Tropical Disaster

Now it seems like the start of tropical storms season in Central America and just yesterday a tropical storm Agatha hit Guatemala, southeast Mexico and some parts of El Salvador. The storm triggered sudden rush of dirty muddy water. The storm caused about 12 people’s deaths and 11 or more people were missing. However BBC news said that Guatemala was the worst hit country and 63 people were killed. It rained about 30 inches in Guatemala, SE Mexico and El Salvador till Sunday. Before the Agatha storm hit Guatemala, there was a volcano that erupted and killed about three people although more than 1,800 people were evacuated out safely in advance. The capital’s international airport was shut down due to the volcano eruption. As the storm Agatha moved farther northeast, it slowly disintegrated. President Colom said that the weather will clear up soon and necessary supplies will be sent to those affected places. Read more at http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/weather/05/29/guatemala.agatha/index.html?hpt=T2

Submitted by David Gum Awng

France steps up to help Rwanda

France just arrested a Rwandan doctor that was suppected of participating in the Genocide in 1994. Eugene Rwamucyo was arrested on a warrent issued by Rwanda. He was a doctor in France and a month before his arrest he was dismissed from one of the hospital there. France is committed to helping with the detainment of all suspect in the case. This move will also improve the relationship between Rwanda and France.

Jessica Branch
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/europe/10170843.stm

China urges region to step back from Korea clash

South Korea and Japan blame North Korea for torpedoing South Korea's Cheonan which killed 46 sailors. China, North Korea's biggest trade partner, has declined to to publicly join international condemnation of North Korea, saying it is still assessing evidence. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao kept to that stance on a two-day summit which was originally meant to focus on regional economic integration. Wen didn't give any indication that China would accept an effort to condemn or sanction North Korea. As a permanent member of the Security Council, China can veto any resolution or statement.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE64T0ID20100530

Submitted by Derald Willey

China's Stance on South Korea's Ship

Saturday China offered its condolences for South Korea's sunken ship. As everyone knows, South Korea has blamed North Korea for the sinking of their warship in March. The world has been waiting for China's response because it has been an ally to North Korea and everyone was unsure if China would try to shield them. There has been pressure on them to reign North Korea in due to there influential role as an ally. Prime Minister Wen Jiabao of China was in a three-way summit on the southern Korean island of Jeju with the leaders of South Korea and Japan. He was also quoted on Friday saying that Beijing "will not protect anyone". This would come after there was a definite conclusion on the cause of the sinking. Investigators concluded that the torpedo that sunk the ship was from a North Korean vessel, however North Korea is calling the reports "fake" because they don't even own the type of ship said to have been used. South Korea is hoping for more sanctions on North Korea. Japan has already bans trade with North Korea, but has furthered this by lowering the amount of undeclared cash that could be carried there.

by Jenae Harner

Robin Hood in Jamaica

Violence has flared in Kingston neighborhoods of Tivoli Gardens and Denham Town. Christopher "Dudus" Coke, suspected drug kingpin is wanted in Jamaica as wall as the United States, Security forces in Jamaica plan to renew a push Monday to arrest the accused drug lord at the center of violence that has now killed an estimated 76 people.

The high death toll is a result of violence triggered by Jamaican authorities' attempts to arrest Coke, Ellington said. The dead include 73 civilians, two police officers & one soldier, authorities have also detained more than 700 people. Coke has a heroic reputation in Kingston's slums. He has been likened to Robin Hood & Jesus because he has helped the community by handing out food, sending children to school & building medical centers, according the CNN wire staff.

Link: http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/05/29/jamaica.violence/index.html

Submitted By: Brian C. Gaddis

Difficulties with Early Elections in Thailand

After two months of particular inflamed protesting in & around Bangkok, the Thai government is looking to move forward with elections. Despite the want & need to move forward, it will be difficult for Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to hold a November election as he proposed.

According to Bloomberg Businessweek, “It’s a lot more difficult now to have elections before the end of the year because the November date was set with the protesters joining in the plan right from the start,” Abhisit told foreign reporters today in Bangkok. “Because that hasn’t happened, it’s going to take a while longer to establish the right kind of environment.”

For the last 53 days, there has been a state of emergency in the capital & other parts of Thailand. The curfew imposed on May 19 was just lifted today when a military assault on anti-government protesters seeking an immediate election ended two months of rallies & arson attacks.
Abhisit aims to restore international confidence in Thailand after clashes between troops & protesters, which left at least 85 people dead. Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said on May 24 that losses from tourism revenue and investments should be expected because of the rallies, which may shave about two percentage points from economic growth this year.

Link: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-05-29/thai-early-election-difficult-after-dispersal-abhisit-says.html

Submitted By: Brian C. Gaddis

Pakistan mosque raids kill scores

There has been simultaneous raids on two different mosques of the minority Ahmadi Islamic sect in Lahore, killing more than 80 people, Launched by several gunmen. No one has laid claims to the attacks yet, but the Pakistani Taliban is suspected. Pakistani forces secured both buildings, & searching for militants who fled the scene after attackers fired guns and threw grenades at worshippers during Friday prayers. Three militants later blew themselves up with suicide vests.

Lahore has been the scene of a string of brazen attacks, at least 45 people were killed in March when two suicide bombers attacked a crowded residential area. More recently the attacks come as controversy rages in Pakistan over a competition on Facebook which invited people to draw cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.

Link:

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-05-28/gunmen-kill-71-in-attacks-on-sect-mosques-in-pakistan-update2-.html

Submitted By: Brian C. Gaddis

China seeks assurance from Patil on Tibet issue

The Chinese government brought up several issues during the visit of Indian President Pratibha Patil in Beijing. The Tibet issue was one of them. The Chinese official asked if India recognizes Tibet as an integral part of China to which the President responded by saying yes. The President also assured that anti-China protests are not allowed in India as promised. According to Indian officials, the Chinese government seek the same assurance about the issue from any visiting head of the states. The leaders also touched on the topics such as reaching the bilateral trade target of $60 billion and improving business relations between the two nations as well. Read more at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/china/China-seeks-assurance-from-Patil-on-Tibet-issue/articleshow/5986186.cms

Submitted By: Namgyel Dorji

Volcanic Eruptions in Both Guatemala and Ecuador

Guatemala:
Thursday Guatemala's Pacaya volcano erupted covering the capital city in ash and shutting down the international airport. A television reporter was killed when he got to close to the volcano. At least three others have been reported dead. In 1998 the volcano twice erupted and force evacuations.

Ecuador: Tungurahua volcano also erupted blowing ash over Ecuador's most populous city. Flights were canceled, but neither of these volcanoes had the same affect on air travel as Iceland's recent volcanic eruption. At least 1,910 people have been moved to shelters. As of Thursday 800 homes were damaged. The ash was up to three inches thick in some parts of the city. In 2006 eruptions buried whole villages leaving thousands homeless.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/9102028

Submitted By: Erin Burneson

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Working Towards Nuclear Disarmament

The current nations of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty have come to a solution and consensus that includes a document that will lead to nuclear disarmament in the future.  This new agreement is considered a "crucial step" for the treaty that hasn't really come a long way over the last several years.  One of the important parts of the deal includes "[holding] talks in 2012" for halting nuclear weapons in the Middle East.  Also important is the five nuclear weapon holding states agreeing to dismantle and disable some of their arms.  Recently, some of these states have come forward with how many arms they currently have, which is a start to potential nuclear disarmament.  Another significant factor discussed is Israel, which is assumed to holding nuclear weapons, but not openly acknowledging that it does.  And one of the problems the Non-Proliferation Treaty faces is how to deal with Iran and its nuclear production.  

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/us_and_canada/10185256.stm

Submitted By: Hanna Khan

Over 80 people killed in Pakistan

The attacks targeted the meeting places of a small religious group in Lahore, Pakistan. The attackers used various methods to destroy two mosques. There was witness of suicide bombers, gunmen and grenade use. The group, Ahmadi, believes themselves to be part of the Muslim faith. However, the government does not make the same recognition. They have been restricted by the government and discriminated against by other Muslims.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05/28/pakistan.violence/index.html

Submitted by: Mallory Neumann

Supply Convoy to Gaza Will Be Re-Routed

A supply convoy headed for Gaza will be rerouted, according to Israeli government officials. There’s a blockade that has been imposed since 2007 that blocks their direct route to Gaza. The government has agreed to allow the flotilla to dock at Ashdod, a port in Israel, unload the supplies and then transfer it to Gaza. The convoy is made of up two groups, the Free Gaza Movement which is a pro-Palestinian human rights organization and the IHH movement which is a Turkish humanitarian relief foundation that is affiliated with the Islamic Brotherhood. According to them the convoy is carrying construction material, medical equipment, school supplies and 750 activists of various nationalities.

The government is clearly upset about this, a spokesman saying that this is “"a cheap political stunt. If they were really interested in the well being of the people of Gaza, they would have accepted the offers of Egypt or Israel to transfer humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, along with the other 15 thousand tons sent every week." Ambassadors from the countries that the convoy departed from have been called to meet with the director general of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make it clear that the convoy is being seen as a provocation and that there aren’t any shortages in Gaza humanitarian or otherwise.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/05/27/gaza.aid.convoy/index.html

Submitted By : Emily Schaub

Chinese Apple Assembly Suicides

An Apple plant in China has recently had some terrible happenings. Tuesday a 19 year old "fell" to his death. It was actual a suicide and was the ninth one to occur this year. The actual plant is very large and not run directly by Apple but by Foxconn, which also makes products for Hewlett Packard and Dell. Apple representatives have said that they are extremely concerned about these happenings. They have issued a statement saying that they are in direct contact with Foxconn senior management and are taking steps to make sure "that conditions throughout our supply chain are safe and workers are treated with respect and dignity." It was almost devastating news for the Apple Company; tomorrow they will be releasing the new ipad to other countries. Hopefully Foxconn shapes up or Apple's going to be looking for a new manufacturing firm. Suspected reasons are long work hours, low pay and psychological pressures. Labor activists across China are suspicious of the working conditions in other assembly plants, particularly ones run by Taiwanese Foxconn. Some activists in Hong Kong are even calling for a boycott of the next generation of iphones. Time will tell, but I have a feeling if Foxconn doesn't shape up Apple will be dumping them, and who knows maybe Dell and HP will follow suit.

Submitted By: Emily Schaub

clear pixel North Korea to Suspend Naval Hot Line With South

North and South Korea have been argueing about a west side boarder ever since the Korean War ended with a truce in 1953. However, on Thursday North Korea’s military leaders said it would “completely nullify” a 2004 accord that wants to end unjustified firing/tension along the disputed western sea border. They did this with an exercise of ten shitps, including a 3,500 ton destroyer, far below the disputed areas just to demonstrate its power. This has been such a problem that there has been three bloody maritime battles in the past decade. What this truce means is that now they will communicate on the same radio frequency and be able to communicate together to avoid conflicts at Sea and handle emergencies. "Tension on the divided peninsula has escalated since a team of international investigators said last week that a North Korean submarine torpedoed the Cheonan a South Korean navy corvette, killing 46 sailors, in waters south of a western sea border drawn unilaterally by the United nations after the war. The South defends the border, but the North rejects it."

By:Chase Pavlick
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/28/world/asia/28korea.html?hp

By:Chase Pavlick

More elements added to Obama Doctrine

The Obama administration has just released their redefined "National Security Strategy." The 51-page piece covers such issues as terrorism, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, policies on Iran and North Korea, expanding engagement with other major powers, and the "strong partnership" with Israel. One of the main themes presented in the report, which is required under a 1986 law that calls for the president to present an annual strategic statement, is a divergence away from a pure unilateral military approach and instead a focus on "international engagement and collaboration as first options against national security threats." Presidential advisor John Brennan, in a speech presenting the strategy, presented a change from the rhetoric of the previous administration when dealing with antiterrorism. "Our enemy is not terrorism, because terrorism is but a tactic. Our enemy is not terror, because terror is a state of mind and, as Americans, we refuse to live in fear."

Submitted by: Mary Naset

Air India workers call off strike

Air India workers have called off a two-day strike that left tens of thousands of passengers stranded after an Indian court asked them to return to work. The strike was called in protest at an alleged gag on staff speaking about the air disaster in Mangalore (which is still a mystery as to why the plane actually crashed). It left more than 100 flights canceled. During the strike several workers were dismissed, but the strike is expected to end and normal productivity should resume in a few days. This strike was a big deal locally as well because this is the first occasion where union leaders were actually dismissed. The Indian Government directed the striking employees to return to work, and called the whole situation "irresponsible." Unions are claiming that the management forbade them from talking with the press about the crash. As expected, the airline denies the union's accusations. Some Air India employees suggested that the airline was flouting safety regulations. Again, the airline denied such charges. Union leaders also said that the strike was to protest against the delay in payment of salaries.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/south_asia/10169509.stm

Submitted by: Nate Heberlein

Egypt Officials Jailed Over A Rockslide

One Cairo deputy governor has been sentenced to five years for a rockslide that happened in Cairo in September 2008. Seven other government officials were also sentenced to three years apiece. The rockslide that tore through makeshift houses in Egypt's capital was responsible for the deaths of 119 people and a great deal of property damage. After much public outcry, and a long government investigation, the court determined that the eight officials would be charged with negligence because they ignored information that wastewater seepage would cause hillside collapse. The residents should have been removed from the area before the rockslide ever hit.

Submitted By: Nora Beswick

Prince of Pot Caught

Marc Emery, a 51 year old, has finally lost his battle against extradition for selling marijuana seeds around US via mail. He could serve up to 20 years in jail. He was arrested in 2005 and now after 5 years has appeared in court and pleaded guilty. Emery was extradited from Vancouver and will have his sentence hearing August 11th of this year. He is attempting to serve his time in Canada, but supposedly he will initially be in a US prison with a possible transfer to Canada. Emery commented saying, "I think of myself as a great Canadian. I'm proud of what I've done, and I have no regrets. I have the support of hundreds of thousands, possibly millions of Canadians." (In Canada, marijuana is illegal but rarely prosecuted)

by Jenae Harner

Britain reveals size of nuclear stockpile

For the first time, Britain has revealed the number of nuclear warheads it possesses...225 total, with 160 operational. Personally I'm surprised- I thought a country of Britain's size and economic might would have more- this is compared to the United States' overwhelming 5,113 nuclear warheads. Now it'll just be a little while until Israel reveals their number...haha.

By: Justin Lynch

BP gears up for 'top kill' plan

After several unsuccessful attempts to stop the spilling of oil from the well in the Gulf of Mexico, which continues to leak, the oil company BP is set to decide whether or not to carry out their 'top kill' plan, which includes pumping mud into the well. Before the decision can be made, the procedure has to be tested several times to ensure that it is safe and will have a lasting effect. Due to the previous failed attempts, BP is under pressure to succeed this time. According to BP's team, the hole will be sealed with cement after the mud is pumped inside. It is said to have a 60-70% chance of success, and if it is approved, will be able to be watched live via a videostream of the well, which currently shows oil and gas escaping into the Gulf.

By: Anna Moric

UN Forces to be removed from Chad and Central African Republic

After deploying over 4,000 troops at the beginning of 2009, the UN Security council has voted to withdraw the troops in stages by the end of 2010. These troops were originally deployed to help protect thousands of displaced Chadians and refugees from Darfur. The Chadian president Idress Deby described the UN's efforts as a failure, and the troops no longer necessary. Though Chad requested the removal, Amnesty International is concerned that this could endanger thousands of refugees in the region. Chad currently holds over 260,000 refugees from the Darfur region. This decision from Chad comes during a patching of relationships between the country and Sudan.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/10159089.stm

by: Shauntal Van Dreel

U.S. Is Said to Expand Secret Actions in Mideast

The top American commander in the Middle East has ordered a broad expansion of clandestine military activity in an effort to disrupt militant groups or counter threats in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and other countries in the region, according to defense officials and military documents.These special and secret military actions give then the ability too go into the Middle East, Central Asia and the Horn of Africa to gather intelligence and build ties with local forces. Officials said the order also permits reconnaissance that could pave the way for possible military strikes in Iran if tensions over its nuclear ambitions escalate. "While the Bush administration had approved some clandestine military activities far from designated war zones, the new order is intended to make such efforts more systematic and long term, officials said. Its goals are to build networks that could “penetrate, disrupt, defeat or destroy” Al Qaeda and other militant groups, as well as to “prepare the environment” for future attacks by American or local military forces, the document said."

By: Chase Pavlick

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/25/world/25military.html?hp


By: chase pavlick

il Hits Home, Spreading Arc of Frustration

In the last week, the oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico has revealed itself to an angry and desperate public, smearing tourist beaches, washing onto the shorelines of sleepy coastal communities and oozing into marshy bays that fishermen have worked for generations. It showed its face through the use of killing off some of the state birds, brown pelicans, in its early stage. More than a month has passed since the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig blew up, spewing immeasurable quantities of oil into the Gulf of Mexico and frustrating all efforts to contain it. The billowing plume of undersea oil and water has thwarted the industry’s well-control efforts and driven government officials to impotent rage.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/25/science/earth/25spill.html?hp

By: Chase Pavlick

More Problems in Iraq

On Monday, Bashar Mohammed Hamid, a newly elected member to Iraq's parliament was shot and killed. He was the first member of Iraq's new parliament to be a target of violence, which is adding more issues to already tense politics. People are unsure if his death had anything to do with his new place in parliament, because the area in which he was killed is very violent. Hamid's cousin saw two men meet up with six other men outside of his house, who then opened fire and shot Hamid seven times. One gunman has reportedly been arrested. Also, election officials announced (on the same day) that two other winning candidates may be disqualified from the parliament. This is making the creation of their new government more complicated then it already was. Critics of Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al- Maliki are claiming he is doing this to remain in power, but others think it is just Iraq's complex bureaucracy. Either way, it is not helping Iraq's never ending government dilemmas.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/25/world/middleeast/25iraq.html?ref=world

Submitted by: Kathleen Tite

Britain bans doctor who linked autism to vaccine

As the pioneer of the completely discredited idea that linked vaccines to autism, it is only fitting that the man responsible for this theory has now been banned from practicing medicine in his home country, Britain. Dr. Andrew Wakefield started a fringe movement that is literally responsible for the hospitalizations and deaths of children from an easily preventable sickness like the measles in countries throughout Europe and the United States. After his study was widely panned, he came to America where he found celebrities willing to support his theories without credible evidence. This guy is a disgrace.

By: Justin Lynch

Caught In A Lie, Drilling Projects Keep Moving Ahead

Since Obama has announced a moratorium on permits for drilling new offshore oil wells, at least seven new permits of various types of drilling and five environmental waivers have been granted. The moratorium was meant to ensure that no new accidents occurred while the administration had time to review the regulatory system. Since the Gulf explosion federal regulators have granted at least nineteen environmental waivers, and at least seventeen drilling permits for gulf drilling projects. The Department of Interior officials said the moratorium was meant to only halt permits for drilling new wells, it was not meant to stop permits for new work on EXISTING drilling projects like the Deepwater Horizon. Not only have federal regulators been criticized for signing project waivers but for also failing to review these projects. Although none of the projects that have recently been granted have started drilling, but these waivers have been seen as troublesome, granted through a special legal provision that is supposed to be limited to projects that present minimal or no risk to the environment. Most of the new waivers are for waters that are deeper than the Deepwater Horizon, being classified as "ultra-deep". At least 3 lawsuits have been filed by environmental groups this month, this investigation will take months, while more permits are being released.

Submitted By:Jessica Seggman

South Korea suspends trade with North Korea

South Korean Preident, Lee Myung-bak announced Monday that the country was going to suspend trade with North Korea. This was initiated because of the sinking of a South Korean warship. Lee made a few statements concerning South Korea's patience with North Korea, but they no longer feel that hoping for peace in their region will solve all of the problems at hand. According to this article, North Korea is denying all allegations that they had sunk the South Korean ship with a torpedo on March 26, which killed 46. South Korea "referred the incident to the UN Security Council in order to allow the international community to join in holding the North Koreans accountable."

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05/23/skorea.ship/index.html

By: Becca Sage

U.S. Tries Luring Taliban Foot Soldiers Back to Society

Juma Kahn, 23 was "tried" after being seized by Marines once they discovered ammunition, opium, and a bomb trigger device buried in his yard. "Trials" of young Taliban soldiers are a way of determining if they will rejoin Afghan society or are loyal to the Taliban. The trial took place after confinement and extensive questioning. Kahn left the Taliban, his elders swearing he'd never be a part of it again, and pledged himself to the Afghan government. Marines hope to "reintegrate" him, and other young Taliban soldiers like him, back into society, although they can never be certain if the soldiers ever rejoin. Reasons why young members of the Taliban stay or join vary, but most are worried about the consequences, according to the article.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/24/world/asia/24reconcile.html?ref=world

Submitted by: Inge Moran

Israel's Arms May Not Be Big Enough

Many believe that our strong ties with Israel make them a huge target for other nations that are going nuclear- like Iran. The Washington Times Reports that Israel's armaments may not be nearly big enough or widespead enough to premptivley stop a nuclear attack from Iran by attacking its nuclear facilities. Even though Israel does have a lot of weapons supplied to them from the United States, it may not be enough because their fleet is relatively small. The only sure way to stop the nuclear mess is for the United States to totally shut down Iran's electricity indefinitely, a strategy that for all intents and purposes will not be pursued.

By David DePino

Death Rate Drops

Parents around the world should rejoice, the death rates for children under 5 are dropping anywhere from 2 to 6% and are growing at alarming rate. In terms of numbers, 7.7 million kids are still estimated to die this year, and although that sounds like a morbid prediction, it is still better than the rate in the 90's where nearly 12 million children died. This estimation shows that a positive trend has occurred and many are citing efforts that world has put forth to save the kids: vaccines, medical treatment, disease prevention, and education. Countries where the government fully support child survival are the countries that have the lowest rates. Although researchers are optimistic they admit that the rates can easily be reversed because the root cause of the problem--poverty--has not been addressed or treated.

Submitted By: Albie Braun

Cuban prisoners

The Cuban government has agreed to move many of the country's 200 political prisoners to jails closer to their homes, and will give medical attention to some ailing prisoners, and sick inmates after talks with the Roman Catholic leaders. But it was not clear if all of the political prisoners would be moved, or how many of those who are ailing will receive treatment. Moreover there are 200 opponents of the government serving prison sentences and almost 30 of them were found to be a state of health. Still those band of soldiers will not be regarded as political prisoners, said the Cuban authorities. The government’s decision about the issue of political prisoners comes just after a rare meeting between Cuban President Raul Castro and two Church leaders from Santiago de Cuba, including Cuban Cardinal Jaime Ortega. After meeting, Ortega said he was optimistic that the government would be willing to compromise.
More available at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/latin_america/10144419.stm

Submitted by David Gum Awng

Jamaica Declares State of Emergency

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2010/05/23/world/americas/international-us-jamaica-emergency.html?ref=world

Jamaica declared a state of emergency for two areas after two parishes were attacked and one set on fire. Gunman opened up fire on to police stations because of talk that Dudas Coke was going to be sent to the U.S. after killing hundreds of people in the big Cocaine Wars of the 80's. This is the 3rd time this has, happened the ones before were cancelled because of Cokes support of the government in charge. The people of Jamaica are outraged by this claim because he is a favorite of the people there. Because of this violence the U.S. Department of State have issue a travelers warning in two areas because of a chance of dangerous activity.

Submitted by Zach Mowen

Okinawa Residents Outraged with Hatoyama

Prime Minsister Yukio Hatoyama announced to Okinawa residents that the American Base would not be moved off of the Island. Hatoyama has made plans to relocate the base to the north side of the island. This outraged residents because Hatoyama gave them the impression that the base would be moved off of the island. The residents of Hatoyama have complained about the noise, possible accidents, and the tense relationships the residence have with the Marines. The tense relationship with the Marines dates back to 1995 when three American servicemen raped a twelve-year-old schoolgirl in Okinawa. Hatoyama mentioned that he did not want to risk security alliance with the United States so he has opted to move the base to the north side of Okinawa opposed to moving it off the island. Spectators believe that Hatoyama may be forced to step down because of his indecisiveness and aloof behavior.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/24/world/asia/24japan.html?ref=global-home

Published by: Sherry Klinger

State of emergency in Jamaica

The Jamaican government has declared a state of emergency in parts of Kingston, the country's capital. This declaration comes after shootings and firebomb attacks directed at police stations. The attackers are suspected to be supporters of Christopher "Dudus" Coke. Coke, a drug lord, is being sought by the Jamaican government for extradition to the United States. As violence continues, the US State Department has issued a travel alert for Jamaica, which is often a top tourist location.

Submitted by: Mary Naset

U.S. pushes China to punish North Korea.

The United States begins to push China to punish North Korea for its torpedoing of a South Korea warship last March. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Dai Bingguo, a China state councilor in charge of foreign affairs and also who has raised the South Korea report of official accusation that the North had torpedoed the ship, killing 46 sailors. Meanwhile, China is showing extreme cautious steps, digesting the findings of the investigation backed by the United Nation and other countries as “the historic ties between the two countries would make that difficult,” a government official pressed.

At the same time, this three-day high level of economic and security meeting of Mrs. Clinton also goes with seeking China’s support for heavier sanctions on Iran. Even though China had joined the other four permanent members of the Security Council and Germany last Tuesday to extend more punishments on Iran’s nuclear program, there is some hold-back relating to China’s extensive investment in Iran’s oil and gas industries.

The meeting also observes the States’ encouragement of China’s openness in its economy.



Submitted by Yen Do.

Twenty-eight found dead in Turkish mine

Last Thursday, rescuers found the bodies of twenty-eight workers in a coal mine in northern Turkey, and two workers are still missing. The workers were trapped last Monday after a mysterious explosion at the mine near the Black Sea port of Zonguldak. Workers were trapped 540 meters underground, and it is believed that they died from carbon monoxide poisoning after the explosion. Abdullah Gul, the Turkish President, has called for an investigation into what caused the explosion. Relatives of the victims have been gathered in a vigil near the entrance to the mine, in a town that relies on the low-paying jobs to get by, and where most families have at least one member that works in the coal mines. The mine is state-owned, but the workers who died were from a private company that was working on a specific job. In light of this catastrophe in Zonguldak, Turkish labor unions are now questioning the safety standards of these private contractors, and have called for the ceasing of hiring them. This is the third major accident to happen in Turkish mines in six months.

Submitted by: Katie Kregor

Clinton Tries to Open China

Clinton, in a speech attempted to call China out, encouraging them to "level the playing field." China has been closed off and protected, and many of the international firms believe that in order to "level the playing field" it is necessary for China to open up so other nations can compete against the Chinese economy. Soon they will be discussing security and trade issues with China in attempt to free up the market. The protectionism is not the only flaw that came out about China recently, there was a claim that China's yuan is undervalued giving a false sense of being cheaper.

Posted By: Shane Dare

US reaches deal with Russia, China on Iran sanctions: Clinton

What would be the next move for Iran? The U.S said that it has reached an important agreement with China and Russia regarding a tougher sanction against Iran. The news come after Iran agreed to ship 1,200 kilograms of uranium to Turkey and Brazil for further processing. But, the U.S said that the real intention of Iran is still not clear in this regard, thus pushing forward a newer sanctions. The copies of the proposed resolution is being distributed to the members of the U.N Security Council. Last year in October, Iran agreed to similar deal but later changed their mind. China and Russia remained uncommitted to the new set of sanctions until recently. The U.S and the International community suspect Iran of pursuing activities in establishing nuclear weapons but Iran consistently denied saying it is soley for peaceful civilian purposes. Read more at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Middle-East/US-reaches-deal-with-Russia-China-on-Iran-sanctions-Clinton/articleshow/5946069.cms

Submitted By: Namgyel Dorji

Somaliland Border Conflict Kills 13

Three Ethiopian soldiers and 10 residents of Somaliland have been killed as a result of fighting between the two countries. This is thought to be the first time Ethiopian troops have caused this type of conflict within the more peaceful are of Somaliland, known for being more stable than Somalia. Conflict arose after Ethiopian troops held several trucks belonging to villagers, which resulted in the citizens lashing out in anger. More Ethiopian troops have moved in to the self-declared republic of Somaliland after the conflict. "A lot of people are fleeing and we are scared the clashes will continue because the Ethiopians haven't left and militias are getting reinforcements," claims one resident.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/africa/10140805.stm


By: Shauntal J Van Dreel

Gay Couple Sentenced to 14 Years in Malawi

A gay couple in Malawi was sentenced to 14 years in prison (maximum penalty allowed by law) for "unnatural acts and gross indecency" after celebrating their relationship with an engagement party and a newspaper reported the event on its front page. Although contrary to what the magistrate said, their actions were not intended as any assertion of gay rights. Human rights groups are jumping on this conviction and are calling for global protest and the secntence is likely to be appealed. However, same sex relationships are frowned upon in Malawi and one man said "I think 90% of the crowed here agree with the ruling." In fact, people gathered outside the courtroom to shout that they got what they deserved or their sentence should have been longer.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/21/world/africa/21malawi.html?ref=africa
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/africa/10121618.stm

Subbmitted By: Erin Burneson