Six In The Morning

G.O.P. Vowing to Take Battle Over Health Care Law Into November

　

By JEFF ZELENY
Mitt Romney and other Republicans who oppose the health care law are looking ahead to one remaining avenue of appeal: the ballot box in November. Taken aback by the Supreme Court ruling on Thursday that upheld the constitutionality of the law, Mr. Romney and Congressional Republicans pledged to intensify their efforts to repeal it, an argument that will be a crucial element of the party’s quest to galvanize conservative activists and win control of the White House and the Senate. Republicans swiftly sought to turn the court’s reasoning against President Obama, recasting the legislation as a tax increase.

Western agreement 'could leave Syria in Assad's hands for two more years'
Special Report: Need for oil routes buys time, claims key Damascus figure

Robert Fisk Friday 29 June 2012
President Bashar al-Assad of Syria may last far longer than his opponents believe – and with the tacit acceptance of Western leaders anxious to secure new oil routes to Europe via Syria before the fall of the regime. According to a source intimately involved in the possible transition from Baath party power, the Americans, Russians and Europeans are also putting together an agreement that would permit Assad to remain leader of Syria for at least another two years in return for political concessions to Iran and Saudi Arabia in both Lebanon and Iraq. For its part, Russia would be assured of its continued military base at Tartous in Syria and a relationship with whatever government in Damascus eventually emerges with the support of Iran and Saudi Arabia. Russia’s recent concession – that Assad may not be essential in any future Syrian power structure – is part of a new understanding in the West which may accept Assad’s presidency in return for an agreement that prevents a further decline into civil war.

Olympics fast-food plan seen as very poor taste
The Irish Times - Friday, June 29, 2012

MARK HENNESSY
Food industry influence on Games has prompted critical response from health campaigners SOME OF the Olympics’ sponsors are being blamed for fuelling the UK’s obesity crisis. McDonald’s, the world’s largest fast-food chain, began its connection with the Olympic Games during the 1968 winter games in Grenoble, France, when it airlifted some of its hamburgers to US athletes pining for a taste of home. In 1976 it became an official Olympics sponsor, with its links growing every four years. This year, it, along with 11 other major sponsors, will add about €1 billion to the International Olympic Council’s coffers.

Reignited Swazi bailout raises hackles
Pro-democracy activists are calling for stringent conditions for the South African loan so it is not squandered, writes Louise Redvers.

29 Jun 2012 08:56 - Louise Redvers
It looks as though South Africa will finally lend cash-strapped Swaziland R2.4-billion, although the details, terms and conditions of the loan remain unclear. It has raised concern among pro-democracy activists who have always questioned the wisdom of the loan. Treasury spokesperson Jabulani Sikhakhane confirmed to the Mail & Guardian that a memorandum of understanding had been signed by the countries’ foreign ministers, but said “discussions between the financial authorities are still ongoing”.

North Korea goes a-schmoozing
Korea

By Steven Borowiec
If a string of diplomatic visits is any indication, North Korea and a number of countries in Southeast Asia are working to rekindle the flames of old alliances. This month, North Korea Workers' Party secretary Kim Yong-il is touring Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar. In May, Kim Yong-nam, North Korea's second highest-ranking official, traveled to Indonesia and Singapore. Like so much of what North Korea does on the international stage, this is all a bit ambiguous and could be all for show.

Paraguay faces censure for Fernando Lugo's removal
"We're at the beginning of a period of great uncertainty," says Eduardo Arce, a Paraguayan journalist.

By Vladimir Hernandez BBC Mundo, Asuncion
In less than 48 hours last week, Mr Arce and his fellow Paraguayans witnessed a swift impeachment process that removed President Fernando Lugo and installed vice-president Federico Franco as interim leader until elections due in April. Congress voted almost unanimously to remove Mr Lugo over his handling of clashes between farmers and police that left at least 17 people dead. Although the impeachment adhered to the country's constitution, the move has threatened to isolate the South American nation from its neighbours.