Thanks for the compliment. Actually I have a degree in English and also spent a semester in UNH (back in 1997). I am also writing my commodities blog in English (see my profile if curious). I am a noob on Commodities, trying hard to learn here.
One comment about Turkey... Yeah, many countries in France are opposed to Turkey's entrance in European Union (mainly because it is not really Europe and because of islamic roots). Our French president favors the creation of a Mediterranean Union which would have favored trade / commerce links with Europe. Sounds realistic. What do you think ?
I would be concerned at Turkey's entrance into the EU as opening the floodgates for terrorists to continental Europe.. however, geographically, Turkey's border regions with Syria, Iraq, and Iran are ethnically homogenous with the population consisting almost entirely of Kurds, and Kurds tend not to tolerate Arabs or Persians in their midst... http://mondediplo.com/focus/iraq/IMG/jpg/arton2074.jpg To me turks are more nationalistic than they are religious, with Ataturk up in their hierachy with Mohammed, I would rather have Turkey in the fold under ICJ and the EU system.. a special mediterranean economic region would give them EU economic benefits without requiring legal reform and would not prevent Russian influence...
On another note it surprised me that Sarkozy was elected as the new french president... I mean he is ethnically a 1/2 hungarian, 1/4 sephardic greek jew, 1/4 frenchman whose wife is half gypsy half jew. He's leader of a conservative party that wants a more british/american work week, and is very friendly to the United States.... no offense intended.. but he is not of a background that one would stereotypically expect would be electable in france! I guess it is a new century indeed...
Well you know, many people changed their mind in France and Sarkozy gained many votes because of the growing feeling of insecurity (he was minister of interior you know). He was elected for various reasons. He did not make many mistakes, he proved himself an able minister on both Interior and Finances. His opponent, Segolene Royal had no charism and no program. Many people in France are waiting for a wind of change... Well that's a big debate which probably has no place on a NG forum ;-) Where are you from by the way, you are very well informed about our French President (actually, even better than I am).
Hah why those two particular cities? I live in New York City and attend college in New Jersey The reason I know a bit about Sarkozy is a close friend has been in Madrid the past 6 months for a semester abroad for his b-school program, and we were discussing socialism vis-a-vis Western Europe and the United States, somehow Sarkozy came up in the conversation... I believe it started when I commented on how Sarkozy's socialist opponent Segolene is basically a human praying mantis (She said that since she had lost her bid for the presidential election she would run for her husband's legislature seat... they are now getting a divorce)... I have heard that Germany/Eastern Europe is very dependent on Russian NG, all the pipeline infrastructure in Warsaw pact countries was built towards Russia during the cold war? What is the power situation in Europe outside of France?
Hello, Well these two cities were indicated on the last visitors log of my website/blog I gave it a try ;-) Sarkozy can be appreciated or not but the truth is that he is currently trying to lead long awaited reforms that nobody before him (Jacques Chirac or Socialists) never dare to conduct... Strikes are probably coming in September / october. As usual one could say but I expect them to be worse than ever. Sarkozy is hitting right now where it hurts : strike rights (minimum service for public transportation) and specials regimes (for retirement). About Energy, as far as I know, Eastern countries (such as Germany) are heavily dependant on Russian Gas. Germany is famous for its ecologist wing. The price to pay for social peace (?) was less nuclear, more gas. France made another choice with the biggest part of energy produced by nuclear. Still, Germany, Italy and France are the main importers in Europe. I can't really tell for other countries but what I read in some Commodities brochures is that Europe needs gas and Russia produces 34% of gas (US 30%, Canada 10%). In Jan 2006, there was a big crisis between Ukraine and Russia which affected Europe. if you can read French : http://www.ifp.fr/IFP/fr/decouvertes/gds_debats/avenirgaz/geostrategie/index.htm