Cyber Wars: Backlash of the Internet

Iran has arrested 30 people for waging what it called an organized, U.S.-backed cyber war against the nation. The government is accusing W. Bush of supplying $400 million for a cyber war project. As a matter of fact

One branch of the project, dubbed the "Iran Proxy," was capable of infiltrating Iran's data banks, sabotaging its Web sites, and facilitating contacts between Iranian opposition figures and U.S.-funded media like Voice of America radio and Radio Farda, according to Fars.

I think that the public in general has been sleeping on the new threats that the Internet poses. When we were discussing the decline of the US hegemony, we addressed the convergence of the previous and emerging powers and how that transition has been traditionally violent and resulted in war. I think the next shift may very well be technological warfare. Every major shift has set precedent, the trench warfare that essentially emerged for the first time in WWII, solidified the US hegemony. I propose that whoever is successful in the new technological age will be the next hegemonic state. Iran has every right to be concerned if this was actually occurring. If the US is able to continue advance at an astronomical pace technologically in comparison to other nations, they may very well be able to delay the expiration on their global position.

by Sarah Richardson

Iran is BAD because WE don't like them!

I thought that this was particularly relevant considering our Security Council similation earlier this term. The United States is now attempting to strong arm sanctions against Iran. It is yet another example of the United States using its money and power to try and influence the international community. Although Brazil's reluctance probably won't hold much weight in the final decision, kudos to them for stading up and trying to maintain their own voice in the international community.

by Sarah Richardson

First Talk with the Big Dog

by Sarah Richardson

Yesterday the US Treasury Chief left for China for the first major visit of the Obama administration. The idea is to strengthen the US-China relationship. Some are concerned based on the recently increased debt and dependence on China. I thought that it was particularly interesting considering our recent discussion about new world powers on the rise. The fact that China is concerned about the security of their investment in the American economy is something to think about.

Separation of Church and State

by Sarah Richardson

Bibles are burned in response to a breach in the military rules of the war in Afghanistan. Military officials say that it was a difficult decision but that is was necessary for security reasons. Some Christians expressed their concern that there was too much consideration for not offending Muslims that they have committed a great offense to Christians. One official highlighted the presumable up rise from the Muslim community if they were to "take a bunch of Koran and burn them."

However, I think that the situation is being taken out of context. It was clearly stated that religion was not to be proliferated in the agenda in Afghanistan and the bibles were written in the two most popular languages in the country, not in English. They were sent by a church, not carried by the troops themselves. There is good reason to believe that they were going to be used in a way that would breech the contract and cause issues. Not to say that America is privy to keeping its word in wartime.

I guess the question at hand though is was it necessary to burn them? Now this, I think is different. Why they couldn't be returned or confiscated and retained until a later date I don't know. It does seem to be an extremely disrespectful thing to do.

No Plan? No Money.

by Sarah Richardson

I'm glad to see that Congress is holding President Obama accountable. As much as I love him, I completely disagree with a passive party just because their candidate is in office. I think that this is a sign that America might be making some progress.

The issue at hand in this specific article is the closing of Guantanamo Bay. Although Pres. Obama has signed an exec order for the base to be closed by Jan 22, 2010, congress is requiring a detailed plan w=of where each prisoner will be expedited to. This may be a slow down, but I think that it is a good system that forces the president to think all the way through things and avoid stupid mistakes (ah hem. Afghanistan, I mean Iraq...wait who are we fighting again?)

What was that about Cultural Relativism again?

by Sarah Richardson


I was reminded of our discussions concerning democracy being the best form of government and how to convince the rest of the world to follow along when I came across this story.

A 20 year old British woman was arrested in Loas for drug trafficking in August. She was allegedly caught with about a pound of heroine on her in the airport there after traveling, on vacation, to other parts of Asia. She has been held there ever since and has subsequentley been unable to speak with her family or a lawyer. Laos is under a communist regime at the moment and therefore have very little concern about her "inalienable rights" as her charges are

punishable by death

by firing squad.

Her case has resurfaced in the media because it has been discovered that she is now 5 months pregnant, which suggests that she was impregnanated while in prison. Laos officials say they will not execute a pregnant woman, but what is to say of her after the baby is born. Kay Danes, ex prisoner in Laos says that it is very important that the media stay involved or she may be executed after all.

So with that being said, what can be done? This is a sovereign government and she broke the law, and this is their form of punishment. Who is to say that they cannot do it?

Fear still lingers

by Sarah Richardson

trying to find something to write about besides swine flu, Somalian pirates, and Michelle Obama's popularity has been quite a task...

Nevertheless, I managed to find something. A low flying plane, later identified as Air Force One caused a scare in New York. Apparently President Obama was not aware and was furious when he found out. The bumbling Press Secretary does not help the administration either.

As of today an official apology has been released, but no one has been fired. Nevertheless it is an embarrassment for the administration that suggests that President Obama is not in full control of his administration. Not a good look as he approaches his 100th day.

Bollywood Exploitation

by Sarah Richardson

Slumdog Millionaire star, Rubina Ali is no millionaire in real life. She's actually spent all nine years of her young life in the very slum where much of the movie is filmed. A British undercover team is praised for exposing her father's plan to sell her for nearly 200,000 pounds. He says that the production crew took all the profits for themselves and the family was not properly compensated. I'd agree that that is probably true; however, SELLING your own child?

The thing I love about online articles is they usually have an area below where other readers can respond to the article. The responses to this article are particularly disturbing at times, but it's interesting to see what people have to say about it.

Latin Countries are Friends not Food!

by Sarah Richardson

This week President Obama made a vow to the countries of this hemisphere that America is ready to work as equals with the countries of Latin America. He made a particular commitment to seek a new beginning with Cuba. a CNN polled showed that 2 out of 3 Americans think that travel bans should be lifted off Cuba and the 5 decade estrangement from the country reconciled. 71 percent of Americans said that diplomatic relations with Cuba should be restored. Others think that it is death sentence. When Cubans were interviewed, they were open to conversation with the US but felt that they had never been the ones to stop dialogue in the first place, so eventually it's up to the United States to make a move

I can't help but agree with the majority of Americans. A conversation does not mean that we become best friends, it's just an open dialogue.

Apparently it's a big deal

by Sarah Richardson

Oh is it really that big of a deal? The US conservatives are bathing in ethnocentrism once again. Apparently it's such a big beal that President Obama "bowed" to the king of Saudi Arabia that CNN felt the need to hold a street poll and the White House, a press conference. Seriously? We don't have more important things to worry about and better ways to spend our time than analyzing you tube videos in slow motion?

Some of the street poll respondants were indifferent, other's thought that "the flag doesn't bow and neither do we." However, there were people who commended President Obama on being educated and culturally sensitive. His "bow" has been compared to the G.W. Bush's visit with an Arabian prince in which he held his hand as a sign of respect. Why does it even matter?

America has quite a bit of learning to do.