Notations On Our World (Mid-Week Edition): On the State of the World

As we went to the press with this edition of Notations,  we found this interesting "snapshot" courtesy of the @Economist of London on the State of the World.     We found it very striking how Iran was on the more "stable" index as the United States score was lowered in the aftermath of the elections.   The latest revelations on Russia and the Comey Memo underscores it all.      The Comey Memo has been collaborated--initially reported by the New York Times--has been collaborated by a multitude of sources including the Washington Post and CBS News and CNN.    Our understanding is that the former Director created a paper trail to document his discussions with the White House as the Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Jason Chafetz, has asked for the documents.   The White House has denied this forcefully as we went to press.   

Beyond the shores of the United States, we're focused on Iran as it moves towards election day.    The lines are drawn between the incumbent, Hassan Rouhani and the conservative challenger, Ebrahim Raisi as the official campaign ends.    Social Media has been on fire on this.    There have been calls by Iranians Ex-Pats to boycott the elections.   It will be very interesting to see where things fall as we await the results of the elections.

The reporting from the Economist on the State of the World right now is hereby noted below as we continue to assess the aftermath of the latest revelations out of Washington and beyond:  

The state of the world: Signs of improvement A new index of global “fragility” delivers some predictable results. Finland is the world’s most stable country and South Sudan the least. But the Fragile States Index also challenges the popular wisdom that the world grew more turbulent in 2016: a majority of countries in fact became more stable last year. Exceptions abound, not least America, which had its score lowered after a polarising presidential election, writes our data team

Thought For the Week

 

Please Enjoy this "Thought 4 the Week" as a token of our appreciation as we wish all a great rest of the Week.  

Notations On Our World (Special Edition): On the latest re @realDonaldTrump

General McMaster at the White House Earlier This Evening

As we went to press, we were assessing reporting by the +Washington Post about President Trump having disclosed classified information to the Russian Foreign Minister at a meeting at the White House after the President Fired former Director Comey.   It must be noted that the President has the authority to declassify as he deems appropriate.   There have been denials by the Secretary of State and the National Security Advisor as reported by the Washington Examiner earlier tonight.    General McMaster appeared before reporters to deny the report as "reported".

Beyond this latest development, there is a more interesting development looming about a possible Senior Staff shakeup at the White House.    It will be an interesting few days as we continue to assess this and curate our Twitter Channel.