The Lying, the Rich and the Foreclose

World leaders met earlier this month in London for the G20 summit, to discuss the global economic crisis. Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in cities all across Europe. With unemployment at an all time high, failing banks, businesses and the collapse of the mortgage market, citizens are frustrated at the lack of accountability, solutions, greed and oversight that the current capitalist economic system has created.

US president Barack Obama and Britain's Gordon Brown headed what they call a "successful" $1.1 trillion dollar deal as they face harsh criticism as much of the blame for the current crisis has fallen on the US's unregulated, free market capitalist economic system. Little is expected to be resolved as agreement to whether or not the large sized stimulus packages, like the ones proposed by president Obama is really the answer or leading to greater problems in the future. With Germany and France opposing such packages and the UK in favor, any long-term resolutions or short-term relief is unlikely.

Can you Hear me Now?

Young African Filmmakers are using mobile phone cameras to create movies in the Democratic Republic of Congo's capitol city of Kinshasa. Film and other forms of expression are subject to censorship by the government, trying to prevent stories of poverty, corruption and violence. Permits to shoot within the city are almost impossible to be granted and the fines and punishment for filming without one is severe.

Heading Home

British troops will begin withdrawing from Iraq this month. "Marking the beginning of the end of the UK's six-year combat mission in Iraq", the Ministry of Defense announced. The full withdraw will take place by the end of the summer with the remaining 4,000 troops leaving by July.

Italian - American

Fiat is negotiating a 20% stake in Chrysler automotives. The Italian car company hopes to use their small, energy efficient model cars, combined with Chryslers far reaching brand to increase sales in the US and abroad. The companies have been given a 30 day time frame to reach an agreement by the US government before receiving a 6 million dollar bailout of Chryslers debts.

Written by Nino Cirabisi