Militant Islam continues to strengthen its hold across the Middle East. At the same time, from Oklahoma to England, Western governments are moving to restrict the use of Islamic sharia law in schools, courts and other public institutions (Guardian.co.uk, June 8, 2011). Can Islam find a peaceful place of co-existence with Western culture? Or will its spread lead to increasing tensions and ultimately a final violent conflict against the Western nations?

The United States is experiencing disasters of biblical “extremes.”  Vast areas of the country are suffering drought, flooding, or wildfires.

Can you afford a 30 percent increase in your weekly food bill? Just days ago, two leading food agencies warned of such an increase, and added that "the world should prepare for a decade of high food prices" (Financial Times, June 17, 2011). How will you be affected in the coming months? And how will the crisis end?

“Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov and Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov are spending two days in Paris shortly after Moscow and Paris signed a deal for Russia to purchase two French Mistral-class amphibious assault ships.”  This follows a deal where Germany has agreed to build a military training center in Russia, to train Russian troops.

The EU, like other major world powers (the U.S., China, Britain, France), has interests in the Caribbean.  Three years ago, the EU signed the Economic Partnership Agreement with the Caribbean Community and the Dominican Republic.