Leadership turnover in 2006

In 2006, 68 of the world’s current 194 states—Montenegro gained independence—  changed heads of state or government (55 in 2005). Two coups d’état succeeded as in the year before, and again several attempts were unsuccessful. A number of changes and elections occurred that would not pass the international standard of fairness and openness.

There were 38 changes, incl. reelections of incumbents, ... more

Not for the first time, did Russia’s President Vladimir Putin try to convince his questioners of the world press on 1 February that he was not preparing a successor ... more

From remarks Kenya’s President Mwa Kibaki of the National Alliance (NA) made on 1 February it becomes clear that he will be a candidate for a second term in elections this year. He disavows any statement that there is a gentlemen’s agreement with the National Rainbow Coalition that he would stay a one-term president.

 

UN panel urges decisive action on adverse climate change

Global warming mainly due to human activity

A panel of scientists assembled by the United Nations (UN), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued its 4th assessment on 2 February which

• confirms the existence of global warming and

• asserts that it is likely driven by human activities.

The report warns that the world faces an average temperature rise ... more

(Issue contains 50 pages.)