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Digest

OECD Report on Economic Reform

In its annual Going for Growth Report, the OECD recommends its members to step up the pace of economic reforms. For much of continental Europe, the OECD recommends to improve labor market performance, whereas lower income countries should improve productivity. English speaking OECD members are recommended to improve their secondary education, and many EU countries should strengthen higher education systems.

For a press release, see http://www.oecd.org/document/45/0,2340,en_2649_201185_38086509_1_1_1_1,00.html

Digest

WTO Issues Trade Policy Review for Argentina

In its Trade Policy Review for Argentina issued February 12, the WTO Secretariat reported that Argentina had recovered strongly from its 2003 recession, but noted that continued development required containing inflationary pressures by attracting foreign investment. The Secretariat report, TPRB 277, emphasized that Argentina’s support for the Doha Round would catalyze the creation of such an economic environment. For more details, see here: http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp277_e.htm.

Online Scholarship

The Military Commissions Act and the Detainee Debacle

Introduction*

Mr. Bellinger makes a brave effort to defend the indefensible. Obviously, he is not responsible for our detainee policy. But he must know that it has been a moral and strategic catastrophe, badly damaging the image of the United States and increasing the dangers that threaten us. Strangely, he poses a challenge: “[H]ow would you have done it differently each step of the way?” There are too many crimes and blunders to choose among. I will focus here on one central disaster, the use made of the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, and one egregious constitutional violation, the abrogation of habeas corpus.

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* This excerpt does not include citations. To read the entire article, including supporting notes, please download the PDF.

Digest

WTO Issues Japan's Eighth Trade Policy Review

Japan’s eighth Trade Policy Review took place between January 31 and February 2. According to the report, Japan’s economic situation has improved since the previous Trade Policy Review in 2005; however, the report indicates that further structural reform is needed in the financial, corporate and public sectors, and that increased trade liberalization is required particularly in the agricultural sector.

For further information, please click here.

Digest

WTO Panel Report on Ecuador-US Shrimp Dispute

On January 30, the WTO issued the report of the panel examining anti-dumping measures imposed by the U.S. on shrimp from Ecuador. The panel concluded that the U.S. acted inconsistently with the Anti-Dumping Agreement in imposing the disputed measures, and thus nullified or impaired Ecuador’s benefits under the agreement. Finally, the panel recommended that the Dispute Settlement Body of the WTO request the U.S. to bring its measures into conformity with its obligations under the Anti-Dumping Agreement.

For the full report, see here.

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