The first bit of (good) news is that today is Friday. You know that already but I find it’s always nice to be reminded.
We are into our seventh day of military action over in Libya. It now looks very likely that Nato will take over the operation, which would take us, France and America out of the driving seat.
Yesterday I mentioned that Syria was erupting with riots too. Protesters took to the streets again today chanting: “Peaceful, Peaceful, God, Syria, Freedom.”
President Assad has said he will consider political reforms but most people think his words are hollow.
Syria has been under a ‘state of emergency’ since the 60’s – which is pretty ludicrous, and is one of the rules Syrian protesters want lifted.
Countries declare a state of emergency when something very bad happens; typically a terrorist attack or a natural disaster. It can sometimes, especially in Arab countries, mean curfews and suspension of civil rights (like your right to a lawyer for example) so it can be abused by governments who are trying to keep their people in check. Both Yeman and Bahrian have issued a state of emergency in the last month.
In Yemen, President Saleh has agreed to step down and relinquish power – but only to ‘safe hands.’ Protests continue, as do allegations that government forces are shooting unarmed protesters.
And on home soil, conservative MP’s are urging Cameron not to use our money to help bail out Portugal.
There are lots of things that are good about being part of the EU. As I explained yesterday, it makes us more big and powerful when lined up next to huge countries like the US, India and China. It also encourages Europeans to travel freely between other EU countries by making the process easier and it generally means we are all a bit more matey with one another.
Bailing Portugal out of their financial meltdown is arguably in the interest of Europe as a whole but we don’t have to if we don’t want to. And apparently we don’t.
Finally, because it’s Friday, I dug around for some smile-inducing news.
The smallest horse in the world has reached his first birthday. Einstein, just 20 inches tall, lives in New Hampshire… In a paddock with a full sized stallion for company. You can see him above…
Happy Friday.
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