Topic: Privatization and Nationalization

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Where gas prices are highest

Gasoline is a very visible price, and closely watched by many drivers. Petroleum prices impact many products, from food to industrial production. While the cost of crude is the major factor in gasoline price volatility, some countries levy taxes on fossil fuels. Here are ten countries where high gas prices are the norm, according to British insurance firm Staveley Head.
10 of TIME's 100 'most influential'

What does it mean to be influential today? TIME Magazine may not have a scientific answer, but they identified scores of people in their 2012 “100 Most Influential People in the World” list, released this week. Here is a sampling of 10 people from around the world who made the cut.
Beyond Obamacare: 5 opinions on health care reform

Health care reform remains a contentious issue in the United States. The Supreme Court will decide this year on President Obama's health care law, known as Obamacare. Meanwhile, Americans spend a higher percentage of GDP on health care than other advanced nations, for care that many argue isn't as good. Here writers explore five key aspects of US health care reform.
World's cheapest gas: Top 10 countries

While Americans and Europeans bemoan the cost of gasoline at the pumps, people in some other parts of the world enjoy filling up their tanks cheaply thanks to subsidies provided by wealthy, oil-rich governments. Here are the 10 cheapest countries on Earth to fill a gas tank.
In Pictures: Who's who on the US deficit super committee

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Where gas prices are highest

Gasoline is a very visible price, and closely watched by many drivers. Petroleum prices impact many products, from food to industrial production. While the cost of crude is the major factor in gasoline price volatility, some countries levy taxes on fossil fuels. Here are ten countries where high gas prices are the norm, according to British insurance firm Staveley Head.
As its banking woes mount, Spain ponders where to go from here

Its banks struggling, Spain has moved closer to needing a bailout. But some argue the takeover of Bankia and other measures could mark the beginning of movement toward greater stability.
Caretaker government for Greece until June elections

Panagiotis Pikramenos, a senior judge, will lead an interim government of 16 until elections are held.
Latin America Monitor
Should Argentina remain a member of the G20?

Argentina's history is a continuous series of economic and political crises and they'll probably face another before the decade is out, but they still deserve a seat at the G20, writes a guest blogger.
Brazil, Venezuela, and Mexico: three ways to nationalize oil

Argentina's renationalization of its biggest oil company, YPF, recently caused an outcry. But the cases of oil nationalization in Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela show that outcomes can vary widely.
Focus
Argentina's renationalization of YPF: A push to manage oil on its own terms

Many have criticized Argentina's move to renationalize its oil as a populist bid likely to isolate it from the global economy. But the takeover is in line with changing power dynamics in the region.
The Circle Bastiat
Argentina: Keeping up with the Chavezes?

President Cristina Kirchner's plan to seize a majority stake in oil company YPF SA, owned by Repsol YPF of Spain, is causing diplomatic tensions with Spain and the European Union. 
10 of TIME's 100 'most influential'

What does it mean to be influential today? TIME Magazine may not have a scientific answer, but they identified scores of people in their 2012 “100 Most Influential People in the World” list, released this week. Here is a sampling of 10 people from around the world who made the cut.
Latin America Monitor
Challenges facing Argentina after oil firm nationalization

Retaliation from Spain and a foray into fracking are some of the challenges Argentina may have to navigate, writes a guest blogger.
The next Venezuela? Argentina to nationalize oil company

President Kirchner's plan to nationalize the Spanish-controlled oil company, YPF, is raising fears of more expropriations of privately run companies and has set off a furor in Spain.
Beyond Obamacare: 5 opinions on health care reform

Health care reform remains a contentious issue in the United States. The Supreme Court will decide this year on President Obama's health care law, known as Obamacare. Meanwhile, Americans spend a higher percentage of GDP on health care than other advanced nations, for care that many argue isn't as good. Here writers explore five key aspects of US health care reform.
World's cheapest gas: Top 10 countries

While Americans and Europeans bemoan the cost of gasoline at the pumps, people in some other parts of the world enjoy filling up their tanks cheaply thanks to subsidies provided by wealthy, oil-rich governments. Here are the 10 cheapest countries on Earth to fill a gas tank.
Africa Monitor
Fiery South African youth leader suspended, but the fire remains (+video)

Suspension of ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema may soothe South Africa's political and economic elites. But guest blogger Zama Ndlovu says youths won't remain silent. 
Global News Blog
Pushing racial buttons, a young firebrand stirs up South Africa

The ruling African National Congress party has suspended its youth league leader Julius Malema for hate speech, but his career is far from over. 
The Circle Bastiat
The difference between OWS and Vietnam

The Vietnam protest movement had a clear goal. So far as anyone can tell, the Occupy movement has none.
Mayor's last-ditch effort to save Detroit would privatize 88,000 streetlights

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing asked for deep cuts and concessions from unions and city officials to stave off a state takeover. Privatizing streetlights and buses is one part of his plan.
The Circle Bastiat
Save the whales through privatization?

A study shows that preserving just four percent of the world's oceans could be crucial in preserving marine mammal species. Is private ownership the key?
In Pictures: Who's who on the US deficit super committee
Latin America Monitor
Taking a page from Chile, Colombian students take to the streets over education costs

Students in Bogota say they are worried about privatization of education in Colombia and promise more unrest if the government pushes such legislation through.
Violence at Malema hearing shows divide within South Africa's ANC

Angry supporters of ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema battled police outside the ANC headquarters in the strongest indication that the ANC's youth wing is rapidly falling out of control.
Latin America Monitor
Midas touch? Hugo Chávez plans to use gold to end 'dictatorship' of US dollar

The Venezuelan president announced plans to nationalize his country's gold industry and move Venezuela's reserves out of Western banks and into the banks of more friendly nations.
The Circle Bastiat
Privatize the highways. And every other road, too.

Unfinished roads around the country suggest that perhaps the private sector is better suited to complete projects
Next for Greece: buying enough time to pay off debts

Greece's parliament approved an austerity package today. But if there's no agreement on restructuring debt payments, tensions are likely to rise anew in the fall.
Why Greece will likely pass austerity measures, despite protests

Greece is reluctant to pass wildly unpopular austerity measures that have brought thousands of angry protesters to the streets, but it has little choice.
Africa Monitor
Wing of South Africa's ANC calls for war crime charges on NATO's Libya conflict

South Africa's ANC Youth League said the ICC should lodge war crime charges against Western leaders for their leadership of the Libyan conflict, but with less than half a million members, the effect of its demands may be limited.