Daily Political Wire

George Wenschhof

Obama Seeks To Avoid Israel Invasion of Gaza - while the President acknowledged Israel's right to defend themselves, he cautioned against Israel launching a major ground assault in Gaza, saying such an act would set the peace process between Israel and Palestine indefintely.  Obama is reaching out to Egypt and Turkey to help broker an end to the current escalation.  Politico.com has more here.

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Obama Calls For Continuation of Reforms in Myanmar - President Obama gave a televised speech at the University of Yangon.  From the speech:

"When I took office as President, I sent a message to those governments who ruled by fear. I said, in my inauguration address, “We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.” And over the last year and a half, a dramatic transition has begun, as a dictatorship of five decades has loosened its grip. Under President Thein Sein, the desire for change has been met by an agenda for reform. A civilian now leads the government, and a parliament is asserting itself. The once-outlawed National League for Democracy stood in an election, and Aung San Suu Kyi is a Member of Parliament. Hundreds of prisoners of conscience have been released, and forced labor has been banned. Preliminary cease-fires have been reached with ethnic armies, and new laws allow for a more open economy.

So today, I’ve come to keep my promise and extend the hand of friendship. America now has an Ambassador in Rangoon, sanctions have been eased, and we will help rebuild an economy that can offer opportunity for its people, and serve as an engine of growth for the world. But this remarkable journey has just begun, and has much further to go. Reforms launched from the top of society must meet the aspirations of citizens who form its foundation. The flickers of progress that we have seen must not be extinguished -- they must be strengthened; they must become a shining North Star for all this nation’s people."

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World Bank Reports Warns of Global Warming - the report predicts an increase of 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit by the year 2100.  The increase of temperature leading to floods, droughts and heatwaves which will impact severley underdeveloped countries.  TheHill.com has more here.

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Debt Ceiling Nears as Fiscal Cliff Negotiations Unfold - the nation's debt ceiling will be reached by the end of this year, with accounting procedures delaying a default until early next year.  Lawmakers are faced with not only reaching an agreement on the budget, but also will need to reach agreement on the amount to increase the debt limit.  CNN.com has more here.

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