The war of web censuring in China and UAE makes us appreciate the "free speech" of the USA. Kenneth Starr, spoke in Fort Worth on May 30th and described our history of free speech and press freedoms. He reminded us of the value of our "free" speech in America. If you send an email in China or the UAE, someone is likely to be watching!

Someone watching!

I have personally experienced internet “subversion” by the Chinese government while traveling there and have “virtually” watched as they monitored company internet communications. We have documented the persecution of Tibetans and destruction of tibetan Temples by the Chinese on film, while China's leaders were in denial.

In Dubai, my company had it’s site “blocked”, possibly because we refused to pay a “bribe” or "consulting fee" to a sheik with government connections while we held an investment seminar there. We of course were suggesting that Dubai's investors might do well to put their money in the USA, and Dubai's leaders were in denial. They didn't want the "truth" to come out, especially on the internet. Shortly after, their economy tanked and still has not recovered. Leaders of the UAE have let self interest destroy "transparency", speech, internet and press freedoms.

China and the UAE are known by business leaders, to be two of the worst perpetrator nations of the world, when it comes to government monitoring, censoring and impacting internet and telecommunications. It is no wonder that Google has moved out of mainland China and that many businesses who thought Dubai was an “open” government, have closed their doors and moved back to the USA and Europe.

Internet Censorship

Amok in China and Dubai

First Hand Report from Dubai: Christopher Davidson, of OPEN DEMOCRACY, published an article that said in part:

“The persisting censorship of the internet and telecommunications is at odds with the needs of the UAE's new economy.”

The White House confirmed today that Barack Obama will meet the Dalai Lama in

Dalia Lama has the last word, and Obama's ear!

Washington later this month. Beijing had put pressure on the USA not to meet with the Dalai Lama, probably thinking that this administration would bend to Chinese pressure. But the Chinese government seems to not realize that the people of the United States have strong affections for the leader of Tibet and the Tibetan people. It is not lost on the American people that China invaded and occupied Tibet without provocation, has claimed that Tibet was never an independent nation, and that Tibet was always "China". History of course, see's through this and scholars throughout the world recognize China's attempts to rewrite history.

Tibetan Flag, National

China has long feared the power of the Dalai Lama, because millions of people within the borders of China respect and revere HH (His Holiness), as the Tibetan's call him. He is one of the few men in the world, considered a "Global Class" religious leader and has become an icon, representing

HH's Beloved Tibet

peace and enlightenment. The White House spokesman, Robert Gibbs, did not set a date, but the Dalai Lama's secretary has said he will be in Washington on 17 and 18 February.

The visit comes on top of a series of rows over the last few weeks in which relations between the US and China have taken a turn for the worse. Obama was stung by China's snubs at the Copenhagen conference and China apparently thought Obama to be afraid and weak. He has made it clear, that he is neither weak or afraid when it comes to China.

DEAR READERS, THE AVALON INSTITUTE HAS SOME BRILLIANT THINKERS. I THOUGHT YOU WOULD APPRECIATE THIS PERSPECTIVE ON THE ECONOMY FROM MY GOOD FRIEND, RAJ NAIR. EVERY POLITICAL AND FINANCIAL LEADER MUST READ THIS! (10 years and 7 years ago, I presented papers in India, that predicted, and are confirmed by RAJ NAIR'S timely analysis. Read and note the depth of his comments.) BBBoothe

Raj Nair with Avalon

Institute, India

It was relatively easy to predict that USA, the UK, Europe and Japan would have a rough time in 2009 and end up with negative GDP growth, lower consumer spending and that US under Obama will focus more on its economy than on opening new war fronts despite provocations, etc. Saying with conviction that India’s lot will improve from mid 2009 was also not difficult despite there being many economists predicting as late as the end of Q1 of 2009 that India’s revival will start only by the year end when the US economy was expected to show signs of revival. But predicting what will happen in 2010 is more complex than predicting 2009, since there is more than one view on whether the global economic travails are over.

Is the economic crisis over?

The wound has been cleaned and first aid has been administered. Several measures have been taken by developed nations to prevent a global melt down. These are at best, Band Aid solutions and Band Aid does only what Band Aid can do - cover the wound and heal minor problems. In the present instance, a lot of Band Aid was used but the wound is deep and complex. The economic problem has neither been cured nor can it be wished away irrespective of whether the stock markets reflect those concerns any more. That the stock markets are in a state of stupor can be gauged from facts.

In Nov 2007 when I said that a crisis is at our door step, the nominal value of outstanding derivatives had already scaled the scary $ 500 Trillion mark ($485 Trillion on Aug 31, 2007 rising to $ 595 Trillion on Dec 31). The global GDP at that time was around $60 Trillion only! This reckless level of financial exposure requires many years to restore to safe levels. In the meanwhile, stock markets were rising.

Several Arab stock markets have closed lower in recent weeks, amid continuing concern about the outcome of the Dubai World debt crisis, in spite of $10 billion donated from Abu Dhabi

Big Brothers in Abu Dhaibi

chip in $10 Billion, with

what terms?

to Dubai to help deal with problem debt. The questions are:

1. "Is it enough to stop the crisis in Dubai?"

2. "How much autonomy in foreign policy and free thinking did Dubai have to give up to get this money?"

Dubai Dreams, or

Nightmares!

Dubai has announced that it cannot pay $60,000,000,000 (billion) in loans, for real estate projects including the Palm Islands, Dubai World, Burj Dubai (world's largest building), Istithmar World Capital, and loans that may involve CityGroup of New York and many others. Stock markets throughout the world are concerned about this. It creates yet more pressure on an economic system that is already struggling to recover from billions of losses of the Wall Street/Banking debacle. Dubai's urgent need for "delayed" payment means only one thing. They are out of cash. That is one thing Dubai has in common with millions of people impacted by this recession.

We predicted in our articles last year that Dubai would face issues like this. On site investigations and interviews with well placed businessmen in Dubai convinced us that Dubai is a place built upon debt, dreams, with an under current of cultural control and a dose of "Promise them the wealth of our oil, but take from them the wealth of the west".

Our visits in Dubai indicated high level corruption, greed, Sheiks on the take, bribery, overpriced projects, investors who had lost millions and yet could not even sell Dubai assets, a government that made it illegal to publicize real estate problems. The U.S. connections in Dubai range from CityBankGroup, Governor Rick Perry, former U.S.President George W. Bush, and even sports and entertainment leaders.

Dubai is like a Ponzi scheme. You are either in and promoting,

Dubai's Palm Islands Resort in Financial Trouble

or you are desperate to get out but no one is listening. We have personally spoken to investors who bought in Dubai, and now are desperately looking a huge discounts to "liquidate".

Potala, Dalia Lama's Historic Home

Before Chinese Invasion

A Tibetan Filmaker interviewed hundreds of Tibetans with a simple question. "What is it like being a Tibetan under Chinese rule?" With over 100 interviews he made a film that has circled the world, called: "LEAVING FEAR BEHIND". It tells the stark truth of what Tibetans suffer and endure.

He, has been thrown in prison for filming people, telling the truth of their lives.

We have been following the Tibetan situation with interest for years. We have gone to China many times, and personally crossed Tibet. The last time we printed an article critical of China, our computers were bombarded with spam and computer generated "hits" from the Chinese government, to try to take our voice off line. We now see that China continues it's criminal abuses of people in China, especially Tibetans. It must be reported.

Monks fight overwhelming

Chinese forces

Integrityfor humanity demands it. Respect for mankind demands it. Remember the Tibetan people. They need your help.

Since the U.S. President, Barack Obama refused to receive the Dalai Lama in the USA, stating that he preferred to wait until after his meeting with Chinese officials in China, Tibetans throughout the world have wondered if this means a change in Tibetan policy of the United States. Many American's feel a deep sympathy and support for Tibetans who epitomize a people who have lost their homeland to foreign invaders. They have fought to preserve their culture, religion, and traditions with great bravery and inspire the best of mankind.

There is a cycle of survival that depends upon three things:

1. Water
2. Food
3. Energy

Socrates said there are 4 elements of life. Water, Fire, Earth, and Air.

We all need water, it is basic to survival, and yet in Texas, projections are that water for cities, agriculture and industry will have reached it's limit in a few years. Fire, relates to energy. Energy is depleting, and prices going up. Projections are that within 20 years, 70% of Texas oil reserves will be gone. Earth, is the source of agricultural production, and depends upon water, and energy. Air, that we breath and the wind that blows it provides an answer for energy to produce water and food. Organizations such as the Texas Economic Development council are deeply interested in these issues.

Carlton Schwab and Ben Boothe Sr.

Water:

Water is becoming scarcer throughout the world. We have written and documented the loss of water, lakes, aquifers, throughout the world. China has lost hundreds of lakes. Russia's largest lake is down by 30%. Of the worlds 10 largest rivers, 8 of them don't make it to the sea, they are so over utilized.

World's Lakes

Drying Up

The 'water industry' is currently a $420 BILLION market.

Iran is like a woman struggling to give birth. Birth to freedom. Hundreds of thousands are demonstrating, now the government is attacking web sites to disallow Iranians and the world to see the truth of what is happening there.

Where is my vote? Iranians feel insulted that their government would allow corruption to take away their vote. Iranians feel embarrassed that the nation's leaders speak of freedom and democracy, yet mock them by dictator like actions.

Due Process in Iran today

People are being beaten, homes and businesses destroyed by "police", honest news reporting being banned, and human rights lost while old bearded Mullahs and Clerics fret and issue sermons. While the government of Iran authorizes Iranians to attack fellow Iranians, one thing is obvious. The old leaders of Iran do not yet get it. They and their "pet" minions have been discredited by voices of idealism and truth. "Times they are a changin'". The educated, young, and global connected generation has said:"Enough! It is time to change, throw off the shackles of fundamentalist religious dictatorship and join the ranks of normalcy of the global community".

Iran in trouble! Traditional flag upside down.

When a flag is flown upside down it means "nation in trouble". Iran has been in trouble ever since the Iranian people allowed the volatile mixture of religion and politics to control the country. For years Iranians have tolerated women being beaten on the streets by government sanctioned police, under religious orders. Any other nation would call them thugs. People have been killed, imprisoned, homes, businesses and even schools have been vandalized. Authors, poets singers and movie makers have been censored and some imprisoned. Nobel prize winners from Iran have been threatened to "keeps silent or your family will suffer".

Now on the streets of cities throughout Iran military police are shooting, beating, and imprisoning Iran's finest and bravest. Why? Because they want a fair and honest election.

Blood on hands, mouth covered

"no freedom to speak" green color of protest

Iran has stopped freedom of speech. It has banned freedom of press. It has crippled Internet communication. It has jailed thousands and intimidated millions.

Mongolia opposition wins election

Mongolia's opposition party candidate has won the presidential election.

When in 1990 the Democratic Party of Mongolia ran against the Communist Party, the idea was to bring the nation forward with progressive new ideas. The Democrats won, and much of the nation's economy was deregulated, and the largest businesses were privatized. Within a short time a few wealthy people in Mongolia controlled many of the largest companies, and the nations people still lived in poverty.

The Democrats lost because of "corruption" and the communist party has pursued a "gentler and kinder" policy, allowing capitalism. But corruption within Mongolia has remained. Now the Democrats have won again and hopes are high that Mongolia's economy will benefit from new leadership.

The leader of the Democratic Party and two-time former prime minister, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, had campaigned on an anti-corruption ticket.

Incumbent President Nambaryn Enkhbayar (nicknamed "father of the bribe") - of the former Communist party - admitted a "narrow" defeat. Official results are yet to be released.

TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- Dancing in public in not allowed in Iran, but thousands could hardly contain themselves at a recent presidential campaign rally in the capital city, Tehran.

Supporters hope Zahra Rahnavard will become Iran's future first lady.

On this day, the deafening cheers were not for presidential hopeful Mir Hossein Mousavi, but rather for his wife -- a woman some are calling Iran's Michelle Obama.

The comparisons to the first lady of the United States stem from the role Zahra Rahnavard is playing in her husband's quest for the presidency.

Never in the history of Iranian presidential elections has a candidate put his wife in the forefront of his campaign.