The return of DSK
Guess who was recently in Beijing to give a speech on the European economy? None other than Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who chose today to make his return to the world of economics after his career and presidential hopes were derailed by (ultimately dismissed) sexual-assault accusations in May. In a 35-minute address at a business conference hosted by internet company NetEase, he said that European leaders are in denial about the severity of the financial crisis, that countries need to work together more, and that his former rival, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel don’t really understand each other. According to news reports, he received a warm welcome, and Chinese economist Li Daokui told him that many people in China love and support him. He looked and sounded just like his old self. Although DSK’s politics may be different than mine, I am so glad to see him back.
In related news, DSK’s wife, Anne Sinclair, was named France’s woman of the year on the same day by the magazine Terrafemina. The magazine cited her loyalty and courage and called her “both a heroine and a kind of anti-heroine.” I also was impressed by her support of a man who was hated and presumed guilty by so many. In my opinion, it is Sinclair, and not those who jumped to conclusions based on sexist and racist stereotypes, who was the true feminist throughout Strauss-Kahn’s ordeal. Although there have been rumors in the past month and a half that she might be thinking of leaving him, this seems to be false for now (knock on wood), as they were recently seen visiting Israel together and later celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary. As long as Sinclair doesn’t end up ditching her husband in the midst of his continuing legal and reputational struggles, I’d say she deserves this title for sure.
And finally, another surveillance video from the Sofitel hotel was published by French magazine Le Nouvel Observateur. It shows Brian Yearwood, the technical director of the hotel, following DSK around, perhaps a little suspiciously.
Sources: AFP, AP, Financial Times, IBN Live, News.com.au, RFI, Telegraph, Wall Street Journal