Shared oil interests can push Sino-US cooperation in Middle East – People’s Daily Online

English: Logo of the People's Daily 中文: 人民日报题字

English: Logo of the People’s Daily 中文: 人民日报题字 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here’s an excellent, must-read article from People’s Daily, China’s leading & influential newspaper. Check it out!

via Shared oil interests can push Sino-US cooperation in Middle East – People’s Daily Online.

The article paves the way for a greater geo-political role for China in the Middle East, in cooperation with the US.

I wonder how the US and Russia will react?

Thoughts?

The Tory machine is gearing up to back Boris Johnson as the next leader – Telegraph

This is an outstanding and insightful article by Peter Obone, the Daily Telegraph’s chief political commentator. It’s a must-read. Check it out!

via The Tory machine is gearing up to back Boris Johnson as the next leader – Telegraph.

Personally, I’m encouraged that the campaign for Boris Johnson to be the next leader of the UK Conservative Party is gaining speed. I don’t rate Theresa May. I think that Michael Gove is a good candidate but maintain that Boris Johnson would be much better as a leader – he also has a wider popularity.

I have always struggled with George Osborne. He has tended to favor political dogma rather than economic argument – he has no formal economic training. The Peter Obone article is revealing in that Osborne spends very little time at the Treasury and more on political strategy at 10 Downing Street. It worries me deeply that the economic management of the UK is delegated to Rupert Harrison, a special advisor. Whilst I accept that Harrison is a very bright and capable economist, he has not been elected, nor is he part of the official public sector.

The economy has been pumped up effectively, ahead of the election. But we are told that beyond, there will be further savage cuts to the public sector or major tax rises. Worryingly, there has been little attention to exports and improving skills of the UK workforce. Of course, the budget cuts to the public sector have slashed public services, including defense. The public health service is still hemorrhaging, despite increased funding.

Here’s an open question:

Conservative Party (UK)

Conservative Party (UK) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Surely, a UK minister should be giving his full-time attention to his ministerial job?

Thoughts?