Beijing Coup? (5)

Rumors spread that there was a coup in Beijing with military on the streets. This is claimed to have been the People's Liberation Army due to one of their favorites in the CCP falling. Whether or not this actually happened it does indicate there is some discontent, and most likely some open unrest. The fact that this information got out shows the grip of Chinese censorship beginning to weaken. Not only that, but this could be a trigger for further unrest that may spread. No matter the oppression if unrest spreads across the country the government won't be able to stop it. http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/NC29Ad02.html

Self immolation in Tibet (4)

A Tibetan burned himself in protest of Hu Jintao's visit to Tibet. The Chinese government blamed the Dalai Lama for planning this self immolation. These extreme forms of protest are a result of the extreme oppression in Tibet. Unlike past occurrences this self immolation got on the internet. This shows how the Chinese government can't keep everything contained forever due to modern communication. http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/china-blames-dalai-lama-for-self-immolations-after-tibetan-sets-self-on-fire-in-india/2012/03/27/gIQAo6GgdS_story.html

US sanctions on Iran (3)

The US suspects six Iranian firms of dealing with weapons of mass destruction. For this the Treasury Department froze their assets in the US. In doing this tensions between Iran and the US are increased even further, and Iran's economy gets hurt even more. Losing foreign assets for Iran is a major deal, because it doesn't have many due to being an export based economy. http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/industries/us-slaps-new-sanctions-on-iranian-firms-shipping-executives/2012/03/28/gIQAOq5wgS_story.html

Iran banking cut (2)

Swift, the provider of international banking connections, removed Iran from its system. This was done in response to concerns about Iran's nuclear program. This makes it impossible to make monetary transactions with Iran, so even countries still willing to trade have to use some other form of currency, such as gold. Iran's economy is almost entirely dependent on oil exports so this, in all practical sense, trade embargo will cripple its economy. On the other hand the lack of oil for the rest of the world will raise their oil prices hurting the global economy. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17390456

China fuel prices (1)

Fuel prices have been raised in China. This was caused by tensions with Iran increasing the price of crude oil. After just ending inflation issues in China this may start up new problems. Raising prices may also cause unrest with it. Unrest is central locations seriously weaken the communist party which works on containing unrest to the isolated rural places. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17441176