Making the headlines, the 74-page report by Mandiant Corporation, that was released on February 18, details how Chinese government linked hacking groups in Shanghai had stolen data from at least 115 U.S. based companies. The report noted that the … [Read more...] about The Time Is Ripe For Tit For Tat
The Saudis, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Islamic Banking
The early successes of Arab/Muslim-owned banking in Europe and the Arabian Peninsula, and the establishment of an economic foundation that modernized the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, were both the work of Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud (1906-1975). … [Read more...] about The Saudis, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Islamic Banking
The Muslim Brotherhood's Diet: Would Egypt And The Region Survive?
Egypt's former Foreign Minister announced last week in Kuwait: "Egypt's economy requires $100 billion to recover," $12 [billion] of which are needed immediately. He went on to demand the convention of an international conference to discuss aid to … [Read more...] about The Muslim Brotherhood's Diet: Would Egypt And The Region Survive?
Islamic Finance-A Supply Driven Market
Despite the claims by proponents of Islamic finance that there is a "pent-up demand" for Islamic financial products, in reality there seems to be a growing disinterest in such products. Regardless, the proponents continue to argue for adjusting the … [Read more...] about Islamic Finance-A Supply Driven Market
The American Babe In The Iranian Wood
Introduction: The U.S. government's incomprehensible handling of Iran could be best described as clueless, overconfident and counterproductive; not a good recipe for dealing with a sophisticated and determined adversary. A disturbing account by … [Read more...] about The American Babe In The Iranian Wood
‘I may be killed if I write this’
Lars Hedegaard, founder of Denmark’s Free Press Society, speaks from a secret location after an attempt on his life The assassin came to his home dressed as a postman. When the historian and journalist Lars Hedegaard opened his front door, the man — … [Read more...] about ‘I may be killed if I write this’
A Contrarian View: Sticks And Carrots – Energy Co-Operation And Iran
Since the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the United States has periodically issued sanctions on trade with and weapons sales to Iran. In 1996, the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) extended the economic sanctions on Iran to curtail its nuclear program … [Read more...] about A Contrarian View: Sticks And Carrots – Energy Co-Operation And Iran
Economic Confidence Eroded: Virtual Currency & HFT
The latest worry among those who are concerned about the digitalization of commerce and the erosion of market confidence seems to be the growing phenomenon of virtual or "alternative" currency. The originator of virtual currency as an easy-to-use … [Read more...] about Economic Confidence Eroded: Virtual Currency & HFT
Cyber Insecurity
China's celebrations of the New Year of the Snake was preceded by countless successful performances of Chinese cyber-snakes slithering out of their holes to attack U.S. government, public and private entities. Incredibly, the Obama Administration has … [Read more...] about Cyber Insecurity
A Sign Of Change? Maliki Ulema Partners Against Sahel Extremism
Extremism halts charity, and creates fear of religion; [it puts] pressure on Muslims and occupies people with controversies at the expense of work and construction in life. Algerian imam, Magharebia 02 February 1913 In late January religious … [Read more...] about A Sign Of Change? Maliki Ulema Partners Against Sahel Extremism