#28 Libya's New Global Oil Companies

Large oil companies such as France's Total and Spain's Repsol are well-known names. Mabruk Oil and Akakoss Petroleum Operations, not so much. But these are the new names of Total and Repsol, believe it or not. Well at least in Libya.

Large foreign firms working in Libya's oil industry have had to change their names to new ones reflecting the country's history and geography, the National Oil Corporation said. France's Total has become "Mabruk Oil," the word Mabruk, which means "congratulations" in Arabic, being a popular boy's name in Libya. Repsol of Spain becomes "Akakoss Petroleum Operations" -- a reference to the Akakoss mountains in the south of the country -- while the Italian natural gas firm ENI has opted for "Mellita Gas," named after the region where it operates west of Tripoli. Germany's Veba has chosen "Al-Harruj Petroleum Operations" after another southern Libyan mountain range.

#27 Taliban Recruiting Children for Dirty Work

The Taleban and Al-Qaida have stooped to a new level, allowing for a 12 year old boy to decapitate a "traitor." The incident occurred in Pakistan, which is rapidly proving to be one of - if not the single largest - hotbed for Islamic terrorist recruits.

The footage shows Nabi making what is described as a confession, being blindfolded with a checkered scarf. "He is an American spy. Those who do this kind of thing will get this kind of fate," says his baby-faced executioner, who is not identified. A continuous 2 1/2-minute shot then shows the victim lying on his side on a patch of rubble-strewn ground. A man holds Nabi by his beard while the boy, wearing a camouflage military jacket and oversized white sneakers, cuts into the throat. Other men and boys call out "Allahu akbar!" — "God is great!" — as blood spurts from the wound. The film, overlain with jihadi songs, then shows the boy hacking and slashing at the man's neck until the head is severed.

A Pashto-language voiceover in the video identifies Nabi and his home village of Kili Faqiran in Baluchistan province, which lies about two hours' drive from the Afghan border. A reporter went to the village, and Nabi's distraught and angry father, Ghulam Sakhi, confirmed his son's identity from a still picture that AP made from the footage. He said neighbors had told him the video is available at the village bazaar, but he had no wish to see it.

#26 South Korean National Responsible for Virginia Tech Massacre

According to Virginia Tech President and officials, Virginia Tech senior from South Korea was behind the massacre of at least 32 people locked inside a campus building in the deadliest shooting rampage in modern U.S. history. The Virginia Tech Police Department identified him as 23-year-old Cho Seung-Hui, a senior in the English department, of Fairfax County.

#24 British Reporter Executed in Gaza?

A Palestinian group claims it has killed the abducted BBC reporter, Alan Johnston. A statement was released and signed by the Palestinian Jihad and Tawheed Brigades, an organization named after an Iraqi al-Qaeda group.

In the message, the group said the British and Palestinian governments were responsible for Johnston's killing, and vowed to release a video of the execution. Excerpt from the statement can be read here.

#24 Terror Plan Turns Sour

Hamas has repeatedly talked about a "truce" with Israel, which the world has urged the Israelis to accept as a sufficient alternative to recognition for now. The latest news is that the term "truce" is the perfect word to use, as it is inherently a temporary phenomenon. Hamas has been rearming, regrouping and becoming ever more powerful and ready to combat the Israelis in the soon to come renewed confrontation.

It appears the time of confrontation has come very near. This, of course, means Hamas is feeling strong enough despite all the attempts to cripple them. A major suicide attack on Tel Aviv was prevented this Passover, as Shin Bet and IDF forces arrested 19 Hamas members in the West Bank city of Qalqilya for planning a car bomb containing some 220 lbs of explosives. The Hamas ring which the arrested members belong to was involved in some serious attacks, including the Dolphinarium attack of June 2001.

For some reason, the bomber (a holder of an Israeli ID, no less) did not carry out the attack in Tel Aviv, though he had made it to the center of the Tel Aviv metropolitan area with the vehicle. Instead, he returned to Qalqilya, where the bomb accidentally exploded. Perhaps a very welcome moment of moral cringing, but the fact remains that Hamas is still able to exert immense influence and be a major obstacle in any talk of peace.

#23 Weekend Economist Dot Com

Dear Readers,

We would like to bring your attention to the recent launching of our new dot com site: www.weekendeconomist.com!

This blog will continue to serve its current purpose. The Weekend Economist "Quaerere Verum" will also continue to operate as usual and remains the flagship of the Weekend Economist Group.

The principle function of the dot com site is to serve as an umbrella site for all the other elements of the Weekend Economist. Except for the blogs, for instance, the dot com site offers a WE Contribute section, where you can find out more about the Guest Authors and Editors that make up the Weekend Economist Group. The site also provides the latest news about what is going on at the Weekend Economist (WE News) and offers you a fun place to express your thoughts on world affairs in our global forum, sign our guestbook, or take part in a number of entertaining polls (WE Interact). In fact, there is a poll running right now about which global leader is most worthy of reverence, so please come and vote here! Additionally, WE Friends provides a number of links to sites that are well worth your time, while WE Sources is where we provide links to some of the world's top resources on financial, economic and political reporting. Finally, We Contact allows you to get in touch with us if you have any questions, requests, or would like to join the Weekend Economist Publishing Team.

So please have a look at our new site and explore, engage and interact! WE look forward to seeing you regularly,

The Weekend Economist Group

#22 New Arab-Israeli War Looming?

For a while it looked like Sunni Arab nations led by Saudi Arabia were prepared to go as far as to side with Israel in order to counter the Shia Iran threat. Slowly this image is starting to show signs of deceit, with the Royals being seen increasingly often with smiling faces in public with Iranian President Ahmadinejad.

In the meantime, while a Saudi Peace Plan very much worth debating but unacceptable for Israel in its current form is on the table, talk from the Kingdom is becoming more confrontational. Prince Saudi al-Faisal recently said "If Israel refuses (the peace plan), that means it doesn't want peace and it places everything back into the hands of fate. They will be putting their future not in the hands of the peacemakers but in the hands of the lords of war." In other words: accept the plan prima facie or face war.

Prince Saud also dismissed any further diplomatic overtures towards Israel, claiming "It has never been proven that reaching out to Israel achieves anything...Other Arab countries have recognised Israel and what has that achieved? The largest Arab country, Egypt, recognised Israel and what was the result? Not one iota of change happened in the attitude of Israel towards peace." Naturally this is an astonishing comment to make, since, for one, Egypt got back a piece of land larger than the entire size of Israel (the Sinai)!

From Iran, in the meanwhile, 'dirty' and accusatory language continues to emanate. Iranian Chief of Staff Gen. Hassan Fayrouz Abadi warned leaders of Arab countries that Israel is planning to launch a war this summer, proclaiming the "Zionists and the Quds (referring to Jerusalem) occupying regime intend to exercise a suicidal plan next summer, and this suicidal plan of the Zionists and American neoconservatives, the implementation of which would start from the occupied Palestinian lands, will not serve the interests of anyone in the world." The official went on to say the plan intends to “prevent the withdrawal of the US troops from Iraq and the region and that it will pose a danger primarily to Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and Jordan and then Saudi Arabia and all other countries in the region.”

In case it escaped you, it is interesting to note that the countries mentioned in the official's list just so happen to be the same countries that were involved in the declaration at the Arab summit this week which warned Israel to accept peace or prepare for war.

#21 Cuddling the Vultures

Hedge funds and private equity groups have been equated as the vultures of the animal kingdom of business. In that respect they are an important part of the business ecosystem even if their taste and tactics make our stomachs turn. Investing in distress is not only risky but at times very profitable as it allows Equity and hedge fund groups to establish risky, leveraged and lucrative positions. In these days of cheap credit and low risk spreads there are still surprisingly tasty meals for daring vultures. Read the full article at the Economist .

#20 Iran Upset with Russians this Time

Russia has delayed the shipment of nuclear fuel to Iran. Russian state-owned firm Atomstroiexport announced on Monday that a shipment of nuclear fuel would not be delivered as scheduled in March because of delays in payment by Iran. This is a major political blow to the Iranians, coming at a time when pressure is increasing on the one hand, and Iran is becoming ever more defiant on the other. Being a "friendly nation" that stands in the way makes it all the more painful.

In what has become typical for Iranian politicians, harsh words emanated as a result from Teheran. Chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani said the delay was "deplorable," while Iranian lawmaker Rasoul Sediqi Bonabi went as far as to say "Russians are extortionists...Moscow has never been a reliable partner and will never be so in the future."

Nevertheless, Larijani expects the Russians will stick to their side of the bargain, rejecting reports that said Russia would not proceed with the Bushehr plant unless Iran suspends uranium enrichment, as the UN Security Council has repeatedly demanded. "We have not received such a message from Russia," he said. Iran's atomic agency also denies Russia's claim that it is behind on payments, saying it has met all its financial obligations.

#19 US Gets Major Heat for Human Rights Report

Every year the US State Department publishes its human rights report. The report analyzes the human rights situation in almost every country in the world. This year, the report has caused increasing irritation in a number of influential countries.

Responding to U.S. complaints, China charged that the Bush administration has no standing to criticize other countries on human rights because its own record is full of blemishes at home and abroad. "As in previous years, the State Department pointed the finger at human rights conditions in more than 190 countries and regions, including China, but avoided touching on the human rights situation in the United States," the government said in a report issued by Premier Wen Jiabao's office. "We urge the U.S. government to acknowledge its own human rights problems and stop interfering in other countries' internal affairs under the pretext of human rights.

Similarly, Moscow criticized the US State Department's annual report on global human rights, saying its assessment of the situation in Russia was skewed, confrontational and aimed at furthering US political interests. In a statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Moscow complained that "Washington has long practiced double standards in the sphere of human rights, depending on whether one state or another acts in accordance with (US) political interests...These standards are particularly clearly visible against the background of what is happening now in Iraq, Afghanistan and at the military base in Guantanamo with the participation of the US armed forces."

Even Egypt was offended by the report, reacting angrily to criticism of its human rights record. Foreign Minister Ahmad Aboul-Gheit accused the US of interfering in its affairs. While the report isn't intended to make allies happy, it certainly doesn't seem to be garnering a whole lot of goodwill.

#18 Bush Success Despite Protests

Faced with what appears to be the highest level of anti-US sentiment in Latin America in history, President Bush embarked on his longest trip ever to to the region. After what is perhaps the most important stop in Brazil, Bush will travel to Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico before returning to Washington.

Commenting on the trip, Bush said "This is a long trip and the reason why is I want to remind people throughout our neighborhood that America cares about them...And I bring a message of hope, a message that says we care about the human condition, and a message of accomplishment." Bush rightfully noted that he has increased aid to Latin America during his presidency, "and yet we don't get much credit for it." He went on to say that "I want the taxpayers, I want the American people to get credit for their generosity in Central and South America."

Arriving in Sao Paolo, Bush was greeted with major protests, but it seems imminent that a biofuels pact will be signed between the two countries. Ethanol powers eight out of 10 new cars in Brazil and, together with the US, Brazil produces about 70% of the world's ethanol - a bio-fuel made from sugar cane or corn.

Besides agreeing on economic deals, Bush says he's on a goodwill tour to talk about making sure the benefits of democracy — in the form of better housing, health care and education — are available to all Latin Americans, not just the wealthy. Highlighting such issues appears to be to counter Chavez's aid to the poor and staunchly anti-US Socialist rhetoric.

While Bush’s nemesis, Venezuelan President Chavez, is on his own tour of Latin America to counter Bush’s influence and having a much more receptive response, it appears that it will be the American president who will return home with something tangible, whereas his Venezuelan counterpart will have gained in esteem, but have little else to show for.

#17 A New Hezbollah?

Ten anti-personnel mines were thrown by Syrians into Israel on Saturday afternoon. The mines were identified by a routine military patrol and sappers were alerted to the scene to neutralize the explosives.

While the army is still investigating who is behind the incident, one of the possibilities it is likely to consider is involvement on the part of the Resistance Committees for the Liberation of the Golan Heights. A Syrian source told Ynet that the resistance group was founded with the aim of launching "a guerrilla war" in the Golan, with Syrian gunmen planning to infiltrate Israel to perpetrate attacks. Syria drew its conclusions from last summer’s war in Lebanon, and it was likely the group would operate parallel to the Hezbollah terror organization.

The army insists the Syrian government is responsible for its border, even if the incident was a local initiative. This would mean that two terrorist organizations directly supported by the Syrian government are now operating against Israel. One, Hezbollah, is increasingly becoming an Iranian puppet group, which makes it all the more likely that the Resistance Committees for the Liberation of the Golan Heights will become the new Syrian toy. Although clearly in baby shoes for now, this group has the potential to grow in power. At (read: War) increasingly likely.

#16 China Hits Back at U.S. (Cheney)

In response to Vice President Dick Cheney's criticism of Beijing (he said China's destruction of an inactive weather satellite last month, as well as its "continued fast-paced military build-up are less constructive, and are not consistent with China's stated goal of a peaceful rise"), a spokesman for the foreign ministry in Beijing accused the US of acting like a nosy neighbour. Qin Gang said China's policies were aimed only at defence, rejecting claims of opaque spending policies. "What's your response if your neighbour keeps peeking into your house through a crack in the door and yelling 'Open the door, let's see what's inside'?" Mr Qin said.

#15 Arab Leaders Ready to Accept Israel?

At the end of a Spanish-Arab conference in Madrid, the Foreign Ministers of seven Arab countries (Syria, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Tunisia) issued a joint statement expressing their desire to "advance together toward recognition and normalization of relations with Israel." In the statement, the officials expressed their hope that the Mecca agreement signed between rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah would lead to the establishment of a national unity government in the Palestinian Authority, "which could contribute to finding a solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." If meaningful, this is an extremely welcome step to creating a more sensible mind frame in the tumultuous region.

#14 Cheney Critical of China

China's recent anti-satellite weapons test and its continued military buildup are "not consistent" with its stated aim of a peaceful rise as a global power, Vice President Dick Cheney said Friday. Cheney praised China for playing an "especially important" role in the negotiations that resulted in the North Korea deal, under which the North is to seal its main nuclear reactor and allow international inspections in exchange for fuel oil. "Other actions by the Chinese government send a different message," Cheney told the Australian-American Leadership Dialogue, a private organization that promotes ties between the two countries. "Last month's anti-satellite test, China's continued fast-paced military buildup are less constructive and are not consistent with China's stated goal of a peaceful rise," he said.

#13 Lebanon Wakes up to Another "Terrorble" Day

A day before the anniversary of the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri, two bombings hit buses near Christian mountain town of Bikfaya, the home town of former President Amin Gemayel. In a sick twist of irony, Amil Gemayel is the man whose son, Pierre Gemayel, was assassinated in November last year. Three people were killed and at least twenty wounded in the two explosions that occurred in minibuses on the road to Bikfaya.

#12 Former Malaysian Prime Minsiter Praises Iraqi Insurgents

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad congratulated Iraqi insurgents in a recent speech, saying he had the right to express his opinions. Dr Mahathir applauded the insurgents, urging them to ensure the US paid a "high price" for its invasion of Iraq.

Malaysia's immediate reaction came from Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar, who said "I think (Dr Mahathir) has taken that approach and I would not say that the Government supports nor objects to it," adding that Dr Mahathir was free to express his views as a citizen of Malaysia; "This is a free and democratic country and it's very nice to see freedom being exercised."

Dr. Mahathir's outburst on Wednesday came as he convened an alternative war crimes tribunal, which he has spearheaded for alleged victims of abuse in Iraq, the Palestinian territories and Lebanon. He has also condemned US President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair as "child killers" and "war criminals."

This is not the first time Mahatir Mohamed has made such statements. He called President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair war criminals with more Iraqi blood on their hands than Saddam Hussein on a number of occasions, telling reporters at his Malaysian peace foundation that Bush should face the same "sham" justice as Saddam. "He (Bush) should resign straight away and be tried by the same kangaroo court," Mahathir told a news conference called to promote a peace conference he is hosting in Malaysia.

#11 Israei and Lebanese Troops Exchange Fire

Israeli and Lebanese troops have exchanged fire. Lebanese troops deployed along the border with Israel opened fire late Wednesday as Israeli troops searched for Hezbollah bombs, drawing retaliatory fire, officials from both sides said.

This was the first time that shooting erupted across the border since shortly after an Aug. 14 cease-fire that ended a 34-day war between Israeli forces and the Lebanese Hezbollah militants. Lebanese troops fired volleys of machine guns toward the bulldozer after it crossed the so-called Blue Line — the U.N.-demarcated boundary — and entered about 20 yards into Lebanon, Lebanese officials said. Israeli troops responded with tanks and light weapons.

The Israelis were searching for more explosives, as Israel Defense Forces soldiers on Monday uncovered four devices in the Avivim area in northern Israel, about 60 meters north of the border with Lebanon. It is estimated that the devices were planted recently in order to target IDF troops. The Israeli army said troops operating in Israeli territory along the frontier came under fire, and that the source of the shooting was apparently Lebanese troops nearby. When the attackers refused to quit firing, the Israeli troops opened fire at them.

According to the army, the bulldozers crossed the heavily guarded border fence but remained inside Israeli territory, which extends north of the fence in that area. Lebanese officials contend the Israelis were across the border when fired at.

#10 Turkish Nationalist Hero

17-year-old Turkish nationalist, Ogun Samas, who is charged with the murder of Hrant Dink, a 52-year-old ethnic Armenian journalist who had angered Turkish nationalists with repeated assertions that the mass killings of Armenians around the time of World War I was genocide, was captured on tape with the Turkish flag and security officials after his arrest.

The fact that the smiling officers were posing with the confessed murderer caused a major stir, as newspapers denounced the officers for treating the suspect as a "hero." The photographs show 17-year-old nationalist Ogun Samast holding out a Turkish flag and posing with officers, some in uniform. Behind Samast, a poster with another Turkish flag carries the words of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the revered founder of modern Turkey: "The nation´s land is sacred. It cannot be left to fate."

#9 "Yellow Fever" in Sudan

China is not often a forerunner when it comes to dealing with foreign crises. However, in recent months it seems China has awoken from her usual regional focus. With President Hu currently touring Africa, China is at the forefront of stabilizing efforts in Sudan. And for good reason: nearly half a million barrels of oil are imported directly from Sudan on a daily basis.

As China's hunger for resources grow, it realizes it needs to pursue active diplomacy in resource rich countries. After trade deals with Venezuela, China has shifted its attention to Africa, where it can buy influence cheaply. While Europe and the US have chosen to focus their attention on areas other than Africa first, China has been very active indeed. For a deeper look at some of the factors at play, please have a look at "Africa: China's Training Ground."

With the EU and the US distracted elsewhere, let us hope China's influence can be a force for bringing peace and stability to the region.

#8 Cambodia Bans Foreign Football (Soccer) Players

You would think that sport teams seek to field the strongest side possible, right? Well, not in Cambodia.

Cambodia has banned foreign players from taking part in the Hun Sen Cup (named after the country's long-serving prime minister) competition for being "too good." Rather than learning from these apparently more talented foreign players, the organizers of the Cup have decided that the best way for Cambodian football to improve is to incubate Cambodian players from a higher level of the game.

Sao Sokha, chairman of the Cambodian Football Federation, justified the decision by noting that "They're taller, stronger and more experienced, so it's unfair if we let them play...They're too good compared with Cambodian players."

The ruling means that mainly North Korean, Nigerian and Brazilian imports will have to sit it out until May before the new league season begins.

#7 Palestinian Security Arrests Iranians

While there was little doubt that Iran actively worked against Israel's interests through the financing of terror activities and the use of Hezbollah as a proxy, it now appears that there can no longer be any question about Iranian involvement in the Palestinian territories either.

Palestinian security forces have arrested seven Iranians during a raid at the Hamas-linked Islamic University in the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian security forces (affiliated with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas) said the men were sent by Iran to train Hamas and hundreds of weapons and a lathe for the production of Qassam rockets were seized during the raid.

In other signs that confrontation with Iran has begun, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have threatened to kidnap American citizens. This threat comes in the aftermath of the arrest of a group of Iranian nationals in Iraq by US forces.

#6 A New Dictator?

The powers Chavez has wanted for so long have finally been granted to him: the power to legislate by decree.

Now Chavez has a free hand to bring under state control the oil and natural gas projects still run by private companies in Venezuela. Chavez has said companies upgrading heavy oil in the Orinoco River basin — British Petroleum PLC, Exxon Mobil Corp., Chevron Corp., ConocoPhillips Co., Total SA and Statoil ASA — must submit to state-controlled joint ventures. The new law enables Chavez to unilaterally "regulate" this transition if companies don't agree to the new framework within an unspecified "peremptory period."

In short, Chavez gains free rein in Venezuela.

#5 Israel as a Factor of Regional Stability

The common belief around the world (with some exceptions), is that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the root of instability in the wider Middle East. Others go so far as to say the existence of the state of Israel is the cause of all that's wrong in the region. Some, however, claim that, were it not for Israel, civil war in a number of Middle Eastern countries would be much more prevalent.

Indeed, one of the few things that unites the diverse factions in the region is a sincere hatred for the state of Israel. Although some Sunni leaders have equated Shiites with the lowest form of being (كفّار kuffār; unbeliever), both sects would agree that the true enemy is Medinat Yisra'el.

A case in point is the recent suicide bombing in the southern resort town of Eilat, where an Islamic Jihad member killed himself and three innocent civilians. Instead of a condemnation, the ruling Hamas movement said that the attack was a "natural response" to Israel's policies. Palestinian Web site Ramattan (unfortunately only in Arabic) even quoted the family of the 23 year old suicide bomber, Fasial al-Saqsaq, as saying "We knew that he was going to carry out a martyrdom operation...His mother and father prayed for him to succeed." President Abbas, on the other hand, condemned the bombing.

Despite their differences, just one day after the bombing, Hamas and Fatah managed to achieve what they hadn't been able to during the relative lull with the Israelis; namely implement a cease-fire. About 36 Palestinians had been killed in the last few days as a result of the infighting, making the threat of all out civil war more likely than ever before. Fortunately for them, a reminder that there is another, more significant enemy, was enough to put a temporary halt to the internal bloodshed.

This pattern can also be found in the rest of the Middle East. While Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is locked in a struggle with the Muslim Brotherhood, the same anti-Israel voices can be heard coming from government sponsored newspapers and from Muslim Brotherhood officials. Although officially Egypt and Israel are at peace, you wouldn't know it based on their press.

Furthermore, Iran's nuclear program has been a major point of contention for Sunni Saudi Arabia, which is highly weary of any form of Shia domination. Reports have even surfaced that Saudi Arabia is considering developing her own nuclear program in response to Iran, which was corroborated recently by a top Saudi ambassador. While a nuclear program does not necessarily equate to seeking a nuclear weapon, it does seem odd for a country like Iran to need nuclear energy, while the Saudis have made clear they will only embark on a nuclear path if Iran remains defiant. Again, despite the animosity between these countries, there is no hesitation in collaborating when it comes to arming and financing groups hostile to Israel.

Other examples that cannot be ignored include Lebanon and Syria. Both the current internal strife and the horrible civil war in Lebanon show the precariousness of stability in the diverse country. The recent conflict with Israel, however, united practically the entire nation and garnered Hezbollah unprecedented support. Now that the enemy is gone, the country is on the verge of political collapse. In a sad, ironic sense, it appears only Israel is capable of uniting the Lebanese. In Syria too there were massive movements against Assad's Baathist regime, culminating in a major crackdown that decimated the Muslim Brotherhood mainly due to what is commonly known as the Hama massacre in 1982. Here too there is little conflict when it comes to how to perceive Israel: hate them.

Perhaps there is something to the idea that Israel is in fact a source internal stability for rival factions in the Palestinian territories and the greater Middle East. Rather than a source of instability for the region, Israel serves as a unifying element for internal (and at times external) politics in a number of Middle Eastern countries.

#4 Alternative Energy Stocks

Are you one of those people who is convinced the price of oil will continue to increase? If so, you could choose to ride the oil wave all the way to the top and sell with a handsome profit. However, you could also think longer term and invest in alternative energy picks.

Michael Brush provides a good overview of what to do in terms of investment if you believe the price of oil will reach $100.

Jim Jubak proposes a slightly different strategy; invest in pipeline master-limited partnerships and energy master-limited partnerships (look mainly at the second page for the stock picks).

Finally, the most comprehensive guide to alternative energy stocks is provided by Stockerblog, who has written about high flying and potential moneymaking solar energy stocks, wind energy stocks, ethanol stocks, and flywheel storage energy stocks. These Stockerblog articles are all must reads if you want to build a solid portfolio consisting of alternative energy stocks.

#3 Ban - Darfur's Hero?

While former Secretary General Annan often spoke of his feeling of guilt for not having done more to stop the Rwandan genocide, little was done about Darfuf under his leadership. This might be changing under Ban Ki-Moon, as the continuing crisis in the Sudanese region of Darfur is set to dominate proceedings and headlines at the African Union in Ethiopia. Ban is personally meeting Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and has pledged to press him to allow UN peacekeepers in. Sudan appears under pressure at the AU Summit - will the tragedy in Darfur finally be tackled?

#2 Gaza Internal Assassination Attempts

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas escaped an assassination attempt last week (January , when four large explosive devices were uncovered by his security officers on the road leading from the Erez crossing to Gaza, as the Palestinian president left Ramallah and was about to travel on that route. Ironically the assassination attempt took place while Abbas was on his way to meet Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh to discuss the establishment of a national unity government.

This is reminiscent of an incident in October 2006, when Haniyeh escaped a convoy attack. However, officials in Haniyeh's office said at the time that the attack did not appear to be an assassination attempt.

#1 Introduction to The World Beyond The Weekend Economist

Welcome to The World Beyond The Weekend Economist!

The World Beyond The Weekend Economist is a part of the greater Weekend Economist, which is an interactive space aimed at being both a source of information and a place for discussion on developing stories related to Economics, Business, Technology, Finance and Geo-politics. The Weekend Economist is aimed at global citizens who want to expand their scope and understanding of global affairs, without a necessary background in these disciplines.

The World Beyond The Weekend Economist highlights interesting articles worth reading by providing a short introduction to the story, followed by a direct link to the article in question.

The Weekend Economist draws its research from a range of sources, including the Financial Times, Forbes.com, The Economist, Wall Street Journal, Financieel Dagblad (Dutch) and BBC News. Various academic journals and publications are also addressed so as to ensure the quality of the references.

The Editors are Dutch born Jeroen van Bommel, BA/MA, and internationally raised Benjamin Valk, BA/BSc/MScBA.

Jeroen is based in the Netherlands and specializes in Political Economy, Science & Technology and Finance. Jeroen is also currently secretary to the Roosevelt Institute of the Netherlands and the European liaison for policy management on sustainable energy.

Benjamin is currently based in Japan and specializes in international political and business affairs. At the moment he is conducting research at the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies, Waseda University.

Readers are encouraged to post their comments and/or send us their suggestions for interesting articles worth commenting on and linking to by emailing us at weekendeconomist@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy our site!

Pleasant reading (and contributing!),

Benjamin Valk & Jeroen van Bommel