An Independent Diplomat

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/carne_ross_an_independent_diplomat.html

After 15 years in the British diplomatic corps, Carne Ross became a "freelance diplomat," running a bold nonprofit that gives small, developing and yet-unrecognized nations a voice in international relations. At the BIF-5 conference, he calls for a new kind of diplomacy that gives voice to small countries, that works with changing boundaries and that welcomes innovation.

This is a key speech and very important in terms of understanding diplomacy.

Post by Rima

Aftermath Effects of Bin Laden's death

We all knew there was going to be some sort of aftermath terrorist attacks after the death of Bin laden. This particular event occurred in Pakistan's air naval base in Karachi. It is estimated that there were 12- 15 terrorist attackers. The article doesn't state a specific group but is said to be militants, or specific reasons why they targeted the naval base. They launched grenades and heavy artillery fire was exchanged between the group and Pakistani navy officers. During the attack there is a total of 10 dead, or injured. The naval base is also a large area which houses a museum, college, and air command center, which could be a reason why it was targeted just three weeks after Bin Ladens death. So far the Militant group that attcked the base is now trapped in one building on the base, and Pakistan officers confirmed 6 to already be dead, and state, "they are fighting a losing battle." This just shows some of the smaller terrorist attacks we face due to the elimination of a figure head.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/terrorists-attack-pakistani-military-base-10-killed/articleshow/8524052.cms

Katie Kruse

4th Somali man pleads guilty in piracy case

A fourth Somali pirate plead guilty to assisting in the hyjack of a yacht, which lead to the killing of four Americans. The man made a deal with prosecutors that lead to him identifying the other pirates involved in the hyjacking. Including this man, there are 13 Somali and one man from Yemen on trial for the incident. The men have said that the intention was not to kill the four Americans, but to hold them for randsom. They were the first U.S. citizens killed by the pirates.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43138159/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/

Posted by Christine Steinbeiss

Sudanese Turmoil Continues

The town of Abyei has long been contested between North and South Sudan. As South Sudan will become independent in July, violence has escalated in this little area culminating in northern troops taking over the area over the weekend, killing southern troops as well as civilians. The North claims they did this after northern troops were attacked by southern troops during a U.N. envoy where 22 men were killed. The U.N. condemned the actions of the South, but the South has refused to accept responsibility for the attack. Recent reports from the U.N. describe the town as being "set on fire, with gunmen looting the property." South Sudan has called this an act of war. Such a statement encompasses the fears that many hold that the decades-long civil war will reignite. At this point, almost the whole population of the town has fled, numbering around 20,000. It's hard to see a peaceful transition of power to the South in less than 2 months as long as this violence ensues.

-Abbey Smith

Ugandan Protests

They're not rioting, they're not causing problems, they're not even really protesting. However many Ugandan citizens are being arrested and kept for up to six months without bail. Why? Because they are unpleased that Museveni has now been sworn into office for the fourth consecutive term. Their preferred form of protest? Walking to work and honking horns. Sounds tame enough, right? Well, in the eyes of the Ugandan leader, these forms of rebellion are only the front end of an 'Egypt style rebellion'. Since these protests have started, a whopping nine people have been killed by the police as a result of their honking and walking. Is it just me or does this seem rather illogical? Either way, Museveni will continue to rule Uganda, and I'm sure these protests will die down until the next elections come around again.

Megan Smith

Landslides in Malaysia

Two landslides in Maylaysia have nearly covered an orphanage killing at least 16 people. Of the dozens of people located at the orphanage, so far five of the bodies found were children and eight of the people rescued were children, but there are still many children unaccounted for. The two landslides were just second apart and caused by heavy rains. Along with those injured and killed at the orphanage, there were also many residents nearby setting up tents outside for an event. All who were at the camp were trapped. The exact number of children in the area is still unknown, but there were about 70 children who had planned to visit the orphanage that day to attend a class. The prime minister of Malaysia was currently attending meeting in the United States, but stated that orphanage would be rebuilt and the victims provided for.

Click here to read more.

Summarized by: Heather Krizka

Secret to Rebels Success in Libya:Smugglers

There is a small determined fleet of boats in Libya that brave the dangers of Qaddafi's armaments to bring food, supplies and medicine to rebels holed up in the city of Misurata. The rebels have brought together about two dozen fishing boats and former Qaddafi tugboats to give the beseiged city of Misurata a life line. NATO supports the efforts, and approves of the measures the men have taken. While it is well known that smugglers are what is keeping the city afloat, specific locations for dropoffs and pick ups were not disclosed. The efforts of the mariners has allowed the citizens of Misurata to survive the seige, as crates of baby formula travel alongside crates of ammunition. Misurata itself is the reason that rebels have refused to consider splitting the country East versus West simply because of tribal and cultural differences. The mariners feel a sense of pride in their mission, using the very means Qaddafi once used, the boats, the guns etc, to crush them to try and push him from power. They hope that Nato continues to offer a safe haven from chasing Qaddafi ships in its blockade. Their start was a little less official, as rebels contacted criminals who moved contraband in and out of the country, and learned how to avoid Qaddafi's patrols. With NATO'S support, the rebels have now been able to focus on attaining supplies, the most finicky of which has been guns and ammunition. The guns that the rebels have been able to attain are part of a buy back program, and as supply has run low prices have started to rise and many people in Libya are waiting to cash in on the rebels.

by Margaret Nunne

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/23/world/africa/23smuggling.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=world

Landslides bury Malaysian orphanage, killing at least 16

At least a dozen children were reported missing Saturday after two landslides struck a Malaysian orphanage. Rescue workers reported to be searching for a least a dozen orphans believed to be buried in the landslides debris. The two landslides were reported to hit near Hulu Langat, which is located southeast of the capital city. It is unclear how many of the 16 children were killed. Reports that were coming in were not completely conclusive with one another. Bodies of five children between the ages of 11 and 14 were pulled from the debris, while 8 children were pulled alive between the ages of 11 and 17. The landslides were triggered by heavy rains on Saturday. There were also conflicting reports as to how many children were on the site when the landslides hit.


- Jen Crawford

Northern Ireland pins IRA for Bank Bombing in Derry

The IRA has been on a spree of bombing banks throughout Northern Ireland. They had put out warnings that they were going to bomb the banks. Thankful no one was hurt in this incident. Police were on the incident due to warnings. The IRA planted the bomb and shortly after, the police were in the process of clearing people and exploding the bomb. Along with targeting police and authority, the IRA will still continue to bomb banks.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/may/22/real-ira-blamed-derry-bomb

-Richard (RJ) McNichols

Landslide in Malaysia Kills Sixteen

Sixteen children were killed, and at least a dozen more were reported missing following two landslides that buried a Malaysian orphanage. The landslides occurred in Hulu Langat, which is located southeast of Kuala Lumpur, which is the capital city. At least nine people were pulled out alive from the rubble by rescue workers and local villagers. The cause of the landslides were due to heavy rain in the area starting yesterday. A nearby mosque was also struck by the landslide, thought it hasn't been clear if there were any people inside of the mosque that were injured. The Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the government will immediately rebuild the orphanage and provide payments to the victims.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/05/22/malaysia.landslide/index.html

-Tharryn Wright

Candies for Change

Zimbabwe is hitting an all time new low with their economics. Recent political and goverment changes look to be heading in the right direction, but this failed economy is remaining stagnant. Two years ago, Zimbabwe began to solely use the US dollar as the Zim dollar had astronomical inflation. This too has not only raised the price of goods, but the lowest value dollar note is the $1. Therefore, in stores and such it has reached the point to where in order to give back change that would notmally be in coin form, buyers of goods are now receiving candy and sweets to compensate. In some cases they are given vouchers which they can redeem for other goods. The future of Zimbabwe is unknown, but a crucial aspect in order for this former economic powerhouse is to sort out its economic harships.

Matt Boguslawski

Taliban forces attack 72 road workers in Afghanistan

Taliban forces attacked about 72 road workers on Thursday in southeastern Afghanistan. The employees worked for a company doing construction on a highway between the cities of Gardez and Khost, a road used frequently by coalition and government forces. The Taliban attacked becuase they objected to the use of the major highway by coalition forces. Abdullah Durani, the chief director of public works in the province, said 36 of the 72 abducted workers were killed, about 20 others were injured, and 12 vehicles were burned.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/05/19/afghanistan.workers.abducted/index.html

-Kristine Zizis

Sudan: Abyei seizure by North 'act of war', says South

The Sudan is due to become independent in just over a month, but authority over border city, Abyei is still being disputed. Northern and Southern troops have been fighting for weeks. Recently Northern troops entered southern dominated regions of the city, killing southern troops and civilians. Officials from Northern Sudan insist this was an act of retaliation after 22 northern troops were ambushed as they left the city.

Most of Abyei's citizens have fled and the UN is calling for an end in violence. Before the end of a peace agreement, the region had been governed by a cooperative northern/southern mix. Now, President Omar al-Bashir has dismissed those in office and many fear a war is soon to come.

Southern officials are calling for international assistance, Northern officials continue to invade. Many historians fear this will be another bout of civil war like that the peace treaties had ended.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13491445

Renee Hessing

Playing catch-up

Though they still remain one of the poorest areas in Africa, the north-east region is doing its best to steadily improve. The region is home to 28% of the population but only makes up 14% of the GDP and still only one fifth of the adult population is illiterate. Despite these dismal statistics, over the past 10 years the north-east region's GDP has risen 4.2% compared to the national GDP growth rate of 3.6%. Last year alone Pernambuco state grew by an astounding 9.3%. Over this same time period the majority of the increase in income has come from earnings, not aid and the minimum wage has risen over 50% in real terms. This growth is helping the region attract firms such as Kraft, increased development of malls, influenced the expansion of a local supermarket chain, and even attracted migrants to come back home and work. Right now the north-east is becoming one the country's largest building sites. Most recently, building is going on to create a new railway system from ports on the coast to the interior states. This will improve their ability to export natural resources and agricultural products such as soybeans. The only setback may be that this area spends below the national average on education. Infrastructure can only help so much if the population is not educated enough to maintain its recent success.

By Tommy Walker

Kabul hospital hit by suicide bomber

This morning, a suicide bomber blasted a military hospital in the Afghan capital, Kabul, leaving six people dead and 23 wounded. The Taliban claims that they were behind this attack. The bomber set off his device in a tent on the grounds of Charsad Bestar Hospital and all of the victims were civilians and medical students. Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai berated the attack saying that it was "so ruthless and cowardly that, in contradiction of all humane and Islamic principles, they attack even hospital patients and doctors." Ironically, this hospital has treated senior Taliban and al-Queda commanders. This attack is surely only the tip of the iceberg, as the Taliban has declared the beginning of their Spring offensive against Afghan and international forces.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13483023

Megan Borows

Canada's Dirty Oil Source

Canada possesses the world's second largest reserves of oil and natural gas; therefore it is of no surprise that Canada is the United States' largest exporter of oil, with 22% of the total; Mexico is a distant second at 11-12%. But unlike most exported petroleum, Canadian crude oil is dirty as the sources of this energy are tar sands; containing mixtures of clay, sand, and bitumen. Therefore, the crude oil must be melted before it can be extracted, which, ironically, requires 20% of Canada's natural gas. The complex process produces 82% more greenhouse-gas emission than does the average refined barrel. The environmental issues have proved a concern for America which consequently forbid government agencies from buying tar-sand oil in 2007. Moreover, efforts to press Canada into cleaning up the business would face stiff resistance from America’s energy lobby, since many operators in the sands are based in the United States. Alternative include finding a new source of energy or reducing Canadian imports of oil. Reducing imports will, however, not solve the problem, because once this occurs, China will be more than happy to step in an take them. This can been seen as more and more Chinese firms invest heavily in the sands.

-Gilberto Perez

Mining fuels Mongolia's 'wolf economy'

The young democracy of Mongolia is finally tapping into its vast mineral resource deposits, which in turn is fueling its growing 'wolf economy'.  Compared to the Asian tiger economies of the 1980s, Mongolia's goal is to use its resource wealth for long-term socioeconomic growth and is committed to avoid the natural resource trap.  In any event, Mongolia is facing huge opportunities and huge challenges.  With massive deposits of copper, coal, iron, uranium, gold, zinc, and most likely oil, over $25 billion in investment from both domestic and foreign mining companies is expected to be raised within the next 5 years.  Managing that wealth will not be easy, however.  With a population of 2.5 million in a vast, mostly desolate nation, where a nomadic lifestyle is still prevalent, establishing necessary infrastructure will be difficult.  The main long-term investments proposed by Prime Minister Batbold are health care, education, housing, and the job market.  There will also be an effort to diminish the effects of alcoholism, a growing problem for Mongolia.  The management of resource wealth to solve these problems is crucial, so PM Batbold looks to Chile, Canada and Norway as examples of resource-rich democracies that have avoided the resource curse.  In addition to dealing with this economic boom domestically, Mongolia must also maintain good foreign relations.  President Elbegdorj describes his nation as "a little pony between two big elephants" - China and Russia.  Landlocked between two of the largest developing states, Mongolia must maintain good political and economic ties with both, particularly with China, which serves as its largest market and link to the Pacific.  In an effort to not become over-dependent on China, Mongolia is strengthening relations with the US, Canada, Japan, Russia and Turkey.  The socioeconomic future of Mongolia seems largely positive, thanks to the committed efforts of its politicians to focus on long-term investment and avoid corruption.

Mark Zajac

Chinese Student Takes Aim, Literally, at Internet Regulator

The recent incident in which an anonymous student threw eggs and shoes at a computer scientist shows a growing frustration among youth regarding China’s stringent internet censorship regulations. It occurred at Wuhan University one of the prestigious universities in China located in central Hubei Province. Although the student fled the scene but according to his twitter post one of the shoes hit the intended target Mr. Fang Binxing who is regarded as the father of the “Great Firework” in China. Mr. Binxing was giving a lecture about internet security when it happened and had cut short his talk. Hours later there were postings on Chinese internet about the incident most of which were deleted by censors. But, some of the postings expressed supports for this brave student where one message saying that if the shoe thrower kicked out of the school, his/her company will hire him immediately. According to the local police officials the case is under investigation. In recent months, Chinese government has been vigilant of information on internet especially after revolutions started overthrowing regimes in North African nations. Follow more at: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/20/world/asia/20china.html?ref=asia


By: Namgyel Dorji

US Asserts Opinions

According to this Al Jazeera Report, in President Obama's speech some rather intense demands were made in regards to the mid east. Obama made several strong statements including the call for Palestine to be granted their own territory as dictated in 1967. Israel has been pushing Palestinians off of that land for quite some time now, and the President calling Israel out on that factor is quite a step outside the box for the United States in terms of past international policy. Additionally, Obama supported the US aid in Libya, condemned Syria for their actions against protesters, addressed the radical views of Osama bin Laden, and outlined an initiative to increase economic growth in the areas addressed. In sum, this was a heavy address to the public that holds much weight and has the potential to take US international policy is a new direction.

megan smith

Al Jazeera Reporter Freed

Although journalist Dorothy Parvaz disappeared upon her arrival in Syria last month, she was recently released and claims that she suffered no harm and was treated very well, despite being interrogated. Parvaz was researching antigovernmental protests, and Iranian officials claim that she violated several regulations. For instance, she traveled without a valid passport.

It is not unusual for Syria and Iran to restrict journalist access, and since the Syrian uprising in March, only a few foreign journalists have been allowed to travel freely in that country. Interestingly, at the end of last year, Iran had at least 34 reporters in custody, which is more than any other country in the world, with the exception of China.

Of course, her family and friends were very concerned about her wellbeing. On Wednesday, however, Parvaz's fiance, Todd Barker received a phonecall from her, during which she explained her circumstances and assured him that she was fine.

Read more about this in the original article here.

-Gracie Hollister

Bullets and Billions of Dollars of Aid

It seems that tensions are on the rise between Pakistan and the United States, but it was an exchange of bullets with NATO operatives that has Pakistan claiming two members of their armed forces were injured. Pakistan military opened fire on a NATO helicopter that wasn't even a mile within Pakistan borders. The United States has claimed that the members were injured thanks to a mudslide. However, the focus of the article was one the fact that America gives nearly $20 billion worth of aid to Pakistan. Now many members of the government are calling it into question. Some want the aid simply revoked while others want aid to be based on terms and conditions with the idea that with each milestone that is hit, more aid will be given. What is not answered is why billion of dollars was going to a different country in the first place without so much as a set of rules in place. America still wants the aid of Pakistan in the war in Afghanistan so many leaders are hesitant to cut aid. Yet Pakistan doesn't seem to appreciate the effort since reports have shown that many Pakistani leaders are now in talks with China.

By: Albie Braun

The Queen Visits Ireland

Why is the royal visit to Ireland such a big deal? Well, because it is the first time the monarchy has traveled to Ireland in 100 years despite their close geography. Everyone is aware of the longstanding rivalry between the Irish and the English, but what is the story behind it? The conflicts between the Irish and the British go way back to World War I, when Ireland was trying to gain its independence from Britain. When the war broke out Irish troops fought along side the British, but as the war progressed their patience wore thin. British troops killed unarmed irish civilians, and ever since their has been a hatred of the two cultures. (more reasons applicable) This year 2011 will be the first year since 1911 when King George V visited the island of Ireland. The Queen will go to various places throughout Ireland to recognize the Irish troops who fought and died along the British in WWI. Steps to amend the differences between the two cultures is in the very first stages as some Irish civilians are still uneasy about the Queen visiting, but it is a start.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-13410979

Katie Kruse

US Navy drones: Coming to a carrier near China?

To stay ahead of China's rising military, the United States is developing aircraft carrier-based drones. After releasing no information on where these drones would be stationed, a Navy officer told The Associated Press that some would likely be deployed in Asia. Land based drones are often used in the Middle East, it will still take several more years to develop the sea based drones. China says that their growing military is only to protect themselves. It is developing new air, naval and missile capabilities that could potentially challenge U.S. military power. Even though China is still years behind, the U.S. realizes it needs to stay with the developing military technology.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43049166/ns/world_news-asiapacific/

Posted by Christine Steinbeiss

ICC Goes After Gaddafi

Luis Moreno-Ocampo, the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, seeks a warrant for the arrest of Muammar Gaddafi, the current leader of Libya. The leader, along with two others, has been accused of committing crimes against humanity. The two other two implicated in these crimes are Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam and Abdullah al-Sanussi, the intelligence chief. The Libyan government has already announced it will ignore the Court's decision, whether a warrant is issued or not, because the country does not recognize its jurisdiction. Moreno-Ocampo's call for arrests came after much research, including thousands of documents and eye-witness accounts. These have provided evidence that Gaddafi "personally ordered attacks on unarmed Libyan civilians." And Moreno-Ocampo has not finished with Gaddafi and his cohorts. The ICC is also looking into war crimes that might have been committed. The UN Human Rights Council will give a report on the validity of these allegations on June 7.

-Abbey Smith

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13408931

Eye for an Eye

In Iran in 2004 a man had proposed to a woman and when she turned him down he threw a bucket of sulfuric acid in her face causing dismemberment to her face and sight. Over the years she has been attempting surgeries to repair her face and sight but they have been unsuccessful. Due to this horrible crime the man was sentenced to be punished by losing his sight. According to the Islamic law the woman is to go before a judge and forgive the man or take revenge against him. Through issues of human rights and sexism many in the Iranian society were against this law and her action that she chose to have on this man.

Click here to read more.

summarized by Heather Krizka

India vs China- The Turtle vs the Hare

Much like a drag race, China, has accelerated the quickest, and has maintained 'control' or rather suppressed, over its internal political 'complaints' for a quite some time(about 30 years) and is clearly winning. Whether they become the next superpower will not depend on how great these results are, but rather, how they've been getting them.
Unlike India, China has not had to slow down due to the need to be "Democratic" and its authoritarian government has been able to make rapid decisions to keep outpacing the rest of the worlds economies, which can be seen in its its astronomical growth rates. (or just take a look at any fund that invest primarily in the Chinese markets).
However, a couple key issues may backlash against the Communist Party as the future nears, the desire to have political freedom, which the citizen's increased economic power may bring, and China's long term labor supply. Their control over the population with the one child policy, and their citizens desire for political freedom may determine their long term fate.
India's slow but necessary adjustments may prove to serve it people in the long run. The next super power though? That probably wont be for some time. For now, we'll have to see how the Hare fare's.

Greg Voegtle

http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/bhagwati6/English

A middle class Africa

A growing middle class is a sign of strong economic progress in a country. This middle class helps create more jobs, increased government revenues, better public services, and eventually will help the lower class escape poverty. This scenario has begun to slowly reflect the African economy. Ten years ago a mere 25% of the African population were living on more than $2 per day, today that number is approximately 33% of the population, this is considered the "middle class". Unfortunately, there is still great disparity in Africa as only one-fifth of the poorest areas earn between $2 and $4 dollars per day. Also, many of these middle class citizens are still living nearly a century behind the western world. Many can afford a telephone, washing-machine, or television, but very few have all three. Looking forward it is good to see the progress of Africa with advancements in technology helping lift many people out of dire poverty. We can only hope that this trend continues.

-Tommy Walker

Latin American Housing Boom

The housing boom in places like São Paulo, Brazil are giving rise to prosperity while preventing excessive debt. IBOPE Inteligência, a research firm pioneering the country’s first statistically sound house-price index, claims that prices in Rio de Janeiro will increase by 80% in the next three years. The prospect of hosting the Olympics in 2016 and the discovery of off-shore oil reserves has brought upon these price increases. Moreover, the tenfold increase in wages of Brazilian citizens over the past eight years have given rise to a number of potential buyers, hence, driving the property boom. In addition, the growing Brazilian economy has attracted many businesses, who's employees need a place to live. The desirable areas which they seek are becoming more expensive due to short supply. As a result construction of homes and infrastructure are increasing leading to higher wages and competition. Peru an Panama are also displaying signs of property exuberance as cities like Lima and transport routes like the Panama Canal are becoming hot spots.

-Gilberto Perez

Continued Writing of New Constituion for Zimbabwe

The tumultuous and suffering country of Zimbabwe seems to be going in the right track with the re-initiation of the writing of a new constitution. The current constitution that is in place dates back to 1979 and has been ammended 19 times. The ammendments have been made in favor of the method of rule used by the President Robert Mugabe. The new constitution is a joint effort between the two parties leading the country at the moment and will hopefully prove to be more supportive of the citizens and people of the country.

Matt Boguslawski

Muslims and Copitc Christians Clash Again in Egypt

On Sunday 55 people were sent to the hospital in Cairo, Egypt, as a result of feuding Muslims and Coptic Christians. Coptic Christians held a sit-in outside the state television station in protest of failed police protection of their churches. While the Coptic were protesting, Muslims initiated gun shots resulting instigating groups of young men from both sides in to a four hour rock and stick fight. Pope Shenouda III, spoke out against the Coptic protestors urging them to immediately discontinue their efforts because, “the protest is now no longer about expressing your opinion,” and that Egypt’s reputation and their own are at stake.

Ana Foster

U.S. Imams Arrested for Alleged Pakistani Taliban Links

Two imams, and a third family member, located in South Florida were arrested on Saturday. They are suspected to have ties to Pakistani Taliban. Three more people were also arrested in Pakistan for the same charges recently. They have been arrested after a 3 and a half year investigation with federal authorities finding significant evidence reporting a suspicious amount of transactions between the U.S. and Pakistan. The two imams, Hafiz Khan and Izhar Khan, are expected to appear in federal court on Monday. Hafiz Khan is the father of Izhar, the other person arrested was Irfan Kahn, another son of Hafiz. The chargers against all six prisoners include: conspiracy to kill, injure and kidnap people abroad, and providing support to the Pakistani Taliban. The other three Pakistani residents: Ali Rehman, Alam Zeb, and Alima Khan. Alima Khan is Hafiz Khan's daughter, and Alam Zeb is a grandson of Hafiz.

The article goes on to explain both sides of the investigation, with people claiming that these allegations are outrageous and the opposing side claiming they have ample evidence supporting the charges. A U.S. Attorney stated that the elder Khan acted with others to support violence, terrorism, and further acts of murder.


- Jen Crawford

North Korea, Iran, and Ballistic Missile Tech

According to leaked UN report, obtained by Reuters, North Korea and Iran appear to have been exchanging ballistic missile technology. The report said that transfers were taking place through a third country that diplomats have said was China. It said that the items were being transfered using regularly scheduled flights on Air Koryo and Iran Air. The report also raised concerns about the safety of the Yongbyon complex and warned that an environmental crisis could occur if it were dismantled or decommissioned without care.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-13402590

Derald Willey

Syrian Security Forces Clash

Four people where killed in several Syrian cities on Friday. The cause of these killings came from the aftermath of several violent protesters and security forces. According to Ammar Qurabi, chairman of the National Organization of Human Rights in Syria, the protesters were gunned down by security forces fearing for their own safety. The hundred of protesters rallied for the end of the regime of Bashaar al-Assad and chanted anti-government slogans. Those that dissagree with his regime have protested every Friday after weekly Muslim prayers. Soon after, security forces were deployed to greet the turnouts. It has been said that at least 850 people have died since the protests have started in mid-March.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/05/13/syria.unrest/index.html

-Tharryn Wright

IMF Chief to Plead Not Guilty in Alleged Attempted Rape

The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dominique Strauss-Kahn, is being charged with a criminal sexual act, attempted rape and unlawful imprisonment in connection with the alleged sexual assault on a 32-year-old woman Saturday at a hotel in Manhattan. He allegedly chased a housekeeping employee while in the nude down the hallway of his hotel suite and tried to sexually assault her. His attorneys told CNN that Strauss-Kahn is expected to plead not guilty. Strauss-Kahn has recently been considered a potential candidate for the French presidential election coming up. However, if these accusations are found true, he will be unable to run for presidency; he has not officially entered the race yet. Strauss-Kahn has previously run into trouble with the law, when, after recently joining the IMF, he acknowledged having an improper relationship with another female employee.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/05/15/new.york.imf.questioning/index.html

-Kristine Zizis

Headless Bodies Found in Guatemala Drug Region

27 headless bodies, 25 male, 2 female have been found at a ranch in Guatemala. Police are pointing the finger at drug cartels, blaming gang rivalries. Police say this is the largest massacre they have seen in decades. Mexican, Guatemalan, and International police forces are in the air and on the ground searching for suspect and increased security at the borders.

The victims appear to have been ambushed at gun point. Officials believe this is the work of the Zeta gang, possibly in relation to the killing of Haraldo Leon earlier on Saturday. All this comes just a few months after the Guatemalan government ceased attacks on Zeta territory, Alta Verapaz.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-13407591

Renee Hessing

Three killed in Yemen protests

On Friday, tens of thousands gathered in Ibb, Taiz, and Yemen's capital, Sanaa, demanding that President Ali Abdullah Saleh leave office, but he refused to step down after 32 years in power. Troops shot at protesters, killing three and wounding fifteen in Ibb, and wounding three in Taiz. In Sanaa, armored vehicles and military troops dispersed protesters. Since the unrest began in January, an estimated 170 people have been killed.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13394722

Megan Borows

Pakistan's parliament condemns U.S. raid, threatens sanctions

The Pakistani parliament on Saturday condemned the raid performed by the U.S in which the al Qaeda leader, Osama bin Laden was killed. The resolution reached during the joint session of the parliament urged to review "Pakistan's working agreement with the U.S., demanded an independent investigation and ordered the immediate end of drone attacks along its border region." The resolution also threatened to cut off access to transit facility used by NATO to transfer troops into Afghanistan if the U.S fails to end drone attacks. This internal tension escalated days after the U.S law makers questioned how Osama bin Laden was able to Pakistan for years without detection. Although in public the two countries maintained the position that there is no evidence Pakistan's military or Intelligence knew about al Qaeda leader but internally the tensions are raising. Follow more at:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/05/14/pakistan.bin.laden/index.html

Submitted By: Namgyel Dorji

Quake worst to hit Spain in decades

On Wednesday, Spain was hit by a 5.1-magnitude earthquake, the worst in 30 years, causing 9 deaths and over 300 injuries.  The epicenter and hardest-hit city was Lorca, a town in the Murcia region of southeast Spain.  Rubble filled the streets and covered cars, the bell tower of an old church collapsed, and 80% of the homes in the town were damaged, prompting thousands of residents to spend the night outside as a precaution.  8,000 mayors across Spain, who are currently campaigning for the upcoming May 22 elections, took a day off of the campaign trail on Thursday in honor of the quake victims.

Mark Zajac

Mrs. Mubarak Arrested

Suzanne Mubarak, the wife of deposed Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, has been arrested in Cairo over allegations that she profitted from her position in the former regime. Mrs. Mubarak's husband is already arrested though in a hospital after a heart attack, and her two sons are already in jail. The author claims this is the natural continuation of arrests being made in Egypt by prosecutors being pushed by popular sentiment for a wide government cleanup after the protests and overthrow. Although the detention time has been limited to only fifteen days in Egypt, that time can be repeatedly renewed, which has occurred for Mr. Mubarak and his sons, and will likely happen to his wife despite the fact that none of them have been actually charged with anything. In Egypt such a long detention time would signal serious charges, but the author is unsure as to whether or not Mrs. Mubarak will be charged or merely pumped for information. She was known for her good works, supporting charities, organized conferences for women's issues, campaigned against female genitalia mutilation, and supported the Arab world's version of Sesame Street. However, she was also known for her powerful position in Mubarak's regime, and worked to push her son towards inheriting the presidency from his father.

by Margaret Nunne

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/14/world/middleeast/14egypt.html?ref=world

Former Nazi Convicted of Murder

From 1945-1949, Nazi soldiers were prosecuted for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The trials were called The Nuremberg Trials, and being the first criminal trials in history to try individuals for these types of crime, they were foundational in setting the precedent for human rights issues and arguments.

This past week, a similar situation took place. A German court convicted John Demjanjuk, a retired Ohio autoworker who was formerly a Nazi guard at the Sobibor concentration camp in Poland, of the murder of nearly 30,000 people. The court sentenced him to 5 years in prison - a punishment I feel is not strong enough, despite his old age. Considering the fact that the war lasted from 1939-1945, it is conceivable that some of the prisoners at Sibobor were held in captivity longer than Demjanjuk will be serving time.

However, family members of those that were killed at Sobibor have a more positive outlook on the conviction. For example, David van Huiden is just glad that the man who took part in killing his mother, father, and sister will be punished at all. In addition, although Rudie S. Cortissos, whose mother was killed in Sobibor, acknowledges that this is just one of the many Nazis who committed atrocities during WWII, she explains that every little bit counts. She says, "He's a very small fish. But whether you are a whale or a sardine, someone who went wrong this way should be punished."

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/13/world/europe/13nazi.html?_r=2&ref=world

-Gracie Hollister