April 12, 2005
by Nosemonkey
4 Comments
The difficulties of a French “No” vote in their upcoming referendum are nicely summarised by Netlex, though sadly in French, and I don’t have time to do a full translation. You could try and make do with Babelfish, but it’s … Continue reading
April 7, 2005
by Nosemonkey
4 Comments
For a good overview of the various problems facing the Yes campaign in France, you could do worse than check out this post by J�r�me � Paris at Moon of Alabama. Alternatively, for an optimistic take from a French “Yes” … Continue reading
March 31, 2005
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on Russian revolts – March madness?
It’s all going a bit mental in the former Soviet Union, in case you hadn’t noticed. Siberian Light’s weekly news roundup has some concerning and potentially important stories which the western media certainly doesn’t seem to have picked up on … Continue reading
March 4, 2005
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on Ukrainian implications
Berlin Sprouts has a nice overview of some potential post-Orange Revolution developments on Europe’s easternmost fringe, three and a bit months after it all kicked off in Kiev, which nicely complements this Washington Times piece. Ultima Thule, meanwhile, has some … Continue reading
February 20, 2005
by Nosemonkey
8 Comments
77% for, apparently. Of course, the ignorance of the constitution amongst the Spanish voters is just as high as it is in the UK. But they also know what it’s like to live under a genuinely totalitarian system, so may … Continue reading
February 15, 2005
by Nosemonkey
24 Comments
Via Political Theory Daily Review, a pdf article providing an interesting (if flawed) overview of the development of the concepts of “sovereignty” and “the nation state” which EU-sceptics often seem to get so worked up about, as well as the … Continue reading
January 20, 2005
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on Yuschenko inauguration confirmed for Sunday
Announced on the day Bush’s second term officially begins – how rare! Russia’s Vladimir Putin also seems to be trying to patch up relations, releasing a congratulatory message to the guy he was opposing to the extent of sending in … Continue reading
January 19, 2005
by Nosemonkey
1 Comment
Ukraine is planning on shifting its “philosophy of co-operation with the European Union”, hinting that membership is the country’s final aim following Yushchenko’s victory in the re-run presidential elections. Could all that noise about a Yushchenko victory meaning a shift … Continue reading
January 17, 2005
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on Free constitution for every reader! (And news round-up)
Now there’s an idea. In preparation for their referendum on the EU constitution on 20th February, the Spanish dailies El Pais, El Mundo, ABC and Razon yesterday all provided free copies of the vast document with their regular papers. Not … Continue reading
January 17, 2005
by Nosemonkey
1 Comment
Fascinating blow-by-blow account in the NY Times of the role of the SBU (successor to the Soviet-era KGB) in Ukraine’s “Orange Revolution”. This is far from being my area of expertise, but it casts an interesting new light on the … Continue reading
January 14, 2005
by Nosemonkey
6 Comments
Following yesterday’s decision by the European Parliament to approve the constitution, things are kicking off a bit (even though the parliament’s decision actually means very little with all these referenda coming up). Blogging Labour MEP Richard Corbett, co-rapporteur for the … Continue reading
January 7, 2005
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on Merry Sodding Orthodox Christmas
And to celebrate, why not check out a rather good round-up of how Vladimir Putin seems to be following in the fine tradition of psychotic Russian despots? Then why not follow up with a bit more on Andrei Illarionov, the … Continue reading
January 6, 2005
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on Ukrainian crisis – the aftermath
Discoshaman provides a roundup of recent developments, including the news that “Yanukovych has brought a fifth complaint to the Supreme Court, hoping to overturn the elections. Even his own spokesman doesn’t sound hopeful. The Court will consider his complaint tomorrow. … Continue reading
December 28, 2004
by Nosemonkey
1 Comment
Hope everyone had a nice Christmas / non-denominational festive celebration thing, and congrats to those Ukrainian chappies I’ve been on and off in touch with for the apparent victory of their man. Let’s hope he can live up to the … Continue reading