Topic: The World Bank Group

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Blame game intensifies over who could have prevented Argentina's floods

Cities in Argentina saw high levels of rainfall and heavy flooding. Some say the political culture in Buenos Aires means officials don't act until tragedy strikes.
Backchannels In Indonesia, and Southeast Asia, the return of optimism – and the bankers.

Building booms, easy credit, and predictions that it can only get better from here. Shades of 1996.
Rio gang-rape spotlights problem faced by developing-world cities

The gang-rape ordeal the American woman and her companion endured puts a focus on safety issues as Rio leaders prepare to host both the World Cup and Summer Olympics.
As Hungary's electoral campaigns kick into gear, public apathy abounds

Hungary's right-wing ruling party Fidesz and its Hungarian Socialist opposition are already trading barbs ahead of 2014 elections. But Hungarians are increasingly unimpressed by both.
What is Hugo Chávez's legacy in Venezuela? (+video)

President Hugo Chávez so dominated the identity of oil-rich Venezuela during his 14-year tenure that the political current of his supporters bears his name: chavismo.
Latin America Monitor Venezuelans pour into Plaza Bolivar to honor Chávez's socialist revolution (+video)

As news of the death of President Hugo Chávez spread, Venezuelans rushed to downtown Caracas, many wearing red in honor of their socialist commandante.
The Monitor's View A global contest of values in EU-US-China trade

As China endorses a reformer as president and the EU and US plan a free-trade pact, the competition to set trade rules heats up. A EU-US pact would strengthen their economies and send a signal to China to take more responsibility for higher trade standards.
Difference Maker Anshu Gupta brings 'clothing for dignity' to India

His nonprofit group, called GOONJ, collects and gives away used clothing. The twist: The needy 'pay' for their clothes by doing service work in their communities.
Focus Stunning reversal? Why 'big paper' just went green in Indonesia.

Asia Pulp & Paper Co. has promised to stop using wood from Indonesia's natural forests. Unprecedented market pressures, driven in part by Barbie and Mickey Mouse, helped.
Energy Voices Will oil pipeline attack push energy companies out of Iraq?

With violence on the rise, including a recent attack on a major oil pipeline, it may be only a matter of time before international oil companies lose their stomach for post-war Iraq, Graeber writes.
Exit poll: Armenian president reelected

Just over 60 percent of Armenia's 2.5 million eligible voters cast ballots in the election today, reelecting President Serge Sarkisian, according to an exit poll.
Change Agent Cut food waste to help feed the world, experts say

Around the world 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted every year. A more efficient food supply is a key to feeding an expected world population of 9 billion by 2050.
Opinion US manufacturing is key to competitiveness

US global competitiveness is slipping. But there is some good news: US manufacturing is in the midst of a revival. Preparing a skilled workforce for the manufacturing sector should be one of the Obama administration’s top economic priorities. This can boost competitiveness.
The Monitor's View Higher ed and lower jobs: What's needed in the new economy

More jobs rely on intangible qualities rather than measurable goods, knowledge, or skills. Countries and colleges, too, must look to the invisible assets of social, intellectual, and organizational 'capital."
Why Argentina is reaching out to Iran

Argentina announced it would work with Iran to resolve a deadly 1994 anti-Semitic attack in Buenos Aires. Trade considerations underlie the deal.
Change Agent SOCCKET energy-generating soccer ball powers up poor villages

Uncharted Play has designed a soccer ball called the SOCCKET, which generates electricity for an LED light. One minute of kicking produces around six minutes of light to read, do homework, or help illuminate a home.
Global Viewpoint How Asia and China can revive the West's waning institutions

A world adrift desperately needs global thinkers, most of all from Asia. Singapore's Kishore Mahbubani fits the bill with his new book, in which he calls for a more robust UN, IMF, and WTO – led by the emerging global powers. Let’s hope his optimism about this revival is justified.
The Monitor's View Who forced a 'fiscal cliff' deal? Try foreign investors.

Washington is now all too aware that foreign creditors and investors will punish it for any macroeconomic mismanagement. American competitiveness was at stake in the fiscal cliff negotiations.
2012's 'good news' stories

2012 saw jobs returning to the US, health concerns improve in historic numbers, and more.
Cover Story Progress watch 2012: Smart phones, jobs returning to America, and war crimes trials

The often-slow arc of good news may not make headlines. But 2012 brought its quiet share: from extreme poverty dropping by half since 1990 to a robot with the bulky profile of an NFL player that may have a role in bringing jobs back to the US.
Tunisia seeks gold in former dictator's assets

Tunisia has been aggressively pursuing the assets of former dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and his associates, seizing bank accounts, luxury homes, and one-of-a-kind luxury cars.
US government waives pollution laws for 1,500 underground water supplies

The Environmental Protection Agency has granted some energy and mining companies permission to pollute underground water supplies across the US, according to an investigation by ProPublica.
Nations extend weaker Kyoto Protocol

UN climate conference approves extending Kyoto global-warming agreement through 2020. But new Kyoto phase will cover only 15 percent of greenhouse gases.
Egypt's anti-Morsi protests spread beyond Cairo

Egypt's angry political divide is evident well outside Cairo, with protests erupting against President Mohamed Morsi in Alexandria, along the Suez Canal, and in the Nile Delta.
Greece seen as most corrupt European nation, survey says

Transparency International ranks Greece, along with other European countries racked by the financial crisis, poorly in its 2012 Corruption Perceptions Index.