[_dave_]

[ QUOTE ]

WTO granting Antiqua the IP sanctions is not a Hail Mary. But it's not a sure thing. On the one hand, the credibility of the WTO is at stake. On the other hand, taking on the biggest member is hazardous too.


[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, the USA is the "biggest member" - but is it bigger than the rest combined? hell no!

Not to mention it's economy is tanking beyond expectation... time is not on your side.

In addition, the USA is claiming is it not a single entity, merely a collection of disparate "states" that enact their own laws... as far as the rest of the world is concerned, I'm not sure anyone believes this BS. I am in fact fairly certain the rest of the world does not even recognise the states as legal entities... they are simply regions, or counties / whatever - of the USA.

In no way can the USA act as a giant when threatening others, but when threatened itself claim to be an independent collection of disparate entities... lol.

Oh, and yes - the WTO reputation is at stake. Do not underestimate it, based solely on the the fact that Antigua is the complainant. WTO+Antigua is at most testing the waters. Is it already forgotten hoe manny millions were wipes from the London stock exchange due to UIGEA?

To us in the UK, the USA banning gambling is like France banning British cheese! Gambling is a totally normal thing over here - to ban international commerce to serve your own vested interests (Lotteries, horse racing etc.) is not a fair thing to do IM(continent's)O.