Stratfor Daily Podcast

MAP - Gaza Conflict 090104
January 5, 2009 1135 GMT
As an Israeli ground campaign continues in the Gaza Strip and diplomats gather for crisis talks in Cairo, Stratfor examines the factors that could break the Israeli-Palestinian conflict out of its geopolitical box. [more]
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December 19, 2008 1234 GMT
In the final podcast for 2008, Colin Chapman looks at some of the personalities of the year. The upcoming Obama package should help 2009 along, but there is still likely to be news of more bad banks and bad loans next year. Stratfor will resume podcasts on Jan. 5, 2009. [more]
Chinese guided-missile destroyer Harbin
December 18, 2008 1030 GMT
China might send its warships to join Western and Indian efforts to clear pirates in the seas off the Horn of Africa. If plans proceed, it will be the first significant long-range naval combat mission by China since the 15th century -- marking China's emerging role in international security as a big power, and a supporter of multilateralism. [more]
Federal Reserve - Interest Rates
December 17, 2008 0911 GMT
Financial markets give a cautious welcome to the Federal Reserve Board’s decision to cut interest rates to the bone. The U.S. economy is now entering uncharted waters: Never before has America had such a low cash rate, now close to zero. Colin Chapman argues that monetary policy will not be enough -- the world waits on the Obama package. [more]
Russia - Vagit Alekperov of LUKoil
December 16, 2008 1353 GMT
Russia plans to cut oil production in tandem with OPEC states, as it faces internal challenges that include soft domestic energy demand. The first voluntary production cut by Moscow and other decisions could have long-term implications for energy markets. [more]
Oil rig
December 15, 2008 1123 GMT
OPEC ministers will meet in Algeria on Dec. 17 to discuss a further cut in oil output, and Russia may follow suit. The International Energy Agency is predicting a further downturn in demand, and there is no guarantee a cutback will stem the fall in the price of crude. [more]
EU: Sarkozy Adieu
President Nicolas Sarkozy of France chairs his last European Council, with the agenda characterized more by what is not on it than what is. Colin Chapman says it has been a fascinating if volatile six months, but the Czech Republic will take the baton at the year’s end with the big issues still unresolved. [more]
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Timoshenko
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Timoshenko and her sometimes-partner, sometimes-rival, President Viktor Yushchenko, have again formed a political alliance, seeking to end months of paralysis in Kiev. Intelligence suggests this temporary truce between the pro-West Orange Coalition partners could strengthen Russia in the long run. [more]
Youths gesture toward police in central Athens Dec. 8, 2008
A near-general strike is paralyzing Athens and other Greek cities as protesters continue to riot in efforts to unseat the government. The trigger was a police shooting of a teenager, but Colin Chapman says the grievances go well beyond this. [more]
December 9, 2008 0758 GMT
Having scooped the Quebec provincial elections, the Liberals move to elect a new leader on Dec. 10 -- with the current favorite a global intellectual, the iconic Dr Michael Ignatieff. If he wins, he likely will abandon the coalition with Quebecois, but in the long run could pose a formidable challenge to Prime Minister Stephen Harper. [more]
Farm workers thresh wheat near Amritsar, India, on Oct. 5
December 8, 2008 0911 GMT
Enjoy lower fuel and food prices this Christmas while they last. The recent reduction in cereals prices from earlier peaks is not likely to be sustained: Demand will continue to rise, while supplies are likely to be constrained. [more]
U.S.-Black Friday shopping
Europeans pull the economic levers once more, but when will they work? Colin Chapman argues that the problem is that people are being asked to put their own economic health at risk -- to spend their way out of recession -- but are reluctant to do so. A particularly serious problem affects retirees, whose incomes have been decimated. [more]
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper
December 4, 2008 0640 GMT
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper may be forced out by a confidence motion next Monday -- but the strange bedfellows that would form the government are not likely to coalesce for long. [more]
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speaks at NATO headquarters in Brussels
December 3, 2008 0423 GMT
NATO opts to continue slowly bringing Georgia and Ukraine into membership, while also agreeing to a "conditional and gradual" resumption of dialogue with Russia. [more]
China - Beach as flag
December 2, 2008 0637 GMT
President Hu Jintao goes on record to say the impact of the global economic downturn on China will be a test of the Communist Party's power to govern. Colin Chapman assesses Hu's speech and the risks China faces. [more]
India - Protests Following Mumbai Attacks
India's ruling Congress party is being goaded into action against Pakistan by its political opponents, as Islamabad calls for restraint. [more]
Protesters at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport
November 26, 2008 1045 GMT
Political opponents of the Thai government force closure of Bangkok’s international airport for the second day running, disrupting the holidays of thousands of tourists. The issue now is whether the military will intervene. [more]
A salesman helps consumers out at an appliance store
One by one, states are unveiling packages to stimulate their economies. Each chooses a different course. In testing times, we can test various solutions to see if they work. [more]
Peru--Workers Prepare for APEC
November 24, 2008 1151 GMT
APEC leaders -- including George W. Bush, Hu Jintao and Dmitri Medvedev -- call for a big push next month to save the Doha round of world trade talks. But, says Colin Chapman, the omens are not good, as officials rake over the ashes. [more]
Oil tanker Sirius Star
NATO allocates two warships to defend vessels bringing food relief, as the costs of combating Somalian piracy mount. [more]
British Airways CEO Willie Walsh and Bank of England's John Whitley
Colin Chapman discusses recession with a leading airline boss and a central banker. Both confirm that white-collar managers are likely to be the biggest victims of a worsening global economy. [more]
Israeli flag over Hebron
November 19, 2008 1236 GMT
Recent statements from Israel’s military intelligence chief hint that at least a slight warming in Israeli-Iranian relations may be possible, against a backdrop of transition in U.S., Israeli and Iranian politics. [more]
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November 18, 2008 1515 GMT
Weekend protests in Reykjavik, Iceland, point up largely unspoken fears about how the financial crisis might impact political and social stability in Europe. Analyst Marko Papic discusses the question with Marla Dial. [more]
U.S. Marines arrive in Kandahar, Afghanistan
Iraq's parliament will this week be asked to back a plan which restricts U.S. authority next year and leads to full troop withdrawal in 2011. Will an Afghanistan deal be next? [more]
Buildings in East London's financial district
G20 leaders arrive in Washington for a meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush to discuss the financial and economic crisis. Though there will be much talk about concerted action, leaders will have difficulty singing from the same hymn sheet, let alone agreeing actions. [more]
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