Gulf spill's effects 'may not be seen for a decade'

In April of 2010 Millions of barrels of oil spewed into the sea after a BP deepwater well ruptured. In a recent exploration using a submersible scientists from the University of Georgia discovered a layer of oil and dead animals in some cases over ten cm deep. Samantha Joyce, lead investigator, has disputed Bp's assessment that the gulf will be recovered by 2012. At the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference in Washington Prof Joyce told scientists that it may take up to a decade before all the effects of the oil spill even become apparent. It took several years before it became clear that the herring industry had been destroyed after the Exxon Valdez spill, Professor Joye noted at the conference. Professor Joyce believes that one day the gulf will make a full recovery but not by 2012 as Bp predicts. She believes by 2012 the extent of the damage will become clear.

Nicole LeDonne

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12520630

Gadhafi to fight to 'the last bullet'

In response to the unrest sweeping Libya Moammar Gadhafi's son Seif al-islam proclaimed "we are not Tunisia and Egypt" and that his father remained in power with the military's backing and that they would "fight until the last man the, last woman, the last bullet"

Following the speech security forces fired upon thousands of protesters killing 60 people Sunday to bring the rising death toll to 200. With the Libyan government taking increasingly firm stances with protesters, and the recent acquisition of weapons by the protesters resulting from their seizure of several military bases, Libya is staged to explode in violence. Western countries have expressed concern over the steady increase in violence but have gone largely unheeded.

I believe the result of Libya's protests will have a much greater impact on the region than those of Egypt if the protesters manage to succeed in overthrowing their totalitarian government.

Dylan Tate

Chinese protests supressed in Shanghai and Beijing.

It seems that the protests that started in Tunisia and Egypt are spreading to China now. Chinese blogs were calling for protests in the street against the government and in the cities of Shanghai and Beijing, some protesters showed up. Some were arrested but it is unclear why at this point since they did not have any signs and they were not shouting any slogans. Some in the government are calling for stricter controls to be put on the internet. They have already blocked the search term "Jasmine" since it relates to the Tunisian revolution which has been called the "Jasmine Revolution."




http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12517909
Alex Damske

Overnight attack silences independent TV Station in Kurdistan

Protests all over the Middle East have lead to violence and death. This particular attack occurred as hundreds of protesters demonstrated in central Sulaimaniya in northern Iraq. There were 70 people reported injured and one dead. What is interesting is that most of the protesters demonstrated opposition to the current Kurdistan regional president, Massoud Barazani. The attackers fired at the NRT TV building, which is the first independent television station in Northern Iraq. In correlation, two other protests occurred in cities south of Baghdad. One specific demonstration protested the lack of jobs. There are many things going on in the Middle East, and interestingly enough it all seems to be connected together, and has the ability to affect the entire world.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/20/iraq.protests/index.html

By: Jasmina Vukovic

Crackdown to stop pro-democracy rallies in China

A recent online message calling for a "Jasmine Revolution" was quelled by Chinese officials before anything major was able to take place. The online blockades were heightened on social networks such as Twitter to keep gatherings from occurring. Hundreds had gathered, but there were many plain-clothed policeman, making it hard to tell the difference between the officers and the protesters. President Hu Jintao said that they need to find a way to secure people's right while maintaining political stability.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0221/1224290428935.html

Jim Michalik

Worried Israel: Encircled by enemies again?

Israelis are anxious about the recent trends in Egypt, the Arab world and even in America. Israeli Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, fears that the unrest in Egypt will unravel the 32 year old peace treaty signed with Israel's giant Arab neighbor. The prospect of an Egyptian government that included the Muslim Brotherhood would strengthen Hamas, a Brothers' Palestinian offshoot, whose charter calls for the Jewish states destruction. The Egypt unrest is heightening a sense of encirclement that has not been felt so acutely by Israelis in decades. Lebanon, to the north, has displaced its Pro-western Prime Minister with one backed by Hizbullah, the Shia party-cum-militia that is armed and backed by Iran. Syria, found to the northeast and also on friendly terms with Iran, seems to support Hamas as well. To the east, Jordan is finding itself being shaken by an assortment of Islamists, tribal leaders and Palestinians while being the only remaining Arab country in the region to have a formal treaty with the Jewish state. In addition, relations with Turkey have turned from cool to icy in the past year. Meanwhile, Iran, perhaps Israel's biggest threat in the region, moves steadily towards getting a nuclear weapon. All the while, peace talks with Palestinians have broken down, apparently irretrievably.

Israeli legitimacy and support has also deteriorated within the United Nations and the West. The UN already looks unfavorably on Israel for its decisions during Israel's war in Gaza in 2009. This sentiment could be reinforced soon as a resolution may be aired within the UN Security Council condemning Israel's refusal to freeze the West Bank settlements. One year ago America would be sure to veto it . They will probably do it again. However, Mr. Netanyahu's people do not have a good word for Barak Obama and view the White House as a lost cause. In the end, doubts about America, let alone Europe, may be more menacing than the Islamist governments in Egypt.

The Economist

http://www.economist.com/node/18186996

Dennie Whitlow

Bahrain and Formula 1 Racing?

As the protests in Bahrain continue to escalate, concerns for the opening of the Formula 1 season begin to become evident. BBC's Sarah Holt reports, Formula 1 racing is set to hold it's season opening race March 13 in Bahrain's Sakhir Track, which includes the final preseason testing from March 3-6. As we know Bahrain's Military has gotten more violent as of late, starting to use live ammunition and killing 6 protesters Thursday. However, the Crown Prince withdrew security forces allowing protesters to retake the capital city's, Manama, town center. The Crown Prince has been the Cheif member of Bahrain's Government working with opposition leaders to reform the government, he is also the founder of the formula 1 race in Bahrain. Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has said that the decision will rest with the Crown Prince whether the Race will take place in Bahrain or not. Ecclestone and Formula 1 have already made arrangements with courses in Portugal and Spain if the decision is made to not have the race in Bahrain. Formula 1, has the right state of mind about the situation however, saying that Bahrain should be focused on the protests and violence in there country. Red Bull sponsored driver Mark Webber has said "It's probably not the best time to go there for a sporting event. They have bigger things, bigger priorities". That just shows that Formula 1 has the right frame of mind with the situation, but also shows just how far reaching the effects of these protests can be.
More information and images at http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9403068.stm
Zach Howell

Somalia fighting leaves 18 dead, dozens wounded

A heavy exchange of artillery between Islamist militants and government forces in Somalia's capital today left 18 dead and many more wounded. Of the 36 wounded, 11 were caught in an explosion when an artillery shell hit a bus near Mogadishu's Bakara Market. Two of the dead were peace keepers, while another six were rebel leaders who were linked to al Queda according to the Uganda led AMISOM mission.

According to the African Union peace keeping mission the figthing occured because of attempts to remove a network of tunnels and trenches used to move fighters and weapons around the capital by the jihadist movement Al-Shabaab.

The closing of these tunnels are a significant part of stabilizing the city according to AMISOM, which supports Somalia's traditional government. The combined forces control 60 percent of the city now; however, the government does not have much influence beyond Mogadishu. Thus Southern Somalia is under Al-Shabaab.

By Aleksandra Ruseva

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/02/20/somalia.violence/index.html

Protests to Limit Royal Powers of the Moroccan King

Many protesters in Morocco filled the streets Sunday, protesting for King Mohammad to have less powers than he currently has. The protesters also want to get rid of the current government and for something to be done about all the corruption.

The police stayed separated from the large crowd of people , but some officers took note of what the crowds were chanting. They chanted "The people reject a constitution made for slaves!" and "Down with autocracy!" The protest was said to be a peaceful way of emphasizing the need for constitutional reform.

Those that were involved in starting the whole protest were a group who called themselves the February 20 Movement for Change and had 20,000 followers who all found each other on Facebook. Political commentator Anozla mentioned that protesting for constitutional reform has always been around, but the difference now is that apolitical youths are supporting the demand for reform.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110220/wl_nm/us_morocco

Taryn Vaughan

Israeli PM: Crossing of Iranian ships a grave concern

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Iran is trying to take advantage of the situation in Egypt in order to expand its influence in the region. Egypt has given the green signal to Iran to send two Iranian warships through the Suez Canal. The Suez canal connects the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, which is a prime route for trade between Europe and Asia. In fact, millions of barrels of oil pass through this canal every day. Egypt has a treaty with Iran, which is why the post-Mubarak government is allowing this. No Iranian warship has passed through this canal since 1979, which is why Israel is concerned.

- Peter Zafiropoulos

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/20/israel.iran.warships/index.html

Bahrain: What's at stake for America

Washington (CNN) -- Bahrain -- a tiny group of islands where hot political rhetoric meets cold military reality.

As far as Washington is concerned, this small Persian Gulf kingdom may be where support for Middle East democracy dies. The loss of American military power that could accompany an overthrow of the regime of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa is incalculable.

Nestled between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Bahrain is home to 1.2 million people. More importantly, it's home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet -- a vital instrument for the Pentagon in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Fighter jets from carriers in the fleet provide close air support for American troops in Afghanistan.

The fleet is also a potential bulwark against a future nuclear Iran, analysts note.

"It's our most important strategic asset in the Persian Gulf," said Michael Rubin, a former Bahrain resident and Middle East expert at the American Enterprise Institute.

The security of America's naval presence in Bahrain was called into question when protests erupted there this week. Three people died and dozens were injured Thursday when security forces stormed a group of protesters. Witnesses described a blunt show of force, with police firing pellets and rubber bullets, as well as using tear gas.

Two other people died during disturbances earlier in the week.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in response that the United States has "deep concerns" about the crackdown. Future protests should "not be marred by violence," she declared.

"Violence is not an appropriate reaction," lectured White House Press Secretary Jay Carney. Leaders in Bahrain and across the Middle East region need to "be more responsive" and "live up to the hopes and dreams of their people."

But exactly how responsive?

Bahrain has been ruled by a Sunni Muslim royal family since the British left in 1971. Two-thirds of its population are Shiites. While the latest turmoil is largely a reaction to uprisings in Egypt, Tunisia, and elsewhere, younger Shiites have routinely led protests -- often violent -- to complain about discrimination, unemployment and corruption.

They also rioted when the Islamic Revolution toppled the Shah of Iran in 1979. Since then, every time Shiite protests have become too heated, the Sunni rulers of Saudi Arabia have quietly sent troops into the country, according to Rubin.

"On the one hand, Bahrain is a flash point between the United States and Iran," he told CNN. On the other, it's "a flash point between Saudi Arabia and Iran."

Bahrain was actually a Persian province through the 16th century. Iran claimed the territory when the Britain left, but the Bahrainis opted for independence.

"Bahrain is Iran's Kuwait," Rubin said, referencing former Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein's insistence that Kuwait was rightfully an Iraqi province.

If Bahrain's government falls, "there is no question -- no ifs, ands or buts -- Bahrain would become an Iranian satellite, and the Fifth Fleet would be sent packing," Rubin predicted.

The Obama administration is "not being too vocal on the riots in Bahrain because it's pretty much the one country where we can't afford regime change," he said.

Could U.S. officials find a new naval home in the Gulf? Possibly Qatar or the United Arab Emirates, Rubin said, but "if there's a sense that the dominoes are falling and the United States is the big loser, then all the regional states are going to make their accommodation with Iran whether they like us or not."

The stakes could not be higher.

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/US/02/17/us.bahrain.stakes/index.html

William B. Robinson

Deadly 72 hours in Juarez

53 people were killed in Juarez,Mexico in a 72 hour period starting on Thursday and ending Saturday. 4 police officers were killed during this 72 hour period. Friday was the worst day of the killing 20 people were killed. Juarez is one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico because of the drug war between the Juarez cartel and Sinaloa cartel. These two powerful cartels are fighting over turf and secretive drug smuggling routes into the United States. There has been so much killing the city is having trouble storing all of the bodies. Juarez is averaging 8 murders a day for 2011 right now ,but this weekend will probably raise the average even more.

Brian Campbell

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/02/20/mexico.violence/index.html

Ireland voting for change

The people of Ireland may be voting out the Fianna Fail party that has dominated Irish politics for the last 80 years. Ireland's economy has taken some serious hits and is in a tremendous downward spiral. The people of Ireland are responding with anger toward the government and it seems like all things are pointing to a change in Irish politics. The article says that this will be a "political earthquake". Ireland is part of the European Union, so many other countries banks have interest in the Irish political situation due to investments in the Irish economy. If the new politics of Ireland restore economic success in Ireland, the European Union will be much stronger, if a similar situation to what happened in Greece occurs, the European Union, which dictates the Euro, could be in a lot of trouble.

Brett Kelleher

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/02/20/history-making-irish-vote-shot-anger/

G20 Leaders set deal and criticize China

The Group of 20 met over the weekend and agreed on some guidelines that could help identify some economic and financial developments that would create problems for the rest of the world. They particularly aimed blamed at China because China has accumulated currency reserves in US dollars, which helps hold down the value of their currency, the renminbi, and run up large trade surplus. French Secretary of Treasury, Timothy Geithner, said that china's currency is still, "substantially undervalued."


http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/20/business/global/20euro.html?ref=world&pagewanted=print

Japan will recall whaling fleet.

Japan will cut short this year’s annual whale hunt in the Antarctic Ocean after obstruction by an environmental group (Sea Shepherd) largely prevented its ships from killing whales, the government said on Friday.

English article tends to support Sea Shepherd’s side, so I introduce how Japanese government is thinking about this matter by translating Japanese article into English. According to the articles of MSN Japan, the hidden reason why Japan decided to recall is to deal a blow to the finance of Sea Shepherd which has been gathered huge donation by making use of Japanese whale or dolphin hunting. Sea Shepherd has taken the video of obstructive activity against Japanese ship and has broadcasted the TV show focusing on one-sided opinion of Sea Shepherd to gather money by increasing their supporters. Sea Shepherd has made Japan as antagonist one-sidedly and has made drama on purpose. The opinion that we should not let Sea Shepherd record more video for their promotion has risen within Japanese government, Japanese government decided to recall. It is expected that Sea Shepherd will suffer from serious economic blow because they cannot record more videos of obstructive activities and their TV show is expected to be shrunk abruptly.

Yutaka Banno, the vice minister of foreign affairs of Japan, said, "The activities of Sea Shepherd is dangerous illegal activity threatening crew's lives and property and the safety of the navigation of ships. Japanese ships are researching about whales legally and we cannot forgive their illegal activities." He also criticized flag states of Sea Shepherd, Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand as they are supporting of illegal activity of Sea Shepherd.

Sea Shepherd gathered 9.4million dollars by flashy promotion on the TV show in 2009, and is buying equipment and threatening lives of crew of Japanese ship.

Kazuya Usui

MSN Japan
http://sankei.jp.msn.com/world/news/110218/asi11021821020005-n1.htm
http://sankei.jp.msn.com/politics/news/110218/plc11021818010016-n1.htm
http://sankei.jp.msn.com/economy/news/110218/biz11021812590015-n2.htm
International Herald Tribune
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/18/world/asia/18japan.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=sea%20shepherd&st=cse

Cuba to free 7 more prisoners

The Roman Catholic Church recently announced that Cuba is set to release 7 more prisoners, including one dissident from the 2003 crackdown on the opposition. This Cuban move is in response of the Catholic Church and Spain for Cuba to remove all political prisoners from their prisons. This news comes Saturday, as the Church announced six more prisoners have agreed to go live in Spain, bringing the total number of prisoners who agreed to live in Spain to 70.

One of the prisoners, who had refused to go into exile has been released to leave the prison and live in Spain. These moves come as Cuban president Raul Castro agreed to free all 52 prisoners who were imprisoned during the 2003 crackdown. Most of the prisoners have been released, including those who were involved in counterrevolutionary attacks. Those who refused to go into exile were delayed until the moves taken today.



http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/o2/19/cuba.prisoners.release/index.html

By: Brianne Thomas

Afghan bank in Jalalabad hit by suicide bomb attack

Eighteen people have been killed and more than 70 wounded in an attack on a bank in the Afghan city of Jalalabad, according to the provincial governor.

Gul Agha Shirzay said suicide attackers armed with guns and grenades carried out the attack, according to AFP.The Taliban say they carried out the assault on the Kabul Bank, targeting police and intelligence officers who had gone to collect their salaries.

Afghan security forces are frequently targets of attacks by the Taliban.
"Unfortunately 18 of our countrymen were martyred and more than 70 injured," said Mr Shirzay, governor of Nangarhar province.

Those wounded included Alishah Paktyamwal, the province's police chief, and his deputy.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai condemned the attack."People were there doing business deals and to receive their salaries. This attack once again showed the cruel actions of the terrorists who do not want the people of Afghanistan to live in peace," he said.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12515461

By Annie Hung

Oil Keeps Flowing Despite Unrest, but High Prices Jangle Nerves Worldwide

Since September 2008, prices have risen about 30 percent since September, reaching their highest level. In regards to the turmoil in North Africa and the Middle East, has helped drive oil prices up to more than $102 a barrel for an important benchmark crude, Brent. Brent is a global benchmark crude oil that is produced in the North Sea and traded in London. It is typically the benchmark that is used to set the price for most of the oil from the Middle East. However, there have been no disruptions with production or supply according to the article. According to the article, the increased price of energy is a “burden that can be a detriment to the global economic recovery,”

While Egypt and Tunisia have little oil, Libya is one of Africa’s largest holders of crude oil reserves, Algeria and Iran are major suppliers and Bahrain and Yemen both border Saudi Arabia on the peninsula that produces most of the world’s oil. Together, Libya, Algeria, Yemen, Bahrain and Iran represent about 10 percent of global oil production. It is said that, the oil markets are famously skittish, especially with the possibility of disruptions in the Middle East and North Africa, which account for some 35 percent of the world’s oil production and a greater percentage of the world’s known reserves. Yet, those who track oil prices are especially worried about the renewed turmoil in Iran and the possibility of unrest spreading from Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, which could have a major impact on oil’s price and its availability.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/20/world/20oil.html?_r=1&ref=world

By Delaina Flagg

Somali Pirates

And the Somali pirates strike again; this time, a yacht was hijacked with four Americans onboard in the Indian Ocean. The yacht, the S/V Quest, is owned by Jean and Scott Adam, however, it is uncertain if they were onboard the ship at the time of its capture. The Adams have been on a worldwide cruise for seven years now, with their mission "to allow the power of the word to transform lives and seek fertile ground for the word and homes for our Bibles." The U.S. military has said they will be ready to intervene in the situation if it becomes necessary to do so. At this point, it is believed that the hijacked yacht has not been taken to shore but officials believe the pirates are onboard with the Americans. The next step is for the U.S. officials to determine with the military how to keep the yacht from reaching the shore, either by blocking it or harassing it.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/02/19/somalia.us.yacht/index.html

-Kristine Zizis

Rising Dealth Toll in Libya Due to Protests

The number of people killed in three days of protests in Libya has risen to 84, according to the New York-based group Human Rights Watch. The main focus of the demonstrations against Col Muammar Gaddafi's 42-year rule has been the second city Benghazi, where security forces are said to have attacked protesters again on Saturday. State media have warned of retaliation if the unrest continues. Media restrictions make it difficult to verify reports independently but the BBC has confirmed that websites including Facebook and al-Jazeera Arabic were blocked. Security forces opened fire in Benghazi on Friday when protesters approached a compound used by Col Gaddafi when he visits the city. In Darnah, east of al-Bayda, police stations are said to have been evacuated. Oea newspaper, owned by one of Col Gaddafi's sons, reported that demonstrators had lynched two policemen in the city. One protester told the BBC that soldiers had switched sides in some areas and joined the demonstrations.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12512536

Jamie Alt

Swiss Find Funds Linked to Mubarak

Swiss officials found potential sums of money of Mosni Mubarak that were frozen. The money is stored in a Swiss bank and officials are not saying whether the funds are directly linked to Mubarak or maybe some of his family and friends. Officials will not say the exact amount but it is thought to be somewhere around several dozen million dollars. After the resignation, Swiss officials ordered banks to freeze all of his assets and those of his family and friends as well. The new military leading the country of Egypt has asked all countries in surrounding areas to freeze assets of the four former ministers, party insider, and their families but nothing of Mubarak's or his family.


http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/19/world/europe/19swiss.html?_r=1&ref=world

Jessica Connor

Protesters rally against government in Djibouti

Protests in the small African nation of Djibouti have been taking place since late January, but are growing amidst the wave of democracy taking over North Africa and the Middle East.  The protesters are calling for the resignation of President Ismail Omar Guelleh, whose family has ruled Djibouti since 1977 when they received independence from France.  Although the protests have been peaceful, it has been reported that the police have responded with tear gas.  Djibouti is actually very important to Western interests as it is home to a French naval base as well as a US naval base (the only one on the African continent), both of which have been crucial in monitoring the Somali pirates.  Djibouti's proximity to the Middle East is also of value, as the US uses it's base to stage attacks on al Qaeda.  It will be interesting to see the US response to these protests considering that, like Egypt and Bahrain, they have serious ties to and interests in Djibouti.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/02/18/djibouti.protest/index.html

Mark Zajac

Egypt's Workers Strike

Following the revolution that has occurred in Egypt, workers went on strike along the Suez Canal on Thursday for better wages and working conditions. The increasing amount of protests are threatening the economy. Banks reopened last week, however due to the wave of protests they have re-closed. Officials fear that the reopening of the stock market in these conditions may cause severe economic distress.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/18/world/middleeast/18egypt.html?_r=1&ref=world

Bahrain's military takes control

As Bahrain officials ban gatherings, things get violent when the military gets summoned and ends with 5 anti-government protestors getting killed. The tensions in Bahrain are decades old as sunni and shiite sects in the country vie for power only being intensified by recent political protest across the Arab world. As police forces use tear gas and fire shotguns on the crowd most dispersed and the streets of the capital are relatively quiet for now.

Brandon Borkovec

Italian Prime Minister involved in Sex Scandal

Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, is allegedly charged of paying and underage prostitute. He is awaiting his trial which will be april 6th. Apparently he tried to cover up this allegation by illegally abusing his powers as Prime Minister. Many MP's are requesting the resignation of Silvio, and others believe he is not guilty of the accused. Nevertheless, the Prime Minister faces up to 3 years jail time.

South Korea hit with heavy snowfall

The east coat of South Korea received nearly 2.6 feet of snow in 24 hours. This record snowfall has been the heaviest fall recorded since 1911 when the nation began its record-keeping. Widespread chaos is taking place across the affected areas with many houses collapsing under the weight of the snow. A number of primary schools have been closed and many motorists are also stranded in the snow drifts. The damage is estimated in the millions of dollars. Thousands of soldiers have been deployed by the South Korean government to aid in the recovery process after the weather disaster.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12445509
Meghan Steinbeiss

Italy Using Forces to Halt Illegal Immigrants

The interior minister of Italy sent in forces to halt Tunisia immigrant from coming in. In the most recent days 3,00 people have been arriving by boat to Italian islands. Roberto Maroni, the interior minister of Italy, is asking for permission to go into Tunisia and block the people. Moaroni was quoted as saying, "it is a flow of immigrants of biblical proportions". People traveling to the Italian island, Lampedusa, are sleeping outside because there aren't enough places for them to stay. Italy is now opening the immigrant holding center and airlifting them to give their information.


http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/14/world/europe/14boats.html?_r=1&ref=world
Jessica Connor

Malaysia against Valentine's Day

Two-thirds of the 28 million of Malaysia population are Muslims. Malaysia Anti-Valentine campaign was established and been enforced by the countries Islamic authorities since 2005. This Monday the campaign will be stepped up to prevent Muslims from celebrating this Hallmark holiday which is labelled as a "trap" too encourage immoral behavior. The Deputy prime minister, Yassin said Valentine's Day was "not suitable" for Muslims. On Monday, Malaysian states will enforce checks on hotels to stop young couples from having premarital intercourse. The department's chief believes, Islam does not reject positive things from the West and are open to Mother's and Father's Day but Valentines Day in reality is historically known to concentrate on vice actions. He also states-" Islam would reject anything, even from the Eastern culture, if it contravenes the Islamic teachings."
Posted by, Ana Rivera
URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12443104

Mandela's release from hospital calms South Africa

Friday, after being released from the hospital, Nelson Mandela returned to his home. Mandela was in the hospital receiving treatment for an acute respiratory infection. Reports said Mandela was in good spirits and is recovering very well. Along with Mandela's family, the rest of South Africa was in anxiety due to the lack of information that was being released on Mandela's state of being. Close family members, including his wife Graca Machel, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, visited him while he was in hospital, prompting speculation that his condition was worse than initially reported.

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/south-africa/110128/mandelas-release-hospital-rests-national-alarm

Brandon VanLoon

Iraqi lawmakers approve ministers

Iraqi Parliament appointed 8 new ministers to the cabinet, though key spots remain empty. These appointed ministers are to oversee electricity, trade, and municipalities. Also the first female minister was appointed to oversee Woman's Affairs. The key spots that remain empty are defense, interior and national security. After all this commotion, demonstrators have took to the streets in outrage. At the end of 2011, the United states has agreed to remove all troops out of Iraq, though the United States might petition to keep a few troops in Iraq to keep an eye on the newly developed government.

John McWard

www.cnn.com

Cuba frees 2 political prisoners against their wishes

Two prominent Cuban dissidents who had refused to leave prison were released against their wishes on Saturday as the Cuban government continues to free opposition activists arrested during a notorious crackdown in 2003.

The Cuba government is releasing the prisoners who are willing to go into exile in Spain. The recent releases are a sign that the government will continue the releases even if the dissidents refuse to leave the island.Some people argue that the Cuban government has taken advantage of the deal with Spain to release a number of prisoners who are not engaged in any political activity and could not be considered prisoners of conscience.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/02/12/cuba.prisoner.release/index.html

By Annie Hung

Arab Leaders, Facing Calls for Reform, Consider Next Move

After demonstrations caused the collapse of government in Tunisia and Egypt, the risk of uprising and demonstration is spreading among Arab countries. As more protests planned in coming days, some governments were clearly worried that demonstration which has a possibility to kick the leader out will occur in their countries, too. “Arab people discovered their ability to make change,” said Nabeel Rajab, a human rights activist in Bahrain. “And with Egypt in the leadership once again, the change will reach all Arab world.” Each country is implementing policies to avoid uprising. "In Bahrain, King Hamad Bin Isa al-Khalifa on Friday ordered the equivalent of $2,650 be given to every Bahraini family. In Iraq, officials have reduced their salaries, and in Algeria, the government has promised to lift the state of emergency that has been the law since 1992. Syrian officials lifted a ban on Facebook and Youtube this week, tools Egyptian protesters used to great effect. Human rights advocates warned that the move could make it easier for the government to monitor its opponents. "

Intenrnational Herald Tribune
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/12/world/middleeast/12arabs.html?ref=middleeast

Kazuya Usui

Suspected car bomb injures 12 in Thailand

At least 12 people were injured and as many houses burned down, after an explosion in southern Thailand Sunday morning. Investigators believe that a car bomb caused the explosion. The region has seen a rise in insurgent activity recently. 9 civilians were killed and 2 injured in a bombing last week.

The government suspects muslim separatists who have long been at odds with the government in the mainly buddhist country. I think that a lot of the articles we have read for class mainly Huntington's "Clash of Civilizations" underline the inherent tensions in the region.

Dylan Tate

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/02/13/thailand.blast/index.html

Move over Japan: China is now No. 2 world economy

In the news today, China is now number 2 in the world economy while Japan falls to number three. Japan's economy was valued 5.73 trillion, China was 5.88 trillion. The economy in Japan in 2010 grew by about 3.9%. China though was to have growth by 10%.

Read more:
http://money.cnn.com/2011/02/13/news/international/china_overtakes_japan_economy.cnnw/?npt=NP1

Yasmeen Kiswani

Arrest warrant issued for former Pakistani President Musharraf

Former President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, has been issued an arrest warrant by the Anti Terrorist Court in Rawalpindi. He is being accused of the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was running against him for presidency in 2007. A United Nations panel found him guilty of not providing adequate protection, and intelligence agencies hindered the subsequent investigation. The panel believes that the assassination by a suicide bomber that killed him could have been prevented, but Pervez Musharraf says he had afforded adequate protection. Musharraf's legal adviser believes the charges against him are politically motivated and baseless. Last year, Musharraf started a political party to run in the next election in 2013 because he believes Pakistan is suffering and the current political officials are not doing enough to fix it. He also believes the accusations against him are now arising due to his return to the political game after he gave himself a self-imposed exile to London in 2008 after he resigned presidency. As for now, he is going to have to defend himself in front of a court against these accusations.

By Peter Zafiropoulos

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/02/12/pakistan.musharraf.warrant/index.html?npt=NP1

Bahrain getting ready to protest.

In Buhrain the citizens are getting ready to protest on February 14. I think it seems like they want more rights but the article doesn't make it completely clear why they are about to go out and protest. The article does talk extensively about how the government is cracking down on sites such as facebook and twitter. In order to try to get the protest to remain small they've cut off ways of communication which is a shame.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/02/2011213185556388117.html
James Lambert

Officials: 105 dead in Southern Sudan clashes

Last Wednesday and Thursday forces loyal to George Athor attacked the town of Fanjak in Southern Sudan, where twenty SPLA soldiers, thirty of the attackers, and thirty-nine civilians were killed. The group also attacked the town of Bor killing twelve of the attackers and four SPLA soldiers. In all 105 are dead due to this incident.


The SPLA is a military wing of the Sudanese Libaration Movement that is currently governing Southern Sudan. Moreover, in 2010 George Athor "took up arms" after losing the election for governor of the Southern Sudanese state of Jongeli. Although he accused the government of election fraud, he signed a truce days before the referendum in January.


The nation is preparing for it's official independence on July 9; however, violence from renegade militias is causing some concern. In fact, last week a mutiny among the Joint Integrated Units (JIU) by soldiers loyal to militia leader Gabriel Tang led to fifty deaths, as well as with sixty-five injured civilians. The JIUs are a coordinated military force made up of the northern Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the southern Sudanese Peoples Liberation Army.


By Aleksandra Ruseva


http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/02/13/sudan.violence/index.html

Italian Police maybe deployed to Tunisia to tackle immigration

Italy asked for Permission on Sunday to use police intervention to prevent the sudden influx of Tunisian migrants coming into the country. Italian sources say there have been over 4,000 migrants on the island of Lampedusa, which is South of Sicily and East of Tunisia. The usual population of the island is around 5,000. The Italian Minister of the Interior, Roberto Maroni, has issued a Humanitarian Emergency and has asked for aid from the European Union. Maroni also cites the failure of other European states to help Italy in the matter of immigration. Italy cites the need to put the migrants into detention camps in Sicily and other prisons in Italy because they feel as if terrorists and other criminals may be using the unrest around the region to enter Europe. The detention camps are just a way to check the migrants identities. The UN's refugee agency says that the primary causes of this influx are from those seeking political asylum after the upheaval of the Tunisian Government and those just seeking to escape poverty.
Information and additional maps & videos at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12443740
By: Zach Howell

6 dead in Mexican Nightclub attack

Early Sunday morning in Guadalajara, Mexico 6 people, and 37 injured in a night club attack. There has been a lot of violence and tension across the U.S./Mexico border, but rarely has it reached as far south as Guadalajara in recent years. Guadalajara is Mexico's second largest metro area, and it is a major piece of territory in the Mexican drug trade because of its location in the south and western routes. Violence has been subdued recent years in Guadalajara because the Cartels were weakened, but with growing resistance at the U.S. border, cartels are trying to combat the U.S. border patrol by beefing up there own resources.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/02/12/dead-injured-mexican-nightclub-attack/

Brett Kelleher

Egypt's military dissolves Parliament, suspends Constitution

Cairo, Egypt (CNN) -- Egypt's military dissolved the country's Parliament and suspended its Constitution Sunday following the ouster of longtime leader Hosni Mubarak, telling Egyptians it would be in charge for six months or until elections can be held.

The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces said it would appoint a committee to propose changes to the Constitution, which would then be submitted to voters. The council will have the power to issue new laws during the transition period, according to a communique read on state television.

Sameh Shoukry, Egypt's ambassador to the United States, said Sunday that the generals have made restoring security and reviving the economy its top priorities.

"This current composition is basically a technocratic government to run the day-to-day affairs, to take care of the security void that has happened, and to also address the issues related to the economy," Shoukry told CNN's "Fareed Zakaria GPS."

Army, protesters clean up Tahrir Square The next steps for Egypt Monument for martyrs of Tahrir Square Coffee shop debates continue

However, a leading opposition figure said Sunday that the military must explain its plans in more detail or see a resumption of the demonstrations that drove Mubarak from office.

"They need to come out of their headquarters and start talking to the people and tell us what is in store for us," ElBaradei told GPS.

And a prominent Egyptian activist credited with helping spark the revolution warned against taking too long to establish a new representative government.

"Biggest mistake now is to give the Egyptian people too little too slow. Restoring confidence requires a faster pace," Wael Ghonim said on Twitter.

Mubarak stepped down Friday after 18 days of protests against his nearly 30-year rule and is now in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. The longtime president was himself a product of the military establishment that has ruled Egypt since the 1950s, but his abdication leaves a council of generals led by Defense Minister Hussein Tantawi in charge of the Arab world's most populous nation.

Sunday's military communique said new elections would be held for both houses of Egypt's Parliament as well as the presidency. Protesters had blasted the November parliamentary elections as fraudulent, and calls for their annulment were among the major demands before Mubarak's ouster.

In the meantime, government ministers are now reporting to the military high command in the same way they reported to Mubarak, Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq told reporters Sunday, in remarks that were carried live on state television. He said he was reviewing candidates to fill vacant government ministries, adding that no one who was not acceptable to the public would be appointed.

Sunday marked the first workday since Mubarak's ouster. For the first time since the uprising began January 25, traffic flowed freely around Tahrir Square -- the epicenter of the protests -- and the majority of shops around the square were open. Some protesters remained in the square Sunday, vowing to keep protesting until Egypt is under civilian rule.

The Egyptian junta now has to grapple with the economic problems that fueled the revolt, including massive youth unemployment and economic underdevelopment. The demonstrations virtually shut down Egypt's economy, costing it vital tourism dollars as well.

New protests at the headquarters of the National Bank of Egypt appear to have forced the ouster of that institution's chairman, Tarek Amer, and two top deputies, who submitted their resignations on Sunday, according to an e-mail shared with CNN by a bank employee.

The National Bank's headquarters in Cairo continued to function during Sunday's protests, with disgruntled staff taking turns to work and demonstrate.

It was not clear whether the resignations have been accepted. However, Sunday evening,

Egyptian state television announced banks would be shut down until Wednesday, and urged workers to consider the national interest.Bank workers complained that members of Mubarak's family put their allies into positions of power at the bank with grossly inflated salaries.

Cairo's stock exchange will freeze transactions from former ministers and businessmen who are now under investigation when trading resumes Wednesday, the exchange's chairman, Khaled Serri Siyam, announced in a statement on the government-run website EgyNews.

Outside the Interior Ministry, hundreds of disgruntled police officers demanding higher wages, shorter hours, better benefits and more respect faced off with Egyptian troops. The police officers currently earn 500 Egyptian pounds (about $85) a month -- a quarter of what army troops of comparable rank earn, they said -- and face imprisonment if they refuse to work unpaid overtime. Both low-ranking police officers and administrative staff joined in the protest.

Mubarak's ouster came three weeks after a similar revolt toppled longtime Tunisian strongman Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. And even as officials hash out the details of Egypt's murky political future, public demands for change have rippled throughout the region.

In Yemen's capital Sanaa on Saturday, protesters chanted, "Yesterday Tunisia, today Egypt -- tomorrow Yemen will open the prison." And in restive Algeria, anti-government protesters chanted, "Change the power" on Saturday. Security forces clashed with the crowds Saturday in Algiers and detained roughly 100 protesters, according to the opposition Algerian League for Human Rights.

Shoukry said it was a "matter of pride" for Egyptians that their revolution was "organized and peaceful," adding, "Egypt has always been a trend-setter in this region."

"The region looks to us in many aspects, and I'm sure also in this regard, many lessons will be learned," he said.

William B. Robinson

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/13/egypt.revolution/index.html?hpt=T1