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Latest update: 02/03/2009
- Australia - financial crisis - Hamas - Hillary Clinton - Israel - Middle East
In the papers
FRANCE 24 journalists present a round-up of the world's daily papers.
El Pais (Spain)
‘Clinton lleva un primer aviso a Israel’ – ‘Clinton gives a first piece of advice to Israel’
Hillary Clinton’s visit to the Middle East is generating a lot of column inches, with many publications concluding that the new US Secretary of State has a lot of big issues on her plate. Spanish newspaper El Pais says that when Clinton goes to Israel, on the agenda will be the need to put pressure on Israeli politicians to halt all settlements in occupied territories. El Pais comments that “The honeymoon between Israel and the US is over”.
Jerusalem Post (Israel)
With the focus on the Middle East, much of the press is also asking what role Hamas will play in a future peace deal or Palestinian unity government. Israel’s Jerusalem Post contains a rather worried-sounding analysis piece, with the writer concerned about whether the international community will make Hamas adhere to conditions (recognising Israel, renouncing terrorism and sticking by previous agreements). The Jerusalem Post thinks Europe is likely to be soft on Hamas, but hopes the U.S. will take a fimer approach.
Gulf News (UAE)
Meanwhile, in the United Arab Emirates-based newspaper the Gulf News, there’s a perspective from the Arab world in the form of an interview with Saudi Prince Talal Bin Abdul Aziz. The prince insists Hamas must be part of any deal, adding that the US roadmap for peace in the Middle East has failed, and the Saudi-backed Arab peace initiative is a better bet.
Los Angeles Times (USA)
‘Boot camps hustle to train workers for the wind industry’
Amid the usual doom and gloom in the press surrounding the economic crisis, there also seems to be a hint of optimism creeping in. Lots of papers are proposing or highlighting potential solutions to the crisis. The Los Angeles Times has a rare glimmer of hope for the US, reporting that the renewable energy sector is booming, with lots of highly-paid jobs available maintaining America’s wind turbines. The LA Times notes that last year the US took over from Germany as the country that generates the most wind power.
Folha de S. Paulo (Brazil)
Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo has a different solution – they recommend adopting Islamic finance methods. They have an interview with a French academic who is starting up Islamic finance classes. They quote Strasbourg-based Professor Laurent Weill as saying that because Islamic finance is based upon ethics, there’s less risk of fraud and scandals.
Washington Post (USA)
The Washington Post’s Foreign Service in Rome highlights a rather questionable way round economic worries. It reports that more and more people in Italy are turning to the mafia when banks won’t give them a loan. The mob is apparently still swimming in cash, doing well from the loan shark business. The Washington Post’s article says cafés, casinos, soccer clubs and even art galleries have turned to the mafia for help.
Daily Telegraph (Australia)
A spate of recent shark attacks in Australia – three in three weeks near Sydney alone - are generating lots of gory and lurid coverage. The Daily Telegraph’s Sydney edition devotes a double page spread to the “terror” that’s enveloping Sydney.
Sydney Morning Herald (Australia)
‘He saw nothing but felt teeth chew his thigh’
The Sydney Morning Herald, meanwhile, is running a report on the latest bite victim – a 15 year boy who was attacked by a great white shark, but survived after being rescued by his father.
Also in the Sydney Morning Herald, some people are blaming Australian authorities for not preventing the attacks, labelling aerial spy-spotting patrols as useless, and saying not enough wire meshing has been put in place to keep sharks away from bathing waters.
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