Ahmadinejad calls for OPEC to be abolished

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of Iran

Earlier today, there was outrage from the Middle Eastern states after Israel and Europe made their decision regarding Dubai’s failed projects. Last hour, Ahmadinejad called for OPEC to be abolished, encouraging Middle Eastern countries to move towards independence from Western countries and their economies.

Farjoon Ahmari, economic advisor to Ahmadinejad, claimed that OPEC has become “a tool of Western apostates.” The advisor said that it is unfair for countries like Dubai to be “bossed around by larger members of OPEC,” saying that Dubai must be allowed to make “use of their natural advantages in order to compensate” during hard economic times.

When asked if Iran had any ties to the failed Dubai projects, Ahmari said no. He claimed that the recommendation for OPEC was a matter of principle, stating that Dubai had to submit “to outside pressure.”

The WTO and members from OPEC were unable to offer comment on Ahmadinejad’s demands. One will have to wait for OPEC’s reaction to the advice.

-Larry Queen

Germany Handles the Dubai Situation Well

Germany is handling the economic situation in Dubai well. After high-level real estate investors “have taken heavy hits” due to the recessions in Dubai.

Germany is not the only one suffering. OPEC has also lost a great deal of money because of investments that fell through. Dubai claims the failure was the fault of Israel discouraging investing in Dubai.

According to department of Domestic Economic Affairs official Stephan Shroer, “there’s not really much we can do about the economic situation now. The damage is done.”

However, despite Germany’s economic strife, they are considering taking in an influx of immigrants from Indonesia. The Indonesians were working for construction companies in Dubai, which OPEC and members of the EU invested in.

Though no official word has been given that the immigrants will be allowed to reside in Germany, Germany is preparing for the influx of immigrants, and they have “some capacity and budget to deal with the refugees.

Although if Germany allows the displaced Indonesians to enter, they, “need indication that the burden will be shared, and the ultimate goal would be to get them back home to Indonesia.”

Germany also does not blame Israel for the problems. “Until proven otherwise, we choose to believe that the Israelis acted in good faith.”

Germany, despite hard times, is handling the situation diplomatically and with the best intentions of others involved.

Dubai Real Estate Crisis Damages OPEC

OPEC

The Dubai real estate crisis has hit OPEC hard. After a plethora of multinationals pulled out of Dubai, the other members of OPEC have united against Europe. In addition, they have placed the blame of the events on Israel. 

Germany has been especially negatively affected.

The crisis has also affected immigrant workers and has led to unemployment. 

Further details are coming soon.

President Peres: Grief-Stricken or With Ambition?

After the death of Israeli President Shimon Peres’ wife, the suitability of Peres’ role as President of the state of Israel has been called into question as a result of his remarks in his distraught state.

President Shimon Peres

Yoav Shakir from the Israeli Office of Internal Affairs says, “[Peres,] in grief-stricken stupor over the death of his wife, has demanded an immediate vote from the Palestinian electorate in which Hamas must lose. Many of the more peace-loving members of the Israeli administration have questioned Peres’ ability to lead.”

On the other hand, Abigail Cohen, a member of the Israeli Parliament assures that his comments were not rash, and that they were stated after logical thought processes and careful deliberations with other Parliament members. “To help establish a safe country, we must move the Arabs from the region because they are the ones causing conflict,” says Cohen. “We must punish the Hamas by building more settlements in the Gaza strip.”

With conflicting opinions within the Israeli Parliament, potential internal dissension lies ahead. 

Sudanese President Al-Bashir Comments on Conflict

President Al-Bashir

The President of Sudan has spoken directly with CNN in regards to the planned summit with the United States and the terms of South Sudan's secession from the whole.

He stated that the summit should ideally take place in a neutral site, specifically citing Geneva as an ideal location.

When asked what he would do if the United States did not agree to support his economy following a southern secession, he expressed disbelief that this would even be a possibility. He said that all he would require would be a "fraction" of the oil revenue, as his nation is dependent on the deposits located in the south. Failing to do so would absolutely devastate his country, he added. It is unknown how large this "fraction" or "portion" would truly need to be.

North Sudan Backs Down, War Avoided

Sudanese President Al-Bashir has announced the demobilization of his nation's military. The expected clash between southern Sudan, northern Sudan, and the United States will seemingly not occur. 

The North Sudanese Ambassador , Abd Al-Makhtoum, said that Sudan would demobilize if the US would agree to attend a summit and discuss with them.

According to the ambassador, the summit would approve southern independence on the condition that they compensate the North for economic damages that would result from the separation. It is unknown if this would be done (or if it is even plausible) or what would happen should the United States not agree.

Until this planned summit, war in Africa has seemingly been avoided.

A cry for help from Tehran.

Afsam Rafsamjani, a University of Tehran student was a protester for a religious freedom speech. The protests were consistent throughout the streets of Tehran. However, as the protests continued; agents and police were eventually involved. Police, and agents brutally attacked protesters. In addition, protesters were killed during the event. Ashimir’s best friend was affected by the attack. Due to the protest, Ashimir fled to a relative’s safe home. Currently, his role as a protester is to contact the world for help.

US Military Planes Heading Towards Saudi Arabia: War in Africa a Possibility

Sudan Troop Movements

North Sudanese troops have been photographed mobilizing by a Reuters reporter, and it seems the United States is responding. A potential reason for this military action is, as an Africa and International Relations expert, Daniel Dretzler, says, "North Sudan is essentially not viable as an independent state without the oil revenue of South Sudan. It is inevitable that the government in Khartoum will make an attempt to prevent, possibly even resorting to war."

Informants in the Gulf of Arabia have reported US military planes direct for Saudi Arabia. This new mobilization is suspected to be related to the Sudanese conflict. A possible war in Africa is on the horizon.

A few soldiers with AK-47 rifles

It seems the Chief of Communications for the South Sudanese President was wrong when he assumed North Sudan would honor their agreement.

Iranian Student Leader Pleads for Help!

Iran's Brutal response

The voice of the Iranian people has spoken, and claims that the people are not being given their basic human rights.

The Human Rights Watch has told CNN that protesters have taken the streets because of the control of the Iranian government over the media, resulting in the death of several protesters.

CNN special correspondents had a video interview with a protester, who claims that “three of his friends became shish-kabobs today.” Unfortunately, the interview could go no further because the connection was shut down. 

There has been speculation that the Iranian government has shut down all communications. CNN has yet to discover whether there is a correlation between claims of Iranian control over the media and the closing of all communications. CNN is waiting for communications to resume in order to get official word from the Iranian government.