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Fuel Prices

Trade Protests in South Korea

Posted on June 13, 2008 by Brandon Gast
Topics: Trade, Imports/Exports, Food

Throughout the past 40 days, South Koreans have vehemently opposed a government proposal to lift a five-year suspension on the import of U.S. beef. Fear of meat tainted with mad cow disease prompted 100,000 Koreans took to the streets of Seoul. Korea suspended the imports in 2003 when the first case of mad cow was discovered in American beef.

The public outcry over the proposal to lift the ban is President Lee Myung Bak's first big challenge as he tries to improve relations between the U.S. and South Korea. Though the president and his administration took office in February, already the uproar has prompted the president’s entire cabinet to offer their resignations. The divisive trade deal and a trucker’s strike over the surging price of fuel could further slow the South Korean economy.

This Al Jazeera video shows some of the more striking images from the demonstrations and gives an overview of the political climate that has led to the near- daily protests.

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Keywords: Lee Myung Bak, protests, Fuel Prices, U.S. beef protests

From the Archives

Basra Fishermen Suffer Security Squeeze and Fuel Price Hike

Posted on May 8, 2007
Topics: Globalization, Energy and Oil
Countries: Iraq
Previously filed under: Europe and Middle East, General Globalization
Soaring fuel prices and increased security in Iraqi waters make it difficult for Basra fishermen to support their families.
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Keywords: security, poverty, Fuel Prices

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Tajikistan: Almost One-Third of the Population Is in Danger of Going Hungry This Winter

EurasiaNet - Tue, 10/07/2008 - 13:38
Almost one-third of Tajikistan’s 6.7 million inhabitants may not have enough to eat this winter, United Nations experts worry. In an attempt to avert an emergency, the UN has issued a fresh global appeal for assistance.

Kenyan PM Sees U.S. Financial Crisis Affecting Continent

All Africa - Tue, 10/07/2008 - 06:26
Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga joined world leaders in warning on Monday that the financial crisis on Wall Street will inflict significant damage on African economies, including Kenya's.

In Malawi, Green Belts to Boost Food Production

IRIN News - Tue, 10/07/2008 - 16:44
Malawian President has pledged to embark on a "green belt" program to enable the country, in the long run, to say goodbye to hunger and international food aid.

Economists Say Shaky Economy May Last for a While

The Associated Press - Mon, 10/06/2008 - 06:33
A growing number of economists believe the country is on the brink of — or already in — its first recession since 2001 and that it will be longer lasting.

Uganda: Shrubs and Leaves on the Menu as Karamoja Food Shortages increase

IRIN News - Tue, 10/07/2008 - 16:44
Thousands of people in Karamoja are facing serious food shortages. Largely inhabited by agro-pastoralist communities, the remote region in north-eastern Uganda suffers endemic security problems.
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