Morning Brief: Setting the stage for London
Top Story On the eve of his departure to Europe for the G20 summit later this week, U.S. President Barack Obama told the Financial Times that “The most important task for all of us is to deliver a strong message of unity in the face of crisis.” However, other G20 leaders appear unlikely to back ...
Top Story
Top Story
On the eve of his departure to Europe for the G20 summit later this week, U.S. President Barack Obama told the Financial Times that “The most important task for all of us is to deliver a strong message of unity in the face of crisis.” However, other G20 leaders appear unlikely to back the kind of extensive fiscal stimulus measures that the U.S. is calling for.
A draft of the G20’s official communiqué, obtained by the FT, calls on members to resist protectionism and improve financial regulation, but avoids specific discussion of stimulus measures.
Thousands of protesters are already taking to the streets in European capitals in the run-up to the summit.
Asia
Gunmen attacked a police academy in Lahore, Pakistan, killing dozens of recruits.
The U.S. has deployed two missile interceptor ships to North Korea in anticipation of next month’s long-range missile test.
With protests against his rule growing, Thai PM Abhisit Vejjajiva is staying out of the office.
Americas
The Obama administration has forced the longtime CEO of General Motors to step down as part of a strict set of conditions imposed along with the government bailout package.
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden says the U.S. has no plans to lift its trade embargo on Cuba.
With enforcement on the U.S.-Mexican border getting tougher, drug smugglers are taking to the sea.
Europe and Caucasus
Major opposition rallies are expected in Georgia next month, demanding the resignation of President Mikheil Saakashvili.
Hungary’s non-aligned finance minister has won enough support to become prime minister.
Spain launched its first major bank rescue in 16 years.
Middle East
Turkey’s ruling AK party appears set to win local elections but its support has eroded somewhat.
Member of a Sunni “Awakening Council” clashed with government security forces in Baghdad. Iraqi Sunnis are worried that the crackdown is part of a Shiite-led purge.
The flow of weapons and explosives into Gaza has continued despite Israeli and Egyptian efforts, says Israeli intelligence.
Africa
The Southern African Development Conference will likely suspend Madagascar after its president was forced out of office this month.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai are at odds over the seizure of white-owned farms.
The Indian Ocean island of Mayotte has voted to become part of French territory.
Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images
Joshua Keating is a former associate editor at Foreign Policy. Twitter: @joshuakeating
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