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Looking to 2012......


Over the past three weeks, I have been thinking about the year that has passed. 2011 has been quite a year. The pace of change and the actions have been nothing less than spectacular. When the final history is written, 2011 will be remembered as very much a transformational year in many ways.


As I look to 2012, I find It is tough to be hopeful as people continue dying around the World of hunger and disease. I continue to be horrified by the events in Syria, in Mexico and Nigeria. I am horrified by what might happen to Iraq and Afghanistan in 2012. Pakistan is in as unstable a situation as ever. Imran Khan's rally in Karachi may well be a sign of things to come in how a potential third way can be possible. This is as the economic depravation around the World continues on with no apparent end in sight.

The images of London, Machester and Liverpool in flames was shocking. The demonstrations in Greece and Spain underscored the breakdown in the old Europe. This was as reports coming out noting 6 members of the Walmart Family control more wealth than 93 Million Americans, it gives further fuel to the discontent that seems to be the order of the day. When reports are coming out about the rise in childhood hunger and homeless in the United States, it presents a profound problem that whomever wins in November 2012 in the United States.

Despite all that has gone on around the World, those of us who write about our World and think about a World that beyond the here and now, I have to remain hopeful and optimistic. I see no other way for one simple reason: A fundemental belief in the goodness of the Human Spirit that would overcome any challenge. This is as I take my annual sabbatical to do my quarterrly assessment and gear up for the new year at "Outsiders" starting Feburary 1, 2012.


Happy New Year!!!


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"Outsiders" 2011 Year-In-Review (Vol 4): South East Asia

One of the most important events of the past year was changes in Burma. The openings that were initiated by the new Government has been refreshing and hopeful. I have been quite encouraged by the developments.

Beyond Burma, I have been assessing China. Although China has continued to grow and work to assert its' influence, the fundemental structural challenges China faces are of profound concern. Reports of internal unrest are worrisome developments due to the slowdown in the World Economy. People are not as willing to take on the consumer good coming out of China right now.

2012 is bound to be quite a challenging year for South East Asia. I will be keen to see how the opening in Burma will affect the rest of the region--including Vietnam and Laos. I do not hold much hope for Thailand and Cambodia right now due to the continued calamity over the political and economic struggles in the Country.

It is bound to be fascinating......
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2011: The Year In Review (The Launch)

It has been quite a year!!!!

I have been trying to to catch my breath as I launch the "Year-In-Review" here and now. Between the Arab Spring, changes in Africa and Russia, the continued challenges of Climate Change, the US Political Scene, the continued economic calamity, The "occupy" Movement, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Iran, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, Pakistan, Europe's Economic Meltdown, the Media and continued technological transformations--I view it as nothing less than Breathtaking.

I have been taking stock of the year and will be launching the Year in Review here and in SP's sister sites, Kitten Politics and Outsider Views. I begin this by noting this contention that the Guardian of London recently published and I received this via a Guardian Tweet:

@guardian: Political Islam poised to dominate the new world bequeathed by Arab spring, writes @petersbeaumont http://t.co/Ei4jneUu

The rise of Political Islam seems to be a reality whether the West likes it or not.

Stay Tuned!!!
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2011: The Year In Review (The Launch)

It has been quite a year!!!!

I have been trying to to catch my breath as I launch the "Year-In-Review" here and now. Between the Arab Spring, changes in Africa and Russia, the continued challenges of Climate Change, the US Political Scene, the continued economic calamity, The "occupy" Movement, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Iran, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, Pakistan, Europe's Economic Meltdown, the Media and continued technological transformations--I view it as nothing less than Breathtaking


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A Thanskgiving Wish



It is thanksgiving in the United States. It is a time to pause and reflect upon all the blessing. Thanks to all who have continued to support this initiative. I am grateful beyond words and look forward to the continued development of this initiative


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"Oustiders" South-East Asia Watch (11/24/2011): Interesting Developments....

One of the most crucial news that I welcomed was the decision by Aung San Suu Kyi to re-enter politics. Her party, the National League for Democracy, has decided to end its' boycott and for the "Lady" to run in a Parliamentary by-election in the near future.

I have been waiting for such news for a very long time because the changes in Burma are an apparent realization that the World has changed. There are still many hurdles for the Burmese to overcome--but at least there seems to be a ray of hope. Beyond Burma, though, there is India


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"Outsiders" Europe Watch (11/9/2011): About Time

Europe is in trouble. We all know that. The reports out there speak for themselves. It has gone hat in hand to China to try and get money to help fund a stabilization fund to bail out a number of the economies currently in trouble.

As I assessed the monies coming in to Europe, I was especially dumbfounded to find out about how Japan had invested in Euro Bonds. Japan itself has profound challenges as it recovers from the aftermath of the earthquake and in turn


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The Q4 @ "Outsiders" has begun!!!

This is quite a day to begin the new "Quarter" here in "Outsiders". Right now, I am monitoring Al Jazeera as it is reporting live from Tripoli about the death of Mummar Qaddafi. It is quite a journey to be Witness to History indeed!!!

What I find quite starking, as I continue to assess this, is how the US Media continues to be behind the reporting. In monitoring MSNBC, Chris Jansing is noting that they are asking for State Department and White house Confirmation. All they could do is to tune into Al Jazeera


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A Moment of Reflection.....

It has an historic year. We have lived through historic times. History was yet again made when the Palestinians submitted their bid for statehood to the UN during the current General Assembly Session.

One can not help but wonder where our World is going. But, this thought, courtesy of Jonathan Luckwood Huie, goes to the heart of what is important to remember and reflect upon while remembering to keep faith


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"Outsiders" UN Watch (9/22/2011): The UN General Assembly's 2nd Day

The UN General Assembly continues its' second day. As I write this, the Prime Minister of Kuwait is speaking and specifically addressing the Palestinian question:


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