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Region:
Lagging competitiveness |
| Most Latin
American countries have slipped in their ability to compete
effectively with other regions of the world, according to the World
Economic Forum’s 2004 competitiveness rankings. |
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Colombia:
Tax package |
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Congress will soon begin debate on a tax reform,
the third of the Alvaro Uribe administration. But the package may not
pass as written, and a more comprehensive bill is likely to be needed
next year. |
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USA:
Another small step for Kerry? |
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The third and final debate
between George Bush and John Kerry focused on domestic issues. Instant
polls called it a draw or another Kerry win, but will it do anything
to boost the challenger's momentum? |
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Gulf
States: Generation gap |
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Three of six Arab Gulf states face succession
challenges as ageing monarchs fade from the scene. Can a new
generation take over amidst agitation for political reforms and
intra-family rivalries? RiskWire
explains. |
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World:
Hybrid vigour |
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With petrol prices soaring,
sales of fuel-efficient vehicles have begun to accelerate as
gas-guzzlers fall out of favour. Hybrid cars - with both petrol and
electric engines - are reaping the benefits says IndustryWire. |
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China:
Hello, Mr. Democracy |
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Is a move towards democracy part of the solution to
China’s backwardness? Yes, it is. In a special, in-depth analysis,
we explain why the prospects for democratic change in the next 10-20
years are good and becoming better. |
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Israel:
Can Sharon last the course? |
|
The Israeli prime minister,
Ariel Sharon, faces a crucial vote in the Knesset on October 25th on
his plan to evacuate Jewish settlements in Gaza and in a northern
section of the West Bank. |
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EU:
Between Rocco and a hard place |
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The incoming president of the European Commission,
Jose Manuel Durrao Barroso, is heading for a showdown with the
European Parliament over his proposed team of commissioners, less than
two weeks before its term in office is due to begin. |
