The World is Talking. Global Politics

Ukrainiana compares Ukraine's nationwide minimum wage with MPs' official salaries.

Dr. Filomena writes on Kosovo's independence and explains why she thinks Slovenia should not be the first to recognize it: “If for no other reason, then for the sake of our investments in Serbia.”

Window on Eurasia writes about a Chechen writer's appeal to his fellow countrymen.

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) predicted Democrats will add 10 to 15 seats to their House majority in November’s elections, CQ Politics reports.

Said Hoyer: “We’re not taking anything for granted, but we’re very optimistic.”

“Democrats in recent months have shifted from worrying about protecting the seats they gained in 2006 to talking about building on their gains — a change fueled by the rising numbers of Republican members who don’t plan to run again in 2008.”

A new Minnesota Public Radio poll in Minnesota shows Sen. Hillary Clinton leading Sen. Barack Obama, 40% to 33%.

In the Republican race, Sen. John McCain leads with 41%, followed by Mike Huckabee at 22% and Mitt Romney at 17%.

Major caveat: The survey did not not identify likely caucus participants on Feb. 5 so its predictive power is limited.

Itching for Eestimaa reports that the number of Estonia's stateless persons continues to decrease.

BBC's Mark Mardell interviews “Kosovo’s premier rapper” Genc Prevlaka.

Dr. Sean's Diary comments on the Czech presidential debate between incumbent Václav Klaus and challenger Jan Švejnar.

A Fistful of Euros explains why PM Kostunica's refusal to endorse either of the candidates is good for Nikolic and bad for Tadic.

The latest Gallup daily tracking poll shows Sen. Hillary Clinton edging Sen. Barack Obama nationally, 43% to 39%. That 4-point lead is the narrowest since early January, and it is a continuation of gains by Obama.

“The impact of John Edwards’ exit from the Democratic race is less clear. Wednesday night’s numbers (the first with Edwards excluded from the ballot) show no clear indication that either candidate is benefiting disproportionately.”

in the Republican race, Sen. John McCain increase his national lead to 15 points over Mitt Romney, 37% to 22%.