Yemen
U.S. Embassy Re-OpensThe U.S. re-opened its embassy in Yemen on Jan. 5, after being closed for two days over threats of terrorist attacks in Yemen’s capital, Sana'a. The re-opening comes after “successful counterterrorism operations” by Yemen security forces north of the countries capital on Jan. 4, according to a press release from the U.S. Embassy in Yemen. Following the closure of the U.S. Embassy the U.K., France, and Japan closed their embassies’ in Yemen. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Monday that the situation in Yemen is a “top concern and a threat to regional and even global instability,” because of increased al-Qaeda activities in the region.
Bulgaria
Crime Journalist KilledProminent Bulgarian crime journalist, Bobbie Tsankov, was shot dead in central Sofia, Bugaria’s capital, on Jan. 5. His death is suspected to be linked to the mafia, according to Bulgarian media. In a recent television appearance, Tsankov claimed that he had inside information on Bulgaria’s underworld. Two of Tsankov’s bodyguards, who were with him on the crowed street when he was shot, were also shot and critically wounded. In 2003 a bomb exploded next to Tsankov’s apartment in Sofia. Bulgarian media reports that in November 2009, alleged drug boss Stefan Bonev, was arrested for threatening Tsankov.
Romania
Tax on Junk FoodThe Romanian government has decided to relieve financial distress in health care while at the same time fighting obesity by levying a special tax on junk food. “We want to levy tax on fast food, soft drinks, and candies to support the national health programs,” Attila Cseke, the Romanian minister of health, was reported as saying in an ANP report. Currently, Taiwan is considering the introduction of a similar policy. However, research at the University of Buffalo, suggests that obese individuals are less sensitive to changes in food prices than average weight individuals.
