Saudi Arabia ends gender segregation in restaurants - Rocio

Gender segregation ends in Saudi Arabia's restaurants and meeting places. Saudi Arabia use to mandate one entrance for men and one entrance and another entrance for women and children. While these practices have slowly decreased by restaurants and other meeting places, social reform has cracked down on this practice.

Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50708384

At Japans Most Elite University , Just 1 in 5 Students Is a Woman _Sierra Perez

In the article "At Japan's Most Elite University, Just 1 in 5 Students is a Woman" by Motoko Rich, talks about how in Japan the University of Tokyo is the most prestigious institution of the state but has a very low female population. According tot he article just 1 in 5 students that attend are female. Apparently in Japan it is saif that men are intimidated by a female with a diploma therefore a woman who attends the university is stereotyped to not get married. It is interesting how much this fear holds back these woman from academic opportunities. This has reached the officials of the state where the Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe promoted a movement that would empower females to continue to seize academic opportunities as he often boasts about the women participation to outrank even the United States. This has confirmed to be true but fail in the more higher levels of government. There has been talk on requiring female quotas for colleges to try and reach but have been challenged for being outright because some feel this would mean giving some female an unfair advantage as colleges may accept one with a lower academic profile than a male with a higher academic profile. This argument is very valid and it is interesting to see how Japan will react to the overwhelming men to female ratio in politics and more prestigious universities.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/08/world/asia/tokyo-university-women-japan.html

France, Germany and UK reiterate claim that Iran has nuclear-capable ballistic missiles - Rocio Olvera

In a letter addressed to the U.N, France, Germany, and UK accuse Iran of having nuclear developed missiles. According to U.S Intelligence, "Iran is believed to possess the larges ant most diverse nuclear weapons in the Middle East". According to the article, the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal did not directly address Iran's missile program.




Link: https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/05/middleeast/iran-nuclear-ballistic-missiles-intl-hnk/index.html

Ukrainians fear president will accept peace on Putin's terms -Rocio Olvera

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky will be meeting with Russian President Putin tomorrow morning in order to discuss Russia's conflict with Ukraine.While the United States is very busy with the impeachment hearings, discussions are escalating between Russia and Ukraine amid control of Ukraine's eastern borders.




Link: https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/08/europe/zelensky-putin-meeting-ukraine-russia-intl/index.html

France braces for even worse travel woes, govt seeks answers

"PARIS (AP) — France braced for even worse transportation woes when the new work week begins Monday due to nationwide strikes over the government’s redesign of the national retirement system. French President Emmanuel Macron convened top officials to strategize for the high-stakes week ahead.

Sunday saw more travel chaos as the strikes entered their fourth day, with most French trains at a standstill. Fourteen of Paris’ subway lines were closed, with only two lines — using automated trains with no drivers — functioning. International train routes also suffered disruptions."

-AP News

https://apnews.com/f875ff134f42b8c3ab6d654498eb5b70

Britain Gears Up for Its Most Divisive Election in Decades

"LONDON—British Prime Minister Boris Johnson holds a double-digit lead in opinion polls as Britain prepares to vote Thursday in a crucial general election that will determine Brexit’s fate.

If reflected in the election, the lead would be enough to give him a comfortable majority—though a recent narrowing of the lead reflected in some polls is enough to keep the outcome uncertain.

The bitterly fought election campaign bookends more than three years of political stalemate over how—or even if—the U.K. should quit the European Union. If Mr. Johnson’s Conservative Party wins enough votes to form a majority in Parliament it will open the way for the U.K. to leave the EU on Jan. 31."

-WSJ

https://www.wsj.com/articles/britain-gears-up-for-its-most-divisive-election-in-decades-11575814301

New Sword Missile Reduces Damage

A new missile that utilizes swords has recently been used in Syria. The AGM-114R9X Hellfire missile significantly reduces collateral damage. A target in a car was sliced to death using this missile, leaving little damage to anything except the car and it’s target. Currently, it seems to be the weapon of choice for assassinations.
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/31375/americans-hellfire-missile-that-uses-swords-instead-of-explosives-struck-again-in-syria

Katherine Staniszewski

Iran frees Student for Scientist

https://apnews.com/93d8ad4cc7a1b8dc7a01296bd770d5d9
George Queisser

A Princeton scholar who has been held in Iran on widely loose accusations of espionage has been finally released in exchange for an Iran scientist. This situation was a large and rare break thru between the two countries. The scientist was prosecuted for his relations in supporting research into chemical weapons being sold to multiple countries.
The trade did not go without proceeding with President Trumps full pressure campaign including more sanctions put on the exportation of oil and gas from Iran.
These sanctions have caused more protest within the country causing up to 200 lives taken by the police forces in the country and has caused more displacement between the government and its citizens.

Pensacola Attack: US to review screening of foreign military.

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper has ordered a review of the screening process for foreign military in the US after a Saudi soldier launched a deadly attack at a Florida navy base.

A Saudi gunman who trained at the site killed three soldiers after going on a deadly shooting rampage.

Several Saudis trainees have been detained as a result of investigations, as it was reported that several students waited outside and filmed while the shooting was occurring. 

Speaking to Fox News Sunday, Mr Esper confirmed reports that one or two of the detained Saudis filmed the attack. "What is unclear is - were they filming it before it began or was it something where they picked up their phones once they saw it unfolding?" he said.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50706835

5 takesaways from the leaked files on Chinas mass detention of Muslims - Alex Eberhardt

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/16/world/asia/china-muslims-detention.html

5 Takeaways From the Leaked Files on China’s Mass Detention of Muslims

Austin Ramzy, New York Times


The article starts by explaining how internal papers from the Chinese government were leaked to the public regarding the muslim detention centers. Apparently the papers reveal that Chinese government officials as far up as Xi Jinping himself were aware of the plans. The article claims that someone in China who had access to these documents leaked them in order to hold xi jinping and other officials responsible. The leaker has decided to remain anonymous according to the article.

The article says that these camps rose out of response to many violent attack in the China's western region Xinjiang conducted by Muslims. Something I thought was particularily interesting, is the justification for the camps was based on an observation of the terror attacks in Britain. Officials said that the terror attacks in Britain happened due to policies that put human rights above security. This suggests that in the thinking of the Chinese government, these camps are justified in the interest of national security.

Overall this is a very scary article. I was very fascinated by the security over human rights statement. It's really interesting because it seems, to me at least, that security and rights/freedom are like ice cubes and water. The more of one you put in, the less space you have for the other. Like in airport security, it's invasive for people to search your bag. But the benefit is it reduces the likeliness someone is going to bring in a dangerous weapon of some sort. When studying China and comparing it to the US, I find that they are often at exactly opposite ends. America is all about the worth of the individual while China is about the value of the whole community. It makes sense to me that China would care more about national security than the individual rights of the people. It seems both ideologies are dangerous however. As in China with too much security, you seriously hurt people and do immoral acts. With too little security like here in the US (comparably) you have mass shootings, terror attacks, a much more dangerous country to live. Having lived in both countries, I can say China is definitely safer for the most part. It's safer as long as you don't speak up, or do anything the Chinese government doesn't want you to do.

by Alex Eberhardt

Trump Impeachment to Go Ahead, Says House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the House of Representatives will file impeachment charges against US President Donald Trump for alleged abuse of power.

Nancy Pelosi today released a statement on behalf of Democrats confirming that they will continue to seek the impeachment of President Donald Trump. 
The California congresswoman told Thursday morning's news conference: "The facts are uncontested. The president abused his power for his own political benefit at the expense of our national security, by withholding military aid and a crucial Oval Office meeting in exchange for an announcement for an investigation into his political rival."

Donald Trump quickly responded on Twitter, stating "If you are going to impeach me, do it now, fast, so we can have a fair trial in the Senate, and so that our country can get back to business."

Many polls have indicated that while the majority of Americans support there being a trial and even impeachment, the interest in the process is waning. Many Americans believe that this takes away from more important issues, and Donald Trump has capitalized upon that, seeking to end the investigation as soon as possible.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50671570

North Korea warns US to prepare for 'Christmas gift,' -Rocio Olvera

North Korea claims they will be sending the United States a “Christmas gist”. They have not released what this gift will be but they say it all depends on the outcome of talks between Washington and Pyongyang. Some believe the gift will result in North Korea resuming long-distance missile tests. 

Link: https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/04/asia/north-korea-christmas-gift-kim-jong-un-intl-hnk/index.html

North Korea Threatens U.S. with Nuclear Christmas Gift

North Korea has resumed it's threats of hostility against the U.S. and their allies in the region. North Korea is demanding that the U.S. adopt a different approach to negotiations. This threat coming after North Korea tested what they call a "super large multiple-rocket launcher" (yes, I included this just because I thought the name was funny) on Thanksgiving Day. This is just another example of how nuclear weapons have been so effectively used by North Korea to gain international media attention and as a bargaining chip for expanding their power on the international stage. Quite reminiscent of the developments in our in-class simulation as word of nuclear proliferation spread and people began to panic.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/north-korea-warns-united-states-of-an-unwelcome-christmas-gift/2019/12/03/ad406634-1599-11ea-80d6-d0ca7007273f_story.html

-Alex Miller

Trump impeachment evidence overwhelming - House report

There is "overwhelming" evidence for impeaching Donald Trump, according to the panel leading the impeachment inquiry. Apparently, the President placed his own personal interests "above the national interests of the United States." This was stated in a key report to House lawmakers. He did so by trying to "solicit foreign interference" from Ukraine to help his 2020 re-election bid. The current report is designed to attempt to remove Mr. Trump from office. Even with all of these allegations, Trump continues to deny any wrongdoing. Trump has claimed this "attack" against him as very "un-patriotic." The report now goes to the House Judiciary Committee, which will begin proceedings on Wednesday and consider formal impeachment charges against Trump.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50650216

- Ben Williams

Uncertainty remains as Iraq parliament accepts PM's resignation

The Iraqi parliament has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi after months of political protests that have left over 400 people dead. This comes just days after over 50 demonstrators were killed in the streets by Security Forces in the southern Shia cities of  Nasiriya and Najaf. Added to his resignation, he was faced with tough opposition by the leader of the Shia's for the way in which these protests have been handled. The Iraqi government will now resume a 30 day caretaker government or until there is a suitor to fill the role of Prime Minister. Although the resignation of Mahdi is a pleasant sight for these protestors, they will not stop demonstrating until they see a complete overhaul of their political system. They went to see public elections fill in the role of parliament, which has embodied corruption since its conception. The government will fight back, and there will be on on-going battle between the public, and the politicians. The end is not in sight, and the protests will continue until the people of Iraq see real change.

Michael Pollack

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/12/iraq-pm-offer-quit-country-191201092331173.html

Climate change: COP25 talks to open as 'point of no return' in sight

Climate talks occurring in Madrid as the “Point of No Return” climate crisis approaches. Political leaders and climate advocates held a two week meeting to talks about the crisis. Save the Children, and organization states 33 million people are at emergency levels of food insecurity due to droughts and cyclones. The conference was originally going to be held in Chile but was cancelled due to the “civil disturbances”. 

Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-50614518

White House will not participate in Judiciary Committee hearing

President Trump nor his attorneys will be able to participate in Wednesday’s House Judiciary Committee impeachment hearings. Chairman Jerrold Nadler wrote in a letter to the White House counsel “"We cannot fairly be expected to participate in a hearing while the witnesses are yet to be named and while it remains unclear whether the Judiciary Committee will afford the President a fair process through additional hearings. More importantly, an invitation to an academic discussion with law professors does not begin to provide the President with an semblance of a fair process. Accordingly, under the current circumstances, we do not intend to participate in your Wednesday hearing”.

Link: https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/01/politics/white-house-not-participating-judiciary-hearing-impeachment/index.html

At least 180 Killed in Iran -Sierra Perez

There has been a surprise increase in gasoline prices in Iran that has resulted in a lot of angry protestors. Since the Islamic Revolution Iran has been experiencing the deadliest political unrest leading to at least 180 killed and possibly hundreds more. The surprise gasoline prices increased of at least 50% which led the first outrage in large cities within 73 hours asking for the end to the Islamic Republic's government. Iran has ordered to security forces to respond appropriately but have started opening fire on unarmed protestors that included low-income young men anywhere between 19 and 26. There has been another estimate of 180-450 people in four days of violence with 2,000 wounded and 7,000 detained. This is really unsettling to hear considered the protestors were unarmed and caused no threat. Since Trump administered sanctions on Irans oil it for hopes of a nuclear agreement to be renegotiated it is really interesting to see how the United States will respond to this and even the rest of the world.

Point of No Return

https://apnews.com/7d85d6d7b05c4436b6f4d162f6c06566
George Q
U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres made a statement to the UN that included that the worlds efforts on climate change have been "Inadequate"and we are soon to reach upon "A point of no return". These statements take a look into the US domestic problems with climate change and also criticize select countries on their efforts.

This meeting of the U.N highlighted certain parts of the Paris Climate change agreement and also noted ways of compensation for poor countries who are losing land and assets due to rising sea levels.  Secretary Guterres expressed the push of support for climate change from citizens of the U.S but specifically from its young.

Delegates discussed a new market to involve carbon and emissions into trading negations and add a value to how the product is produced. This idea gained support from the popular idea of taxing the companies who produce the carbon instead of taxing the people.

Finally, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres stated that some 70 countries many of them among the most vulnerable to climate change have pledged to stop emitting more greenhouse gases by 2050.

Iran Leader Warns "Thugs"

https://apnews.com/0a1699c5fa1549f9b3ef239a19427d70

George Q

Irans supreme leader recently backed the governments decision by raising the gas prices by 50%. This decision to raise prices sparked large protests thru out the country now reaching up to 100 different cities . Irans leader describes protesters as "Thugs" for their acts and the growing conflict between the government and its citizens.

The citizens of Iran have been protesting for more than the rise in gas but also the lack of jobs and medical services. As the official report of Iran says that only 3 people have died from these protests, but many videos have been posted showing way worse casualties and force used by the police.

As these protest gain more and more support from citizens the government has approved of more force being used and no compromise from ether side of the situation.