Sanctions end will buoy Sudan's domestic agenda

Significance Washington’s decision ends Khartoum’s uncertainty on the issue and marks a considerable shift in US policy towards Sudan. Sudanese Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour cautiously welcomed the move, describing it as a positive step in the right direction. However, he emphasised that Sudan still needs to work to be removed from the US list of ‘state sponsors of terrorism’ and obtain much-needed debt relief (around 50 billion dollars). Impacts Sudan’s state sponsor of terrorism designation will reinforce negative perceptions among international investors, donors and debtholders. Sudan will cooperate with international peace initiatives, but without delivering major strategic concessions. President Omar al-Bashir will seek to portray himself as a reformer ahead of 2020 elections.

Significance The attack, which involved drones, illustrates the evolving tactics of crime groups, and follows a string of violent, sometimes coordinated, incidents at prisons this year. These have resulted in the deaths of over 120 inmates. Prison violence comes alongside rising crime and growing concerns over the strengthening of transnational drug cartels. Impacts Lasso will face increasing pressure from international human rights groups to protect prisoners and improve prison conditions. Rising violence and crime will increase concerns among international investors about the security of investments and risks of extortion. Lasso might seek to exploit improved relations with the US and Colombian governments to strengthen international coordination.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Brown ◽  
Jenny Burbage ◽  
Joanna Wakefield-Scurr

PurposePrevious research suggests that many active females are not engaging in sports bra use, despite the positive health benefits. The aim of this study was to establish and compare sports bra use, preferences and bra fit issues for exercising females in some of the largest and most diverse global underwear markets (the US, the UK and China).Design/methodology/approachA survey covering activity levels, sports bra use and preferences, bra issues and demographics was administered via Qualtrics and completed by 3,147 physically active females (aged ≥ 18 years) from the US (n = 1,060), UK (n = 1,050) and China (n = 1,037).FindingsIn general, participants were 25–29 years, 121 to 140 pounds, 34B bra size and pre-menopausal. “I cannot find the right sports bra” was the most frequent breast barrier to exercise (25.4%). Three-quarters of women wore a sports bra during exercise, with significantly higher use in China (83.9%), compared to the UK (67.2%). A third of all participants reported sports bra shoulder straps “digging into the skin”. Sports bra preferences were: compression sports bras with a racer back, wide straps and thick straps in the US and the UK; thin straps in China and adjustable straps and underband, no wire and maximum breast coverage in the US and the UK, including nipple concealment and with padded/moulded cups.Originality/valueInformation provided on differences in sports bra use, preferences and bra issues across three major global markets could be utilised by brands and manufacturers to optimise bra marketing and fit education initiatives and inform future sports bra design and distribution strategies.


2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 54-60
Author(s):  
Joan McKown ◽  
Henry Klehm III ◽  
Harold Gordon ◽  
David Woodcock ◽  
Daniel Bradley

Purpose To explain and evaluate amendments to the rules of practice governing the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) Administrative Proceedings that were adopted by the Commission on July 13, 2016. Design/methodology/approach Describes SEC’s increased pursuit of enforcement actions in APs, criticisms of the AP process, and corrective legislation. Describes the July 2016 amendments covering expansion of the prehearing period, allowance of depositions, timing for completion of document production in discovery phase, required disclosure of affirmative defenses, permitted dispositive motions, and admissibility of hearsay evidence. Assesses the practical impact of the amendments. Makes recommendations concerning advanced preparation for APs, depositions and witness-interview strategies, particular care concerning statements in Wells submission, availability of investigative record to defense counsel, admissibility of hearsay evidence, and defenses based on reliance on counsel. Findings The amended rules are a step in the right direction but do not fully correct the numerous and severe imbalances that exist in the Commission’s administrative enforcement process with respect to the availability of various discovery mechanisms, the timeline for trying a case, and more. Practical implications Every entity or individual that is involved in an SEC enforcement investigation, or that may become a respondent in an SEC Administrative Proceeding, should take certain practical steps such as those recommended in this article to minimize the structural disadvantages it will face and to maximize the benefits conferred by these latest amendments to the rules of practice. Originality/value Practical background and guidance from experienced enforcement, litigation, securities and financial services lawyers.


Subject Moreno's challenges. Significance President Lenin Moreno begins 2019 with a new vice-president -- his third so far -- and a deeply divided party. Worsening relations between himself and his predecessor are polarising his natural support base. While he has managed to consolidate his position by forming alliances with the right, he remains in a vulnerable position, and will face major political challenges over the coming year. Impacts Moreno’s continued drift to the right will please international investors and help his government attract foreign direct investment. Moreno’s line on Venezuela signals alignment with regional right-wing governments and a further break with Correa’s foreign policy. Political tensions will build as the local elections approach -- isolated episodes of violence will almost certainly occur.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard J. Parrino

Purpose This article examines the comprehensive amendments recently adopted by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to its accounting and other rules that govern financial statement filing requirements for significant business acquisitions and dispositions. Design/methodology/approach The article provides an in-depth analysis of the rule changes in the context of the SEC’s attempt to balance the right of investors to obtain adequate information about the impact of an acquired or disposed business on an SEC registrant against the filing burdens that can result from over-identification of acquisitions or dispositions as material to the registrant based on the SEC’s “significance” tests. Findings The rule amendments bring enhanced coherence to a reporting framework that has been characterized in part by inconsistencies, gaps, unreliable valuation principles, and ambiguities. The amendments contribute to the SEC’s ongoing disclosure effectiveness initiative by updating, clarifying, and codifying many requirements that had developed piecemeal in market practice or through guidance issued by the SEC’s staff. Originality/value This article provides expert guidance on a major SEC disclosure requirement from an experienced securities lawyer.


2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 15-17

Purpose – This paper aims to describe the actions that have helped Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation to reach No. 1 in this year’s DiversityInc top 50 companies for diversity. Design/methodology/approach – It examines the roles of the company’s executive diversity and inclusion council, diversity and inclusion councils, the diversity and inclusion department and employee-resource groups. Findings – It reveals that the number of women in top-level jobs at the company has more than doubled in the past five years. Today, women account for more than 50 per cent of executive-leadership positions. Practical implications – It advances the view that getting strategic about diversity and inclusion – and making these elements a natural part of the way a company does business – drives innovation and moves the business and people forward. Social implications – It demonstrates that, as the US workforce becomes more diverse, all companies face the challenge of creating new and better ways of recruiting and retaining talent from all segments of the workforce – and creating an inclusive culture where all perspectives are valued. Originality/value – It highlights the key role of diversity at a US affiliate of a multinational pharmaceutical company.


Significance Lasso’s success signals broad continuity. President Lenin Moreno has governed in alliance with the right, introducing austerity measures and liberal reforms which Lasso will attempt to extend. His victory is marred by claims of fraud: nearly 18% of second-round ballots were spoiled in response to indigenous candidate Yaku Perez's complaint that the first-round count unfairly placed Lasso ahead of him. Impacts Former President Rafael Correa will remain in self-imposed exile in Belgium to avoid charges against him in Ecuador. 'Correismo' will remain a powerful political force despite Arauz’s defeat and will present strong, united opposition to Lasso’s government. Lasso’s victory will buoy international investors and reduce the likelihood of default on public debt.


Significance The result comes despite United Russia's limited popularity and support base. The Communists performed better than in 2016, though they believe their real vote share was manipulated downwards. The political establishment appears content that this exercise in limited choice went the right way, thanks to manipulation before and during the polls. Impacts Moscow will dismiss external criticism and accuse the West of election interference. United Russia will fade back into the background, rubberstamping legislation but inactive on the ground. United Russia candidates Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reportedly plan to renounce their Duma seats.


Significance However, as opinion polls show that contending left- and right-wing party blocs are closer in terms of voting intentions, the government's performance and ability to collaborate with smaller parties remain key to the left’s ability to return for another term in office. Impacts Tight electoral competition between left and right points to a couple of years of political uncertainty for international investors. In the event of an early election, the most plausible scenario is a coalition of the centre-right People's Party and far-right Vox. The People's Party’s move further to the right could open space for the liberal Ciudadanos party to reclaim centrist support.


Significance Although she has recognised the announcement, she still maintains that the result was “illegitimate”. A new government is to take office next week, but Castillo was unable to name his cabinet until the electoral court validated the result. Impacts Backtracking on reform commitments may stir opposition from Castillo's supporters on the left. Fujimori may be overshadowed by new actors on the right. Foreign governments including the US administration will back Castillo, at least for now.


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