Topic: The World Bank Group

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In post-revolutionary Tunisia, 'it's (still) the economy, stupid.'

Violent protests in the countryside echo the economic protest that touched off the Arab Spring here as the new government struggles to improve on the jobs situation.
'Fiscal cliff' reality check: Are US taxes low or high? (+video)

As Washington confronts the 'fiscal cliff' and seeks a deal to reduce the deficit, one key issue is the tax rate. Comparatively, US taxes are low, but politically, a big hike is a nonstarter.
Climate change talks: What are the goals in Qatar? (+video)

UN talks for a new pact to curb greenhouse emissions and slow climate change are underway in Qatar. Negotiators hope to extend the Kyoto Protocol. The concentration of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide has jumped 20 percent since 2000, according to a U.N. report released last week
Obama's historic visit to Cambodia highlights economic growth and struggles (+video)

Economically Cambodia is turning a corner, but President Obama took a firm line on Cambodia’s human rights abuses and corruption on his visit to Phnom Penh Monday.
World Bank: Tackle warming or poverty remains

Climate change will hit all nations, but especially the poor ones, says new World Bank report. Warming could flood Vietnam and Bangladesh, dry out other areas, causing water scarcity.
A role reversal as former colonies meet former colonists at Ibero-American summit

Spain and Portugal, once the heavy hitters in the annual meeting of Iberian and Latin American nations, are now looking to their one-time colonies for help amid their debt crisis.
Vietnam's 'tiger' economy losing its roar

Growth next year is expected to drop due, as recent corruption scandals and splinters within the communist government weigh on the economy.
Focus How water could bring Israelis, Palestinians together

A sole joint committee between Israelis and Palestinians survives 17 years after the Oslo Accords: the one on water.
Palestinian Authority unable to pay salaries, even as it pursues statehood

The Palestinian drive for non-member state status at the UN could trigger Israeli economic retaliation that would end the viability of the Palestinian Authority.
Progress Watch Poland takes top honors for 'most improved' in cutting red tape

It's getting easier to do business in many countries, according to a World Bank report, with Eastern Europe and Central Asia making significant strides this year.
The Monitor's View The steady gain of humanity

Beyond alarming headlines, a deeper look reveals progress – and the prospect of even more if we address the big challenges ahead.
Spain loses title as Moroccans' land of opportunity

Moroccans seeking economic opportunity used to flock to Spain, but with its economy tanking, Spain has less and less to offer them.
Ethiopia surprises itself with peaceful transition after Meles

Fears that unrest would follow the death of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi in August may prove unfounded in Ethiopia, a Western ally in the troubled Horn of Africa.
The Monitor's View Why Romney, Obama must drop the fear-mongering

In their political ads and presidential debates, Mitt Romney and President Obama worsen economic uncertainty by using fear tactics and pandering to special interests. The economy needs the certainty of a political consensus.
Change Agent Mobile technology boosts access to clean water for the poor

The widespread availability of mobile phones has enabled the development of low-cost solutions aimed at improving water security and reducing poverty.
Europe's independence seekers: Scotland, Catalonia, and now ... Venice

Activists in Venice and northeastern Italy want to restore independence to the region, which had been a republic for more than 1,000 years before falling to Napoleon in 1797.
Change Agent Games for change: How digital fun is becoming a way to better the world

Using online games to benefit society, or 'games for change,' is a fast-growing movement. A favorite pastime of teens and young adults is being used for good causes.
Stocks flatline, pulled by jobless claims, Europe

Stocks fell stagnant Thursday with little significant activity up or down. Stocks rose in the morning after a positive jobless claims report but fell in the afternoon.
Gloomy outlook from Chevron, Alcoa sinks stocks for third straight day

Stocks slumped Wednesday after Chevron and Alcoa issued pessimistic reports. Energy and materials stocks, whose fortunes hinge on economic growth, dropped the most.
Stocks slump after weak IMF report

Stock traders were discouraged by an International Monetary Fund report released overnight that said the global economy was weakening. Energy stocks were the only major group in the S&P 500 to finish higher.
The Monitor's View World's big 'wanted' sign: 600 million jobs

Even as the World Bank calls for 600 million more jobs by 2020, the IMF forecasts a long economic slowdown. Will new technologies help? No. The first need is basic reform in governance.
Stocks fall on Asia's gloomy economic outlook

US stocks faltered Monday after the World Bank said Asia's economies won't grow as much as expected this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 36 points to 13574 an hour after the opening bell.
Gold prices dip. Pessimism or Columbus Day quiet?

Gold prices fell on Monday as concerns over the global economic outlook and its impact on the coming corporate earnings season weighed on investor sentiment. But national holidays in the US and Japan were expected to limit trading activity and may have been partially responsible for the dip in gold prices.
Gauging poverty from Appalachia to Africa

A Monitor correspondent, who grew up in West Virginia, discusses the poverty she's seen firsthand while working as a journalist in Africa.
How China got businesses to pay taxes: scratch-n-win tickets

A decade ago China was losing about $158 million a year in tax revenues. World Bank figures show that China has steadily increased its tax revenues since 1994.