Discussing the abuse of migrant workers’ human rights in the Middle East, particularly the Gulf, where millions are trapped in ‘modern-day slavery’ in construction or domestic work. While many are happy to address the abuse of Palestinians or other human rights issues in the Middle East, very few want to take on the exploitation of migrant workers, most of whom come from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Esra’a Al Shafei of MideastYouth.com discusses the issues with Sophia Furber, editor of Migrant-Rights.org, one of the few websites campaigning for the rights of migrant workers in the Middle East. Podcast: 7 April 2009 (This podcast has been edited to half its original length to fit under 10 minutes. The full interview can be found at MideastYouth.com) www.migrant-rights.org http www.mafiwasta.com _

The Malaysian state of Sabah on Borneo Island has long been known as a land of promise. Its proximity to Indonesia and the southern Philippines and its rich natural resources, have combined to make Sabah a magnet for migrants in the region. Today, some estimate that nearly half of Sabah’s population is made up of foreigners who are fleeing conflict or seeking employment

Here is the Info for today update.: FT lead story, folks are not buying US bonds!: www.ft.com Paul Volcker thinks full employment means a higher UNEMPLOYMENT!: www.bloomberg.com G. Celente’s Press release: Green Shoots or Greatest Depression? Kingston, NY, 7 May 2009 — The financial fields replete with sprouting “green shoots” should be viewed with suspicion, if not alarm, warns Gerald Celente, The Trends Research Institute Director. “They are not a mirage, but they are ephemeral.” Field Marshall Ben Bernanke and his Green Shoot Brigade have fertilized the economic landscape with trillions of sweat equity dollars extorted from today’s public and the public of generations to come. Regardless of how depleted the land, heavy doses of dollars spread so thickly over the financial and government territories, will force “green shoots” to grow. But the fundamentals of the economy remain unsound. They will not be corrected by forced fertilizing barren acreage. “‘Green shoots’ may sprout,” said Celente, “but they will not flower. The economy cannot be coerced back into growth with tons of money manure.” As the ancient parable puts it: “A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good …

The Malaysian state of Sabah on Borneo Island has long been known as a land of promise. Its proximity to Indonesia and the southern Philippines and its rich natural resources, have combined to make Sabah a magnet for migrants in the region. Today, some estimate that nearly half of Sabah’s population is made up of foreigners who are fleeing conflict or seeking employment

Listen in on Carrie Childs of South Florida Technology Alliance and Lindsay Group, Inc. based in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. SFTA is an organization, a forum, that brings to together technology professionals to learn and share best practices several times each month. The Lindsay Group, Inc. is a woman-owned business that provides national employment solutions specifically related to technology, accounting, finance, and marketing. They have 20 years experience. Their websites are www.southfloridatech.org and www.lindsaygroupinc.com.

Introduction

New regionalism is the point of consensus among development strategies of conflicting economic doctrines. In the dominant neo-liberal paradigm, regionalism is assumed as a crucial phase in the transformation of the international economic system to globalization. The alternative paradigm also considers regionalism as the a point of departure for developing countries to alleviate the hegemonic pressures of capitalism and increase their bargaining power and as an opportunity for the formation and evolution of an alternative economic system. In the meantime, the organization of Islamic conference (OIC) has also viewed the regionalism as a suitable strategy for economic development by proposing the formation of an Islamic common market.