Sanitas International offers a weekly summary of influential and informative media articles from around the world regarding strategic communications, crisis management, digital media and political affairs. Particular interest is given to articles discussing topics in developing countries and emerging market.
The firing of Penn State head coach Joe Paterno dominated the news this week after allegations of a child abuse cover-up surfaced. The revelation has many analyzing Penn State’s crisis management and communications in light of the situation. In a very different crisis, Italy is once again facing criticism for its contribution to the European debt crisis despite new leadership and has many claiming it is ‘too little too late’ for the country to tackle an economic restructuring. Although the European debt crisis monopolized headlines in Europe, a provocative United Colors of Benetton ad featuring Pope Benedict XVI kissing Ahmed Mohamed el-Tayeb, imam of Al-Azhar mosque, caused a stir and has the Vatican vowing to take legal action against the clothing company. In foreign policy news, Pakistan’s U.S. ambassador volunteered to resign after “alleged links to a secret offer to Washington by the Pakistani President” were revealed. Pakistan was not the only Middle Eastern country to make the news. There has been speculation that “Syria’s economic implosion,” the regime’s actions against the civilian uprising, and the fear of a possible Syrian civil war are indelibly linked. In political news, the issue of torture and foreign policy has continued to be a hot-button issue for both prospective GOP candidates and President Obama. This, along with the economy, is expected to overshadow any other issues is the 2012 presidential election.
This week’s summary highlights these and other developments around the world. As Sanitas constantly emphasizes, government and business cannot afford to ignore these growing and evolving challenges. Especially as these and others issues influence reputations, challenge operational decisions and affect overall revenues and influence.
Strategic Communication:
When are GOP candidates going to take on Herman Cain?
Vatican pledges legal action against Benetton over doctored pope-kissing-imam ad
GM Sees Europe Crisis ‘More Serious’ Than 2008 Credit Bubble
Crisis Management:
Is Penn State preparing PR counterattack to save image?
Facing Crisis, Technocrats Take Charge in Italy
Digital Media:
Google accidentally announces Google+ Photo and Video APIs too early
4SQoogle Lets you Stalk foursquare Locations Around you with Google Maps
6 Ways to Be More Persuasive With Social Media
Facebook and Google Team Up to Fight the E-Parasite Act
Political:
Congress faces funding deadline. Again.
Gingrich on Defensive Over Freddie Mac Fees
Balanced Budget Amendment: House Sets Vote On Measure
Foreign Policy:
Foreign Policy A Fresh Target For GOP Hopefuls
Exit Dennis Ross, the Last of the Obama Foreign Policy “Czars”
Poll: Americans' views on foreign policy
Pakistan's U.S. envoy offers resignation amid memo row
New York Times:
Armed Groups Are on Rise in Syria, as Are Civil War Fears
NPR: