Iran-
Iran launched a missile test on July 2, to prove their country is armed and able to retaliate in the event of an enemy missile attack. Iran Air Force Gen. Hossien Salami said in a television report that the missile tests were in rebuttal to “harsh language [against Iran].”
The missile tests were performed at the mouth of the Straight of Hormuz, the waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian sea, which is the site of transportation for 40 percent of the world’s oil supply. Nine missiles were fired during the session.
Salami warned on a local television network that Iran always has its hand on the trigger, ready to launch a missile if needed.
Colombia-
Outside of the capital city, Bogota, Colombian police found over one ton of explosives. The explosives were a collection of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil. Allegedly belonging to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia — a recognized terrorist organization — the explosives were found in a city just 20 miles away from the capital. Officials had suspected the capital city to be where the attack would take place.
No arrests were made when the explosives were discovered on July 4.
Japan-
A Toyota car engineer died at 45 due to working too many long hours, according to the Japanese labor division. Reported to have worked an average of 80 hours of overtime over the last few months of his life, the engineer was said to have been leading the hybrid Toyota Camry division. The engineer was under extreme pressure to develop the new line of vehicles.
Historically, the Japanese have reported many cases of death by overworking, according to the labor division. The rise in numbers of this category of deaths has not ceased since the 1987 detection of the trend.
Russia-
Oil shortage projections are challenged by new claims of oil streams to be opened up by the end of the year, said top Russian government officials, July 9. Due to the decline in production rates during the first six months of 2008, the concern of a shortage in oil is growing. However, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin, worries should be waived.
In considering the high taxing of the oil industry, lower production rates may be blamed on shareholders of oil stocks. Investors are holding arbitration to attempt to solve the oil problems that face the country.
