News

In the UK, the “number of people in work was 63,000 lower in second quarter and nearly 75% of employment growth was among non-UK nationals” (The Guardian, August 12, 2015). “Employment opportunities in Britain’s stalling labour market are largely going to workers from the rest of the European Union, according to the latest official data showing a second monthly increase in the number of people out of work.

A recent report by the European Leadership Network, concerning military exercises in the Baltic and Poland, stated: “Russian and NATO military exercises are starting to look more and more like preparations for war” (The Moscow Times, August 16, 2015).

“After days of emotional debates and intense lobbying, delegates from Amnesty International voted on Tuesday to support a policy that calls for decriminalization of the sex trade, including prostitution, payment for sex and brothel ownership… After two years of research and consultation with its members, Amnesty says it concluded that decriminalization is the best way to reduce risks for prostitutes… ‘Sex workers are one of the most marginalized groups in the world who in most instances face constant risk of discrimination, violence and abuse’” (

A recent BBC report notes, “Something is stirring in Saudi Arabia. Gone is the historically conservative, don’t-rock-the-boat, tip-toeing approach to the big strategic issues of the Middle East. In its place has come a new, assertive attitude that is seeing the oil-rich kingdom set off on previously untried and risky ventures” (BBC, August 8, 2015).

“The British government on Sunday accused Spain of violating its sovereignty over Gibraltar, saying Spanish state vessels had repeatedly and unlawfully entered its territorial waters without notifying it. The row is the latest in a long line of diplomatic spats between Britain and Spain over the territory, which was ceded to Britain about 300 years ago but which Spanish authorities now want to reclaim” (Reuters, August 9, 2015).