BLOG COMMENTS - 2014/07/22

Dear Friends:

After the 2014 Soccer World Cup ended on Sunday July 13, the majority of the blog activities returned to the political arena.

The bloggers put special attention in the new conflict between Israel and Palestine, the Christian persecution by the Islamic extremists who control part of the north of Iraq and the confrontations among the troops of Ukrainian government and the pro-Russian rebels.

In the last few days the main issues were the Israeli invasion of Gaza and the rocket attack against the Malaysia Airlines flight in Eastern Ukraine.

Now I would like to share with you a series of comments posted by myself in the WSJ Journal Community during the last few days about important headlines.

Domingo Trassens

Analyst

World Rethink

July 22, 2014

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BLOG COMMENTS: 2014/07/13 – 2014/07/21

Why Putin Is Willing to Take Big Risks in Ukraine

A Look at Differing Fates of Poland, Ukraine Gives Clues - By Gerald F. Seib

My Comment: Vladimir Putin learned through the Polish experience that the former members of the Soviet Union are able to make strong efforts to be integrated to the free western world.

If Ukraine can cut its old link with Moscow, it will be say also: “Bye, Bye” to the Russians and this is bad for the Russia’s economy. In front this new reality, President Putin is trying to move History to three or more decades ago. 1 Recommendation 07/21/2014 03:28:32 PM

Kerry to Travel to Cairo to Work on Gaza Cease-Fire

Mr. Kerry Will Seek a Truce Based on One Hamas and Israel Agreed to in November – By Andrew Grossman

My Comment: The news says that Secretary of State John Kerry will “travel to Cairo to work on Gaza cease-fire.”

 Till now, John Kerry did not have a real success in all his trips to Middle-East including Syria and the previous negotiations between Palestine and Israel. We cannot expect something different now. 1 Recommendation   07/21/2014 01:57:44 PM

This Way Up: Mobility in America

Economic mobility is alive and well for Americans who pursue technical or practical training - By Tamar Jacoby

My Comment: The technical and practical jobs give good mobility opportunities to young workers when they are responsible and competent in their work.
The problem is when these workers grow old and other youngsters are more competent and dynamic than them.
In practical jobs, the life cycle is shorter than in the professional jobs with university degree. But today, a lot of university graduates don't find work related with their profession and they have to work also in practical jobs. 2 Recommendations 07/21/2014 01:38:17 PM

Russia Presents Its Account of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 Crash

Russia's Defense Ministry Said Second Aircraft in Vicinity of Doomed Airliner - By Olga Razumovskaya

My Comment: The explanation of the Russian Defense Ministry does not repair the damage produced. It is only a report that tries to clean the Moscow responsibilities in the air attack. 8 Recommendations 07/21/2014 11:30:13 AM

European Leaders Threaten Harsher Sanctions Against Russia – PART 1

Uncertain How Soon Sterner Measures Could Be Brought to Bear

Email - By Anton Troianovski And Naftali Bendavid

My Comment: The threats of the European leaders against Russia are a demonstration of cynicism. They shout in the forums, while on the other hand, they are making businesses with Moscow. 4 Recommendations 07/20/2014 03:15:49 PM

European Leaders Threaten Harsher Sanctions Against Russia – PART 2

Uncertain How Soon Sterner Measures Could Be Brought to Bear

Email - By Anton Troianovski And Naftali Bendavid

My Comment answering to another JC member: I think you are right. There is a high probability that behind the pro-Russian rebellion in Eastern Ukraine there are key economic factors and the rethinking of President Putin about the future of Russian gas business.

On May 16, 2012, Reuters published an article titled “Ukraine sees 2017 for commercial shale gas output” written by John Donovan.

The article explains that Royal Dutch Shell and Crevron are exploring and developing shale gas in Yukizska area, in eastern Donetsk and Krarkiv. (Eastern Ukraine). (The first references about this exploration are from 2010).

Here, we can imagine the possible thinking of President Putin:

1) If Ukraine - as independent nation - starts to produce gas in a commercial way in Yukizska, the Russian business of the gas will decline dramatically.

2) On the other hand, if Eastern Ukraine is annexed to Russia before 2017, Russia will have more gas to sell to Europe. In this case, the current energy dependence will continue and probably, it also will spread. 07/21/2014 10:55:45 AM

Gaza Battle Deadliest in Conflict

Fighting Over Tunnels Kills 13 Israelis, Dozens of Palestinians - By Nicholas Casey and Tamer El-Ghobashy

My Comment: Everyone knows the Palestinians use human shields: however a massive retaliation against the Hamas militants in Gaza will become a slaughter of civil population. Is this the right way to make justice? Children from any nationality don’t have to die for the mutual hate of their parents. 2 Recommendations 07/20/2014 03:01:46 PM

Bodies Are Removed From MH17 Crash Site Under Rebel Watch

Remains Moved to Railcars but Talks With Separatists Over Transport Remain Deadlocked - By Paul Sonne in Torez, Ukraine, Margaret Coker in Kiev and Alexis Flynn in Amsterdam

My Comment: The bombing attack to the Malaysian airplane was a horrendous crime. But the current situation is also horrendous. The bodies and personal stuff of the victims have to put in the hands of their families in a respectful way. Everybody deserves to be buried according their traditions and believes. 1 Recommendation 07/20/2014 02:45:50 PM

Islamist Insurgents in Northern Iraq Threaten Christians – PART 1

Members of Minority Told to Convert to Islam - By Ali A. Nabhan and Matt Bradley

My Comment: The Islamist insurgents attack the Christians also in Syria. The persecution against Christians in the Islamic world shows the religious intolerance of this people. 2 Recommendations 07/19/2014 03:02:20 PM

Islamist Insurgents in Northern Iraq Threaten Christians – PART 2

Members of Minority Told to Convert to Islam - By Ali A. Nabhan and Matt Bradley

My Comment answering to another JC member: Helen: In my previous comment I said: "The Islamist insurgents attack the Christians also in Syria." The "Islamist insurgents" are the jihadist rebels.

I met Catholic Syrians and Catholic Iraqis personally in Germany. Both say that the Islamist extremists persecute the Christians and Catholics with terrible cruelty. 3 Recommendations 07/20/2014 09:23:27 AM

Egypt Proposes Cease-Fire Between Israel and Hamas

No Agreement Yet on Proposed Truce; Rockets From Gaza and Israeli Airstrikes Continue - By Joshua Mitnick in Tel Aviv,  Tamer El-Ghobashy  in Jerusalem and  Nicholas Casey  in Gaza City

My Comment: The Israelis will not stop their ground offensive while the Palestinians continue with their rocket attacks. 07/19/2014 02:13:37 PM

Silvio Berlusconi Underage Sex Conviction Overturned

Former Italian Prime Minister Sentenced Last Year - By Giada Zampano

My Comment: For Silvio Berlusconi, all is allowed and Justice is joke. 1 Recommendation 07/18/2014 11:37:27 AM

Ukraine Says Malaysia Airlines Plane Crashed Over Donetsk – PART 1

Airline Confirms It Lost Contact With Flight MH17 Over Ukraine - By Paul Sonne And Alan Cullison

My Comment: Two big tragedies of Malaysia Airlines in short time. While till now the airplane that disappeared in the ocean is mystery, now another machine crashed in Ukraine for an apparent air attack. After these events, will we feel safe in a Malaysia Airlines flight? 07/17/2014 02:01:06 PM

Ukraine Says Malaysia Airlines Plane Crashed Over Donetsk – PART 2

Airline Confirms It Lost Contact With Flight MH17 Over Ukraine - By Paul Sonne And Alan Cullison

My Comment answering to another JC member: Robert: Thank you for your opinion. About my previous comment, I only was thinking behind the scene.

Maybe the second accident of Malaysia Airlines was because one airplane of this company was flying over the wrong place in the wrong time… 

However, the confuse explanations that Malaysian Airlines gave after the first accident put a question mark about the "modus operandi" of this company. 07/17/2014 02:43:21 PM

U.S. Says Missile Downed Malaysia Airlines Plane Over Ukraine – PART 3

283 Passengers and 15 Crew Were on Board Flight Bound for Kuala Lumpur From Amsterdam - By Paul Sonne, Alan Cullison and Julian E. Barnes

My Comment as part the online dialogue with other JC members: Samuel: you made a very good question. What about the other airlines which are also operating over the Ukrainian-Russian border? 07/17/2014 02:50:22 PM

Microsoft to Cut Up to 18,000 Jobs

New CEO Nadella Seeks to Remake Company; Layoffs Primarily Among Phone and Tablet Staff, Which Bulged After Nokia Buy - By Shira Ovide

My Comment: Always after big marriages of companies, the employees suffer the consequences of the mergers. 1 Recommendation 07/17/2014 02:20:13 PM

Israel Agrees to Cease-Fire to Allow Aid to Gaza

Military Official Warns Ground Invasion Growing More Likely - By Nicholas Casey in Gaza City and Joshua Mitnick in Tel Aviv

My Comment: Between Israelis and Palestinians, war and violence are more common than peace and calmness. 07/16/2014 03:32:55 PM

Apple, IBM in Deal to Create Apps, Sell Phones

Tech Firms Plan to Create Business Apps and Sell iPhones, iPads to IBM's Corporate - By Daisuke Wakabayashi

My Comment: If Apple wants to embed its digital technology in the corporation environment to develop advanced business solutions, it needs a strong alliance with IBM.

The Big Blue can give to Apple all the tools, engineering and expertise that are necessary to generate revenues and profit with business customers. 07/16/2014 07:33:00 AM

H-P Chairman Whitworth to Step Down to Focus on Health

Activist Is Co-Founder of Relational Investors - By Anna Prior And Joann S. Lublin 

My Comment: During the last few years, a lot of people passed through the board and top management offices of Hewlett-Packard generating negative impacts in the investor environment.

We have to hope the resignation of Ralph Whitworth as interim Chairman does not generate bad waves in Wall Street that affect the HP shares. 1 Recommendation 07/15/2014 12:17:35 PM

Germany Basks in World Cup Victory—But Without Arrogance – PART 1

Win in Rio Being Cast as Evidence of Powerful But Friendly Country - By Anton Troianovski and Harriet Torry

My Comment: The World Cup that Germany won in Brazil playing the maximum soccer championship of FIFA was the result of a disciplined and continuous work during the last 4 years.

Germany showed a high professional level of the all team and additionally innovated in the way to plan its work.

According to a report posted by a technology company, its team used special Big Data software to analyze and improve the performance of its game in the field and the evaluation of the work its players.

By the way, in 2004 Joachim Löw started as assistant of Klinsmann and from 2006 he is in charge of the team. 07/14/2014 01:06:46 AM

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SOURCES:

1) External Sources: Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and PBS NewsHour

2) Own Sources: My own research for previous publishing projects: TTT of Comlab Corp, Spanish English Club online.

Website: http://world-rethink.blogspot.de/

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