Here is the Friday, August 15th, 2008 edition of what’s making news and interesting reads from around the world.
Home Repossessions are Up 24% in Britain
Homeowners in England and Wales are struggling as rising bills squeeze finances. Home repossessions rose 24% in the second quarter. The Ministry of Justice said lenders made 28,658 possession orders against borrowers in the second quarter of the year, a 4% rise over the first quarter. More from the UK Guardian.
The Run on the British Pound
The pound slid for an 11th day against the dollar, the longest run of declines in at least 37 years, on speculation a recession will force the Bank of England to cut interest rates. Details from Bloomberg News.
Harsh Chinese Crackdown Coming in Xinjiang After Olympics
The Asia Sentinel reports that China is planning to come down hard on separatists in Xinjiang who disrupted China’s start to the Beijing Games with a wave of bombings and attacks in China’s Far West region. Meanwhile, the Asia Times explores why China’s policies in Xinjiang are failing.
Crushing Dissent in Myanmar
Students in Burma’s universities have been painting red crosses on walls and traffic lights to signal disgust with the country’s ruling junta. But the regime is quick to crush even the slightest hint of resistance. More from Der Spiegel.
The US-Polish Defence Agreement
Poland won a U.S. pledge to help improve its defenses in exchange for basing 10 American interceptor missiles on its territory, an agreement reached amid heightened concerns about Russia’s threat to its neighbors. The full report in Bloomberg News.
Maoist Leader Set to Become Nepalese Prime Minister
After weeks of political infighting, Nepal’s special assembly will choose a new prime minister on Friday that is widely expected to be the Maoist chief Prachanda. More from Reuters.