[John Bruton] The Conservative Party, which is driven by a narrative around re-establishing British identity and is quite insensitive to economic or trade arguments, wants Brexit done quickly because it fears the British people might change their minds. That is why there is such a mad rush. It is not rational. It is imperative!
Author: OpEd Column Network
European Union: Economy, Politics, Democracy, COVID-19
[John Bruton] If the EU is to survive as a political project, it needs to create a European democratic constituency that complements the democratic constituencies to which national leaders appeal. The EU needs a political heart to sustain its economic body.
How will the EU Tackle COVID-19’s Economic Slump?
[John Bruton] Article 122 of the EU Treaty already makes provision for the EU to give aid to help states suffering from “natural disasters and exceptional occurrences” beyond the control of a member state or states. COVID-19 meets this criterion.
India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative Requires Concerted Effort among Littoral Countries
[Dr. Pankaj Jha] India’s Indo-pacific Oceans Initiative is a work in progress and requires concerted effort among littoral countries of the Indo-Pacific region.
COVID-19: Why was Italy the First Badly Affected Western Country despite being Half the World Away from China?
[Bahauddin Foizee] Chinese tourists and business persons, elderly population, not maintaining social distancing, and the delay in imposing full lockdown — all these factors made Italy the first Western country to be badly affected by the COVID-19.
Lockdown: Only Option Available against COVID-19
[Bahauddin Foizee] The best option available against COVID-19 is the full, strict and early lockdown, together with testing the suspects, and treating and isolating the confirmed patients.
What should G20 do to Fight COVID-19?
[John Bruton] Now that lives, and not just livelihoods, are at stake, an even more vigorous program of action from the G20 is needed.
UK Backing Away from Commitments Made to EU
[John Bruton] A fraught negotiation between the EU and the UK is looming, as Boris Johnson seems to be backing away from legally and politically binding commitments he gave to the EU last October.
Why did Sirisena Fail to Achieve a Balanced Policy for Sri Lanka?
[Bahauddin Foizee] Despite his attempts to reduce Chinese influence during the initial stage of his tenure, Sirisena had later realized that China has already established so deep influence in his country that he had little power to change this reality.
Ireland Needs Experienced People (not Amateurs) in Office to Deal with 2020 BREXIT Negotiations
[John Bruton] Republic of Ireland needs experienced people in office to navigate the challenges of 2020, which could be the most consequential year for the century. It wouldn't be in Ireland’s interest to entrust the 2020-Brexit-negotiations to well intentioned, but inexperienced, amateurs.
Why People are Increasingly Relying on Life Coaches?
[Natalie Morales]
Life Coaches are not miracle workers, but they do have large tool kit to help people deal with their problems and convert people's Big Ideas into Realities.
Ireland must Work with EU Partners to Protect Itself
[John Bruton] Ireland can and must learn from the work of other EU members and, on a case by case basis, take part in joint initiatives in areas like cyber security, threat intelligence, maritime surveillance, drone surveillance, etc.
