Jack Drover

Saudi Arabia, UAE fail to halt UN Yemen human rights inquiry

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180929-saudi-arabia-uae-fail-to-halt-un-yemen-human-rights-inquiry/ 

The UN will be investigating human rights abuses happening in Yemen. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates opposed this decision, claiming that more research should come to light before an investigation is launched. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are believed to be guilty of several human rights abuses in the Yemen war, Including killing civilians.

Trump and North Korea: A Story of Love?

On Saturday night (9/29), Donald Trump informed the public at his rally in West Virginia that he and North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, quite literally "fell in love" during their negotiations. He went on to say that the two leaders had been extremely tough on one another, and their combined recognition of that fact led to the "love" as Trump describes. He even remarked on his invitation to Kim Jong Un to join him in the White House earlier in June, a show of diplomacy that surprised many around the world. This is a part of the ongoing negotiations and attempts to bring down the tension between the two polarized countries, but it seems to early to tell if this is a step in the right direction, or just conjecture from Trump to his base. Either way, the talks in the future with North Korea seem to be positive more than negative, despite the looming terror of nuclear escalation that is closer than anyone would like.


Article. Trump and North Korea: A Story of Love?


Dan Kowalczyk [Added name on 10/28/18]

[Published 9/30/18]

China Cancels High-Level Security Talks With the U.S.

This article is about China canceling a high-level encounter with the U.S. known as the diplomatic and security dialogue. This shows how much tension there is between China and U.S. because of the impending trade war. VP Pence is expected to give a big speech on China's behavior concerning foreign policies. Apparently it is about China's influence on American politics. China credits the Trump Administration's sanctions as another reason for the cancellation of the meeting. These sanctions that the U.S has put on military equipment that would be coming from Russia is not sitting well with Chinese diplomats. Therefore, they believe this meeting would be pointless. I believe that this trade war could potentially be the end of the relationship that has been formed through trade and commerce. I hope that it isn't because they are our best and most valuable trade partners outside of Mexico and Canada. I believe that these problems need to be solved quickly between China and the United States. I believe this because it would be better to work together with China rather than against them.

By Jake Rogers

Source Below:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/30/world/asia/china-us-security-mattis.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FInternational%20Relations&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=collection

Jared Wojcik

This article is about the United States attempts to denuclearize North Korea. North Korea will not denuclearize without a display of trust from the United States to show peace and a change in times. Although it seems that the talks have stalled Trump insists that the meetings are going great and that Kim Jon-Un and himself are "in love". It seems that the talks will continue for a while without a for sure solution in sight.


 https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/29/world/asia/korea-denuclearize-un.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FInternational%20Relations&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=4&pgtype=collection

Enough Is Enough: The World Wide Web's Creator Is Taking The Power Back

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonevangelho/2018/09/30/enough-is-enough-death-to-the-world-wide-web-as-we-know-it/#6a0e819c7007

Just this weekend, Tim Berners-Lee also known as the inventor of the Internet has announced his next project concerning the information sharing giant that is the web; Solid. Lee's own web browsing system that he has been working on for the past few years. the point of Solid is that it will give access to services like Google and Facebook without the need for the User to give over private information. The key part of Solid is the PODs (basically a USB drive) that when plugged into your computer or device will give you complete control over personal data and control over who can access it.
Lee explains that the point of Solid is to completely disrupt the web User/Provider relationship, he specifically sites Facebook among these as an example of gross misuse of User data for targeted ads and hacking of user of accounts.

I think this could prove to be an important development concerning the internet as it has become the greatest exchange of knowledge and information in our history. It's important that as Users we understand the state of the Internet; who has my data? what are they doing with it? these are the questions we need to have answered and sadly most people seem not to know. Facebook, again, this weekend was hacked along with 50 million people's personal accounts, to me it seems like something like Solid is crucial for the future of a free and open Internet.

Sam Troy

"Ascendant 'Italians First' Politician..." Isa Chudzik

https://www.npr.org/2018/06/29/623926340/ascendent-italians-first-politician-vows-mass-deportations-and-challenges-eu
Isa Chudzik

This article focuses on Italy's controversial Interior Minister, Matteo Salvini. He has had seemingly controversial, populists beliefs before (He used to be involved in a group called "Northern Allegiance" that specifically blamed southern Italians for the countries problems- a mindset that has existed for a long time) but his new title puts them in the spotlight. Some have also drawn comparison to his and the Trump administrations goals, including mass deportation of illegal migrants, decrease in refugees accepted into the country, and even campaign slogans ("America First" & "Italy for Italians").

Troubled NATO may get a new member: Macedonia

With President Trump as the leader in NATO for almost 2 years, there has now been an upcoming proposal that another member will join in. Macedonia has declared that they want to be apart of NATO and join alliance with all countries. This has raised concern for Russia, because they had stated firmly they will choose to vote against Macedonia joining. However, many nations have realized that it may be a good idea for Macedonia to join NATO and settle some peace/stable path for the country itself. Macedonia has mentioned that with Trump not having full support behind the country entering, that it will not phase their chances of becoming a NATO nation. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg from Macedonia, stated "it is our hope that we can be a part of a system that can support the country's stability and development".  I think this becomes a crucial position for the US to decide on whether or not they will side with helping neighbor another NATO member or chose the side of voting against it like Russia plans on doing.

-megan jensen

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/troubled-nato-may-be-about-get-new-member-macedonia-n914686

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif: Trump's "bully" behavior will prompt backlash

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammand Javad Zarif claims President Donald Trump is being a bully in the international system. At the UN Security Council meeting, 14 out of the 15 countries bash him because he decided to pull out of JCPOA. He is threating  European countries that the US will stop doing business with them if they are doing business with Iran- which is violating international law- because he claims there is a possibility that Iran can start building nuclear weapons again. However, since the Iranian deal in 2015, there has been no detection of nuclear weapons in Iran.

Link: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/iranian-foreign-minister-javad-zarif-on-face-the-nation-trumps-bully-behavior-will-prompt-backlash/

Abby Widd

United States Not the Only One With Supreme Court Drama

In Poland, Malgorzata Gersdorf, a chief justice refuses to step down after the Polish president's new law lowers retirement age from 70 to 65. This new law will kick out 38% of the judges currently sitting on Poland's Supreme Court this year. Gersdorf is a judge who defies the law. Her decision has split the nation in two as one half supports her as a hero in keeping the court independent from a raise of nationalist behavior from Poland's now conservative government. The other half see her as rabble rouser who is pro-EU instead of pro-Poland.

By Cayleigh Price

https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/26/europe/malgorzata-gersdorf-poland-judiciary-eu-intl/index.html

Violence spurs support for a radical in once-calm southern Brazil

Porto Alegre, a large city in southern Brazil, has served as a case study for why Brazil has experienced a surge in support for far-right conservative policies. Recent years in Porto Alegre have proven to be more unstable, as drug crime and homicide rates have steadily increased, mirroring that of other large Brazilian cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Increasing crime rates in Brazil are a result of the economic recession that has allowed gang activity to become more prevalent. In response, there has been growing support for conservative policies that include a relaxing of gun regulations and privatizing various state-run projects. Serving as the poster-child for these policies is Jair Bolsonaro, a hard-right congressman who previously had a military career in Brazil, and has expressed totalitarian views. He has repeatedly expressed an affection for the military dictatorship that ended in the 1980’s in Brazil, defends torture, and believes Afro-Brazilian’s, “aren’t good enough even to procreate”. Support for Bolsonaro has been increasing despite uproar concerning his extreme views, as safety concerns in Brazil’s major cities has resulted in citizens showing displeasure towards a leftist government that has not able to suppress crime. This anger and frustration feeds into the conservative rhetoric that Bolsonaro proclaims, causing middle-class voters to grow increasingly conservative, ignoring attacks on their civil liberties as long as law and order can be restored in the nation. Brazil’s political situation is not isolated however, as other nations around the world (e.g. Canada, the United States, Poland, Belgium) are shifting to the conservative side of the political spectrum.  

Kevin Phelan

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-election-bolsonaro-violence-in/violence-spurs-support-for-a-radical-in-once-calm-southern-brazil-idUSKCN1M817M

ISIS regroups to attack a fragmented Lybia

ISIS regroups to attack a fragmented Lybia

by PBS news hour

This article and video discusses how the city of Sirte, once the crowning jewel of the Islamic State in Libya, was attacked once more. In 2015-2016, over a six-month offensive, Libyan security forces worked with U.S. airstrikes to wipe out ISIS combatants from the area. But sleeper cells still lurk in the Sirte desert, and though it no longer controls Libyan territory, ISIS has renewed its attacks there.

Posted by Brandon Torrence

The website is below if you would like more information.


 https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/isis-regroups-to-attack-a-fragmented-libya

World War Three alert: ‘You CAN'T stop us sailing there’ US warship sails in China Sea

Tensions have increased with China and the United States. A guided-missile destroyer, USS Decatur sailed within 12 nautical miles of reefs near the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. All operations are designed in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows. This comming from President Trump accused China of meddling in elections with the intention of harming him personally. The United States also put a 10% tariff on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, which would eventually mean half the products China sells to the US would be penalized. This is a story to follow in the future with the United States and China.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1024903/world-war-3-china-US-islands-china-sea


By Jack Brone
9/30/18

Cuban leader takes a jab at Trump at the UN, blaming capitalism for world’s woes

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article219078295.html

Article by Nora Gamez Torres

The president of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Chanel, addressed the UN General Assembly on Wednesday proclaiming the the 'inequality and  poverty seen around the world is not caused by socialism, but capitalism, imperialism and neoliberalism.' The author of the article believes this is a response to President Trump's speech who spoke the day before concerning socialism and what stance the US should take against Cuba.  In addition, Diaz-Chanel voiced his dissatisfaction towards the US for fabricating false scenarios of tension with Cuba as well as withdrawing from the nuclear deal with Iran.
I thought this was an article which paralleled many aspects we have discussed during class concerning international relation theories. Fukuyama in particular, took an interesting stance in claiming at one point on the future, all societies will be capitalist and a representative democracy. However, at this point of history, differing social and economic systems are common. This begs the questions, is one system truly superior than the other? Are the superior systems truly capitalism and a representative democry?  It will be interesting to see what the future holds in terms of economic and societal system changes.

Response by Jennie Fry

North Korea says "no way" will disarm unilaterally without trust

I feel the denuclearization of North Korea will still take a long time, because it is almost impossible for the US or North Korea to trust each other, no matter what Trump or Kim say in their conferences. Neither the US or North Korea are willing to give up their nuclear weapons and show vulnerability towards each other. The circumstances in our world today make it extremely difficult for nations to give up their power, and I feel that it will still take a very long time for denuclearization of countries. -Sho Kawajiri-

Report Blames Myanmar Army for 'Large-Scale' Attacks on Rohingya

After an investigation performed by the US government, it was found that Myanmar's military had coordinated a mass killing against a minority in the nation called Rohingya. This provides further justification for the US to put further sanctions on Myanmar as what it did was a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing". This was performed in August 25, 2017, when there was an attack against the border security forces by the Rohingya group. The UN investigators, after the examination, called for the trial of the commander-in-chief and five generals (of Myanmar) in the International Criminal Court. As for the Myanmar officials, they warned foreign officials to not interfere in the internal affairs as it could potentially cause misunderstandings.

- Sangay Chhoki

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/09/report-blames-myanmar-army-large-scale-attacks-rohingya-180924195602630.html

Catalan separatists clash with police as tensions mount

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/police-clash-with-catalan-separatists-in-barcelona/2018/09/29/adc77130-c3cc-11e8-9451-e878f96be19b_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.b78c5cfb5945

On Saturday, September 29, 3,000 people gathered in downtown Barcelona to protest another march in support of Spanish police. This led to a physical dispute when separatists arrived downtown Barcelona and started throwing paint and projectiles at police officers, covering downtown Barcelona with bright colors. Officers responded with baton attacks to keep them back, and as a result 14 people were left injured and six were arrested. According to the WashintonPost, the reason of the separatists attack has to do with the anniversary of the 2017 Catalan independence referendum, but clashed with another group demanding for a better pay. Officers used batons to keep the opposing groups apart, but it ended in a clashing attack instead. Barcelona's mayor Ada Colau asked for peace and to "avoid confrontation" at all costs between separatists and people protesting in support of the Spanish police. In conclusion, the Catalan police told The Associated Press that the six arrests were made on charges of aggression against police officers, but investigations of the whole event will be continued.

By Isabel G. Torres

Syria FM: Victory Over 'Terrorism' Is Near, US Must Leave

BY EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Declaring that victory over "terrorism" is almost at hand after more than seven years of civil war, Syria's foreign minister took to the world stage Saturday and demanded that "occupation" forces from the U.S., France and Turkey leave the country immediately.

Link: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2018-09-29/syria-fm-victory-over-terrorism-is-near-us-must-leave

Piper Jones

‘People actually laughed at a president’: At U.N. speech, Trump suffers the fate he always feared

Donald Trump has been one of the first individuals to criticize other administrations and compare their terms to his. Additionally, he has continuously commented on how the U.S. has been the laughing stock of the world. Trump has continuously been the one to blame past presidents for this. On Tuesday, Trump addressed the U.N. After claiming that his administration has been more effective in the past 2 years than almost any administration, members of the U.N. began laughing. Obviously, he tried to play it off by laughing along. I think this is comical, but also important. It is essential to note this because other countries leaders and ambassadors need to respect us as a nation. If they do not respect our own President, what is to say that they respect or trust the country as a whole? Yes, we have long standing relationships with various countries and the U.S. is probably the most powerful nation in the world, but trust and respect are essential in relations. Especially with a president like Trump, I think it is so important to make sure we are not walking on egg shells with other countries, let alone the U.N.
For more information on the specific event- https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/people-actually-laughed-at-a-president-at-un-speech-trump-suffers-the-fate-he-always-feared/2018/09/25/990b1d52-c0eb-11e8-90c9-23f963eea204_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.1f4400d49161
By: Alyssa Farney

Indonesia tsunami and earthquake kill 384, leaves hundreds injured

Indonesia was hit by a 7.5 Richter scale earthquake and a tsunami that was reported to be "three meters high."  Communication and power are down in most of the area, which makes it harder to accurately collect the death count and report for help. The Governor warns is people not to sleep inside their homes in fear of aftershock, which is a scary thought.

 https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/indonesia-tsunami-and-earthquake-kill-384-leave-hundreds-injured/ar-BBNGY8v?li=BBnb7Kz

This blog was written by Connor Hazzard

Seven Killed in Gaza Protest

On Friday in the Gaza Strip there were seven Palestinians shot dead by Israeli soldiers during a weekly protest.  According to Reuters, it was stated that the Israeli military resorted to live fire and airstrikes when explosive devices and rocks were being thrown at them by the protesters. It has been said that 505 have been wounded during the protest, including 89 that were shot. Two of the seven dead included two boys ages 12 and 14. According to Reuters, there have been at least 191 Palestinians killed since the protests started on March 30. The protests are held due to many Palestinians demanding that right for their lands to be returned to them and their families after these lands were taken from them during Israel's founding in 1948.

Anthony Hernandez

https://a.msn.com/r/2/BBNFReq?m=en-us&referrerID=InAppShare

Netherlands police arrests foil 'major terrorist attack - Emilio Lopez

This article comes from BBC international news

The possibility of a terrorist attack in Europe is a never ending danger. In the Netherlands the police were able to foil a possible attack by five men. These five men were trying to get in contact with people for AK-47's, grenades, bomb making materials, and ammunition. One of the men was previously arrested for trying to leave the country to pursue fighting in the middle east. What makes this relevant to the IR community is that tensions in Europe against refugees is at a high point. Many far-right people in Europe blame the refugee's for bringing terrorism with them, even if they are not the ones committing it. It is also important because it shows that we still need to have an increase of surveillance on those that have ties or intentions of joining terrorist organizations.

Link:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-45673221

-Emilio Lopez

All passengers survived Air Niugini crash

47 people including, 35 passengers and 12 crew, were forced to swim after their plane landed in a sea lagoon on a island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The Air Niugini Boeing 737-800 aircraft plunged into water after landing short of the runway. The flight was normally proceeded until final approach, when heavy rain suddenly deteriorated visibility. The aircraft managed stay afloat long enough for passengers to flee. Fortunately, because it happened during the daytime, within minutes, local fishermen could come to rescue every passenger. According to them, by the time they evacuate from the emergency exit, water reached up to their waist, and once the doors opened people rushed to get out. Then, they were sent to the hospital, and there was no serious injury reported.


Kaho Sugimoto

‘What are we? A banana republic?’: Saudi Arabia wants apology from Canada over diplomatic row

Kaitlyn Boelter-Eberhardt

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister is asking for an apology of Canada for demanding the release of Saudi Arabia's women rights activist and to stop treating them as a "banana republic" in order to resolve this dispute. This is an ongoing topic as Canada says they will always fight for the human rights of everyone and, at this moment, It does not seem as if they will comply with the request of Saudi Arabia.


https://globalnews.ca/news/4493922/saudi-arabia-canada-dispute-apology/

China cancels US warship visit to Hong Kong amid military sanction backlash

https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/25/asia/uss-wasp-us-china-sanctions-intl/index.html

Nina Severin

Due to the US imposing sanctions on China over the recent weeks, China did not allow the USS Wasp to make its scheduled stop in Hong Kong. The article states how this is not the first time something like this has occurred but considering the tension between the two countries lately raises the question of what will happen next? Not only did this cause more tension but it also lead to Being-Jing canceling a meeting between the two naval commanders of the U.S and China.

Gay Zimbabwe teacher resigns after death threats

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-45665906

Neal Hovelmeier, a teacher at an all boys school in Zimbabwe, recently came out to his students this past month. It came to Mr. Hovelmeier’s attention that former students felt intimidated by the homophobic atmosphere of the school, so he wanted to be open about who he was. However, Zimbabwe is a nation that has laws against homosexuality. Once Hovelmeier was out, parents became upset by the situation; they believed someone in the gay community had no business being a role model to teenage students that looked up to him. Some of the parents then hired a lawyer, and threatened legal action against Hovelmeier due to the laws against homosexuality. Unfortunately, Hovelmeier made the decision to resign from the school since he began to receive death threats against him and his pets.
By: Liz Metcalf

Learning With: ‘Trump Hits China With Tariffs on $200 Billion in Goods, Escalating Trade War’

Learning With: ‘Trump Hits China With Tariffs on $200 Billion in Goods, Escalating Trade War’

By Teddy Trifunovski


One article that I thought was very interesting was this one that deals with President Trump hitting China with more tariffs. About $200 billion in goods. They said that, that is nearly half of all Chinese imports. I believe that this is something very important regarding the United States because this can possibly dictate whether we pay more for something that we get from China. I mean I understand President Trump's idea on this because China really have taken advantage of us on trade. I mean we are trillions and trillions of dollars in debt to them because of our trade deals. I do not believe fair trade has always gone on between the two powerful countries which is why we have such a big deficit with them. However, even though these tariffs have hurt China's economy over the past months that Trump has put tariffs on their goods. I still do not believe a resolution will be apparent anytime soon because I think they are going to continue to go back and fourth with each other and keep on placing tariffs on each other as well. Lastly, they are preparing to tax all imports from China as well. So they are really making this into a priority to create and make better trade deals so that we don't end up in such a large deficit again. Hopefully something gets resolved soon that helps both sides and their economies.

BTS K-pop star gives speech at the United Nations

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-45633556/bts-k-pop-star-gives-speech-at-the-united-nations

Melissa Vandermark

The South Korean pop music group BTS made history by being the first of their kind to speak at the U.N. The leader of the group, Kim Namjoon, also known as RM, encouraged youth to love themselves and understand themselves. The group was invited due to their collaboration with UNICEF in which they made the campaign called 'Love Myself.' Love Myself campaigns against violence towards children and teens all around the world. In just May of this year, BTS made history by becoming the first K-pop group to top American album charts.

www.businessinsider.com/putin-offer-to-japan-to-end-wwii-island-dispute-may-just-be-trolling-2018-9?utm_source=microsoft&utm_medium=referral

I am surprised that World War 2 never actually ended between Russia and Japan and that it has technically been going on still with no fighting for over 70 years. it is also suprising that Putin would just now bring it up this month, and that he said he would sign a peace treaty before they talk about the disputed islands. the Japanese think this may just be a big joke which could very well be true.

By Shane Todd

Trump at the United Nations

Well . . . it went like we all thought it would. Trump chaired the past United Nations meeting and boasted about the United States leaving the Paris Accord, breaking our agreement with Iran, and general made outlandish statements that made the American exceptionalism video look tame by comparison. Not only did this cringe worthy display of ego tripping leave our allies with bad tastes in their mouths; it raises more concern for the future of the United States in global policy making. Also, after reading this article, I believe it is safe to say that our president is an old fashioned realist if there ever was one.

By Cayleigh Price

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/25/world/americas/un-general-assembly-trump.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fafrica&action=click&contentCollection=africa&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront   

Abortions will be free in Ireland just months after they were illegal

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/09/20/ireland-abortions-cost-free-women-official-says/1376884002/

Back in May, Ireland voters repealed the country’s 8th amendment strictly prohibiting abortion. Now the country will also be putting a law into place making abortions cost-free. The new laws will allow women to get the procedure within their nation, instead of traveling elsewhere in Europe where abortions are legal. Repealing the 8th amendment is a big stride towards women’s rights in Ireland. This will now ensure that women can have access to a safe abortion, which is important for their health and safety.

By: Liz Metcalf

Children's remains found in Mexican mass grave

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/childrens-remains-found-mexican-mass-grave-58026247?cid=clicksource_76_2_hero_headlines_headlines_hed

Early September, a mass grave was discovered in Veracruz, Mexico. Both adult and children remains and clothing were found, and so far the body count is up to 174. Pictures of the clothing found in the grave were posted online in hopes that loved ones will be able to identify their deceased relatives, due to the fact that Mexico lacks a national DNA database. It was shocking to find childrens’ remains since criminal gangs usually let women and children go free. The recent increase of brutality is horrifying, showing that anyone can become a victim. Additionally, a tourist spot in Mexico City was also attacked this month, posing a threat to the foreigners that vacation in Mexico as well.

By: Liz Metcalf
 

Crime-ridden Mexican state is storing unclaimed bodies in a refrigerated truck

Crime-ridden Mexican state is storing unclaimed bodies in a refrigerated truck

 By: Pamela Boykoff, Claudia Dominguez and Belen Zapata, CNN

   Residents of Tlaquepaque, Mexico noticed a smell, but were not able to discover the source for two weeks. The source was discovered by local officials doing a routine inspection of the building. What they discovered was a refrigerated truck with 150 unclaimed dead bodies inside the trailer. The state officials knew of this truck because they had placed it there. The truck was moved to another neighborhood and once again asked to be moved. The mayor of Tlaquepaque asked for it to be moved and dealt with in order to respect both the dead and the neighborhood. The truck is now located near the office of the State Attorney General Roberto Lopez Lara who is investigating the case now. 

  The state of Jalisco where Tlaquepaque is located had 1,369 homicides in 2017, and Mexico as a whole has 31,174 in that same year. This is a 27% increase from 2016, and the highest recorded in homicides yet in Mexico. The new president, President Obrador is hoping to pursue a peace plan with the United Nations to solve this problem. 

Web: https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/18/americas/mexico-truck-bodies/index.html

By: Morgan Knight

Protester for Russian opposition arrested immediately after release from prison - Kel Goff

Alexei Navalny is a Russian political activist and avid critic of President Vladimir Putin. On September 24, he was released from prison after serving a thirty-day sentence for "staging an unsanctioned protest" in Moscow last month (Associated Press). However, the outspoken opponent to the current Russian government was not able to enjoy freedom for long. Immediately after being released, Navalny was once more arrested for staging a rally that "caused bodily harm to unidentified people" according to his spokesperson (Associated Press). This is one of many events taking place in Russia that is contributing to an overall sense of civil unrest. Alongside the retirement age being raised, much to the anger of many Russians, President Putin is facing a decline in his approval ratings. In addition, recent elections in two regions of the nation resulted in reports of votes being rigged in favor of Kremlin candidates. With Navalny as a steady leader of riots as well as a devoted group of proponents of his ideals, his most recent arrest will only result in further opposition of the Russian people towards President Putin.

To read the CBS News story click on this link

Trump Administration Aims to Sharply Restrict New Green Cards for Those on Public Aid

This article hits close to home the reason being a lot of the people I know in my community are here on green cards or visas. The idea that the Trump administration is going as far as to deny people on public assistance temporary or permanent status in the United States is sickening. Most illegal immigrants can get high paying jobs and are usually paid under the table Public Assistance is the only thing keeping them afloat. It's unjust to make people choose between surviving and their legal status. Officials in the Trump Administration believe these regulations are necessary to kill immigrants from draining public funds. Ever since Trump step foot into office immigrants all over the country has feared deportation this is just one of Trump's attempts to get voters to reelect not only him but to keep Republicans in control of the house and the Senate. The only problem is this attempt is at the cost of millions of poor immigrants who need public assistance to live.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/22/us/politics/immigrants-green-card-public-aid.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fpolitics&action=click&contentCollection=politics&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=9&pgtype=sectionfront

New Zealand supermarket chain removes Australian strawberries after needles found

It's a sad day for Australia and New Zealand. It's ridiculous that people have to check their strawberries when buying them from the supermarket because there may be needles in a strawberry their child eats. There are at least a hundred reports of needles being found, supermarkets are putting out recalls as well as advising people to cut their strawberries before eating them. The question I had one reading this was who would do this and why? Was it a fear tactic? There is an explanation for why someone would put needles in strawberries but the Australian government has ordered a federal investigation. The Prime Minister also released a statement explaining how this wasn't a joke at the very least we should hope the Australian government will get to the bottom of it.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/23/world/strawberries-new-zealand-australia/index.html


By:Ariana

Fentanyl crisis: Is China a major source of illegal drugs?

With the continuation of tension between China and the US, there is now a new uprising issue with the illegal trade of drugs. The US government is starting to believe that companies in China are producing opioids that are tampered; and as Trump's tweet from the 20th of August 2018 states  China is making "poisonous synthetic heroin fentanyl". This issue is that this fentanyl crisis has now broke out among whether or not these drugs are reasons why Americans may get addicted to these certain opioids so easily and the US is trying to find any links that come from production factories in China to use as evidence. Trump is wanting to pass the "STOP ACT" which they hope will eliminate illicit opioid imports from entering the US. This  potentially can reduce the risks of overdose if they monitor the trade that is entering the US but the downfall is that even though they can monitor the trade, they are not certain of what ingredients the drugs are made out of before it arrives in the US. This again can pose an issue with trade between China and the US due to the fact that there is a demand and supply may trickle its way in somehow. I think it will be interesting to see is the act gets passed on the Senate floor and if the production of these supposed illegal drugs is stopped.

-megan jensen

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-45564744

The Brexit Dance Continues as the Labour Party Calls for a New Election

With so much on the table, Britain's to-be severed ties with the European Union are in disarray as the Labour Party intends to intervene. The opposition party has decided that it would be in their vested interest to seek a new election rather than another referendum. Their leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has made their M.O. quite clear, as he has virtually ignored the whims of their people for another referendum. This has put Theresa May in quite an interesting position, and mounts serious pressure on her to find a way to make a deal that the opposition party would support. The next move would lie with the Labour Party if she fails, and what they plan to do has been increasingly clear over time: election over referendum. We'll have to see what this entails for the European Union and Britain in the long run.

The Brexit Dance Continues as Labour Party Calls for a New Election


Dan Kowalczyk

Jack Drover

‘Peace with Iran!’ Anti-war activist dragged from Trump official’s anti-Tehran speech

https://www.rt.com/usa/439041-protester-interrupts-trump-official/

A Code Pink Protester Interrupted an Anti-Iranian Government Speech organized by the Trump administration. She Talked about how ending the Iranian Nuclear Deal and Sanctioning Iran will hurt the normal Iranian people, highten tensions with Iran, how most european countries believe the USA should keep the iran deal, and how leaving the deal bring the USA closer to the war with Iran. She then pointed out that the war with Iraq was a disaster and a war with Iran would turn out the same way. she also criticized USA support for the Saudi Regime and it's war crimes it has committed in Yemen.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have grown in recent months thanks to President Donald Trump stating his plans to leave the Iran Nuclear Deal and subsequently supporting further sanctions on Iran. Both the USA and The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have worsened relations with Iran and strengthened relations with each other in recent months.

US imposes sanctions on China for buying Russian weapons

The US has threatened a sanction on China for the purchasing of Russian jets and air missiles which has conflicted China to ask for the US to withdraw their sanction. With China and the US being the largest economies it has posed more tension between them since they have now a dispute between this purchase from Russia. China states that it is a complete fair reason and basic rule in international relations for them to purchase from Russia and that the US should abstain their sanction. The Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) is how the US uses sanctions against Russia, Iran, and North Korea for economic or political reasons. The US is looking to protect its economic power by having China "punished" for purchasing these weapons. The sole purpose is because of the recent malignant activities from Russia.

-megan jensen

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45596485

China warns U.S. to withdraw sanctions or 'bear the consequences'

I chose this article because I thought it was a good example of what we have been talking about over the last few classes. The United States have issued a sanction over Beijing for buying military equipment from a Russian state arms export agency which was blacklisted by the United States. China has responded by saying that these actions will result in "consequences" if not removed. This whole affair shows the tit for tat relationship states have against each other. It was also interesting to read that China is still trying to expand their military force. I see it as a sign that at the moment, a lot of countries feel threatened by the potential outbreak of an arms race. Sho Kawajiri

An Undiplomatic Trump? At This U.N. Meeting, His Aides Fear the Opposite

In this article, it is discussed that Trump's senior aides are leery about Trump in the upcoming U.N. meeting. They believe that Trump will be almost too diplomatic. I didn't know that this was a bad thing. I always thought that we should be more diplomatic rather than always threatening to be the big and bad country we are always set out to be. Last year, Trump's aides were concerned with how he handled himself at the U.N. meeting, specifically with North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. However, this year Trump wants to take a different approach, he has already spoken to Kim Jong Un about the nuclear weapons. Now, he wants to have a meeting with the leader of Iran, Hassan Rouhani. Trump's aides are worried about this potential meeting because with North Korea, they had a willing partner in Kim Jong Un, but they will not with Hassan Rouhani. Therefore, Trump's initial plan to have the U.N. meeting about Iran like he had about North Korea last year will no longer happen. He wants to broaden the meeting of the U.N. to try and keep the peace. I believe that this is the right thing to do because there are other ways to handle cases such as Iran. I believe if Trump would have made the meeting all about Iran, demanding them of certain things, Iran would have responded very poorly to his remarks. Therefore, I also believe that the EU would not have been able to help Trump on this one because of the stake they have in foreign affairs with Iran. The link to the article is below:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/an-undiplomatic-trump-at-this-un-meeting-his-aides-fear-the-opposite/ar-AAAxjrw

By Jake Rogers

Pompeo: U.S. may hold Russia accountable for chemical weapons in Syria

https://www.politico.com/story/2018/09/23/pompeo-russia-syria-chemical-weapons-837299

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in an interview on Sunday the U.S. may hold Russia accountable for chemical weapons in Syria due to Trump not wanting the norm of nations to act this way. This does not come as a shock seeing as the U.S. put sanctions on a Chinese military group for purchasing chemical weapons. Not only did the Trump administration impose sanctions they also blacklisted 33 Russian individuals as well as businesses on Thursday.

Informal NAFTA talks ‘very likely’ at upcoming U.N. meeting: Trudeau

https://globalnews.ca/news/4479567/nafta-talks-u-n-justin-trudeau/

Melissa Vandermark

Despite no formal meetings currently being planned for NAFTA, an informal meeting to address urgent issues is quite likely on the sidelines of a UN meeting, according to Trudeau. Trump has made multiple threats to Canada, including excluding Canada from NAFTA and imposing a 25% tariff on Canadian auto exports. Trump has been demanding extensive changes to be made to NAFTA because he believes that somehow the United States has received the short end of the stick, despite evidence of the contrary. Canada is divided on the best way to address the issue with the U.S., but they hope that the U.S. can agree on a deal that'll benefit both groups. Trudeau says he wont sign any deal that isn't good for Canada.

US Military Base in Poland... Named After Trump?

The president says he is considering putting a military base permanently in Poland after the Polish president said he believed it would guarantee security. At a press conference, Trump mentioned that the president of Poland said they are willing to pay "more than $2 billion to do this". the suggested name for the permanent military base could possibly be named "Fort Trump". Polish president says he wishes for a US presence because he is concerned about Russian military actions. He believes this decision lies in both Poland and the US's interests.

US Military Base in Poland... Named after Trump?

By: Sumayya Ali

Who do you trust?

Brett Kavanaugh, who is the US Supreme Court nominee, has been accused of sexual assault by Christine Blasey Ford, who is a University professor.

According to Ford, Kavanaugh forced himself on her while they were attending a party in high school, though she could escape the situation.

 Ford had not talked about the incident with anyone until 2012, when she visited a couples therapy sessions with her husband.  Although she did not name  the attackers, mentioned as students from a elite boy's school and they were drank. She also took a polygraph test, which indicated her veracity about the incident. Actually, she detests purchasing a master bedroom which does not have a second exist, and her friend witnessed her attacked by the trauma.

While Ford is suffering the lasting trauma, Kavanaugh denied the allegations and said that he did not know anything. Moreover, other three individuals who Ford mentioned in the incident denied the attendance. Besides the women among the three, informed that she even does not know Mr. Kavanaugh.

Ford is going to publicly testify on Thursday, and Kavanaugh plans to give Senate calendars from the summer when he was in high school to buck up.

In addition to a lot of evidences from Ford, I have learned abut sexual violence between students, and it happens frequently. Thereby, I believe Fort has the advantage over Kavanaugh. As we proceed to Feminism in the next class, this trial is really interesting, and if Kavanaugh would be in the Supreme Court, it might be a retreat from Feminist approach.

Kaho Sugimoto

Church protest hald Georgia cannabis law

Georgia's government has put a halt to the cannabis law that would legalize the export of marijuana because of protest led by a powerful Orthodox Church. Fr Andria Jaghmaidize, who spreads the church point of view on media, told BBC that the "LGBT propaganda promotes a drastically liberalised drug policy that contradicts Church teachings". Another reason for the increase of protest on this law is the spread of false information. Ilia II commented on this issue by stating "What is the use of the economy if we lose our children?". This law has the possible for Georgia to earn $384m with in the next two to three years. 

Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-45563477 

Abby Widd

Maldives Opposition Declares Victory

Today many people in the Maldives are claiming victory despite it not being official as the vote for the new president of the Malives. The current president was hoping for a second term, but the opposition is claiming that it would threaten the growing democracy in the Maldives. The current president was believed to be paying his employees to vote for him and the police found evidence of cheating ballots. As the election in the Maldives  continues there may be big changes going to happen in the Maldives. As they strive to work towards democracy, they are taking into consideration whether or not to take aid from China. The issue is that many oppose aid from China because doing so will ensure that China can use them as a Naval base. As of now the majority vote is for the current president's rival. How this pans out will surely lead to big changes for the Maldives.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/23/world/asia/maldives-elections.html
written by:  Maria Abi-Habib and Hassan Moosa

Chloe Ma

The Reasons Behind the US-China Trade War

Kaitlyn Boelter-Eberhardt



Imposed tariffs on $200 billion more in Chinese goods starting Monday (09/24/2018). Many believe this could impact prices for all American companies and consumers of Chinese goods. China claims they will "retaliate against American exporters" meaning many companies will be unable to sell their products and there will be larger "obstacles" for the entirety of United States companies. Here are the answers to the many questions behind the trade war to answer the ultimate question: Why is this occurring?

https://globalnews.ca/news/4476102/u-s-china-tariffs-explainer/

India Lifts Section 377

Earlier this month, India's supreme court decriminalized gay sex in one of the most progressive developments to happen in the world's largest democracy this year. Under the old British colonial law stating that any same-sex relations were considered "unnatural" and punishable with jail time. For hundreds of years members of the LGBTQ community were threatened with blackmail and prison because of who they loved. While the court's ruling is a huge step forward for India, there is still backlash from the socially conservative society of the country.

By Cayleigh Price

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/09/india-decriminalises-gay-sex-landmark-verdict-180906051219637.html

Keep Sweden Swedish

The Swedish government as entered a blockade between the emerging far-right party gaining seats in their parliament. The Swedish Democrats are a anti-immigration populist party that began in the late 1980's. It has connections to racist and Neo-Nazis groups. This is the first time they have gained enough traction in government to have power in law-making. Currently, there is a debate on whether Sweden's center-right parties should form a bloc with the Swedish Democrats or not.

By Cayleigh Price

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/20/world/europe/sweden-far-right.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fworld&action=click&contentCollection=world&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=13&pgtype=sectionfront 

China navy ship makes maiden visit to Venezuela after Maduro visit

As a sign of support for the nation of Venezuela, the Chinese government has for the first time allowed a naval ship to sail to Venezuela. This diplomatic move follows in the wake of a five year trend where the Maduro-led country has been dealing with hyperinflation and an economic recession. China has sent a medical ship to the area that will stop in multiple ports over an eight day stretch, in which the Chinese commander navigating the boat will meet with Venezuelan officials. It is important to note that President Nicolas Maduro visited Beijing last month where we was reported to be seeking financial support from China. This symbolic move is to show that China is still supporting their ally despite tensions arising from inconsistencies relating to China’s promise to financially aid Venezuela. The nation of Venezuela is a critical ally of China’s in South America, seeing as Venezuela has cold relations with the United States and is an oil-rich country. Relating to the, “trade-war” that the U.S. and China have been waging amongst each other, the decision to send a medical vessel on a diplomatic mission is both a reaffirming of Chinese-Venezuelan relations, and a reminder to the USA that China has been coalition-building with emerging nations in the continent of South America.     

Kevin Phelan

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-venezuela/china-navy-ship-makes-maiden-visit-to-venezuela-after-maduro-visit-idUSKCN1M3061

    

Sports and politics intersect: North and South Korea planning historic Olympics bid

North and South Korea planning historic Olympics bid

by Philip Barnett

Posted by Brandon Torrence

This article was published on September 21st and came up as very interesting. Sports and politics cross with two side by side countries trying to make peace with each other. North and South Korea are taking steps toward ending the military, political, social and economic tensions between the two countries. On September 20th the two countries agreed to withdraw guard posts from the Demilitarized Zone that separates the two countries and improve on trade efforts by building new trains that will travel between the two nations on each coast. Another agreement: They’ll submit a joint bid to host the 2032 Olympics.

If you would like more information, the website is below.

https://www.yardbarker.com/olympics/articles/sports_politics_intersect_north_and_south_korea_planning_historic_joint_olympics_bid/s1_13132_27322067

Dozens Have Been Killed In An Attack On A Military Parade In Iran

Posted on September 22, 2018, at 7:18 a.m. ET

At least 24 people were killed and 53 injured when shooters opened fire on a military parade in Iran Saturday, state media reported.

The attack took place at 9 a.m. local time in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, where soldiers were taking part in a parade to mark the anniversary of the start of the 1980–88 war with Iraq.

Some of those killed were members of the elite Revolutionary Guard, but others are understood to have been civilians.

The shooters, wearing military uniforms, targeted a stand where officials had gathered to watch the event, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.

Brig. Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi, a senior spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces, told state television that three of the attackers were killed on the spot, and a fourth died in hospital.

The Ahvaz National Resistance, an anti-government Arab group, claimed responsibility for the attack, according to Reuters. It is an umbrella group comprising of multiple armed movements, but a spokesperson did not specify which one carried out the attack.

ISIS militants also claimed responsibility, according to the group's Amaq news agency. Neither group offered evidence of their accountability.

Iran's foreign minister blamed “regional terror sponsors” for the attack — a term used to describe rivals Saudi Arabia and Israel – and said their “US masters” were accountable.

Link: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/hazelshearing/iran-military-parade-attack

Piper Jones

Nicaraguan Migrants Fleeing Turmoil Test Costa Rica’s Good Will

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/22/world/americas/nicaragua-migrants-costa-rica.html

In mid-April of 2018, Nicaragua erupted in a violent crisis where hundreds of people have unfortunately perished and where the economy has been damaged. Since then, many Nicaraguans have been unemployed and desperately looking for a job; thus, with many of them gradually immigrating to Costa Rica both legally and illegally. Thousands of Nicaraguans have also applied for asylum, overwhelming the government’s migration bureaucracy, while others have simply melted into the broader population. For years Costa Rica has been known for their “Pura Vida” slogan stating positivity in their lives, and their migration challenge has proven their hospitality and optimism for helping Nicaraguans. On the other hand, Costa Rica has also been known for being prejudice against Nicaraguans. Late last august, in Costa Rica’s capital San José, some protesters were carrying Molotov Cocktails and baseball bats to approach Nicaraguans negatively; nonetheless; there were anti-Nicaraguan invective there. Both groups “clashed”, which then resulted in dozen of arrests, which affected the image of the country greatly. The migration of people fleeing violence, political upheaval, poverty and natural disasters has for years tested the political resolve and good will of governments and populations throughout Latin America. And now Costa Rica is been tested by how well it is able to help their neighbor country Nicaragua. The Costa Rican government has been congratulated by international migration officials and other advocates, and by migrants and refugees themselves for its handling of the migration crisis, even if its migration bureaucracy is threatening to collapse under the strain.This year, more than 24,000 Nicaraguans have formally expressed a desire to apply for asylum in Costa Rica, and most Nicaraguans who have crossed into Costa Rica since the spring have moved in with relatives or friends. In recent months, thousands of newcomers have ended up in La Carpio, a poor, densely populated neighborhood in the capital with many Nicaraguans.The stress is already being felt at the neighborhood’s public school, where about 430 Nicaraguan children have enrolled since February, more than a quarter of them in August alone, and class sizes have grown by about a third. For now,  La Carpio neighborhood can handle it, but there are many questions as to what will happen to Nicaraguans and how well Costa Rica will be able to handle this crisis.

by Isabel G. Torres

"Hackers Steal $59 Million In Cryptocurrency..." Isa Chudzik

https://www.npr.org/2018/09/20/650079273/hackers-steal-59-million-in-cryptocurrency-from-japanese-exchange
Isa Chudzik

According to this article by NPR, hackers stole about $59 million worth of cryptocurrency from the Japanese exchange Zaif. For many individuals and other companies, this act has raised even more concerns about cryptocurrency risks and the general lack of cyber-security throughout the world. As the writer of the article, Kimmelman, quoted from Fortune "...one reason (major hacks) why professional money managers have largely steered clear of the market even as individual investors piled in".The article also points out how this is the fifth large-scale hack to happen in virtual currency. It's unclear what the state of cryptocurreny will look like even a few years for now, but my guess is that hacks with always remain a high threat.

Tran Dai Quang, Hard-Line Vietnamese President, Dies at 61

On Friday September 21st, 2018 President Tran Dai Quang of Vietnam died at the age 61. According to state-controlled Vietnam News Agency said the death resulted from an unspecified “serious illness.” Nguyen Quoc Trieu, a government doctor, was quoted by the state news media as saying that Mr. Quang had died of “a rare and serious viral disease” at a military hospital in Hanoi, the capital. It is rare for a sitting Vietnamese president to die in office. From this death it will leave a political vacuum on the Politburo (committee of a Communist Party). 

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/21/obituaries/tran-dai-quang-dead.html

By: Jack Bronec

Iran ready to confront U.S. after military parade attack

An article written by Michael Georgy of Reuters discussed an attack on an Iranian military parade, and the tensions between the country's president and the United States. According to the article, 25 people were killed and 70 were wounded. Among the dead included 12 of the Revolutionary Guard. The Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, accused the US of their financial and military support of the anti-goverment Gulf-Arab states and groups surrounding and within Iran.  Rouhani later on stated that, "America is acting like a bully toward the rest of the world...and thinks it can act based on brute force," (Reuters).  He made it clear to the world and specifically the US that Iran and its government are to confront the US on its wrong doings in the region. According to the article, many of groups including the Ahvaz National Resistance and the Islamic State have claimed to have committed the attacks. However, neither have been able to fork over evidence based on their claims.


Anthony Hernandez

https://a.msn.com/r/2/AAAvffY?m=en-us&referrerID=InAppShare

Russia throws doubt on joint lunar space station with U.S.:RIA

The tension between Russia and the U.S. has risen to new heights.  Russia is deciding whether or not they should work with the U.S. for a space program.  However, the head of the Russian space program stated that "Russia doesn't want to be second fiddle," even though they agreed to work together for project Deep Space Getaway.  This isn't the first or last time that international relations with Russia and the U.S. been soured. 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russia-throws-doubt-on-joint-lunar-space-station-with-us-ria/ar-AAAtAML   Reported by Vladimir Soldatkin and Edited by Helen Popper

Connor Hazzard

Saudi woman's case against father stirs 'guardianship' debate

A 24 year old woman (unnamed) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, filed a court case against her father after he opposed the idea of her having a passport to study abroad. This male-dominated system caused much controversy online especially due to the fact that the women had to go to court to get her passport against the will of a father whom she had not seen in 6 years. Saudi Arabian women, regardless of their age, is required to seek approval from male guardianships in the family in order to do certain tasks such as obtaining a passport, marrying, traveling, etc,. and it was only recently that the country banned the lift of women driving. There are plans of improvement for gender equality in terms of job and title, but it would be difficult due to the long years of male dominance. Till then, Saudi women will have to continue fighting for their rights.

-Sangay Chhoki

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/09/saudi-woman-case-father-stirs-guardianship-debate-180921102631409.html

Iran blames Gulf rivals for deadly Ahvaz attack - Emilio Lopez

This article comes from BBC International News with no known writer.

The article comes from BBC news about a recent terrorist attack that took place in Iran, where around 25 people were killed and over 50 injured. This took place during a military parade marking the beginning to the war against Iraq in the 1980's. Granted a lot of terrorist attacks happen in the middle east, but what makes this one significant is who Iran is blaming. They are claiming that their regional adversaries and "US masterminds" are the cause for the attack. Stating that the terrorist  were armed and trained to carry out the attack. Four individuals were the ones who were part of the attack and two terrorist groups claimed responsibility, one being ISIS and the other is a small organization called Ahvaz National Resistance. However, reports claim that their is no definitive proof of which group did it. In the international community, this claim is very dramatic that can cause nations to either unite with Iran, or disregard their idea of foreign intervention. It is also alarming that the president/ leader of Iran has claimed to bring swift revenge to the people responsible. It is also important to realize that these accusations could be coming from past tensions that Iran and the US are having. Iran could be using this attack as a scapegoat in order to create conflict with the US.

Written by Emilio Lopez

Link below is for the article:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-45613866

US to start ‘disrupting’ North Korean oil smuggling

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense-national-security/us-to-start-disrupting-north-korean-oil-smuggling

Recently the UN Ambassador to the United States accused Russia of transferring oil to North Korean tankers, defying sanctions. In addition, in the beginning of the year Japan published photographic evidence of a Chinese vessel also transferring oil in breach of the sanctions. Since then, the United States have conducted an analysis that concluded North Korea exceeded their cap on oil. Both China and Russia vehemently deny the allegations. In response, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and America pledged enhanced surveillance of North Korean oil tankers, consequently straining the relationship further with Russia and China.
Keeping in mind America and China's already strained relationship, I agree with the assessment Americas actions will only further worsen the relationship. From what I understand, both Russia and China have the kind of relationship with North Korea where North Korea's actions are publicly admonished, but both countries enjoy the perks of trading and other factors. In terms of the argument of not knowing whether or not North Korea is actually using the oil they have procured to build ballistics and such, I think their previous actions speak for themselves.

--Jennie Fry

Some See Signs of Hope on North Korea as Trump Heads to UN

After many talks of negotiation regarding nuclear weapons in North Korea, Trump and Moon are both on better terms with North Korea. The article discusses an overview of events, but most relevant is the recent South and North Korean summit and the upcoming address to the U.N. from Donald Trump. What is interesting here is that the leaders of all three countries have not been on the best of terms, but are now seemingly willing to cooperate with one another. Whether Donald Trump meets Kim Jong Un's requests or not will be important to pay attention to. This could potentially mean North Korea denuclearizing, or at least some negotiations. On Tuesday, Trump will address the U.N., so it will also be interesting to see what he has to say about the situation.
The link is below for further information.
https://www.apnews.com/76316a7c37854377900bfb14bd752ffc/Some-see-signs-of-hope-on-North-Korea-as-Trump-heads-to-UN
-Alyssa Farney

Mexican official fired over bodies stored in truck says he's a scapegoat

Mexican offical fired over boidies stored in truck says he's a scapegoat
It's interesting how a Mexican official is able to hide over 100 bodies in the back of a semi-truck and claim that they are using it as a mobile morgue since all the morgue in the area are full already. And that the cartel are able to get away with killing so many people in the area and authority are unable to stop the killing. they also say how the killing has hit an record high already this year which just doesn't make Mexico look like a terrible place to go.

By Shane Todd

The President of Poland Wants A US Military Base

Posted on September 18, 2018, at 5:37 p.m. ET

Jim Watson / AFP / Getty Images

President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the US is “very seriously” considering a permanent military base in Poland, which the country’s leader suggested could be named “Fort Trump.”

"I invite you to post more American military troops in Poland," Polish President Andrzej Duda said during a joint press conference at the White House, following a meeting that focused heavily on the US military presence as a “guarantor of security” in the region and a deterrent against Russian aggression.

"I firmly believe that this is possible. I am convinced that such a decision lies both in the Polish interest as well as in the interest of the United States," he said.

Web address: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/verabergengruen/the-president-of-poland-wants-a-us-military-base-so-he

Piper Jones

After 'major escalation' in US-China trade war, what happens next?

After 'major escalation' in US-China trade war, what happens next?
by Jethro Mullen of CNN

    Both the United States and China have increased their tariffs on goods coming from the other country. All together $360 billion worth of goods have imposed tariffs on them. China added $60 billion to their tariffs after the United States added $200 billion to their own tariffs. In the past year, the U.S. has increased from 10% to 25% of goods from China with imposed tariffs compared to China's 5% to 10%. This is set to take affect September 24th of this year. The increase will have half of China to U.S. goods with tariffs. The U.S. has threatened China to add $267 billion worth of tariffs if China retaliates any further. China may instead of increasing tariffs attack U.S. businesses in China, like Apple or Boeing. Some companies are already reporting increased difficulties in dealings with the Chinese government. These difficulties may lead U.S. companies in China to leave China, so China is in a very difficult position. They want to show that they will not back down to the U.S., but they do not want to lose U.S. companies. Trump, of course, wants these companies to return to the U.S. Another concern is the scheduled talks between the two nations that are coming up. China has not yet said whether or not they will pull out from the talks, but they have hinted at that. The United States released a statement just before the tariffs that they look forward to the talks.

Web Address: https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/18/politics/china-us-tariffs/index.html
By, Morgan Knight

Kim agrees to dismantle main nuke site if US takes steps too

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/09/19/kim-agrees-to-dismantle-main-nuke-site-if-us-takes-steps-too.html

By:Teddy Trifunovski

I believe this could be potentially be very great news for the future of denuclearization of North Korea. President has continued to push very hard for the denuclearization of North Korea. There is slow progress being made but I believe this is one of the more bigger ones towards that main goal. Kim Jong Un had met with the South Korean President yesterday about the denuclearizing the korean peninsula, and they came to an agreement to do so. However, under a couple circumstances. Kim Jong Un says that the US need to take corresponding measures that will be announced as well as accepting international inspectors to come and to monitor the closing of key nuclear sites in North Korea. Hopefully, Presidemt Trump can continue to push this into actually happening sooner rather than later because it would be very beneficial for peace throughout the world once or if North Korea ends up closing down their nuclear sites.