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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #150 on: November 16, 2009, 11:38:02 PM »

Foreign News

Biweekly International Report
Asia
Japan has reported GDP growth of 1.2% in the third quarter of 2009, the fastest pace in over two years. However, some warn of growing risks of deflation and unsustainable growth in the long-term.

A suicide bomber attacked a Pakistani intelligence office in Peshawar, killing 9.

Middle East
Despite Saudi Arabia's attempts to fight Yemeni Houthi rebels exclusively on its own territory, the Kingdom is finding it increasingly difficult to pursue a proper national security counter-attack that stops at the border. Meanwhile, tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen have surfaced, with Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh rejecting Saudi requests to form a cooperative counter-insurgency strategy.

Palestinian officials said they might appeal for the GTO to unilaterally declare Palestinian statehood.

Europe
European officials, somewhat eased by the visit of SoEA HappyWarrior today, still appear frustrated at the lack of access to President Lief thus far. Some are vocally questioning Atlasia's commitment to solving global issues through multilateral channels.

With the final passage of the Lisbon Treaty in the Czech Republic, a fast-paced campaign has emerged to decide who will serve as the President of the European Union.

All the countries invited to join the GTO, including some last minute holdouts, appear to have accepted the opportunity to join the treaty group. The success of Colombia in its war against Venezuela seems to have been the deal-maker for Argentina, who many experts believed would not sign the treaty.

Africa
Experts in Africa have started a petition calling for the revamping of Atlasian foreign aid, which they call both inadequate and "overly bureaucratic." The petition has so far gathered over 1,000 signatures, including many leaders in the foreign aid community.

Americas
The detention of former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez by Colombian forces has resulted in confusion throughout the region. Some countries, such as Argentina, seem to have quickly moved to improve relations with Colombia and Atlasia after the news, while Brazil has, thus far, remained weary of endorsing Colombia's actions.

In related news, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has sent an official request to the GTO asking for the body's World Justice Court (WJC) to try Mr. Chavez for war crimes and crimes against humanity. For such a case to be initiated, a two-thirds majority of all member nations would have to vote in the affirmative.
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Purple State
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« Reply #151 on: November 17, 2009, 11:39:56 PM »

Working on a paper and gave you all two stories last night, but forgot financials. So to make up for it, today you get only financials... Tongue

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     931 +6 (0.65%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.87345 U.S. (-0.01018)
  • Crude Oil = $93.94/barrel -0.52 (0.55%)

Analysis:
The ANSE continued to rise as economic indicators appear to be strengthening. In addition, many believe that Senator NCYank is close to releasing a credit market regulation bill to the Senate in the coming days.

The Atlasian Dollar fell as a result of the large Atlasian trade deficit. Officials in China and the European Union have begun to voice concern about the falling A$, urging policy makers to take needed measures to slow its decline.

Oil prices fell as demand for the commodity has sharply declined in recent weeks.
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Purple State
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« Reply #152 on: November 18, 2009, 11:59:35 PM »

National News

Recession Linked To Domestic Food Crisis
Nearly 50 million Atlasians are going hungry, according to a report detailing the toll that the faltering economy has taken on Atlasian families.

The percentage of households with "low" or "very low" food security rose in 2008 to 14.6 percent, up from 11.1 percent in 2007. Nearly 17 million children, or more than one-fifth, lived in households that found food scarce during 2008—4 million more than in 2007, according to the report released Monday by the Department of Internal Affairs.

Though rising poverty and unemployment foretold some increase in hunger, the magnitude of the increase in food shortages identified in the report startled even the nation's leading anti-poverty experts.
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Purple State
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« Reply #153 on: November 20, 2009, 01:36:03 AM »

Headache and very busy of late, so just financials today...

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     924 -7 (0.75%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.87616 U.S. (+0.00271)
  • Crude Oil = $92.69/barrel -1.25 (1.33%)

Analysis:
The ANSE fell as the nation tensely awaited what some predict will be political chaos. So far, all parties seem to have remained relatively stable.

The Atlasian Dollar rose slightly as commodities took a big hit today.

Oil prices fell sharply as Colombian forces have begun to withdraw from Venezuela. The new government of Venezuela has signaled a renewed commitment to global cooperation and is currently in bilateral negotiations with Colombia on a treaty to officially bring the war to a close.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #154 on: November 22, 2009, 02:20:04 AM »

Foreign News

China Makes Sudden Move On Trade Tariffs
In an unexpected move likely to elicit a strong reaction from Atlasia, China has announced it will begin taking steps toward imposing tariffs on Atlasian exports of automotive products and chicken meat.

The move comes as China seeks to shield local manufacturers from the cheap influx of Atlasian goods, according to Xinhua, the official state news agency. This is especially important as Chinese demand for cars and other automobiles grows and as Chinese manufacturers attempt to compete.

The Office of the GM estimates that in the first eleven months of 2009, Atlasia shipped about $1.25 billion in automotive products and $591 million in chicken meat to China.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #155 on: November 22, 2009, 11:47:11 PM »

National News

From the GM’s Desk: Legislation Analysis
New Mexico Reconstruction Bill: This legislation, sponsored by Senator Franzl (AL-DA) on behalf of SoIA NiK, seeks to aid in the restoration of New Mexico, specifically the city of Albuquerque, after the Atlasian military's battles with the RANM.

The current bill apportions a total of $17 million for the reconstruction effort, which, while well intentioned, must be drastically increased to have the desired effect. While portions of Albuquerque were left largely unscathed, much of the western side of the city has been ravaged by the fighting. Buildings, including schools, hospitals and public utilities, as well as residential and commercial locations were bombarded or razed in the effort to defeat the terrorist organization.

The rebuilding of Albuquerque is estimated to require anywhere between $1 billion to $5 billion, depending on the extent to which law makers wish to restore the city. The lower end of the scale represents the reconstruction of basic infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, etc. The higher end includes residential and commercial reconstruction, as well as funding to restore the tourist and leisure industry in the state.

Other options along the spectrum are available at the request of senators or the President.
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Purple State
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« Reply #156 on: November 23, 2009, 11:41:01 PM »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     928 +4 (0.43%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.87113 U.S. (-0.00503)
  • Crude Oil = $92.04/barrel -0.65 (0.70%)

Analysis:
The ANSE rose slightly as the Mideast, the region hit hardest by the economic recession, passed the Save the Sinking That Is Our Economy Act, which now simply requires the signature of the governor to go into effect. Experts predict slight contraction in the next GDP report and possible growth after that.

The Atlasian Dollar fell as the global economy showed signs of recovery and interest rates remained low.

Oil prices fell as demand continued to fall.
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Purple State
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« Reply #157 on: November 25, 2009, 11:47:16 AM »
« Edited: November 30, 2009, 10:54:15 PM by GM Purple State »

Sorry all, got on late last night and then my internet bugged out before I could post. Here are yesterday's financial news...

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     935 +7 (0.75%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.87530 U.S. (+0.00417)
  • Crude Oil = $91.31/barrel -0.73 (0.79%)

Analysis:
The ANSE rose slightly as excitement abounds over both the impending Senate elections and guessing who will be the next Chief Justice of the Atlasian Supreme Court. No leaks or rumors have occurred yet, but many are beginning to discuss who is qualified to hold this prestigious seat.

The Atlasian Dollar rose on weakening commodities.

Oil prices continued their fall as the price correction occurs globally.
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Purple State
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« Reply #158 on: November 30, 2009, 11:08:30 PM »
« Edited: November 30, 2009, 11:12:51 PM by GM Purple State »

National News

From the GM’s Desk: Legislation Analysis
Fiscal Responsibility Bill: This legislation, sponsored by Senator Marokai Blue (JCP), seeks to streamline and restructure Atlasian income tax brackets.

The current bill would create new brackets for individual's income above $367,700, $1 million and $2.5 million, respectively. This would equate with a tax rate increase for the higher brackets and a tax rate decrease for the lowest brackets, with most rates remaining the same.

Previous estimates by the Office of the GM calculated between $250 billion and $600 billion in gained revenue as a result of these changes. Given the overall nature of marginal income tax, as well as the relative revenue gained through individual, rather than corporate, income taxes, the office is now prepared to predict a total revenue in-flow of $500 billion as a result of the new taxation brackets.

This would greatly help in reducing the budget deficit over the coming years. In conjunction with eventual spending cuts and other tax reforms, the Atlasian budget could reach neutrality in two years and bring the debt to zero shortly after a ten year time horizon.
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Purple State
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« Reply #159 on: December 01, 2009, 11:41:50 PM »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     921 -14 (1.50%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.87793 U.S. (+0.00263)
  • Crude Oil = $90.28/barrel -1.03 (1.13%)

Analysis:
The ANSE fell as the Senate neared the passage of a new income tax restructuring bill and Sen. NCY introduced his financial regulation package. Proponents of both bills argue that they are seeking to solidify the nation's economic foundations and shore up current deficiencies; however, investors worry that the government may overreach in attempting to address the roots of the financial crisis from which the nation is emerging.

The Atlasian Dollar rose as the Senate neared passage of an income tax bill that is projected to help reduce the deficit.

Oil prices continued their fall as supply continues to outpace demand.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #160 on: December 03, 2009, 11:05:37 PM »

Sorry this is late everyone. Note that I am now including the national unemployment number as well, based on the unemployment of each region weighted by its population size. If you have any questions on how I arrived at that number, please ask.

Regional News

Employment Information by Region
The following lists the top three industries in each region in order:
Northeast = Service; Trade and Transportation; Government
Mideast =Manufacturing; Trade and Transportation; Government
Southeast = Manufacturing; Trade and Transportation; Agriculture
Midwest = Manufacturing; Agriculture; Health
Pacific = Government; Trade and Transportation; Education

The following lists the unemployment rate in each region (previous number in parentheses):
Northeast = 6.9% (7.1%)
Mideast = 17.8% (19.2%)
Southeast = 13% (15%)
Midwest = 13.2% (13.8%)
Pacific = 7% (7.3%)
National = 8.68%

The following is the breakdown of unionization figures in Atlasia by region:
Northeast = 16%
Mideast = 19%
Southeast = 11%
Midwest = 17%
Pacific = 21%
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #161 on: December 08, 2009, 12:14:42 AM »

Economic and Financial News

Atlasian Consumer Spending Poll Marks Stabilization
A prominent survey group released data today marking the stabilization of consumer spending among Atlasian households.

The consumer spending measure tracks the average dollar amount Atlasians report spending or charging on a daily basis, not counting the purchase of a home, motor vehicle, or normal household bills. Respondents were asked to reflect on the day prior to being surveyed and results were provided in both a 3-day and 14-day rolling average.

The 3-day rolling average for November 5, 2009 was $61, with the 14-day rolling average only slightly higher at $63. This is compared with a 3-day and 14-day average of $64 and $62, respectively, one month prior, as well as a 3-day average of $67 and a 14-day average of $109 exactly one year earlier.

The stabilization reflects slow growth and normalization in consumer confidence in the economy, as many Atlasians are regaining confidence in the ability of the federal government to handle the current crisis. It also marks the growing propensity to begin saving among Atlasians after the economy tanked earlier in the year.
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Purple State
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« Reply #162 on: December 08, 2009, 11:33:46 PM »

Foreign News

Biweekly International Report
Asia
Hundreds protested in the streets of Taipei, furious at the exclusion of Taiwan from the 2009 Foreign Policy Review Bill recently passed by the Atlasian Senate. The Taiwanese government has not yet put out a statement.

The Philippine government and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation front have restarted peace talks.

Middle East
Campuses across Iran have erupted into anti-regime demonstrations. They are now more widespread than the demonstrations that followed last summer's elections.

Palestinian rocket attacks from Gaza led Israeli helicopters to bomb three tunnels between Gaza and Egypt.

Europe
French President Nicolas Sarkozy made the most direct attack on President Lief to date, calling on the Atlasian leader to do more to reassure European allies.

The EU is debating a controversial proposal to recognize East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state.

Africa
Experts in Africa have upped pressure on developed countries to revamp foreign aid measures, which they call both inadequate and "overly bureaucratic." They have gathered a petition which has gathered over 5,000 signatures, including many leaders in the foreign aid, government and diplomacy communities.

Americas
The GTO begins consideration of Colombian PResident Alvaro Uribe's request for the body's World Justice Court (WJC) to try former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez for war crimes and crimes against humanity. For such a case to be initiated, a two-thirds majority of all member nations would have to vote in the affirmative.

Despite Atlasia's constructive and strong role in the recent war between Colombia and Venezuela, a new study finds Atlasian influence and "soft power" in South America waning as regional powers emerge and Atlasian isolationism is on the rise.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #163 on: December 09, 2009, 11:31:03 PM »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     908 -13 (1.41%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.88297 U.S. (+0.00504)
  • Crude Oil = $88.42/barrel -1.86 (2.06%)

Analysis:
The ANSE fell sharply as the national unrest grew leading into the elections. The tensions were heightened by the stakes of the current elections, with only two incumbents running for re-election, in-again out-again candidacies and the absence of the Secretary of Forum Affairs.

The Atlasian Dollar rose as the Senate passage an income tax bill that is projected to help reduce the deficit.

Oil prices continued to fall at a greater pace as supply continues to outpace demand.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #164 on: December 13, 2009, 03:56:17 PM »

Foreign News

Letter: To President Lief; From Premier Wu Den-yih
The following letter was sent by the newly-elected premier of Taiwan, Wu Den-yih, to President Lief.

To the Honorable President Lief:

I write to you today distressed by the recent turn in Taiwanese-Atlasian relations, but empowered by the will of the people of Taiwan.

Your Senate has recently passed the 2009 Foreign Policy Review Bill, a wide-ranging outline of relations with your fellow nations of the world. But in a glaring omission, the Republic of China has been excluded from this review.

Whether this action was purposeful or not, it is a powerful and dangerous message you are sending to those who oppose our independence. I urge you to veto this bill before it is too late and stay true to the intent of the Pacific Defense and Taiwanese Protection Act, passed just four years ago.

Sincerely,
Wu Den-yih
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #165 on: December 15, 2009, 01:29:26 AM »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     901 -7 (0.77%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.88938 U.S. (+0.00641)
  • Crude Oil = $87.48/barrel -0.94 (1.06%)

Analysis:
The ANSE continued its falling trend as the federal government underwent a reshuffling and businesses worried about what impact financial regulation would have on the system.

The Atlasian Dollar rose as the global economy continued to improve.

Oil prices continued to fall at a greater pace as supply continues to outpace demand.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #166 on: December 18, 2009, 01:49:36 AM »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     896 -5 (0.55%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.88504 U.S. (-0.00434)
  • Crude Oil = $88.09/barrel +0.61 (0.70%)

Analysis:
The ANSE fell as the government underwent further transformation and the Senate shrank to only seven members.

The Atlasian Dollar fell as global trade imbalances persist. The President and Senate should begin to focus on correcting trade and currency imbalances in the next term.

Oil prices saw a rise after a long string of decreases.
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Purple State
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« Reply #167 on: December 19, 2009, 07:23:31 PM »
« Edited: December 19, 2009, 08:04:46 PM by GM Purple State »

National News

From the GM’s Desk: Legislation Analysis
Financial Regulatory Reform Bill of 2009 §3(c): Per the GM's understanding of §3(c) of this bill, sponsored by Senator North Carolina Yankee (RPP), the following analysis addresses capital requirements at financial institutions.

The current bill would require any investment bank or hedge fund in Atlasia to hold 25% of their capital as tangible, on-hand assets. A pending amendment may expand this to additional banks and other entities.

If implemented, this policy would have a number of effects. First, it would make hedge fund manipulations, such as Ponzi schemes, much easier to detect early. On the other hand, it would limit profits and investments by investment banks and hedge funds. In addition, if the pending amendment is implemented with no changes, this clause would essentially force the breaking apart of larger, so-called "too big to fail" banks into smaller spin-offs.

In either scenario, the Office of the GM believes that 25% is too high for hedge funds and investment banks, while the current level is too low for other financial institutions. Investment banks and hedge funds undoubtedly need capital requirements; however, wrapping up one-fourth of their resources in easily accessible assets would greatly impinge on their ability to operate. Meanwhile, if the Senate wishes to level the playing field between bigger banks, that have an implicit, or explicit, federal guarantee on their debt that lowers their cost of capital, giving them a permanent competitive advantage, the maximum the capital requirements ratio would have to be raised to is 15% directed at all financial institutions that have the implied federal guarantee. It would also be effective, at varying degrees, at 10% to 12%.

It should be stressed that this ratio should only be targeted at financial institutions that have implied federal guarantees. The ratio for smaller banks that do not have this advantage should remain at 8%.

In short, the intent of the Senate should dictate the number in this section. The higher the percentage, the harder it will be for larger banks to effectively loan money, while lower percentages will allow for banks to make more, albeit riskier, investments.
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Purple State
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« Reply #168 on: December 22, 2009, 12:26:38 AM »

Foreign News

Taiwan Decision Spurs Protests
Protests and riots have broken out around China as citizens seek to pressure their government to act against Taiwan.

The protests started in reaction to Atlasian President Lief's decision to veto and amend the Foreign Policy Review Bill of 2009 to include Taiwan. The bill was subsequently amended and signed by acting President Bacon King.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao came out with a sharply worded statement shortly after Lief's decision to include Taiwan, stating, "China remains steadfastly committed to the notion of 'one China' and, as such, are deeply disturbed by President Lief's decision on Taiwan." The comments spurred additional protests in Beijing and Shanghai. President Hu Jintao has not yet publicly commented.

Many worry how China will react if public pressure remains mobilized. It was more than a decade ago that similar protests to the President of Taiwan's visit to Atlasia spurred the 1995-1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis, in which China launched hundreds of missiles off either side of Taiwan.
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« Reply #169 on: December 22, 2009, 12:13:26 PM »
« Edited: December 22, 2009, 05:36:26 PM by GM Purple State »

Regional News

Biweekly Regional Report
Mideast
A major winter storm, likely to break all modern records for snow fall, is likely to hit the Mideast particularly hard in the next three days. Allocation of substantive funding to help the region weather the storm is recommended.

Midwest
The Midwest has seen a recent uptick in the crime rate, especially in violent crimes, as the government seems to have collapsed under its own weight. Reform of the police force is needed, offset by taxes, to ensure future stability.

Northeast
A major winter storm, likely to break all modern records for snow fall, is likely to hit the Northeast particularly hard in the next four days. Allocation of substantive funding to help the region weather the storm is recommended.

With the economic recovery on track and unemployment continuing to fall, the Northeast should consider ways to rebalance its budget, which now faces a $5 billion deficit

Pacific
The Pacific has seen a rapid influx of illegal immigrants, predominantly from East Asia and Mexico, as security at the border and ports have faltered over the past year. Research of the issue and implementation of new training and security protocols is necessary to maintain the integrity and protection of the region and nation.

Southeast
In contrast to the Pacific region, the Southeast has failed to exert proper authority over certain areas, resulting in lower-than-expected tax revenue and non-compliance with various statutes. Enforcement protections or expanded bureaucracy would help address this situation, but would require adequate revenue to fund the expansion.
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Purple State
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« Reply #170 on: December 30, 2009, 08:15:11 PM »

Regional News

Midwest Law Enforcement Reform Recommendations
As a follow up to the following:
Quote
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The Office of the GM recommends a number of possible approaches, to be mix and matched at the discretion of the region, to address the rise in crime...
1. Hire an addition 6,000 to 10,000 law enforcement agents.
2. Increase training for responding to and following up on violent crimes.
3. Adopt a more systematic approach to mapping crime geographically and temporally.
4. Adopt an effective strategy for law enforcement (e.g. "Broken Windows") to properly combat crime.

The cost of the chosen reforms varies based on the options included in a reform package, but would range from $750 million for a minimalist approach to $10 billion for a more comprehensive plan, which should be offset by revenue enhancements or spending cuts in order to maintain a balanced budget.
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« Reply #171 on: January 04, 2010, 05:51:56 PM »

Regional News

Southeast Tax Enforcement Reform Recommendations
As a follow up to the following:
Quote
You must be logged in to read this quote.

The Office of the GM recommends a number of possible approaches, to be mix and matched at the discretion of the region, to address the issue...
1. Integrate local governments more closely with the regional government through statutory checks on local power.
2. Stricter tax enforcement laws, including harsher punishments for delinquency or more sustained collection initiatives.
3. Creation of a temporary tax amnesty program as a means of enticing offenders to come forward and pay their fair share.

The cost of the chosen reforms varies based on the options included in a reform package, but would range from zero dollars for a minimalist approach to $7 billion for a more comprehensive plan, which should be offset by short-term revenue enhancements or spending cuts in order to maintain a balanced budget, but which are projected to pay for themselves over a period of 10 years, pending successful implementation.
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Purple State
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« Reply #172 on: January 04, 2010, 11:16:30 PM »

Foreign News

China Holds Massive Air Force Drill Off Coast
China on Monday launched what it described as its biggest air-defense drill ever with the aim of preparing to respond to the possibility of a unilateral declaration of independence by Taiwan. The drill comes after weeks of protests started in reaction to Atlasia's passage of the amended Foreign Policy Review Bill of 2009, which included Taiwan.

Chen Bingde, the Chief of Staff of the People's Liberation Army, said that the drill "was a reminder to the people of Taiwan that there is and will continue to be only one China," according to a statement released after the drill.

The release also indicated that subsequent drills could take place over the coming days and weeks as China prepares "to defend our sovereignty and the rule of law."

So far there has been no formal response by the Atlasian government, although rumors indicate that Secretary of External Affairs HappyWarrior (DA) may visit Asia shortly to address recent tensions.
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« Reply #173 on: January 05, 2010, 11:29:14 AM »

Economic News

Consumer Confidence Rises As Economy Improves
Economic Confidence improved last week, matching its best weekly level of the past two years. The Economic Confidence Index was -20 -- an improvement of 6 points compared to the prior week, 8 points better than a month ago, and 31 points better than a year ago.

This increase is owing to improved perceptions of the current state of the economy as well as its future direction. Atlasians' views of the country's economic prospects are much improved, with 43% saying the economy is "getting better" versus 39% the prior week and 38% a month ago. Fifty-one percent say the economy is "getting worse," compared to 55% the previous week. Consumer assessments of the current economy are also much improved, with 43% rating the economy "poor," compared to 47% the prior week. At the same time, 12% rated the economy "excellent" or "good" -- matching the previous week.

Overall, Atlasians enter the new year with their most optimistic views of the national economy since the recession nearly two years ago.
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« Reply #174 on: January 09, 2010, 10:12:38 PM »

Foreign News

Biweekly International Report
Asia
Reports show strong growth in Asian exports to China, resulting from strong Chinese growth and high domestic demand, weak growth in developed countries and the depreciating Atlasian dollar.

Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou has made clear that future Chinese military drills off its shores will be met with corresponding force.

Middle East
Yemen reported six deaths in a suicide attack this weekend. The group known as al-Qaeda of the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) claimed responsibility for the attack. The government continues to combat Houthi rebels in the north and separatist groups in the south, in addition to AQAP.

Europe
An oil dispute between Russia and Belarus has sparked a scare throughout Europe with memories still fresh from last year's conflict between Russia and Ukraine over natural gas, which left some major European cities without power for days.

Africa
A constitutional crisis has erupted in Nigeria, whose president recently underwent surgery for a heart-related issue. It has been six weeks since President Umaru Yar'Adua has been seen in public, leading many to call for transition of power to Vice President Goodluck Jonathan. The issue is further exacerbated by religious divisions in the country. Mr. Yar'Adua is a Muslim, while Mr. Jonathan is Christian. The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, an umbrella organisation of militant groups in Nigeria’s oil province which has warned that it will review a ceasefire by the middle of this month.

A petition calling for the revamping of Atlasian foreign aid, which experts in Africa and Atlasia started around a month ago, has gathered over 5,000 signatures, including many leaders in the foreign aid community.

Americas
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe's request before the GTO for the body's World Justice Court (WJC) to try former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez for war crimes and crimes against humanity was denied by a vote of 32-10. The initiative was scuttled by a European led coalition, which Atlasia joined.
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