Recommendation 1 from ‘Foreign Policy’
Article Name:‘A tale of two North Koreas’
By: ‘Adam Cathcart’
The article mentions that there is a lot of discrepancy between how Chinese government portrays Kim Jong II and its stand on North Korea in the media for other people and how Chinese themselves discuss it. Article points out that reason could be that there has always been a strained relationship between the two countries, but mentioning and discussing it openly will weaken the alliance further. Article also points out the that just like the Chinese government, leader of Korea also take the same approach. They portray the brotherhood with China openly, but at the same time they keep surprising China with frequent nuclear tests among other things.
Summary:
The two countries have taken up the policy of diplomacy in such a way that both the countries want west to imagine things to be something else even when things are totally opposite. Perhaps, they know that in midst of all this, no matter what they do internally, there will be no interference from each other, as some other image has been polished for others and it has to be kept up with.
Learn Words from the article:
Obliviousness:Lacking active consciousness and awareness
Intermittent: occurring at irregular intervals
Procession: March
Narrative: Story
Recommendation 2 from ‘The NY Times’
Article Name:‘Those revolting Europeans’
By: ‘Paul Krugman’
The article states France and Greece both had elections in which voter turnout was low. Writer states that it is difficult to say when votes will lead to change in the policy, but the time is definitely running out to fix the strategy of austerity. It points out that cuts in the depressed economy only takes the depression deeper. And that is the reason that austerity hasn’t worked. However, writer cites the example of Iceland, which having its own currency was able to respond to the crisis by devaluing the currency, which is not possible for every country, as every other country has Euro. So, the writer points out that if every country had its own currency, depression could have been handled in a much better way. But, of course it would have spelled doom for the European project. But, there is a solution .i.e. working the Germany way.
Summary:
Story of recession seems as if it has been there for years and years altogether. Euro, as a symbol of integration for Europe did not work in the long run, so the integration could have been brought about by other reforms, anything other than economic, but no one had that vision to foresee the inevitable future. Further, article also points out that going the German way could be a solution, but when the leaders see the solution in Germany is not known.
Learn Words from the article:
Unilateral: One-sided
Austerity: Severity
Prescription: Instruction
Recommendation 3 from ‘The Times of India’
Article Name:‘French Revolution’
By: ‘TOI’
The article in way states that with the election of a socialist president in 17 years, France might have a revolution at hand. It has compared the working of the former president with the so far working of the newly elected president. Article states that Sarkozy was called the bling- bling president. However, Hollande took the attention away from his privileged up-bringing and focussed on farmers and the youth. He has also promised thousands of new public sector jobs and boosting of social services. Further, article states that Hollande needs to present a detailed economic plan while at the same time stressing on liberty and equality.
Summary:
Well, yes it does seem that revolution might be at hand, as there are many things that do not match the working of the former president, which might as well be the good news. May be Hollade will also not work in the same way as far as austerity policy. However, only the time will tell.
Learn Words from the article:
Deflected: Repelled
Discrimination: Bias
Sumptuous: Luxurious
