Monthly Archives: October 2013

U.S. states open up second front on privacy war

October 31, 2024 by Matt Taylor in U.S..

Chris Inglis (L), Deputy Director of the National Security Agency, General Keith Alexander (2nd L), director of the National Security Agency, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and Deputy Attorney General James Cole (R) are pictured at a House Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, October 29, 2013. REUTERS/Jason Reed

While President Obama deals with foreign resentment of the scope of U.S. spying, many of his state governments are moving to place limits on drone activity and telephone records.

Why Le Pen’s hostage gaffe doesn’t matter

October 31, 2024 by Lara Vergnaud in Europe.

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French president Francois Hollande (2ndR) flanked by former French hostage (LtoR) Marc Feret, Pierre Legrand, Daniel Larribe and Thierry Dol, delivers a speech upon the hostages' arrival at the military airport of Villacoublay outside Paris, on October 30, 2024

While anti-Islamist rhetoric has found an audience in France, Le Pen’s aspersions on the freed hostages – and soon-to-be French heroes — are unlikely to find much support.

Another spy scandal that won’t hurt Putin

October 30, 2024 by Matt Taylor in Europe.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin looks on during a meeting with Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic in Moscow's Kremlin October 30, 2013. REUTERS/Michael Klimentyev/RIA Novosti/Kremlin

The authoritarian Russian president, not exactly known for his democratic values, can withstand any blowback for what appears to be mass espionage.

U.S. spying furore all good for Putin

October 29, 2024 by Matt Taylor in Europe, U.S..

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European Parliament leader of the Civil Liberties Committee Inquiry Claude Moraes (C) speaks about a closed door meeting on NSA surveillance on U.S. allies while on Capitol Hill in Washington, October 28, 2013. REUTERS/Larry Downing

Another welcome distraction from his own authoritarian practices, one that buys him time to deal with opposition leaders like Alexei Navalny.

Despite Russian threats, E.U. accelerates push for Ukraine deal

October 29, 2024 by Lara Vergnaud in Europe.

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Riot police block opposition supporters carrying a flag with the portrait of jailed former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko from entering the city hall during a rally in Kiev October 23, 2013.

Ukraine’s troubled bid already has Europe in a conundrum, opposing wary members like Sweden and the Netherlands against leading proponent Poland.

Billionaire’s takeover of Georgian politics complete

October 28, 2024 by Matt Taylor in Europe.

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Georgia's president-elect Georgy Margvelashvili (R) and Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili attend a news conference in Tbilisi, October 28, 2013. REUTERS/David Mdzinarishvili

A year after his Georgia Dream party swept parliamentary elections, P.M. Bidzina Ivanishvili got an ally elected president.

“Golden Guns” scandal shows new shifts in Russian politics

October 26, 2024 by Mark Galeotti in Europe.

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President Vladimir Putin (C) speaks with Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin (L) in Beijing, on June 6, 2012. (AFP/GettyImages: ALEXEY DRUZHININ)

The defense ministry’s decision to order a batch of Austrian-made Glock pistols has highlighted an interesting political realignment.

Anti-Hague politicking returns as Ruto is summoned

October 25, 2024 by Matt Taylor in Africa.

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Deputy Kenyan President William Ruto attends a news conference at the Movenpick Hotel in the Hague October 15, 2013. REUTERS/Phil Nijhuis

Deputy Kenyan President likely has to attend his trial for crimes against humanity, testing his regional coalition of ICC critics.

Obama’s healthcare woes obscure European uproar over NSA spying

October 24, 2024 by Matt Taylor in Europe, U.S..

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File photo of German Chancellor Merkel, leader of conservative CDU party, making a call on her mobile phone in Berlin

A domestic problem that seem to be taking up more media oxygen than what might be an even greater crisis internationally.

Tunisia tensions rise as political deadlock drags on

October 24, 2024 by Lara Vergnaud in Africa.

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Relatives and colleagues carry the coffin of a Tunisian policeman Socrate Cherni during a funeral as they proceed to Kef�Cemetery in Kef, 168 km (104 miles) from Tunis October 24, 2013.

Tunisia’s political stalemate, pitting the Ennahda-led ruling coalition against a union-backed secular opposition, is preparing to enter its fourth month.

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