ISIS targets the young, then the old in twin bombings

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/30/middleeast/baghdad-ice-cream-shop-bombing/index.html

Twin car bombings just hours apart have targeted two groups of people in Baghdad. Young families having a late-night Ramadan snack and older city residents collecting their pensions. ISIS has claimed responsibility for both attacks, which killed 21 people through its affiliate news agency Amaq. The first bomb, which killed 10 people and wounded 40 others, exploded at an ice cream shop in the heart of Baghdad in the early hours of Tuesday. Eyewitnesses described ice cream mixed with blood as the wounded and dead covered the ground. The second went off as elderly residents lined up outside the General Retirement Department waiting for their pensions to be handed out on Tuesday morning. Twelve people died, another 45 were wounded.

--Jessie Birchall

https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2017/5/7/15554286/paris-climate-accord-exit-bannon



This article discussed The Paris Climate Accord international agreement and how members of Trump's administration do or do not agree with him that the U.S needs to pull out of this agreement. It is pretty unclear what trump is going to do at this point but, there are a lot of questions revolving around his team because it is split between supporters of the deal and climate deniers/nationalist who want out. I like that this article touches on how the Paris Deal does nothing to us because like we've discussed in class, it has no enforcement, it is not law. So, it makes no sense to withdraw. It is simply a matter of reputation that would cause Trump to withdraw or because climate deniers who want out have manipulated him to do so. It is going to be interesting to see which side wins him over and how Trump's decisions affects the globe when it comes to fighting climate change.

Thomas Semanic

North Korea Stages 3rd Missile Test in 3 Weeks

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/28/asia/north-korea-fires-unidentified-projectile/index.html 

(I lost track of my days this weekend... I'm sorry I am posting this after Sunday!) Last week, North Korea launched its third missile test in three weeks.  The country has conducted 9 tests in 2017, launching a total of 12 missiles compared to 10 missile launches by this time of year in 2016.  This most recent missile launched 248 miles.  Despite the successes and failures of each of the missiles, the act of testing them this many times this year is further providing them with information that could eventually enable them to build a missile that could reach the U.S.  The prime minister of Japan -- in response to Japanese protests -- said that Tokyo would act "together with the United States" against North Korea.  It will be interesting to see the play of events and how each country will respond to North Korea's persistent missile launches.

Ally Bockay

War of Words as Chinese jets intercept US surveillance plane

War of Words as Chinese jets intercept US surveillance plane

Recently this last week, the tensions in the South China Sea between the United States and China have increased. The U.S. accused Chinese fighter jets for intercepting a United States surveillance plane of flying in the South China Sea. China has rejected this interaction and included a U.S. warship for trespassing near a reef that the China has claimed in the Sea. The U.S. defends their actions, whereas the Chinese say that these actions “infringe on their sovereignty and security”.  Tensions continue between the two nations because the U.S. has satellite images showing anti-aircraft guns on an artificial island. And with the increasing conflict with North Korea, the United States and Chinese relations are stressed. Coming up this week there will be a major security summit in Singapore with the regional Asian countries, so it will be interesting how issues like the South China Sea and North Korea will be addressed and the Chinese response to them.

Emily Adams

http://www.dw.com/en/war-of-words-as-chinese-jets-intercept-us-surveillance-plane/a-39015326

Iran calls Trump's Saudi visit 'theatrical'

In response to Trump's recent trip to Saudi Arabia, the president of Iran has claimed that his prescence will not improve political conditions or eliminate terrorism. President Hassan Rouhani stated that "you can't solve terrorism just by giving your people's money to a superpower", when referring to the $110 billion military deal devised between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The Iranian government argues that the United States has been a promulgator of "Iranophobia" and "warmongering" policy. This sentiment was proven when Trump singled out Iran during a speech to Arab Muslim leaders by saying "from Lebanon to Iraq to Yemen, Iran funds, arms, and trains terrorists, militias, and other extremist groups that spread destruction and chaos across the region." The future relations between Iran and the United States are unknown in a time of such political unpredictability that is the "Trump era". 

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/22/politics/iran-us-iranophobia-trump/index.html

Sarah Obrist 

Germany’s Merkel says Europe Must Take Destiny Into its Own Hands

After the G-7 meet in Sicily tempers haven’t subsided as president Trump takes to the world stage, and this brief article makes that perfectly clear as Angela Merkel expresses her displeasure post meeting. Expressing that the time has come for Europe to take their destiny into their own hand and that the EU can no longer completely rely on is allies, namely the U.S. and the U.K., in a move that further demonstrates increased tensions between the world leaders. And, while the Pairs Climate Agreement remains in limbo, awaiting support from president Trump, this article make clears that the directions on international relations is not.  

WSJ: https://www.wsj.com/articles/germanys-merkel-says-europe-must-stay-united-despite-differences-with-allies-1496002573

Nathaniel Dust

Bodies Of Civilians Dumped Near Besieged City In The Philippines

This article talks about the pile of executed civilians located outside from Marawi city. The article talks about how the civilians were executed and exactly why they were executed. The article then details why the city is under siege and the current climate that exist in the Philippines. The article then ends with how the Philippines president reacted to this situation and his response and give information on the situation. Clearly the events taking place in the Philippines are quite unnerving and I have little hope things will get better and if anything only get worse.      

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/philippines-marawi-civilians_us_592aee07e4b0065b20b71991

Dan Worden 

Texas county still on "high alert" over Zika virus

This article published on May 26th by CBS news talks about a recent spike in babies born with Zika virus related birth defects in Cameron County, Texas. Last year, according to the CDC 64 babies in the US were born with Zika virus related birth defects, while this year in Cameron County, 15 women have already tested positive for the Zika virus. Zika is a virus that spreads via mosquitoes and through sexual intercourse and can cause birth defects, such as microcephaly. What is especially worrying about these numbers is that the mosquito season has not even begun yet - while we are still seeing an increased number of women testing positive with the virus. Texas county calls for health departments to raise awareness about the virus, its severity and how to protect oneself.  Since the beginning of last year, the CDC reported 5,223 Zika virus cases, which may only represent a fraction of actual infections as only a fifth of all infections causes symptoms. The biggest concern for CDC is travellers carrying the virus asymptomatically and spread it to the rest of the US.

• Helen Majer

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-tries-zika-education-with-state-on-high-alert-about-virus/

Iraqi forces advance on ISIS-held neighborhoods in western Mosul

Iraq forces are getting closer and closer to getting Mosul neighborhood back from ISIS control.  Soldiers have been being sent into Shifa neighborhood and also Jamhouri Hospital, and also counterterrorism forces are being sent to a neighborhood called Saha al Awla.  Wiith Old City under ISIS’s control. Israel believes that it will be a challenge to retake old city because of narrow streets.  They also believe that ISIS will use residents as human shields.  Special units are trying their best to evacuate as many residents as they can.  After Iraq forces take back the neighborhoods under ISIS control the Iraqi government will have liberated Mosul from all of ISIS’s control.  ISIS gained control of Mosul in 2014 which is Iraq’s second largest city. 

About 742,000 residents of Mosul have fled the city since the fighting stated hoping to avoid getting caught in the action.  The UN migration agency has seen the number of immigrates rising because of this.  These people lack clean water and medicine and do not have a lot of food.  The UN is not involved in areas of fighting but they have heard reports of families being used as traps.  As well as children being targeted by snipers.  In Mosul about 980 ISIS fighters has been killed and then 6,000 wounded.   

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/27/middleeast/iraq-mosul-operation/index.html

Egypt: 26 dead as gunmen fire on bus carrying Coptic Christians

It is very sad to have to report on the killing of twenty six Coptic Christians in Egypt. All these God-loving people did was get on a bus to travel to a monastery known as St. Samuel the Confessor, which is located to the northwest of the city of Minya, which holds importance as one of Egypt's more industrialized cities. The attackers are said to have been wearing battle uniforms and sitting in four wheel drive vehicles. It can be assumed that the fatigues were meant to convey a sort of message as to the identity of the group, as that is the only reason one would wear such an adaptable outfit and sit in plain sight in a car. According to state television, twenty five people have suffered injuries and women and children are among these numbers. The last report noted that there were fifty ambulances at the monastery. This comes at a time when the country is under a three month long emergency period, given the unspeakable attacks on Coptic churches on Palm Sunday. The assailants claimed to be members of ISIS. Whether or not ISIS was responsible for the most recent attack, one can not say, but it should be noted that ISIS members have not been remotely friendly in the past towards Coptic Christians and their churches. In fact, many Christians of this sect have left their home towns to find a place that is more secure and less likely to be invaded. Coptic Christians statistically form ten percent of the Egyptian population of ninety one million. Discrimination against this minority religious group seemed to reach its peak in 2011 when the regime of Hosni Mubarak was toppled. Mubarak appeared to be all in favor of reestablishing peace connection with American throughout the Middle East, but was tried twice on account of ordering attacks of protesters who did not like his corrupt and unequal government. 

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/26/africa/egypt-shooting-coptic-christians/ 

Ex-CIA chief John Brennan: Russians contacted Trump campaign

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/23/politics/john-brennan-house-intelligence-committee/index.html

The former CIA Director John Brennan told the House Russia investigators Tuesday that Russia "brazenly interfered" in US elections, including actively contacting members of President Donald Trump's campaign but he stopped shy of dubbing it as collusion.Brennan was speaking to the House intelligence committee on the extent of Russia's meddling in the 2016 elections and possible ties to the Trump campaign, where he was asked about how Moscow recruits sources "wittingly and unwittingly." "Frequently, people who go along a treasonous path do not know they are on a treasonous path until it is too late," Brennan said.Brennan said that he first picked up on Russia's active meddling last summer and, in an August 4, 2016, phone call with Alexander Bortnikov, the head of Russia's FSB intelligence agency, warned him against further interference. Bortnikov, Brennan said, denied any active efforts in the election.

--Jessie Birchall

The UK is deploying soldiers to patrol streets because another attack could be 'imminent'

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/23/europe/uk-terror-threat-level-critical-soldiers/index.html

Following the attack at the Manchester Arena from Monday night, the United Kingdom has decided to deploy soldiers to take over guard duties at key sites.  The purpose of this is to allow elite police to focus on the threat of another possible terrorist attack.  Authorities have been trying to determine if Salman Abedia, the man who is thought to have carried out the attack outside the Manchester Arena, acted alone or with others.  The possibility of the involvement of others hasn't been ruled out yet.  Due to this uncertainty, the UK has increased security presence and activated a plan they call Operation Temperer, which involves the replacement of elite police with soldiers at key sites such as railway stations, airports, concerts, and sports events.  All of this follows the UK raising the threat level to "critical", which has only happened on two other instances in 2006, when officers stopped an attempt to blow up jets leaving Britain for the US, and in 2007, when a man tried to ram a burning car loaded with gas canisters into Glasgow Airport.  The last time the UK deployed troops occurred in 2003 in response to a plot to bring down a British airliner by al Qaeda.  With the FA Cup final happening this weekend, UK officials didn't want to take any chances.

Shannon McDonald

Recent Explosions at Ariana Grande Concert in Manchester

Monday night there was an explosion at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. The Explosion has left 19 dead and reports of at least 50 injured. People are saying that these explosions may be linked to a terrorist group, although investigations are still underway. The explosions came at the very end of the concert, as Ariana had just finished and walked off the stage. It is very likely that the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber. However, due to the recency of the event, more will be known through further investigations by Manchester police. 

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/22/europe/manchester-arena-incident/

-Asfa Anwer

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/22/politics/trump-israel-western-wall/index.html


President Trump is the first U.S sitting president to visit the Western Wall in Israel. He did so without any Israeli government officials by him even though that is what Israel requested. During this foreign visit Trump is trying to clear the air with Israel and the news that he leaked information to the Russians about Israel. He also promised to recognize Jerusalem has the capital of Israel throughout his campaign even though the U.S has never took that claim due to the conflicts between Palestine and Israel. He did not fulfill that promise (yet) due to warnings from foreign policy folks in Washington and Arab leaders because it could hurt chances of finding peace between the two regions.

Thomas Semanic

Turkey crowd taunts coup suspects at mass trial near Ankara

In this article, BBC reports that there are a "hostile crowd" of protesters waiting outside of a trial of 221 government officials who are being accused of trying to oust the president of Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogen.  The officials on trial are being charged for a multitude of things, including the supposed murder of 250 innocent civilians after a botched coup attempt.




http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39998049

Climate Change threatens seed supply

With the rising water levels caused by climate change, water breeches the entrance of the storage facility of over 500 million seeds kept in case of global emergencies where food supplies would need to be replenished. The seeds were unharmed by the breach, but it is due to global warming that the permafrost containing the seeds is melting. 

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/21/us/doomsday-seed-vault-water-breach/index.html

Anthony Weiner pleads guilty to sexting charges

Former Democrat Congressman Anthony D. Weiner has pleaded guilty to sending sexually explicit text messages to a 15-year-old girl from North Carolina, including one image of his genitals with his 4-year-old son in the background. During his plea, he cried out loud, stating that he knew his actions were "as morally wrong as it was unlawful." His wife Huma Abedin, a top aide to Hillary Clinton, filed for divorce immediately following his plea. He will now have to register as a sex offender and may face a possible prison sentence, with Federal Prosecutors stating that 21-27 months would suffice. It was Weiner's investigation which found a laptop, belonging to Huma Abedin, with a trove of emails which launched former FBI director Comey to launch a new investigation into the Hillary Clinton's handling of emails, which many views, including members of her campaign, to have cost her the election. This was not the first incident of Mr. Weiner's sexual misconduct, as inappropriate communications between several adult women cost him his congressional seat, his career, and his marriage.

Russians Admit to Arming the Taliban

http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/blog/michael-j-totten/russia-arming-taliban

Russia has recently been arming the Taliban with heavy weaponry in order for them to "fight Isis," a claim that has been looked at very skeptically from an American point of view. The article goes on to make a few more claims about various things that the Russians are doing which most Americans would see as alarming, such as only "pretending to fight Isis." The article also goes on to remind the reader that Trump had promised many Americans during his campaign that the united states would soon be on good terms with Russia even though there seems to be little to no real evidence of this happening.

-Anthony Colant

North Korea calls latest solid-fuel missile test successful

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/north-korea-calls-latest-solid-fuel-missile-test-successful/2017/05/21/8aea1cc2-3e93-11e7-b29f-f40ffced2ddb_story.html?utm_term=.029c959f0cd0

The article states that North Korea had a successful test launch of a solid-fuel missile, which is harder to detect by foreign parties. It further explains that liquid-fuel rockets must load the fuel separately, and that the carriers that carry the liquid can be seen by satellites; the solid-fuel missiles, however, don't have this issue, and can be fired much more secretively, making them harder to prepare for overall. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the launch a challenge to the world, and will bring it up at the upcoming G-7 summit in Italy.

-Jason Keller

ASSANGE'S RAPE CHARGES DROPPED

Sweden top prosecutor Marianne Ny said that Julian Assange was being revoked to due that it was impossible to serve him notice. As for the woman who accused Assange of rape was shocked, she will maintain her accusations against him. Julian Assange's lawyer Per Samuelson said that prosecutor's decision presented a total victory for his client. Julian Assange was angry with the prosecution and stated that for 7 years he was detained without charge, while his kids grew up and his name has been slandered. An interesting fact is that if Assange were to return to Sweden before 2020 the case could resume. Julian lives in Ecuadorean embassy in England, and has been living there since 2012. The reason that he lives in the Ecuadorean embassy is that Julian Assange is the founder of WikiLeaks, and he released U.S. classified documents, secrets that showed what the United States  does around the world. He believes that the rape charges were made up so Julian get extradited from Sweden to the U.S, so he can be charged for the releasing of the classified documents. If he leaves the embassy, he will be automatically arrested and extradited to the U.S or he will get shot.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39973864

Syria's 'moderate rebels' to form a new alliance

This article is reporting on a story about the U.S.’s move via the CIA to reengage a program of arming and equipping moderate Syrian rebels, and begins by talking to a Free Syrian Army (FSA) commander who states they are getting support from “friends of Syria”. The article continues, by underscoring that the current plans are still early in development, and that the CIA remains active by funding rebels not to join the Moscow sponsored talks. After which the article trails on discussing the conflicting fractions and the strenuous relationship between rebel factions, including the Kurds, Turkey, and the U.S. in forming their counter ISIS operations.

Al-Jazeera: http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2017/04/syria-moderate-rebels-form-alliance-170403064144285.html

Nathaniel Dust

In Saudi Arabia, Melania Trump ops to keep her head bare

Among discussions of basic human rights, especially women's rights, Melania Trump's decision to not wear a head scarf was signinficant.  Especially considering her husband's prior criticism of Michelle Obama to refuse to wear the scaf as well.  I see this as symbolic of the relationship between the president and the first lady.  Although husbands and wives don't always necessarily get along, one can assume that a presdent and his family would at least be on the same page.  At the very least, be notifed of his stance beforehand, if they weren't already aware.  It seems as though more and more people who are close with the President are seemingly turning against him.  Melania's move in Saudi Arabia is a good example of that. If it's not, it's simply an example of ignorance.

Denver Post: http://www.denverpost.com/2017/05/21/melania-trump-headscarf-saudi-arabia/

Chicago Launches Campaign in Response to Trump's Immigration Policies

The city of Chicago has decided to launch "One Chicago", a campaign in response to President Trump's threats to cut off funding for sanctuary cities. For reference, a "sanctuary city" is a term that gets applied to jurisdictions that have policies in place designed to limit cooperation with or involvement in federal immigration enforcement actions. In Chicago's case, there are an estimated $3.6 billion in federal funds that are at stake. This money goes towards anything from feeding low-income pregnant women, repairing infrastructure, and building or fixing affordable housing. The campaign in Chicago is established to unify all Chicagoans as one city and one voice. It will be interesting to see how the whole funding situation for sanctuary cities plays out not only in Chicago, but in all major cities across the country.


-Matthew G. Mayes

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/21/politics/one-chicago-campaign/index.html

Trumps Visit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Recently, President Trump visited Riyadh,Saudi Arabia to speak on issues such as terrorism. Surprisingly, Trumps tone on the Muslim faith was a lot different, compared to, when he was campaigning and how Islam is the root of all destruction. He quotes from the meeting " I stand before you as the representative of the American People to deliver a message of friendship and hope and love. Our vision is one of peace, prosperity in this region and all through the world". A significant difference of what was said through out his campaign. As Trump visit More Middle East countries--countries where their main religion is Islam--will it change his prospective and give him greater knowledge of the Muslim population? Knowledge that will be essential to eliminate ignorance and ethnocentrism as he develops Foreign Affairs as President of the United States.

Abroad, President Trump's reality collides with candidate Trump's words
http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/21/politics/trump-saudi-arabia-speech-terror-rhetoric/index.html

Cameron Butler

No, Google’s Not a Bird: Bringing the Internet to Rural India

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/21/world/asia/internet-in-india.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fworld&action=click&contentCollection=world&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront 


This was an interesting read and definitely evokes reflection on the difference of cultures between a small rural town in India and our lives here in the U.S.  This article focuses on the life in Taradand, a town which has normally been very disconnected from the government, let alone the outside world.  With the introduction of internet and mobile devices, Taradand is seeing huge technological advances.  I think it also connects to the topic of globalization, as Western technology is being introduced to a small Eastern rural town, thus uniting different parts of the world that are "plugged in."


Ally Bockay

In Mary Papenfuss' article, Arctic Doomsday Seed Vault Gets Doused By Climate Change, she describes how the vault that was created to preserve seeds of the world's plants was flooded due to the rapid change in the climate due to climate change.  Papenfuss states that none of the seeds were harmed but the entrance to the vault was completely flooded due to the melting of permafrost.  Officials had chosen this location due to the fact that they believed that the permafrost in this location would not melt.  The Norwegian government, which owns the vault, and Statsbygg, the agency that runs the facility, both have stated that they will be keeping a closer eye on the vault and installing waterproofed walls to preserve the vault.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/seed-vault-flooded_us_5920d547e4b034684b0cda63

Trump's New Weapons Deal

While on his first international trip as president, Trump has been covered frequently as many presidents are during this time. Rather than focusing on the headlines of CNN that try to invoke conflict and hurt the image of our president, like, "Did President Trump Bow or Bend?", I would like to focus on something he accomplished. During Obama's presidency, he pushed hard to ensure the line of weapons to Saudi Arabia, spending more than $115 billion dollars, more than any other president during our 71-year alliance. Trump not only met what Obama put in, but tripled it. Trump has successful set a $350 billion 10 year supply for Saudi Arabia's enhancement of weapons while tension rises nearly on all borders. Of that $350 billion, $110 billion will take effect immediately. It will be interesting how this impacts our Gulf ally, and the Middle East where fighting never seems to end.

Lucas Wittenkeller


http://www.dailywire.com/news/16694/trump-seals-350-billion-ten-year-weapons-deal-joshua-yasmeh

In Speech on Islam, Trump Strikes a More Moderate Tone

President Trump gave a speech for Muslims around the world to get rid of there evil way of terrorism. The President presented terrorism in a bipolar conflict within Islam and not as a extremist group. Reaction to the speech where mixed with some people because they feel like trump is going against all muslims.

Swiss voters embrace shift to renewable energy

Following the example of Germany and Austria, it seems the Swiss Government will be the next to phase out nuclear power. Voters supported a government proposal to ban the construction of future nuclear plants, begin closing the 5 existing plants in 2019, and provide bailouts to struggling alternative or clean energy plants. Around 58% of voters backed the plan, dubbed "Energy Strategy 2050". Additionally, 40 extra francs per year will be paid by Swiss citizens to help fund the aforementioned alternative energy projects, which include hydroelectric and solar power plants.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-swiss-energy-idUSKBN18H0HM

To Trump, Human Rights Concerns Are Often a Barrier to Trade

as concern for human rights becomes continuously important in international politics today, one would think that the united states will be a strong advocate for it. while this has been true for most president, our current president thinks it is a barrier to trade in his own words "as long as they are allies in areas the president considers more important, namely security and economics."https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/20/world/middleeast/rex-w-tillerson-saudi-arabia-human-rights.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=b-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

Emboldened by Rouhani’s Win, Iranians Seek Further Reforms

I chose to read this article because I wrote on the same topic last week and I wanted to follow up.  As expected, Rouhani won the Presidential election in Iran.  As a response to his victory, Iranian citizens took over the streets to dance, which is illegal.  They also celebrated the loss of Ebrahim Raisi.  Because Rouhani was elected again, the people hope he can continue the reform he began in his last term.  The people if Iran want more freedom, more trade, and less rules.  The aftermath of the election shows that Iran, in some ways, is moving toward a more westernized society.  At the very least, it appears that that is the way the citizens hope to head.  Sources say that for Rouhani to give the people all that they want socially will be a very difficult task.  However, seeing their reaction to the election sparked so much happiness in me. For that, I hope that even without major change Rouhani will be able to start a push for turning Iran into the society its people want.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/21/world/middleeast/iran-celebrate-elections-hassan-rouhani.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fmiddleeast&_r=0

Elena Vela

Protesters call for Temer resignation as uncertainty grips Brazil

In Brazil, there have been demonstrations to remove the corrupt president Michel Temer. The protests were prompted by the recent relevations that Temer had approved a payment of hushmoney to an encarcertated lawmaker who was convicted in connection to the overarching corruption scandal that has taken place over the past three years. The recording that demonstrates Temer's support of bribery would motivate many officials within the Brazilian government to accelerate an impeachment process. The timing of this political scandal could not be worse as Brazil is just beginning to regain economic stability after a historical recession. 

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-corruption-idUSKBN18H137

Sarah Obrist

North Korea fires medium-range missile in latest test

This article talks about how North Korea has successfully launched and tested a medium range missile from the city of Pukchang, into the sea. This is just another concerning issue that the rest of the world may face as it appears that North Korea is starting to come closer to officially being able to construct and possible use nuclear weapons. Much of what they have done is beginning to promote that they are a nation that does not act rationally towards their projected goals. Diplomatic pressure and political pressure will be applied, according to Rex Tillerson. This was just after North Korea had successfully tested another medium range missile that is capable of also carrying a heavy nuclear warhead. We all should be fairly concerned with this because we don't know how trigger happy Kim Jong-Un will become especially if nuclear power becomes an option for North Korea. All of this tension will be something to be closely watched in the follow days to come.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/21/north-korea-fires-unidentified-projectile

- Brett Johnson

Trump condemns 'Islamic extremism'

President Trump is on a trip to seek a coalition of nations to fight Islamic terrorism. On his trip he will be addressing two audiences. The leader from 50 different Muslim countries and the people back home in the United States. Trump has stated that their combined force would be able to stop terrorism and that his plan is not to attack a specific religion or race. He says "This is a battle between good and evil." Hopefully his speeches go well and improve relationships with many other countries.https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/05/21/trump-muslim-world-speech-saudi-arabia-terrorism/101976694/

Donald Trump, Who Routinely Demonized Muslims, Tries To Soften Rhetoric On Islam

This article talks about how President Trump tone has changed in regards to how he talks about terrorism. The article starts off by talks about the actual speech he had given when in Saudi Arabia and how there was a significant tonal shift when talking about terrorism in the region. The article then goes back and talks about how President Trump had talked about terrorism in the past and what he thoughts about Islam in the past. Overall this tonal shift is if anything President Trump not wanting the aggravate his host and creating a gap between the U.S. and the Islamic world.

 

Dan Worden   

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-islam-saudi-arabia_us_59219acae4b03b485cb23040

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani wins re-election in victory for moderates

The Iranian President elections are over and President Hassan Rouhani was reelected.  Rouhani beat his conservative counterpart Ebrahim Raisi.  Rouhani won 57% of the vote while his rival only received 38% of the vote so Rouhani won by a large gap.  This shows that the citizens of Iran favor globalization.  The United States Secretary of State Tillerson said that he hopes Rouhani will put an end to Iran’s destabilization campaign in the region.  Also Tillerson hopes that Iran’s missile tests will be stopped, and hopes the reelected President will give rights of free speech to Iranian citizens.  About 40 million Iranian voters voted on Friday and more than 70% of eligible voters voted in this election.  It was unlikely for Raisi to win since no Iranian president who ran for reelection has ever lost.  Rouhani addressed his people on Saturday saying that he hopes Iran can live in peace with the rest of the world.  Finally, the article talks about how Putin and Assad were among the first to congratulate Rouhani on his reelection.  Both of them saying that they have full confidence that they their countries will cooperate with the reelected president.   

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/20/middleeast/iran-rouhani-election/index.html