World Socialist Web Site

19 November 2009

As US debt tops $12 trillion, Obama calls for austerity

By Bill Van Auken, 19 November 2009

As the Treasury Department revealed that the US public debt has passed the $12 trillion mark, President Barack Obama issued a call for fiscal austerity, warning that without cutbacks, the economy could face a “double-dip recession.”

Huge contradictions behind China’s stimulus-driven recovery

By John Chan, 19 November 2009

US President Obama’s visit to China focussed attention on the country’s rising economic power, high growth and large currency reserves. A closer examination, however, reveals that China’s hothouse economy rests on fragile foundations.

Students and school pupils protest across Germany

By our correspondents, 19 November 2009

The European and international protest movement against deteriorating conditions in the education system reached a new high point on Tuesday, November 17, when almost 100,000 students, pupils, teachers and parents took part in protests and demonstration throughout Germany.

Top Sri Lankan general touted as presidential candidate

By K. Ratnayake, 19 November 2009

The emergence of Sarath Fonseka, Sri Lanka’s former Chief of Defence Staff, as a likely presidential candidate has highlighted the intense political crisis in Colombo following the end of the country’s protracted civil war in May.

Rising Indian influence in Afghanistan worries US and Pakistan

By Ajay Prakash, 19 November 2009

In a sign of the escalating conflicts across the region, the top US military commander in Afghanistan has warned that India’s growing influence there could “exacerbate regional tensions” and encourage Pakistani “countermeasures”.

Sweden: Further delays in Koenigsegg takeover of Saab

By Jordan Shilton, 19 November 2009

In spite of the decision of the European Investment Bank (EIB) on October 21 to grant Saab Automobile a €400 million loan, the deal to sell the GM unit to Koenigsegg Group remains in the balance.

Romania: Presidential elections at a time of crisis

By Diana Toma and Markus Salzmann, 19 November 2009

The ongoing political crisis in Romania has reached a new high point just days before the presidential elections scheduled for November 22. What is taking place is a bitter struggle between rival cliques within the ruling elite over power, influence and money.

New in German

Der amerikanisch-chinesische Gipfel beleuchtet scharfe Gegensätze

Von John Chan, 19. November 2009

Der große Gipfel zwischen Hu und Obama war eine große Show. Die Phrasen im gemeinsamen Kommunique über Frieden, wirtschaftlicher Kooperation und strategische Verlässlichkeit sind ein durchsichtiger Versuch, die tiefen Risse zu kitten, die durch die globale Wirtschaftskrise noch vertieft werden.

Großbritannien: Der Cambridge-Report
Eine vernichtende Widerlegung der Lügen Labours über den Zustand des Bildungswesens

Von Tania Kent, 19. November 2009

Die kürzlich veröffentlichte Studie "Cambridge Primary Review: Children, their World, their Education" ist eine vernichtende Kritik der zerstörerischen Folgen von Labours Politik für eine ganze Generation von Schülern.

PSG-Veranstaltung in Leipzig
Zwanzig Jahre seit dem Mauerfall

19. November 2009

Die PSG lädt am 29. November zu einer öffentlichen Veranstaltung in Leipzig ein, um die Lehren aus dem Mauerfall zu diskutieren.

New in French

France : les affaires que le procès Clearstream tente de passer sous silence

Par Alex Lantier, 19 novembre 2009

Une série de scandales liés à la corruption dans les secteurs pétrolier et de l'armement, s'étalant sur une vingtaine d'années, constitue le contexte judiciaire du procès de l'affaire Clearstream engagé par le président Nicolas Sarkozy contre l'ex-premier ministre Dominique de Villepin.