Around the world in 60 seconds - 19 March 2010

This week’s events include:

• American healthcare battle peaks
• Catholic Church in trouble in Ireland and Germany
• Thai protests continue with peaceful blood
• Nigeria dissolves its entire cabinet

America reaches fever pitch over its healthcare battle

The battle over changes to America’s mostly-private healthcare system stepped up this week.

President Obama made a televised speech in Ohio, criticising health insurance companies for denying coverage and raising rates.

Meanwhile, politicians in Washington are still fighting over the details of the proposed new laws. Obama needs 216 votes in Congress for the bill to pass.

All Republicans and 26 of the 253 Democrats oppose it. Of the remaining Democrats, 9 said they might reconsider, 34 are undecided and 31 are remaining silent.

A vote could be made this weekend (although it’s unlikely). If successful, there would be another vote on some changes to the bill (designed to entice some Democrats) before going to Obama to sign into law.

Pope tries to deal with Irish and German sexual abuse scandals

On St Patricks Day on Wednesday, Cardinal Sean Brady, the most senior figure in the Irish Catholic Church, used his sermon to apologise for helping to cover up child abuse in 1975.

The offending priest, Brendan Smyth, went on to commit 74 sexual assaults on children in Ireland and more in the US.

Also on Wednesday, Pope Benedict said he was deeply concerned and would issue a letter to the Irish Church today addressing the scandals.

Meanwhile, hundreds of cases have erupted this week in Germany about abuse in boarding schools, including reports linked to a choir formerly run by the Pope’s brother.

Thai protests continue as peaceful blood is spilt

Redshirt protests in Thailand’s capital Bangkok continued peacefully through the week, although the number of people dropped from about 150,000 to 40,000.

Protesters moved about the city – initially at a military barracks where the Prime Minister was holed up, and then to Government House, the business district and US and British embassies.

They also donated large amounts of blood and poured it onto the pavement outside Government House and the Prime Minister’s personal residence.

Police have been largely accommodating but are still unsure how long the protests will last.

Nigeria’s acting president dissolves his cabinet

On Wednesday, acting Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan dissolved the country’s cabinet (senior government members). However, no reason was given as to why.

He stepped in as President in February due to the continued illness of elected President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Many expected some kind of cabinet reshuffle but not a complete termination.

The cabinet was full of people appointed by Yar’Adua (a Muslim) making things slightly difficult for Jonathan (a Christian) – especially in light of the current religious tension.

Even though some cabinet ministers will be reappointed, it’s a clear sign that Jonathan is asserting his control. It’s still unknown whether Yar’Adua will return to the presidency.

Photo – President Obama