Egypt in turmoil

Pic from: bbc.co.uk

The protests against the ouster of President Morsi have been brutally put down by the government. There are reports that the death toll may be much higher than is being officially revealed. The anti-government protests in Rabaa Al-Adawiya mosque area in Nasr city, began after Morsi’s ouster.

The protests and violence have gripped the entire country. The government has imposed an emergency. Meanwhile the vice president, ElBaradei has resigned in protest against the use of violence. New Yorker has quoted the National Salvation Front’s (Baradei’s former coalition party) statement “saluting” military action near Rabaa mosque, that resulted in many deaths (New Yorker magazine, August 14 2013), it had praised it for “the firm leadership”.

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“The firm leadership of the armed forces, and the collective will of the people, demanded the dispersal of the sit-in.”

(From: New Yorker magazine, August 14 2013)

The government has reported over 200 deaths in the crackdown in Egypt. Although, unconfirmed the Muslim Brotherhood has said that 2000 protesters were killed in Egypt protests. The state of emergency that has been imposed on Egypt involves a curfew that would enable the government to take measures to prevent any gathering.

Israel Palestinian talks

European gdp growth (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Israel-Palestinian talks have begun in secrecy. Ahead of the talks, Israel released 26 Palestinian prisoners. The talks have been described as, “long and serious” (BBC.co.uk, August 15 2013). The talks would be a weekly feature, alternating between Jerusalem and Jericho, according to a Palestinian official, quoted by BBC.

Eurozone

The euro zone, it is reported has officially, “come out of recession”. France, Europe’s second largest economy, posted GDP growth of 0.5%, while Germany, Europe’s largest economy has posted a GDP growth of 0.7%. Portugal showed the most promising results with 1.1% GDP growth. However, countries like, Italy, Spain and Netherlands continued to be in the red.

India

A massive explosion sunk an Indian Navy submarine docked in Navy dockyard.18 crew on board were killed. Besides the tragic loss of life, the loss to the Indian navy is enormous (see The Hindu, Editorial, August 15 2013). The sub had been recommissioned after being refitted in Russia.