Bipartisan dislike of U.S. budget deal a good sign 1 Aug 2011 If a sign of compromise is a frown from both sides, then Congress is close to an equitable agreement. Members of both parties have major gripes about the debt deal cooked up by their leaders. Importantly for markets, the compact would maintain momentum for further fiscal fixes.
Can non-violent struggle bring down Syria’s Assad? 1 Aug 2011 Maybe not if it was purely spontaneous. But, in Syria, the campaign shows it can think strategically and organise effectively. In a style that departs from the typical Breakingviews approach, Hugo Dixon tells the tale through the eyes of a leading activist, Ausama Monajed.
Syria matters beyond Syria 1 Aug 2011 Unlike in Egypt and Tunisia, protestors are facing tanks. Unlike in Libya, they are barely resorting to violence. If Syria’s nonviolent demonstrators can topple such a repressive regime, many non-democratic governments - including Iran and even China - will feel vulnerable.
Rajoy needs to tell Spain some home truths 1 Aug 2011 The country’s probable next PM shouldn’t wait until after November’s election to level with the Spanish people about the actions needed to avoid getting sucked into the euro zone crisis and to restore competitiveness. Here’s the speech he should give now.
Foreign borrowing undermines China’s tightening 1 Aug 2011 Better-than-expected factories data shows China hasn’t over-tightened. Beijing has curbed domestic loans, but Hong Kong banks are lending and offshore bond issuance also surged. The practice adds risk for foreign investors, and hinders China’s efforts to squash inflation.
India needs solution to $1.5 trillion puzzle 24 Jan 2011 That’s what it will need to invest in infrastructure over the next decade if it is to reach 10 percent GDP growth. The government and banks won’t be able to carry that load on their own. Financial liberalisation could help fill the gap.
India is behind curve on inflation 10 Jan 2011 It’s not just that the latest food inflation figures have reached 18 pct; the current account deficit is also high. The authorities need to get a grip, even if it means sacrificing 9 pct growth. Structural reforms, not loose policy, are the only sure way to sustain rapid growth.