A New Enlightened Kanye West

After being bashed and disliked globally for his recent political statements, Kanye West has tweeted "My eyes are now wide open and realize I've been used to spread messages I don't believe in. I am distancing myself from politics and completely focusing on being creative !!!"
West has been known for being controversial all his life, but in the recent months it has been for something other than his music, his political stance. He openly supported Trump and embraced a red MAGA hat. He is not claiming that he was being used the whole time and he never believed in those ideas in the first place.


A New Enlightened Kanye West

Protests expected as India prepares to unveil world's largest statue

Protests expected as India prepares to unveil world's largest statue


On Wednesday, a 600 ft statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is being unveiled in India in the Gujurat state. Patel is an Indian independence hero. A big ceremony is being planned to unveil the statue. 
The police (5,000 officers) will be there to protect against protesters. The protest is not against the statue itself, but the land it is on. People from the community want compensation for the land that they lost to the statue. 185 families had to move from the area to make room for the statue. 
The Prime Minister of India, Modi, has been told by 22 village chiefs to not come to the unveiling. People have been tearing down posters of the Prime Minister and chief minister of the region, Vijay Rupani. 

Web: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/30/protests-expected-india-prepares-unveil-worlds-largest-statue
By: Morgan Knight

WWF says, we are the 'last generation' that can save nature

In just over four decades, global wildlife population have fallen by 60%. Those have been caused by human activities such as accelerating population, deforestation and climate change. And its speed is unprecedented as current rates of animal extinction are up to 1,000 times higher than before the advent of human into the ecosystem. More than 4,000 mammal, bird, fish, reptile and amphibian species declined rapidly between 1970 and 2014.

The proportion of the land that is free from human impact is projected to drop from a quarter to a tenth by 2050 manmade causes continue to spread.

The World Wildlife Fund has called for an international treaty to be drafted to protect wildlife and reverse human impacts on nature. It warned that current efforts are not keeping up with the speed of destruction. We are using nature as if we were the hunters in the 20,000 years ago with the technology of the 21st century. WWF UK Chief Executive said, "We are the first generation to know wen are destroying our planet and the last one that can do anything about it."

Wildlife is not just 'nice to have,' but it has important role in human health, food, medicine supplies and financial stability. They could be damaged by declines in wildlife and nature. Therefore, international action is needed over the next two years, and the WWF has encouraged nations all over the world to change the situation.


https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/29/health/wwf-wildlife-population-report-intl/index.html

Kaho Sugimoto

Tunisian woman blows herself up, nine injured - Kel Goff

An explosion has taken place in the nation of Tunisia this Monday. In Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, a woman blew herself up injuring at least nine victims in the process. Tunisian officials have declared that this attack was indeed a "terrorist explosion" (BBC). While people were harmed when the explosive detonated, injuries have yet to prove life-threatening. As of Monday morning, no deaths have been reported from the bomb. As BBC points out, this is not Tunisia's first terrorist attack in recent years. In 2015, 22 civilians were killed in an explosion at the Bardo Museum earlier that year prior to an attack at a resort that killed 38 more civilians. It is reported that the street where the explosion took place was shut down by police and has yet to reopen.

Click here to read "'Woman blows herself up' in Tunis"

Donald Trump blames media for "great anger" in the United States

Kaitlyn Boelter-Eberhardt

On Monday, Donald Trump accused the media of being the reason for the anger spread throughout the United States due to their lack of accurate and fair reporting of news. He claims they are "openly hostile" and need to change the way they send out information to the people of the United States.

https://globalnews.ca/news/4606644/donald-trump-media-enemy-of-people/

Mexico Should Not Consent to do Washington's Dirty Work

The thousand of Honduran, Salvadoran, and Guatemalan refugees Should be aware that President Trump is making it his goal to put immigration on the agenda. The new Refugee crisis doesn't have a solution but it does raise a lot more questions one being is Trump making it a goal for Mexico to do his dirty work? It's interesting to know that Trump accomplished nothing of what he claimed he would in the new USMCA argument. Trump claims he was going to get Mexico to cooperate in his border plans as well as bring jobs back to America. One of the hot issues  Trump is trying to push is for the President of Mexico Enrique Pena Nieto signed the safe Third Country agreement so that Mexico can be labeled as a safe country and America couldnae any claim of asylum. It's a shame that's so many people trying to seek Asylum or being pushed away and kicked out it looks bad for both Mexico as well as the United States. Hopefully very unlikely there is an optimistic way to solve the incoming problems that are occurring in Central America that are coming our way.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/27/opinion/mexico-caravan-trump-dirty-work.html

By Ariana Rodriguez

Turkey strikes Kurdish positions in northern Syria

The Turkish army struck the U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters on Sunday in northeastern Syria. This brought up more tension along borders than before. Turkey views the Kurdish fighters as terrorists and said that he plans on expanding the military operations to get rid of the terror brought along with the Kurdish fighters. The Kurdish fighters are backed by the U.S. and they are fighting the Islamic State militants. This alliance did not help with the relationship between the U.S and Turkey. It is very ironic that at the summit a day before, Turkey called for more of a political process to allow return of refugees. The Kurdish fighters have contained IS militants to southeast Syria and the fighting has been difficult because of the IS fighters killing so many Kurdish fighters. I believe that the US should continue to back the Kurdish fighters if we want to keep a contain on IS fighters. It might hurt our relationship with the country of Turkey, but this will help take out a military group that causes a lot of terror.

By Jake Rogers

Link Below:
https://www.apnews.com/cd5b38d6c2dd40e3b268bb044d0b8d1f

Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapons Could Come By 2019

Campaigners for the 2017 Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons have suggested that over 50 countries could join in the ramification of the treaty which, aptly named, outlaws the holding of nuclear weapons (in participating countries, of course). The NWBM (Nuclear Weapons Bans Monitor) recently reported that 19 states had been adhering to the provision created in 2017, but expects the number to rise to the needed 50 different states to bring it to force. The article also touches on the difference in nuclear tactics between the heavy hitting countries like the United States and Russia, in comparison to states who do not have nearly as many. They discuss how the larger nations do not wish to join in such an agreement, having gained no signatures of countries holding a significant amount of nuclear arms -- this is mostly in part to the big states fear of such a treaty "undermining nuclear deterrence." 2019 is only a year away, it should be rather interesting to see if the treaty can gain the amount of backers it needs to see the change it wishes in the coming days.



Article
Dan Kowalczyk

Philip Hammond: No-deal Brexit would require new Budget

Philip Hammond has stated that the government will set a new budget if they can not come to a conclusion on the Brexit deal with the EU. There are people who are becoming concerned that the government is leaning towards a no-deal Brexit. This whole deal has put the country in half of whether or not to support it but also but the people at a confusion as to what they voted for. The clear lines of what the Brexit for the UK was made unclear to the people and many were uncertain after the fact what they had voted for. It has become now a toss up of whether or not the government will pull back or the EU will or will not grant them leaving the EU. The budget cost that the government may propose is quite large and expensive that it may becoming a recurring cycle that they get the money and make a deal with the EU. I think it will be interesting to see the outcome of this major and potentially life changing decision for the UK.

-megan jensen

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46009087

Nigeria's older order

The current demographic of Nigeria is 60% of the population being under the age of 25. The age in which you can run for the parliment is 40 years old. Many young people worked hard to lower the age restrictions in 2016 so that the parliment can start being more reflective of the current demographic. This would mean for younger candidates in the upcoming 2019 elections. The current president is 75 years old. The thought behind this push is that it's the same people who led the country to independance who are now causing the countries decline. The young candidates have some obstacles when it come to money but there are some programs that are promoting giving them a seat to reduce the cost.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/25/africa/nigeria-elections-not-too-young-to-run/index.html

Chloe Ma

Survivor of Synagogue massacre tells moments of terror

Survivor of synagogue massacre recounts moments of terror

Article by Matt Rourke

The gunman, Robert Gregory Bowers, opened fire during worship services inside Tree of Life Synagogue. He killed eight men and three women before a tactical police team tracked him down and shot him, according to federal affidavits on Sunday. He expressed hatred of Jews during the rampage and later told police that "all these Jews need to die." A survivor of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre described Sunday how he and other terrorized worshipers hid themselves in a supply closet as the gunman stepped over the body of a man he had just shot and killed, entered their darkened hiding spot and looked around. 

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

https://www.nola.com/news/2018/10/survivor-of-synagogue-massacre-recounts-moments-of-terror.html

Blog post by Brandon Torrence

New U.S.-bound group of migrants sets off from El Salvador

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-immigration-caravan/new-u-s-bound-group-of-migrants-sets-off-from-el-salvador-idUSKCN1N20JN

I chose this article because it highlighted some interesting points for me regarding the migration issues. The first point in the article left me a little confused, because of the fact that El-salvador's left wing government has solitary with the migrants and respected their right to mobilize. This leaves me with the question "Can a country become so dangerous that they are willing to let their people leave to seek peace elsewhere?".  Another point which stood out for me that many of the traveling Hondurans decided refugee status offered by the president of Mexico and instead decided to keep on traveling towards the United States, a country that was unwelcoming of them. Many of the traveller said "We're going to the United States, because that is our dream." This highlights the fact that the United States is still seen as a place where people can turn their life around, and live the "american dream." With Donald Trump holding a strong policy of cutting off immigrants trying to enter the United States, it will be interesting to see how this story develops.
-Sho Kawajiri-

Jack Drover

Palestinian prisoner refuses to drink on 57th day of hunger strike

https://www.maannews.com/Content.aspx?id=781625

Khader Adnan continues on his hunger strike, refusing to eat in protest of his arbitrary arrest. He is pushing it even further by refusing to drink water until his release. His health is in critical condition. 

Jair Bolsonaro: Far-right candidate wins Brazil poll

Brazil's far-right candidate, Jair Bolsonaro won the Brazilian presidential election. He had 10% (55%) more votes then his left-wing candidate from the Workers Party, Fernando Haddad. Some of Bolsanaro's opponents fear that he will undo Brazil's democracy. However, Bolosonaro has stated that he will defend "the constitution, democracy, and freedom". Bolosonaro's main idea during his presidential campaign is to reduce the crime rate and get rid of the political corruption in Brazil. He will be swore in January 1, 2019.

Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-46013408

Abby Widd

Man who halted Nazi nuclear plan dies at 99

the man who was involved in stopping the Nazis plan to create the atomic bomb has died at age 99.
I am surprised that he only broke his silence about the mission that halted the project only in the 70's. also  he talked about of he only realized how important the mission was after the U.S used there atomic bombs on japan, this shows how nobody real understood hoe critical this mission was until years later.

By Shane Todd

Critical reflection 10/28

The presidential race in Brazil had another run off election on Sunday with the Right wing Jair Bolsonaro leading in the with 54 percent of the vote. Bolsonaro is leading the votes despite the fact that he was an admirer of the old military dictatorship that the country had in 1964-1985. Along with the general admiring of the military coup he also wants to increase the amount of guns that citizens have to fight crime. The overall safety of Brazil is at stake with the possibility of violence happening in Brazil. 

https://www.euronews.com/2018/10/28/brazilian-elections-far-right-bolsonaro-leads-leftist-haddad-in-polls-ahead-of-final-vote

Nigeria's 2019 Elections

In February 2019, Nigeria will be holding their general elections country wide. Due to the fact the same people have been in power since the country's independence in 1960 and that over 60% of the population is under 25 years old. This trend has let to many young people to start campaigning and running for political positions. In 2016, the Not to Young to Run bill was passed in Nigeria ridding the 40 year old age limit and it will be interesting to see what is to come for the country.

By: Cayleigh Price

https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/25/africa/nigeria-elections-not-too-young-to-run/index.html 

Saudi Arabia Rejects Turkey’s Extradition Request in Khashoggi Killing

On October 2nd Mr. Khashoggi a columnist for The Washington Post who was also a critic of Saudi Arabia’s current rulers, was killed by a team of Saudi agents in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir called the international outrage over the killing “fairly hysterical” and said that once the Saudi investigation was complete, the suspects would be held accountable “in Saudi Arabia.” Saudi Arabia acknowledged that Mr. Khashoggi had died inside the consulate only after more than two weeks of changing stories. Last Saturday, the kingdom said its investigators had concluded that Saudi agents accidentally strangled Mr. Khashoggi during a brawl that broke out while they were attempting to persuade him to voluntarily return home. Mr. Jubeir, the Saudi foreign minister, said the kingdom’s alliance with the United States was “ironclad.” He praised Mr. Trump’s regional foreign policy as “rational, realistic.”


By: Jack Bronec

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/27/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-khashoggi-turkey.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fmiddleeast&action=click&contentCollection=middleeast&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=5&pgtype=sectionfront

Syria's National Museum re-opens Doors

BBC-Part of Syria's National Museum opened its doors to the public six years after it was closed due to the conflict from the country's civil war. According to the BBC, the museum in Damascus closed in 2012 to protect ancient artifacts from damage and looting. The re-opening is recurring due to the government trying to show normality is returning to Syria.  The Culture Minister, Mohamed al-Ahmad, stated that re-opening the museum would be a sign that the country's cultural history was not destroyed by the conflict. The article stated that the museum's gardens stayed open during the conflict, but the building closed due to the rocket fire from the rebels aimed at the city of Damascus. This closing occurred because many other sites were captured by ISIS groups and were intentionally damaged and destroyed. The BBC article later stated that some of the artifacts and antique items may have been smuggled abroad and sold during the conflict.  However, most of them were hidden away in various locales to prevent looting and destruction of the objects. The Syrian Government stated that thousands of these artifacts have been recovered from rebel-controlled areas.

Anthony Hernandez

https://a.msn.com/r/2/BBP0V0u?m=en-us&referrerID=InAppShare

After Gaza strikes, Israel threatens Iranian forces in Syria

This blog was written by Connor Hazzard


The Iranian force shot over 30 rockets into the Gaza strip, luckily, the Israelian government was able to block most of the rockets.  However, because of this, the Israelian government is threatening Iran because the attack was the idea of a terrorist group based in Iran with connections to Damascus.  With Syria on the rope because of the numerous bombings that they are taking, Israel is fearful that the Iranian force is going to occupy the area, which would make it easier to attack Israel.


https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/after-gaza-strikes-israel-threatens-iranian-forces-in-syria/ar-BBOW7dH

"14 children injured in knife attack..." Isa Chudzik

https://www.npr.org/2018/10/26/660846684/14-children-injured-in-china-after-knife-attack-at-kindergarten

Isa Chudzik

This article details a knife attack that happened in a Chinese kindergarten class. The attack was committed by a 39 year old woman (whose motive at this time is still unknown), and she was able to wound 14 children before being successfully restrained. At the time of the article all fourteen children were alive and receiving treatment in a hospital. As if the incident itself is not disturbing enough, a quote from the BBC drove it further: "Violent crime is relatively rare in China, but it has faced a string of unrelated knife attacks in school and kindergartens in recent years". While reading this I found myself comparing the violent attacks in school in China versus the United States. One thing I noticed is that in China, the perpetrators have lately been grown adults, while in the United States school violence tends to be committed by a student or young adult. Another comparison is the weapons used, as in China the weapon seems to consistently be a knife of some sort, but in the United States some type of firearm is often used.

Mexico offers plan to keep U.S.-bound migrants in Mexico

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-immigration-caravan/mexico-offers-plan-to-keep-us-bound-migrants-in-mexico-idUSKCN1N02KW

On Friday, Mexico offered temporary asylum in the country for those coming from Honduras, Guatemala, and el Salvador. Every year, tens of thousand of Central Americans set off to the United States seeking aid in the midst of their country’s violence and poverty. President Donald Trump for two weeks now has threatened to close the U.S.-Mexico border and cut aid to Central America to try to stop the caravan of several thousand people. On the other hand, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto said that migrants wishing to obtain temporary identification documents, jobs or education for their children could do so by registering for asylum in southern Mexico. Peña Nieto made the scheme Estas en Tu Casa (You’re at your home) for migrants to seek aid in the southern states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, which as a result 1,700 people have  registered for asylum while other have returned home. Nonetheless, estimates on the size of the group vary. In conclusion, Alden Rivera, the Honduran ambassador to Mexico, told Mexican radio on Friday that the caravan could reach Mexico City by next Friday.

By Isabel G. Torres

Thousands protest conditions and infrastructure in Rome

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46003670

Melissa Vandermark

Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside city hall to denounce Mayor Virginia Raggi for failing to fix potholed roads and clean up the streets of rubbish. Other problems that the city of Rome faces are various animals such as rats and wild boar roaming the streets, and poor public transport services; nearly 20 buses have caught fire this year. The protest was ignited when an escalator on one of the main metro stations collapsed and injured more than 20 people. The mayor says she's making progress, but critics believe things are only getting worse. 

Russia, Germany, France and Turkey meet for four-way Syria summit

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey/russia-germany-france-and-turkey-meet-for-four-way-syria-summit-idUSKCN1N10HU


Reuters reports the leaders of Russia, Germany, France and Turkey met in Istanbul on Saturday to discuss Syria. The last rebel stronghold, located in Idlib, Syria has seen an increase in violence over the past few weeks, where at least 7 civilians were killed on Friday alone. The rebels are looking to overthrow the President of Syria, Bashar al-Assad, have been backed by Turkey. The four leaders are hoping to avert a massive government offensive, and bring an end to the long standing civil war. As well as preliminary steps to creating a post war constitution and election system if the war should end. It will be interesting to see what sort of outcomes stem from this summit, as Russia has been a long standing supporter of Assad. It will also be interesting to see what kind of reaction the United States will have seeing as we were not invited. Another key player, Iran will also be absent from the talk as well.

--Jennie Fry

Afghan Taliban founder Mullah Baradar 'released' by Pakistan - Emilio Lopez

This article was written on Al Jazeera

One of the recent founders of the Taliban have been released from prison in Pakistan in a report from the Taliban. This comes after reported talks of US officials and Taliban representatives met in Qatar to begin peace talks. The release of a such influential leader of a terrorist organization is quite striking and should have been reconsidered. This is important to notice in the international relations community because now it is giving the Taliban more of its leaders back to push for more of a following. This being said if there is talks with the Taliban for peace it will come as an image of trying to negotiate a peace treaty with a terrorist organization that represent oppression. This can also cause more conflict in the region of Afghanistan and many leaders involved in this conflict could receive more strain over the emergence of fighting due to a new key leader being introduced back into the organization. It is key for us to see that the release of Mullah Baradar can cause negative impacts in a region already in turmoil.

Link:
Afghan Taliban founder Mullah Baradar 'released' by Pakistan

-Emilio Lopez

Sri Lanka Arrests Top Policeman Over 'Plot to Kill President'

Nalaka De Silva, a senior police officer in Sri Lanka, was arrested on Thursday as a suspect for plotting to assassinate President Maithripala Sirisena. After five days of questioning the officer, he was further accused for plotting to assassinate the president, other senior officers, and a former defense secretary. He was arrested after a police informant made the report in a news conference, and will be detained until November 7th. This caused a slight tension between India and Sri Lanka because just before the allegations, one of the newspapers in India reported that President Sirisena accused India's intelligence services of involvement. However, both nations denied this claim. Investigators are looking into the deleted information on the suspect's Huawei phone by contacting the Huawei company in China since the court granted permission for this action. But a spokesperson from Huawei claimed that they did not receive any requests from Sri Lanka.

-Sangay Chhoki

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/10/sri-lanka-arrests-top-policeman-plot-kill-president-181026070306999.html 

NATO’s reportedly increasing intense war games show that they are bracing for hostility with Russia. More than 50,00 soldiers from the US, UK, and other NATO members take part in these war games from Finland to Iceland, specifically to prepare for attacks from Russia- nuclear or otherwise. Activist David Swanson says these war games only serve to permeate tensions between Russia and NATO doubling as an excuse for arms manufacturers to sell more and more weapons. It seems that these war games act as an easy pretense to star another war.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1036591/World-War-3-NATO-exercise-Norway-Trident-Juncture-military-drill-new-cold-war-nuclear-war

Hundreds of US troops heading to the border to deal with migrant caravan, official says

https://www.foxnews.com/us/hundreds-of-us-troops-heading-to-the-border-to-deal-with-migrant-caravan-official-says

BY: Teddy Trifunovski

I found this article to be very interesting because it discusses the recent news regarding the caravans full of migrants heading to the United States. As of today, President Trump ordered for hundreds of troops to be sent to the border to help the Homeland Security and the National Guard. It is said that there is an approximate 800 soldiers being sent south to the border for this issue. Even though there are many ways to look at this situation, whether it is positively or negatively. President Trump is stay true to his word in regards of having a strong border and not allowing people to come into this country illegally. There have been many different reports being published from both sides of the spectrum. Some reports have come out that there are dangerous criminals within those caravans, and some reports say that there is no harm within these caravans. There are just migrants fleeing their countries to come and find a new life in the United States. However, it is a tricky situation because yes you do want to help out the people but at the same time you do not want to let them into the country illegally because that is not fair to those who are waiting in line to be able to enter the United States legally. The next few days will be very interesting once the migrants make their way to the U.S. border.

Trump’s Plan to Leave a Major Arms Treaty With Russia Might Actually Be About China

https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/10/22/trumps-plan-to-leave-a-major-arms-treaty-with-russia-might-actually-be-about-china/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ebb%2010/23/18&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Early%20Bird%20Brief

Nina Severin

Since China is not a participant of the INF Treaty 5they are still able to build weapons that can threaten are nation as well as others. In class we have discussed how China is a rising power that could potentially become equal to the United States. Therefore if we bak out of the treaty we would also be able to build weapons to compete with China.

Jack Drover

Glasgow strike: Thousands of women bring city ‘to standstill’ in dispute over equal pay

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/glasgow-strike-women-equal-pay-gmb-unsion-equality-picket-line-a8597526.html?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1540307202 

Britian Has witnessed it's largest general strike over equal pay with over 8,000 female workers walking out. This has been building as trade unions in Glasgow have had years of legal disputes over equal pay. Many trade unions are suppoting this strike to protest the lack of progress made on the issue of equal pay.

World's longest sea bridge opens after 9 years of construction

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/International/china-opens-worlds-longest-sea-bridge-tunnel-connect/story?id=58681380

After almost a decade, the 34.2 mile bridge and tunnel connecting Hong Kong and Macau to the mainland Chinese city Zhuhai was revealed today. The bridge took longer than expected to build and cost around $20 billion. It is said that the bridge cut down the commuting time between the three cities from 4 hours to 45 minutes. Due to the tense relationship between the cities, this was the first major infrastructure project they all jointly worked on. The bridge will help Hong Kong and Macau become more integrated with mainland China. Even though this seems to be a great victory for the nation, not everyone will be able to use it; all vehicles allowed on the bridge will require permits from all three cities. The other downside of the bridge was the harm it caused to those building it; 10 workers died during the construction and 600 more were injured. With that, an environmentalist said the whole project has disrupted the habitat of Hong Kong’s endangered pink dolphin. Despite these issues, I think the bridge should help create a more cohesive relationship between the two autonomous cities and the rest of China.
By: Liz Metcalf

US sails warships through Taiwan Strait amid tensions with China

By: Ryan Browne and Barbara Starr

The United States Navy sent two warships, USS Curtis Wilbur and USS Antietam, through the Taiwan Strait on Monday morning. Chinese warships shadowed the US warships from a "safe" distance. The Strait is seen as a tension point between China and Taiwan, and the US warships show that the US is willing to intervene. Usually the US sends warships through once a year, but this number has increased this year. Trump wants closer ties to Taiwan which increases tensions with China. Secretary of Defense Mattis says that US still has its "one China policy", but the two nations will have disagreements. Mattis wants to remind China that it does not have control over international waters. This is just another encounter between the US and China over China's view of their presence in the South China Sea. 

Web: https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/22/politics/us-warships-taiwan-strait-china/index.html

By: Morgan Knight

A racist man remained seated on Ryanair plane

An unidentified man was caught on video when he abused another passenger racially on a European air line, Ryanair. The man was in a window seat and refused to sit next to an elderly black women seated in an aisle seat and threatened to push her onto another seat. He hurled insults at the women,  called her an "ugly black bastard," according to a cell phone video.
Ryanair has been criticized as although the flight attendants could have called the captain and made the man off the flight or called the police, they pandered the racist and lent legitimacy to his demands.
Not only Ryanair staff moved the victim and accepted the demands a racist, but there were some passengers giggling. The witness who took the video said he could not have believed that he had been on an aircraft in the year 2018 with this type of attitude.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/22/europe/ryanair-racist-rant-video/index.html

Kaho Sugimoto

Trump blasts caravan, says he’s cutting Central American aid

There has been a recent development of over 7,000 migrants making their way to the United States. The majority of these migrants are from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. The article expressed Trump's reaction to the migrants and their country's, as well as a brief explanation as to why these individuals are migrating. Many journalists and reporters that have interacted with the migrants have reported that the individuals are leaving their country to seek refuge from their home country. Many of these individuals include families that believe traveling in a group is a safer way of traveling to America. The article focuses mainly on Trump's reaction. Trump is threatening to cut aid from the home countries, and has made a statement regarding Mexico allowing the migrants to travel through the country. The author explains that cutting aid will only increase migration and asylum seekers. I completely agree. In order to, as Trump says, make their countries great again, they need aid to support a stable government and economy. When crime is combatted and the government/ economy is stable, we can expect less migrants. The author also explains how Trump is using the migrants as a way to campaign for the Republican Party for the midterm elections. He has made the issue partisan by making comments regarding democrats and almost demonetizing the migrants. Both will motivate both parties to vote, but his goal is to show the need for a stronger immigration policy.
By Alyssa Farney
For more information:
https://www.apnews.com/935f7f42e3c34b1e98e211bee16af618

Norwegian who helped prevent Nazi nuclear scheme has died - Kel Goff

Joachim Roenneberg was a Norwegian resistance fighter who had helped prevent the Nazis from building an atomic bomb. During World War II, Roenneberg and resistance fighters bombed a hydroelectric power plant that contained deuterium oxide, a material Germans would have used to attempt to create its first atomic bombs. Roenneberg left Norway when Germany invaded in 1940 (Chappell). In Britain, he trained with U.K. forces to continue the battle against Nazi Germany and Adolph Hitler's reign. Operation "Gunnerside," which Roenneberg and his team participated in inspired both a movie (The Heroes of Telemark) and the Norwegian six-part series called The Heavy Water War (Chappell). Throughout his various missions against Nazi Germany, Roenneberg faced life or death situations in dangerous conditions. Yet, he maintained his humility and continuously gave credit to his teammates. The Prime Minister of Norway has called Roenneberg a hero.

Click here to read: "Joachim Roenneberg, Who Sabotaged Nazis' Nuclear Hopes, Dies At 99"

North & South Korea agree to remove weapons from DMZ village

Kaitlyn Boelter-Eberhardt

On Monday, North Korea and South Korea agreed with the UN Command to remove firearms and guard posts from the village of Panmunjom on the borderline. This agreement is continuing to improve the already fast-improving relationship of the two Koreas.

https://globalnews.ca/news/4580759/north-korea-south-border-weapons/

China Criticizes Comments Made by the US Secretary of State (Dan Kowalczyk)

Early in the morning on Monday (10/22/2018), the state-ran news media of China issued a statement which condemned the comments Mike Pompeo, the United States Secretary of State, made during his tour through Latin America. He was quoted as saying, "when China comes calling it's not always to the good of your citizens", poking into the potential dangers of seeking an investment via China. The Chinese government did not take well to the comments made, saying that the comments made by Pompeo were "ignorant and malicious." This strains the already wary relationship between the two powerhouse nations. China said in their final remarks that "most countries are disappointed with the U.S. and want to shed themselves of U.S. dependence." What does this mean for the international scene? Is it only a skirmish of words between the U.S. and China? Or, will it boil into something much larger? Only time will tell in this case.


Article
Dan Kowalczyk

Jared Wojcik

Another group of 1000 immigrants from Honduras has began to march into Guatemala following the first caravan of migrants that have no reached Southern Mexico. These groups are hoping to reach the southern border of the United States for a new start. President Trump has gone to twitter after the Mexican Government met the caravan with riot shields and pepper spray to say that "the caravans are a disgrace to democracy". As the caravans are making their way through Mexico they are being greeted by donations from the citizens of Mexico who feel sympathetic. Trump plans to bring out the military and close off the borders before the caravan arrives. This will lead to an interesting situation once the caravan reaches the US border.

 https://www.apnews.com/b709e05ec83c49e6876ff612141ae942

US withdrawals from a nuclear arms treaty with Russia

The US intends on withdrawing from the treaty because Russia was purportedly not following the rules. The US dealt with Russia breaking the rules during the Obama administration. When the treaty was signed it prevented the launching of hundreds of missiles.  It also required the destroying of nuclear weapons and related equipment. Other country’s do not seem to approve of this situation. If we are to leave the treaty we may be in a dangerous spot.

https://www.npr.org/2018/10/21/659275572/u-s-to-end-cold-war-era-nuclear-arms-treaty-with-russia-trump-says?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=2049

Chloe ma

USC to pay $215m over gynaecologist sex abuse claims

The University of California has recently agreed to pay $215 million to sexual abuse victims. Over 93 women filed a lawsuit against the schools formal doctor on campus. The University has agreed to pay a $2,500 amount to any victim that had medical services from Dr. Tyndall and up to $250,000 to anyone who comes forward stating he sexually abused them. The university is choosing to do so because they want to move towards reconciliation. The case is looking to be taken to the federal court by the victims instead of just the state court, looking to find justice for all the victims. I think this is an important article and case for many to read in America because of the many cases that are starting to arise in public from sexual assault abusers. I think it also important to pay attention to the fact that most individuals of higher power are getting convicted instead of it getting swept under the rug like it never happened. The #metoo movement I believe plays a huge role in this. With the allegations against our own President right now and the Kavanaugh case, it is important that those who pay attention to our political leaders see how these cases unfold and how the public responds to it. Overall, the movement has given women the chance to step forward and feel comfortable to do so. I think this is so important for not only women but for any victim of sexual abuse or harassment.

-megan jensen

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45918089

2 Koreas, US-led UN Command meet again at Koreas’ border

Last Monday, military  officers from the two Koreas and the U.S.-led U.N. Command met again at the Koreas’ border village Monday to examine an ongoing effort to disarm the area. With a new deal coming about, there will no longer be armed troops in the Panmunjom village that is at the border of North and South Korea. They will only have 35 unarmed personnel from each side to guard the village. They are also planning on removing mines that were placed in the area from the Korean War. 

South Korea wants to push forward with the engagement with North Korea, however the U.S. is making them wait. The United States wants to be able to denuclearize North Korea first and foremost before anything else can occur. Once the denuclearization occurs, tensions will be low, therefore the engagements can start. I agree with the United States in the idea that South Korea should wait, but I am also glad that the Koreas are finally coming to a consensus.

By Jake Rogers

Link Below:

https://www.apnews.com/6ab59a08c6e347bba1ab1a767b3fc368

Europeans Want Iran Bank Connected to World: French Senator

US has recently pulled out of the 2015 Iran Nuclear deal in May and have been putting sanctions on Iran since. These sanctions have been targeting there financial system particular. European nations have been trying to help Iran benefit from this withdrawal. One way they are trying to help them is to keep at least one of the Iran banks connected with the rest of the world. French Senator Phillipe Bonnecarrere has stated that France will help with keeping the nuclear agreement alive.

Link: https://www.voanews.com/a/europeans-want-iran-bank-connected-to-world-french-senator/4622898.html

Abby Widd

With Presidency in Sight, Brazil's Bolsonaro Stumbles With Campaign Finance Allegation

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-election/with-presidency-in-sight-brazils-bolsonaro-stumbles-with-campaign-finance-allegation-idUSKCN1MT1HI

Jair Bolsonaro, the far-right candidate in Brazil who currently leads in the presidential polls, has recently been accused of committing a campaign finance violation. This violation is over whether or not Bolsonaro asked business heads at a dinner in San Paulo if they could fund, as the Reuters article refers to it, "Bulk propaganda messaging" on the WhatsApp texting service. Furthermore, Brazilian federal prosecutors are investigating Bolsonaro's pick for economic advisor over fraud accusations concerning pension funds. These accusations paint Bolsonaro as a hypocrite, a man who accuses the Workers Party of committing widespread corruption that he himself could also be partaking in. This comes a week before the October 28th run-off vote for the presidency, in which Bolsonaro holds a 18% lead over his opponent Fernando Haddad of the leftist Workers Party. Bolsonaro is a polarizing political figure, as he runs on an anti-establishment platform and far-right principles, similar to that of Donald Trump of the United States and Andrzej Duda of Poland. I will monitor the effect that these accusations will have on the Brazilian election, but it looks that Bolsonaro will win the election despite his radical views and accusations made against him.

Kevin Phelan

In A Marathonlike Dash, 7,200 Central Americans Stream Into Southern Mexico

Posted on October 21, 2018, at 1:39 p.m. ET

TAPACHULA, Mexico — More than 7,200 migrants undertook a brisk walk through the southern Mexican state of Chiapas on Sunday, defying threats from President Donald Trump to stop them and attempts by the government of Mexico to process people into the country individually.

The caravan began streaming into Tapachula, the migrants' resting place for the day, eight hours after it departed Ciudad Hidalgo — a 23-mile march under marathonlike conditions and 90-degree heat. People limped into the main plaza, took their shoes off, and lay down. Some fell asleep right away.

Piper Jones

Taiwan to hold mass independence rally in challenge to Beijing - Emilio Lopez

This article was written by Al Jazeera News

Taiwan is a nation in the South China sea and is one of the larger islands in that area, but it is not recognized by China as an independent country. Recently the nation wants to promote its idea of independence by having activist from a local group called the Formosa Alliance where they predict nearly 100,000 people will be part of the protest. This protest will be the biggest that the nation has seen since claiming its democracy 20 years ago. The impact this has on the international community is if nations will continue to recognize Taiwan as an independent country or continue to call it Chinese Taipei. Another important thing that will impact the international community is China's threat that if they continue to advocate for independence the country will use force to reinforce the idea of belonging to China. Understanding the significance this can bring of other nations acting on this threat could escalate to a larger conflict.

Link to Article:
Taiwan to hold mass independence rally in challenge to Beijing

-Emilio Lopez

Russia says Trumps Nuclear Treaty withdraw could be a dangerous step

Trumps Nuclear treaty withdraw could be a dangerous step

Article by Zeke Miller

President Donald Trump says his intention to scrap a arms control agreement with Russia follows years of violations by Moscow in developing prohibited weapons, and “we’re not going to be the only one to adhere to it.” The Kremlin said the pullout “would be a very dangerous step.”
Britain said that it stood “absolutely resolute” with the U.S., while Germany called Trump’s move “regrettable.” The 30 year old Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty is “an important pillar of our European security architecture” and Trump’s announcement “raises difficult questions for us and Europe.”


If you would like to look at the article, the website is posted below

http://time.com/5430509/trump-russia-treaty-pull-out/

Blog post by Brandon Torrence

Polls Close in Afghanistan's Long-Delayed Parliamentary Elections

Since the fall of Talibans in 2001, there was a large turn-out of about 9 million voters in Parliamentary polls this year. There are more than 2500 candidates of which 417 are women that are running for the limited 215 seats. There were several explosions throughout the country, and a suicide bomber killed 18 people in the capital Kabul but voters casted their votes despite the violence and threats from Islamic State of Iraq and ISIL. There was a delay in the polling due to violence and break in online systems but the deputy spokesperson for the commission said that this would not be an issue in relaying the final results on time. The Afghan forces had been also vigilant in their duties and hence there were less attacks than what was promised by rebels. Political analysts said that this voting is the right step for the country in spite of the attacks.

- Sangay Chhoki

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/10/poll-close-afghanistan-long-delayed-parliamentary-elections-181021121134312.html

Trump says US will withdraw from nuclear arms treaty with Russia

President Trump has said and confirmed that the United States is leaving an arms control treaty with Russia datting back to the 1980's during the cold war. This treaty kept nuclears missles out of Europe for three decades. The reason why the United States is left the treaty was becuase Russia has beein violating the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces treaty (INF) with developing and deployment of a new cruse missile.  Under the terms it would take six months for the United States withdrawel to take effect.

According to the deputy director general of the Royal United Services Institute Malcolm Chalmers said "If the INF treaty collapses, and with the New Start treaty on strategic arms due to expire in 2021, the world could be left without any limits on the nuclear arsenals of nuclear states for the first time since 1972.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/20/trump-us-nuclear-arms-treaty-russia

By: Jack Bronec

Trump Says the US will Pull-Out of the intermediate nuclear range pact

According to Associated Press, it was reported that on Saturday that President Trump will pull the United States from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty due to accusations of Russia violating the agreement. Trump stated that Russia has been violating the treaty for years, and that it was not okay for them to be violating it and the US not allowed to.  The agreement restrained the US from developing new weapons originally, but the US will start developing nuclear armaments unless Russia and China to neither possess or develop these weapons. Currently the Kremlin nor the Russian Foreign Ministry have made no comment on the Trump statements. According to Trump, as long as other countries are violating the pact, so to will the US violate it also.

Anthony Hernandez

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

Migrant caravan halted by Mexico police on Guatemala border

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45920624

Melissa Vandermark

Masses of migrants primarily from Honduras who are fleeing violence and poverty were stopped by Mexico riot police on the border between Guatemala and Mexico. Trump congratulated Mexico's efforts to stop the caravan of migrants. However, the majority of migrants are women and children which brings up many ethical dilemmas. Trump has been pressuring countries to stop these caravans by threatening to cut aid and said he would employ military action if needed. There has been multiple breaks of the gates which Mexico riot police have been trying to mitigate by firing tear gas into the crowds. Others who didn't break through the gate either jumped off the bridge, turned back to Guatemala, or simply sat down on the bridge.

Saudi Arabia reportedly plans to admit Khashoggi was murdered and use top general close to crown prince as scapegoat

Saudi Arabia is putting the blame of the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi on a two-star general who is close to the Prince of Saudi Arabia. The way that the men who did kill Jamal was absolutely disgusting and the Prince may get some of the blame because of the fact that he promoted the general to intelligence.  What is shocking about the death of Jamal is that it is having an effect on the United States federal government. Donald Trump is hesitant to put sanctions on Saudi Arabia because of the fact that according to him "would be punishment on us."  However, some government officials feel that we should punish Saudi for the death of the journalist, and it is causing a rift in Congress.

This blog was written by Connor Hazzard
https://www.businessinsider.com/saudi-arabia-plans-to-admit-khashoggi-murder-scapegoat-general-report-2018-10

"Top EU Court Blocks Polish Supreme Court Law..." Isa Chudzik

Isa Chudzik
https://www.npr.org/2018/10/20/659016900/eus-top-court-blocks-poland-s-supreme-court-law-forcing-judges-into-retirement

In this article Vanessa Romo writes of the highest EU court ruling that Poland must reinstate the Supreme Court justices who were forced to retire and to reverse the new law completely. The article also included reactions from many different types of people. For the general public as well as lower ranking judges, this ruling provides hope that Duda's (the leader of Poland) quest to seemingly make his government an authoritarian one will be halted. However the reaction from Duda's cabinet chief, Krzysztof Szczerski, that "it's impossible for law to work in reverse", hints that Duda's government may not be so willing to comply with the EU and in fact may just completely ignore it. 

U.S. and South Korea Suspend Military Drills

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/19/world/asia/us-south-korea-military-exercise.html

Article by:Helene Cooper

The New York Times reported on October 19, 2018 the United States and South Korea suspended another military exercise. During a meeting in Singapore, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and South Korean counterpart Jeong Kyeong-doo choose to delay the exercise as part of an effort to give the ongoing nuclear negotiations with North Korea a chance to work. Another possible factor as to why the exercise was called off may owe in part to President Trump's dislike of drills as he believes they cost too much money. Some American military officials have been critical, claiming delaying such exercises may affect military readiness. Previously, In June President Trump suspended other major military exercises conducted with South Korea after the North Korea- United States summit held in Singapore.

--Jennie Fry

As Khashoggi crisis grows, Saudi king asserts authority, checks son's power

This article brings a new significant development to the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi. reportedly, the pressure on Saudi Arabia has lead King Salman to assert his author over his son, the crowned prince who has been the primary leader of the country. the King has sent his personal advisor Prince Khaled to Istanbul to defuse the situation. This indicates that there is friction within the royal court over the crowned Prince's lackluster job to deal with the political fallout. This could lead to a larger shift of power away from the crowned prince due to his ineffectiveness to respond to the situation.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-politics-king-insight/as-khashoggi-crisis-grows-saudi-king-asserts-authority-checks-sons-power-sources-idUSKCN1MT1LF

Islamic state has seized 700 hostages in Syria

I have chosen this article because it highlights the brutal amount of violence still going on in Syria. According to Putin the Islamic state has captured 700 hostages in Syria and are threatening to execute 10 of them everyday unless their specific demands are met. However, the U.S military is skeptical of the accuracy of this information. They also do not know if there are any U.S officials among the hostages. I am disgusted by the amount of violence going on in Syria, and it is even more horrifying to think that there seems to be no end until the Islamic state is eradicated completely. I feel that unless they are eradicated or they get what they want, the war will never end. If that is the case maybe they really do need to be wiped off of the face of the earth. They are committing crimes against humanity the are too brutal to be forgiven. However this is not for me to decide, but the international community to decide as a whole. Sho Kawajiri

Crimea in mourning after deadly school attack
On Wednesday morning, a shooter rampaged a University in Crimea (annexed by Russia in 2014). This shooter killed 19 and wounded many more, and a good number of victims were teenagers. The shooter ended his own life after his rampage, and his motives have not yet been uncovered. Vladislav Roslyakov is his name, and he was 18 years old. An official three-day mourning period has been put in place. Many memorials have been created in both Russia and Ukraine. 

Web: https://www.euronews.com/2018/10/18/crimea-in-mourning-after-deadly-school-attack
By: Morgan Knight

More Honduran migrants seek to join U.S.-bound group in Guatemala

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-immigration-caravan/more-honduran-migrants-seek-to-join-u-s-bound-group-in-guatemala-idUSKCN1MR2SQ

On Wednesday, October 17, more Honduran migrants tried joining a caravan that has been gradually growing since it left San Pedro Sula this past Saturday. The migrants in this caravan hope to reach Mexico, cross its northern border to the United States, and finally seek refuge from the violence and poverty in Honduras and all of Central America. The Honduran government and authorities have been trying to stop people from going into this caravans ever since president Trump threatened to cut off regional aid in revenge. Nonetheless, Hondurans migrants have defied the government, as the first group made it to Guatemala City on Wednesday. On that day, Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales also said “No help can be conditioned and no help can be demanded” as to what president Trump had said. On the other hand, president Trump’s tweets consisted of “horrendous weak and outdated immigration laws,” and as he said before, he threatened to cut off aid to Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador if they fail to prevent undocumented immigrants from heading to the United States. In conclusion, Adult citizens of Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua only need to present a national identity card to cross each others’ borders; nonetheless; that regional immigration agreement does not apply when they reach Mexico. Mexico said only people with a Visa can move freely, while those without proper documents would be subject to review and could be deported.

By Isabel G. Torres

Italian mayor banned from his own town 

mayor  Domenico Lucano got banned from the town he's governing because he was bringing in illegal immigrants to his town to try to  rejuvenate the economy of the small Italian town. this surprises me because they where brining the economy back to life even if it was illegal. also its surprising that they would ban him from the town he is still governing over. 

By Shane Todd 

Military build up in Russia's strategic outpost

New satellite images show Russia upgrading four of its military installations in Kaliningrad, where is disconnected from the rest of Russia but is on Nato's doorstep.
Although it was unclear until earlier this year, but now the satellite imagery and analysis confirmed that Russia has significantly modernized a nuclear weapons storage bunker. A set of images shows the upgrade in a base which received nuclear-capable missiles in February. Russia may started it since 2016.
The place has been a focal point between Russia and the West. It is important for Russia because it is their port on the Baltic sea. However, NATO concerns that Russia's presence might decrease its potential freedom to operate the region. Tensions between them have been at highs not seen since the Cold War.


https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/17/europe/russia-kaliningrad-military-buildup-intl/index.html

Kaho Sugimoto

Canada legalizes recreational marijuana

https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/17/americas/gallery/canada-legal-marijuana/index.html

Within the last week, Canada became the second country (the first being Uruguay) to completely legalize recreational marijuana. Today, October 17th, was the first day marijuana could legally be sold. Adults will now be able to carry and share up to 30 grams of legal marijuana in public, as well as cultivate up to four plants within their homes to produce products for personal use. The legalization stemmed from Justin Trudeau; he wants to keep marijuana away from underage users and limit marijuana-related crime. Many Canadians celebrated this historic day, but this is something that goes beyond being able to smoke marijuana freely. Legalizing marijuana means the criminal justice system will no longer be able to penalize marijuana users, allowing their attention to go towards real issues. Hopefully Canada influences more of the Western world to follow suit since this would greatly reduce the amount of people charged with petty drug crimes.

By: Liz Metcalf

Brexit: May to address EU leaders as Tusk warns no-deal Brexit 'more likely than ever'

As Brexit negotiations continue, border questions arise. Theresa May, British Prime Minister, as been very hard and conservative on this issue. May would like Britain to be able to pursue new economic and trading opportunities, without involving the EU, which is one of the main causes for Brexit. There is a huge negotiation issue occurring in regards to the Irish border. The EU would like Britain to agree to maintain open boarders with Norther Ireland, apart of Britain, and the Republic of Ireland, which will remain an independent state within the EU. Theresa May would like to close boarders and ties to any country apart of the EU. There is a great deal of individuals within the area who have homes in both areas, so a closed boarder would jeopardize jobs, family, and homes. Jeremy Corbyn, opposition labour leader, is firmly against closing the Irish boarder and believes leaving it open will be a benefit to both Nations. There are many aspects of Brexit to analyze in International Relations and Economics, but the border crisis in Ireland is one that could effect a great deal of people.
For more details on the subject:
https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/16/uk/uk-eu-brexit-theresa-may-intl/index.html
By Alyssa Farney

Trump on Alleged Murder of Saudi Journalist

A Saudi journalist named Jamal Khashoggi had been living in the United States before he traveled to Turkey to the Saudi consulate to obtain some documents. He wrote for the Washington Post and he had writings that were critical and doubtful of the Saudi government. When he went inside the Saudi consulate, he never came back out. Turkish officials and his fiance believe he was killed and taken elsewhere by Saudi assassins. The Saudi government has denied these claims. Trump noted on their denial, saying "they were very strong in their denial about themselves knowing." Trump also compared this incident to the Kavanaugh incident, insofar that "we have to find out what happened first..." Trump also believes it is wrong to blame Saudi Arabia so quickly. 

By: Sumayya Ali

Trump on Alleged Murder of Saudi Journalist

Rubio: U.S. risks ‘credibility on human rights’ with weak response to Khashoggi disappearance

https://www.politico.com/story/2018/10/16/rubio-khashoggi-saudi-arabia-credibility-903828

Nina Severin

This article discusses the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi and the response Trump has given. Marco Rubio comments on the situation by saying "There isn't enough money in the world to purchase back our credibility on human rights and the way nations should conduct themselves". Which I think is a fair point to make because he also explains how we give other countries severe punishments for violating human rights but are not doing so to Saudi Arabia because of an arms deal. Does this weaken are credibility on human rights? If so what does that mean for our Government as well as the current administration? 

US military airstrike in Somalia kills 4 al-Shabab fighters

https://www.foxnews.com/us/us-military-airstrike-in-somalia-kills-4-al-shabab-fighters

By: Teddy Trifunovski

I chose this article because this what complete new news to me because I did not know anything about this topic until I read about it today. The US military stated that they conducted a military strike in Somalia and killed 4 al-Shabab fighters. This is a terrorist group part of al-Queda and is the biggest terrorist group in the African Nations. al-Shabab is the deadliest extremist group in sub-saharan Africa which I did not know. However, I think this is very good news for the world and the US because we are continuously going after these islamist terrorist groups. Where they have weakened greatly over the past two yeras. But, we are still continuing to complete irradicate them, and I believe until that happens, there will be a continuous effort to use airstrikes and kill these terrorists. There has been mor than two dozen airstrikes, including drone strikes on this terroist group. So hopefully our success against these terrorist groups continue so that they don't gain power ever again.

Germany deports accomplice of 9/11 attacks after 15 year prison sentence - Kel Goff

Germany has chosen to deport and release Mounir al-Motassadek from prison, a native of Morocco. He was charged with being an accomplice in the September 11th terrorists attacks on the United States that took place 17 years ago. Motassadek has spent nearly as long in prison for his assistance in the terror attacks despite denying involvement. He was the first person to be charged with taking part in 9/11 just months afterwards. Motassadek is said to have been close friends with one of the alleged hijackers of a plane involved in striking the World Trade Towers. Motassadek claimed to have not known his friends' intentions, only assisting them out of friendship. He did indeed admit to spending time at an al-Qaeda camp that was located in Afghanistan prior to 9/11. Motassadek was first charged in Germany due to moving there in 1993 from his homeland to study electrical engineering. His sentence of 15 years was the maximum sentence German courts were able to punish him with.

Click here to read "Germany releases 9/11 accomplice"

Trump threatens to only give foreign aid to "friends"

Kaitlyn Boelter-Eberhardt

Donald Trump's second address to the United National General Assembly in New York threatened the world. He claims that the United States is the biggest giver of foreign aid but receives next to nothing in return. He says that they will be taking a deep look into who has the U.S. best interest in mind and access who should receive this aid, which will only be those who respect them and are friends to them.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-un-foreign-aid-us-united-nations-mike-pompeo-review-a8554936.html

Afghan official: 14 killed in bombing at candidate rally

This article is about a candidate rally in Afghanistan. The rally was stopped abruptly because of a motorcycle rigged with explosives was detonated. It had killed 14 people, civilians and security forces as well. Up to 32 were wounded because of the explosion on top of the 14 dead. The candidate was a Nazefa Yusoufi Beg, a female candidate running for parliament. However, officials are not certain that she was the target. The most shocking thing in my opinion was that the location of the venue has not been a place where these kind of attacks have taken place before. The hospitals are overcrowded and hardly have any workers to begin with, therefore this is recipe for disaster. However, other candidates for parliament have been attacked as well. A pair of gunmen opened fire at the office of Sayed Azem Kabrzani. Before that, a suicide bomber blew up another candidate's home, killing 8 people. On October 2, another suicide bomber killed 14 and injured 40 at a different rally, too. The Taliban do not agree with the election and warned anyone that takes place in it that they will be targets for doing so. I believe that Afghanistan is at a place in time where the government is controlled by the Taliban. This is not good whatsoever. It is crazy to think that even though there is a government, per say, they have no power because the citizens are too scared to even run for the government in the elections. They would become targets and their lives would be in grave danger. I could never see this happening in the United States because of how terrorism is handled by our government. That is why I believe that this situation is one of the craziest thing I've heard of because of how the government isn't for the majority of the people. It's for a select group, and unfortunately, that group is the Taliban.

By Jake Rogers

Link below: https://www.apnews.com/ab68708412484fa58b2d9e167cbb57fd

Jared Wojcik

Latin America has a goal to have zero hunger by 2030 with 39 million people living with hunger today and 5 million children with malnutrition. There is a group of people from Los Muermos who are collecting sea algae and seaweed as a nutrition booster for the diets of many kids and people who lack the opportunity to achieve a healthy diet on their own. The article is also about the paradox of obesity. The total amount of obese people in Latin America is up to 105 million after being 88 million four years ago. This leave Latin America in a tough position with many obese people having health related issues but also the health related issues of those that are hungry.
http://www.globalissues.org/news/2018/10/14/24588

Saudi Arabia Says it Will Retaliate Against Any Sanctions Over Khashoggi Case

Saudi Arabia through its state run news agency, known as the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), declared that if foreign nations sanction Saudi Arabia over journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s disappearance at the Saudi Arabian embassy in Turkey, Saudi Arabia would respond with greater action. The SPA remained vague in what greater action would entail, but they did stress that Saudi Arabia has a major role in the global economy. Furthermore, the general manager of Saudi-owned Al Arabyia (a Middle-Eastern news platform) threatened that oil prices for nations such as the United States could rise, stating that the $80 price of oil per barrel could rise as much to $200 per barrel, or even that double that figure. The American response has been split, with President Donald Trump stating that there would be, “severe punishment” if Saudi Arabia was responsible for Khashoggi’s death, yet President Trump made it clear that military dealings with Saudi Arabia are vital to American economic interests. American congress has shown to be cohesive with their opinion on the incident, with Republicans’ Jeff Flake and Marco Rubio using strong rhetoric that suggested congress would pursue actions against Saudi Arabia if it is found that they are behind Khashoggi’s death. The European response, spearheaded by France, Germany, and Britain, has called for a comprehensive investigation with Saudi-Turkish support, and that if Saudi Arabian involvement was discovered in the death of the journalist, they would evaluate what actions they would take against Saudi Arabia. Currently, the Saudi consulate in Turkey is allowing Turkish officials to investigate the embassy for clues as to what happened.

Kevin Phelan

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-politics-dissident-sanctions/saudi-arabia-says-will-retaliate-against-any-sanctions-over-khashoggi-case-idUSKCN1MO0F1

closing indias borders

India intends on completely closing off it's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Creating a full wall would end up being longer than Trump's proposed wall. However the border already is covered, so the plans are to secure the remaining ten percent. The intention is to prevent any more Bangladeshi illegal immigrants. Some argue that it is not possible as the remaining ten percent is too harsh of a terrain to build anything lasting. Another arguement is that what has been built in the past has fallen over into delicate ecosystems on the bangladesh side.
https://www.cnn.com/2017/03/28/asia/india-pakistan-bangladesh-borders/index.html

Chloe Ma

Yemen could be 'worst famine in 100 years'

The UN has stated that 13 million people in Yemen are facing starvation and its effect on the lives of people in Yemen are enormous. The civil war has pushed Yemen to the brink because of the many air strikes there is exposure to the poorest of areas to be without any food source. The problem not only in this uprising epidemic there is conflict with losing a large population. It is heartbreaking to watch the video in this blog because we get a small taste of how the starvation is to these people. However, many states that support this state have been willing to supply food sources but it will not be enough because the war is the major conflict at hand and is not looking to stop anytime soon. Not only are they facing a civil war but also a war that is causing everyone to slowly become ill, starved, or dead. How the US and other states will respond will be interesting to see and if any intervention with the war will be made by any of these states. 

-megan jensen 

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-middle-east-45857729/yemen-could-be-worst-famine-in-100-years 

Jack Drover

Yemen could be 'worst famine in 100 years' 

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-middle-east-45857729/yemen-could-be-worst-famine-in-100-years

The UN Says that 13 million people in yemen are facing starvation. The United Nations states that this could become the world's worst famine in 100 years and that Saudi Arabia should cease it's bombing campaign in order to prevent this. Saudi Arabia's bombing campaign in yemen has been criticized for the large amount of civilians it has killed.

Saudi Arabia Promises "Greater Action" Than That Suggested by Western Nations

As Saudi Arabia has been bombarded with a wave of economic threats from both the United States and some from the European Union over the case of the slain journalist in their embassy in Turkey, they have finally made their response. In their response, they claim that "if [they] receive any action, [they] will respond with greater action." This is certainly not out of character for the Saudis, who are invaluable in some cases economically for other countries, and know that they have the status to make such bold claims. They continue to deny that they had any part in the death of the journalist, but are beginning to feel the pressure put on by western nations like Germany, France, the U.K., and the United States. This pressure has led to the Saudi's stock exchange value falling upwards of 7%, and a continual downfall of relations between other states. Internationally, this could lead to something much larger than economic issues for involved nations, but until then, we will just have to wait and see what happens next.

Article

Dan Kowalczyk

How chemical weapons have helped bring Assad close to victory

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-45586903?ocid=socialflow_twitter

Nina Severin

This article by BBC news explains the use of chemical weapons Assad imposes on his country causing him to maintain the role of Syria's President. They start off by explaining what chemical weapons are as well as the effect they have. Not only do they show data proving the attacks are done by the regime but it shows how strategic the attacks are but where and how severe they were. I found this article interesting because we were talking in class about Syria and seeing the data is astounding. Something that shocked me was the plentiful use of chlorine because you would not normally think of swimming pool chemicals being used to killed hundreds of people. A point made in the article is the difficulty of identifying chlorine as stated "If you go to a site where a chlorine attack has happened, it's almost impossible to get physical evidence from the environment - unless you're there within a very short period of time," said Mr Tangaere, the former OPCW inspector" (al-Maghafi). This statement explains why Assad would use it because it is hard to prove causing him to be victorious in striking his citizens and getting away with it. 

Jamal Khashoggi case: 'Credible' probe needed over missing writer

UK, Germany, and France wants to have a credible investigation on the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Saudi Arabia denies the killing in their consulate and states that they will not take any threats on their country. All three foreign ministers want the people responsible for his disappearance to be held responsible. They have agreed that it up to Saudi Arabia to help the get to the bottom of this. The countries statements came out after Trump "promised 'severe punishment'" if Saudi Arabia is responsible for his death.

Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-45859082

Abby Widd

Congress Wants Trump To End US Military Aid To Saudi Arabia

Congress Wants Trump To End US Military Aid To Saudi Arabia In Yemen Over Khashoggi's Disappearance

Posted on October 11, 2018, at 5:46 p.m. ET

A vocal contingent in Congress that has long pushed for the US to cut off military aid to Saudi Arabia, to little effect, is seizing on the intense scrutiny surrounding the suspected murder of a prominent Saudi journalist to step up the pressure.

While it has been difficult to galvanize public opposition to US support for the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen, the world is paying attention to the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi, a US resident and Washington Post columnist who was critical of the Saudi government.

He was last seen walking into the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2, where Turkish security officials claim he was killed by a special hit team of 15 Saudis flown into Turkey that same day. Saudi officials have denied the allegations, insisting that Khashoggi left the building that day and disappeared.

Piper Jones

Mattis pushes closer ties to Vietnam amid tension with China

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/mattis-pushes-closer-ties-to-vietnam-amid-tension-with-china

US Defense Secretary James Mattis has made his second visit to Vietnam this year to talk with Vietnamese leaders about the growing Chinese military presence in the South China Sea. this could mark the beginning of a new US-Vietnam alliance, unprecedented since the end of the Vietnam War. US aircraft carriers have even begun to stop in Major Vietnamese ports. China’s growing aggression in the SC sea has brought the US closer with a communist nation, the same communist government that we fought to prevent from taking over the country, but it seems nothing heals old wounds like protecting their shared economic interests against China.

Report says U.S. weapons vulnerable to Russian hackers

Report says U.S. vulnerable to Russian hackers

Article by Tom Roeder

The Pentagon’s newest weapons have a problem, vulnerability to cyber threats that could make them useless on the battlefield. The Government Accountability Office released a report last week that found the latest weapons, which depend heavily on software to work, could fall victim to hackers. Russia’s cyber muscle was shown this month when the Justice Department revealed a military intelligence operation that hacked into files from the Colorado Springs-based U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. The report found that it could be just as easy to take control of missiles, drones or even new aircraft. The Pentagon hasn’t fully assessed the risks of cyber attacks on its weapons.

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

Blog by Brandon Torrence

https://gazette.com/military/report-says-u-s-weapons-vulnerable-to-russian-hackers/article_85d80a84-ce32-11e8-b758-937ef6725851.html