Robust employment growth continues in the United States

Economy seems to be in the path of recovery in the United States boosted by strong job growth for the third consecutive month. The United States Labor Department has confirmed an addition of 2,27,000 new jobs in February alone, which has surpassed experts’ expectation by 17000 new jobs. Although unemployment rate is still steady at 8.3 percent, surge in jobs has brought renewed hope in the US.

Since December last year, there has been 7,34,000 addition of new jobs in the US. Interestingly, the latest burst in job growth is the second since recession, the first one continued for three consecutive months from March to May 2010.

The improvement in the United States job market scenario and the growth in the manufacturing sector are expected to give a major advantage to President Obama’s re-election chances in November 2012. Though Republicans are not prepared to give it much importance, Obama’s approval rating is on the rise since the last couple of months.

Now the big question is, will the current momentum be sustainable enough to bring down the unemployment rate? People in the United States are hopeful that it would, but only time would tell.

Iran to discuss its nuclear program with global powers

After more than a year of diplomatic standoff, the six-nation global powers are to resume dialogue with Iran on the highly contentious Iran nuclear program. The announcement came from the Chief of foreign affairs of EU, Catherine Ashton, on Tuesday who is currently acting for the six global powers – the United States, Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia.

The offer for negotiations was made by Iran last month amid tremendous international pressure to halt its nuclear program. On Tuesday, Iran has made another peace offer. For the first time, it has shown willingness to give access to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear experts to visit its main nuclear complex. By making such an offer, it is believed, Iran is trying to send out the message that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only, that it has nothing to hide.

The United States together with the neighboring Israel have been alleging Iran of using its nuclear program for building nuclear weapons. While, Israel has openly declared its intention to destroy Iran’s nuclear facility, the United States has shown marked restrain from making any such comments till now. President Obama of the United States has pointed out “beating the drums of war” is of no use. It has to justify the costs and merits of military action.

In fact, in today’s world, war should not be an option. Whichever side wins, it is colossal loss to mankind. War must not be justified under any pretext.