Sanitas Weekly Web Summary for the Week of January 30th

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.

Talk of Israeli intervention with Iran’s alleged nuclear program sparked a stir in the mainstream media this week and caused Iran’s supreme leader to issue a warning that a war would be detrimental to the U.S.  In other foreign policy news, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Leon Panetta sought to “reassure Europe” on U.S. defense support while Russia and China vetoed purposed U.N. action on Syria. This comes of the heels of continued demonstrations in Russia by protestors seeking to “pressure Vladimir Putin for fair elections and honest government.” Troop withdrawal also made headlines after plans to shift U.S. “elite units” were said to be a possible hint of reduced U.S. presence in Afghanistan. Further speculation about decreased U.S. involvement occurred after NATO quietly hinted at a faster withdrawal earlier in the week. In other news from the Middle East, Egypt continued to make headlines this week after a riot broke out at a soccer game and killed a number of people. Activists within the Arab Spring country are said to be experiencing pushback from the military, which took power after Mubarak’s regime crumbled last year. Activists in other countries, who may be looking to utilize social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook, as Egyptian protestors did during the revolution, may be forced to rely solely on Facebook as a means of communication. This week, Twitter announced a change to its policies, which would force the company to comply with censorship laws within countries that wish to limit free speech. The company stated it had no choice but comply with laws within said countries, such as Thailand and China, and take down tweets that are at odd with censorship laws. Twitter stated the censored tweets, however, would be available outside of the country where the censorship laws are enforced.  In political news, a recently released jobs report for January showed a drop in unemployment. Many state, however, that because the election is far away, the report will have little impact on voters come November.

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:

Iran's leader: War would be detrimental to U.S.

Panetta and Clinton Seek to Reassure Europe on Defense

In Myanmar, Karen Rebels Deny Signing a Cease-Fire

Crisis Management:

China Fires 7 Officials After Spill

Egypt Soccer Riot: Blatter Says Soccer Must Not Be 'Abused by Those Who Mean Evil'

'Fast and Furious' consequences coming, Holder says

Digital Media:

Anonymous Eavesdrops on FBI Anti-Anonymous Strategy Meeting
Facebook IPO: The Complete Guide

Thailand, China embrace Twitter censorship policyKomen reversal shows power of social networks

Political:

Bradley Manning to Face All Charges in Court-Martial

Good January Jobs News, Yes, But Still Much Time Before Election Day

Forgetting a key lesson from Watergate?

Foreign Policy:

Russia, China veto U.N. action on Syria; opposition group calls for strike

U.S. Plans Shift to Elite Units as It Winds Down in Afghanistan

Quietly, NATO Hints It Could Leave Afghanistan Faster

Iran Now a ‘Top Threat’ to U.S. Networks, Spy Chief Claims

Washington Post:

Their vigor unflagging, Russians protest

Haiti: Former Dictator May Face Trial on Lesser Charges for Corruption

Business Week:

China's State Capitalism Trap