Many sat on their cash during the second half of last year as they watched the crisis in Europe unfold

Yes, European countries have to cut public spending in order to put their finances back in shape. But this should not compromise essential public services such as education, health care or tax collection, writes Klaus Heeger of the European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (CESI). More »

This morning, the chief executive of RBS Stephen Hester appeared on Radio 4's Today programme to discuss the recent furore over his bonus. Hester revealed he nearly resigned over the crisis and agreed that bankers have been making too much. Here's the full transcript for CoffeeHousers. James Naughtie: Banker without a bonus? You might say he’s a lonely figure in his business; he...

Perceptive article by Seumus Milne in Guardian today: EXTRACT The Syrian crisis operates at several levels. Part of it is a popular uprising against an authoritarian nationalist regime, which still retains significant public support. In the face of sustained repression that uprising has increasingly morphed into what the Arab League mission’s leaked report described as

This is how a pragmatist understands US foreign policy in conjunction with the Iranian nuclear weapons crisis! Yesterday morning I wrote a short commentary on the Obama administration's lack of understanding about Iran and that country's quest to obtain nuclear weapons. The writing was in response to reports of new sanctions being placed on Iran by Washington that were ostensibly designe...

Seminar: Lessons from Ireland for the economic crisis — why we need investment not austerity, there is a progressive alternative. Tue 28 Feb 7pm, Portcullis House, London Speakers Mary Lou McDonald TD, Vice President Sinn Fein; Pat Doherty MP. FURTHER DETAILS ON FB

Merkel tries to silence talk of Greece leaving the eurozone; Barroso: Eurobonds will not bring an immediate solution to the eurozone crisis

Eurozone finance ministers delay payment of next tranche of Greek bailout funds; Bundesbank President: ECB has taken on ???considerable risks??? during the crisis

IMF: Eurozone crisis could cost European banks between ???200bn - ???300bn

FT Deutschland: Merkel pushing for a Greek default; Merkel and Sarkozy pledge to present ???comprehensive solution??? to euro crisis by end of October