Please Don't Stop the Music

In Somalia, a powerful Islamic militant group is ordering the radio stations to stop playing music because it was un-Islamic. These radio stations have ten days to comply and "The punishment for failing to comply was not specified but 11 radio stations based in the capital, Mogadishu, are thought to be directly affected. " Many of these radio stations fear the repercussions of not shutting down the music, but to this day, the radio in Somalia is the most influential for of media.

Music records are a very popular selling item and although the threats have been made to stop listening to music, does not mean any one has really stopped. In government controlled areas, people are found every where to be listening to music, in coffee shops, on the bus, but as soon as people find themselves outside of the government controlled areas, music listening has become a sort of contraband. People stealthily find ways to listen to it without being caught. Which brings us to one of the concerns which is wether or not this Islamic group can back up their threats. Will they be able to force the radio stations to stop playing music? Or will music grow more powerful in the face of an idle threat?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8604830.stm
Submitted by Tieren Dokes

US and Russia to sign nuclear arms treaty

US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev are due to sign a landmark nuclear arms treaty in the Czech capital Prague. By signing this treaty the United States and Russia, the two largest nuclear superpowers are sending a message to the rest of the world that they are ready to "lead". This is a huge step for both the US and Russia because this treaty will be the most comprehensive weapons control agreement in nearly two decades, and it will mark a new level of trust between them. By doing so they will set the new bar worldwide for nuclear stock hold, assuming that both of them uphold the agreement. One thing that could endanger the entire treaty is if Obama continues with his missile shield plan, which Russia was quite unhappy about. This treaty could either end nuclear warfare once and for all, which was Obama's intention all along, or it will backfire on him and possible lead to another nuclear conflict.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8607985.stm

Submitted by: Nate Heberlein

Palestinian Peace Efforts

By: Jenica Alsip

http://http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/07/world/middleeast/07westbank.html

Palestinian party Fatah is helping lead the way of a peaceful demonstrations in the West Bank areas. Prime Minister Salam Fayyad is seeming to be taking more action to back up his statements encouraging positive change by spending time in neglected villages helping to work on projects like sewage, education, and electricity.

However Israeli troops are stating that the Peace marches are not quite as non-violent as they would have us believe. Troops say that the marches are often accompanied with stone throwing and damage to seperation barriers.

Despite that, Prime Minister Fayyad remains hopeful of building "the makings of a state" by 2011 with the support of business aspects within the state.

Problems in Iraq Causing Concerns

The recent violence in Iraq is starting to bring up fears that there will be an uprising of insurgent and sectarian violence. Besides all of this violence, the Iraqi people have many other issues to be concerned about. They are trying to fight what is left of Al Qaeda, who is threatening violence. Also, they recent democratic elections have not left one group in charge to keep order. On top of that, many people are concerned that the Iraqi police force and army are going to slip back into being sectarian. If this happens, the Iraqi people will have no one to look to. Especially since U.S. combat troops are coming home in August, and all troops are expected to be out in 2011. With the election confusion, the unreliability on the police force, all of the violence, and trying to fight what remains of Al Qaeda, Iraq has a lot to worry about. Especially when the United States is going to be taken out of the equation all together.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/07/world/middleeast/07iraq.html?ref=world

Submitted by: Kathleen Tite

Pakistani Lawmakers Weigh Changes to Constitution to Shift Power and Steady the State

Pakistan's parliament started debating new amendments that would greatly change their constitution and government. These new amendments will help fix Pakistan's government, and make them a democracy. They will have a parliament, with a Prime Minster. This will take all the power away from the current president, whose power was granted to him by the military autocrats, but the new amendments will change all of that, and give some power back to the civilians. The problem is that a government has never lasted a full term there, and some are concerned that the new laws will not really be respected. This will impact the United States, because the Obama administration has been wanting a civil government in Pakistan, with these new amendments that will be possible. Others are concerned that there is going to be a security issue with the United States. This shift in power in the government in Pakistan may have an effect on the United States, but it will have a greater impact on the people of Pakistan.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/07/world/asia/07pstan.html?ref=world

Submitted by: Kathleen Tite

Turmoil in Central Asia

Violence and chaos has erupted in Bishek, the capital city of Kyrgystan in Central Asia. Controversy facing current president Kurmanbek Bakiyev over corruption claims and rising costs has led many citizens to protest and revolt against the current government in hopes of setting up a "people's government." The whereabouts of members of the Kyrgyz government, including the president, are unknown as violence continues and the deaths of protesters continue to rise in three separate cities where turmoil is occurring. This unrest is also of great importance to America as Kyrgystan is home to a US military base and is used to supply troops fighting in Afghanistan.

Submitted by: Mary Naset

Thai Parliament stormed

Thailand has been placed under a state of emergency only hours after its Parliament was stormed by a group of protesters, The United Front For Democracy Against Dictatorship. These protesters are in favor of Thailand's former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, who fled Thailand in 2008 but remains popular to this day. The current Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, addressed the nation and said that this state of emergency is meant to "restore peace and order and to stop the spreading of false information to the Thai public."

By: Anna Moric

Obama's Idealistic World

President Obama described his new strategy this past Monday April 5, as part of a world wide effort towards making nuclear weapons obsolete, and to create incentives for countries to give up their nuclear ambitions. Obama dreams of a world without nuclear weapons, like President Kennedy, but has said that it was unlikely to be achieved in his lifetime, looking to only prevent nuclear terrorism through specific steps that lessen threats. For the first time the U.S. is committed to not use nuclear weapons against nonnuclear states that are in compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty even if they attacked the U.S. with biological or chemical weapons, where as White House officials now want the option to reconsider nuclear retaliation. Obama’s goal is to strengthen the NPT and get other countries on the same page about loose nuclear materials, excluding Iran and North Korea hoping that his new policy having been executed will have increasingly isolated them as long as they are operating outside of the NPT. To read in more detail about Obama’s intended new strategy here is a link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/06/world/06arms.html?scp=1&sq=april%206,%202010&st=cs

Submitted by: Jessica Seggman

Obama limits use of stick

President Obama has set new guidelines for when the United States uses nuclear weapons. Getting rid of most of the guesswork that's been around since the start of the cold war, he commits the US to not use nuclear weapons against countries that are in compliance with the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) even if they attacked the US with biochemical weapons or a crippling cyber attack, instead going for "conventional weapons." I don't know about this...if a country hits the United States with a crippling attack of any kind I would want us to have the nuclear option available.

By: Justin Lynch

America saving lives in Uganda

As this 60 Minutes piece shows, America is saving lives a world away. President Bush started a program that sends aid to African countries (Uganda is profiled in the story) that pays for drugs that attack HIV and AIDS. As a result, having HIV-AIDS is no longer a death sentence. The story also details some fascinating cultural differences: polygamy is common, fidelity in marriage is rare, and "sugar daddies"-rich older men that can sleep with younger women- are a part of society. With an ABC campaign-Abstinence, Being faithful, Condoms-Uganda is trying to combat the disease and the problem that the American aid brings, that HIV-AIDS is no longer a death sentence. This really cuts through the jumble of foreign politics and gets to the positive effects that result through international relations.

By: Justin Lynch

Obama, Sarkozy discuss Iran sanctions, global economy

With the tensions about ambiguous Iran's nuclear programs growing in recent months, the President Obama and French President Sarzoky called for toucher U.N sanctions. The two agreed that all nations must support the sanctions as Iran's possible development of nuclear weapons is threat to international security and peace. Mr. Obama said that the sanctions should be imposed as soon as possible emphasizing the importance of the issue. Mr. Sarzoky also said the France supports the war in Afghanistan as, "By fighting in Afghanistan, what we are fighting for is world security, quite simply." France is one of the permanent member of the U.N Security Council who supports sanctions along with U.K, U.S but China and Russia had been resistent. Although Iran claims that the nuclear activities in the country are for peaceful purposes, the U.S and other nations suspect Iran of nuclear weapon developments. Read more at http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/03/30/obama.sarkozy/index.html?hpt=T2

Submitted By: Namgyel Dorji

Thailand in crisis

The deadline for Thailand's prime minister to dissolve Parliament and have new elections has passed but demonstrations are expected to continue for days. This is all the result of the current prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva taking power in a military coup in 2006 because the prime minister at the time Thaksin Shinawatra had supposedly been running a corrupt government and abusing power, but was popular and was a member of the party that won two elections. We'll see how this goes...

By: Justin Lynch

Massive Power Blackout Leaves Chile in the Dark

Chile has focused their efforts on the major earthquake that occurred roughly two weeks ago, as well as after shock tremors. On Sunday night, a widespread blackout occurred in Chile, leaving over 90% of Chile without power. The blackout was caused by a failure in the country's central electric system, but it is still unclear what led to the failure. The subway system in Chile was affected by the blackout, which resulted in a large scale evacuation of all passengers. Almost a full country losing power is a frightening thought and has the potential to produce chaos. Chile is working to have the system and power back up and running.

By: Alyssa Rabulinski

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

Looks like we don't have to worry about China...

Just kidding. While this is just one story about how some younger workers in a Chinese province are hesitant to take factory jobs, this is a pretty interesting case of Generation Y kids not going for the first job that shows up in a country that probably more than any other has benefited from globalization.

By: Justin Lynch

RUSSIA AND INDIA STRENGTHEN THE EXISTING TIES

The Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir V. Putin, visited India recently where he received a warm reception from his counterpart, Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. India and Russia enjoyed a long history of friendship which became even important after post-cold-war. While in India, Mr. Putin signed a series of agreement ranging from nuclear to military issues. As India's economy grows rapidly, Russia remains it's main ally in the areas of energy investment and also India purchases most of it's military weapons from Russia. The two countries make up half of the BRIC Group, the fastest growing economies other two being China and Brazil. India is considered the second-fastest growing economy which led many firms around the world to compete on lucrative contracts to build plants there. Read more at: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/13/world/asia/13india.html?ref=world

Submitted By: Namgyel Dorji

Bill Gates Surpassed as World's Richest Man

According to Forbes Magazine's list of the world's richest people released today, Bill Gates has been surpassed by Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim. Although Slim's net worth only exceeds Gates's by $500 million, the news is significant as this is only the second time since 1995 that Gates was not listed as the richest. Slim has primarily made his fortune through a variety of telecom assets, and recently made a $250 million investment in the New York Times. Slim joins a growing number of billionaires to make Forbes's list from the developing world: two billionaires from India and one from Brazil are included on the top 10 list.

Chris Bilbro

U.S. condemns Israel's Construction of Homes in East Jerusalem

Vice President Joe Biden today that the U.S. is not in favor of Israel's decision to build 1,600 houses in a highly disputed area. Biden is the highest ranking member of the Obama administration to visit Israel, and met today with Israeli leaders to discuss plans to restart the peace process with Palestine. According to Biden, "The substance and timing of the announcement, particularly with the launching of proximity talks, is precisely the kind of step that undermines the trust we need right now." Unsurprsingly, lead Palestinian negotiators believe Israel's announcement of plans to build these homes is a deliberate attempt to derail peace talks. Indirect talks began between the two sides after an entire year of stalled negotiations. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has previously refused to enter negotiations unless Israel stops settlement construction in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Chris Bilbro

Iceland votes down debt deal

In an interesting (yet expected) development out of Iceland, voters there have overwhelmingly opposed a measure to repay Britain and the Netherlands for a bank that failed. The measure would have cost Icelandic families at least $135 per month for eight years...can you blame them for defeating it with 93% of the vote?

By: Justin Lynch

Hundreds slaughtered in Nigeria religious violence

The North and South of Nigeria are battling over their religious beliefs. The North being predominantly Muslim and the South being Christian has created a clash causing hundreds of lives. The Fulanis started attacking Sunday by killing anyone who didn't respond in Fulani when asked who they were. It was a massive attacks with machetes and there have been at least 200 confirmed deaths, although it has been reported there were twice the amount, but no one has claimed that's true. The Christians feel unsafe and is frustrated with the government not controlling them, and said they will fight back if attacked again. The President has said they will have people guarding the border to keep fighters from entering with weapons and causing further violence, yet reporters have been able to travel freely, so this has yet to be the case. With more than 600 people fleeing to makeshift camps provided by the Red Cross, the devastation has been felt. Hopefully the government can settle this religious dispute, yet as we see playing out in other areas of the world this is often not the case. Only time can tell.
By: Lindsay Weidling

North Korea Abandons Truce and Agreement

North Korea has stated that it will no longer move towards nuclear disarmament. The U.S. and South Korea had a joint military exercise that provoked North Korea. In response to them stated that it was the U.S. and South Korea were disrupting the peace and violating the truce that brought the Korean War to a standstill. Another response to the military exercise is the fact that North Korea would actually step up their nuclear program in order to prepare their defenses.

By: Albie Braun

More than 100 Deaths in an Attack on a Nigerian Town

On Sunday, a Christian group was attacked in the town Dogo Nahauwa, just south of Jos. As of now, the attack killed 107 people, according to Choji Gyang, a religious affairs adviser. The people of Dogo Nahauwa are predominantly Derom, an ethnic group that has mostly Christian beliefs. Currently, the government believes the attackers to be members of the Islamic Hause-Fulani group. The attackers set buildings ablaze and attacked the townspeople with machetes. 48 people are still hospitalized from the attacks. Vice President Goodluck Jonathan is asking the people of Nigeria to be peaceful through these tense, turbulent times. Unfortunately, the attacks were not a surprise. Nigeria has large populations of Christian and Muslims; both groups have been part of a back and forth battle over the years.

By: Alyssa Rabulinski

Can Democracy Work in Iraq?

Much valid criticism over whether democracy can or will work in Iraq is supported by political, economic and cultural specialists. From an intercultural perspective, one would say that Democracy does not represent the values nor world view of the people of that region, and that their are multiple other forms of government that would suite the nation much better, such as oligarchy.

Recently however, despite voters being threatened from Al-Qaida announcements that anyone who went to the voting booths would be attacked be attacked, this Sunday, the voting turnout for the general election in Baghdad was over 50%.

The Prime Minister,Nuri al-Maliki, Stated that the attacks "are only noise to impress voters but Iraqis are a people who love challenges and you will see that this will not damage their morale."

Khaled Abdallah, 35,one of the citezens who voted expressed "My vote today is a defiance of Al-Qaeda,".

Greg Voegtle

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100307/wl_afp/iraqvote

Iranian president: 9/11 was 'big lie'

According to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 were nothing more than a "big lie" intended to "pave the way for the invasion of a war-torn nation." Ahmadinejad's comments come just two days before his scheduled arrival in Afghanistan. Ahmadinejad thinks the attacks were used as an excuse to pursue the extermination of terrorist networks and to invade Afghanistan. This isn't the first time Iran's president has denied significant historic events; Ahmadinejad has also denied the existence of the Nazi holocaust during World War II. I suppose we should just expect the Iranian president to continue making outrageous remarks towards the west so long as he remains in power.

By: Cameron Adams

Iraq's Violent Elections

Polls are now closed for Iraq's second parliamentary elections since the 2003 U.S. invasion. While polls were open, many places were attacked, especially in the capital city. Two buildings were destroyed and many others hit by mortars. To combat the violence and allow thousands waiting in line to vote, more than 500,000 Iraqi security personnel were used in the operation. Security measures included pat-downs before entering buildings, no cars allowed on the roads, and the border with Iran to be closed. Despite these measures, at least 35 people died in attacks. Islamic militant groups were responsible for the attacks and had even promised to try to stop the voting process in any way they can. Before the election, they distributed fliers to deter people from coming. However, the resultant crowds were steady throughout the country, even in areas that have refused to vote previously. The turnout seems to suggest that these people are ready to move on. They stood up despite threats to their very lives in order to help their government's process.

By Abbey Smith

U.S. Circulates New Draft Proposal for Iran Sanctions

With the growing tentions about the Iran's nuclear program, the United States is drafting a new and much toucher sanction against Iran. The sanction is focused more on activities like banking that would affect Iran's economy. It is not clear if China and Russia would support this sanction especially China who remained resistant to the idea of more stringen sanctions. Despite Iran's claim that the nuclear program is totally for peaceful purposes, the West and international community fear that Iran is moving towards developing nuclear weapons. Read more at: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/04/world/04sanctions.html?ref=middleeast

Submitted By; Namgyel Dorji

Resolution Genocide

After much controversy, debate, and uncertainty, the United States House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee has approved a resolution naming the WWI violence against Armenians a Genocide. Whether or not this resolution will pass in the House is still in question; but the first steps have been taken to naming this past atrocity in a rightful way. If this resolution is passed, it can be sure that tensions between the US and Turkey will rise, and whether or not the US will be able to maintain their bases within Turkeys' boarders is uncertain.
by megan smith

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

Muslim Scholar Issues Fatwa on Suicide Bombers

Today Muslim scholar Tahir ul-Qadri issued a fatwa, or religious ruling, condemning terrorist attacks. According to ul-Qadri's 600 page fatwa, terrorists, particularly in the form of suicide bombers, will be condemned to hell for violating principles of Islam. ul-Qadri is founder of Minhaj-ul-Quran, an organization followed by hundreds of thousands of Muslims in South Asia and the United Kingdom. This fatwa is particularly notable given his prominence, and is widely considered the most comprehensive argument against Islamic terrorism from within the Islamic community to date. According to ul-Qadri, "Violence is violence. It has no place in Islamic teaching, and no justification can be provided to it ..."

Chris bilbro

Ex-Bosnian Leader Wanted by both Serbia and Bosnia

Serbia and Bosnia are both demanding custody of a former Bosnian leader arrested in London for war crime allegations. Ejup Ganic, the former Bosnian deputy President, was detained at a British airport on a Serbian warrant on Monday. He is suspected of having ordered the killing of more than 40 retreating Yugoslav army soldiers at the beginning of the Balkan conflict. Both Serbia and Bosnia are demanding extradition of Ganic, further straining relationships between the two countries on the tail of the trial of Bosnian Serb Leader Radovan Karadzic at the Hague. While no formal charges have been filed in either country, according to Bosnian president member Haris Silajdzic, Ganic's arrest undermines Bosnia's sovereignty. Silajdzic believes Serbian calls for extradition are evidence of an attempt to discredit the country's “legitimate defense” against what Bosnia sees as Serbian aggression in the war.

Chris Bilbro

Ex-rebel prisoner sworn in as president of Uruguay

Going from a rebel that served time in prison to being a president of a country is exactly what just happened to Jose Mujica in Uruguay. Judging from the guest list (the presidents of most South American countries, as well as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton) Uruguay is an important symbol of the growing leftist movement in South America, and its progress will be watched closely. Undoubtedly, we don't want Uruguay getting too close with Hugo Chavez, one of the attendees. Jose Mujica has promised to be left-leaning but centrist, and has already made some populist moves like donating most of his salary to the homeless and staying in his small ranch instead of the presidential palace.

By: Justin Lynch

Battle over using the word genocide

As 60 Minutes showed this past Sunday, there is a battle going on between the Turkish government and Armenians over the forced deportation and massacre of over a million Armenians by the Turks. Rather than calling it what it was, a genocide, Turkey has refused to acknowledge it (the Turkish ambassador says in the interview "bones can be found anywhere in Turkey") and the United States has gone along with this...even though President Obama promised on the campaign trail to confront Turkey over this shameful episode in history. Instead, Turkey's importance as a military transport area and broker with the Muslim world has lead America to tread lightly.

By: Justin Lynch

Darfur Fighting

As the Sudanese Government clashes with Darfur there is no exact death toll yet recorded. No one is able to access the battlezone and even the spokesperson for UN relief in Darfur was unable to confirm a death count. However, there have been thousands upon thousands of civilians forced from their homes. The situation heated up after the main rebel group signed a peace deal with Khartoum about a month ago. The Sudanese Government has been bombing the area day and night. Some view this as an action to get shared power in Khartoum, yet the end result has yet to play out.
By: Lindsay Weidling

Storm batters Europe, at least 55 dead

A winter storm by the name "Xynthia" smashed into Western Europe on Sunday. The storm was said to have hit France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and England with deaths being reported in all nations. According to the report France was hit the hardest of the affected countries. There are 55 deaths being reported initially and that number could very well rise in the coming days. The death toll in France sits at 45 right now, with most of the victims dying from drowning. French Prime Minister Francois Fillon declared the storm a "national catastrophe." He also went on to add, "now the priority is to bring all the people left homeless and still threatened by the rising waters to safety, all services are mobilized to reach that goal as soon as possible."

By: Cameron Adams

Earthquake Strikes Chile

Another earthquake has rocked the earth, this time hitting in Chile. With a second massive earthquake this year, storms ripping through Europe, and tsunamis crashing Hawaii, movies like 2012 seem a little too realistic. This newest earthquake was one of the most powerful on record, but unlike Haiti, Chile was at least a little prepared. The death toll is currently at 700, but rescue efforts are underway to save those still trapped under rubble. 1.5 million homes were damaged, along with bridges and roads. The damage is estimated to be $15 to $30 billion, but the country did not initially ask for aid. However, the president has now said that some aid will be accepted. In the areas of worst devastation, troops have been deployed to prevent looting, and in some areas a curfew has even been set. These procedures are all to help speed up the process of rescue efforts. Despite this severe damage, however, Chile is already beginning to bounce back. The airport in Santiago has reopened, many roads are passable with detours and there are efforts to return electricity to areas that lost power. Though the Chilean earthquake landed much higher than Haiti's on the magnitude scale, it appears that Chile will fair much better than Haiti did.

By Abbey Smith

Chinese Lunar New Year Gone Wrong

Chinese citizens have been celebrating the lunar new year with parades and most famous, spectacular firework shows. The United States over the years has begun to crack down on firework use, including it being illegal here in the state of Illinois. Fireworks are a large industry in China and are not hard for any citizen to buy and set off. This is the cause of the horrific firework explosion Friday night. In Guangdong Province, a family was lighting fireworks in front of their home when one of the fireworks set the house ablaze. This caused the major explosion that killed 13 people on scene, another 6 were declared dead at the hospital, and 50 others sustained injuries. The lunar new year is suppose to be the start of a new year where you start with a clean slate and begin a new, fresh year; this tragedy has left a dark mark on the lives of those involved with this large accident.

By: Alyssa Rabulinki

The Problem with Anarchy

According to the BBC, Somali militants have been blocking UN food aid meant to be delivered to displaced Somalians. Though the militants claim that farming has increased enough to feed the large numbers or displaced people, there is no way to verify the claim. With the nation having been in a constant state of stress and turmoil since the governmental collapse in 1991, WFP has been one of the only solid sources of aid helping the country recover. With the African Union currently maintaining peace in parts of Mogadishu, much of southern Somalia is under militant control. With instability now for a solid 20 years, one has to wonder when the international community will begin to aid with more than just food. If a country can not reestablish a true government in that long of a time, it might be a signal that they need a little help in the right direction.
by. megan smith.

UK Troops in Afghanistan

While General David Richards expects the military conflict to "trail off in 2011", he also plans to remain in Afghanistan for five more years. As of now, "they will continue in training and support roles." He has hopes their combat roles will dwindle, but believes the UK will "be committed to Afghanistan in some manner for the next 30 or 40 years." Now that the UK has the resources they need, Sir David has no intention of leaving. With combat roles fading out however, it seems conflict may lessen. Final reports in this article also claim, "The Taliban is now beginning to realise that they can lost this war, which was not the view they had a year ago." These findings seem hoepful for all those involved, and may have a more peaceful ending for all those involved.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8540402.stm

Posted By: Meredith Hess

Israel Talks to China

As everyone has read, Iran has started to make a push to an official nuclear program. The international community is now trying to find a way to avoid conflict but at the same time stop the nation from continuing the process. Israel sent delegates to China to talk about the situation in the Middle East. China is the largest ally that that Iran has since they are major oil buyers and trade partners. Clinton is trying to get tough sanctions against Iran instead of using military force. Despite the fact that Israel would like military approach, they have been trying to help by going to China since China has a veto power and is the only obstacle left since Russia is leaning towards imposing sanctions.

By: Albie Braun

Russia's Drug Issue

According to Victor Ivanov, "At least 30,000 people died in Russia every year from heroin, 90% of it from Afghanistan." The drug issue between Russia and Afghanistan's borders, is a continuous one; causing tensions between the two countries. Ivanov is accusing Nato for allowing this drug trade to continue. While Afghanistan is allowed to continue working on their poppy fields, the drug trade continues to thrive. "Russia is believed to have around 5 million drug addicts, half of whom are addicted to heroin." While illegal drug trafficking has become a major global issue, the tensions between Russia and Afghanistan continue to grow. With such a large population addicted to Afghanistan's drug of choice, Russia is desperate to find a solution, and gain the aid to stop trade.

Posted By: Meredith Hess