Global IssuesAnnouncement of new and updated content on the globalissues.org web site. GlobalIssues.org is a web site attempting to look at various global issues to show they are inter-related.G8 Summit Outcome: Very small step forward- July 10, 2005 The G8 Summit ended with what seemed to be small progress. While the aid increases and debt write-off were welcome, the spin accompanying it hid how little they really were as inflated figures or subtly misleading phrases were used instead. There is no new progress on trade or climate change. Some small victories were there though, such as progress on some health issues. Despite the huge concerns, perhaps with the increased public awareness, there is a glimmer of hope for the future.http://www.globalissues.org/TradeRelated/Debt/g8summit2005/outcome.asp Why the $40 billion debt write-off is not historic- July 10, 2005 The spin on the $40 billion debt write-off has been quite marked. It is really about $1 billion per year, and its present net value amounts to about $17 billion. Furthermore, it is not debt forgiveness, even though it may be a write-off. The reason is that G8 countries will reimburse the multilateral creditors by reducing the amount of aid they give to foreign countries.http://www.globalissues.org/TradeRelated/Debt/g8summit2005/historic.asp Will the G8 Summit reveal more broken promises or effective action on third world debt and climate change- July 4, 2005 The G8 Summit in July 2005 looks to be historic because of promised debt relief for some poor countries in Africa as well as action on climate change. But behind the media and government spin, is this really the case The proposed $40 billion debt write-off does not look as historic as described, as it is attached with many harsh economic conditions that have contributed to much of the poverty and debt woes these countries already face. In addition, only a few countries get this write-off, and...http://www.globalissues.org/TradeRelated/Debt/g8summit2005.asp |