The EU’s economic affairs commissioner, Paolo Gentiloni, called the package a “European breakthrough” that would “tackle an unprecedented crisis”, but it is far from being a done deal: a so-called frugal four northern members are opposed to shared debt and cash handouts for already debt-laden nations. … [Read more...] about Global report: EU countries block hydroxychloroquine, South Korea fears new spike
Syria
Mysterious ‘black goo’ used by Ancient Egyptians to cover wooden coffins and mummy cases of ‘social elites’ was made from a mixture of animal fat, tree resin, beeswax and crude oil from the Dead Sea
Egypt sought to rule in the area due to its large gold deposits. The British Museum carried out the excavation with the support of the National Corporation for Antiques and Museums in Sudan. It was funded by the Qatar-Sudan Archaeological Project. … [Read more...] about Mysterious ‘black goo’ used by Ancient Egyptians to cover wooden coffins and mummy cases of ‘social elites’ was made from a mixture of animal fat, tree resin, beeswax and crude oil from the Dead Sea
Israel poised to call for tougher sanctions against Iran
The former US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice said this week that she expected Israel to take military action in the event of Iran reaching nuclear capability. "I don't have any doubt that the Israelis will defend themselves if the Iranians look as if they really are about to cross that nuclear threshold," she said in a television interview. … [Read more...] about Israel poised to call for tougher sanctions against Iran
Politicians’ best microphone gaffes
It is the politician's ultimate nightmare: the rude aside meant only for the ears of a colleague or aide caught on an open microphone and broadcast to the assembled press pack. Nicolas Sarkozy and Barack Obama have become the latest high-profile victims of the genre when they were heard discussing the merits of the Israeli prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, in a supposedly private moment at the G20 summit in Cannes last week. "I cannot stand him. He's a liar," Sarkozy told Obama. The US president responded by saying: "You're fed up with him? I have to deal with him every day." … [Read more...] about Politicians’ best microphone gaffes
Chinese Premier urges Greece, Spain and Italy to sort out debt crisis and admits he is ‘worried’
Europe's downturn has battered China's exporters, wiping out thousands of manufacturing jobs. Exports to Italy in July plunged 26 per cent from a year earlier, while those to even relatively strong Germany were down 6.5 per cent. Exports to France fell 8 per cent. … [Read more...] about Chinese Premier urges Greece, Spain and Italy to sort out debt crisis and admits he is ‘worried’
