Obama, Sarkozy discuss Iran sanctions, global economy

With the tensions about ambiguous Iran's nuclear programs growing in recent months, the President Obama and French President Sarzoky called for toucher U.N sanctions. The two agreed that all nations must support the sanctions as Iran's possible development of nuclear weapons is threat to international security and peace. Mr. Obama said that the sanctions should be imposed as soon as possible emphasizing the importance of the issue. Mr. Sarzoky also said the France supports the war in Afghanistan as, "By fighting in Afghanistan, what we are fighting for is world security, quite simply." France is one of the permanent member of the U.N Security Council who supports sanctions along with U.K, U.S but China and Russia had been resistent. Although Iran claims that the nuclear activities in the country are for peaceful purposes, the U.S and other nations suspect Iran of nuclear weapon developments. Read more at http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/03/30/obama.sarkozy/index.html?hpt=T2

Submitted By: Namgyel Dorji

Thailand in crisis

The deadline for Thailand's prime minister to dissolve Parliament and have new elections has passed but demonstrations are expected to continue for days. This is all the result of the current prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva taking power in a military coup in 2006 because the prime minister at the time Thaksin Shinawatra had supposedly been running a corrupt government and abusing power, but was popular and was a member of the party that won two elections. We'll see how this goes...

By: Justin Lynch

Massive Power Blackout Leaves Chile in the Dark

Chile has focused their efforts on the major earthquake that occurred roughly two weeks ago, as well as after shock tremors. On Sunday night, a widespread blackout occurred in Chile, leaving over 90% of Chile without power. The blackout was caused by a failure in the country's central electric system, but it is still unclear what led to the failure. The subway system in Chile was affected by the blackout, which resulted in a large scale evacuation of all passengers. Almost a full country losing power is a frightening thought and has the potential to produce chaos. Chile is working to have the system and power back up and running.

By: Alyssa Rabulinski

Cyber Wars: Backlash of the Internet

Iran has arrested 30 people for waging what it called an organized, U.S.-backed cyber war against the nation. The government is accusing W. Bush of supplying $400 million for a cyber war project. As a matter of fact

One branch of the project, dubbed the "Iran Proxy," was capable of infiltrating Iran's data banks, sabotaging its Web sites, and facilitating contacts between Iranian opposition figures and U.S.-funded media like Voice of America radio and Radio Farda, according to Fars.

I think that the public in general has been sleeping on the new threats that the Internet poses. When we were discussing the decline of the US hegemony, we addressed the convergence of the previous and emerging powers and how that transition has been traditionally violent and resulted in war. I think the next shift may very well be technological warfare. Every major shift has set precedent, the trench warfare that essentially emerged for the first time in WWII, solidified the US hegemony. I propose that whoever is successful in the new technological age will be the next hegemonic state. Iran has every right to be concerned if this was actually occurring. If the US is able to continue advance at an astronomical pace technologically in comparison to other nations, they may very well be able to delay the expiration on their global position.

by Sarah Richardson

Looks like we don't have to worry about China...

Just kidding. While this is just one story about how some younger workers in a Chinese province are hesitant to take factory jobs, this is a pretty interesting case of Generation Y kids not going for the first job that shows up in a country that probably more than any other has benefited from globalization.

By: Justin Lynch

RUSSIA AND INDIA STRENGTHEN THE EXISTING TIES

The Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir V. Putin, visited India recently where he received a warm reception from his counterpart, Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. India and Russia enjoyed a long history of friendship which became even important after post-cold-war. While in India, Mr. Putin signed a series of agreement ranging from nuclear to military issues. As India's economy grows rapidly, Russia remains it's main ally in the areas of energy investment and also India purchases most of it's military weapons from Russia. The two countries make up half of the BRIC Group, the fastest growing economies other two being China and Brazil. India is considered the second-fastest growing economy which led many firms around the world to compete on lucrative contracts to build plants there. Read more at: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/13/world/asia/13india.html?ref=world

Submitted By: Namgyel Dorji

Bill Gates Surpassed as World's Richest Man

According to Forbes Magazine's list of the world's richest people released today, Bill Gates has been surpassed by Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim. Although Slim's net worth only exceeds Gates's by $500 million, the news is significant as this is only the second time since 1995 that Gates was not listed as the richest. Slim has primarily made his fortune through a variety of telecom assets, and recently made a $250 million investment in the New York Times. Slim joins a growing number of billionaires to make Forbes's list from the developing world: two billionaires from India and one from Brazil are included on the top 10 list.

Chris Bilbro

U.S. condemns Israel's Construction of Homes in East Jerusalem

Vice President Joe Biden today that the U.S. is not in favor of Israel's decision to build 1,600 houses in a highly disputed area. Biden is the highest ranking member of the Obama administration to visit Israel, and met today with Israeli leaders to discuss plans to restart the peace process with Palestine. According to Biden, "The substance and timing of the announcement, particularly with the launching of proximity talks, is precisely the kind of step that undermines the trust we need right now." Unsurprsingly, lead Palestinian negotiators believe Israel's announcement of plans to build these homes is a deliberate attempt to derail peace talks. Indirect talks began between the two sides after an entire year of stalled negotiations. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has previously refused to enter negotiations unless Israel stops settlement construction in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Chris Bilbro

Iceland votes down debt deal

In an interesting (yet expected) development out of Iceland, voters there have overwhelmingly opposed a measure to repay Britain and the Netherlands for a bank that failed. The measure would have cost Icelandic families at least $135 per month for eight years...can you blame them for defeating it with 93% of the vote?

By: Justin Lynch

Hundreds slaughtered in Nigeria religious violence

The North and South of Nigeria are battling over their religious beliefs. The North being predominantly Muslim and the South being Christian has created a clash causing hundreds of lives. The Fulanis started attacking Sunday by killing anyone who didn't respond in Fulani when asked who they were. It was a massive attacks with machetes and there have been at least 200 confirmed deaths, although it has been reported there were twice the amount, but no one has claimed that's true. The Christians feel unsafe and is frustrated with the government not controlling them, and said they will fight back if attacked again. The President has said they will have people guarding the border to keep fighters from entering with weapons and causing further violence, yet reporters have been able to travel freely, so this has yet to be the case. With more than 600 people fleeing to makeshift camps provided by the Red Cross, the devastation has been felt. Hopefully the government can settle this religious dispute, yet as we see playing out in other areas of the world this is often not the case. Only time can tell.
By: Lindsay Weidling

North Korea Abandons Truce and Agreement

North Korea has stated that it will no longer move towards nuclear disarmament. The U.S. and South Korea had a joint military exercise that provoked North Korea. In response to them stated that it was the U.S. and South Korea were disrupting the peace and violating the truce that brought the Korean War to a standstill. Another response to the military exercise is the fact that North Korea would actually step up their nuclear program in order to prepare their defenses.

By: Albie Braun

More than 100 Deaths in an Attack on a Nigerian Town

On Sunday, a Christian group was attacked in the town Dogo Nahauwa, just south of Jos. As of now, the attack killed 107 people, according to Choji Gyang, a religious affairs adviser. The people of Dogo Nahauwa are predominantly Derom, an ethnic group that has mostly Christian beliefs. Currently, the government believes the attackers to be members of the Islamic Hause-Fulani group. The attackers set buildings ablaze and attacked the townspeople with machetes. 48 people are still hospitalized from the attacks. Vice President Goodluck Jonathan is asking the people of Nigeria to be peaceful through these tense, turbulent times. Unfortunately, the attacks were not a surprise. Nigeria has large populations of Christian and Muslims; both groups have been part of a back and forth battle over the years.

By: Alyssa Rabulinski

Can Democracy Work in Iraq?

Much valid criticism over whether democracy can or will work in Iraq is supported by political, economic and cultural specialists. From an intercultural perspective, one would say that Democracy does not represent the values nor world view of the people of that region, and that their are multiple other forms of government that would suite the nation much better, such as oligarchy.

Recently however, despite voters being threatened from Al-Qaida announcements that anyone who went to the voting booths would be attacked be attacked, this Sunday, the voting turnout for the general election in Baghdad was over 50%.

The Prime Minister,Nuri al-Maliki, Stated that the attacks "are only noise to impress voters but Iraqis are a people who love challenges and you will see that this will not damage their morale."

Khaled Abdallah, 35,one of the citezens who voted expressed "My vote today is a defiance of Al-Qaeda,".

Greg Voegtle

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100307/wl_afp/iraqvote

Iranian president: 9/11 was 'big lie'

According to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 were nothing more than a "big lie" intended to "pave the way for the invasion of a war-torn nation." Ahmadinejad's comments come just two days before his scheduled arrival in Afghanistan. Ahmadinejad thinks the attacks were used as an excuse to pursue the extermination of terrorist networks and to invade Afghanistan. This isn't the first time Iran's president has denied significant historic events; Ahmadinejad has also denied the existence of the Nazi holocaust during World War II. I suppose we should just expect the Iranian president to continue making outrageous remarks towards the west so long as he remains in power.

By: Cameron Adams

Iraq's Violent Elections

Polls are now closed for Iraq's second parliamentary elections since the 2003 U.S. invasion. While polls were open, many places were attacked, especially in the capital city. Two buildings were destroyed and many others hit by mortars. To combat the violence and allow thousands waiting in line to vote, more than 500,000 Iraqi security personnel were used in the operation. Security measures included pat-downs before entering buildings, no cars allowed on the roads, and the border with Iran to be closed. Despite these measures, at least 35 people died in attacks. Islamic militant groups were responsible for the attacks and had even promised to try to stop the voting process in any way they can. Before the election, they distributed fliers to deter people from coming. However, the resultant crowds were steady throughout the country, even in areas that have refused to vote previously. The turnout seems to suggest that these people are ready to move on. They stood up despite threats to their very lives in order to help their government's process.

By Abbey Smith

U.S. Circulates New Draft Proposal for Iran Sanctions

With the growing tentions about the Iran's nuclear program, the United States is drafting a new and much toucher sanction against Iran. The sanction is focused more on activities like banking that would affect Iran's economy. It is not clear if China and Russia would support this sanction especially China who remained resistant to the idea of more stringen sanctions. Despite Iran's claim that the nuclear program is totally for peaceful purposes, the West and international community fear that Iran is moving towards developing nuclear weapons. Read more at: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/04/world/04sanctions.html?ref=middleeast

Submitted By; Namgyel Dorji

Resolution Genocide

After much controversy, debate, and uncertainty, the United States House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee has approved a resolution naming the WWI violence against Armenians a Genocide. Whether or not this resolution will pass in the House is still in question; but the first steps have been taken to naming this past atrocity in a rightful way. If this resolution is passed, it can be sure that tensions between the US and Turkey will rise, and whether or not the US will be able to maintain their bases within Turkeys' boarders is uncertain.
by megan smith

Iran is BAD because WE don't like them!

I thought that this was particularly relevant considering our Security Council similation earlier this term. The United States is now attempting to strong arm sanctions against Iran. It is yet another example of the United States using its money and power to try and influence the international community. Although Brazil's reluctance probably won't hold much weight in the final decision, kudos to them for stading up and trying to maintain their own voice in the international community.

by Sarah Richardson

Muslim Scholar Issues Fatwa on Suicide Bombers

Today Muslim scholar Tahir ul-Qadri issued a fatwa, or religious ruling, condemning terrorist attacks. According to ul-Qadri's 600 page fatwa, terrorists, particularly in the form of suicide bombers, will be condemned to hell for violating principles of Islam. ul-Qadri is founder of Minhaj-ul-Quran, an organization followed by hundreds of thousands of Muslims in South Asia and the United Kingdom. This fatwa is particularly notable given his prominence, and is widely considered the most comprehensive argument against Islamic terrorism from within the Islamic community to date. According to ul-Qadri, "Violence is violence. It has no place in Islamic teaching, and no justification can be provided to it ..."

Chris bilbro

Ex-Bosnian Leader Wanted by both Serbia and Bosnia

Serbia and Bosnia are both demanding custody of a former Bosnian leader arrested in London for war crime allegations. Ejup Ganic, the former Bosnian deputy President, was detained at a British airport on a Serbian warrant on Monday. He is suspected of having ordered the killing of more than 40 retreating Yugoslav army soldiers at the beginning of the Balkan conflict. Both Serbia and Bosnia are demanding extradition of Ganic, further straining relationships between the two countries on the tail of the trial of Bosnian Serb Leader Radovan Karadzic at the Hague. While no formal charges have been filed in either country, according to Bosnian president member Haris Silajdzic, Ganic's arrest undermines Bosnia's sovereignty. Silajdzic believes Serbian calls for extradition are evidence of an attempt to discredit the country's “legitimate defense” against what Bosnia sees as Serbian aggression in the war.

Chris Bilbro

Ex-rebel prisoner sworn in as president of Uruguay

Going from a rebel that served time in prison to being a president of a country is exactly what just happened to Jose Mujica in Uruguay. Judging from the guest list (the presidents of most South American countries, as well as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton) Uruguay is an important symbol of the growing leftist movement in South America, and its progress will be watched closely. Undoubtedly, we don't want Uruguay getting too close with Hugo Chavez, one of the attendees. Jose Mujica has promised to be left-leaning but centrist, and has already made some populist moves like donating most of his salary to the homeless and staying in his small ranch instead of the presidential palace.

By: Justin Lynch

Battle over using the word genocide

As 60 Minutes showed this past Sunday, there is a battle going on between the Turkish government and Armenians over the forced deportation and massacre of over a million Armenians by the Turks. Rather than calling it what it was, a genocide, Turkey has refused to acknowledge it (the Turkish ambassador says in the interview "bones can be found anywhere in Turkey") and the United States has gone along with this...even though President Obama promised on the campaign trail to confront Turkey over this shameful episode in history. Instead, Turkey's importance as a military transport area and broker with the Muslim world has lead America to tread lightly.

By: Justin Lynch

Darfur Fighting

As the Sudanese Government clashes with Darfur there is no exact death toll yet recorded. No one is able to access the battlezone and even the spokesperson for UN relief in Darfur was unable to confirm a death count. However, there have been thousands upon thousands of civilians forced from their homes. The situation heated up after the main rebel group signed a peace deal with Khartoum about a month ago. The Sudanese Government has been bombing the area day and night. Some view this as an action to get shared power in Khartoum, yet the end result has yet to play out.
By: Lindsay Weidling