Colombia Peace Deal Headed to Defeat, Causing Shock and Uncertainty

A 52 year war between the Colombian government and FARC, also known as Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, has not officially been called off. [FARC began with 50 farmers as they took up arms because they were fed up with concentration of power on the elite. They began to grow their finances through kidnapping and drug trafficking throughout the state.] Voters heard the news today as they found that the majority voted 'no' in the case asking if they support the final agreement to end the conflict and construct a stable and enduring peace. This past Sunday, the Colombian President and FARC leader met with televised press as they wanted to clear the air and have an open dialogue about wanting the end the war. Politicians who did not agree with the deal felt the that deal needed "more stringent terms." This war has killed about 220,000 people along with displacing six million. Colombia's past president also argued the agreement was too lenient on rebels and feels that they should be prosecuted as murderers and drug traffickers.

Alexa Ortiz
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/03/world/colombia-peace-deal-defeat.html

Colombians narrowly reject peace deal with the FARC

http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/02/americas/colombia-farc-peace-deal-vote/index.html
Robert Tomaszewski
In a vote that was decided by very close margins, Colombia rejected a peace deal that would have ended 50 years of war between rebels and the colombian government. According to CNN 50.22 percent of the vote was against the peace deal. The deal took four years to negotiate and was signed in pens made from recycled bullets by the president and the rebel leader. Santos has reportedly said there is no plan B to the deal that would have rebels give up thier guns and rejoin society.

Chinese Purchases of U.S. Media Have Some in Congress Raising Eyebrows

16 members of Congress have urged the Government Accountability Office to review the "effectiveness" of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). In a letter, they called for "greater scrutiny of Chinese corporate purchases, including movie theaters and studios". The rate and quantity of which the Chinese are acquiring movie theaters and studios is creating a bit of a geopolitical conflict, and raising many questions. The main concern of the members of Congress “Should the definition of national security be broadened to address concerns about propaganda and control of the media and ‘soft power’ institutions?” Also the major Chinese purchasing company, WANDA, seems to have many investors with ties to the Communist Party, which is worrisome as well. 

-AC Christopherson 

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/01/world/asia/china-us-foreign-acquisition-dalian-wanda.html

52 Dead in Stampede of Oromia

             52 people were killed when anti-government protest erupted during a religious festival in Ethiopia's
Oromia region.  There were conflicting reports of whether these protests were demonstrated peacefully or with malice; regardless many protesters and gatherers were injured or killed due to stampedes and apparent  retaliation of police authorities at the event.  Ethnic groups within the region have been extremely frustrated with their government's tactics of marginalization and dehumanization, and that frustration has led it's way to unrest between the people and their government.  With protests in this region rapidly growing in numbers, it is inevitable that more injuries and deaths will occur.  According to reports, there were nearly 2 million people attending the religious event held, so it's somewhat surprising that more individuals weren't harmed during the ordeal.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-37534387

-Jaedyn Krebs-Carr

OPEC and the Stagnant Price of Oil

OPEC To Regulate Oil Market Again

The 15th International Energy Forum, held in Algiers earlier this week, saw OPEC members decide to cut production by about 800,000 barrels per day. The cut will not be consistent across all member states but is significant nonetheless, being the first in eight years.The move is meant to stabilise global oil prices.

Rodney Ross

Afghanistan: President Ghani signs peace deal with Hezb-i-Islami

Afghan government signed peace treaty with Hezb-i-Islami, an armed group which is led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. This could be the possible doorway for other armed groups like Taliban to join the peace treaty and end the bloodshed on Afghan soil. Pakistan's foreign ministry issued statement praising the deal and its benefits to Afghan government. President Ghani pledged to lobby the US and the UN to lift the international sanctions on Hekmatyar, who is labeled a “global terrorist” for connections with al-Qaeda and Taliban. After sanctions are lifted, Hekmatyar is expected to return to Afghanistan after 20 years in exile. He is currently suspected hiding in Pakistan. Hekmatyar also promoted other opposition parties to join the peace treaty with government in his messages. Taliban however is silent on the agreement. Hope for future peace in Afghanistan might have commenced.

Anisha Venkatesh Babu  

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/afghanistan-ghani-hekmatyar-sign-peace-deal-160929092524754.html

Venezuela: No Money, No Drugs

You know something is wrong with the government when your room mate bites off your nose in the middle of the night, eats it,  then denies they did it, and no one bats an eye. That's what happened to Cleofila Carillo thanks to the medicine shortage in going on right now in Venezuela. Carillo is one of many patients that is suffering in one of Venezuela's hospitals, El Pampero Hospital in Barquisimento.  Besides medicine, the hospitals are lacking food, clothing, and sanitary products like toilet paper. Patients are doing their business pretty much anywhere with just water to clean themselves. Belts are being made out of plastic bags and gloves by the nurses to keep pants from falling down. According the hospital's medical records, half of the men are underweight. All of this is going on and it's so obvious, yet the Venezuelan government still denies that its hospitals are suffering from shortages and has declined international medical assistance. It's so sad because people are dying in these hospitals when they're supposed to be feeling better. According to the article, a psychiatrist has not been to El Pampero Hospital in 2 years. Venezuela's economic crisis is seriously devastating. Something has to be done.

--Jazmin Galindo

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/02/world/americas/inside-a-dysfunctional-psychiatric-hospital.html?ref=world&_r=0

Russia warns US not to attack Syrian regime

Russia has explicitly told the United States to avoid interfering taking action against the Syrian regime, claiming any U.S involvement would have "negative consequences" throughout the Middle East. Meanwhile, Aleppo continues to be torn apart by fighting, which resulted with one of the main hospitals being bombed. Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova had this to say: "If the US launches a direct aggression against Damascus and the Syrian army, it will lead to terrible, tectonic shifts not only on the territory of this country but also in the region in general" (Karadsheh). Russia's concern is that the U.S is creating a power vacuum that would make the country vulnerable to various terrorist organizations. The article also goes into more details on the hospital bombing in Aleppo, as well as the effects the destruction has had on the population.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/01/middleeast/syria-aleppo-bombing/index.html

-Chase Gozdziak

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to introduce European Union repeal bill in upcoming speech

Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom since July and first female Prime Minister of the U.K. since Margaret Thatcher, will introduce a plan to carry out the process popularly referred to as "Brexit" in the upcoming Queen's Speech. Theresa May took over after David Cameron announced his intention of resigning the office, which was the result of political pressure after the British people voted to remove their country from the European Union, a decision which Cameron had been against. Prime Minister May is now going to announce how that separation will be carried out, when it will be carried out, and what the United Kingdom's relationship with the European Union will be going forward. A bill will be introduced by May to repeal a 1972 act that declared the UK as part of the European Union. The process of separating from the EU is set to begin in 2017. When this happens, all of EU law will be transposed into British law, wherever it is practical to do so, for the sake of continuity. The Brexit process will stand as an experiment to see whether a national economy performs better as a member of the EU or separate from the EU, and will be an example for other countries considering separating from the EU in the future.

Justin Wysocke

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-37532364

Syria's airstrikes threatening underground schools

Save the Children released a statement on Friday, telling that the lives of children in underground schools are now threatened by bunker-busting bombs that are deigned to target underground structure. 8 out of 13 schools in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo were built underground for safety reasons. Even though a ceasefire between the Syrian government (led by President Bashar al-Assad) and opposition forces, took effect on September 12th, soon the government launched airstrikes against eastern Aleppo, and the city and children were again under severe attacks. Reports show that about 100,000 children aged from 5 to 17 are taken away of education as the conflict continues.

-Mirina Uchida

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20161002_01/

Hurricane Matthew churns toward Jamaica, Haiti

Jamaicans an Haitians are preparing themselves for Hurricane Matthew (category 4) next Monday, but residents will feel it's effects by Sunday. The population is getting ready major disasters, packing and buying enough for a small period of time. The storm slowed to a crawl in the Caribbean this weekend, and it will achieve maximum sustained winds of 150mph. Forecasters say the Matthew may hit Cuba, Bahamas and South Florida next week, but it is too soon to be sure.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/01/americas/hurricane-matthew/index.html

Ana Maria Gentil

Trump Speaks at Bolingbrook Golf Club Wednesday

Donald Trump spoke at Bolingbrook Golf Club for a campaign fundraiser this last Wednesday. Supporters flocked to the event, and total funds raised totaled over two million dollars. The event was closed to the public, and lines of protestors wrapped around Rodeo Road outside of the venue. Local business woman and attendee, Kelley Speck commented that, “Trump is direct and blunt, and that’s not for everyone.” Indeed, many of Trump’s supporters at the fundraiser felt alienated in the campaign’s early days, describing how they were called “racists” when exposing their support for Trump to friends and colleagues. Tensions were high around the the board, and secret service worked in tandem with Bolingbrook police to keep protesters under wraps. As the polls close, Trump and Hillary are working specific states in order to win the election -- possibly by a landslide. The question is, what future will America choose, come Nov. 8?

-Nicole Simos

Trump Speaks at Bolingbrook Golf Club Wednesday

Donald Trump spoke at Bolingbrook Golf Club for a campaign fundraiser this last Wednesday. Supporters flocked to the event, and total funds raised totaled over two million dollars. The event was closed to the public, and lines of protestors wrapped around Rodeo Road outside of the venue. Local business woman and attendee, Kelley Speck commented that, “Trump is direct and blunt, and that’s not for everyone.” Indeed, many of Trump’s supporters at the fundraiser felt alienated in the campaign’s early days, describing how they were called “racists” when exposing their support for Trump to friends and colleagues. Tensions were high around the the board, and secret service worked in tandem with Bolingbrook police to keep protesters under wraps. As the polls close, Trump and Hillary are working specific states in order to win the election -- possibly by a landslide. The question is, what future will America choose, come Nov. 8?

-Nicole Simos

Migrant Child Brides in Europe

In Syrian refugee camps, young girls are marrying older men for protection and monetary gains. This poses a problem for European countries accepting the migrants. Should a fourteen year-old refugee girl be allowed to live with her adult husband, even though it's prohibited by European law? European countries are handling this problem in different ways. Germany is burdened with most of these child marriages, since they have the greatest influx of migrants out of any European country. Syrian families opt for child marriage to protect girls from sexual violence, but child marriage is often forced. So the question is: are these marriages benefitting young girls, or are they just legalized abuse?

-Hannah Friedle

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37518289

16 year old teen recieves jail time for social media post

16 year old Amos Yee from Singapore was recently sentenced to six weeks in prison for uploading videos on his beliefs of the Christian and Islam religion. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $2,000 Singapore dollars because of his outspoken comments and beliefs. His media post were a direct disobedience of his nations laws and was used as an example for that type of social misconduct.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/29/asia/singapore-amos-yee-teen-blogger-sentence/index.html

David Soto

American Airstrike killed Afghan Civilians, U.N. Says

The United Nations mission in Afghanistan recently condemned an American airstrike it said had killed at least 15 civilians. This happened a day after American and Afghan officials said they had targeted a gathering of Islamic State affiliates. The strike was carried out by a drone, and the United States military spokesman said the military was investigating the reports of civilian causalities. Afghan officials insisted on Wednesday night, the day of the attack that the strike took out members of the Islamic State. 18 of the victims that were take out by the drone were Islamic State fighters, including a major commander and judge, while there were 5 civilian causalities.

- Taylor Sikora

http://nyti.ms/2cESEkJ

Chinese Pay Close Attention To Presidential Election

All eyes are on the U.S. as Election Day approaches. The Chinese are paying extra close attention in particular. They are under the impression that the American Government plays out like the popular series "House of Cards." ,You Tianlong, a Chinese doctoral student at Arizona State University, created a podcast to educate younger Chinese about American Politics. His Podcast reaches approximately 70,000 people each month. He explained that the Chinese are very interested in American politics, but it can be extremely difficult to understand. 

-Jackie Diaz
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/29/world/asia/china-united-states-presidential-election.html?ref=world&_r=0

Most of the world breathes in polluted air

In a recent article published by CNN, findings about air pollution have been brought forward. The World Health Organization (WHO) has found that almost everyone breathes in polluted air according to an air quality map. A staggering 92% of the worlds population is in areas that fail to meet WHO's guidelines. This is a major concern, seeing as pollution as multiple affects on internal health of ones body. The new air quality map was created with data that looks at particulate matter, found in air around the world. The most dangerous PM, 10, is seen all over the world on the map from the data they collected, some areas even exceed that threshold.

-Allie Downer

http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/27/health/air-pollution-map-who/index.html

Former Israeli Leader dies at 93

Shimon Peres served in Israel's parliament for nearly 50 years: he served as a minister in 12 different cabinets, was president once, and prime minister twice. Overall he served in the government for over 70 years. Peres was the last surviving member of the group of Israeli leaders who witnessed the creation of Israel as a state in 1948 and he was a founder of the Labor Zionist Youth Movement. He was also considered the "father of Israel's aeronautic and nuclear programs". Peres was extremely influential in helping to shape Israel and even won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 for negotiating the Oslo Accords with the Palestinians. Through all his work in the government and in leading Israel, Peres held unto faith that peace could be brought to the middle east despite all the conflict he witnessed. With his generation of leadership passing on with him, I wonder how this might influence Israel and it's thoughts on peace and how to move forward with future conflict.

-Mynk Richardson-Clerk
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/ex-israeli-leader-shimon-peres-dead-93-article-1.2809365

Double Bombing in Dresden, Germany

Just as the Germans were starting to get in the spirit of Unity Day (a holiday that marked the 26th anniversary of the joining of eastern and western Germany) two bomb attacks went off in separate locations in Dresden, Germany. One of those locations was a mosque and the other was where the festivities were going to be held next weekend: The International Congress Center. Due to the fear of terrorism and the uncertainty around who was the source of the attacks, Muslim institutions were put under increased surveillance according to Saxony Interior Minister Markus Ulbig. Though the attacks were clearly related since they happened within minutes of each other, the source of the attacks remain unknown. 

-Noemi L. Powell
http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/27/europe/bombs-attacks-germany/index.html

UN Security Council deeply divided over Russian airstrikes in Syria

Over the past three days, the Syrian city of Aleppo has been pummeled by over 150 airstrikes from Russian forces as well as the Syrian government under the direction of Bashar al-Assad. On Sunday alone, over 60 people were killed in these airstrikes, the majority of which targeted neighborhoods of the city that are currently in rebel hands. In response to these ongoing airstrikes, the United Nations Security Council convened on Sunday for an emergency meeting in order to consider action in response to these strikes. The US Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, as well as the United Kingdom's Ambassador to the UN, Matthew Rycroft, both condemned Russia's role in these strikes and criticized its political and military support for the Assad regime. Power referred to Russia's action as "barbarism," while Rycroft said that the Assad regime and Russia have "plunged to new depths and unleashed a new hell on Aleppo." A ceasefire was negotiated on September 9 between the United States and Russia to temporarily halt fighting for humanitarian purposes. However, this ceasefire was irrevocably terminated when Russia bombed an aid convoy near Aleppo on Monday. Russia's fellow permanent members of the UN Security Council, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, all condemn Russia's support for the Assad regime. In spite of this, the fifth permanent member, China, supports Russia and the Assad regime, creating a noticeable rift in the Security Council.

-Justin Wysocke

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/jets-pound-aleppo-discusses-syria-escalation-160925165014461.html

Could India and Pakistan go to War?

After 18 Indian Soldiers were killed on base and Pakistan shut down accusations of involvement, questions about a potential war break out. Although peaceful relations along the boarder have held up for some years now, accusations and comments about Pakistan being a terrorist state could change things in the future. As war talk spreads through media, the future between these places remain uncertain.

Jackie Diaz
http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/21/asia/india-pakistan-kashmir-conflict/index.html

4 arrested, hundreds feared dead after migrant boat capsizes off Egypt

The crew of an "overloaded by 300 people" boat were arrested on Thursday with charges of human trafficking and involuntary manslaughter.  The vessel, designed to hold 150 passengers, departed from Egypt carrying 450 migrants crammed on board.  The ship collapsed under the weight of its passengers about 12 nautical miles northeast of Rashid, Egypt on Wednesday afternoon.  So far 163 victims have been rescued and 51 bodies have been recovered.  The rescue force is largely composed of local fishermen helping out the coast guard.  This overcrowded person smuggling attempt is unfortunately only one of hundreds.  The UN estimates that 300,000 people have arrived in Europe from the Middle East by sea this year alone and of those attempting to cross, 3,211 of them are believed to be dead.  These incidents shine a light on just how bad conditions must be for migrants to attempt to cross over in such a dangerous way.

Chris Buechner

http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/22/middleeast/migrant-boat-capsize-egypt-arrests/index.html

China, Cuba agree to deepen economic ties

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Cuban President Raul Castro held a meeting in Havana on Saturday to discuss economic cooperation between the 2 nations. It is reported that Li promised China's dedication and commitment to retain the friendly relation with Cuba, as well as to support the country's socialist structure. Li also promised to deepen economic ties with Cuba by helping it boost infrastructure and improve trade and investment. Meanwhile, Castro expressed his wish to learn from China's rapid growth in economy, and his willingness to continue to cooperate with China as 2 developing countries.

-Mirina Uchida


http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160925_16/

Irish abortion laws: Protests held across the world

This story caught my attention initially on Twitter via #repealthe8th on Saturday when the primary march in Dublin took place. "#repealthe8th" refers to Ireland's 8th Amendment in their Constitution which forbids abortion. In 2013 a ban on the practice was removed so that it is legal if the mother's life is at risk. Protesters are calling for a repeal of  the 8th Amendment, and it's becoming hard to ignore them since they have gone global. According tot the article, this movement is now global with 20 other worldwide cities including Melbourne, Berlin, and London participating in marches and protests. People in Ireland are on both sides of the debate with religion playing a big role in people opinions. However, the Prime Minister Enda Kenny will hold a citizens' assembly next month to discuss the possibility of a vote to change the abortion laws.

-AC Christopherson

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37462862

Muslim Political Movement Fields Christian Candidates

In Jordan's nearing parliamentary elections, the Islamic Action Front is making a historical decision to support four Christians. Never before in Middle Eastern modern elections has an Islamic political platform given its support to Christian politicians. There are two takes on this situation. Some feel that it is an encouraging sign of putting differences aside for the best in Jordan. Others see the combination as an attempt to gain popularity and votes. The Islamic Brotherhood's Manifesto does not have a section on providing protection for minorities, which Christians fall in. The director of Center for Strategic Studies at the University of Jordan, Musa Shteiwi, claims this outreach is all "cosmetic" in nature. The IAF says differently, however. In order to keep up with modern views of citizens, the IAF wants to be able to connect to more groups and offer solutions to corruption that has plagued the government. The election takes place on Tuesday, and will be important to view, as it could set a precedent for neighboring countries in the future.

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2016/0919/In-a-first-for-Middle-East-politics-Christians-and-Islamists-stump-together
Ben Ubert

South Korea Reveals it has a Plan to Assassinate Kim Jong Un

South Korea reveals to the media that in the case of a scenario that would require it, they have the capability and a functional plan to assassinate Kim Jong Un. If South Korea feels threatened by North Korea's nuclear weapons, they have elite troops on standby to make sure that the leader of North Korea can be eliminated. Their plan would be to use precision missiles to eliminate the facilities that Kim Jong Un would be located. Daniel Pinkston of Troy University agrees that it is in the countries best interest to have this plan thought out and it would be a mistake not to have these capabilities.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/23/asia/south-korea-plan-to-assassinate-kim-jong-un/index.html

Mitch Reid

Russia Accused of War Crimes

Matthew Rycroft, the British ambassador to the UN, accused Russia of committing war crimes with the Syrian Regime.  During Sundays airstrikes, 23 plus civilians were killed.  Samantha Power, UN representative for the US said Russia's actions were "barbarism, not counter-terrorism."  Reports say that 45 people, including 10 children, were killed on Saturday during the bombings, and that over 200 innocent civilians have been killed since the cease-fire ended on Monday.  As the UN continues an attempt to bring peace to Syria, it is starting to look like an impossible task.

-Andres Terronez

http://news.sky.com/story/rebels-say-push-for-peace-in-syria-is-futile-as-russian-backed-bombing-intensifies-10592957

Egyptian Migrant Boat Sinking

                 A boat carrying migrants, from regions of North Africa and the Middle East, tragically sank off the coast of Egypt and resulted in the deaths of 162 people onboard.  The death toll continues to rise since the incident took place, on the 21st of September.  The vessel was illegally transporting nearly 600 migrants/refugees to Europe, the majority of whom were seeking asylum from the inhumanities displayed in their countries.  Interviews given to the survivors of the tragedy, unveiled that the smugglers operating the boat were forcibly charging the migrants extra money for the purchase of a lifejacket.  According to the article, only in the last two years, 10,000 plus people have perished crossing the Mediterranean Sea toward Europe.  It is undeniable, unfortunately, that more of these refugees/migrants will end up dying in their search for freedom from oppression. The conflict is one that can not be easily combatted or diminished and that is truly what makes the circumstances even more dire.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37454066

-Jaedyn Krebs-Carr

Mexico town women vote locally for first time

Although women have been able to vote in major presidential elections since the year of 1953, there are still towns in Mexico that hold on to traditional law. Towns such as Oaxaca, Mexico still hold men-only voter lists. A group of 11 women in Guevea de Humboldt went up against the law in a regional court. 500 out of 5,000 women turned out to vote at the polls. An interviewee, Catalina Martinez Jimenez was able to cast her vote at the age of 75. Though, she believed in it 
"being a miracle from God," she is not so sure whether she will be there for the next election. However, it seems as though in this day and age that women would feel liberalized, there are still some that hold on to those traditional methods. 


Alexa Ortiz

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-37441589

Japan’s Newest Technology Innovation: Priest Delivery

Japan has a new delivery service and it isn't for food. Japanese consumers, through Amazon, are now able to order a priest on Amazon with a set price to do services for people. They bring the temple to you instead of you going to the temple. I think that this is a great idea because people like things centered around them and this service is very convenient. It makes me wonder if this trend will spread. This has been a service by Amazon for a little over a year. There are 400 priests employed. Some services are $344 and others can be $639 depending on which package you select. This is the first online service of this kind and I am sure that it will catch on.

Lauren Whelan

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/23/business/international/amazon-japan-delivers-priest.html?ref=asia

Swiss voters back controversial surveillance law

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/swiss-voters-controversial-surveillance-law-160925155443740.html
Robert Tomaszewski
The Swiss are typically known for their secretive banking laws, however a new counter terrrorism measure to "spy on terrorists and cyber criminals" got 65 percent of the vote in a public referendum. The Swiss government said the measure was more about letting intelligence do its job, rather than the general surviellance the U.S. National Security Agency is infamous for. Amnesty International called the bill "disproportionate". The bill goes into effect Sept. 1, 2017 according to the article. How extensive the surveillance will be and what the other 35 percent of the swiss population remains to be seen.

Swiss endorse new surveillance powers

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37465853

Swiss voters have shown strong support for a law that would allow for increased surveillance among its civilians in the wake of rising global tensions. This policy strays away from Switzerland's generally neutral stance on domestic as well as foreign security. As much as 65% of citizens gave approval to the legislation that would allow for Swiss government security agencies to put hostile suspects under electronic surveillance with the approval of courts and the swiss defense cabinet. The Swiss government was caught just years ago spying on thousands of its citizens and received a generally negative response from its people. This new bill is a clear sign that people in Europe are becoming uneasy in even the more peaceful parts of the continent. The law is said by officials to only target the most high risk targets.

-Tanner James

Corrupt Cops in Mexico Asssault 11 Women

Over a decade ago in Mexico City, there was a protest against Mexican governor Enrique Nieto. Demonstrators had taken over the central square and in the process, police violently arrested over 40 women and took them to a far away jail. These women were beaten, raped, and tortured by the police for days before being released. Now 10 years later, 11 of these women are speaking up about the tragic incident and hoping to bring a case against the police department. International human rights officials are looking into the incident and are fighting for an investigation to be held but there is only so much that they can do. Realists would blame this inability to act on anarchy. There is no world government to hold Mexico or Nieto responsible for the assault on the women. At this point in time, there is not much else that officials can do because the Mexican government is not fully cooperating with investigations.

-Mynk Richardson-Clerk
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/23/world/americas/enrique-pena-nieto-commission-human-rights-investigate-rape.html?_r=0

85 Dead In Aleppo Bombing

Russia is being accused of bombing the contested area of Aleppo, Syria that killed 85 and wounded over 300. Instead of helping innocent civilians, Russia is bombing hospitals, first-responders, and humanitarians who are trying to help people in Syria stay alive. While Russia may or may not be doing the bombing themselves, they are backing Syria's president Assad in his stance on the Syrian civil war. Russia, in a sense, handed Assad the gun and is letting him fire at will. The United States, Britain, and France met today to discuss their plan of action moving forward on the issue. The innocent in Syria are looking at the U.S. and Britain to help dampen the atrocities being committed against them. Hopefully someone will intervene very soon.

By Alex Khatcherian


http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/25/middleeast/syria-aleppo-offensive/

Cartoon offends Islam, Jordanian writer fatally shot.

 On sunday morning, a well known Jordanian writer and political activist was shot dead as he headed to courtroom to face charges for posting cartoons on facebook which offended Islam. A witness describes the shooter as conservative muslim. Nahed Hattar, a secular christian was arrested for sharing a cartoon on his facebook page. The cartoon is described to be a conversation between a muslim man and God. Muslims were offended as it depicted God with disrespect.  Hattar was in jail for two weeks before being freed on bail for the hearing on sunday. Hattar's family now blames Jordan's Government.

Anisha Venkatesh Babu


https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/prominent-jordanian-writer-fatally-shot-after-he-posted-cartoon-said-to-offend-islam/2016/09/25/68557a34-e3ce-46a9-a14b-b9ceec005288_story.html

Evidence of a Chinese Economic Downturn

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/countingthecost/2016/09/china-debt-160924081946832.html

Unfinished Chinese building projects could forecast a downfall for the Chinese economy. Premiers in the government reject this claim. Any downturn of China's integrated economy could spell consequences around the world.

-Rodney Ross

John Kerry launches blistering attack on Russia at UN

John Kerry took the UN floor during the United Nations General Assembly and berated his Russian counterpart for actions taken by Russian forces in Syria. Russian aircraft engaged what they thought was either an ISIS or rebel convoy, it turns out the convoy was actually an aid convoy attempting ti deliver necessary aid to the people of Syria. This comes during a very heated moment in the Syrian conflict as the most recent cease fire beings to crumble. The Russians did not claim the bombing instead tried to pass it off with excuses my favorite being spontaneous combustion. This eventt further puts strain on the fragile environment that is Syria as well as places an even greater strain on the relations between the United States and Russia.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/21/politics/russia-syria-kerry-un-security-council-meeting/index.html

-Sean Raleigh

India challenges Pakistan to a War... against Poverty and Illiteracy

     In light of the recent terror attacks in Kashmir, the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi criticized Pakistan for its actions in a party rally. He claimed that Pakistan "wanted bloodshed, killing of people, and terror". He also said that while India and Pakistan attained their independence at the same time, India exported software, while Pakistan exported terror. To taunt the Pakistani government, he issued a challenge, saying: "I want to tell the people of Pakistan, India is ready to fight you. If you have the strength, come forward to fight against poverty. Let's see who wins. Let's see who is able to defeat poverty and illiteracy first, Pakistan or India".

-Mohammed Khan

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-exports-software-Pakistan-exports-terror-PM-Modis-blistering-response-to-Uri-attack/articleshow/54497875.cms