Technology is the new nuclear

Power politics traditionally depends on governments having control of fire power in the form of military hardware and economic power.

But today you can add technology know-how and control to the list. Sanctions on technology are very powerful and although probably not as threatening as a nuclear warhead or the sanctioning of fuel, they are a political tool today

Cuba is having a go at Microsoft for blocking the nation from using its Instant Messenger service known as Messenger.

The US has already disable Messenger's use in other states such as Iran, Cuba, Sudan and North Korea.

According to Associated Press Microsoft said: "This is not a new change, but has only recently received attention," he said. "Microsoft is one of several major Internet companies that have taken steps aimed at meeting their obligations to not do business with markets on the U.S. sanctions list." 

Should IT be used as a political weapon?