Sanitas Weekly Web Summary for the Week of February 13th

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.

Egypt dominated the news this week after stating it would move forward with the charges against foreign NGOs despite hopes of an alternate outcome. Also in the Middle East, news that other Arab nations are considering arming the Syrian opposition made headlines, backing NATO’s calls for a regional solution to the matter. Throughout this, Iran announced its nuclear advances, which caused its standoff with the West to deepen. The country has also taken flack for furthering its attempt to disrupt and control the Internet in weeks prior to the upcoming elections. In other digital media news, according to FOX News, the FBI revealed it is developing an app to “track suspicious social media posts,” which has fueled the privacy debate. Twitter also made headlines this week after research revealed that the news of Whitney Houston’s death first broke on Twitter. In foreign election news, protests in Senegal intensified against the country’s incumbent candidate as the nation continues to prepare for upcoming elections. Venezuela is also facing a “political crisis,” according to CNN, after its primary elections. Riots and demonstrations were also prevalent in Greece this week in response to the debt crisis, causing the country to call for early elections. In U.S. politics, President Obama said this year’s election was a “make or break for the middle class” while Rick Santorum also stated the importance of the 2012 election for citizens.

This week’s summary highlights these and r 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 trumpets nuclear advances, deepening standoff with West

U.S. officials urge Europe to deal with its crisis

France Elections: Nicolas Sarkozy Announces Presidential Bid

Democratic future for Libya is within reach, Ban says on anniversary of revolution

Crisis Management:

Greece calls for elections after debt riots

Egypt NGO Crisis: Rep. Gary Ackerman Calls For A Softer Approach To Egypt's Military Regime

Murdoch to launch new Sun on Sunday paper amid crisis

Digital Media:

Twitter Breaks News of Whitney Houston Death 27 Minutes Before Press

Internet in Iran severely disrupted as elections loom

FBI seeks developers for app to track suspicious social media posts, sparking privacy concerns

Political:

Demonstrations intensify against Senegalese leader      

Southern Africa: Year of Elections in Region?

Political crisis erupts in Venezuela after primary elections

Obama visits, calls election 'make or break' for middle class

Santorum likens 2012 election to World War II  

Foreign Policy:

UN official partially certifies Ivorian parliamentary elections

Syria Crisis: Arab Nations Reportedly Consider Arming Opposition

NATO urges regional solution to Syria crisis

Egypt NGO Trial Set For February 26

New York Times:

Anthony Shadid, Reporter in the Middle East, Dies at 43

Al Jazerra:

Tuareg rebellion sparks crisis in Mali

CNN:

Libyan militias 'out of control,' Amnesty International says