There are the G8 nations (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, UK and U.S.), and note that China and India are not members. Italy will serve as the host from July 8-10 this year, while the USA will so accommodate in 2012.
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The G20 nations include the 19 largest economies plus the European Union. They represent 85% of the world gross product. They met in London on April 2 amidst semi-violent protests. They actually accomplished quite a bit: agreed to provide $1.1 trillion to the International Monetary Fund and assorted programs to promote international trade, created a Financial Stability Board, and took steps to avoid protectionism.
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Now, if you were wondering why there were also protests (AFP photo at top left) in Strasbourg on the Continent, that was another gathering, a NATO Summit held after the G20 Summit. Only NATO members participated.
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Yesterday, there was an announcement on television reporting that North Korea finally launched that feared rocket. Well, this misinformation came from Akita, where one of those Patriot ground-to-air guided missile batteries was sent. Japan is jittery. By the time I get to Akita in two weeks, this should all be over.
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There should be very little concern, for even if this NK rocket crashes in northern Honshu (and there are copious assurances that this won't happen), there might be a satellite on board, but no nuclear warhead, because they don't yet have this capability. If the debris falls on anyone, that would be an unfortunate accident. If you're wondering why this communications attempt does not just go straight up over North Korea, such are the physics of rocket science. By the way, this shot will head straight for Hawaii, and the second stage should drop in the Pacific between Japan and Hawaii.
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From my outpost on the 47th floor of the Park Hyatt, sayonara.
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