Countries Where People Fear For Their Safety

 

 

 

The site 24/7 Wall Street has created a list of ten countries where its citizens do not feel safe. Interestingly it is a mix of emerging economies and very poor economies.  It is hard for me to imagine how Honduras or Congo did not make this list!   The site reports:

Some of the nations where residents do not feel safe are among the world’s poorest, including Afghanistan and Madagascar, which were estimated to have among the lowest per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of any nations.

Some of the countries where residents feel the least safe, however, have relatively stable governments and enjoy prospering economies. Among these is South Africa, which is one of the world’s largest emerging economies. Additionally, Botswana has been led for decades by a well-functioning, democratically elected government.

Yet, government stability and prosperity do not necessarily ensure residents feel safe. While Botswana is considered to have among the most stable governments in its region, residents are among the most fearful in the world.

According to Steve Crabtree, senior research analyst at Gallup, as nations develop and their economies grow, “some countries experiencing rapid economic development may have ‘growing pains’ in terms of rising income inequality.” These inequalities, and the sense of injustice they often foster, may contribute to rising crime rates and, as a result, fears of crime.

In any country, one of the most meaningful measures of how safe people feel is the way law enforcement officials are perceived. Of the 10 nations where people feel least safe, four also had the lowest ratings of their police forces. In Bolivia and Chad, 66% and 64%, respectively, of those polled disapproved of the local police, the two worst reviews out of the nations measure

1. Venezuela

- Pct. feel unsafe at night: 74%
- Life expectancy: 74.1 years (76th highest)
- Corruption index: 70.5 (61st lowest)
- GDP per capita: $13,616 (71st highest)

In no country do people feel more unsafe than Venezuela, where the State Department says that kidnappings are a major problem. This includes “express kidnappings,” where victims are kidnapped in order to get quick cash in exchange for release. Other issues common in the country, according to the State Department, include robberies and piracy. Murder is a significant problem in the country as well. According to Venezuela’s interior minister, the country’s murder rate in 2010 was 48 per 100,000 people, while an independent estimate placed the 2011 murder rate at 67 per 100,000 people.

2. South Africa

- Pct. feel unsafe at night: 73%
- Life expectancy: 52.1 years (19th lowest)
- Corruption index: 80.8 (41st highest)
- GDP per capita: $11,375 (81st highest)

Armed robberies, muggings and carjackings are all problems in the South Africa, according to the State Department. Gun violence is a significant problem in the country as well, with more than half of all murders and robberies involving a firearm. There is also distrust of police among many South African residents. According to The Economist, 566 people were killed by police in 2009 and 2010, while another 294 died while in police custody. Although GDP per capita is better in South Africa than in most countries in Africa, in 2009 it had the highest income inequality in the world.

3. Chad

- Pct. feel unsafe at night: 67%
- Life expectancy: 49.5 years (9th lowest)
- Corruption index: 83.9 (25th highest)
- GDP per capita: $1,924 (32nd lowest)

In November 2012, the State Department restated its travel warning for Americans visiting Chad, even as the nation’s war with Sudan ended and active rebel groups now have been disarmed, due in large part to the historical volatility of the region. Because of the potential for sudden outbreaks of violence, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit, the U.S. embassy forbids unapproved visits to eastern Chad or bordering regions. The nation ranks as one of the world’s least developed, with an average life expectancy of just under 50 years, among the lowest recorded by the World Bank.

4. Botswana

- Pct. feel unsafe at night: 65%
- Life expectancy: 53.0 years (20th lowest)
- Corruption index: 77.1 (58th highest)
- GDP per capita: $16,820 (57th highest)

Botswana is especially stable, with a civilian democratic government that has led the country for more than 40 years and a strong economy that specializes in diamond mining. Demonstrating the strength of the economy, Botswana’s per capita GDP was estimated to be $16,820. This would place the nation among the top third of all countries. Despite these developments, Crabtree told 24/7 Wall St. that rising income inequality may be perceived as an injustice by many residents of developing nations. He added that “under those kinds of pressures, crime rates may rise and the prevailing sense of personal security may drop.” The State Department notes that crime is a serious concern in the country and that home invasions, smash-and-grabs and muggings are “not-uncommon.”

5. Gabon

- Pct. feel unsafe at night: 62%
- Life expectancy: 62.7 years (45th lowest)
- Corruption index: 83.5 (28th highest)
- GDP per capita: $16,548 (58th highest)

Petty crime is common in Gabon, with more violent crimes such as armed robberies taking place in urban areas, the State Department notes. Gabon is considered to be one of the more prosperous countries in Africa due to its “small population, abundant natural resources and considerable foreign support,” according to auditor KPMG. However, much of the country remains poor due to high income inequality. In 2009, Ali Ben Bongo won a disputed election to lead the country. The election was fraught with allegations of voter fraud, as well as violence against members of the opposition party. Political protests have continued since the contested election.

SEE THE REST OF THE TOP TEN BY CLICKING HERE>>>>>

Crisis In Nigeria Worsens As State of Emergency Is Declared To Battle Boko Haram

 

 

 

".... the president has made the somewhat embarrassing admission that the state no longer controls the entire territory of Nigeria. "
-Will Ross (BBC)

The escalating crisis in Nigeria has grown worse. This week President Goodluck Jonathan declared a 'state of emergency' in three northern states with huge Muslim populations. In making the declaration, the President, in essence, is admitting that he has lost control of the region including the support of many government officials in the area.

The President announced that he is sending more troops into the three states to battle with the insurgent Boko Haram. In the last two and a half years, over 2,000 people have been killed in battles in the region. The BBC reports that on Tuesday 53 people were killed and 13 villages were burnt to the ground

The government troops have committed a number of atrocities creating more sympathy for the rebels.

The emerging civil war with the northern Islamic states is a cause of great concern among observers of the situation. BBC News journalist Will Ross reports:

Attacks have largely been hit-and-run or even suicide missions, but by saying areas have been "taken over by groups whose allegiance was to different flags and ideologies", the president has made the somewhat embarrassing admission that the state no longer controls the entire territory of Nigeria.

Mr Jonathan also urged politicians in the affected states to co-operate with the armed forces and the police. This raises the question of what they have been doing. After all, some northern politicians have been accused of backing Boko Haram.

The BBC describes the Islamic insurgent group Boko Haram:

Nigeria's militant Islamist group Boko Haram - which has caused havoc in Africa's most populous country through a wave of bombings - is fighting to overthrow the government and create an Islamic state.

Its followers are said to be influenced by the Koranic phrase which says: "Anyone who is not governed by what Allah has revealed is among the transgressors".

Boko Haram promotes a version of Islam which makes it "haram", or forbidden, for Muslims to take part in any political or social activity associated with Western society.

This includes voting in elections, wearing shirts and trousers or receiving a secular education.

Boko Haram regards the Nigerian state as being run by non-believers, even when the country had a Muslim president.

The group's official name is Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad, which in Arabic means "People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad".

But residents in the north-eastern city of Maiduguri, where the group had its headquarters, dubbed it Boko Haram.

Loosely translated from the local Hausa language, this means "Western education is forbidden".

San Pedro Sula, Honduras Is The Most Dangerous City In The World

 

 

 

The second largest city in Honduras is San Perdro Sula. With about one million people in the metropolitan area, it has earned the title of the "Most Dangerous City In The World". The Drug Lords have basically taken over the nation and the center of the violence is in San Pedro Sula.

The homicide rate is 169 per 100,000 people. The country is overrun with illegal arms and he drug gangs go at each other nonstop. The result is a city filled with blood, pain and grief.

Boston.com's Big Picture recently featured a photographs taken by Associated Press Photographer Esteban Felix and Reuters photographer Jorge Cabrera. Here are some of the photographs out of the over two dozens featured on the site.

 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOGRAPHS AND THE ALL IMPORTANT PHOTOGRAPHER CREDITS.....

Do Americans Want To Intervene In North Korea Crisis?

 

 

 

Korean War by David Douglas Duncan

With everyone in the world wondering what in the hell the North Korean leader is thinking, what are Americans thoughts on the crisis? Gallup Polling asked that question and here are the results:

-If North Korea attacks South Korea, 55% of American believe that United States military forces should be used to protect the southern nation. Only 34% are opposed to U.S. military action.

-Americans are evenly split if such military action in Korea will be necessary in the next six months - 43% says it will be needed and 44% says it won't be needed.

-An amazing 28% believe North Korea could some how attack the United States in the next six months.

-About a third of Americans are following the crisis very closely and over another third are following it closely.

-If you just take those that are following the crisis closely, a whopping 66% believe we should intervene with troops if North Korea invades South Korea.

Greek Support For Neo-Nazi Party 'The Golden Dawn' Grows Rapidly

 

 

The Guardian is reporting that over 10% of Greeks support the neo-Nazi party" Golden Dawn Party. This is a dramatic increase over the last couple of months. The party is actively exporting it hate around the world with Australia being a prime target. Using hate, fear and economic stress as organizing tools, Golden Dawn is finding a new receptive audience.

Unemployment rates among young people in Greece, Italy and Spain are reaching levels nearing 50%. This makes those unable to find work and seeing massive corruption at the governmental levels a ripe audience for those who would exploit their plight.

The Guardian reports:

Emboldened by its meteoric rise in Greece, the far-right Golden Dawn party is spreading its tentacles abroad, amid fears it is acting on its pledge to "create cells in every corner of the world". The extremist group, which forged links with British neo-Nazis when it was founded in the 1980s, has begun opening offices in Germany, Australia, Canada and the US.

The international push follows successive polls that show Golden Dawn entrenching its position as Greece's third, and fastest growing, political force. First catapulted into parliament with 18 MPs last year, the ultra-nationalists captured 11.5% support in a recent survey conducted by polling company Public Issue.

The group – whose logo resembles the swastika and whose members are prone to give Nazi salutes – has gone from strength to strength, promoting itself as the only force willing to take on the "rotten establishment". Amid rumours of backing from wealthy shipowners, it has succeeded in opening party offices across Greece.

It is also concentrating on spreading internationally, with news last month that it had opened an office in Germany and planned to set up branches in Australia. The party's spokesman, Ilias Kasidiaris, said it had decided to establish cells "wherever there are Greeks".

"People have understood that Chrysi Avgi [Golden Dawn] tells the truth," he told a Greek-language paper in Melbourne. "In our immediate sights and aims is the creation of an office and local organisation in Melbourne. In fact, very soon a visit of MPs to Australia is planned."

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In Greece, where Golden Dawn has begun to recruit in schools, there are fears of complacency. Drawing parallels with the 1930s Weimar period and the rise of Hitler's National Socialist German Workers' party, the historian Mark Mazower recently warned against underestimating the threat posed by a party whose use of violence was so disturbing. "Unfortunately, the Greek state does not seem to realise the urgency of the situation," he told an audience in Athens.

After spending almost 30 years following Golden Dawn, Psarras agrees. Only weeks ago, he claimed, Michaloliakos held talks in the Greek parliament with two German neo-Nazis posing as journalists. Golden Dawn rejected the claim as "old mud".

"It is an extremely dangerous phenomenon and do I think it will get worse? Yes I do," Psarras said, lamenting that, with living standards plummeting, the organisation was opening offices in traditional middle-class neighbourhoods. There remained a simple fact too big to ignore: in 2009 the party was a political pariah, gaining a mere 0.29 % of the vote; today it had global ambitions.

"Ten years ago, if you had said Golden Dawn would become the third biggest force in Greece, you'd be called crazy," said Psarras. "Now look where it is."

PHOTOJOURNALISM: The Horrors Of Syria

 

 

 

The Syrian Civil War has now entered into its second year. Unfortunately the conflict will be recorded in history as one of the great civil wars of our time. Over 75,000 Syrians are dead and hundreds of thousands have been made homeless.  In just March, 6,000 Syrians were killed in the most deadly month so far!  The refugee crisis in Turkey and Jordan could rapidly claim thousands more civilians because of health issues.

The physical devastation is unbelievable with entire towns and small cities reduced to rubble.

Boston.com's Big Picture has featured near three dozen photographs from the Associated Press wire of the conflict.

Click here to see more photographs and descriptions.....

PHOTOJOURNALISM: Ten Years Since Iraq War Began; 58% Of Americans Say It Was A Waste!

 

 

 

On March 19, 2003 the American government led us into a horrible prolonged war with Iraq based on total lies, misinformation and hysteria. This week marks the 10th anniversary since the beginning of that war and the toll is bloody and horrible.

Civilian Deaths: 130,000 plus

American Dead: 4,422

Allied Dead: 318

Combat Veterans: 2.5 million

Percentage Treated For Post Traumatic Stress: 30%

Deployed More Than Once: 1 million soldiers.

Americans Wounded:  Over 30,000

Now 58% of the American people feel the War was not worth fighting according to the latest ABC/Washington Post Poll. An amazing 43% feel strongly that it wasn't worth fighting.

56% of the Iraq people now say it was wrong for the United States to invade it and they are worse off.

When Americans were asked if the War contributed to long term security an astounding 83% said NO.

How do you explain to those who lost loved ones that their loss was in vain and caused by their government leading us into an unnecessary war based on untruths?

Photographs from.....

Should The World Financial Markets Go Crazy Over Cyprus? Rochester's GDP Is Twice That Of Cyprus!

 

 

The financial markets obsess sometimes over the most minor issues. Take the recent decision to bail out Cyprus by the EU. In addition, they are placing a 10% tax on all current bank deposits when the banks open today. Of course, that is not good news for the people of Cyprus. Who wants that kind of news on a Monday morning?

Let's keep the facts somewhat in perspective. Rochester, New York has twice the GDP of the entire nation of Cyprus and god knows that Rochester isn't thriving. Hell, even Shreveport, Louisiana has more money. So the Cyprus economy is not a big powerful economic giant that the world is depending on their stability.

Really? Lets keep this in check and cover some major news like the Republicans refusing to budge on tax cuts for the rich and holding our economy hostage. That is a fact that the financial markets should follow on a daily basis.

Five Countries That Dislike The United States The Most

 

 

 

Bombing of Serbia

There can be no surprise that there are countries where the citizens really dislike America. Recently 24/7 Wall Street published "Ten Countries That Hate America The Most". Iran places at number six on the list with Serbia coming in at a tie for ninth.

Here are the top five:

1. Pakistan

- Pct. disapprove of U.S. leadership: 79%
- GDP per capita: $2,786
- Life expectancy: 65.2 years

Pakistan’s disapproval of U.S. leadership rose to 79% of all Gallup respondents in 2012, a 30 percentage point increase from the year before. According to the polling agency, this was due to a combination of American drone strikes and the online release of an anti-Islam film made in the United States. Diplomatic relations were tested in 2011 when the U.S. raided a house near Pakistan’s top military academy to find and kill Osama bin Laden. Pakistan had long claimed bin Laden was not in the country. In 2010, Pakistan was one of five nations with the worst rating on the political terror scale, which measures both political violence and terror within the country. The nation also was among the lowest ranked on Gallup’s social well-being index for 2011.

2. Palestinian Territories

- Pct. disapprove of U.S. leadership: 77%
- GDP per capita: n/a
- Life expectancy: n/a

Palestinians have long had hostile views toward Americans due to the U.S.’s diplomatic relationship with Israel. In late 2012, the U.N. passed a resolution recognizing Palestine as a nonmember observer state. The United States voted against the resolution, along with eight other states, including Israel. After the vote, members of Congress and the American Israel Public Affairs Commission called for the closure of the Palestinian Liberation Organization’s U.S. headquarters in Washington. While President Obama has referred to his commitment to the two-state solution, many accuse the U.S. of failing to exert more influence in his first term. The president will be visiting Israel and the Palestinian territories later this month.

3. Algeria

- Pct. disapprove of U.S. leadership: 67%
- GDP per capita: $7,325
- Life expectancy: 73.1 years

About two-thirds of Algerians had a negative view of U.S. leadership, while just 30% of the country approved of its leadership. Support for U.S. leadership has been up and down within the past five years. Current support is higher than the low of 25% in 2008. However, support was at 45% back in 2009. American citizens in Algeria have been subject to violence. Three Americans were killed after terrorists seized an Algerian gas plant and held the workers hostage. A total of 38 workers from multiple countries were killed in the attack.

4. Lebanon

- Pct. disapprove of U.S. leadership: 64%
- GDP per capita: $15,523
- Life expectancy: 72.6 years

Lebanon lies in an especially volatile part of the Middle East, bordering both Syria and Israel. Syrian interests often have influenced Lebanese domestic and foreign policies. In addition, the Syrian military had a presence in the country from 1976 until 2005. Most recently, attacks orchestrated by Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based militia and political party designated by the Department of State as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, led to a brief military conflict with Israel in 2006. The country was rated as “high” by the Economist Intelligence Unit for both the ease of access to weapons and for its level of internal conflict. The nation’s government also was highly indebted as of 2011, when net general government debt was equal to more than 131% of GDP, according to the IMF.

5. Egypt

- Pct. disapprove of U.S. leadership: 62%
- GDP per capita: $6,455
- Life expectancy: 73.2 years

Since the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak in 2011, tension between Egypt and the United States has risen. In December of 2011, Egyptian forces raided the offices of 17 nongovernmental organizations, including three U.S.-based agencies working to promote fair elections overseas. Western countries such as the U.S. argued that these crackdowns were meant to stifle the emerging democracy in the country. Since President Obama took office, Egyptian support of U.S. leadership has slowly eroded, as Egyptians increasingly oppose economic aid and believe the U.S. has encroached on its domestic affairs. In 2009, 31% of Egyptians supported the U.S. leadership, but by 2010 and 2011, only 19% did. Still, this is a marked improvement from the end of President Bush’s tenure, when support was at just 6%.

See numbers six through ten here.

Hey Congressman Paul Ryan, Your Iraq War Will Cost United States Near $4 TRILLION

 

 

 

Memo to Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI) who wants to devastate social programs for the middle class and poor and give huge tax cuts to the rich. Remember that war in Iraq that President George W. Bush started which was totally based on lies?

Well, that little war you supported in the end will cost the American people about $4 TRILLION!

You see Congressman, the debt is not from poor people mooching off the state. It is from an unnecessary war based on untruths.

The Cost of War Project has released a study that shows by the time all of our commitments are paid (and paying interest) we will end up bankrupting our near future because of that War. The study shows:

Total US federal spending associated with the Iraq war has been $1.7 trillion through FY2013. In addition, future health and disability payments for veterans will total $590 billion and interest accrued to pay for the war will add up to $3.9 trillion.

Oh by the way, Congressman Ryan, as our own infrastructure has fallen completely apart and we now rank 25th in the world, we have spent $212 Billion on rebuilding Iraq! Most that money was wasted in corruption and mismanagement.

Don't forget Congressman Ryan as you cut these programs with that sick smile on your face that 675,000 veterans are on disability because of injuries or trauma.

Finally, because of the lies, over 5,000 American lives were lost and in Iraq at least 130,000 civilians died because of the War. Approximately 2.8 people are still homeless in Iraq because of this war. Over 800,000 children has lost one or both parents.