Sixty years ago with the rise of the Eastern Bloc, the Marshall Plan injected post-war Europe with American cash and doctrines ushering it toward a period of rapid recovery. Economically, this was a jolt of fresh air for a continent devastated by two major world wars, as well as an impetus for the industrialization of [...]
Archive for the ‘Thoughts and Opinions’ Category
China’s “Martial” Plan: The Next Foreign Aid Superpower
Posted in Thoughts and Opinions on 14/11/2010 | 1 Comment »
To Aid or Not to Aid?
Posted in Thoughts and Opinions on 14/11/2010 | Leave a Comment »
A candid debate about the advantages and evils of foreign aid Last Wednesday in Introduction to Development, our young and curious minds were challenged to yet another debate. On one side of the ring: the champions of foreign aid, proclaiming that foreign aid is beneficial and should continue. On the other side of the ring: [...]
Is Iran Committed to “True” Afghan Stability?
Posted in Thoughts and Opinions on 14/11/2010 | Leave a Comment »
Iran’s involvement in South-Central Asia is of vital importance to the United States and its allies in the region. It is vital that the international community understand Iran’s true foreign policy toward Afghanistan and the rest of this region. The West can no longer afford to cater to Iran’s dilatory tactics when confronted with evidence [...]
On Education
Posted in Thoughts and Opinions on 09/11/2010 | Leave a Comment »
I don’t know whether or not attempting to write at this point is even a good idea. When I promised the editor of this blog 500 words last Friday night, I may have already consumed several margaritas. However, a promise is a promise, and so I will do my best to explain my current reticence [...]
Color Your World
Posted in Thoughts and Opinions on 01/11/2010 | Leave a Comment »
The emotion in the room was palpable after MIPP student Christoph von Toggenburg’s presentation. With personal audio-visual aid Christoph recounted his experiences working for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Most importantly he taught me the meaning of leadership. Make no mistake, Christoph is a leader. I say this not because he was [...]
Currency Pain
Posted in Thoughts and Opinions on 01/11/2010 | 1 Comment »
Big things will be happening in Washington this week. No, I’m not talking about the midterm elections. Whichever corrupt party wins on Tuesday it’s not going to enhance our education at SAIS. Each of our immediate and many of our midterm fates will be affected by the U.S. Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decision on Wednesday. [...]
“Boycott” of Election is Counterproductive to Myanmar’s Goals
Posted in Thoughts and Opinions on 01/11/2010 | Leave a Comment »
On November 7 the world’s eyes will be positioned on Myanmar as the country holds its first poll in 20 years. In 1990 the sweeping victory by the National League for Democracy dropped on the junta like a cluster monition and they disregarded the results. This election, like its predecessor, in all likelihood will not [...]
The World Bank and Poverty Reduction
Posted in Thoughts and Opinions on 01/11/2010 | Leave a Comment »
Have your thoughts ever drifted away during one of those after-lunch lectures? Have you dreamt of a big and cozy blanket to surround you in a warm embrace? Well, all of this would never come to your mind during an Introduction to Development lecture, although it is at three, exactly when your attention level is [...]
A Strategy Crisis at the World Bank?
Posted in Thoughts and Opinions on 25/10/2010 | 1 Comment »
As a result of the financial crisis, the World Bank has gained back a lot of ground as a financier for development. In the last two fiscal years, the organization’s lending arm, IBRD, disbursed a record amount of hundred billion dollars to its partner countries. This is good news for the Bank whose management not [...]
I Pray to God for the Extinction of Human Beings aka Dictators!
Posted in Thoughts and Opinions on 24/10/2010 | 3 Comments »
I am no scientist, historian, environmentalist or anthropologist. I am simply a member of the greediest species and I don’t need a degree in rocket science to see that we are also the most loathed species, even though we’d like to think otherwise. Time and again, we have been warned about the negative effects of [...]
