President Barack Obama is expected to announce the withdrawal of 34,000 American troops from Afghanistan in his upcoming 2013 State of the Union (SOTU) address. The president’s plan will … Continue reading
Saudi Arabia: High Oil Prices Keeps Easy Money Flowing but Economic Absorption Questionable
Saudi Arabia’s official 2013 budget rose by 19 percent as Riyadh continues to disburse large amounts of funds to restrain unemployment and placate a restive populace. Over 20 percent of … Continue reading
All Sorts of Things 