COMMENT, China — Chinese leadership in Beijing must be wishing the Olympics would come around soon.
The significance of these 8 good news stories, is that the Beijing government often signals it’s shift in strategic thinking, and engagement, by actions rather than rhetoric.

China’s actions indicate some possibly shift in policies, and increasing inclination in Beijing top openness.
Few understand, the significance of these events, except perhaps Australia Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, and some European Union heavyweights.
Lucky 8
Here are 8 (8 is, of course, lucky in China), mostly positive news stories (including one …

2THINKNOW COMMENT, USA — It’s easy to talk about change.
Obama chants change like a mantra. But what change?

Not all change is clearly good, some is clearly bad.
The current White House changed things in USA, the broader Americas and the world. But it could not be argued to be positive change on any level.
I want change. But positive change.
And I am not convinced Obama knows how to do positive change. It’s difficult.
We need proof of his ideas and policies. Specifics. Like Australia’s Left leader Kevin Rudd gave before the election.
My gut …

COMMENT, Balkans –I hate ignorance.
And bad ideas in nice policy binders.
Kosovo independence for 2 million Kosovars is a bad idea in a nice binder.
There’s only 2 million Kosovars. Balance that against the population of the Balkans, many of whom are not for the independence, as they will be the ones likely dragged into a war.
As Bismarck once said, “Albania, it’s a geographic expression.” (well that’s what he said about Albania, but you get the idea about Kosovo – which is even smaller.)
Families like yours and mine will die in their …

CULTURE COMMENT, Global – I am learning French at current at the Alliance Française, Melbourne.
Why is French so important?
Simple.
French is a culturally rich language.
French has traditionally been the language of diplomacy.
French is a language and a system of thought. French culture and intellect is integrated into French language.
The French are a culturally inventive and creative people. Part of this is the language.
Learning French can help you become an innovator, an ideas person.
And whether French or not, we should all learn languages to broaden our minds.
Learning French and other languages
There’s 4 …

Well President Bush has been in Albania, Tirana, the capital to be precise.
This is a huge and welcome milestone for the small country that Bismarck once called a geographical expression. During the visit, Albanians were handed out America/Albania partners t-shirts. Albanians were encouraged by their government to welcome him. I don’t think they needed much encouragement, as it’s been a long-term dream for Albanians generally speaking, to have a US president visit. Symbolic, but important.
And it wasn’t about Kosovo (Despite some of the press coverage by journalists who get ‘confused‘.). …