Doctor of Business Administration Degree Rapidly Becoming the MBA of the 21st Century Predicts Northcentral University
Global leader in 100% online higher education now offers Doctor of Business Administration degrees in 18 areas of study.
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Asserting that the Doctor of Business Administration Degree (DBA) is beginning to displace the Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) degree of the 21st Century, Northcentral University (www.ncu.edu), a global leader in 100% online higher education, today announced that its School of Business and Technology Management has expanded the number of DBA degrees offered to 18 areas of study, according to Dr. Clinton Gardner, President of Northcentral University.
“In many areas of specialization, the traditional Master’s of Business Administration degree is no longer the final stage of study,” Dr. Gardner said today. “The amount of information to learn in specific subject areas has become so great that a Doctoral degree is required for mastery of the field. Northcentral University’s School of Business and Technology Management committed itself several years ago to meeting the needs of these 21st Century Doctoral Learners. As a result, I am pleased to announce that the school now offers DBA in 18 areas of study. This broad range of degree programs reinforces our commitment to provide Learners with the largest selection of specialized degree programs.”
According to Dr. Gardner, Northcentral University now offers Doctor of Business Administration degree programs in Advanced Accounting, Applied Computer Science, Computers & Information Security, Criminal Justice, Electronic Commerce, Financial Management, Healthcare Administration, Homeland Security Leadership & Policy, Human Resources Management, Industrial Organizational Psychology, International Business, Management, Management of Engineering and Technology, Marketing, Organizational Leadership, Project Management, and Public Administration.
The number of Learners enrolled in DBA degree programs at Northcentral University has grown steadily larger over the last five years, Dr. Gardner explained. In fact, it is now the fastest growing area of study within the University, a trend that is expected to only increase in the years ahead. “Today we have more than 750 Learners enrolled in DBA degree programs and our two most popular areas of specialization are Organizational Leadership and Management, with approximately 100 Learners enrolled in each of these two programs.”
The Northcentral University Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is designed for current and potential business leaders and senior managers, in the private and public sectors to enhance their knowledge and competencies appropriate to a leadership role in business and administration. The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is a research-based degree, but unlike the Ph.D., the DBA is focused on a business management issue or problems. The outcome of the research is designed to provide valuable insights to an organization, in addition to contributing to the knowledge of the field of business management. The DBA is increasingly recognized by international business and management schools as the most appropriate post-MBA (or equivalent master’s degree) route to combining academic research to management and business.
About Northcentral University: Since its founding in 1996 Northcentral University (www.ncu.edu) has pioneered a distinct approach to online Undergraduate, Graduate, and Post Graduate education that is dedicated to teaching individuals rather than classes. Combining the power of the Internet with an unparalleled faculty mentored approach, Northcentral offers students the flexibility to cost-effectively study on their own schedule using their own individual style while receiving personalized attention from course instructors whenever it is needed. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the for profit, 100% online university currently serves nearly 10,000 students worldwide, offering Bachelor, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in the Schools of Business and Technology Management, Education, and Behavioral and Health Sciences.
WATCH OUT FOR THESE CREDIT SCAMS
6 new credit scams to watch out for
by Mark Riddix, Investopedia.com
Monday, July 26, 2010 provided byforbes
In today's high tech digital age, you have to very careful about protecting your financial information. Criminals will go as far as taking legitimate financial services and turning them into corrupt money making scams. One of the best ways to protect your finances is by being aware of the latest financial schemes being perpetrated by con artists. Here are six new credit scams to be on the lookout for.
1. Skimming Scams
Swiping your debit card may be more convenient than using cash but it also carries a whole lot more risk. Identity thieves have become technologically advanced and are now planting skimming devices at gas stations, restaurants, retail stores and ATM machines. These skimming machines will inform thieves of your name and card number.
More from Investopedia:
• 8 Signs Of A Doomed Stock
• Identity Theft: How To Avoid It
• 7 Tips To Bounce Back From A Credit Score Disaster
Criminals can then use Bluetooth devices to wirelessly transmit all of your information back to their location. They then can use this information to amass huge amounts of fraudulent charges in your name.
2. Mortgage Rescue Scams
Mortgage rescue companies often promise that they can stop the sale of your home no matter how far behind you are on the payments. This is not always the truth. The mortgage rescue scam has become increasingly popular since the housing crisis of the last few years. The scam normally involves paying a company hundreds of dollars a month to prevent a foreclosure only to discover that the only thing the company did was cash your checks.
Mortgage rescue scams often involves convincing the homeowner to sign the deed away to their house. The rescue company then transfers your title into a trust and either rents it out or sells it to someone else. The worst part of the whole situation is that you could still be legally liable for the mortgage payments.
3. Credit Repair Scams
While there are many credit repair agencies that offer legitimate services that actually help people, there are just as many running scams that prey upon the credit-challenged. These companies often charge up-front fees costing you hundreds of dollars and promise to clean your credit up overnight. They claim to have inside knowledge that will help get things removed off your credit report or get a creditor to forgive your debt. The truth is that many of these companies promise a whole lot more than they can deliver.
4. Phishing Email Scams
Have you ever received an email from your bank that you need to verify your account information? Crooks often use emails like this to obtain your name, address, social security number, account numbers and any other personal information. They will even go as far as to set up fake websites that resemble those of your financial institution. Never send sensitive information via email or text and remember that banks never request any personal information about your account via email.
5. Credit Card Scams
Secured credit cards can be a good financial product for individuals looking to rebuild their credit. There are some secured credit cards however that are total rip-offs. Some companies offer secured cards with so many fees that there is virtually no credit left on the card once you receive it. There are activation fees, setup fees, monthly service fees and annual fees. That doesn't even include the ridiculous interest rate and fees to make payments online. Scams like these are supposed to help you rebuild your credit but actually end up destroying your credit.
6. Letter of Credit Fraud
The letter of credit fraud is a relatively new scheme that is propagated on businesses and investors. A letter of credit is a legitimate financial contract that ensures payment to a seller. It is not an investment, however. Today, scammers are offering fake letters of credit to investors as investment opportunities with exorbitantly high interest rates of "100-300%". Duped investors find out that these so called guaranteed letters of credit are often not even worth the paper that they are written on.
The Bottom Line
As you can clearly see, con artists are getting more creative with techniques to cheat you out of your money. They are trying everything from using new technology to falsifying documents. If you are not on the lookout for these new tricks than you just may find yourself falling prey to one.
by Mark Riddix, Investopedia.com
Monday, July 26, 2010 provided byforbes
In today's high tech digital age, you have to very careful about protecting your financial information. Criminals will go as far as taking legitimate financial services and turning them into corrupt money making scams. One of the best ways to protect your finances is by being aware of the latest financial schemes being perpetrated by con artists. Here are six new credit scams to be on the lookout for.
1. Skimming Scams
Swiping your debit card may be more convenient than using cash but it also carries a whole lot more risk. Identity thieves have become technologically advanced and are now planting skimming devices at gas stations, restaurants, retail stores and ATM machines. These skimming machines will inform thieves of your name and card number.
More from Investopedia:
• 8 Signs Of A Doomed Stock
• Identity Theft: How To Avoid It
• 7 Tips To Bounce Back From A Credit Score Disaster
Criminals can then use Bluetooth devices to wirelessly transmit all of your information back to their location. They then can use this information to amass huge amounts of fraudulent charges in your name.
2. Mortgage Rescue Scams
Mortgage rescue companies often promise that they can stop the sale of your home no matter how far behind you are on the payments. This is not always the truth. The mortgage rescue scam has become increasingly popular since the housing crisis of the last few years. The scam normally involves paying a company hundreds of dollars a month to prevent a foreclosure only to discover that the only thing the company did was cash your checks.
Mortgage rescue scams often involves convincing the homeowner to sign the deed away to their house. The rescue company then transfers your title into a trust and either rents it out or sells it to someone else. The worst part of the whole situation is that you could still be legally liable for the mortgage payments.
3. Credit Repair Scams
While there are many credit repair agencies that offer legitimate services that actually help people, there are just as many running scams that prey upon the credit-challenged. These companies often charge up-front fees costing you hundreds of dollars and promise to clean your credit up overnight. They claim to have inside knowledge that will help get things removed off your credit report or get a creditor to forgive your debt. The truth is that many of these companies promise a whole lot more than they can deliver.
4. Phishing Email Scams
Have you ever received an email from your bank that you need to verify your account information? Crooks often use emails like this to obtain your name, address, social security number, account numbers and any other personal information. They will even go as far as to set up fake websites that resemble those of your financial institution. Never send sensitive information via email or text and remember that banks never request any personal information about your account via email.
5. Credit Card Scams
Secured credit cards can be a good financial product for individuals looking to rebuild their credit. There are some secured credit cards however that are total rip-offs. Some companies offer secured cards with so many fees that there is virtually no credit left on the card once you receive it. There are activation fees, setup fees, monthly service fees and annual fees. That doesn't even include the ridiculous interest rate and fees to make payments online. Scams like these are supposed to help you rebuild your credit but actually end up destroying your credit.
6. Letter of Credit Fraud
The letter of credit fraud is a relatively new scheme that is propagated on businesses and investors. A letter of credit is a legitimate financial contract that ensures payment to a seller. It is not an investment, however. Today, scammers are offering fake letters of credit to investors as investment opportunities with exorbitantly high interest rates of "100-300%". Duped investors find out that these so called guaranteed letters of credit are often not even worth the paper that they are written on.
The Bottom Line
As you can clearly see, con artists are getting more creative with techniques to cheat you out of your money. They are trying everything from using new technology to falsifying documents. If you are not on the lookout for these new tricks than you just may find yourself falling prey to one.
Latinos Are Underrepresented on Capitol Hill by Pablo Manriquez Pablo Manriquez
In February 2010, a report issued by the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association (CHSA) discovered that among Congressional staff on Capitol Hill, "Latinos are almost completely left out of key staff positions and are drastically underrepresented at all staff levels." Further, the CHSA report concludes that Latinos "are not only being denied a seat at the table, Latinos are not even in the same room where important policy decisions are made."
According to the report, "There is a lack of comprehensive data to assess diversity on the Hill. While Congress requires this data from federal agencies and government contractors, Congressional offices are not required to collect such data." Thus the CHSA constructed a more-piecemeal approach to examining the "Diversity Crisis" on Capitol Hill, relying in part on a review of The Roll Call Fabulous 50 -- a list compiled, in essence, of the most-skilled and most-influential congressional staffers on Capitol Hill -- as well as on a demographic analysis conducted by the National Journal of Congress between 2003 and 2007.
The Roll Call list "was released on January 25, 2010, and had not one Latino. One has to go back to 2008 before finding a Latino listed." The National Journal research showed that, by 2007, among:
...key aides of Members, committees, caucuses, leadership, and other coalitions... there were only three Latinos listed, and one of those was the executive director of the [CHSA] -- a position one would reasonably expect a Latino to hold. Further, there was absolutely no gain in the representation by Latinos over the four-year period, rather Latinos actually lost ground.
Losing ground has defined the Latino American experience in 2010. And so at this point, the easiest argument to make involves invoking the ugly white face of ethnic discrimination, perhaps by highlighting a proud redneck Republican or reminding the reader of a Democrat's remark about "negro" accents. Then we Latino Americans may fancy ourselves victims of majoritarian injustice, prejudice, bigotry in hiring.
From this premise we can construct an apocalypse of conclusions, about the infuriating delay of a comprehensive immigration reform bill and the patently unconstitutional mangling of our inalienable American rights by a renegade Sun Devil governor with bleached blonde hair and cold Caucasian blue eyes. Bigotry is delicious in the American political circus, especially in a midterm election season increasingly defined by dangerously uncomplicated partisan noise.
However, evidence suggests that the fault may be elsewhere. Several top-level Hill staffers with whom I've discussed the CHSA report have indicated that the Latino hiring deficit stems from a lack of qualified Latinos in the applicant pool. That said, research published by the Pew Hispanic Center may lend credence to their assertion.
Since 2009, the organization has found rates of Latino education attainment in the United States are abysmal. Perhaps the most telling statistic is that "41% of Hispanic adults age 20 and older in the United States do not have a regular high school diploma." The same organization published a report last October noting that while 89% of Latinos surveyed between the ages of 16 and 25 say that "education is important to success in life," only 48% say that they themselves plan to get a college degree. Combine these data with the estimated 65,000 bright, young American DREAMers who get stiff-armed every year in the college admissions process and a diluted applicant pool for qualified congressional staffers becomes increasingly plausible. After all, a bachelor's degree is required of a qualified applicant for even the most entry-level staffer job on the Hill. Top-level staffer jobs tend to require advanced degrees or certifications, often in concentrated fields of study, and for good reason. Our nation's highest lawmaking body is an extraordinarily complex procedural labyrinth. Its successful navigation often hinges on the cohesive administration of a team of specialized political professionals. With trillions of taxpayer dollars on the table every year, affirmative action in Hill staffer jobs would seem irresponsible. Indeed, the potential consequences of a lawmaker's hiring decisions are such that it seems reasonable to expect professional qualifications to supersede all other considerations.
That said, the causes of the Latino hiring deficit in congressional offices on Capitol Hill remain as illusive as its consequences. But make no mistake, Latinos are not at the table where important policy decisions are being made on Capitol Hill; and important policy decisions are finally beginning to be made on Capitol Hill regarding a comprehensive immigration reform bill that will be disproportionately consequential to Latino futures in the United States. Latinos are not the first American minority group to be outsiders in the legislative construction of their own American fate. Decades ago, a Capital culture of white men drafted and passed a Civil Rights Act in a highly contentious political climate. As always, context is key; but it should be obvious to even the most-casual observer of American politics that the immigration reform debate is heating up. Thus as our comprehensive immigration reform bill takes shape, it seems prudent that Latinos, operating as outsiders, borrow from the autobiographical wisdom of Malcolm X, who recalls learning very young that in America, "if you want something, you had better make some noise."
According to the report, "There is a lack of comprehensive data to assess diversity on the Hill. While Congress requires this data from federal agencies and government contractors, Congressional offices are not required to collect such data." Thus the CHSA constructed a more-piecemeal approach to examining the "Diversity Crisis" on Capitol Hill, relying in part on a review of The Roll Call Fabulous 50 -- a list compiled, in essence, of the most-skilled and most-influential congressional staffers on Capitol Hill -- as well as on a demographic analysis conducted by the National Journal of Congress between 2003 and 2007.
The Roll Call list "was released on January 25, 2010, and had not one Latino. One has to go back to 2008 before finding a Latino listed." The National Journal research showed that, by 2007, among:
...key aides of Members, committees, caucuses, leadership, and other coalitions... there were only three Latinos listed, and one of those was the executive director of the [CHSA] -- a position one would reasonably expect a Latino to hold. Further, there was absolutely no gain in the representation by Latinos over the four-year period, rather Latinos actually lost ground.
Losing ground has defined the Latino American experience in 2010. And so at this point, the easiest argument to make involves invoking the ugly white face of ethnic discrimination, perhaps by highlighting a proud redneck Republican or reminding the reader of a Democrat's remark about "negro" accents. Then we Latino Americans may fancy ourselves victims of majoritarian injustice, prejudice, bigotry in hiring.
From this premise we can construct an apocalypse of conclusions, about the infuriating delay of a comprehensive immigration reform bill and the patently unconstitutional mangling of our inalienable American rights by a renegade Sun Devil governor with bleached blonde hair and cold Caucasian blue eyes. Bigotry is delicious in the American political circus, especially in a midterm election season increasingly defined by dangerously uncomplicated partisan noise.
However, evidence suggests that the fault may be elsewhere. Several top-level Hill staffers with whom I've discussed the CHSA report have indicated that the Latino hiring deficit stems from a lack of qualified Latinos in the applicant pool. That said, research published by the Pew Hispanic Center may lend credence to their assertion.
Since 2009, the organization has found rates of Latino education attainment in the United States are abysmal. Perhaps the most telling statistic is that "41% of Hispanic adults age 20 and older in the United States do not have a regular high school diploma." The same organization published a report last October noting that while 89% of Latinos surveyed between the ages of 16 and 25 say that "education is important to success in life," only 48% say that they themselves plan to get a college degree. Combine these data with the estimated 65,000 bright, young American DREAMers who get stiff-armed every year in the college admissions process and a diluted applicant pool for qualified congressional staffers becomes increasingly plausible. After all, a bachelor's degree is required of a qualified applicant for even the most entry-level staffer job on the Hill. Top-level staffer jobs tend to require advanced degrees or certifications, often in concentrated fields of study, and for good reason. Our nation's highest lawmaking body is an extraordinarily complex procedural labyrinth. Its successful navigation often hinges on the cohesive administration of a team of specialized political professionals. With trillions of taxpayer dollars on the table every year, affirmative action in Hill staffer jobs would seem irresponsible. Indeed, the potential consequences of a lawmaker's hiring decisions are such that it seems reasonable to expect professional qualifications to supersede all other considerations.
That said, the causes of the Latino hiring deficit in congressional offices on Capitol Hill remain as illusive as its consequences. But make no mistake, Latinos are not at the table where important policy decisions are being made on Capitol Hill; and important policy decisions are finally beginning to be made on Capitol Hill regarding a comprehensive immigration reform bill that will be disproportionately consequential to Latino futures in the United States. Latinos are not the first American minority group to be outsiders in the legislative construction of their own American fate. Decades ago, a Capital culture of white men drafted and passed a Civil Rights Act in a highly contentious political climate. As always, context is key; but it should be obvious to even the most-casual observer of American politics that the immigration reform debate is heating up. Thus as our comprehensive immigration reform bill takes shape, it seems prudent that Latinos, operating as outsiders, borrow from the autobiographical wisdom of Malcolm X, who recalls learning very young that in America, "if you want something, you had better make some noise."
5 Sectors With Recession-Proof Pay
The recession has hit most working Americans in the pocketbook, but some industries have been hit much harder than others. Construction, sales, real estate and finance were hit hard by the real estate bust, for those lucky enough to hold on to their jobs at all, commissions have dwindled and hourly pay and workload have diminished. But there are some lucky sectors where the pay virtually never dips. Read on to find out which workers have the most recession-proof salaries.
1. Healthcare
Average Hourly Earnings: $23.02
We all need to see a doctor from time to time, which is why the healthcare industry has recession-proof salaries. As the baby boomer generation ages, healthcare needs are expected to rise greatly - good news for jobs in this industry. Union employees in healthcare may even see a slight rise in salary in tough times, which may be particularly important to nurses and entry-level employees who don't earn the highest salaries. If you're considering joining the healthcare labor force, look beyond jobs such as a doctor or nurse; many duties now fulfilled by doctors and nurses are expected to shift to healthcare aides. To fulfill the needs of the growing elderly population, home care aides and physical therapists will also be a hot commodity. The Department of Labor expects a whopping 24% growth by 2018 for the healthcare industry - a sure sign of both job and salary security. (To learn more about organized labor, see Unions: Do They Help Or Hurt Workers?)
2. Government
Average Hourly Earnings: $26.25
Few people grow up dreaming of a career in government (unless it's as the president), but government jobs offer the most stable of salaries. The benefits are great too: when you add retirement, healthcare and educational benefits, the average hourly compensation for a government employee jumps to $39.81. Look for growth in social assistance branches of government, like elder care for the aging boomer generation, and state government jobs as responsibilities shift from the federal government. Government jobs are expected to grow at a rate of 7-8% by 2018. (During tough economic times, you may be able to improve your financial situation without asking for a raise. For more insight, read Can't Get A Raise? Negotiate Your Benefits.)
3. Military
Average Hourly Earnings: $21.63
Sure, combat boots aren't everyone's idea of fun, but they provide sure footing when it comes to pay. Aside from promotions, allowance, and tax benefits, the military never cuts wages, and usually keeps pace with inflation. For added financial benefits, look at this scenario: an enlistee at age 18 can retire at age 48, drawing more than $1 million in inflation-adjusted retirement pay over the rest of his or her life. Add to this education and healthcare benefits, and camouflage starts to look pretty good. (For more on military pay and benefits, read How Much Does It Pay To Be A Hero?)
4. Accounting
Average Hourly Earnings: $32.42
Accounting may not be your idea of an exciting job, but this industry is one of the most stable in terms of jobs and salary. Top-earning accountants can rake in six-figure salaries, and this industry's pay is expected to hold strong. For even more job and salary security, look no further than a career in forensic accounting - with new finance and auditing regulation in the works, this branch of bean counting is expected to see larger-than-average job growth. (To learn more about this career, check out Accounting Not Just For Nerds Anymore.)
5. Information Technology
Average Hourly Earnings: $43.35
It pays to be a computer geek: the IT industry sees salaries well above the national average, with top-earners bringing home paychecks well into the six figures. Outsourcing has been a problem for this industry, and software engineers have taken the biggest impact. Look for job and salary security in network administration and security; with exponential development in internet technology and services, job growth of 45% is expected by 2018 for those designing and securing computer networks.
The Bottom Line
Many of these careers offer entry-level jobs without a college education, making them a good option for those starting out or looking to make a career change. If a recession-proof salary is what you're after, consider these industries for your new career path. (For more jobs, see 5 Sectors Hiring Now.)
Original story - 5 Sectors With Recession-Proof Pay
1. Healthcare
Average Hourly Earnings: $23.02
We all need to see a doctor from time to time, which is why the healthcare industry has recession-proof salaries. As the baby boomer generation ages, healthcare needs are expected to rise greatly - good news for jobs in this industry. Union employees in healthcare may even see a slight rise in salary in tough times, which may be particularly important to nurses and entry-level employees who don't earn the highest salaries. If you're considering joining the healthcare labor force, look beyond jobs such as a doctor or nurse; many duties now fulfilled by doctors and nurses are expected to shift to healthcare aides. To fulfill the needs of the growing elderly population, home care aides and physical therapists will also be a hot commodity. The Department of Labor expects a whopping 24% growth by 2018 for the healthcare industry - a sure sign of both job and salary security. (To learn more about organized labor, see Unions: Do They Help Or Hurt Workers?)
2. Government
Average Hourly Earnings: $26.25
Few people grow up dreaming of a career in government (unless it's as the president), but government jobs offer the most stable of salaries. The benefits are great too: when you add retirement, healthcare and educational benefits, the average hourly compensation for a government employee jumps to $39.81. Look for growth in social assistance branches of government, like elder care for the aging boomer generation, and state government jobs as responsibilities shift from the federal government. Government jobs are expected to grow at a rate of 7-8% by 2018. (During tough economic times, you may be able to improve your financial situation without asking for a raise. For more insight, read Can't Get A Raise? Negotiate Your Benefits.)
3. Military
Average Hourly Earnings: $21.63
Sure, combat boots aren't everyone's idea of fun, but they provide sure footing when it comes to pay. Aside from promotions, allowance, and tax benefits, the military never cuts wages, and usually keeps pace with inflation. For added financial benefits, look at this scenario: an enlistee at age 18 can retire at age 48, drawing more than $1 million in inflation-adjusted retirement pay over the rest of his or her life. Add to this education and healthcare benefits, and camouflage starts to look pretty good. (For more on military pay and benefits, read How Much Does It Pay To Be A Hero?)
4. Accounting
Average Hourly Earnings: $32.42
Accounting may not be your idea of an exciting job, but this industry is one of the most stable in terms of jobs and salary. Top-earning accountants can rake in six-figure salaries, and this industry's pay is expected to hold strong. For even more job and salary security, look no further than a career in forensic accounting - with new finance and auditing regulation in the works, this branch of bean counting is expected to see larger-than-average job growth. (To learn more about this career, check out Accounting Not Just For Nerds Anymore.)
5. Information Technology
Average Hourly Earnings: $43.35
It pays to be a computer geek: the IT industry sees salaries well above the national average, with top-earners bringing home paychecks well into the six figures. Outsourcing has been a problem for this industry, and software engineers have taken the biggest impact. Look for job and salary security in network administration and security; with exponential development in internet technology and services, job growth of 45% is expected by 2018 for those designing and securing computer networks.
The Bottom Line
Many of these careers offer entry-level jobs without a college education, making them a good option for those starting out or looking to make a career change. If a recession-proof salary is what you're after, consider these industries for your new career path. (For more jobs, see 5 Sectors Hiring Now.)
Original story - 5 Sectors With Recession-Proof Pay
France's declaration of war against Al-Qaida
By ELAINE GANLEY, Associated Press Writer Elaine Ganley, Associated Press Writer
July 27, 2010
PARIS – France has declared war on al-Qaida, and matched its fighting words with a first attack on a base camp of the terror network's North African branch, after the terror network killed a French aid worker it took hostage in April.
The declaration and attack marked a shift in strategy for France, usually discrete about its behind-the-scenes battle against terrorism.
"We are at war with al-Qaida," Prime Minister Francois Fillon said Tuesday, a day after President Nicolas Sarkozy announced the death of 78-year-old hostage Michel Germaneau.
The humanitarian worker had been abducted April 20 or 22 in Niger by al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, and was later taken to Mali, officials said.
The killers will "not go unpunished," Sarkozy said in unusually strong language, given France's habit of employing quiet cooperation with its regional allies — Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Algeria — in which the al-Qaida franchise was spawned amid an Islamist insurgency.
The Salafist Group for Call and Combat formally merged with al-Qaida in 2006 and spread through the Sahel region — parts of Mauritania, Mali and Niger.
Officials suggest France will activate accords with these countries to stop the terrorists in their tracks.
"It's a universal threat that concerns the entire world ... not just France or the West," Defense Minister Herve Morin said Tuesday on France-2 television. "We will support local authorities so these assassins and (their) commanders are tracked, judged and taken before justice and punished. And, yes, we will help them."
Algeria, Mauritania, Mali and Niger in April opened a joint military headquarters deep in the desert to respond to threats from traffickers and the al-Qaida offshoot. U.S. Special Forces have helped the four nations train troops in recent years.
The United States said it would help the French "in any way that we can" to bring those who killed Germaneau to justice, according to U.S. State Dept. spokesman P.J. Crowley.
"There is no religion that sanctions what can only be described as cold-blooded murder," Crowley said Tuesday.
Fillon refused to say how France would act. "But we will," he said in an interview with Europe 1 radio.
And perhaps it already has. On Thursday, the French backed Mauritanian forces in attacking an al-Qaida camp on the border with Mali, killing at least six suspected terrorists. It is the first time France is known to have attacked an al-Qaida base.
France said it was a last-ditch effort to save its citizen, while Mauritania said it was trying to stop an imminent attack by fighters gathering at the base.
For the French, the move may have backfired. The al-Qaida group said in an audio message broadcast Sunday that it had killed Germaneau in retaliation for the raid. However, French officials suggested, however, that the hostage, who had a heart problem, may already have been dead. Even now, "We have no proof of life or death," Morin said.
"We can expect an increase in the French riposte," said Antoine Sfeir, an expert on Islamist terrorists who has traveled in the region.
An estimated 400-500 such fighters are thought to roam the Sahel region, a desert expanse as large as the European Union.
Despite meager numbers, the region's al-Qaida fighters pose a clear threat. Among the more recent victims, a British captive was beheaded last year and two Spanish aid workers were taken hostage in Mauritania in November. Spain is working to free them. Mauritanian soldiers also have fallen in numerous attacks.
The head of the French Institute of Strategic Analysis suggested the French government's rhetoric was normal.
"It's important to make that kind of announcement," Francois Gere said. "I think it's made of the same stuff" as former U.S. President George W. Bush's tough line on al-Qaida.
But "a government has to make clear it must respond strongly" while maintaining the discretion needed to ensure cooperation, Gere said. In the past France has been cautious because those governments don't want the appearance of interference from the West, he said.
Spain has maintained a low profile as videos by the al-Qaida franchise regularly call for the conquest of "al-Andalus" — a reference to the period of Muslim rule of much of Spain in medieval times.
July 27, 2010
PARIS – France has declared war on al-Qaida, and matched its fighting words with a first attack on a base camp of the terror network's North African branch, after the terror network killed a French aid worker it took hostage in April.
The declaration and attack marked a shift in strategy for France, usually discrete about its behind-the-scenes battle against terrorism.
"We are at war with al-Qaida," Prime Minister Francois Fillon said Tuesday, a day after President Nicolas Sarkozy announced the death of 78-year-old hostage Michel Germaneau.
The humanitarian worker had been abducted April 20 or 22 in Niger by al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, and was later taken to Mali, officials said.
The killers will "not go unpunished," Sarkozy said in unusually strong language, given France's habit of employing quiet cooperation with its regional allies — Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Algeria — in which the al-Qaida franchise was spawned amid an Islamist insurgency.
The Salafist Group for Call and Combat formally merged with al-Qaida in 2006 and spread through the Sahel region — parts of Mauritania, Mali and Niger.
Officials suggest France will activate accords with these countries to stop the terrorists in their tracks.
"It's a universal threat that concerns the entire world ... not just France or the West," Defense Minister Herve Morin said Tuesday on France-2 television. "We will support local authorities so these assassins and (their) commanders are tracked, judged and taken before justice and punished. And, yes, we will help them."
Algeria, Mauritania, Mali and Niger in April opened a joint military headquarters deep in the desert to respond to threats from traffickers and the al-Qaida offshoot. U.S. Special Forces have helped the four nations train troops in recent years.
The United States said it would help the French "in any way that we can" to bring those who killed Germaneau to justice, according to U.S. State Dept. spokesman P.J. Crowley.
"There is no religion that sanctions what can only be described as cold-blooded murder," Crowley said Tuesday.
Fillon refused to say how France would act. "But we will," he said in an interview with Europe 1 radio.
And perhaps it already has. On Thursday, the French backed Mauritanian forces in attacking an al-Qaida camp on the border with Mali, killing at least six suspected terrorists. It is the first time France is known to have attacked an al-Qaida base.
France said it was a last-ditch effort to save its citizen, while Mauritania said it was trying to stop an imminent attack by fighters gathering at the base.
For the French, the move may have backfired. The al-Qaida group said in an audio message broadcast Sunday that it had killed Germaneau in retaliation for the raid. However, French officials suggested, however, that the hostage, who had a heart problem, may already have been dead. Even now, "We have no proof of life or death," Morin said.
"We can expect an increase in the French riposte," said Antoine Sfeir, an expert on Islamist terrorists who has traveled in the region.
An estimated 400-500 such fighters are thought to roam the Sahel region, a desert expanse as large as the European Union.
Despite meager numbers, the region's al-Qaida fighters pose a clear threat. Among the more recent victims, a British captive was beheaded last year and two Spanish aid workers were taken hostage in Mauritania in November. Spain is working to free them. Mauritanian soldiers also have fallen in numerous attacks.
The head of the French Institute of Strategic Analysis suggested the French government's rhetoric was normal.
"It's important to make that kind of announcement," Francois Gere said. "I think it's made of the same stuff" as former U.S. President George W. Bush's tough line on al-Qaida.
But "a government has to make clear it must respond strongly" while maintaining the discretion needed to ensure cooperation, Gere said. In the past France has been cautious because those governments don't want the appearance of interference from the West, he said.
Spain has maintained a low profile as videos by the al-Qaida franchise regularly call for the conquest of "al-Andalus" — a reference to the period of Muslim rule of much of Spain in medieval times.
The impact of Politics on Your Personal Finance
By Money Ning
No matter your own political leanings, the way you vote can have clear consequences for your personal finances. It may seem like politics only broadly touch our personal bank accounts, with promises of a chicken in every pot or plans to grow the number of jobs in a particular location. But there can be some far more direct connections between your finances and the way your representatives vote.
Local Government
Statistically, municipal and county elections have far lower voter turn outs than other elections. Ideally, those low numbers shouldn’t include anyone aware of their own personal finances due to the fact that local government has a high impact on how your money is spent. Between state, county and municipal governments, your pockets can wind up a good deal lighter. Your local governments determine your property taxes, set sales tax rates and even decides on the cost of certain services. It may seem like one vote can do little to change each of those payments you may be making, but at the local level, you can do a lot.
If you’re willing to invest time beyond simply voting, local campaigns always need volunteers and help. Due to campaign laws, a donation is not tax deductible, making volunteering a better bet for your personal finances. If you haven’t been involved in local politics very long, it may be difficult to help set policies, but it’s very easy to support candidates who agree with your beliefs.
Simply supporting a candidate who is for lowering taxes may not be the most practical approach, though. While no one wants to pay more, it’s important to see the whole picture of what you’re getting for each dollar: if you’re paying a little more in property taxes, are you getting a better education for your children at the local public school? After all, switching to a private school will be a lot more expensive.
Federal Government
As a general rule, the federal government has even more control over your personal finances — think about the chunk that the IRS takes every year — but can be harder for one person to influence. But it isn’t as hard as you might think, especially if you’re already involved in local or state government. Everyone on the national level, from the President to congressional representatives, listen to activists and politicians on the municipal, county and state levels in setting their platforms. Even the campaign platforms in a presidential race are created in consultation with state party representatives.
Even if you aren’t in a position to support a candidate or a cause with time, donating money to a campaign can help make sure that the candidates with similar stances on issues make it into office. There have been several successful efforts to turn out the vote by people with an interest in seeing a particular candidate elected. For instance, the Freelancer’s Union has taken action to educate its members on which candidates directly support issues near and dear to their hearts, such as access to health insurance. The same organization has worked hard to get out to vote for the same candidates.
The most important point, though, is that you should investigate what your candidates support for yourself. Take a look at voting records and platforms before you choose to support a candidate. The more you know, the more you can be sure that you’re voting for someone who will take action on the issues that you see affecting your personal finances directly.
The More You Know About Politics
One of the limiting factors in whether someone is able to influence their own personal finances with a vote is knowledge about the issues at stake, as well as the candidates’ stances. It’s easy to say that there’s so much to know and no reason to try to figure it out. But the fact of the matter is that, unless you’re willing to invest some time learning about politics and how individual candidates can help you, you can’t make any changes
No matter your own political leanings, the way you vote can have clear consequences for your personal finances. It may seem like politics only broadly touch our personal bank accounts, with promises of a chicken in every pot or plans to grow the number of jobs in a particular location. But there can be some far more direct connections between your finances and the way your representatives vote.
Local Government
Statistically, municipal and county elections have far lower voter turn outs than other elections. Ideally, those low numbers shouldn’t include anyone aware of their own personal finances due to the fact that local government has a high impact on how your money is spent. Between state, county and municipal governments, your pockets can wind up a good deal lighter. Your local governments determine your property taxes, set sales tax rates and even decides on the cost of certain services. It may seem like one vote can do little to change each of those payments you may be making, but at the local level, you can do a lot.
If you’re willing to invest time beyond simply voting, local campaigns always need volunteers and help. Due to campaign laws, a donation is not tax deductible, making volunteering a better bet for your personal finances. If you haven’t been involved in local politics very long, it may be difficult to help set policies, but it’s very easy to support candidates who agree with your beliefs.
Simply supporting a candidate who is for lowering taxes may not be the most practical approach, though. While no one wants to pay more, it’s important to see the whole picture of what you’re getting for each dollar: if you’re paying a little more in property taxes, are you getting a better education for your children at the local public school? After all, switching to a private school will be a lot more expensive.
Federal Government
As a general rule, the federal government has even more control over your personal finances — think about the chunk that the IRS takes every year — but can be harder for one person to influence. But it isn’t as hard as you might think, especially if you’re already involved in local or state government. Everyone on the national level, from the President to congressional representatives, listen to activists and politicians on the municipal, county and state levels in setting their platforms. Even the campaign platforms in a presidential race are created in consultation with state party representatives.
Even if you aren’t in a position to support a candidate or a cause with time, donating money to a campaign can help make sure that the candidates with similar stances on issues make it into office. There have been several successful efforts to turn out the vote by people with an interest in seeing a particular candidate elected. For instance, the Freelancer’s Union has taken action to educate its members on which candidates directly support issues near and dear to their hearts, such as access to health insurance. The same organization has worked hard to get out to vote for the same candidates.
The most important point, though, is that you should investigate what your candidates support for yourself. Take a look at voting records and platforms before you choose to support a candidate. The more you know, the more you can be sure that you’re voting for someone who will take action on the issues that you see affecting your personal finances directly.
The More You Know About Politics
One of the limiting factors in whether someone is able to influence their own personal finances with a vote is knowledge about the issues at stake, as well as the candidates’ stances. It’s easy to say that there’s so much to know and no reason to try to figure it out. But the fact of the matter is that, unless you’re willing to invest some time learning about politics and how individual candidates can help you, you can’t make any changes
Toronto man was convicted of attempting to illegally export nuclear-related technology to Iran
Canadian guilty of breaking U.N. sanction on Iran
VANCOUVER (Reuters) - A Toronto man was convicted on Tuesday of attempting to illegally export nuclear-related technology to Iran, in the first Canadian criminal case resulting from UN sanctions against the Middle East nation.
An Ontario judge found Mahmoud Yadegari guilty of attempting to export pressure transducers, which can be used in the building of both nuclear plants and weapons, according to Canada's Public Prosecutors Service.
Yadegari, 36, was arrested last year on a variety of charges, including violating Canada's agreements banning exports of technology prohibited under United Nations sanctions aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program.
The trial never heard evidence of what the equipment was to be used for and the judge who convicted Yadegari said it was not a sophisticated operation, according to Toronto-area media.
Yadegari, a businessman who had immigrated to Canada from Iran, faces a prison term of up to 10 year years and fines of up to C$500,000 ($476,000). He will be sentenced on July 29.
VANCOUVER (Reuters) - A Toronto man was convicted on Tuesday of attempting to illegally export nuclear-related technology to Iran, in the first Canadian criminal case resulting from UN sanctions against the Middle East nation.
An Ontario judge found Mahmoud Yadegari guilty of attempting to export pressure transducers, which can be used in the building of both nuclear plants and weapons, according to Canada's Public Prosecutors Service.
Yadegari, 36, was arrested last year on a variety of charges, including violating Canada's agreements banning exports of technology prohibited under United Nations sanctions aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program.
The trial never heard evidence of what the equipment was to be used for and the judge who convicted Yadegari said it was not a sophisticated operation, according to Toronto-area media.
Yadegari, a businessman who had immigrated to Canada from Iran, faces a prison term of up to 10 year years and fines of up to C$500,000 ($476,000). He will be sentenced on July 29.
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