China, Rare Earth Metals & The Emergence of a New Global Power.

When the Afghan war began, and the Russian involvement in the "Stans", it became common to talk about Central Asia being the "New Great Game" for the warring superpowers. But the real new Great Game is being played in the swamps of the Niger Delta, on the borders of Colombia-Venezuela, in the metal mines of the DRC [Democratic Republic of the Congo] and now in the rare earth mines of the world.

If you think this sounds like part of a conspiracy theory, think again. These are the words of Newsnight’s economics editor, Paul Mason.  "97% of the specialist metals that are crucial to green technology are currently mined in China".  They are used in rechargeable batteries that are used to store power from renewable energy sources and for use in electric cars, etc.  They are also used in certain missile guidance systems (so, it's swings and roundabouts, I guess).

For a better explanation of why rare earth metals are important watch Paul Mason's Newsnight report, his blog provides an account of the U.S. and Japanese role.

A few links about the release of the “Lockerbie bomber”

As a blogger, I am still finding my voice. Blogs like In Place of Fear are an inspiration; it is a fantastic blog. Unfortunately, it is criminally undervalued, according to Google Reader it only has three subscribers!

The latest post by Duncan McFarlane (In Place of Fear) is about the release of the “Lockerbie bomber” - (*as is this more recent one). Along with offerings on this topic by Beau Bo D'Or, John Pilger, Paul Mason , septicisle (Obsolete) (parts 1,2,3&4) and this Gerald Scarfe cartoon, it forms my recommended reads on the topic. (Craig Murray offers more of the same).

Update

*Pink links added retrospectively.

This is old but true.

Be still my beating heart – electoral reform is on the agenda.

The news that Gordon Brown is to give electoral reform “consideration” was leaked in advance of the official announcement. According to Newsnight's Paul Mason, it is a condition placed on Brown for his uncontested leadership. The Alternative Vote system is the one the government favours. Surely, this is to be welcomed by all … surely not that is.

The problem? Nobody can agree on the best electoral system.

Meanwhile it looks like the House of Lords is to become elected. Moving aside the objection that an elected second chamber is not as desirable as most people think (now there is a future blog post to look forward too), is it really wise to reform the second chamber when the future electoral system of the first chamber is unknown?

No voting system is perfect. If the second chamber is to become elected, why not use a different voting system to the one used in the first chamber in order to balance out the faults. For example, a first past the post system in one chamber to deliver a strong government and proportional representation in the other in order to better reflect voter intention.

What will be the outcome? We wait with bated breath.