www.guardian.co.uk Tim Dowling Monday March 3, 2003 The Guardian

Plunging stock markets, perpetual terror warnings, imminent war. It's enough to get you down. But only if you think the glass is half empty! Cheer up with our daily look on the bright side...

Headteacher Joan Riley was so impressed by building work carried out on her school that she wrote a poem. Mrs Riley was delighted with every aspect of Bowey Construction's refurbishment work at Mowbray First School in Northumberland. "I felt the best way to show our appreciation was to write the poem," she said. Len Clark, Bowey's managing director, said: "When a client goes to the time and trouble to write a lengthy poem, we know we've done a good job." Let's hear from more people who are pleased with their builders! Poetry welcome!

A Somerset woman has had her stolen purse returned... after 10 years! The purse, snatched a decade ago in the car park of the pub owned by Maureen Baker, was returned to her by a cyclist who found it near a railway. The cash was missing, but the credit cards were intact. They're expired, of course, and the purse isn't in good shape, but Mrs Baker has been given a gift that money can't buy: a sense of closure. Nice gesture, cyclist!

There is one bright spot amid the gloom of Venezuela's political and economic crisis: due to a power shortage, Venezualan clocks are ticking too slowly. In fact the slowdown has put the clocks 14 hours and 36 minutes behind schedule, allowing Venezualans to savour life's precious moments just a bit longer. Let's hope they don't forget the lesson when the clocks speed up again.

Today's heart-warming animal story illustrates an innovative idea to help keep Frankfurt clean. City officials in the German financial capital have proposed putting number plates on dogs in order to crack down on owners who let their pets foul Frankfurt's pristine pavements. The system would rely on citizens informing on dog owners, who could face fines of €150. Well done, German busybodies!

www.time.com

The U.S. horse-trades; a grassroots war on French products By ROBIN BANERJI

THE ROAD TO WAR Horse Trading on Iraq When the Turkish parliament declined last week to let U.S. troops use Turkey's military bases in a war on Iraq, the decision came with a steep price. Turkey endangered billions of dollars in promised U.S. aid, a role in Iraq after the war — which angered the Iraqi opposition — and even a trade concession that would have had U.S. troops wearing Turkish textiles, breaking the Pentagon's long-standing "Buy American" policy. The U.S. still needs nine out of 15 votes to pass a new resolution in the U.N. Security Council, and member countries are lining up for perks:

Bulgaria One of the U.S.'s staunchest backers on Iraq has already received a nice thank-you. On a tour to tell Eastern Europe "how much we appreciate them" for their support, Commerce Secretary Donald Evans last week gave Bulgaria a special treat: the U.S. now officially considers the country a "market economy," opening a welcome mat to investors.

Guinea A crucial swing vote, the African nation and former French colony has received U.S. military training and support for the West African peacekeepers in charge of preventing rebel groups from crossing the borders. But that may not be enough to sway the country's ailing President, Lansana Conte.

Mexico President Vicente Fox wants Washington's help on a measure granting legal status to undocumented Mexicans working in the U.S. And the U.S. is a crucial trading partner, accounting for 80% of Mexico's exports. But antiwar sentiment in Mexico is high, which may weigh heavily.

Chile This council member has argued for giving more time to the U.N. inspectors. But it has a trade deal with Brie? Non, Merci! Are Americans really ready to give up their Dior gowns to protest French policy on Iraq? The answer mostly seems to be non. Women's Wear Daily reports no drop-off in sales of luxury French designers like Chanel at New York City department stores. The town of Paris, Texas, which proudly displays its French connection, left, says it hasn't seen any backlash. And IHOP says anti-French fervor has not hurt its new breakfast menu item, Stuffed French Toast. "French toast really has nothing to do with France," notes an IHOP spokesman. "This has been our most successful new product." But what about other French fare? — By Harriet Barovick Freedom Fries Cubbies, a restaurant in Beaufort, North Carolina, has dropped the French from its fries, and French salad dressing is now "liberty" dressing francestinks.com This week the website, whose raison d'être is to punish countries labeled part of the "Axis of Weasels," will launch a campaign urging Americans to dump their French wines and champagnes aux toilettes French Wine Pennsylvania, state representative Stephen Barrar suggested barring sales of French wines. But top New York City wine seller Sherry-Lehmann says French bottles are selling well French Cheese Some restaurants have put their Bries and Camemberts on the back of the shelf. High-end cheese seller Fromages.com reports a 15% decline in sales to the U.S. in recent weeks Washington that needs congressional approval.

Angola Recovering from a long civil war, it wants U.S. help in finding donors to rebuild. But two can play this game: France is promising a home in exile for Angola's President. — By Marguerite Michaels and Karen Tumulty

BRITAIN Kicking The Anthill British authorities filed charges of conspiracy to produce a chemical weapon against a group of Islamists arrested during the past four months, including Rabah Kadre, an Algerian apprehended in November amid media reports that he planned a cyanide attack on the London Underground — a plot denied by the British government. Continental police services suspect Kadre of having directed al-Qaeda's European networks. The case of Abu Hamza is trickier. The fiery imam, a naturalized British citizen and outspoken supporter of jihad against the West who formerly preached at London's Finsbury Park mosque, may risk losing his British passport under an impending law allowing revocation of citizenship where there is dual nationality for acts "seriously prejudicial to the vital interests of Britain." In Spain, 16 North Africans arrested in January on a tip from French officials may soon be released. The men were found in possession of false identity documents and chemical substances that might be intended for use in terror attacks. Those substances turned out to be cleaning solvents. The Spanish operation was still a valuable "kick to the anthill," says one French terror official, which provided "new information on how Barcelona has become the point of passage for jihadists moving between Europe and Chechnya." — By Bruce Crumley/Paris

THE NETHERLANDS Crime, Punishment The international war-crimes tribunal in the Hague sentenced former Bosnian Serb President Biljana Plavsic, 72, to 11 years in jail for aiding the persecution of Catholics and Muslims during the 1990s. Plavsic's age, contrition and cooperation with the court all helped to reduce her sentence. Meanwhile, ultranationalist Serb Vojislav Seselj handed himself in to the court but ridiculed its proceedings and refused to enter a plea. He is accused of inciting racial hatred and forming a militia that committed atrocities from 1991 to 1993.

AUSTRIA Facing the Past Austrian Jews had to pay for their own deportation to Nazi death camps, according to a report commissioned by the government. The 14,000-page document details how thousands of Austrians stole homes, businesses and personal items from their Jewish neighbors, who later died in concentration camps. Turkey Not Welcome Yet In a blow to U.S. war plans, Turkey's parliament rejected a bill that would have allowed 62,000 U.S. troops to deploy to Turkish bases. More M.P.s voted for the bill than against, but a number of abstentions meant that it fell short of a majority. The vote signaled rebellion in the ranks of the ruling pro- Islamic Justice and Development Party, despite pressure from its leaders to agree to U.S. deployment in exchange for $30 billion in loans and grants. More than 90% of Turks oppose war, fearing it will cripple the economy and cause chaos on Turkish borders.

ISRAEL Tough Decision Prime Minister Ariel Sharon announced his new coalition and cabinet, with rival Benjamin Netanyahu agreeing to a demotion from Foreign Minister to Finance Minister. Netanyahu's first task will be to cope with an economy still reeling from the effects of the intifadeh. But peace seems a distant prospect. Sharon's new coalition, which contains the ultra-right National Union Party, sees no reason to make land concessions to the Palestinians.

PAKISTAN Target: U.S. A gunman wounded a policeman guarding the U.S. consulate in Karachi, took his submachine gun and opened fire. Two policemen were killed, and six people, including one civilian, were wounded before the assailant was arrested.

NORTH KOREA Congratulations As South Korea marked the inauguration of President Roh Moo Hyun, its northern neighbor was not in a celebratory mood. First, it test-fired a long-range missile into the Sea of Japan. Then it restarted its nuclear reactor at Yongbyon. Some analysts read the moves as attempts to pressure the U.S. into direct talks. But there's also growing consensus that the nuclear program may be more than a bargaining chip — the regime seems to have decided that nukes will ensure survival.

VENEZUELA Explosive Charges Bombs damaged Spain's embassy and Colombia's consulate in Caracas, just 48 hours after President Hugo Chávez criticized the countries for meddling in Venezuelan affairs. Officials denied any connection with Chávez's remarks. Meanwhile, a judge cracked down on those who allegedly helped organize a general strike, ordering the arrests of seven ex-managers in the state-owned oil company.

FOR THE RECORD Cairo Some 100,000 Egyptians rallied against U.S. war plans. The rare, government-sanctioned protest was the biggest in the Arab world outside Iraq.

Xinjiang A powerful earthquake killed at least 268 people, injured more than 4,000 and reduced 10,000 homes to rubble in China's far west.

Lagos Commerce in Nigeria came to a standstill as severe fuel shortages crippled the oil-rich country. Officials blamed an oil workers' strike, soaring prices and panic buying.

Washington, D.C. The U.S. House of Representatives voted to ban human cloning, but the bill could stall in the Senate because it lacks exceptions for research.

Outer Space After 31 years the Pioneer 10 spacecraft, below, one of NASA's most successful missions, fell silent, an estimated 12.2 billion km from Earth.

MEANWHILE Stars in Our Eyes Scientists have finally managed to capture some of the stuff Hoagy Carmichael sang about and after which David Bowie named one of his most compelling personas. Stardust was scooped up by NASA aircraft flying at an altitude of 20 km and spotted with state-of-the-art microscopes. All matter in the universe can be traced to the elements forged in stars. Now scientists must reveal whether stardust actually twinkles.

news.ft.com Observer - US Published: March 2 2003 20:20 | Last Updated: March 2 2003 20:20

US and European links continue to fray. Observer hears the Transatlantic Business Dialogue, set up in 1995 to get businessmen and policymakers together to resolve bilateral trade conflicts, is fighting for its life.

In its day, the TABD attracted backing from some heavy hitters. The brainchild of Leon Brittan, then European Union trade commissioner, and the late Ron Brown, then US commerce secretary, its past chairmen include Jürgen Schrempp of DaimlerChrysler and Phil Condit of Boeing. But interest has since dwindled, particularly in the US.

One reason is the organisation's slow progress in removing transatlantic trade barriers. But Europeans say the real problem is lack of commitment in the White House, which has caused top American executives to lose interest. The TABD's Brussels office has been closed and staff are deserting its Washington operation.

Observer hears that Pascal Lamy, Brittan's successor, and enterprise commissioner Erkki Likkanen are keen to relaunch. But, says one onlooker: "It all looks like a desperate effort to revive the embers of a dying fire."

Still Gaulling

The Pentagon is not helping matters either. It just can't let France and Germany alone.

Donald Rumsfeld's infamous crack about "old Europe" started it. He followed it up with putting Germany in the same category as Libya and Cuba when it comes to helping with the Iraqi campaign. And now Paul Wolfowitz, his deputy at the Defence Department, has stepped in: discussing the costs of war, he predicts that the countries currently opposed to an invasion would join in once a war was won.

"We're talking about one of the most important countries in the Arab world," Wolfowitz says. "I would expect even countries like France will have a strong interest in assisting Iraq's reconstruction."

Not content with just France, he speculates that some countries may be putting economic interest ahead of security: "Germany is one of the largest exporters to Iraq in the world today. Maybe that has something to do with their current position."

Carpe diem

Of course, George W. Bush and Jacques Chirac have not set a good example: The way they've been forming cliques, some might say they've been acting like schoolchildren.

If so, how would America's best-known teacher straighten them out? "I'd spank them," Sam Pickering tells Observer.

As the private school teacher played by Robin Williams in the film Dead Poets Society, Pickering inspired his students to think for themselves and move beyond their petty rivalries. Could he do the same with those at the centre of the Iraq debate? "I'd have a dunce cap for Bush," he says. "I'd give As to the French and the Germans. Some of those who have been bought off, such as Turkey, I'd recommend they go straight to business school."

How does he feel about Bush's supporters, such as Tony Blair? "I can't think what I'd do with Tony Blair," Pickering says. "He'd be trying to win 'most popular in the class'."

Lest Pickering be seen as the woolly sort, he has little time for Iraq's leader: "I think Saddam would probably drop the class. I don't think he'd get along with anyone."

And what about Kim Jong-il, who has been grabbing attention on the periphery of the Iraq crisis, like the obnoxious kid? "He'd be at another school, where I wouldn't take a job."

Peaceniks

Luckily, the US and Europe can agree on one international issue: Transdnistrian peace.

In a statement, they say: "We express our continued concern over the Transdnistrian conflict in Moldova, which constitutes a serious risk for stability and security in this part of Europe."

The issue at hand is a separatist movement along the Ukrainian border that is threatening to break away from the tiny post-Soviet republic.

However, the unity of purpose does not end there. The US and the EU have agreed to slap a travel ban on the Transdnistrian leadership, who were "primarily responsible for the lack of co-operation into promoting a political settlement to the conflict." See, agreeing wasn't that hard.

Carnivalesque

Rio de Janeiro's growth has doubled. But at Carnival at the weekend, revellers saw it was confined to one sector: breasts. Plastic surgeons say the average size of silicon breast implants in Brazil has nearly doubled in two years, to as much as 300ml.

But bigger breasts have created a crisis apart from the country's economic woes: many of the larger implants have been sold out for weeks.

"Without a doubt Carnival heats up the market," says Isabel Coelho, manager with Connections, a firm that imports implants. "This year there's even been a shortage for certain implants that are particularly trendy: the bigger ones."

Brazilian men are also catching on to the trend - though they prefer to augment their buttocks and pectorals.

Naturally, in the era of anti- globalisation protests, a local company is pushing authentic Brazilian beauty: its shop has cornered the market in "boobs made in Brazil".

Time bend

As Rio's carnival rages into the wee hours, Caracas' days are growing longer. Literally.

Since protests began against President Hugo Chávez last year, a power shortage in Venezuela has caused clocks to tick more slowly - at the rate of 2? minutes a day.

"Everything that has to do with timekeeping has slowed down," the general manager of the national power grid reputedly said.

So far the slowdown has cost the country 14? hours over the past year. Too bad they couldn't export longer days to Brazil.

observer@ft.com

www.voanews.com Melanie Sully Vienna 28 Feb 2003, 16:29 UTC

OPEC headquarters, ViennaThe Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) says it has spare capacity of four million barrels of oil per day that could be released to make up a shortfall, in the event of a U.S.-led attack on Iraq. The comments come as oil prices surged to nearly $40 a barrel in New York.

OPEC has up to four million barrels per day spare capacity, if there is a need for extra crude oil. An official with the cartel said in Vienna that, beyond that, there would be limitations. But a petroleum expert in Vienna familiar with OPEC's operations says the reserve capacity would not compensate for a shortfall, if Iraqi sabotage troops were to torch oil fields in Kuwait or Saudi Arabia.

In addition, any extra long-haul crude would take weeks to get to the U.S. market.

The expert also doubts that the non-OPEC oil producing countries, such as Russia, Norway and Oman would be able to increase their oil production to meet any shortfall. But a spokesman for the Oman Embassy in Vienna said his country would not have a problem increasing supplies.

OPEC Secretary-General Alvaro Silva Calderon said in Vienna on Thursday that no guarantees could be given on oil prices. He said the current increase in prices has more to do with speculation on a possible war than with the market supply.

In January, an emergency meeting of OPEC ministers agreed to boost oil production by 6.5 percent to 24.5 million barrels per day, to meet the shortfall in oil exports from Venezuela, where domestic strife has hurt production.

The OPEC ministers will meet for a regular session in Vienna on March 11, which will be attended by non-OPEC oil producing countries, such as Russia and Oman.

Mr. Silva Calderon says the cartel does not intend to raise quotas for the second quarter of 2003, if there is no war.

www.alwayson-network.com

Colin Powell and the debate about a possible war with Iraq have taken on a legalistic tone which is rather astonishing in the context of history. In the past, wars were fought to secure trading concessions, convert the heathen, punish the infidel, conquer territory, avenge perceived slights, or satisfy the whims of the sovereign. According to Theodore Roosevelt’s biographer, Germany considered going to war against the United States so that it could occupy Venezuela and ensure debt repayment. Throughout most of history, nation-states have declared war and then sent in the troops.

After World War I, most wars were started simply by sending in the troops, with the declaration of war coming after the soldiers arrived (if such a declaration was made at all). When the Germans were invading Russia during the Second World War, they actually waited for Russian trains full of coal and other products to pass before crossing the border.

Although international lawyers and countries have attempted for centuries to place legal limits on behavior in war, the attempt to extend legal restraints to the actual declaration of war is relatively recent. The declaration of war is such a fundamental element of sovereignty for nation-states that few attempts have been made to limit it (Section 51 of the United Nations Charter being one of them).

Given this historical record of freedom of action, I have found it very strange to see the Secretary of State discussing issues of "proof" and "material violations." It has an undeniably legalistic ring to it, like some bizarre trial. What is proof? How much proof is enough? More significantly, who is the judge? The Security Council? Or perhaps only its veto-bearing members? Or even a select group of allies? And, most importantly, what is the legal remedy if Colin Powell does not "win" his case?

The problem with the United Nations Charter limitations is that the Security Council has a poor record of reacting effectively to the use of force by countries. The Security Council’s ineffectiveness in resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Yugoslav disputes has been very visible. The question, then, is what to do when the agency charged with solving these problems, the Security Council, has proved so ineffective: is self help appropriate (again that legal turn of phrase)? If so, what are the limits of such self help? Is "pre-emptive" war an appropriate expression of such "self help"? What are the limits of "self help"?

These questions are fundamental ones, but in the end more political than legal. While few would choose to return to the old days when nation-states had unconstrained freedom to declare war, we continue to search for the proper limits in a world where the United Nations has not proven equal to the task.