Hypocrisy is a privileged vice, which closes the mouth of everyone, and enjoys in peace a sovereign impunity, says Moliere in “The Imaginary Invalid.” Hypocrisy has virtually grown into the functional model of political correctness, and has implicitly proved that the humanist desire for politics without hypocrisy was, in itself, hypocritical. This is why, every once in a while, we should talk about... 

In mid-March, in 76 of the 87 regions of the Russian Federation, population was called to the polls to decide their local authorities. Although the victory obtained of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s party no longer a surprise, this election (considered as a test of popularity for the ruling party United Russia, amid rising unemployment and utility prices) provided and surprises. Of that noted the... 

According to renowned Russian economist Vladislav Inozemtsev: ”In economic terms, for Russia – 2010 will be a lost year” – Mr. Inozemtsev, please tell us how to predict the new year 2010 for Russia ? Of course, it will be a difficult year (as for most countries). But what does this mean from an economic perspective ? – I  am not expecting anything optimistic from 2010 –... 

DER ÖSTERREICHISCHE GROßMEISTER NIKOLAUS SCHWÄRZLER SPRICHT ÜBER DAS WESEN DER FREIMAUREREI, SITTLICHE VERVOLLKOMMNUNG UND POLITISCHEN EINFLUSS. A.T.:Seit wann sind sie Freimaurer? Wie hat es Ihre Familie aufgenommen, als sie erfuhren, dass Sie Freimaurer sind? N.S.:Seit dem 22.11.1980. Meine Familie – meine Frau, meine Eltern und Geschwister – haben es nicht gegen meinen Willen „erfahren“,... 

Discussions on energy security and geostrategic new construction resulting from this remains a topical issue on the agenda of all stakeholders. Developments in the first decade of this century have called Eurasia the focal point of future geopolitical strategy. Among major global players that dispute (more or less discrete) their capacity to bring this area in its own sphere of influence includes... 

Teodor Mărieș, president of the “21 Decembrie” Association, decided on Friday, October 16, 2009, to end his hunger strike, after 74 days of extreme protest. Involved in the December 1989 Revolution trial, as a complaining victim, Mărieș has petitioned the Romanian justice system and later the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg for access to the evidence in the file, even to—or... 

“About 150 years ago, Carol I built the Romanian State on the principle of professionalism. At that time, modern institutions were based on criteria such as professional quality and worth. It was a time of great aspirations towards a higher, national good. The endeavour of the Royal House, since 1866 to date, has been to put together the country’s positive ener­gies, its skilled and talented... 

Excerpt from the adress given by His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan to The Bruno Kreisky Forum for International Dialogue WEST ASIA – NORTH AFRICA AND THE EURO-ATLANTIC:Finding Common Solutions to Shared Challenges Thanks to the availability of fossil fuels human populations and human development have developed to a point where continued expansion cannot occur without seve­rely... 

Traian Băsescu is going down in polls, but not because of the crisis. Everybody knows that, of all prospective candidates in the presidential election, the sailor is in the best position to find and apply solutions. Unlike Mircea Geoană or Crin Antonescu, whose rhetoric is still abstract, aloof, “American”, like in engine idling, Traian Băsescu grasps facts just like a tracked tank, he has... 

The presentation by the Justice Ministry of the new draft codes and procedural laws was the starting point for major debates in the political and media communities. Also worth mentioning is that the strengths and weaknesses of the Ministry’s drafts have been hijacked by political leaders, who are ready to plead for or against the criminalisation of certain deeds, and to mount small-scale media crusades...