EIU Country Analysis

EIU Country Analysis The Economist Intelligence Unit, a division of London's Economist Group, is the most respected provider of country analysis for governments, multi-national corporations and financial institutions around the world. Through our network of over 500 international contributor economists, we establish independent macro-economic outlooks and detailed reports on the political and commercial environments for over 200 countries around the world.
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2009-11-07:
Name Date
Country Report Tanzania November 2009 Country Report Tanzania November 2009 2009-11-07
Country Report Tanzania November #### Economist Intelligence Unit ## Red Lion Square London WC#R #HQ United Kingdom The Economist Intelligence Unit The Economist Intelligence Unit is a specialist publisher serving companies establishing and managing operations across national borders. For ##
Country Risk Service Tanzania November 2009 Country Risk Service Tanzania November 2009 2009-11-07
Country Risk Service Tanzania November #### Economist Intelligence Unit ## Red Lion Square London WC#R #HQ United Kingdom T anzania at a glance: ####-## OVERVIEW The president, Jakaya Kikwete, will remain fairly popular as he enters the final year
World politics: So much gained, so much to lose World politics: So much gained, so much to lose 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST Over the past ## years economic freedom has outpaced political liberty. Neither should be taken for granted "OF ALL places it was in divided Berlin in divided Germany in divided Europe that the cold war erupted into
Europe finance: The muscles from Brussels Europe finance: The muscles from Brussels 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST Decisive action on zombie banks from...the European Commission NEELIE KROES has, according to one analyst in London, "cut through all the bullshit". Europe#;s competition commissioner has trod where national regulators dare not, by imposing harsh
Russia/UK politics: Frozen diplomacy Russia/UK politics: Frozen diplomacy 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST More of an update than a reset EVER since the new American administration popularised the phrase, it has been fashionable to talk of a "reset" with Russia. Few relationships have needed resetting more than the one between
Afghanistan politics: Mr Karzai's tattered victory Afghanistan politics: Mr Karzai 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST The world agrees to pretend he won; not all Afghans suspend disbelief BRINGING Afghanistan#;s disastrous presidential election to a close, ten weeks after the voting, the chairman of the country#;s Independent Election Commission (IEC) said
Venezuela energy: Losing power Venezuela energy: Losing power 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST Communism is a cold shower THE economy is in recession but sales of at least two items are booming in Venezuela: water-storage tanks and portable generators. A country that has claimed the world#;s biggest oil
Honduras politics: Mr Zelaya's scrap of paper Honduras politics: Mr Zelaya 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST Unless outsiders continue to press, a deal to end a stubborn political conflict risks coming unstuck even before it is implemented EVEN before it was signed on October ##th, the Tegucigalpa-San Jose Accord was hailed as
India economy: Adornment and investment India economy: Adornment and investment 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST India is eager for the IMF#;s bullion IF YOU count bangles, necklaces, anklets and other pieces of jewellery, India is the largest repository of gold in the world, according to the World Gold Council. Many Indians
World politics: A globe redrawn World politics: A globe redrawn 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST Welcome to the new world disorder TO RUSSIA#;s once and possibly future president, Vladimir Putin, the collapse of the Soviet Union--two years after the fall of the Berlin Wall--was "the greatest geopolitical catastrophe" of
Italy/USA politics: Conviction time Italy/USA politics: Conviction time 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST A damning verdict in an Italian court against America#;s CIA NOBODY knows how many people have fallen victim to CIA-organised "extraordinary renditions"--operations in which suspected terrorists are snatched and shipped to third countries for
Europe politics: Blair's unbalancing act Europe politics: Blair 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST Lessons from the unedifying fight over top Brussels jobs IN THE end, Tony Blair#;s great European adventure seems to have been a balancing act too far. As prime minister, Mr Blair built a career on political
Indonesia politics: The gecko bites back Indonesia politics: The gecko bites back 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST Yudhoyono: second term, first crisis THIS was to have been Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono#;s second honeymoon. Inaugurated for a second presidential term last month after a landslide election victory in July, he should have been basking in
Chile politics: The people and the land Chile politics: The people and the land 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST A fight over history and poverty HOW far can the clock be turned back? That is the question facing Chile#;s government in the Araucania region, the homeland of the Mapuche Indians in the country#;s forested
USA business: Rinsed and raring to go USA business: Rinsed and raring to go 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST After a terrible year there are signs of hope for Detroit AMERICA#;S carmakers appear to have returned from the grave. This week the three big ones--Ford, General Motors and Chrysler--all had good news to
Iraq politics: The region's liveliest system Iraq politics: The region 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST Amid the bickering and chicanery, people are engaging in democracy SOMETIMES it seems as if Iraqi politicians cannot agree on anything. Parliament has taken months debating a bill to pave the way to elections on January ##th
Europe economy: Down in the dumps Europe economy: Down in the dumps 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST The ex-communist economies have not collapsed. But finding new ways to catch up with the West will be hard EVEN at the height of the ex-communist countries#; boom in ####, almost half their citizens felt
Japan business: Invisible but indispensable Japan business: Invisible but indispensable 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST A host of medium-sized Japanese electronics firms have developed dominant positions in many areas of technology. Can they keep them? ABOUT ## nuclear reactors are under construction around the world, designed by half a dozen companies
Sri Lanka politics: To which victor the spoils? Sri Lanka politics: To which victor the spoils? 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST The mysterious ambitions of Sri Lanka#;s victorious army commander NOT even six months has elapsed since the protracted war with Tamil Tiger rebels ended in a bloody climax, leading to the Sri Lankan government#;s triumph
India politics: Not free to starve India politics: Not free to starve 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST A poet from Manipur celebrates nine years of trying to kill herself IROM CHANU SHARMILA, ##, a poet and aspirant suicide, was this week unable to attend a cultural festival held in her honour in Imphal, capital
Europe politics: After Lisbon Europe politics: After Lisbon 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST The European Union is likely to choose weak leaders. It needs strong ones THE ratification of Europe#;s Lisbon treaty, now completed by the reluctant signature of the Czech president, Vaclav Klaus, has been dispiriting. The treaty
Hong Kong finance: Flat out Hong Kong finance: Flat out 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST A boom gathers momentum HAVING seen the damage caused by property bubbles, Hong Kong officials are determined not to have a repeat on their own patch. Last month the territory#;s de facto central bank pushed banks
China politics: Keep calm and carry on China politics: Keep calm and carry on 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST How Deng Xiaoping neutralised the country#;s worst moment "THE East German people are now strengthening their unity under the leadership of the party." So declared China#;s Communist Party mouthpiece, the People#;s Daily, in October
France politics: Liberty, equality, no impunity France politics: Liberty, equality, no impunity 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST The salutary shock of a former president going on trial THE French have greeted the decision to put Jacques Chirac on trial for misappropriation of public funds with mixed feelings. A surprising number of politicians have suggested
Bangladesh/Myanmar politics: Fenced in Bangladesh/Myanmar politics: Fenced in 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST More grief for the Rohingyas "WE HAVE an excellent relationship with the soldiers on the other side," says Khalilar Rahman, a Bangladesh Rifles commander at a remote outpost on a hillock in Ghumdhum, on the border with
Saudi Arabia/Yemen politics: A bloody border Saudi Arabia/Yemen politics: A bloody border 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST Trouble on the frontier between Saudi Arabia and Yemen is getting out of hand TWO separate incidents underline the growing shakiness of Yemen#;s government and the increasing fear of Saudi rulers that their own fairly successful
USA politics: The change he didn't seek USA politics: The change he didn 2009-11-07
FROM THE ECONOMIST This week#;s results carry warnings for both parties: but the Democrats--and their leader--should worry more SO WAS it a referendum or wasn#;t it, and if so on whom? On November #rd (see "Elections
Gift certificates get a makeover: The gift that gives back Gift certificates get a makeover: The gift that gives back 2009-11-07
Retailers are using gift certificates to drum up more business GIFT certificates, or rather their high-tech new replacements, gift cards (certificates in the form of credit cards), are America#;s most popular present. They spare gift-givers the strain
Mayoral races: Money can't buy you love Mayoral races: Money can 2009-11-07
A shabby victory for Michael Bloomberg, but breakthroughs elsewhere ON ELECTION day in Queens, one voter asked a fellow New Yorker a question about using the voting machine. "Honey," she replied in a smoky New York accent, "as long as
Lexington: Republicans, riven but resurgent Lexington: Republicans, riven but resurgent 2009-11-07
Why conservative in-fighting may matter less than you might think ARE the Republicans storming back towards national power? Or do the party#;s ideological divisions doom it to irrelevance? Democrats looking for hope amid the ashes of this week
Health reform: Now or never? Health reform: Now or never? 2009-11-07
Efforts to speed health legislation hit some snags WILL the health bill making its way through Congress reach Barack Obama#;s desk before the end of the year? In May he insisted: "If we don#;t get it done this
Arizona's budget: Stumped Arizona 2009-11-07
An intra-Republican row EARLIER this year Republicans seemed to be in the ascendant in Arizona, the state of Barry Goldwater, even as they struggled in much of the country. Not only had they retained control in both houses of
Climate change: For peat's sake, stop Climate change: For peat 2009-11-07
The world#;s wetlands are big sources of greenhouse gases BOGS, mires, marshes, swamps, fens and quagmires--whatever they are called, and wherever they are found, peaty wetlands emit about #.# billion tonnes of CO# a year as a
Religion and climate change: Sounding the trumpet Religion and climate change: Sounding the trumpet 2009-11-07
A link-up between faith and greenery brings unlikely people together ENVIRONMENTALISM is a hard corner to fight in Louisiana, a state where oil, gas and chemical companies are big in the economy and politics. But it takes a lot
Output, prices and jobs Output, prices and jobs 2009-11-07
See graphic below.
Trade, exchange rates, budget balances and interest rates Trade, exchange rates, budget balances and interest rates 2009-11-07
See graphic below.
Market performance Market performance 2009-11-07
Despite a wobble in global stockmarkets at the end of October, investors in equities have had a rewarding year. The shares in the MSCI index, which covers ## rich countries, have risen by more than a quarter in dollar terms
Markets Markets 2009-11-07
See graphic below.
The Economist commodity-price index The Economist commodity-price index 2009-11-07
See graphic below.
China's reaction to Communism's collapse: Keep calm and carry on China 2009-11-07
How Deng Xiaoping neutralised the country#;s worst moment "THE East German people are now strengthening their unity under the leadership of the party." So declared China#;s Communist Party mouthpiece, the People#;s Daily, in October ####. A month
Berlin re-united: Not quite grown up Berlin re-united: Not quite grown up 2009-11-07
Still sparsely peopled, and still an island UNTIL the Berlin Wall fell, Jutta Wrase photographed mostly in black and white. You could buy colour film in East Berlin, but the colours were bad and few shops would develop it. After
The world after 1989: Walls in the mind The world after 1989: Walls in the mind 2009-11-07
###; PICTURE yourself in a smoky cafe somewhere in the middle of Europe--Prague, say--in late ####. Sipping muddy coffee sweetened with gritty sugar, served by a sullen waiter at a greasy table, you are discussing the future with
Russia and Britain: Frozen diplomacy Russia and Britain: Frozen diplomacy 2009-11-07
More of an update than a reset EVER since the new American administration popularised the phrase, it has been fashionable to talk of a "reset" with Russia. Few relationships have needed resetting more than the one between Russia and Britain
Italy and the CIA: Conviction time Italy and the CIA: Conviction time 2009-11-07
A damning verdict in an Italian court against America#;s CIA NOBODY knows how many people have fallen victim to CIA-organised "extraordinary renditions"--operations in which suspected terrorists are snatched and shipped to third countries for interrogations that often
The euro-area economy: Recovery, of sorts The euro-area economy: Recovery, of sorts 2009-11-07
The European Commission reckons that today#;s growth will not last EUROPE#;S emergence from its worst post-war downturn seems assured. Figures released on November ##th will confirm that the euro-area economy came out of recession in the
Charlemagne: Blair's unbalancing act Charlemagne: Blair 2009-11-07
Lessons from the unedifying fight over top Brussels jobs IN THE end, Tony Blair#;s great European adventure seems to have been a balancing act too far. As prime minister, Mr Blair built a career on political acrobatics. He was
Eastern Europe's economic woes: Down in the dumps Eastern Europe 2009-11-07
The ex-communist economies have not collapsed. But finding new ways to catch up with the West will be hard EVEN at the height of the ex-communist countries#; boom in ####, almost half their citizens felt they lived worse
Teaching at universities: A sense of entitlement Teaching at universities: A sense of entitlement 2009-11-07
When demanding students meet reluctant lecturers A COMIC novel, "Lucky Jim", published by Kingsley Amis in ####, portrayed life as a university lecturer as a grubby, tiresome slog, for all that it was shot through with humour. A somewhat drier
The fall of Communism: Wall stories The fall of Communism: Wall stories 2009-11-07
How communism in eastern Europe collapsed, and what came next. Scholars and journalists give their account WHY all the fuss about ####? Twenty years on, the idea of millions of people yearning for the humdrum joys of daily life in
Japan's technology champions: Invisible but indispensable Japan 2009-11-07
A host of medium-sized Japanese electronics firms have developed dominant positions in many areas of technology. Can they keep them? ABOUT ## nuclear reactors are under construction around the world, designed by half a dozen companies from America, China
Financial scandals in Thailand: Getting their man Financial scandals in Thailand: Getting their man 2009-11-07
Market panics, old and new IT TOOK ## years for Thai justice to catch up with Rakesh Saxena, an Indian-born banker who fled to Canada in ####. Once there, Mr Saxena (pictured above) dug in his heels during what
Politics and the war in Sri Lanka: To which victor the spoils? Politics and the war in Sri Lanka: To which victor the spoils? 2009-11-07
The mysterious ambitions of Sri Lanka#;s victorious army commander NOT even six months has elapsed since the protracted war with Tamil Tiger rebels ended in a bloody climax, leading to the Sri Lankan government#;s triumph. But already the
Afghanistan's "re-elected" president: Karzai's tattered victory Afghanistan 2009-11-07
The world agrees to pretend he won; not all Afghans suspend disbelief BRINGING Afghanistan#;s disastrous presidential election to a close, ten weeks after the voting, the chairman of the country#;s Independent Election Commission (IEC) said he would only
Venezuela's energy shortage: Losing power Venezuela 2009-11-07
Communism is a cold shower THE economy is in recession but sales of at least two items are booming in Venezuela: water-storage tanks and portable generators. A country that has claimed the world#;s biggest oil reserves and is
Politics this week Politics this week 2009-11-07
Hamid Karzai was declared re-elected as president of Afghanistan when a second-round run-off ballot was cancelled. The other candidate, Abdullah Abdullah, withdrew in protest at the failure to remove officials accused of involvement in the widespread fraud
Elections in New Jersey and Virginia: Lessons from a double defeat Elections in New Jersey and Virginia: Lessons from a double defeat 2009-11-07
Barack Obama will find it hard to take much comfort from this year#;s election day CREIGH DEEDS is a farm boy turned country lawyer from the Alleghenies, in the south-west of Virginia. On a chilly night before this
The HIV travel ban is lifted: You're welcome The HIV travel ban is lifted: You 2009-11-07
HIV-positive people will at last be allowed to visit America FOR ## years America has banned HIV-positive people from entering the country without a hard-to-get waiver for fear of the virus spreading. It has not hosted
The horse genome: Riding high The horse genome: Riding high 2009-11-07
The DNA of the domesticated horse shows evolution at work THE genomes of many mammals have now been completed, including the cow, the dog, the chimpanzee and, of course, the human. This week it was the turn of the horse
Saudis and Yemenis versus jihadists: A bloody border Saudis and Yemenis versus jihadists: A bloody border 2009-11-07
Trouble on the frontier between Saudi Arabia and Yemen is getting out of hand TWO separate incidents underline the growing shakiness of Yemen#;s government and the increasing fear of Saudi rulers that their own fairly successful campaign to quash
The flagging peace process: Is Israel too strong for Barack Obama? The flagging peace process: Is Israel too strong for Barack Obama? 2009-11-07
As America drops its demand for a total freeze on the building of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, angry Palestinians say there is no scope for resuming talks FIVE months after Barack Obama went to Cairo and persuaded most
Baghdad's Green Zone goes dry: Stop that naughty Western habit Baghdad 2009-11-07
Life for Westerners in Iraq#;s capital becomes less bearable RESIDENTS of Baghdad#;s fortified Green Zone, where nearly all Western civilians in the capital still live in around ### compounds, along with several thousand soldiers, have long enjoyed a
Battling joblessness: Has Europe got the answer? Battling joblessness: Has Europe got the answer? 2009-11-07
Not entirely. But America could still learn from some of the continent#;s ideas for tackling unemployment AT FIRST sight, the idea that Europe has anything to teach America about tackling unemployment seems preposterous. America has some of the most
The war in Afghanistan: Last chance in Kabul The war in Afghanistan: Last chance in Kabul 2009-11-07
The election was a disaster. Hamid Karzai must reform quickly if he wants to save his country, and himself THE election is over and it was a charade. A fortnight ago, Western leaders pushed Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan#;s president, into
The Berlin Wall: So much gained, so much to lose The Berlin Wall: So much gained, so much to lose 2009-11-07
Over the past ## years economic freedom has outpaced political liberty. Neither should be taken for granted "OF ALL places it was in divided Berlin in divided Germany in divided Europe that the cold war erupted into an east-west
The Economist poll of forecasters, November averages The Economist poll of forecasters, November averages 2009-11-07
See graphic below.
Europe's troubled banks: The muscles from Brussels Europe 2009-11-07
Decisive action on zombie banks from...the European Commission NEELIE KROES has, according to one analyst in London, "cut through all the bullshit". Europe#;s competition commissioner has trod where national regulators dare not, by imposing harsh penalties on the
India's gold purchase: Adornment and investment India 2009-11-07
India is eager for the IMF#;s bullion IF YOU count bangles, necklaces, anklets and other pieces of jewellery, India is the largest repository of gold in the world, according to the World Gold Council. Many Indians see gold as
Buttonwood: Exit, followed by a bear Buttonwood: Exit, followed by a bear 2009-11-07
The dilemmas facing policymakers WHEN the fire is raging, it is no time to worry about water damage. Central banks and governments have flooded the system with monetary and fiscal stimulus, desperate to prevent a repeat of the Depression. Now
Award: Philip Coggan Award: Philip Coggan 2009-11-07
Philip Coggan, our Buttonwood columnist, was named "Journalist of the year--pensions issues (trade)" at the #### State Street Press Awards in Britain.
Mikhail Gorbachev and the fall of the wall: The man who trusted his eyes Mikhail Gorbachev and the fall of the wall: The man who trusted his eyes 2009-11-07
Why the Soviet Union#;s leader did not send in the tanks THE fall of the Berlin Wall was not big news in Russia. Neither was it a surprise. It was a logical consequence of the process that began in
Policing Northern Ireland: New cop in town Policing Northern Ireland: New cop in town 2009-11-07
A tough task awaits the new chief constable JUST when the finishing line was in sight, a stumble. Last month, after long talks with Northern Ireland#;s ruling politicians, Gordon Brown agreed to hand over £###m-# billion ($#.#
Reforming parliamentary expenses: The never-ending story Reforming parliamentary expenses: The never-ending story 2009-11-07
Those charged with fixing a discredited system are taking their time IF THE next general election takes place in May, as is expected, a year will have elapsed since MPs were shamed by revelations of their systematically fiddled expenses and
Clarification: Home schooling Clarification: Home schooling 2009-11-07
In "An inspector calls" (October ##th) we said the number of home-schooled children known to social services included disabled children. The author of the official inquiry into the matter has clarified that it did not. Children taught at home
France and England in the 16th century: The tale of two families France and England in the 16th century: The tale of two families 2009-11-07
MURDER, dynastic intrigues, espionage and war: ##th-century France and England were not for the fainthearted. Underlying the mayhem was the question of faith, more particularly the challenge to Roman Catholicism from the new Protestantism. To modern minds the idea
Bridget Riley: Livid lines Bridget Riley: Livid lines 2009-11-07
Bridget Riley#;s exhibition at the Timothy Taylor Gallery in London shows the ##-year-old painter in a new experimental phase. She has replaced the familiar black-and-white stripes with vivid curves of colour shaped into layers, each
Indonesia's anti-corruption commission: The gecko bites back Indonesia 2009-11-07
Yudhoyono: second term, first crisis THIS was to have been Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono#;s second honeymoon. Inaugurated for a second presidential term last month after a landslide election victory in July, he should have been basking in his recent international
Bangladesh and Myanmar: Fenced in Bangladesh and Myanmar: Fenced in 2009-11-07
More grief for the Rohingyas "WE HAVE an excellent relationship with the soldiers on the other side," says Khalilar Rahman, a Bangladesh Rifles commander at a remote outpost on a hillock in Ghumdhum, on the border with Myanmar. A Burmese
Foreign investors in Hungary: Less welcome Foreign investors in Hungary: Less welcome 2009-11-07
Are populist politicians turning on foreign capital? FOREIGN investment helped catapult central Europe to prosperity over the past ## years. To escape the current recession it will need more of it. But a populist response to the economic crisis is
America's carmakers make a comeback: Rinsed and raring to go America 2009-11-07
After a terrible year there are signs of hope for Detroit AMERICA#;S carmakers appear to have returned from the grave. This week the three big ones--Ford, General Motors and Chrysler--all had good news to report. Ford recorded
Hispanic higher education: Closing the gap Hispanic higher education: Closing the gap 2009-11-07
Improving performance is linked in part to immigration policy THE University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP) is one of the most binational of America#;s big universities. Some ##% of its students come from the borderplex--the Texan city of
Agriculture and satellites: Harvest moon Agriculture and satellites: Harvest moon 2009-11-07
Artificial satellites are helping farmers boost crop yields FOR farmers, working out the optimal amount of seed, fertiliser, pesticide and water to scatter on a field can make, or break, the subsequent harvest. Regular laboratory analyses of soil and plant
Nanobiotechnology: Seeding the seeds Nanobiotechnology: Seeding the seeds 2009-11-07
Carbon nanotubes find an unusual use as fertilisers MANURE, compost and ash were used as fertilisers for centuries before the ####s, but people did not understand how they worked until the science of chemistry was developed in the ##th century
Iraq's coming election: The region's liveliest system Iraq 2009-11-07
Amid the bickering and chicanery, people are engaging in democracy SOMETIMES it seems as if Iraqi politicians cannot agree on anything. Parliament has taken months debating a bill to pave the way to elections on January ##th, though at least
Protests in Iran: Green November Protests in Iran: Green November 2009-11-07
The opposition takes to the streets again THIRTY years ago, the world was mesmerised by pictures of ## blindfolded Americans being taken hostage in their embassy in Tehran by Iranian students. This week#;s anniversary provided more gripping scenes, as
Europe's leadership: After Lisbon Europe 2009-11-07
The European Union is likely to choose weak leaders. It needs strong ones THE ratification of Europe#;s Lisbon treaty, now completed by the reluctant signature of the Czech president, Vaclav Klaus, has been dispiriting. The treaty does little to
Climate change and public opinion: (Not yet) marching as to war Climate change and public opinion: (Not yet) marching as to war 2009-11-07
Even as politicians and protesters gear up for a fateful climate-change meeting in Denmark, some of their fellow citizens have little stomach for a fight IF THE forthcoming United Nations meeting in Copenhagen truly is a precious chance to
Economic and Financial Indicators: Overview Economic and Financial Indicators: Overview 2009-11-07
The Federal Reserve kept the target range for its benchmark federal funds rate at #-#.##%. The Fed said economic activity had picked up but would probably remain weak for a while. With inflation subdued, the federal funds rate
Rural job guarantees: Faring well Rural job guarantees: Faring well 2009-11-07
India#;s grand experiment with public works enjoys a moment in the sun AMIT KUMAR must be one of the few bankers in the world turning away depositors. The manager of a village bank in the Indian state of Rajasthan
After the Soviet collapse: A globe redrawn After the Soviet collapse: A globe redrawn 2009-11-07
Welcome to the new world disorder TO RUSSIA#;s once and possibly future president, Vladimir Putin, the collapse of the Soviet Union--two years after the fall of the Berlin Wall--was "the greatest geopolitical catastrophe" of the ##th century
The Chirac trial: Liberty, equality, no impunity The Chirac trial: Liberty, equality, no impunity 2009-11-07
The salutary shock of a former president going on trial THE French have greeted the decision to put Jacques Chirac on trial for misappropriation of public funds with mixed feelings. A surprising number of politicians have suggested that the former
School places: Admissions of guilt School places: Admissions of guilt 2009-11-07
Ministers want to make the great schools game harder to play FAKING divorce, claiming to live in a shop, passing off a grandparent#;s house as one#;s own: not more revelations of MPs#; accounting tricks, but tactics used by
Drugs policy: Blinded by science Drugs policy: Blinded by science 2009-11-07
An outspoken scientist is dumped, leaving the government in a mess "THE Nutty Professor", as David Nutt is known in the Sun and other newspapers, has never been far from controversy. As chairman of the government#;s Advisory Council on
New banking measures: Chipped, not broken New banking measures: Chipped, not broken 2009-11-07
###; JUST over a year ago, as Britain#;s banking system suffered a near-death experience, the government resuscitated it with an emergency infusion of capital. This week Alistair Darling pumped in yet more money, leading to accusations that policy
Bagehot: Plan B Bagehot: Plan B 2009-11-07
David Cameron#;s wisely pragmatic approach to the Lisbon treaty still carries risks--mostly for him SOME pairs of terms seem somehow to be linked ineluctably in Britain#;s political discourse. "Proportional" is followed by "representation", "expenses" is now eternally
India's wretched state of Manipur: Not free to starve India 2009-11-07
A poet from Manipur celebrates nine years of trying to kill herself IROM CHANU SHARMILA, ##, a poet and aspirant suicide, was this week unable to attend a cultural festival held in her honour in Imphal, capital of India#;s
Banyan: Having it both ways Banyan: Having it both ways 2009-11-07
Despite protestations to the contrary, China needs NATO to fight in Afghanistan ONE day early this summer, when it was still possible to claim progress in Afghanistan, Robert Gates, America#;s defence secretary, was at an Asian security gathering, reeling
Business this week Business this week 2009-11-07
America#;s Federal Reserve kept interest rates at a level close to zero. The Fed#;s accompanying statement, which markets were keenly awaiting for any sign of a shift in policy, reiterated its intent to keep rates "exceptionally low" for
Berkshire Hathaway buys BNSF: Express from Omaha Berkshire Hathaway buys BNSF: Express from Omaha 2009-11-07
America#;s most famous investor buys a railway company WARREN BUFFETT describes his latest deal as "an all-in wager on the economic future of the United States". On November #rd his investment firm, Berkshire Hathaway, agreed to buy the
Schumpeter: Food fight Schumpeter: Food fight 2009-11-07
Kraft and Cadbury need to think about the loyalty of future consumers as well as existing ones IT SEEMS that food still trumps everything. The past few months have seen a parade of proposed corporate marriages in all sorts of
Video games move online: A giant sucking sound Video games move online: A giant sucking sound 2009-11-07
The internet swallows another media business, but spits out some hope IN THE eyes of media executives, the internet is a malevolent vacuum-cleaner, sucking in one business after another. Music, software and videos are all increasingly obtained online--often
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