3/10 Issue
Even in countries where the press enjoys considerable liberties, governments can exercise considerable control through the overzealous defense of state secrets. The New York Times worries the Obama administration has gone to extremes in “prosecuting those suspected of leaking classified documents, and even seizing reporters’ records.” Following enactment of a state secrets law, this editorial may be equally applicable to Japan.
The Ukraine received considerable attention. USA Today notes that the U.S. had been dealt a very poor hand. Though he may have overplayed his hand, Putin kept the best cards for himself. Oil is clearly one of the aces in Russia’s deck. To break Russia’s stranglehold on Europe’s energy supply, the Washington Post calls for the expansion of LNG supply to Europe from alternative sources.
The Financial Times reports on the upside of air pollution in China. It’s so hard to overlook the smog that the Chinese government is finally paying attention to the environment. Alas, there is a downside. Pollution doesn’t put rice in bowls. The government will need to fight the continual temptation to favor short-term economic growth over much needed environmental measures.
Focusing on a less visible environmental issue, Salon points out how the costs of climate change extend far beyond economic livelihood to culture. Rising sea levels could destroy nearly 20% of the 720 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wiping off vast swaths of coastal civilization.
Turning to the economic front, The Economist sees similarities between the emerging-market correction and the dot.com crash. Exuberance is being reigned in and companies will begin taking stricter approaches to emerging market investment, yet emerging markets will remain important.
And, closer to home in Japan, Euromoney wonders if Abenomics isn’t running out of steam, given a number of sputtering indicators. The rising cost of ensuring against credit default means Japan now leads developed markets in an area where one doesn’t want to be the leader. These and other factors leave Euromoney speculating that the yen may need to weaken considerably for Abenomics to succeed.
New York Times (March 9)
“American press freedoms rank among the broadest in the world,” but the government can still crimp this freedom by “prosecuting those suspected of leaking classified documents, and even seizing reporters’ records. Uninhibited and robust criticism can go only so far without meaningful access to information.”
Tags: Access, Classified documents, Criticism, Government, Information, Leaks, Meaningful, Press freedoms, Prosecuting, Reporters, Robust, Seizure, U.S.
