Written by Econintersect
Early Bird Headlines 21 December 2015
Econintersect: Here are some of the headlines we found to help you start your day. For more headlines see our afternoon feature for GEI members, What We Read Today, which has many more headlines and a number of article discussions to keep you abreast of what we have found interesting.
Global
Open wallets, not doors; why Gulf states sit out migrant crisis (CNBC) Since 2011, the lion’s share of the more than 4.3 million migrants that have fled conflict-torn countries have managed to find shelter in places like Europe, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan. Yet critics have questioned why wealthy countries such as Bahrain, Qatar and United Arab Emirates have largely sat on their hands. To be sure, Gulf countries have provided about $2 billion in humanitarian assistance and bilateral aid for various programs and charities since 2012, according to United Nations figures. The reasons cited in this article for not accepting refugees are primarily security and religious.
U.S.
Trump Predicts U.S. Economic ‘Bubble’ Could Soon Burst (Bloomberg) Billionaire Donald Trump sees economic clouds hovering above the U.S. economy. And if it’s going to rain, he wants the precipitation to fall while President Barack Obama is still in the White House. The Republican presidential front-runner told about 1,200 people at a rally Saturday afternoon in Cedar Rapids, Iowa:
“Remember the word bubble? You heard it here first. I don’t want to sound rude, but I hope if it explodes, it’s going to be now, rather than two months into another administration.”
ObamaCare’s Marie Antoinette Moment (Simon Constable, Forbes) In November, one healthcare insurer warned that it may pull out of the ACA exchanges after 2016, citing low enrollment and poor economics. While insurers are free to pull out, the insureds are not. They could be left holding the “cake” here – the reference to Marie Antoinette’s infamous remark.
Winners and losers in the third Democratic presidential debate (The Washington Post) The Washington Post says among the candidates only Hillary was a winner. They say that Bernie lost big and looked like a fringe candidate. The New York Times says: Bernie Sanders Falls Behind in a Race Centered on Security. Before you say this is turning into a yawn, remember that Hillary’s lead over Bernie today is the same as her polling advantage the week before Christmas in 2007 against Barack Obama.
Norway
Norway Offers Migrants a Lesson in How to Treat Women (The New York Times) Many refugees come from African and Middle Eastern countires where women are not treated with the same respect as they are in Norway.
Turkey
Turkey’s Erdogan meets Hamas leader Meshaal in Istanbul (Reuters) Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan met with Khaled Meshaal, leader of Palestinian militant group Hamas, on Saturday in Istanbul, Turkish presidential sources said, a day after Israel and Turkey said they were close to patching up five-year political rift.
Iraq
Turkey to move troops from Iraq (CNN) Turkey announced Saturday it would move its troops from Iraq after weeks of tensions with the Baghdad government over its military presence near the ISIS occupied city of Mosul.
Nepal
Nepal climbers face ruin after quake, blockade hit Everest industry (Reuters) Sherpas who have been making their living as hosts and guides for those climbing Mt. Everest have lost their lodges, homes and other facilities and are seeing a big drop in bookings for the coming 2016 season.
