Global Report - 23-September -2008

http://www.instablogs.com/ Ehud Olmert resigns It is all too late for Ehud Olmert, finally his past has pursued him like a shadow and caught up with him. We saw a caricature in one of the newspapers: Olmert is still at his desk, standing, and Tzipi Livni is at the door and he says to her: "I'll just collect the last envelopes and I'll be out of here." Who would want to be prime minister if that is the way it ends? Sad, very insulting and disgraceful! Olmert leaves behind a dejected national mood, lack of faith in leadership, unfinished and unraveling agreements, missed opportunities, revulsion at corruption, fear of violence, crumbling government institutions, a bruised army, an undermined court and great anxiety over the future. For the first time people are asking about tomorrow and they do not have a clear answer. The successors, we concede, do not inspire faith and confidence. They seem frantic, and self absorbed. What will come tomorrow for Israel? We may not know that answer... Violent clashes erupt in Philippines Muslim radical Islamists burned down 16 homes and buildings in Maguindanao in southern Philippines to punish residents believed to be supporting the military. Residents fled as several houses, a health clinic, daycare center, and a building of a government agency advocating peace and development were destroyed after the arson attacks late Sunday by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF. Fighting continues between the MILF and government forces after last month's suspension of Malaysian-brokered peace talks. There is now a deadlock between the Philippine government and the rebels over a proposed expansion of an existing Muslim autonomous region. Nearly 200 soldiers, rebels and civilians have been killed in sporadic clashes in Maguindanao and nearby provinces since last month. Pollution raises health risks in Brazil An estimated 12 people die daily due to pollution caused by cars in Sao Paulo. That surpasses the number of deaths caused by smoking and violence. ...