Lisbon treaty approved, now who's going to be EU's "president"?

This week, the Lisbon treaty has finally been approved and signed by all European Union member-countries, after Czech president Vaclav Claus finally let go of his disagreement by signing the treaty. Aimed at making the EU more democratic, transparent and efficient, the Lisbon treaty will install a EU president, with a maximum term of 2,5 years (as opposed to the current 6 month period), as well as creating a new post, that of High Representative (HR). The HR will be the minister on foreign affairs on behalf of the entire Union and serves mainly to make Europe a more powerful and united player on the world stage.

So who's in the run for becoming Europe's first president? The BBC has created an excellent list of the prime (and not so prime) candidates with a short description of the pros and cons for each candidate. For a long period, former British PM Tony Blair and Dutch PM Jan-Peter Balkenende were the most likely candidates, but Blair's large number of political enemies has likely ruled set him offside. Balkenende, The Netherlands' Christian-Democrat, was then the likeliest candidate to get the nomination, but his weak French has offset French president Sarkozy, who fears French, under Balkenende's presidency, would be degraded to a less important language in Brussels. Thus, it seems a candidate should both speak English and French fluently as well as not having too many political enemies. I hear you say, who would that be? That's right, meet Herman Van Rompuy, Belgium's PM. Being relatively inexperienced (and thus) without many political enemies, he is the kind of nice guy that could lead Europe to a prosperous future. However, I think it remains doubtful that Van Rompuy would make a tough impression amongst the world's powerhouses in the form of Obama, Putin and Medvedev. Time will tell whether Europe's attempt at a consensus will indeed get the right man for the job into office...

Iranian popular reformers and opposition trialed

Teheran is the scene today of mass-prosecution of Iranian reformers. The government claims those prominent reformers, most of which have served under former president Khatami from 1997 to 2005, are responsible for the massive street protests. Most prominent figures under trial are Mr. Tajzadeh, former under-minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Aminzadeh, former under-minister of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Tajbakhsh, a prominent Iranian scholar.

The trials mainly serve to deal a swift blow to Iranian opposition. Today, pictures were shown of those under trial in jail-outfits and walking on slippers. It is doubtable the trial will be fair and objective, and we can only hope Iranians will not lose hope of ever successfully elect a democratic government.

95 people die in Baghdad attacks

Baghdad saw one of the bloodiest, deadliest days in a long time, today. 75 People were killed and almost 300 wounded in several attacks throughout the city. Ministries and government buildings (some close to the 'green zone') were attacked with carbombs, and mortars landed in residential neighborhoods and close to government buildings. Despite it being horrific events, it is also an unsettling situation, as Brittish and American troops are in the process of, or have already withdrawn all forces from Iraq, as the Iraqi National Army should take over the situation, and we can only hope that they can control the situation.

Update; It's 95 official deaths already.

New Afghan law not really a step in right direction

What if a newly adopted law creates a lawless situation? Well, just look at Afghanistan. Afghan president Karzai figured adopting this new law would be a great step in improving relations with other nations, as well as sending a favorable image to the world that Afghanistan is in fact quite a nice place.

So what is this law I'm referring to. Well, any wife should 'accept' sex with her husband once in every four days. If she refuses, the husband can legally starve her till she accepts. Moreover, wives cannot leave the house without the husband's approval. Rapists can officially 'buy off' their violations with money and women are no longer allowed to work without the husband's approval.

Another great step in making life a bit better in Afghanistan.... (that was cynical). Obviously, president Obama, Human Right Watch and Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, NATO's highest official, have already addressed their concerns.

Clinton frees two journalist in North Korea

Not much publishing from us today, for which I'm sorry, but here is something interesting. Former US president Bill Clinton came back from North Korea today.... with two freed journalists. Read the CNN article for more details, but this is definitely an accomplishment for the US to be proud of.

Melbourne terrorist attack prevented

Australian authorities today reported to have arrested several man in connection with a possible terrorist attack. According to the authorities, the four men (age between 22 and 26) wanted to infiltrate a military base and shoot as many people as they could, before getting shot themselves. The four, of which two are of Somali descent and one is originally from Libya, wanted to 'punish' Australia for taking part in military operations in muslim countries. Today, their attack was prevented by approximately 400 Melbourne policemen, who raided the four's houses and arrested the four men.

Ahmadinejad's inauguration on wednesday

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's highest leader, has today officially declared Ahmadinejad as new president of Iran. His inauguration will be this wednesday, after which he will start his second term as Iran's president. Several former presidents, as well as opposition leader Mousavi, will boycot the inauguration. They refuse to acknowledge Ahmadinejad as new president and still claim the elections have been frauded. Many Iranians seem to agree and have even publicly shown their discontent over the past months.

It is regrettable, though very predictable, that Ahmadinejad will indeed be inaugurated. Change usually doesn't come overnight, especially in the Middle East.