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    A couple just bought this $385,000 Haliburton cottage. Why? The pandemic delayed their wedding – Toronto Life - July 7, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    A couple just bought this $385,000 Haliburton cottage. Why? The pandemic delayed their wedding

    By Jonathan Forani | Photography By Caylen Patience and Matthew Calvin | July 6, 2020

    By Jonathan Forani | Photography By Caylen Patience and Matthew Calvin | 07/06/2020

    Address: 1152 Spring Valley RdTownship: Minden HillsAgent: Susanne Worona, Blue Cat Realty Inc.Previously sold for: $86,000, in 2014, prior to renovations

    A 1,200-square-foot cottage near Haliburton. The two-bed, one-bath bungalow has a recently renovated interior and 100 feet of fishable riverfront.

    Caylen Patience, a 34-year-old project manager at Clinton Design; Matt Calvin, a 34-year-old insurance broker at PROLINK:

    In 2014, an outdoorsman who builds log homes and runs adventure tours in Northern Ontario bought the property for $86,000. The place was rundown, old-fashioned and in need of an upgrade. So he added a new septic system, installed a fireplace for winter and overhauled the interior. The sellers sister, a Muskoka-based interior designer, suggested he put in pine ceilings and white beadboard walls to give the space a beachy, Cape Cod vibe. In the fall of 2019, he hired an agent and listed the cottage for $399,000, but they were unable to drum up any offers. They took it off the market in January 2020, then built a stone walkway and a new dock once the snow melted, hoping to make it more appealing for buyers.

    In early 2020, Matt and Caylen, who own a condo in Regent Park, were preparing for their summer wedding in cottage country. They had a 100-person celebration slated for mid-July, at the Northridge Inn in Sundridge. After two years of saving, they had banked $38,000 to pay for the weekend festivities, which included a welcome bonfire and a brunch for guests. They had already spent $3,000 on save-the-date cards and wedding invitations, with plans to start shopping for suits and rings, when Covid-19 swept across the province.

    On March 16, the province prohibited gatherings of more than 50. At the time, Matt and Caylen thought a mid-July wedding for 100 people might still be possible. But as the lockdown tightened, it became clear their wedding would be compromised. Before they officially cancelled the nuptials, Matt suggested they re-invest the money earmarked for the wedding into a cottage. They had discussed getting a cottage to escape the city on weekends as part of their five-year post-wedding plan, and the uncertainty surrounding their wedding gave them a chance to expedite the timeline. But the pandemic had unsteadied the real estate market. They werent sure if the market would crash, or if their jobs were secure enough to see them through the pandemic, which still has no end in sight. It was also unclear whether non-residents were even welcome in cottage country.

    In May, despite their doubts, Matt and Caylen decided to start looking at cottages, assuming the wedding would get cancelled. They set a budget of around $400,000 and scanned a range of properties online, from Muskoka to Kawartha Lakes. When they found the listing for the bungalow, they liked the recently renovated interior, particularly the exposed beams in the living room. So, they decided to drive up and check it out. The couple wore masks and gloves while they looked at the place.

    Matt grew up cottaging on a lake near Parry Sound, so he was initially hesitant about buying a riverfront property, because it didnt jibe with the typical cottage lifestyle of speedboats and water sports. But boating is permitted on the river, which connects to Gull and Minden Lake. It also cuts through the town of Minden, making it possible to boat into town to get groceries. They took 24 hours to think about it and submitted an offer for $375,000, conditional on a home inspection and financing. The seller countered with $385,000 and they agreed.

    Matt and Caylen initially planned to spend weekdays working from home at the property, but have since decided they want to preserve it as a weekend retreat. Eventually, theyd like to buy an aluminum boat with a small motor, to shuttle in and out of town. And they still plan to get married, maybe next year, but might have to scale down the celebration.

    Heres the new granite patio. Thats the buyers six-year-old shorkie (shih tzu yorkie mix) named Gus:

    The seller painted the original cedar siding grey and built the pressure-treated wood deck, which is about 13 feet by 30 feet:

    The deck overlooks the river:

    There are laminate floors and white-washed pine ceilings throughout the cottage:

    The seller hired contractors to install the propane fireplace. He built the surrounding pine mantel to match the ceilings:

    Heres a better look at the the 11-foot ceilings in the open-concept living area:

    There are quartz-style laminate counters and pine cabinets in the kitchen:

    The kitchen connects to a sunroom, where the buyers plan to add a patio set and propane heater for winter:

    Theres beadboard wall panelling throughout:

    Heres the master bedroom, which has sliding glass doors that lead to a second deck:

    This is the guest room, where the buyers added a desk:

    The seller installed a new shower in the bathroom:

    After listing the property, the seller added the dock, which is built on metal stands above the water. That way, it doesnt need to be removed in winter when the river freezes.

    The seller added new sand to the beach area next to the dock, in order to smoothen out the path. It could function as a boat ramp, too:

    Read the original here:
    A couple just bought this $385,000 Haliburton cottage. Why? The pandemic delayed their wedding - Toronto Life

    July 5: Letters to the Editor | Letters To Editor | laramieboomerang.com – Laramie Boomerang - July 7, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    A big thank you to first respondersWe are so blessed to live in this community! I wish to convey my heartfelt thanks to the law officers and the firemen of our county, some who helped us some time ago and some who helped us recently.

    Some time ago, when we were out of town, a man decided he would camp on our property. We called the Albany County Detention Center to report it. They advised us not to go over there. An officer came to investigate and took him to the center. The man had fashioned a sort of tent out of black plastic. And he had cut 79 branches off our Colorado Blue Spruce Trees (which we had planted when they were 5-7 inches tall). He hung metal cans all around his tent, apparently so he could hear if anyone approached. The inside of the tent was a real mess. We were not in a position (I was in a wheelchair) to clean things up. Subsequently, a law officer came with plastic bags and had the man clean up. This kind officer got the man a ticket and put him on a bus so he could go to a destination he wanted.

    And our wonderful firemen! Heartfelt thanks go to them, also! They were/are so vital in our lives! Our 911 calls were answered in minutes! At a crucial time in my life, they came. The law officer remained with me until he knew I was alright. I believe we owe all these wonderful people a debt of gratitude for their service to all the people of Albany County.

    Lydia Kercher

    Laramie

    LPD acted inappropriately in arresting protestersTo the Editor:

    I am writing to express my extreme displeasure with the recent strong-arm tactics committed by the Laramie Police Department against peaceful protesters.

    First and foremost, the police force was mask-free, and some were not wearing gloves. Yet they were literally in the face of protesters as they grabbed arms and made arrests. No law enforcement officer has a right to potentially expose anyone to COVID-19 or any other disease. The police department must set a good example for the rest of the community and cover their faces any time they interact with the public. Its the only way were going to get a handle on this pandemic.

    Furthermore, any short-term inconvenience to people in Laramie driving Grand Avenue is nothing compared to the 400+ years of genocide and racism against non-white people in our nation. We can give these peaceful demonstrators more than a little leeway in expressing their desire to change abusive police forces into the public safety forces they need to become in these times.

    Randy Shaw

    Cheyenne

    Downtown regs would have negative impact on downtownDear Editor:

    Many thanks to the Boomerangs Daniel Bendtsen for reporting on the proposed zoning changes ones that could seriously impact downtown Laramie which were forwarded to council by the Planning and Zoning Commission this week. Had he not done so, downtown residents, businesses and property owners might not have been informed before it was too late to oppose them.

    These changes would have severe negative impacts on downtown. They would make the faades of a substantial percentage of downtown buildings nonconforming, meaning theyd have to undergo needless, costly changes if a new business moved in. They would prohibit, among other things, walls that were suitable for murals, such as the one on the 100 block of Grand. They would force buildings and storefronts to be drab, making our downtown look rundown and uninteresting.

    They would not only fail to require adequate parking in an area with a critical parking shortage but actually outlaw it. Theyd allow developers to scrape off existing structures to build incongruous skyscrapers taller than any existing building depriving neighbors of sunlight, leaving solar collectors in shadow, and blocking line-of-sight wireless Internet connections.

    They would even micromanage buildings percentage of window space, hobbling many uses. All this during the COVID-19 pandemic, when businesses can ill afford to be burdened with new regulations.

    The process by which the changes were adopted is also suspect. They were tabled earlier this year, then stealthily resurrected in a manner reminiscent of the opening chapter of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy at a meeting where the Chairman was absent. No affected member of the public was sent a notice warning that this was happening.

    The fact that this proposal has come this far flying beneath the radar without proper public notice or input demonstrates that Laramies city government must be more open and transparent.

    Fortunately, in this case, there is still time to set things right.

    All those who support a vibrant, prosperous downtown should show up at the July 7 meeting of the Laramie City Council to oppose these harmful changes to downtown zoning.

    Brett Glass

    Laramie

    County should be careful in considering wind energy developmentLike all counties in Wyoming, Albany County has a comprehensive plan which guides policymakers where growth and various land uses should take place, consistent with the vision and values defined with extensive input from the public and stakeholders. The overarching theme that emerged from this process is that county residents want to keep the county rural, conserving its traditions and character, supporting agriculture, wildlife, habitat, and scenic vistas.

    The plan mentions over and over the importance of assuring agricultural and rural identities remain intact by preserving and protecting open landscapes. It declares Albany Countys natural beauty and landscape are its prized assets and claims its rich physical landscapes with their visual amenities and natural resources as highly valued by both residents and visitors. It acknowledges degradation of these resources as a leading negative consequence of development, potentially dissuading the location of new businesses. It recognizes the increasingly rare and unique amenity of dark night skies and the importance of preserving the countys cultural resources. The countys observatories and recognized cultural resources are located in the southern part of the county, along with 80% to 90% of the countys rural population. It mentions the threat to existing scenic vistas on highway corridors, particularly mentioning those front door corridors in southern Albany County as being encroached.

    The plan also specifically acknowledges the challenges to growth in the southern part of the county, and the need to pay particular attention to development there. Indeed, it is different from the north half where three industrial wind farms will occupy over 100,000 acres, on single ranches as large as 55,000 acres.

    The introduction to the plan presents the huge challenge for policymakers in assuring development is in accordance with the wishes of its residents when it states, each persons decision on how to use their property potentially affects the properties and quality of life of others, and sometimes many others..thus the pattern of development you approve influences quality of life, health, safety and welfare, and cost to the public in the present and in the future. Please guide us prudently during deliberations on wind siting.

    Ruth Sommers

    Tie Siding

    Commissioners should reject wind development in countyThe city and county commissioners are enamored by the proposed wind turbine project. We could solve all of these wind turbine issues by building the turbines in the city and/or within a two-mile range. We can put them along the river walk trail, in city parks, university property, Ninth Street, etc. Its a win for everyone.

    I just read in the editorial the other day, people in the city dont expect to have a view and are happy without one and that wind turbines are benign. Locating these turbines in the city and surrounding area will save the 287 corridor from carnage; the wind turbines will no longer intrude and harm our local ecosystem. Being within arms reach of the city limits would go a long way to save insects, birds and animals the turbines cause harm and death . If I kill an eagle, I get a big fine along with other severe consequences, wind turbine can kill eagles all day long (our national symbol) and nothing happens to them. Its so bad that the government had to give wind turbines special exemptions on environmental laws. Altamont Pass Ca. turbine killed 2,900 golden eagles. BUT- before you erect these monsters, be aware that these wind turbines create more of a carbon foot print then existing energy sources, much more. Wind turbines create more carbon dioxide emissions in their manufacture, installation and operational life, than their operational life can ever recover.

    These hideous land tumors will create at a minimum 242 tons of CO2 each. Ask yourself, what am I getting out of this? Absolutely nothing! The county is sniveling about not having enough money. Welcome to the real world. Do what the rest of us do. Learn to manage your money better. The good news is that its election time and we can vote in people that care about community and our ecosystem more than lining their own pockets. The commissioners are by law supposed to be unbiased. Clearly, they are not.

    Carson Aanenson

    Laramie

    People of hospice express gratitudeWe would like to take this opportunity to recognize the generosity and resilience of this Laramie Community. Hospice of Laramie recently hosted the Annual Community Memorial Service for those whose loved ones passed away over the course of the past year. It is Hospice of Laramies intention to support and nurture those in mourning through the grief process. This memorial service and the generosity expressed toward it, serve as a foundation of hope, meaning, and community.

    This service would not have been possible without the generosity of Killian Florist, Altitude Chophouse and Brewery, Caleb and Adam from Whitewater Christian Church and the many volunteers that gave their time to this important event.

    We are very grateful for the depth of support from this beautiful community as we strive to serve it.

    Thank you,

    Hospice of Laramie

    Wearing a mask is the right thing to doThis is the Cowboy State. The cowboy could be recognized by his boots, chaps, hat and bandanna. None of these were fashion statements--they were all functional. He wore the bandanna to keep from breathing in trail dust.

    A lot of people dont believe in wearing functional protective gear these days. No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service is fine but they go ballistic if asked to wear a facial mask to slow the spread of coronavirus--to protect their own health, that of others.

    This is a public health issue. We are all in this together, and working together will get us out of this quicker than the current chaotic response. If our water was contaminated, wed boil it. If there were a large fire, wed wear masks to protect our breathing. Why is this different? The only difference is that Trump has politicized it--to him, wearing a mask means someone is not loyal to him, not that they are taking the response recommended by medical and public health experts. Face it, to Trump, everything is about him, not the good of the American people. Nero had his fiddle; Trump has his golf clubs.

    Some people dont want to believe the science or common sense in this situation. They believe in science when it gives them goodies like electricity, indoor plumbing, vehicles, devices, etc. but not when it comes to protecting health. Id bet you dollars to donuts theyll become believers if they contract the virus and are sucking for air; theyll want those scientifically developed ventilators and medical treatments in a heartbeat. Theyll lose that defiant bravo.

    Start using common sense. Believe science. Do your part to stop this disease as soon as possible. Cowboy up and wear your bandanna or mask and do social distancing.

    Carol Smith

    Laramie

    Senate candidate responds to letterWyoming faces a potential $2.8 billion budget deficit fueled by the COVID-19 crisis and significant revenue shortfall from oil and gas royalties on public lands. As your state senator for District 10, let me be clear: I will not cut education spending and will not raise taxes in Wyoming because its not possible to tax the state out of debt. Wyomingites need legislators that are not looking to that the position, volunteer for a budget cutting committee and be served lunch in the process because this is nothing more than adult daycare.

    Wyoming needs a candidate with two decades of experience working in the global private sector for a $416 billion technology company that all Wyomingites use and is known as a Visa card. I retired from Visa at age 50, received my pension and their investment in over $3 million in global business training. There are companies out there in our nation that cannot currently run at their full potential because of the unrest in the location of their company headquarters and need to be offered a solution to move here.

    Fifteen minutes after I take the oath of office as your state senator, I will be on a plan to Seattle to speak to the CEOs in person with delegates from the Laramie hotel and real estate segments. I will offer CEOs of Seattle-based companies a way forward to join the Wyoming economy.

    My goal as your senator is to bring new jobs to all segments of the Wyoming economy. In closing, I would just like to respond to Mr. Buchanan and my opponents by saying that you all forgot Cowboy Code principle no. 1: Live each day with courage.

    Craig Malmstrom

    Laramie

    Its time for Albany County to update wind energy regsSeveral letters to this paper regarding industrial wind regulations recently have mentioned that no one is entitled to preserve the view at anothers expense. This is generally true (some states require wind farms to avoid despoiling the view, using setbacks and other tools). Since the view is a way of expressing how beautiful a community is, the view is something we all should have an interest in protecting.

    But although the degradation of the view is a problem it is not the issue here. Not at present, anyway. What is at issue is that Albany County should adopt regulations appropriate to protect residents against the impact of a modern industrial wind facility that may be placed in their neighborhoods. Wind technology has changed a great deal in the more than 10 years since Albany Countys regulations were written, and a great deal more is known about the damage these facilities do to those unfortunate enough to live near them. It is important to remember that developers are not the only people with property rights that need protecting.

    Regulations (zoning) are used to separate uses that are incompatible. Zoning also is used to prevent new development from interfering with existing uses and/or to preserve the character of a community. Albany Countys outdated wind zoning needs to reflect these goals.

    Its not hard to be taken in by inflated promises of free money, jobs, and future tax revenues, so its important to be aware of the problems brought on by modern industrial wind developments before decisions are made about where and how they should be sited. A brief Internet search will acquaint you with these problems and the various remedies that other places have used to deal with them. Albany Countys zoning is in sore need of an update if the homeowners and businesses in the county are to be protected from the many known adverse impacts resulting from these developments.

    Sincerely,

    Mary F. Moore

    Tie Siding

    Quick shout out

    to all the great

    tenants in LaramieA few days ago I found myself in a tight spot. Forget the uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 disruption. Forget some of the tenants leasing my properties fell ill but were not sick enough nor old enough to get a test. Forget their job losses and the subsequent drop in revenue for my family.

    Do mind this: in November (2019) a young man approached me about leasing a property this summer. He reached out, was proactive, a true gentleman. I dont know much about him personally, but his actions speak louder than words. If you are a landlord in Laramie you no doubt appreciate a situation like this: tenant approaches you with time to build a rapport helping coordinate the smooth exit of an existing tenant (whom also possesses the same integrity as this young man who approached me last November).

    Fast forward to now.

    I had to tell the young gentleman who reached out early that we had to cancel his take over of the lease because the current resident is stuck with nowhere else to go. Incidentally that tenant is slated to join the Marine Corps, but even the Marines arent moving too fast in this COVID-19 Disruption.

    And you know what? The young gentleman accepted my decision to cancel our plans with utmost respect and understanding-even though he was getting the short end of the stick, and believe you me, I am working with this young gentleman to find a good spot in the great Laramie community.

    So, thank you. Thank you to all the great tenants in Laramie (especially all you students out there bettering yourself through education so you may better the world). #GOWYO!

    Marko Ruble

    Cody

    Kudos to council for work on policingEditor:

    I write to applaud the thoughtful commitment of the Laramie City Council as they grapple with the community policing issues highlighted by recent events in Minneapolis and too many other cities across the country.

    Yes, we must demand a better response to our concerns than, Thank you very much for your comments; well get back to you in 50 years. And that takes sustained pressure.

    At the same time, What?, Weve been protesting for three weeks now and you still havent rolled back 400 years of systemic racism! is a pretty tall order.

    We can all see that policing should be more about community service than a show of brute force. Where improvement is necessary, let us identify and vigorously pursue opportunities for better police recruitment, training and accountability (and find the money to make that happen).

    Citizens of Laramie should appreciate that this is as progressive a council as weve had in decades. The opportunity for constructive engagement has rarely been better. Let us cultivate that opportunity rather than venting our indignation.

    And as we celebrate the birth of our country this Fourth of July, let us embrace the political activism that got us here. Thank goodness the Founders recognized that protest is patriotic. We honor their legacy by holding ourselves and our representatives to high standards.

    Strive on,

    Bern Hinckley

    Laramie

    More here:
    July 5: Letters to the Editor | Letters To Editor | laramieboomerang.com - Laramie Boomerang

    And Now Fire Season. This Year, It’s Especially Important to Prepare. Here’s How – KQED - June 8, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Wildfire season is not going to wait for the COVID-19 pandemic to subside. After a winter of lackluster rainfall, Northern California is facing a worse-than-average outlook.

    Preparing for these inevitable fires is extra important right now. First responders and emergency managers this year will not only have to cope with the already difficult task of addressing wildfires that have burned increasingly out of control in the age of climate change, but also do it in the midst of a public health emergency the nation has not seen the likes of in 100 years

    In a sign of the increasing difficulty that fire protection now poses, Cal Fire is asking people to self-certify their compliance with defensible space requirements. "With COVID-19 restrictions limiting Cal Fires ability to conduct annual defensible space inspections this year, property owners are urged to conduct a Defensible Space Self-Assessment," the agency said in a press release.

    Anthony Gossner, chief of the Santa Rosa Fire Department, during a virtual town hall stressed the importance of self-sufficiency. He said that during emergencies residents should not assume local governments can handle all their needs, because there's just not enough of us to do it. So we really rely on folks to be in a position to help their neighbors and help themselves... ."

    Fire preparedness is multifaceted. Here are some guidelines and advice to get you ready.

    Prepare the Outside of Your Home

    If you live in a fire-prone area, sometimes called the wildland urban interface, creating whats called defensible space is an important way to slow the spread of fires, increasing the chance of your homes survival. Think of defensible space as a buffer zone, free of anything likely to catch fire.

    Cal Fire asks homeowners to think about two zones of defensible space. The first extends 30 feet from homes, outbuildings and decks:

    Zone 2 extends from the end of Zone 1 to 100 feet out from your home, structures and deck:

    Find detailed instructions at Readyforwildfire.org.

    One thing people don't think about a lot is to make sure their home address is clearly visible. You should; that way, if you call for emergency help, responders can find you.

    Harden Your Home Against Wildfire

    Many homes that burn in a wildfire are never in the path of flames but ignite from flying embers and firebrands that can accumulate in eaves or drift into vents. Hardening homes against fire can be as inexpensive as installing screens over vents and as pricey as installing new windows, roofing or siding.

    Find detailed information here, including a low-cost retrofit list.

    Proposed legislation from Assemblyman Jim Wood, D-Santa Rosa, aims to provide financial assistance for home hardening by establishing a $1 billion fund to distribute rebates and low-cost loans to Californians for home retrofits. But Gov. Gavin Newsom has not committed to the measure.

    Have a Go Bag Ready

    There are three reasons people tend to put off preparing for a disaster, says Karen Baker, co-chair of the Listos California Emergency Preparedness Campaign. "They either find it scary, expensive, and/or time consuming," she said.

    Listos tries to overcome those qualms with a simple readiness guide, available in English and Spanish.

    The organization recommends packing up some items in advance so you can get out of the house quickly if you need to. If cost is a concern, you can assemble the kits over time.

    Recommended items to pack beforehand:

    To grab on your way out the door:

    Create a plan for your household in the event of a wildfire emergency. (See CalFire's wildfire action plan checklist.) And be sure youre signed up to receive emergency alerts for your area. You can sign up here.

    Expect Smoky Days

    With fire comes smoke. That's a special concern this year as air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of death from COVID-19.

    You can get smoke advisories, forecasts and current fire conditions through the federal governments AirNow website.

    How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke:

    These devices can be a few hundred dollars and hard to obtain during bad fires, so think about buying one in advance of fire season. In California, few resources exist to help low-income people afford these devices, other than an asthma intervention program in Fresno, which provides enrollees with air cleaners for a year. In years past, some counties have set up clean air shelters during smoky days, and this year those have to take into account social distancing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidance for clean air shelters with the prevention of COVID-19 transmission in mind, but youll probably find it easiest if you can shelter at home.

    People Power

    One theme running through the advice of fire and emergency officials this year: Your social network is one of your most important safety tools. "Really, when it comes down to a no-notice' event, like a fast-running wildland fire through your neighborhood, it really is neighbor helping neighbor, said Santa Rosa Fire Chief Gossner.

    211CA.orgDial 211 for evacuation routes, shelters.

    CalAlerts.orgSign up to get your Countys alerts.

    Earthquake.ca.govGet MyShake earthquake warning app.

    Response.ca.govReal-time wildfire & shelter news.

    Ready.govResources to prepare for any disaster.

    That means its time to think about who in your neighborhood might need help getting ready for fire season. Maybe they're elderly and could use some help trimming vegetation. During an evacuation order, who will you check on and who will check on you? Write down their names and contact information, pack the list in your go bag, and share it with others for back up. At least one person on your list should live outside your area to ensure youre not relying on someone who also might be affected by the fire.

    Even if this feels overwhelming or scary, the time to do it is now. Every step you can take toward preparedness makes you, your family, and your community a little bit safer.

    See original here:
    And Now Fire Season. This Year, It's Especially Important to Prepare. Here's How - KQED

    Zimbabwe police arrest opposition officials in dispute over party HQ – KFGO News - June 8, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's police arrested five senior officials of the main opposition party on Friday after they attempted to enter the party's Harare headquarters, which is being occupied by a rival faction.

    The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has been divided since Zimbabwe's Supreme Court ruled on March 30 that Nelson Chamisa was not its legitimate leader and installed Thokozani Khupe, head of one faction inside the party, to lead it in the interim.

    Most MDC members still regard Chamisa as their leader and accuse President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government of siding with Khupe's faction in the battle for control of the movement.

    Supporters of Khupe seized control of the party's offices at Harvest House late on Thursday while police watched, a video of the incident circulated by the MDC showed. Anti-riot police on Friday cordoned off the building, which has stood as a symbol of the MDC's fight against Mnangagwa's ruling ZANU-PF party for the past two decades.

    Some MDC officials, led by party vice president and former finance minister Tendai Biti, then tried to enter Harvest House.

    "We are the rightful owners of the building and you have had no court order to stop us from entering," Biti told the police officers blocking their way.

    He and four other MDC officials were arrested and transported to a police station in a lorry. It was not immediately clear what charges they would face.

    Police spokesman Paul Nyathi said he had no details of the arrests.

    Chamisa says his party is different from Khupe's outfit after it contested elections in 2018 under the name MDC Alliance while Khupe's ran as the MDC-T party.

    Chamisa, 42, narrowly lost those elections to Mnangagwa. He says he is being persecuted for refusing to recognise the president's disputed victory while Khupe accepted the results.

    Chamisa's MDC accuses Mnangagwa's government of eroding political rights under the cover of Zimbabwe's coronavirus lockdown, which includes a ban on political protests.

    (Reporting by Philimon Bulawayo; Writing by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Gareth Jones)

    Continue reading here:
    Zimbabwe police arrest opposition officials in dispute over party HQ - KFGO News

    Things you need to know about vinyl siding – The Providence Journal - June 4, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Vinyl has been the most common siding material used in new home construction for the last 25 years. That means there are tens of millions of existing homes with vinyl siding out there, and many more being built each year. If you're a homeowner with vinyl siding, or considering a vinyl siding replacement or installation, here's what you need to know.

    Vinyl is cheap, but not always the cheapest.

    Affordability is one of vinyl siding's chief selling points, and it can be very cost-effective. But as with all siding materials, vinyl price goes up with quality. For example, a premium vinyl siding will cost about $16,000 to install, according to HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide, while a mid-level fiber cement siding will cost around $12,000. So, if you're looking to reside your home on a budget, consider vinyl but don't rule out other materials.

    Vinyl is known to yield a high return on investment.

    Even with the price variability, vinyl siding has been known to deliver tremendous value, with a return on investment (or ROI) of around 75 percent, according to Remodeling magazine's 2020 Cost vs. Value study. That's because it combines competitive pricing and performance with constantly improving looks, thanks to a wide variety of colors and styles, from beaded seam to board and batten.

    It's not right for all climates.

    Even with the continued improvements to latest-generation vinyl, it's not the best choice for all regions. For example, the material tends to fade over time, so if you live in a hot, sunny climate, you're probably better off with stucco. Vinyl is also prone to damage from wind and cold-weather impact, so if your home takes a lot hits in the winter, wood or fiber cement siding are better options.

    Proper installation is critical.

    While vinyl is relatively easy to install, shoddy work can lead to buckling and warping, and it could also allow moisture to find its way into your home. Unless you're a highly experienced DIYer, this project is best left to the pros. For good measure, look for pros who are certified by the Vinyl Siding Institute.

    Think twice about working with a pro who recommends applying a new layer of vinyl siding over the existing one on your home. While this is technically possible, it's best to remove the old siding so that you can start fresh and also deal with any underlying issues, such as termite damage or rotted sheathing.

    Low-maintenance doesn't mean no-maintenance

    Yes, vinyl siding is easy to care for no periodic painting required, as with wood siding, or the repointing that's needed with a brick facade. But you will have to pay some attention to your vinyl siding, namely by keeping it clean. A simple garden hose will take of dirt and dust. Mildew stains can be removed with soapy water and a scrub brush. A pressure washer will also blast away heavy build-up. Just be sure to use a low-power setting to avoid spraying water and grime up between the siding and the wall, where it can cause mold and rot.

    HomeAdvisor is an online marketplace connecting homeowners with trusted service professionals to complete home projects. Visit HomeAdvisor.com.

    Read the rest here:
    Things you need to know about vinyl siding - The Providence Journal

    Waivers to nowhere Council discusses need to change rule for projects requiring sidewalk installation – Idaho County Free Press - June 4, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    GRANGEVILLE A construction project in Grangeville could require you put in new sidewalks, but in not all cases are they warranted or possible. Your lot may slope into a ditch, have no adjoining properties with sidewalks to tie into, or an installation may necessitate you cut down one or more trees.

    So, you get a waiver, approved by the city council, a municipally approved delay, that if or when conditions change, youll then be required to put in a sidewalk.

    We have a whole list of these waivers, said city administrator Tonya Kennedy, dating back to 1995. In all these years, we havent made anyone go back and put one in.

    At the May 18 Grangeville City Council meeting, discussion hashed out problems with the sidewalk rule and how it could be changed. With ideas raised, Mayor Wes Lester scheduled the matter for a September meeting for further determination.

    For background, Kennedy explained what triggers the sidewalk ordinance is when a building permit is taken out for a project more than $5,000, then installation is required; exemptions are for installation of windows, roofing or siding. A deposit, based on $2 per foot of frontage, is charged, and the permittee has nine months to finish the sidewalk.

    Persons can request the city issue a waiver for sidewalk installation, which is reviewed by the public works department and a recommendation on whether to approve or deny is forwarded to the council for determination.

    We need to do something other than collecting waivers after waivers, said public works director Bob Mager, who commented on rule changes to consider that would benefit city streets.

    Our streets need curbs and gutters. In a lot of places, the gutter pan has worn away where it meets the asphalt, he said. An option to a waiver could be requiring curbs and gutters, instead of sidewalks, or offering a twofer such as a curb and sidewalk. Theres a lot of different ways to play with it.

    Another issue to consider is durability: His department fields many calls through the year on washouts along the curb line, which they fix with asphalt. That washes out; it wont hold. Concrete is the only thing that holds up from erosion along the curb line.

    In my mind, said councilor Beryl Grant, Id rather fix what we have. We have a lot of bad sidewalks. Lets go back and get those fixed before we move forward.

    On a home project he priced out, councilor Scott Winkler was quoted around $12,000 to complete a curb and gutter project on 112 linear feet.

    I want to do curb and gutters, but I dont want to pay that money for that, he said.

    Lester said in a rule change, more consideration may need to be given, such as for individuals on corner or as in Winklers case -- three-sided U-lots. The city may need to offer more time for completion, and consider increasing the value to be triggered by new home development or a major remodeling project. One option he doesnt see likely to happen anytime soon is an LID (Local Improvement District), which allows neighborhoods to fund infrastructure projects on a long-term payment plan.

    I dont think youd pass an LID in Grangeville. I dont think you ever will, he said. With the federal rules we have continually, and well have bonds to pass for water and sewer, I dont think people can do it all. So, tell them to pass an LID to do curbs, gutters and sidewalks, and you overlay a $12 million water bond and a $15 million sewer bond, youre not going to get them passed.

    We do need to make a decision on this, Lester continued, because Tonya is right: This has been going on since 1995 and we keep giving waivers. Its not working. Its just making her list longer.

    In other council business:

    Benefitting both the city and organizers, council approved classifying the proposed Pioneer Park band shell project as private.

    According to Kennedy, running the project as classified doesnt cede municipal control; the project would still have to meet set criteria, plans would require city approval, and it would still require a performance bond and use of a public works contractor. However, as private, the project would not have to go through required bidding requirements, as would a public project, and so reduce costs in areas of planning and construction. Project bills would also be paid directly by project organizers and not be run through the city.

    Council approved refinancing $2,130,000 remaining on the citys water bond through the Idaho Bond Bank.

    Certainly, we do have a good bird in the hand, so to speak, said Christian Anderson, Zions Bank, in recommendations for the city to refinance at a time when interest rates are at an all-time low. The council was presented the city could realize savings of $239,000 on its bond, Anderson said with rates continuing to drop lower each day, today, thats closer to $284,000.

    The $3.9 million revenue bond was originally passed in 2003 to fund water line repairs, system renovations and construction of a 500,000-gallon reservoir.

    Go here to see the original:
    Waivers to nowhere Council discusses need to change rule for projects requiring sidewalk installation - Idaho County Free Press

    When choosing siding, weigh pros and cons – The Columbus Dispatch - June 4, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Q: Im building a new home, and I have to make a decision about the siding. I can afford wood shakes and love the look, but I am concerned about long-term maintenance.

    Vinyl siding seems to have so many advantages, but it just doesnt look like wood to me.

    How would you go about making this decision if you were me? What are all the things I should consider? Would you install vinyl siding on your own home? Margo S., Nashville

    A: Choosing between two or three building materials is a common quandary. It could be laminate floor vs. real hardwood. Or you might struggle between treated lumber vs. composite decking. So many products try to mimic the look and feel of wood because manufacturers know we humans have a very deep connection to real wood.

    My advice is pretty straightforward, but it takes a little work and honesty. I think that the best way to solve these issues is to make a checklist of pros and cons on a sheet of paper. When you write down an honest comparison this way, you can see the facts in front of your eyes. All too often, if you do this in your mind, one positive or negative thought may unduly influence the decision.

    Here are some considerations that might help. Positive attributes of real wood siding include: Its the real deal. Wood is a slightly better insulator than vinyl. Wood shakes have a rich legacy of protecting structures in harsh environments.

    Now, lets look at the flip side of wood. If you want the wood to last and look great this is subjective then you need to maintain it. Some love the weathered look of wood shakes and do no maintenance. Shakes require expert installation and the use of high-quality nails, preferably stainless steel. High-quality shakes can be expensive.

    Its quite possible you havent seen the latest version of vinyl siding shakes. Just two years ago I was in Downeast Maine visiting builders, and I toured a home that I was positive was covered with real wood shakes. It wasnt until I was nearing the front porch that I realized they were, in fact, vinyl. They were so realistic that I think that most homeowners would never realize they werent wood.

    These vinyl shakes are expensive and time-consuming to install, but the fact remains that Margo might have found the Holy Grail shes looking for in this product. Each of the pieces of siding is individual like true wood shakes. They interlock to make a weatherproof barrier.

    That said, lets consider traditional vinyl siding that comes in bigger pieces. You can get any number of designs that mimic wood shakes. Vinyl requires no maintenance unless you live in an urban area, where it might require periodic washing to remove dirt. This siding installs so fast that an experienced crew can side an entire house in just a few days. Some smaller houses they might do in less than two days.

    The only negatives I can come up with when it comes to traditional vinyl siding, even the lower-cost shake imitators, is they just dont look like real wood up close. You can short circuit this issue to a degree if you use a special window, door and corner trim that has a built-in J channel that hides the open end of the vinyl siding. This trim really looks like traditional painted wood trim and gets rid of the traditional bulky J-channel that makes most wince.

    Would I install vinyl on my home? The answer is an unequivocal yes. As with many building products, vinyl siding is far enough down the development timeline that many of the bugs have been worked out. I would choose the shake vinyl siding I saw two years ago.

    Read more from the original source:
    When choosing siding, weigh pros and cons - The Columbus Dispatch

    Amid the COVID-19 crisis and the looming economic recession, the Siding Industry market worldwide will grow by a projected US$19.7 Billion, during the… - June 4, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    NEW YORK, June 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --

    Amid the COVID-19 crisis and the looming economic recession, the Siding Industry market worldwide will grow by a projected US$19.7 Billion, during the analysis period, driven by a revised compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.6%. Fiber Cement, one of the segments analyzed and sized in this study, is forecast to grow at over 3.2% and reach a market size of US$48 Billion by the end of the analysis period. An unusual period in history, the coronavirus pandemic has unleashed a series of unprecedented events affecting every industry. The Fiber Cement market will be reset to a new normal which going forwards in a post COVID-19 era will be continuously redefined and redesigned. Staying on top of trends and accurate analysis is paramount now more than ever to manage uncertainty, change and continuously adapt to new and evolving market conditions.

    Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p04159766/?utm_source=PRN

    As part of the new emerging geographic scenario, the United States is forecast to readjust to a 1.5% CAGR. Within Europe, the region worst hit by the pandemic, Germany will add over US$443.2 Million to the region's size over the next 7 to 8 years. In addition, over US$483.6 Million worth of projected demand in the region will come from Rest of European markets. In Japan, the Fiber Cement segment will reach a market size of US$2.2 Billion by the close of the analysis period. Blamed for the pandemic, significant political and economic challenges confront China. Amid the growing push for decoupling and economic distancing, the changing relationship between China and the rest of the world will influence competition and opportunities in the Siding Industry market. Against this backdrop and the changing geopolitical, business and consumer sentiments, the world's second largest economy will grow at 5.4% over the next couple of years and add approximately US$6.8 Billion in terms of addressable market opportunity. Continuous monitoring for emerging signs of a possible new world order post-COVID-19 crisis is a must for aspiring businesses and their astute leaders seeking to find success in the now changing Siding Industry market landscape. All research viewpoints presented are based on validated engagements from influencers in the market, whose opinions supersede all other research methodologies.

    Competitors identified in this market include, among others, Alside Inc.; American Building Components; Associated Materials Inc.; Boral Limited; Certain Teed Corporation; Designer Panel Systems; Etex; Forterra Building Products Limited; Gentek Building Products Inc.; Georgia-Pacific Corporation; James Hardie Industries PLC; Kaycan Ltd.; LIXIL Group Corporation; Louisiana-Pacific Corporation; Metal Building Components Inc.; National Cladding Wales Ltd.; NCI Building Systems; Nichiha Corporation; Palagio Engineering Srl; Peter L. Brown Co., ; Ply Gem Holdings Inc.; Royal Building Products; Ruukki Construction; Sto Corp.; The Alumasc Group PLC; Wienerberger AG

    Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p04159766/?utm_source=PRN

    SIDING INDUSTRY MCP-1MARKET ANALYSIS, TRENDS, AND FORECASTS, JUNE 2CONTENTS

    I. INTRODUCTION, METHODOLOGY & REPORT SCOPE

    II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    1. MARKET OVERVIEW Siding: An Introductory Prelude Recent Market Activity Growing Importance of Building Architecture Drives Significance of Siding Asia-Pacific to Drive Future Growth China Evolves into Most Important Market Developed Regions Remain Prominent Consumers Stable Economic Scenario to Augment Market Prospects Competitive Scenario Siding: A Highly Fragmented Market Product Promotion & Distribution: Key Focus Areas Impact of Covid-19 and a Looming Global Recession Global Competitor Market Shares Siding Industry Competitor Market Share Scenario Worldwide (in %): 2018 & 2029 2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS Alumasc Group Plc (UK) Associated Materials, Inc (USA) Alside, Inc. (USA) Gentek Building Products Inc. (USA) BlueScope (Australia) Boral Limited (Australia) Certain Teed Corporation (USA) Designer Panel Systems (Australia) Etex (Belgium) Forterra Building Products Limited (UK) Georgia-Pacific Corporation (USA) James Hardie Industries PLC (Ireland) Kaycan Ltd. (USA) Kingspan Panels (USA) LIXIL Group Corporation (Japan) Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (USA) NCI Building Systems (USA) American Building Components (USA) Metal Building Components Inc. (USA) National Cladding Wales Ltd. (UK) Nichiha Corporation (Japan) Palagio Engineering Srl (Italy) Peter L. Brown Co. (USA) Ply Gem Holdings, Inc. (USA) Royal Building Products (Canada) Ruukki Construction (Finland) Sto Corp. (USA) Toray ACE Co. Ltd. (Japan) Wienerberger AG (Austria) 3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Growth in the World Construction Industry Spells Opportunities Key Factors Fuelling Growth in the Global Building Construction Market Brick Siding: The Largest Product Segment Wider Color Palette Drives Consumer Interest in Stucco Siding Fiber Cement Siding Gains Widespread Acceptance Vinyl Siding Emerges as Fastest Growing Product Segment Cost Advantage Fuels Rapid Growth in Vinyl Siding Rust-Resistance Properties of Metal Siding Find Fervor in Coastal Regions Issues & Challenges Fire Safety Emerges as Key Concern Growing Use of Glass for Exterior Walls Color and Styling Innovations in the Siding Industry LP's SmartSide Siding Gains Huge Popularity Hardie Fiber Cement Siding: Another Major Innovation Issues Related to Repainting Kaycan Ocean Park Ultra Vinyl "Lap Siding" Kaycan Montebello Vinyl Log Siding Fiber-Cement Lap Siding and Panels New Siding Products with Improved Design and Durability Nearly Natural Catching Rays Smarter Siding Three-toned Stone Estate-the Royal Offering Game-changing Ultimate Clip Aesthetically Advanced and Easy-to-Install Products Grab Attention 4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE Table 1: Siding Industry Global Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2020-2027 Table 2: Siding Industry Global Retrospective Market Scenario in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2012-2019 Table 3: Siding Industry Market Share Shift across Key Geographies Worldwide: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 4: Fiber Cement (Material Type) World Market by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2020 to 2027 Table 5: Fiber Cement (Material Type) Historic Market Analysis by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2012 to 2019 Table 6: Fiber Cement (Material Type) Market Share Breakdown of Worldwide Sales by Region/Country: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 7: Vinyl (Material Type) Potential Growth Markets Worldwide in US$ Million: 2020 to 2027 Table 8: Vinyl (Material Type) Historic Market Perspective by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2012 to 2019 Table 9: Vinyl (Material Type) Market Sales Breakdown by Region/Country in Percentage: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 10: Wood (Material Type) Geographic Market Spread Worldwide in US$ Million: 2020 to 2027 Table 11: Wood (Material Type) Region Wise Breakdown of Global Historic Demand in US$ Million: 2012 to 2019 Table 12: Wood (Material Type) Market Share Distribution in Percentage by Region/Country: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 13: Other Material Types (Material Type) World Market Estimates and Forecasts by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2to 2027 Table 14: Other Material Types (Material Type) Market Historic Review by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2012 to 2019 Table 15: Other Material Types (Material Type) Market Share Breakdown by Region/Country: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 16: Residential (End-Use) Worldwide Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2020-2027 Table 17: Residential (End-Use) Global Historic Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2012-2019 Table 18: Residential (End-Use) Distribution of Global Sales by Region/Country: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 19: Non-Residential (End-Use) Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Years 2through 2027 Table 20: Non-Residential (End-Use) Analysis of Historic Sales in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Years 2012 to 2019 Table 21: Non-Residential (End-Use) Global Market Share Distribution by Region/Country for 2012, 2020, and 2027 III. MARKET ANALYSIS GEOGRAPHIC MARKET ANALYSIS UNITED STATES Market Facts & Figures US Siding Industry Market Share (in %) by Company: 2018 & 2025 Market Analytics Table 22: Siding Industry Market in the United States in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 23: Siding Industry Historic Demand Patterns in the United States in US$ Million by Material Type: 2012-2019 Table 24: United States Siding Industry Market Share Breakdown by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 25: United States Siding Industry Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020 to 2027 Table 26: Siding Industry Historic Demand Patterns in the United States by End-Use in US$ Million for 2012-2019 Table 27: Siding Industry Market Share Breakdown in the United States by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 CANADA Table 28: Canadian Siding Industry Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 29: Siding Industry Market in Canada: Historic Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the period 2012-2019 Table 30: Canadian Siding Industry Market Shares in Percentages by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 31: Canadian Siding Industry Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020 to 2027 Table 32: Siding Industry Market in Canada: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by End-Use for 2012-2019 Table 33: Canadian Siding Industry Market Share Analysis by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 JAPAN Table 34: Japanese Siding Industry Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 35: Siding Industry Demand Patterns in Japan in US$ Million by Material Type: 2012-2019 Table 36: Japanese Siding Industry Market Share in Percentages by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 37: Japanese Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Siding Industry in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020 to 2027 Table 38: Japanese Siding Industry Market in US$ Million by End-Use: 2012-2019 Table 39: Siding Industry Market Share Shift in Japan by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 CHINA Table 40: Chinese Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Siding Industry Market in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 41: Siding Industry Historic Demand Scenario in China in US$ Million by Material Type: 2012-2019 Table 42: Chinese Siding Industry Market Share Breakdown by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 43: Chinese Demand for Siding Industry in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020 to 2027 Table 44: Siding Industry Market Review in China in US$ Million by End-Use: 2012-2019 Table 45: Chinese Siding Industry Market Share Breakdown by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 EUROPE Market Facts & Figures European Siding Industry Market: Competitor Market Share Scenario (in %) for 2018 & 2025 Market Analytics Table 46: European Siding Industry Market Demand Scenario in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2020-2027 Table 47: Siding Industry Market in Europe: A Historic Market Perspective in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Period 2012-2019 Table 48: European Siding Industry Market Share Shift by Region/Country: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 49: Siding Industry Demand Potential in Europe in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 50: European Siding Industry Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type: 2012-2019 Table 51: Siding Industry Market in Europe : Breakdown of Sales by Material Type for 2012, 2020, and 2027 Table 52: European Siding Industry Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020-2027 Table 53: Siding Industry Market in Europe: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2012-2019 Table 54: European Siding Industry Market Share Analysis by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 FRANCE Table 55: Siding Industry Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis in France in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 56: French Siding Industry Market: Historic Review in US$ Million by Material Type for the Period 2012-2019 Table 57: French Siding Industry Market Share Shift by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 58: Siding Industry Quantitative Demand Analysis in France in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020-2027 Table 59: French Siding Industry Historic Market Review in US$ Million by End-Use: 2012-2019 Table 60: French Siding Industry Market Share Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by End-Use for 2012, 2020, and 2027 GERMANY Table 61: German Siding Industry Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 62: Siding Industry Market in Germany: Historic Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the Period 2012-2019 Table 63: German Siding Industry Market Share Distribution by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 64: Siding Industry Market in Germany: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2020-2027 Table 65: German Siding Industry Market in Retrospect in US$ Million by End-Use: 2012-2019 Table 66: Siding Industry Market Share Distribution in Germany by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 ITALY Table 67: Italian Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Siding Industry Market in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 68: Siding Industry Historic Demand Scenario in Italy in US$ Million by Material Type: 2012-2019 Table 69: Italian Siding Industry Market Share Breakdown by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 70: Italian Demand for Siding Industry in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020 to 2027 Table 71: Siding Industry Market Review in Italy in US$ Million by End-Use: 2012-2019 Table 72: Italian Siding Industry Market Share Breakdown by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 UNITED KINGDOM Table 73: United Kingdom Siding Industry Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 74: Siding Industry Demand Patterns in the United Kingdom in US$ Million by Material Type: 2012-2019 Table 75: United Kingdom Siding Industry Market Share in Percentages by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 76: United Kingdom Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Siding Industry in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020 to 2027 Table 77: United Kingdom Siding Industry Market in US$ Million by End-Use: 2012-2019 Table 78: Siding Industry Market Share Shift in the United Kingdom by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 SPAIN Table 79: Spanish Siding Industry Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 80: Siding Industry Market in Spain: Historic Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the period 2012-2019 Table 81: Spanish Siding Industry Market Shares in Percentages by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 82: Spanish Siding Industry Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020 to 2027 Table 83: Siding Industry Market in Spain: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by End-Use for 2012-2019 Table 84: Spanish Siding Industry Market Share Analysis by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 RUSSIA Table 85: Siding Industry Market in Russia in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 86: Siding Industry Historic Demand Patterns in Russia in US$ Million by Material Type: 2012-2019 Table 87: Russian Siding Industry Market Share Breakdown by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 88: Russian Siding Industry Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020 to 2027 Table 89: Siding Industry Historic Demand Patterns in Russia by End-Use in US$ Million for 2012-2019 Table 90: Siding Industry Market Share Breakdown in Russia by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 REST OF EUROPE Table 91: Siding Industry Demand Potential in Rest of Europe in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 92: Rest of Europe Siding Industry Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type: 2012-2019 Table 93: Siding Industry Market in Rest of Europe: Breakdown of Sales by Material Type for 2012, 2020, and 2027 Table 94: Rest of Europe Siding Industry Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020-2027 Table 95: Siding Industry Market in Rest of Europe: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2012-2019 Table 96: Rest of Europe Siding Industry Market Share Analysis by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 ASIA-PACIFIC Table 97: Asia-Pacific Siding Industry Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2020-2027 Table 98: Siding Industry Market in Asia-Pacific: Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Period 2012-2019 Table 99: Asia-Pacific Siding Industry Market Share Analysis by Region/Country: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 100: Siding Industry Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis in Asia-Pacific in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 101: Asia-Pacific Siding Industry Market: Historic Review in US$ Million by Material Type for the Period 2012-2019 Table 102: Asia-Pacific Siding Industry Market Share Shift by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 103: Siding Industry Quantitative Demand Analysis in Asia-Pacific in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020-2027 Table 104: Asia-Pacific Siding Industry Historic Market Review in US$ Million by End-Use: 2012-2019 Table 105: Asia-Pacific Siding Industry Market Share Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by End-Use for 2012, 2020, and 2027 AUSTRALIA Table 106: Australian Siding Industry Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 107: Siding Industry Market in Australia: Historic Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the Period 2012-2019 Table 108: Australian Siding Industry Market Share Distribution by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 109: Siding Industry Market in Australia: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2020-2027 Table 110: Australian Siding Industry Market in Retrospect in US$ Million by End-Use: 2012-2019 Table 111: Siding Industry Market Share Distribution in Australia by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 INDIA Table 112: Indian Siding Industry Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 113: Siding Industry Market in India: Historic Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the period 2012-2019 Table 114: Indian Siding Industry Market Shares in Percentages by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 115: Indian Siding Industry Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020 to 2027 Table 116: Siding Industry Market in India: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by End-Use for 2012-2019 Table 117: Indian Siding Industry Market Share Analysis by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 SOUTH KOREA Table 118: Siding Industry Market in South Korea: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the Period 2020-2027 Table 119: South Korean Siding Industry Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type: 2012-2019 Table 120: Siding Industry Market Share Distribution in South Korea by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 121: Siding Industry Market in South Korea: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2020-2027 Table 122: South Korean Siding Industry Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use: 2012-2019 Table 123: Siding Industry Market Share Distribution in South Korea by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 REST OF ASIA-PACIFIC Table 124: Rest of Asia-Pacific Siding Industry Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 125: Siding Industry Demand Patterns in Rest of Asia-Pacific in US$ Million by Material Type: 2012-2019 Table 126: Rest of Asia-Pacific Siding Industry Market Share in Percentages by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 127: Rest of Asia-Pacific Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Siding Industry in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020 to 2027 Table 128: Rest of Asia-Pacific Siding Industry Market in US$ Million by End-Use: 2012-2019 Table 129: Siding Industry Market Share Shift in Rest of Asia-Pacific by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 LATIN AMERICA Table 130: Latin American Siding Industry Market Trends by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2020-2027 Table 131: Siding Industry Market in Latin America in US$ Million by Region/Country: A Historic Perspective for the Period 2012-2019 Table 132: Latin American Siding Industry Market Percentage Breakdown of Sales by Region/Country: 2012, 2020, and 2027 Table 133: Latin American Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Siding Industry Market in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 134: Siding Industry Historic Demand Scenario in Latin America in US$ Million by Material Type: 2012-2019 Table 135: Latin American Siding Industry Market Share Breakdown by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 136: Latin American Demand for Siding Industry in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020 to 2027 Table 137: Siding Industry Market Review in Latin America in US$ Million by End-Use: 2012-2019 Table 138: Latin American Siding Industry Market Share Breakdown by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 ARGENTINA Table 139: Siding Industry Demand Potential in Argentina in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 140: Argentinean Siding Industry Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type: 2012-2019 Table 141: Siding Industry Market in Argentina: Breakdown of Sales by Material Type for 2012, 2020, and 2027 Table 142: Argentinean Siding Industry Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020-2027 Table 143: Siding Industry Market in Argentina: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2012-2019 Table 144: Argentinean Siding Industry Market Share Analysis by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 BRAZIL Table 145: Siding Industry Recent Past, Current & Future Market Analysis in Brazil in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 146: Brazilian Siding Industry Market: Historic Review in US$ Million by Material Type for the Period 2012-2019 Table 147: Brazilian Siding Industry Market Share Shift by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 148: Siding Industry Quantitative Demand Analysis in Brazil in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020-2027 Table 149: Brazilian Siding Industry Historic Market Review in US$ Million by End-Use: 2012-2019 Table 150: Brazilian Siding Industry Market Share Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by End-Use for 2012, 2020, and 2027 MEXICO Table 151: Mexican Siding Industry Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 152: Siding Industry Market in Mexico: Historic Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the Period 2012-2019 Table 153: Mexican Siding Industry Market Share Distribution by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 154: Siding Industry Market in Mexico: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2020-2027 Table 155: Mexican Siding Industry Market in Retrospect in US$ Million by End-Use: 2012-2019 Table 156: Siding Industry Market Share Distribution in Mexico by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 REST OF LATIN AMERICA Table 157: Siding Industry Market in Rest of Latin America in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 158: Siding Industry Historic Demand Patterns in Rest of Latin America in US$ Million by Material Type: 2012-2019 Table 159: Rest of Latin America Siding Industry Market Share Breakdown by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 160: Rest of Latin America Siding Industry Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020 to 2027 Table 161: Siding Industry Historic Demand Patterns in Rest of Latin America by End-Use in US$ Million for 2012-2019 Table 162: Siding Industry Market Share Breakdown in Rest of Latin America by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 MIDDLE EAST Table 163: The Middle East Siding Industry Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2020-2027 Table 164: Siding Industry Market in the Middle East by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2012-2019 Table 165: The Middle East Siding Industry Market Share Breakdown by Region/Country: 2012, 2020, and 2027 Table 166: The Middle East Siding Industry Market in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 167: Siding Industry Market in the Middle East: Historic Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the period 2012-2019 Table 168: The Middle East Siding Industry Market Shares in Percentages by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 169: The Middle East Siding Industry Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020 to 2027 Table 170: Siding Industry Market in the Middle East: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by End-Use for 2012-2019 Table 171: The Middle East Siding Industry Market Share Analysis by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 IRAN Table 172: Iranian Siding Industry Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 173: Siding Industry Demand Patterns in Iran in US$ Million by Material Type: 2012-2019 Table 174: Iranian Siding Industry Market Share in Percentages by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 175: Iranian Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Siding Industry in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020 to 2027 Table 176: Iranian Siding Industry Market in US$ Million by End-Use: 2012-2019 Table 177: Siding Industry Market Share Shift in Iran by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 ISRAEL Table 178: Siding Industry Demand Potential in Israel in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 179: Israeli Siding Industry Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type: 2012-2019 Table 180: Siding Industry Market in Israel: Breakdown of Sales by Material Type for 2012, 2020, and 2027 Table 181: Israeli Siding Industry Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020-2027 Table 182: Siding Industry Market in Israel: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2012-2019 Table 183: Israeli Siding Industry Market Share Analysis by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 SAUDI ARABIA Table 184: Saudi Arabian Demand Estimates and Forecasts for Siding Industry Market in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 185: Siding Industry Historic Demand Scenario in Saudi Arabia in US$ Million by Material Type: 2012-2019 Table 186: Saudi Arabian Siding Industry Market Share Breakdown by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 187: Saudi Arabian Demand for Siding Industry in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020 to 2027 Table 188: Siding Industry Market Review in Saudi Arabia in US$ Million by End-Use: 2012-2019 Table 189: Saudi Arabian Siding Industry Market Share Breakdown by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Table 190: Siding Industry Market in the United Arab Emirates: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the Period 2020-2027 Table 191: United Arab Emirates Siding Industry Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type: 2012-2019 Table 192: Siding Industry Market Share Distribution in United Arab Emirates by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 193: Siding Industry Market in the United Arab Emirates: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2020-2027 Table 194: United Arab Emirates Siding Industry Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use: 2012-2019 Table 195: Siding Industry Market Share Distribution in United Arab Emirates by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 REST OF MIDDLE EAST Table 196: Rest of Middle East Siding Industry Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 197: Siding Industry Market in Rest of Middle East: Historic Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Material Type for the Period 2012-2019 Table 198: Rest of Middle East Siding Industry Market Share Distribution by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 199: Siding Industry Market in Rest of Middle East: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use for the Period 2020-2027 Table 200: Rest of Middle East Siding Industry Market in Retrospect in US$ Million by End-Use: 2012-2019 Table 201: Siding Industry Market Share Distribution in Rest of Middle East by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 AFRICA Table 202: Siding Industry Market in Africa in US$ Million by Material Type: 2020-2027 Table 203: Siding Industry Historic Demand Patterns in Africa in US$ Million by Material Type: 2012-2019 Table 204: African Siding Industry Market Share Breakdown by Material Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 205: African Siding Industry Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use: 2020 to 2027 Table 206: Siding Industry Historic Demand Patterns in Africa by End-Use in US$ Million for 2012-2019 Table 207: Siding Industry Market Share Breakdown in Africa by End-Use: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 IV. COMPETITION

    Total Companies Profiled: 113 Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p04159766/?utm_source=PRN

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    Amid the COVID-19 crisis and the looming economic recession, the Siding Industry market worldwide will grow by a projected US$19.7 Billion, during the...

    Lessons from The Battle of the Paulistas – International Viewpoint - June 4, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    So Paulo witnessed a tense standoff for four hours, including a real pitched battle for two hours, between two unequal sides on 31 May.[1] The Military Police of So Paulo, the best trained, best equipped in the country, on one the side. Anti-fascist on the other side organized by soccer fans, mostly from the Corinthians Faithful Hawks club (Gavies da Fiel), but also Palmeiras, So Paulo and antifa Santos fan clubs as well. They decided to demonstrate for democracy near where the So Paulo Bolsonarists usually meet at the same time.

    The homies arrived shortly after noon, almost all dressed in black, looking like an old school battalion carrying a huge banner for democracy, drums, and their own security team. They installed themselves in the gap and in front of the Museum of Art of So Paulo Assis Chateaubriand in the middle of Avenida Paulina, So Paulos main drag. From the beginning, they were surrounded by an immense number of military police (MPs) with menacing attitudes. Of course the press said the police were working to prevent the two groups from confronting each other.

    Four blocks away, no more than 100 hundred supporters of the neo-fascist president gathered in front of the Chamber of Commerce (Fiesp) headquarters. The Boslonarists were vocal as usual, but demonstrated some innovations by carrying Ukrainian neo-Nazi flags (hello?) and then there was the innocent female baseball fan carrying a bat whose shirt read FASCIST. A video of a policeman escorting this lady out of the area after she tried to provoke a small group of passers-by with the bat spread quickly on social media.

    [Read next, Gabriel Santos: What can Brazilian socialists learn from Minneapolis?.]

    Around 2:15 pm, the MPs attacked the anti-fascists in front of the Masp. According to a legal observer present on the scene, the pitched battled started because a Bolsonarist, backed up by three others, tried to enter the opposition bloc evidently aiming for a provocation.

    The antifascists prevented the Bolsonarists from wading into their group passage, which gave the police an excuse to start raining tear gas bombs and to send in riot police against the demonstrators. (Obviously the So Paulo MPs are giving a diametrically opposed version in which the demonstrators provoked the police.)

    Once the resistance began, more than forty Shock Battalion police (with 6 or 8 police vehicles backing them up), armed with shields, clubs, and tear gas grenade launchers tried for 90 minutes to force the anti-fascists to withdraw from the street ironically the length as a regulation soccer game!

    In the midst of the pitched battle, the antifascists effected an organized and combative retreat, in which the organization, tenacity, and technique of the team in black were on full display. They had obviously had some experience (and some had a lot of experience) in facing down police violence.

    The antifascists threw stones and hurled back tear gas cannisters, defended themselves with movable metal fences, and used pieces of construction siding to the slow down the police they used everything they could get their hands on. In the end, the police failed to disperse them. The five arrests made by police were a small price to pay for the size and duration of the confrontation.

    Read next, International open letter: Jair Bolsonaro is a threat to Brazil and global health.]

    The result of the Battle of the Paulistas, broadcast live by the media offers some lessons for the social and political opposition to Bolsonaro:

    1. The Military Police serve Bolsonarism. Watch out.

    2. State governors should be asked by civil society to place limits on police abuses at all levels.

    3. It is necessary to face fascism with organized action. There is nothing to dialogue over with people carrying golf clubs and Ukrainian fascist flags, wearing Ku Klux Kan clothing, shouting Nazi-fascist rhetoric.

    4. The streets are the most important site for this confrontation, although petitions and institutional actions also have their roles. We must start to reclaim the streets taking all necessary social-distancing and protective measures.

    5. We need unity between all Brazilian soccer fans! Between the Greeks and Trojans, the Russians and Bahians to oppose the snake Bolsonaro. If the Corinthians Faithful Hawks were in the majority and dictated tactics on Sunday, there were also rival fans. I only wish that opposition political parties in particular those on the left and social movements throughout Brazil acted like So Paulos soccer fans on this sunny Sunday. Theres still time.

    31 May 2020

    Source: translated by No Borders News from Insurgncia.

    Read the rest here:
    Lessons from The Battle of the Paulistas - International Viewpoint

    China and India on the edge – Daily Times - June 4, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    The history of the LAC goes back to the colonial era of the British when the Qing Dynasty negotiated a vague area border between China and the Indian region. Even today, the border dispute has not been resolved. After repeated diplomatic failures and disagreements, skirmishes and exchange of minor hostilities are a routine matter in the region of Ladakh along the Pangong Lake. But the year 2020, has brought with it the winds of change. On 5th of May, there was a hot engagement between the troops of both countries. In a heated exchange of fighting, pelting and inflicted injuries, a standoff began which has not subsided even after 26 days. Will this lead to all-out war? What would be the consequences? And why this is happening now? These are the questions that are perplexing military and economic strategists all over the world. A war between China and India is the only probable incident that could be more disastrous than Covid-19 pandemic.

    The border between China and India is 3400Kms long. It is a tri-juncture with rights being claimed by India, China and Bhutan. India favors Bhutan in the dispute. China and India are both giants and together they are around one third of all human population on the planet. Both are nuclear powers but China is far more superior in defense budget and military technology. The quantum of military budget of China is four times that of India. In 1962, there was a war between the two which ended with humiliation and massive casualties for India. There is no misconception that the result would be the same if a war breaks out now. It will be devastating for India but the benefit will go the economic opponents of China and its attention will be diverted. With being bogged down in Xin Jiang, Hong Kong and a cold war with the US, a confrontation with India is not what the Chinese would want at this time.

    Apparently, it seems as if the border dispute was the reason for the military clash and stand-off but matters in diplomacy are always complex. In August, 2019, India altered the disputed status of Indian Occupied Kahsmir and began construction of ambitious infrastructure and military projects in the area. Without consultation, China has taken the construction of air bases and roads connecting military installation as a threat. Safeguarding the borders and physical territory of China is one of the primary manifestos of the PLA(Peoples Liberation Army). Further, India state media and political circles have stressed the need to conduct a military operation, and to capture Pakistan administered Azad Kashmir. Not only does China considers this a threat to a close ally Pakistan but also perceives it as a threat to the One Belt One Road Project. China has based its future progress, prosperity and a foothold in International trade through Pakistan in the shape of Gwadar. Any plan to thwart the CPEC or OBOR is a major challenge to Chinese aims. A military stand-off in the Ladakh region would move the focus of the Indian Army from any intervention into Azad Kashmir and towards the Dolkham Plateau and the Pangong Lake area. In a twenty plus day military buildup, India is clear that it needs to review its military intelligence and strategy in the region. The changing of the status of disputed territory and warming up to US, Japan and Australia is going to have consequences. On the other hands, CPEC and OBOR gives China access to the Arabian Sea, a dream that will unlock limitless possibilities for China and Pakistan.

    After the 5th May incident, the Chinese army has moved into over 50 Kms of area which was previously under Indian control. Both armies have been mobilizing. On the Chinese side, over 2500 troops have been brought in. Heavy military equipment, artillery and surveillance technology is being deployed. Such a kind of military formation has not been observed in many decades. The disputes and skirmishes that occurred in the previous years would be resolved through local military commanders but this time the call for military personnel and equipment has come from the highest echelons of the Chinese Army.

    China is dealing with multiple fronts at the moment. There is the unrest in Hong Kong, the economic slowdown from corona pandemic, the cold war with the US and now this military stand-off at 14,000 ft with India. It appears that China is prepared for all kinds of scenarios. It is wary of the fact that India under the fascist leadership of Modi is capable of making aggressive moves. It is also considering the fact that this is the time when India has to decide whether it will take a neutral role or lean towards the American Government when a cold war is on the horizon. If the latter is the case, China could engage India in a hostile border dispute which would weaken the economy to the brink that India is no longer a threat, or it can develop a deterrence that if India participates in any anti-China activities under the leadership of the United States, the military front would be the first of many factors that India would have to consider. Also, in the event of India siding with the US against China, would result in cutting of trade ties between India and China which would be a serious blow to an already shaken economy because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although, it is India that has prompted the stand-off, China seems to be determined to use it to its advantage.

    The LAC is a loose border with no clear boundaries and vague protocols. If diplomatic means fail, the military options can be catastrophic for the region and for India. It must be kept in mind that if China enters the region along the Pangong Lake and captures the roads built by India to connect Ladakh to IOK, then the grip of the Indian Army in the whole region will be halved. The stakes are high for both countries. With Pakistan moving closer to China with every new step in CPEC and OBOR and India entering military alliances with the United States, a cold war of superpowers can frantically turn into a full blown all out combat. Although, China is keeping a deterrent strategy at the moment, it certainly has the might and the means to initiate and win this fight, only this time with much more sophisticated armaments and strategies compared to those available in 1962. Donald Trump is marching towards the blame game and accusing China of hijacking WHO and the UN, blatantly vilifying Chinese interests in Hong Kong and Taiwan, trying to change the International narrative towards Beijing, perhaps it is through Ladakh that the Chinese Government will show their display of military power instead of the soft power they have communicated Western world for so many decades.

    The writer is Chairman of Jinnah Rafi Foundation

    Original post:
    China and India on the edge - Daily Times

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