World Politics Central

Taiwan’s newly-elected President, Ma Ying-jeou, wants to improve relations with China. This seems to be a drastic change from previous Presidents wherein they wanted to establish Taiwan as a separate state from China. He won by a landslide, 58% to 42% of his rival Frank Hsieh of the Democratic Party.

He proposes the following:

• Launch direct transportation links with the mainland
• Lift restrictions on Taiwan businessmen to operate in China
• Open Taiwan to Chinese tourists and investors

Will this mean that China bites the lure? The business sector hopes that the new President’s policies will entice the Mainland to help boost the economy.

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Workers in Notre Dame Basilica (Montreal’s landmark) are getting ready for a possible strike.  These workers have been working without a contract since end of 2005, and they said that they are frustrated with slow pace of negotiations.  The group includes technicians, boutique employees, tour guides and office workers earning $19.40-$25 an hour.

In a world where political parties rule governments and battle for control, the many Muslim states fail to grasp the concept of freedom from the view of the Western world. There has been much conflict and bloodshed to attest to such differences for the West has always operated on democratic forms of government. Even some of the staunchest Allys of the West in the many Muslim worlds operate under more archaic political structures where the few control the fate of the many. Religion is also another front at which militants twist and turn the tables on religious teachings to incite violence from their followers. In India, Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan, the battle rages in what can be described as a battle of ideologies. The people of Iraq now scorn the US Occupation for which they have attained freedom from the oppressive rule of Saddam and his Republican Guard, why, they are not used to being free and making their own decisions. The Palestinians and the Iranians follow their religion and the words their leaders project, which ever way they point may it be for good or bad.
The differences on this earth may never end but think of this, our differences is what makes us unique and different from everybody else, our culture and beliefs dictate our lives much so that we do so each and everyday without question. If we were all different, then there would be no need for conflict, but it would indeed be a dull world to live in.

His historic win of the American presidency has captivated people all over the world but the arena he is about to enter is a truly dirty one. Left to deal with an economic recession, two wars and many other problems the American people are dealing with in the country and around the globe, all eyes remain on him. Many who supported him count on his promise for change which he oh so elaborated on but words are very different from reality and as he takes office this coming January, he will have to face fact in the reality of things.
The election race was that of words and speeches but the American people are desperate for change in this troubled world of ours. Life has gotten a lot worse for most Americans, an almost defunct public health system, a financial market that is in shambles and billions in budgetary deficit due to the wars and bailout offers for the crumbling industries. Many say his first 100 days would define him as the president he wants to be. Just hope he can fill the shoes of the forefathers of America who have stood the test of time.

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Former World War II prime minister and army commander Gen. Wladyslaw Sikorski’s body is set to be exhumed to finally determine whether the good leader actually died in the plane crash he was in or was he murdered by political rivals. He died on July 4, 1943 while he was on board a British bomber which crashed to the sea shortly after the said plane took off in Gibraltar. Gen. Sikorski was the head of the governement-in-exile that was based in London. Poland during that time ws mainly occupied by the Nazi Germans and The Russians. It was always believed that he was assassinated by his enemies. Sikorski was buried alongside Polish kings that rule Poland long before his time.

Image source: www.faisca.wordpress.com
We all know that celebrities are your best bet to know the latest fashion trends are today. The celebrities that grace the red carpet at major events are always wearing interesting and bold outfits but that’s because they have to. They are always the object of the public gaze and it’s their job to try and look good.

Kiera Knightly is the epitome of beautiful; from her mysterious eyes to her perfect features; fashion hounds have been watching her whenever she makes an entrance on the red carpet. Her latest getup leaves nothing to be desired as she addresses every aspect of formal beauty.

Russian President Vladimir Putin flexes his muscle over the missile defense program and the inclusion of two ex-Soviet states into NATO as he hosts U.S. President George Bush and First Lady, Laura Bush.

Initially we reported that Bush may have a possibility in installing a missile interceptor in Poland, but Putin did not agree to this. He requested that Russia be able to inspect, monitor, and have equal access to both facilities in Poland and the Czech Republic. He also suggested that systems operations be run from Moscow instead of the U.S. Unfortunately Bush did not agree to this as it would violate the sovereignty of both countries.

The dinner ended well, but talks will continue.

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Bush scores a big victory in the NATO meeting last April 3. He was able to secure approval from the Czech Replublic to install U.S. radar systems in its territory. The systems will be linked to interceptor missiles in Poland.

Although the latter has yet to agreed to the plan, NATO’s support might force the hands of the Russians to go ahead with it despite their resistance to the proposal. The Russians see it as a threat that a U.S. installation be so near their motherland.

Both U.S. President Bush and Russian President Putin will be meeting on Sunday to discuss the missile defense system as well as the inclusion of ex-Soviet states Ukraine or Georgia into NATO.

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