The U.S. government has been trying to find a solution to there spending problem. For people who don't know, the Treasury Secretary stated that America will run out of money on October 18th if the government stayed on their current spending plan. The senate just recently passed a bill to extend the government funding temporarily, until the treasury can figure out how to lower government spending without taking large funds from a single program. this temporary solution will avoid a government shutdown for now. I believe the best permanent solution is to dip into military spending because the amount of money needed would be the least percentage of a cut from the military budget compared to other areas. I think they could also take a small percentage from every area of government spending to cover their financial issues.
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Taiwan Relations With China
Taiwan has stated that they will not back down to China when making relations. China said a day earlier that they are hoping for a "Peaceful Reunification" with Taiwan. Taiwan followed this not only with their statement about not backing down, but also a military parade to flex their muscles and say that they have the capability of defending themselves if need be. I believe that Taiwan is dealing with this situation in a good way because generally in international relations, if a small nation gives China an inch, they will take a mile so to speak. With that, if I were the leader of Taiwan, I would do the exact same thing, even knowing that we would not even be comparable to China in military might, that doesn't mean that China would want to conduct war. At the same time, China's economy would take a lot smaller of a hit from war relatively compared to Taiwan, so peacefully working this out would be the best decision for both sides.
Ship in California Catches Pipeline
A 1,200 foot ship off the coast of Huntington Beach was dragging its anchor on the sea floor to help stability during rough waves. According to the Coast Guard, the anchor caught the pipeline and dragged it across that sea floor. This has most likely caused an oil spill in the Pacific. Authorities have estimated that over 25,000 gallons of crude oil have spilled into the ocean if the pipeline is broken. this will have large repercussions for the Southern Californian wetlands as well as the wildlife in the ocean. Cleanup crews have closed Huntington Beach to minimize the damage on land.
Monday, December 13, 2021
Extortionists target families of crash victims in Guatemala
After a smuggling accident in Mexico that left 55 migrants dead, families are now being targeted by extortionists. On Thursday a semi truck with migrants flipped, leaving many dead and unidentified. One family posted their own phone number on the internet in hopes that someone would have information regarding their relative. Someone responded to the number claiming they had kidnapped that relative and the family needed to pay $3,000 in order to see him again. The person also edited a photo with the face of the missing family member on the body of a different migrant. Most of these families are very poor and would be unable to pay the ransom anyway. Smuggling is an upwards of $10,000 and anywhere from 300 to 500 Guatemalans move north in an attempt to reach the U.S.
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/extortionists-target-families-crash-victims-guatemala-81726530
Katelyn
Sunday, December 12, 2021
Angela Merkel Officially Leaves Office
After being in office for over 16 years, Angela Merkel has officially left office early this week. The Chancellor of Germany, or rather former Chancellor of Germany, passed the baton to her successor, Olaf Scholz, last Wednesday. Merkel started her historic time in office back near the end of 2005, marking her as Germany's first female chancellor. She has worked alongside countless of other world leaders including, "four U.S. presidents, four French presidents, five British prime ministers and eight Italian premiers". She has also guided Germany through multiple crises, such as Europe's debt crisis and (more recently) the coronavirus pandemic. She is adored by many, and is seen as one of the best world leaders of this century. What makes her dismissal from office even more evident of her popularity is that she chose to step down, unlike her predecessors. Angela Merkel has truly left a positive impact in both domestic and international politics for Germany and the world, and her name will forever be sealed in history.
Written by: Maxine O.
Assassination of Haiti’s Leader Alexandra Caballero
Months before the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse was on his way to fight against drug trafficking in his country. Right before his assassination, he had been confiding with powerful politicians and businesspeople to fight against drug crimes and trafficking. It is believed that the motive for his assassination was because of the threat drug traffickers felt when Moïse’s announced his plans. The night he was assassinated, his wife recalls that the men were digging through his files and paperwork, frantically looking for specific documents. What we can all take from this is the control and power most narco-traffickers have on the government itself and the people.
G-7 warns Moscow of ‘massive consequences’ if Russia invades Ukraine Lars Viise
G-7 warns Moscow of ‘massive consequences’ if Russia invades Ukraine - The Washington Post
The G-7 organization warned Russia about drastic consequences if they attack Ukraine. The organization, which represents seven of the most industrialized democracies (US, France, Italy, Canada, Germany, UK, Japan), stated their opposition to Russia's buildup along the Ukrainian border. This is after American intelligence allegedly found a plan for a 175,000 strong invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, which Moscow has denied. Western states are calling on Russia to deescalate the situation and to solve it diplomatically instead of with war. While most of these threats are economic, many could also lead to military conflict between the EU and Russia. The last real European war was in Yugoslavia almost 30 years ago, so we are due for a new one. Ukraine has been seen as NATO's gateway to Eastern Europe, and as such it makes Russia feel very vulnerable. This is why they support Russian separatists in the region and annexed Crimea in 2014. I would not be surprised if this leads to an invasion, since Russia needs a loyal Ukraine as a puppet state.
Max Verstappen wins title after last-lap overtake of Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi
As a last entry in the blog, it is time to consume a new area of world news. Formula 1. Formula 1 has a unique way of uniting the world every year. Drivers and teams from all reaches of the globe come together to compete at the pinnacle of automotive engineering and performance. The stages they compete on are equally spread around the globe occurring on multiple continents. This year's Grand Prix came to the final race in Abu Dhabi this morning. The two leaders in point for the season, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were tied for the first time since 1977. The race was truly incredible to watch with history being made in the very last lap of the race. Among all the bad news we see, and all the vast efforts to change the world, it is nice to take a moment to realize something like motorsports can bring the world together.
John Webb
https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/59628024
Saturday, December 11, 2021
Beijing Winter Olympics boycott is insignificant, says Macron
President Emmanuel Macron said that France has no plans to join a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. At an extended news conference on Thursday, Mr Macron said the Olympics should not be politicized, and that he preferred actions that had a "useful effect." The US, UK, Canada and Australia have said they will not send government representatives to the February games because of concerns over China's human rights record including allegations of abuse against Uyghurs and other minorities. Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he had accepted an invitation to attend the opening of the games. China says countries that boycott the games "will pay the price for their mistaken acts".
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59599063
Chihiro Yoshihara
The struggle for access to clean water.
Honduras is one of the most dangerous counties for land and environmental defenders. About 140 defenders have been murdered since 2012, while others were imprisoned. Most of the threats are state-sponsored, such as mining exploration, which in return pollute a lot of water bodies that millions of people depend on. These human rights violations brought a lot of global attention, but there hasn’t been significant aid done by either the United Nations or other foreign countries.
Elie Imani
U.S. Inflation Hit a 39-Year High in November
Link: https://www.wsj.com/articles/us-inflation-consumer-price-index-november-2021-11639088867?mod=world_trending_now_article_pos4
MLA: Guilford, Gwynn. "U.S. Inflation Hit A 39-Year High In November ". WSJ, 2021, https://www.wsj.com/articles/us-inflation-consumer-price-index-november-2021-11639088867?mod=world_trending_now_article_pos4. Accessed 11 Dec 2021.
During the month of December, U.S. inflation reached a near four-decade high, as consumer demand has collided with pandemic-related supply constraints.
The consumer price index has risen 6.8% which measures what consumers pay for goods and services, according to the Labor Department. The increase in prices for new vehicles came in at 11.1% in November which was the largest on record. Apparel and home goods even broke records, leaving the fast-food industry prices not far behind as there was a sharp increase as well.
The steady rise in prices signals the increase in wages in all-around industries since there is a shortage of workers which is offset by companies pushing to raise prices and compensate for higher labor costs. However, with the new omicron variant, new threats could be posed considering it's just the second year of the pandemic, and supply and demand are still recovering from its imbalances. Eighty percent of companies surveyed detailed increased labor costs, with another seventy-two percent saying their suppliers have also raised prices. This makes it incredibly difficult for companies to get goods to sell to consumers.
Economists have hopes to see pressures of supply constraints easing throughout 2022 as many workers are returning and consumer demand is exasperating.
Friday, December 10, 2021
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange extradited to US
Julian Assange is currently being held in London in their high security prison. Assange has been indicted by United States prosecutors for 17 counts of espionage and one computer misuse charge. All of these charges are related to leaked military documents pertaining to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Earlier in the year, a lower court in London denied the American court request for the extradite of Assange to face these charges. This request was denied on the basis of health concerns for Assange. It was believed that if Assange were to be extradited to the US he would commit suicide under the harsh US judicial system. However, after US assurances, the high court in London granted the US request for Assange, claiming that these assurances were enough to guarantee that he would be treated lawfully.
Katelyn DeBlecourt
Dozens killed in Mexico road accident as truck carrying more than 100 migrants crashes by By Karol Suarez, Helen Regan and Kiarinna Parisi
By Alexia Patino
https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/09/americas/mexico-road-accident-intl-hnk/index.html
At least 54 people were killed and more than 100 injured when a truck overturned in southern Mexico on Thursday, with most of the victims believed to be migrants from Central America. This accident happen in the state of Chiapas, which borders with the country of Guatemala. There were children, women, and men among the people that died. Nearly 98% of the people that died were originated from Guatemala, the rest was from Honduras, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, and Mexico.
On top of that the Mexican authorities found about 600 migrants hidden in two trailers in the state of Veracruz. All these migrants come from countries where violence, corruption, food insecurity, and a lack of economic opportunities leave them with little opportunities.
Lastly, during the Trump administration, most of the migrants were send to Mexico to camps along the border to wait. President Joe Biden pledged to end the program and began the process of admitting those migrants who had previously been subject to it.
New Zealand to ban cigarettes for future generations
New Zealand is proposing a law that will ban the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after 2008. I find this to be a very interesting concept that would benefit the health of any countries citizens. The goal is to stop health problems due to smoking from occurring by not allowing any new smokers to start. Nicotine abuse is becoming an increasing problem among kids in recent years. Usage is higher and nicotine levels are higher in products as well. Something like this has little chance of being passed in the US because of the tobacco industry's economic power here. There is hope that more legislation around the world could move in this direction and provide a brighter future.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59589775
John Webb
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
US says it will send troops to eastern Europe if Russia invades Ukraine
US claims that they will send troops to aid Ukraine on NATO's Eastern front to stop Russia from advancing. The US has made it clear that it will protect the future NATO members rights to liberty and freedom and will respond again if Russia is to invade. Earlier in the past, US sent troops to the border when things were escalating in the region, and an official said that they are willing to do it again.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/06/us-says-it-will-send-troops-to-eastern-europe-if-russia-invades-ukraine
Monday, December 6, 2021
Biden and Putin to talk amid Ukraine invasion fears
The US has stated that they have recovered evidence that Russia was building for a "large scale" attack on Ukraine. Russia denies all these allegations and is concerned with Ukraine building up its military as well on the border. Biden has called Putin to a video call to discuss this matter and decrease tension between the two countries. Ukraine says that Russia has deployed armored vehicles and 94,000 troops to their border as well
Myanmar’s Suu Kyi gets 4 years in trial seen as political Lars Viise
Myanmar’s Suu Kyi gets 4 years in trial seen as political | MyWabashValley.com
The former civilian leader of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, was sentenced to 4 years on Monday. A Nobel Prize laureate, she had previously been placed under house arrest for 15 years for speaking against the military government. As such, this is seen as yet another attempt by the state to further roll back democratic rights for civilians. Myanmar's army, which seized power after claiming election fraud in 2020 despite claims on the contrary, has had a history of human rights abuses. Their actions against the Muslim Rohingya minority in 2017 drew the ire of the UN and especially the US, who claimed Myanmar was engaging in genocide. The government denies both these claims, and states that their takeover was completely in line with the 2008 constitution which allows them to take power in case of an emergency. Since then, however over a thousand have been killed by soldiers in peaceful civilian protests over the matters.
Sunday, December 5, 2021
Reinforcing Japan's Military
Military drills were conducted in Japan last Monday. These drills consisted of multiple tanks and soldiers firing explosives and machine guns on Hokkaido, a northern island of Japan. This was done to showcase Japan's military might in front of the media. While these drills were simply firing exercises conducted by the country's Self Defense Force, the military power that Japan holds is arguably understated by the global community. Which is all the more reason Japan wanted to present their military firepower in response to the concerning escalation of China's and Russia's military around Japanese territory. However, concerns have risen within its own nation regarding the idea of building up Japan's military given the pacifist nature of the society and the painful past of a military build up from World War II in the country.
Written by: Maxine O.
United States to aid in COVID vaccines Alexandra Caballero
https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/03/politics/biden-administration-vaccine-doses-global-shipments/index.html
Friday, December 3rd of this year, President Biden announced that the United States would help aid in COVID vaccines, shipping 9 million vaccine doses to Africa and 2 million worldwide. This could be essential in fight against COVID especially now because another variant has been discovered to infect the population. During his announcement, Biden mentioned that he will be pushing other countries to take on a stronger role in fighting against COVID, but I do think its a little ironic and controversial that he plans on encouraging other countries to do so when in the United States it has been difficult to encourage our own neighbors and citizens to get vaccinated. So I think it'll be interesting to see where this goes.
Indonesia volcano: Volcano rescuers face ash as high as rooftops
Yesterday, 12/4, Mt Semeru erupted in Java, Indonesia. Currently, there are 14 confirmed deaths with many people still missing. Most of the locals did not know there was a volcanic eruption happening because they mistook the beginning signs of hot mud for usual flooding. The hot mud alone contributed to a large number of injuries. Now that the immediate danger has passed, people are devasted by the damage left by the ash falling from the sky and the mud flowing through their villages. The cause of the eruption was not seismic activity as it normally is. It was caused by abnormally heavy rainfall damaging the volcanic crater and eroding part of it away without notice. There is concern that more events like this will occur as a result of climate change in the future.
John Webb
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59532251
Why France faces so much anger in West Africa
During Emmanuel Macron's presidency, France has strived to positively influence and support Africa's continent. Macron acknowledged the significance of France's history of colonialism on the continent of Africa while also returning Africa's stolen artifacts. He has also helped countries facing civil wars and extremists. It is allegedly claimed that France has been positively engaging in west Africa's politics, but why the criticism and the popularity decline?
The first issue facing francophone counties is the abolition of the CFA franc. CFA is a currency used by these counties, and it's pegged to the euro(only printed in France). Abolitionists say that France uses the currency to control the counties' economies. However, France claims that it guarantees economic stability. The other issue is that France has a sense of neo-colonialism arrogance in francophone counties--feeling that France is an inevitable country that rules over west Africa's politics. And lastly, failure to overcome Jihadists in the Sahel region.
Michigan school shooters' Parents arrested
Following the horrific school shooting in Michigan, a manhunt began for the killers parents. Immediately you might wonder why his parents would be hunted down following his crime and the answer is simple, they knew. They knew their son was planning this horrific act which makes them guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Their actions, or lack thereof, led to the killing of 4 students. As more history was uncovered it showed a disturbing amount of times the parents had allowed their sons behavior to continue after being told to seek counseling for him due to fear over how deep his mental health issues may go.
sam barton
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/05/us/michigan-shooting-parents.html
Putin Plants 94,000 Russian Troops on Ukrainian Border
As tensions rise between Russia and Ukraine, Putin has taken it upon himself to position over 90,000 soldiers on the border of Russia and Ukraine. As a result, President Joe Biden believes that the United States is taking "a set of comprehensive and meaningful initiatives" to halt putin in his tracks. At this time, there is question around what Putins intentions are as a result of this positioning. The article states that Ukraine is prepared to respond to an attack if it gets to that point, but the United States and Ukraine is doing what they can to prevent it.
-Anna Jensen
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/ukraine-russia-amassed-94000-troops-border-81536039
Indonesian volcano erupts, 14 dead
China's communists bash US democracy before Biden summit
China’s Communist Party sharply criticized a global democracy summit being hosted by President Joe Biden next week and extolling the virtues of its governing system. The pandemic exposed defects in the American system, said Tian Peiyan, the deputy director of the Communist Party’s Policy Research Office. He blamed the high COVID-19 death troll in the U.S. on political disputes and a divided government from the highest to the lowest levels. “Such democracy brings not happiness but disaster to voters,” he also said at a news conference to release a government report on what the Communist Party calls its form of democracy, which is firmly under party control. I have a feeling that something is wrong with mentioning that China’s form of government is democracy. U.S.-China relations remain strained despite a virtual summit between Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping last month.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/chinas-communists-bash-us-democracy-biden-summit-81553342
Chihiro Yoshihara
Saturday, December 4, 2021
The Impact of Fast Fashion on Garment Workers
Fast fashion has the problems of selling low quality, human rights issues, and environmental issues. Today, there is a new value system that emphasizes sustainability. However, even though we understand the problematic nature of fast fashion, we tend to buy products from major fast fashion brands such as H&M and ZARA, attracted by the price and appearance. It is not only the environment that creates unfair conditions for people who work there. They may be forced to work for low wages and in unsanitary conditions, unknown to us, the consumers. Not only in fashion, but it is important to be aware of the other side of consuming, and to not be misled by society's promotion of consumption, but to always keep an awareness of what makes you happy and what you like. Fashion can express a person's cultural background and identity.
https://goodonyou.eco/impact-fast-fashion-garment-workers/
Matsuri Miyauchi
U.S. Border to Open to International Travelers With Proof of Vaccination
LINK: https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-administration-to-lift-restrictions-for-international-travelers-to-u-s-11634304224?page=1
MLA: Thomas, Ken. "U.S. Border To Open To International Travelers With Proof Of Vaccination". WSJ, 2021, https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-administration-to-lift-restrictions-for-international-travelers-to-u-s-11634304224?page=1. Accessed 4 Dec 2021.
November 8, the Biden Administration plans to lift travel restrictions for international travelers to the U.S. This policy affects both air and land-border travelers who must be fully vaccinated and show proof of their vaccination records. This comes from the rising pressure that European allies have been asking for the U.S. to lift the restrictions.
Recently the administration stated they would "relax" on the covid-19 travel restrictions on land-border crossings from Canada and Mexico for those travelers who are looking to cross borders for non-essential reasons but must show proof of vaccination. Besides this, there will continue to be required pre-departure negative tests taken three days prior to travel before boarding.
With this being said, are travelers willing to take all these steps for commercial flying? Or is the private flying sector going to become more custom? Furthermore, will this create an emergence of other agencies looking to build their rapport?
Biden and Local Officials Avoid Lockdowns, New Mask Mandates in Omicron Fight
LINK: https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-omnicron-covid-masks-vaccine-mandates-11638574233?mod=hp_lead_pos2
MLA: Parti, Sabrina. "Biden And Local Officials Avoid Lockdowns, New Mask Mandates In Omicron Fight ". WSJ, 2021, https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-omnicron-covid-masks-vaccine-mandates-11638574233?mod=hp_lead_pos2. Accessed 4 Dec 2021.
The Biden administration along with state and local leaders are urgently requesting for Americans to wear their masks and take precautions in response to the recent discovery of the Omicron Variant that was discovered by South African scientists. Unlike the beginning of the pandemic, there will be no lockdowns or mandates put in place because we are in a different phase where we have vaccines and boosters available to the public and because after over one year, the last thing Americans want is to return to tough restrictions.
So far, there have been several confirmed cases in the U.S. regarding the variant, but leaders do not believe this is any cause for panic just yet. However, there is very little knowledge on the omicron variant and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy believes that there should be more research in order to better understand just how serious this is and make recommendations for the public as well as predictions on how this could affect not just the U.S. population but the entire globe. Scientists do believe that the Omicron variant is likely more contagious than earlier variants but it's too soon to tell whether it makes people sicker.
This brings to mind the idea of another hit to our economy. The early stages of the pandemic created great economic challenges for companies and individuals. Although 70% of people are vaccinated, there doesn't seem to be a return to normal anytime soon. Furthermore, how will this affect the schools, and necessary workers such as healthcare, law enforcement, and essential workers in stores and dealerships?
It's all up to the Biden administration to take charge and create a sense of confidence not only within the government but for the people to know that they will be taken care of and we will not have to revert back to March 2020 and another shutdown.
Food Crisis
Food prices are rising worldwide and the main reason is a global fertilizer shortage. And the reason there is a fertilizer shortage is that gas is a huge part of the production of fertilizer and since gas prices are on the rise it is becoming much harder to produce fertilizer. Although this affects everyone it mostly affects poorer states that have people that are simply struggling to buy food to add to this a lot of poorer countries depend on farming which is getting harder and harder to do with less fertilizer. The main gas used in fertilizers is ammonia which has risen in price by about 225% from last year. The price change is due to many factors but a lot has to do with our changing climate and the pandemic. Yet not all hope is lost as Yara International donated 40,000 tonnes of fertilizer.
-Anthony Kindness
source:https://www.bbc.com/news/business-59428406
Thursday, December 2, 2021
Germany puts major restrictions on unvaccinated
Covid has been making major headlines again lately. This time with a new variant, Omicron. Germany’s answer to this has been barring unvaccinated people from most of public life. The only people allowed out right now are the vaccinated and those who are recently recovered from Covid. The Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, has also added that vaccines may become mandatory by February. Germany is going through its fourth wave of Covid, with there being 388 deaths in the past 24 hours. Germany has a rather low rate of vaccinations compared to other European countries at only 68.7%. There have been 79 confirmed Omicron cases in European countries and experts say these cases are typically coming from Africa.
Matthew Falzone
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59502180
The wicked problem of drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere
After reading this article, I could understand how difficult it the countries to crack down on illegal drugs trafficking. Although the United States organize some official institutions such as TCOs to control illegal drugs trafficking, they could not have managed the security perfectly. This article shows how illegal drugs are imported into the United States. They include: Secreting contraband abroad containers or hidden within the expanses of huge commercial vessels; Using secret compartments on smaller freighters; Employing small, difficult-to-detect “go fast” vessels intended to avoid and then evade interdiction; Fielding run-of-the-mill pleasure craft and fishing vessels like traditional Mexican lanchas, as well as purpose built pangas intended to blend in with legitimate traffic; and Deploying highly capable self-propelled semisubmersible vessels that have become more sophisticated by the year. In this way, illegal drugs are imported to the United States, and then they are sold into the black market. One thing I thought when I read this article is that if it is so difficult for the United States, which is a well-established country, to crack down on one-way drugs, it is even easier to smuggle illegal drugs into developing countries and conflict zones. I feel we should be more concerned about the smuggling of drugs and weapons and take measures against them.
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2021/01/15/the-wicked-problem-of-drug-trafficking-in-the-western-hemisphere/
Nanami Kanda
Biden promises to fight new variant "with science and speed, not chaos and confusion"
In this article, President Biden has announced a variety of measures that will protect Americans from the virus. These measures include more campaigns to increase vaccinations and booster shots, stricter testing requirements for international travelers, and plans have been introduced to make rapid at-home coronavirus testing free for more people. With the new variant, it will take days for scientists to understand if it evades current vaccines or if it can cause more severe symptoms in infected people. President Biden spoke to the American people on Thursday to reassure them and unite around a common enemy.
Article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/12/02/biden-strategies-omicron-delta/
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
US preparing to counter China
As tensions keep rising between China and several nations, the US has started taking actions by building bases closer to China. The department of defense and the pentagon have released statements saying that the info pacific region is a main focus so that we can keep pace with china. The base locations are Guam and Australia in an effort protect territories/allies and et up strongholds in the are of China. This shows how serious the tensions have actually gotten and how much concern there is surrounding the modernization of chinas military. The growing activity in the info pacific, particularly between china and Taiwan, is a reason to establish a strong military presence in the area in case Chinese military activities escalate.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/29/politics/global-posture-review-china/index.html
Sam Barton
Sunday, November 28, 2021
New Travel Ban in Japan
As the new Covid-19 variant spreads across the globe, Japan has announced the suspension of entry for foreign visitors. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has explained this decision by saying, "We are taking the step as an emergency precaution to prevent a worst-case scenario in Japan". This new measure will be in effect by Tuesday of this week. Other countries are also planning to tighten their borders after learning about the new variant, which has been named the omicron variant. However, it has yet to be confirmed by scientists on whether or not the omicron variant is more concerning than other past variants, such as the delta variant. Nevertheless, the fears and anxieties that come from learning about another Covid-19 variant has led to stronger border control and travel bans around the world in order to slow down its spread.
Written by: Maxine O.
Sweden Prime Minister Alexandra Caballero
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/swedens-parliament-approves-female-prime-minister-81367367
After only 7 hours in office, Sweden's first female prime minister resigns from her position. Magdalena Andersson resigned after he budget plan was defeated in parliament and 2 of her party members also left. As the first ever female prime minister of Sweden, Andersson stated that respect was important to her but she also did not want to be a part of a government that who's legitimacy is questioned frequently. Although she wasn't in office for much time, she has still marked a special event in history and it showed that women can have a say and place in the government.
United States will bar travelers from 8 countries in southern Africa.
As the new variant of coronavirus surges, The Biden administration has decided to restrict travelers from South Africa and six other African countries(Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Malawi). This travel ban, however, will not apply to us citizens. The World Health Organization has recently detected the new variant labeled as Omicron to be dangerous and easily spreadable. United States officials know that the travel ban will not stop the variant from coming, but it will most likely slow it down.
Elie Imani
Russian coal mine fire kills at least 52 people
China has created a dystopian hellscape in Xinjiang, Amnesty report says
An international human rights organization has released a report stating that the Chinese government is committing crimes against humanity in the Xinjiang area where the Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities live. It is alleged that physical and psychological torture is being carried out in prisons and detention centers. Millions of people reportedly live in fear of powerful surveillance agencies and are treated in ways that destroy their character. Methods of torture include beatings, electric shocks, and sleep disturbance. China, however, denied these allegations. It claims that the residents voluntarily undergo vocational training and undo radicalization as a counter-terrorism measure. In response, human rights groups countered that these counter-terrorism measures are not grounds for mass detention. They said that the Chinese government's actions show a clear intention to use severe violence and threats to eradicate Islamic beliefs and cultural practices. However, since China is not a signatory to the ICC, it is unlikely that international organizations will investigate China due to its lack of authority.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-57386625
Matsuri Miyauchi
Climate Change Effects the Worlds Ocean's
Although it may be hard to believe ⅓ or the world's CO2 in our atmosphere is dissolved in the ocean. But this is under threat if the global temperature continues to go up then researchers worry that the ocean will not be able to properly store carbon. Most of the carbon that the ocean absorbs actually goes into the mud of the ocean floor where it can be stored for very large periods. Studies have even shown that since the earth is warming the mud on the ocean's floor can’t absorb as much carbon as it otherwise would. This is alarming because this leads to a cycle where since the mud can’t store as much carbon the global temperature of the earth rises thus causing the mud to imply store carbon again. Overall we need more research on the complex effects of massive amounts of carbon on the world's oceans to be able to address the problem better. As climate summits like COP26 go on it gives the world hope for a brighter future.
Anthony Kindness
Source:https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-59214866
Japan adds $6.75 billion to military budget in rush to bolster air and sea defenses by CNN
https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/28/asia/japan-defense-budget-intl-hnk/index.html
By Alexia Patino
Japan is planning on adding $6.75 billion in order to get more air and maritime defenses, since the country is concerned with threats posed by China and North Korea. The prime Minister Fumio Kishida approved the outlay as a supplementary budget. The Japanese nation was only spending 1% of its GDP on military forces, but the newest Prime Minister raised it to a 2%. The additional spending plan approved by Kishida's government on Friday also includes pre-payments to defense contractors for equipment to help them deal with coronavirus pandemic disruptions that have hurt their finances.
Friday, November 26, 2021
Underground Economy
This article explains Underground Economy. Underground Economy means that economic transactions are deemed illegal, and these economic activities slip past government surveillance. This article shows the nations with the three largest shadow economies were Zimbabwe (60.6%), Bolivia (62.3%), and Georgia (64.9%). On the other hand, according to the article, the three smallest shadow economies are Austria (8.9%), the United States (8.3%), and Switzerland (7.2%). When I think underground economy, illegal trafficking of weapons and drugs came to mind, but self-employment such as babysitting could be underground economic activity. It implies the difficulty of policing the underground economy. The underground economy supports the economy and it is a part of essential economic activity in the countries such as Zimbabwe and Bolivia. I cannot imagine how many households does Underground Economy support. The underground Economy connects directly to the dark web regarding weapons and drugs, and it could lead to the crisis of international security. However, using countermeasures in the dark would deprive many people’s jobs. That’s why I thought this needed to be dealt with carefully on a global scale.
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/u/underground-economy.asp
Nanami Kanda
Israel pushes for better Iran deal amid military buildup Lars Viise
Israel pushes for better Iran deal amid military buildup - ABC News (go.com)
Israel's defense minister, Benny Gantz, went to Morrocco on a 2-day visit to speak on various topic, one of the main ones being Iran. Gantz said he wants a new nuclear deal with Iran, which comes after President Biden proclaimed his desire to return to the deal after former President Donald Trump withdrew from the last Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and resumed sanctions.
Personally, I find it a bit hypocritical for Israel to be so against Iran enriching uranium considering they are the only power in the Middle East to have nuclear weapons. They have even gone so far to have their special forces group Mossad assassinate top Iranian nuclear scientists in order to sabotage the program. Like I get that geopolitically Israel wants to be the only power with that deterrent, but still, the nuclear deal isn't making that go faster. Actually, the Iran Nuclear deal not being in place just means that Iran has more of a chance to get said weapons from another illicit mean, especially now due to their close relations with Iran. I think through this plan though both sides can win Israel can get rid of another threat to them considering they are also starting to normalize relations with other Middle Eastern nations such as the UAE or Morrocco. Likewise, Iran can benefit from being able to enrich Uranium for power uses as well as the trade opportunities from the US. Hopefully a new plan is developed and thus cause the region to stabilize some more.
Monday, November 22, 2021
China’s Xi calls for ‘peaceful’ reunification with Taiwan Lars Viise
China's Xi calls for 'peaceful' reunification with Taiwan (apnews.com)
(Note originally written in October but I forgot to save it, so the story is old)
Xi has stated that the status of Taiwan is a Chinese internal matter (basically saying it is part of China) and says he hopes peaceful reunification with Taiwan with both of their interests in mind will be possible. It doesn't surprise me that Xi refuses to accept Taiwan's independence. I mean this has been true since the 50s, as the PRC sees Taiwan as a rebel province, which makes sense since the island was the refugee for Sun-Yat Sen and his Chinese Nationalists after they were forced to flee the mainland at the end of the Chinese Civil War. Not only that but Taiwan is an American ally, so is seen by China as just another way to block Chinese expansion in the region and further threaten them. But the problem is the PRC can't just invade Taiwan, since it is seen as an independent state and is backed up by the US. This means an invasion will definitely lead to war, and said war will most likely go nuclear and completely destroy both regions, Thus Xi wants to pressure Taiwan into accepting annexation through pressure or maybe even bribing them with autonomy like Hong Kong. They will most likely never accept, and as such the South Pacific will continue to be a battleground.
SUV plows through Christmas parade killing 5 people
A Red SUV was seen by many fleeing through a Christmas parade that accompanied children and adults. The SUV struck 45 people killing 5 and injuring 40 others in Wisconsin. It is not determined yet if this is terrorist related or if it was just built on hate or another circumstance
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/21/us/wisconsin-parade-crash.html
The Belarus border crisis shows it’s getting easier to ‘weaponize’ refugees Lars Viise
The Belarus border crisis shows it’s getting easier to ‘weaponize’ refugees (msn.com)
(Note this was meant for November 21 date)
Throughout history, demographics have been used as a weapon various time. For the most part this was due to wanting a loyal population in a place in order to reduce separatism. For example, look at how the Russians settled Germans in the Crimea after they captured them from the Ottomans in order to combat the Crimean Tatars. Now however this is mostly due to wanting to destabilize the EU by allowing thousands of illegal migrants. This will as always lead to a further breakdown of social order, more strain on the EU economy and an increase of terrorism. We saw this in 2015 during the migrant crisis where "refugees" from the MENA region brought ISIS affiliated bombings and shootings due to the failures of assimilation and the horrible vetting process. Belarus understands this, which is why they are inviting them over as a way to retaliate against the EU calling their election controversial. And now even Poland is getting flack for protecting their borders against violent migrants who are attacking the border control through non-lethal methods (such as water cannons) and "allowing" people to freeze and starve in the woods. This is despite the fact that Belarus invited them or that most of them are economic migrants from the safe region of Iraqi Kurdistan. I mean if they were refugees, they would ask for asylum in the closest safe country such as Iran, Saudi Arabia or Israel.
The EU needs to decide whether they want to be a home for the European people who built the various states and defended them for millennia, or random migrants who are culturally, ethnically and religiously alien and will hurt more than help the member states.
2 missionaries that were kidnapped in Haiti have been released
Last month there were 17 missionaries who were kidnapped in Haiti, five of them being children. They were kidnapped by a Haitian gang in October. It is suspected that a gang named 400 Mawozo are the abductors, and the FBI has made negotiations with them to release the captives. 16 of the captives were American, and one was Canadian. They were on a trip to an orphanage when this happened. Haiti is currently experiencing an increase in gang related kidnappings, and many of them are doing it to make ransom money.
Mateah Roehl
https://abcnews.go.com/International/missionaries-kidnapped-haiti-released-ministry/story?id=81316278
Sunday, November 21, 2021
War against drugs Alexandra Caballero
https://apple.news/APQBTrmPFSuumSMyjWxTAtw
The United States offered a $5million reward to anyone that has information of 4 of the most wanted drug kingpins in Mexico that violated US laws. It has always been cleat how much power cartels and drug kingpins have over the Mexican government and the people of Mexico, so I wonder how they would react when the United States is on their tail and getting more involved in capturing and arresting them. It’s also interesting that the United States has always also been involved in the war of drugs in Mexico since the 90’s but the cartels have been 2 steps ahead of both the Mexican and US government.
Lockdown in Austria
As a recent surge of Covid-19 cases hit Austria, the country decides to enter a full nationwide lockdown last Monday in order to combat these rising cases. The surge of cases follow a busy weekend that occurred at Christmas markets across the country as people get into the holiday spirit. This lockdown is currently expected to last for 20 days at most, but the situation will be reevaluated 10 days into the lockdown. While the country plans to lift measures by December 13th, they may choose to extend these measures past the 13th for those who are unvaccinated. On the topic of vaccinations, the Chancellor of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg, has made a statement last Friday that there will be a nationwide Covid vaccine mandate established on February 1st. Just like with other countries, such as the U.S., strong opinions on the Covid vaccine have created rifts in Austria between those who choose to get it and those who refuse to get it. With the vaccine mandate announcement, those in the country who strongly against the Covid vaccine have responded to this news with protest.
Written by: Maxine O.
Coronavirus still got hold of us.
Although it’s been about two years since the Coronavirus disease outbreak started, Covid19’s still affecting some countries like never before. After creating the Covid19 vaccine, many people were very excited to get out of the lockdown and return to their everyday lives(economic lives), only to be disappointed by continuous coronavirus complications. Currently, Europe is experiencing its fourth wave of the pandemic. Many leaders in Europe view the current vaccines as a failure in terms of ending the pandemic. Austria has 66% of its population vaccinated but now suffering from numerous new covid cases. New mandates have been put on, and the citizens are politicizing Covid19 and enraged with the mandates. Overall, people never wished for such a pandemic; it’s clearly out of our control.
Afghanistan: Taliban unveil new rules banning women in TV dramas
Adding onto the long list of oppressive rules the Taliban have set in place while being at the head of Afghanistan, women can now no longer be in drama television shows. Female journalists have already been forced to wear headscarves, now this new rule has put fear into the women of Afghanistan of future oppressive rules. These are not the only guidelines the Taliban have put in place regarding television, however. Films that are determined to be against Sharia law are banned, as well as foreign films that promote different values. All these oppressive guidelines can only make one wonder how much longer this can go on before someone steps in and puts an end to this North Korean-like way of living.
Matthew Falzone
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59368488
As Hopes for Nuclear Deal Fade, Iran Rebuilds and Risks Grow
As Hopes for Nuclear Deal Fade, Iran Rebuilds and Risks Grow (msn.com)
This piece is interesting in the sense that we talked about Iran and their history of nuclear abilities earlier in the semester. This is potentially something to watch as Iran might want to consider upping their nuclear capabilities after Iraeli attacks on their nuclear facilities and the assassination of their top nuclear scientist. Seeing this conflict in the region is something for the United States to monitor. Considering the actions taken against Iran by Israel, Iran may feel the necessity to develop nuclear weapons.
Afghan Farmers Are Turning to Opium for Security
Growing pomegranates was the pride of most farmers in Arghandab, Afghanistan. Many generations of farmers profited off of hundreds of acres of this fruit until two problems arose: drought and the Taliban's military campaign. Farmer's found it impossible to irrigate their trees year round which caused lower yields. The affects of the Taliban left border closures and fragments of shrapnel and debris in the fields. As a result, farmers have cleared out hundred of acres of pomegranate trees to grow opium poppy instead. The crop requires less irrigation and stores for longer than pomegranates would. Despite previously being illegal, the war almost encouraged the income from the illicit drug. Closed borders were not an issue for opium poppy either, because smugglers inside the country made it easy.
In Hard Times, Afghan Farmers Are Turning to Opium for Security - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Katelyn
Kyle Rittenhouse Acquitted On All Counts
https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/19/us/kyle-rittenhouse-trial-friday/index.html
Illinois teen, Kyle Rittenhouse, shot 3 people in the summer of 2020 at a Black Lives Matter protest in Kenosha, WI, killing 2 and injuring 1. His case has sparked international interest and an abundance of media attention. After a grueling trial and after much public debate, Rittenhouse was found not guilty on all charges. This verdict has sparked worldwide outrage, with many pointing out how the justice system is designed to benefit white people, no matter if they're guilty or not. Rittenhouse's verdict is white privilege exemplified, as even after committing murder, he is allowed to live free and attend college, whereas people of color have been shot and killed merely for existing.
Ahmaud Arbery
Being from Georgia, the Ahmaud Arbery trial hits close to home. Brunswick, GA is about to play host to one of the most important trials in todays civil rights movement since the George Floyd verdict. Arbery's murder has been said to resemble a modern day lynching and his trial could start an uprising or show the world that our legal system has evolved for the better. Georgia has a nasty history of unfair trials when race is involved and this trial is feared to show the same thing but many high profile civil rights activists are present in the courtroom to show their support for the victim as well as see how the legal system unfolds in a case that is so sensitive. Americans are looking at this trial to see if our system will work fairly for all.
Sam Barton
https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/21/us/brunswick-ga-ahmaud-arbery-killing-trial/index.html
Poland border crisis: Migrants tear-gassed trying to cross from Belarus
Troops responded with tear gas and water trucks at the Polish border of Belarus, which has been experiencing problems due to the influx of migrants. Thousands of migrants are pouring into the Polish side of the Belarusian border. There are from the Middle East and hoping to enter European Union member countries. EU has criticized Belarus for enticing migrants to head to Poland and other EU member states, causing a humanitarian crisis in the region. In response, Russia, an ally of Belarus, accused Poland of responding to the migrants with tear gas and water trucks. Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus, analyzed that he wanted to impress upon the world that the Western countries do not care for migrants and are inhumane in their behavior. As Iraq begins to repatriate its citizens, 200 people will be repatriated by passenger plane on March 18. However, many migrants have expressed a strong will to stay there at all costs to enter the EU.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59302919
Matsuri Miyauchi
The dark web, the sale of illegal weapons and the impact on international security
In this article, I could understand what the dark web is. Many weapons have been sold and purchased on the black web, and these products have been trafficked beyond the national borders. One thing I was surprised by is “Almost 60% of the firearms listings are associated with products that originate from the US.” It doesn’t mean the US is the largest market for arms trade on the dark web, but it is a fact that the US provides the weapons to the black market. When I read this article, I wondered why developed countries such as the US take part in the black market and gain some benefit from it. This system makes people and the countries easy to happen the conflicts and terrorism, but it would not disappear even though some countries carried out law enforcement to avoid the international crisis because the internet and technology have been developing day by day, and there are many ways to get past the surveillance. The development of the internet and technology has changed the way we live. Now, we can communicate with anyone wherever we are. The connection and community made from the development of technology are amazing, but at the same time, it could be able to be the cause of the international crisis.
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/12/the-sale-of-illegal-weapons-on-the-dark-web-and-the-impact-on-international-security/
Nanami Kanda
Fauci says ‘fully vaccinated’ doesn’t have to include booster shots - Jack Moran
https://nypost.com/2021/11/21/fauci-fully-vaccinated-doesnt-have-to-include-boosters/
Fauci says ‘fully vaccinated’ doesn’t have to include booster shots
China downgrades its own diplomatic ties with Lithuania
Last week I wrote an article about the tense relationship between Lithuania and China, and there has been some movement on Chinese side. On Sunday, China downgraded its diplomatic ties with Lithuania, expressing strong dissatisfaction with Vilnius for allowing Taiwan to open a de facto embassy in the Baltic state. The Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania opened on Thursday. Other Taiwan offices in Europe and the United States use the name of city Taipei, avoiding a reference to the island itself, something that has further angered Beijing. Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Lithuania ignored China’s “solemn stance” and it cannot change the fact that Taiwan is part of China no matter what it does. The move undermined China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and grossly interfered in China's internal affairs, creating a bad precedent internationally, it said, adding relations would be downgraded to the level of charge d'affaires, a rung below ambassador.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/21/china/china-lithuania-taiwan-relations-intl-hnk/index.html
Chihiro Yoshihara
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Putin Dispatches Russian Vessels to Shadow U.S. Warships During Flare-Up
LINK: https://www.wsj.com/articles/putin-dispatches-russian-vessels-to-shadow-u-s-warships-during-flare-up-11637404202
MLA:
"Putin Dispatches Russian Vessels To Shadow U.S. Warships During Flare-Up ". WSJ, 2021, https://www.wsj.com/articles/putin-dispatches-russian-vessels-to-shadow-u-s-warships-during-flare-up-11637404202. Accessed 20 Nov 2021.
Peng Shuai: How China censored a tennis star
Sergio Zambrano
The article talks about how the People's Republic of China censored Peng Shuai after she published a post on Weibo saying that she was forced into a sexual relation with Zhang Gaoil. The government quickly deleted the post and any other traces that might lead to it. However, it is not the first time that the government censored an athlete for sharing his/her thoughts. Last year China's professional soccer player Hao Haidong was al censored after he openly called for the removal of China's ruling Communist Party. Peng Shuai has not been seen in public and neither social media for the last 2 weeks. The government has censored any comments on any social media referring to the missing tennis player. People are worried that she is not safe.
https://www.bbc.com/news/59338205
Friday, November 19, 2021
Delhi closes schools and colleges as pollution grows worse
As the pollution levels grow in Delhi, the Indian capital, schools and colleges are closed indefinitely. Six coal powered plants in the city have been shut down, leaving only 5 able to operate. This is because a haze has covered the city since the festival of Diwali. The fireworks from the festival made the air quality worse. The air is filled with tiny particles that can clog peoples lungs, and the concentration of it is concerning. The air quality is caused by weather, and vehicle and industrial emissions. The air is expected to get worse over the winter because of farmers burning crop remains.
Mateah Roehl
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-59258910
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Booster Shot Needed To Be Considered Fully Vaccinated
Wealthier nations are considering changing the status of "fully vaccinated." Soon, you might need the third booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated, and no longer just two. In the UK, Boris Johnson highly encourages getting the third shot, and says that it will make ones life easier. In France, anyone over the age of 65 will need their booster shot to revalidate their vaccination pass. In Austria, the vaccination pass has an expiration date following the second dose, and in Israel you need the third shot within six months of your last to get into gyms and restaurants. Dr. David Nabarro of WHO suggests a combination protection approach... continuing to wear a mask and get your vaccine.
-Anna Jensen
https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/17/world/coronavirus-newsletter-intl-17-11-21/index.html
Biden says he's considering US diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics - Patrick Turner
Biden says he's considering US diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics
By: Maegan Vazquez,
President Biden is saying that he might not allow the United States to go over towards China's Olympics that they are holding this year. This would be the first time in a long time that the United States would not go to the Olympics. The last time this happened was in the 1980s and multiple allies joined in with not participating in the Olympics. One of the main reasons as to why they are currently deciding right now as to why not to go is because of the problems that have been going on with the incidents of human rights and how china has been violating them. I think it is very interesting that republicans and democrats are both agreeing that they should not join in on the Olympics this year. I think it would be very interesting to see what happens with the relationship between the two after a decision is made.
In Catholic Italy, ‘de-baptism’ is gaining popularity By Sara Badilini
By Alexia Patino
Italy is a predominately Catholic country, but nowadays a lot of Italians that grew up following the church sacraments are deciding to get de-baptized. A lack of data makes it difficult to establish how common the phenomenon is, but some dioceses are keeping track. The Diocese of Brescia, east of Milan, said in its diocesan newspaper in August that 75 people asked to be de-baptized in 2021, as opposed 27 in 2020.The de-baptism is finalized once an applicant declares the intention to abandon the church and the decision is registered by the church authorities, normally the local bishop. It is said that people who get de-baptized are committing a crime. The article also establishes that for many people abandoning the church is a statement against their positions on LGBTQ rights, euthanasia and abortion.
Satellite photos raise concerns of Russian military build-up near Ukraine
A current standoff on the front line hasn't gained any ground in 5 years. Ukraine has deployed military drones on the border to protect their soldiers from Russian forces. A satellite caught a Russian advance of military hardware including tanks and combat vehicles closer to the border of Ukraine which is raising some eyebrows in Washington. Ukraine's Defense Ministry says they have seen this tactic before, though 90,000 Russian troops occupy their side of the front line. The point Russia is trying to make is to stabilize the tension in the region and show their presence is still there.
A community on Lagos Island is being swallowed by the sea
While leaders of the world join in a summit on who is responsible for climate change and who is to help prevent further events from occurring, one island is taking climate change face to face as half their island has been consumed by the sea. Many residents don't feel safe anymore as many have lost their ancestral homes to the rising sea. The Lagos Island being the business center has lost a major resort that helped facilitate tourists to the island and that has had a big impact on the islands business economy.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/10/africa/lagos-city-nigeria-sea-level-rise-climate-intl/index.html
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
These States Have COVID-19 Mask Mandates - Jack Moran
These States Have COVID-19 Mask Mandates
Monday, November 15, 2021
US accuses Russia of ‘dangerous’ behavior after anti-satellite weapons test
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/nov/15/us-investigating-debris-event-space-reports-russia-anti-satellite-weapon-test
Raygn Jordan
Russia conducted an anti-satellite weapons test that threatened the lives of seven astronauts onboard the International Space Station. The US called out Russia and said the behavior was dangerous and irresponsible. Russia fired a missile at one of its own satellites and caused over 1,500 pieces of trackable orbital debris and hundreds of smaller pieces of debris to enter the airspace near the ISS. Astronauts had to enter "lifeboat" pods in case of a need to reenter earth suddenly as the debris cloud has put them at a risk four times greater than normal.
10, “Loss of Glaciers Will Hurt Tourism, Power Supplies and More” (Dryier)
Indonesia has massive permafrost glaciers that served as tourist attractions that also provided energy and clean drinking water for locals through the natural melt/excess water from these glaciers in warmer months. In the early 20th century there were over 40 permafrost glaciers in the area. In 2005 less than half of them remained and in 2020 there are only five left and the remaining glaciers are continuing to shrink in size as climate change causes the melting of glaciers all around the world.
Naturally this is an issue as nearby countries get electricity from the rushing water in the summer months and use the freshwater runoff to drink during this time as well. The loss of the glaciers has also led to a loss in revenue due to a massive drop in tourism as the situation in the area becomes more dire.
When I read the title for this article I actually got a little excited. I was hoping that if climate change started to affect industries like tourism that industry and world leaders might take notice of climate change and how detrimental it is if they saw it would also affect their profit margins.
That hope was quickly dashed however as soon as I saw the issue was happening in Indonesia. A country without the resources to save themselves from climate change. Therefore nothing will happen and no one will help. Indonesia will just lose all it’s glaciers and no one will help because no western capitalists are losing money.
Putin warns Belarus over gas threat to EU
Belarus's President in the height of his temper told the EU he would cut off all gas supply lines with EU if this crisis at his border is not fixed. Thousands of refugees from Syria, Iraq and Yemen are trying to cross the border with Poland to enter the EU and this has been marked as a humanitarian crisis as both sides won't let the refugees in claiming its for their national sovereignty because they don't have the papers. Both sides are holding these refugees in the middle and they can't bare the cold coming from a more warm part of the world. Some refugees are dying to the harsh conditions waiting to get a glimpse of freedom on the other side.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59274351
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Europe Once Again Serving as a Warning to the United States
COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise in Eastern Europe. Officials are serving the rise in Europe as a warning to the United States on what could happen in our states as the winter is beginning to set in. Multiple countries are beginning lockdowns; including Russia, Netherlands, and a handful of others.
Germany is also reporting record new numbers of cases daily, leading to the reintroduction of restrictions related to COVID-19.
Source: https://apple.news/AN6SRvhDaTsiE4gsx0w6AjA
Preparations for Biden and Xi's Monday Meeting
A Congressman’s Controversial Video
https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/09/politics/gosar-anime-video-violence-ocasio-cortez-biden/index.html
Rep. Paul Gosar posted an animated video on his Twitter profile earlier this week. The video depicted Gosar killing fellow congress member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and injuring President Biden. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez has spoken out about the video and how uncomfortable it made her. Fellow democrats defended her by saying that if this incident occurred at any other job, the individual would be fired and face consequences. Rep. Gosar has repeatedly claimed it’s not a big deal, but Nancy Pelosi disagrees, she called upon Leader Kevin McCarthy to address these behaviors, to which she received no response. This video points to the sense of great immaturity that has developed in politics recently. Petty actions like these can cause harm to leaders and the country as a whole. At the moment, Congress seems to be focused on thinking divisively and competitively, not logically. The political psychology present within our highest structures of government has greatly shifted in the twenty first century. What could this kind of behavior lead to on a domestic and international level? That’s the concern here.
Climate Crisis Alexandra Caballero
As of today, there is no set plan to fight against the ongoing climate crisis. The United Nations officials stated on November 11 of this year that if a plan is not set soon the effects of climate change will rapidly exceed and cause much more damage. Drastic changes will need to be made, like reducing global emissions by 45 percent by 2030 to keep the limit of global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius. States have not really been making an effort to come up with solutions and it will soon start to show.
Lithuania and Taiwan
On July 20, 2021, the government of Lithuania announced the opening of a Taiwan Representative Office in its capital city of Vilnius. In addition, Taipei has also announced a plan to open a representative office in Vilnius which will bear the word "Taiwanese" in its name. Other Taiwan offices in Europe and the United States use the name of the city Taipei, avoiding a reference to the island itself, which China claims as its own country. On the other hand, China has warned Lithuania and blocked some exports from Lithuania from entering China and has recalled its ambassador from the country. This is because China is seeing such actions as a violation of its “one China principle” and encouraging Taipei to pursue formal independence. Based on these ongoing tensions with Beijing over Taipei, the US senators introduced a resolution to support Lithuania’s efforts to strengthen its ties with Taiwan.
https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/us-senators-support-lithuania-and-taiwan-ties-potentially-riling-china-121110600458_1.html
Chihiro Yoshihara
Sierra Leone Explosion
Last week, a fuel tank exploded in Sierra Leone killing 98 people. During the explosion, a motor cyclist in the nearby street was severely burned. Unfortunately, the victim in this case was worried about the $27 they lost in the fire; the article states that was three days worth of wages. There is no burn unit in Sierra Leone, so doctors and nurses have been working tirelessly to help the victims who survived the fire. The biggest fear at this point, is lack of access to adequate medicine and the strain the absence will have on the victims families, being that many of them were breadwinners in their household.
-Anna Jensen
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/14/world/africa/sierra-leone-explosion-healthcare.html
