El Chapo: Coming to a City Near You

It has been a while since I last heard about the notorious Mexican drug king-pin, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. Recently, a Mexican federal judge agreed to extradite El Chapo to the United States, although this will not happen over night. Joaquin Guzman is among several drug smugglers that were indicted in 2009 in Brooklyn, NY. Between 1990 and 2005, they imported more than 260,000 pounds of cocaine into the United States. I’m fascinated with the drug-dealing mentality that people like El Chapo or Pablo Escobar have. They are smart business people and it’s cool to see it unravel on shows like Narcos.  It’s captivating and interesting. Besides New York, El Chapo also faces charges in Arizona, California, Texas, New Hampshire, Florida, and even Illinois. I also think it’s funny how he has managed to escape from jail multiple times, specifically the Altiplano jail that’s supposed to be “top security”. El Chapo is quite the character. Lucky for him, and for the spectators awaiting his next big move, if he is convicted, he will not receive the death penalty as Mexico does not favor death sentences. 

--Jazmin Galindo

http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/20/americas/el-chapo-extradition/index.html

No Easy Mold to Fill to Become a Latino Texas Politician

Texas has the most Latino elected politicians in all of America. Even though most are Democrats it causes an electorate split along racial, ethnic, party and socioeconomically. Manny Fernandez writes about the Five Unwritten rules that is takes part in being a Latino politician in Texas.

-Maria Dementieva

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/23/us/texas-latino-politicians.html?&hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=b-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news

Afghan Opium Production Rises

Estimated opium production in Afghanistan has risen by 43 percent to 4,800 metric tonnes in 2016 compared with 2015 levels, according to the latest Afghanistan Opium Survey figures released by the Afghan Ministry of Counter Narcotics and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Rodney Ross

Police Investigating Deadly Explosions North of Tokyo

80 miles north of Tokyo, explosions went off in a parking lot and a nearby park this morning. The explosions killed one man and injured three others. The police were able to identify the deceased man as  Toshikatsu Kurihara. He was 72 years old. He was found in the park. Mr. Kurihara was a former officer in Japan's military and the police had found what appeared to be a suicide note on his clothes. The police would not immediately confirm those details. If this was a suicide, at this point, the police cannot say whether this was meant to harm other people. Aside form injuring three others, the bombs also destroyed 3 cars as well as damaging a building nearby. Mr. Kurihara's home also burned down 30 minutes before the explosion in the parking lot went off. Police haven't released any information if there is a connection, but it appears that there most certainly could be on there.

Lauren Whelan 

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/24/world/asia/japan-park-explosions-utsunomiya.html?ref=world

South Africa Wants to Withdraw From the Int'l Criminal Court

South Africa is going to submit a bill to parliament to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. This decision follows a dispute from last year when Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir, who is wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity (genocide in Darfur) visited the country.  AL-Bashir was allowed to leave the country even though local courts ordered his prevention from leaving because of the international order for his arrest. South Africa is the second country to leave the ICC, following Burundi after they had a bitter dispute over human rights in their country. Some have argued that the ICC has unfairly targeted Africa, however many of recent genocides and major human rights violations have occurred in this area.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2016/10/21/south-africa-plans-to-withdraw-from-international-criminal-court.html

Alex Khatcherian

The Dangers of Hillary Clinton: As the Election Draws Near

As the U.S election has indeed captivated not only the United States attention, but the world's, it seemed apt to post about an interesting article concerning the outcome of the election, just weeks before it actually takes place.

The New York Times published an article Friday by Ross Douthat entitled "The Dangers of Hillary Clinton." Although it sounds like a run of the mill article bashing the would-be Clinton administration, Douthat makes an intriguing point: although Trump is a terrifying selection, Clinton is a true byproduct of elitist groupthink, traditionally following the common (or accepted) train of thought on foreign and domestic policy. Some points the article brings up are her stances over the years on the Iraq war, and Russian conflict. With each swing of popular thought, her own platform has shifted incredibly. 

Douthat points out that although Trump supporters are almost admitting as much as "we've tried sane, now let's try crazy," Clinton really may be- more of the same. 

Please see the link below to read the full article! It goes further in depth, and is a quick read. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/23/opinion/sunday/the-dangers-of-hillary-clinton.html?_r=0

-Nicole Simos

Muslims pray near Rome's Colosseum in protest

Hundreds of Muslims offered prayers near the Rome’s Colosseum as a protest for closing mosques and other Islamic religious centers in Italy. The protest was held because Muslims felt they had unfair restrictions on freedom to practice faith, the organizers called for the protest after the recent closure of many mosques on administrative grounds.  The worshippers knelt to pray on prayer mats and held placards reading “peace” and “open the mosques”. A Bangladeshi group, Dhuumcatu, had organized the protests and complained that Muslim places of worship had been illegally banned by authorities on bases of building violation. The group wants city hall to intervene and address the issue. Politician Barbara Saltamartini said the protest was an “unacceptable provocation” and should have never happened in Rome. In Italy, Islam is not recognized as an official religion, unlike Judaism or the Mormon faith, and many Muslims from North Africa and South Asia feel discriminated against on the grounds of both race and religion.

Anisha Venkatesh Babu

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/10/muslims-stage-protest-prayers-rome-colosseum-161021165608295.html

5 Days After Failed Missile Test by North Korea, Another Failure

On Thursday in Seoul, South Korea, launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile which the United States military confirmed was a failure. This was North Korea's second failed attempt to flight-test an intermediate-range ballistic missile in five days. The missile test took place near the northwestern city of Kusong, known to the outside world as the Musudan. The news release said that the launch posed no threat to North America.

-Taylor Sikora

http://nyti.ms/2enAsdg

Ecuador Restricts Internet Access

Ecuador has restricted internet access for Julian Assange, the creator of WikiLeaks. Assange lives in Ecuador's London embassy which is the cause for Ecuador's concern. WikiLeaks has been releasing important, secret information that could effect the current U.S election and Ecuador does not want to be associated with this. This is a great example of states wanting to respect the rules of sovereignty. Ecuador does not want to interfere with or harbor anyone who may interfere with the political affairs of the U.S for the sake of respecting its right to govern its people how it sees fit.

-Mynk R.C.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/19/opinion/julian-assange-of-wikileaks-unplugged.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FAssange%2C%20Julian%20P.&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=collection

Eduardo Cunha, the Brazilian read of the congress, got arrested

A anti-corruption operation has been led in Brazil the last months. The operation is been successful and the judge Sergio Moro is arresting many powerful politicians in the country. Today Eduardo Cunha, the read of the Brazilian congress, got arrested in the capital, Brasilia. The accusations were that Mr. Cunha took over 5 million dollars in bribes from the biggest oil company in the country, Petrobras, and was keeping the money in a secret account in Switzerland. 

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-37709537

Ana Maria Gentil

Saudi Arabia Executes Prince

On Tuesday October 18, Saudi Arabia executed a member of their royal family.  Prince Turki bin Saud Al-Kabeer was executed after being convicted of murdering a man.  Supposedly during a 'group quarrel' a shot was fired killing a man.  The family of the victim refused a pay-off and demanded justice.  No details were released regarding how the prince was executed.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/19/middleeast/saudi-prince-executed/

-Andres Terronez

Ecuador Cuts Internet of WikiLeaks' Founder, Julian Assagne

Julian Assange exiled himself to the Ecuador Embassy seeking asylum from rape charges. The founder of WikiLeaks has immunity in this embassy and has been hiding for just over four years now. Ecuador announced that while Assange has not been evicted from the embassy, he has been disconnected from the internet, in order for the embassy to distance itself from the source of leaks. WikiLeaks has been targeting Hilary Clinton and her campaign in its most recent leaks, and Ecuador wants nothing to do with the attempts to sway the election.


Jackie Diaz
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/19/world/europe/julian-assange-embassy.html?ref=world

Hours after Russian airstrikes killed 20 members of one family, including nine children, in Aleppo, Russia says that it will halt airstrikes on the rebel held section of the city. Airstrikes are to stop for 8 hours on Thursday, starting at 8 am according to General Sergey Rudskoy, also urging rebels to leave the city. Six corridors are to be opened to move civilians out of the city. Two corridors are opened for rebels to leave. According to the article, since Sunday, at least 45 people have been killed in two neighborhoods in Aleppo.

-Allie Downer
http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/17/middleeast/aleppo-airstrikes/index.html

Assault on Aleppo Will Halt for 8 Hours, Russia Says

Russia is Ceasing fire in Aleppo for 8 hours a day. Russia says its a humanitarian pause, so that humanitarian organizations can evaluate the sick and wounded. But Pavel E. Fengelhauer, a military analyst thinks its a military tactic to trick jihadist fighters into a mind field


. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/18/world/middleeast/aleppo-syria-russia-ceasefire.html?ref=world


-Maria Dementieva

Rise of Saudi Prince Shatters Decades of Royal Tradition

The rise of Prince bin Salman has shattered decades of tradition in the royal family, where respect for seniority and power-sharing among branches are time-honored traditions. Never before in Saudi history has so much power been wielded by the deputy crown prince, who is second in line to the throne. That centralization of authority has angered many of his relatives. Because of his actions last week of buying a $550 million dollar yacht on sight when on vacation in France proves that he still firmly believes in royal privilege while he still is a paradox. 31-year-old Prince bin Salman: a man who is trying to overturn tradition, reinvent the economy and consolidate power — while holding tight to his royal privilege


http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/16/world/rise-of-saudi-prince-shatters-decades-of-royal-tradition.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FInternational%20Relations&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=6&pgtype=collection&_r=0


David Soto

Japan seeks return of US Military Land in Okinawa by Year's End.

The Japanese government wants the U.S to return a large portion of land used by the U.S Military to train its soldiers. This is due to the high burden of hosting these bases on the the islands of Okinawa, where most of these bases are located. The U.S had agreed to the return half of the training area in 1996, but the Okinawa government has been at odds with the central government , saying that Okinawa itself bears most of the burden of hosting U.S military facilities and that most of them should be relocated out of the prefecture. The Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshihide Suga, plans to reach an agreement over the relocation of these bases by the end of the year.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/10/08/national/japan-seeks-return-large-parcel-u-s-military-land-okinawa-year-end-suga/

-Mohammed Khan

ISIS in the crosshairs: Battle for Mosul begins

The final push to force ISIS out of Iraq is beginning soon. The force which is comprised of Iraqi security forces and military, and Kurdish fighters. The coalition is supported by 30 US and British advisors as well as an artillery unit. This fight is important because the city of Mosul is the last major stronghold that ISIS controls in Iraq, as well as being a port which they use to sell goods and bring in fighters and money. This battle is expected to take months because even if the initial battle is successful it is believed that ISIS will leave behind sleeper sells to continue attacking weeks after the major combat has ceased. This battle will determine the future of ISIS thats why it is so significant.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/16/middleeast/mosul-isis-operation-begins-iraq/index.html
-Sean Raleigh

Trump is claiming that the voting System is rigged to make him lose, and that there is wide spread fraud in the election. Many republicans are appalled at trumps claims. Republicans are once again having a hard time not making loyal republican voters angry.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/17/us/politics/donald-trump-election-rigging.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news

-Maria Dementieva

Philippine President attacks United States and President Obama amid military cooperation

The militaries of the United States and the Philippines are currently working together on "amphibious military drills." In spite of this, the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, made statements this week viciously attacking the United States, one the closest allies of the Philippines. Duterte has become well-known as a controversial world leader since his election in June, and fosters a public image as a "politically incorrect" straight talker who unreservedly says what is on his mind. In the United States, he has been widely compared to presidential candidate Donald Trump. Duterte is best known for his war on drugs, in which drug dealers are not merely stopped and arrested, but rather, killed and executed. 3000 suspected drug dealers have been killed as a result of Duterte's campaign. Duterte attacked the United States for criticizing him rather than funding his war on drugs, in spite of China's and Russia's aid to this war, saying that Obama can "go to hell" and that the European Union is almost as bad as the United States, and that the EU "better choose purgatory, hell is filled up." The Philippines' enhanced diplomatic relations with China is undermining U.S. power in the Philippines, which is manifested through the use of Philippine military bases. The author ends by suggesting that the United States ought to seek other allies in Southeast Asia in their standoff with China.

Justin Wysocke

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2016/1004/As-joint-military-exercises-begin-Philippine-president-rages-against-US

China drops one-child policy, but ‘exhausted’ tiger moms say one is plenty

As stated in the title, China's government has uplifted the law on having one child. Due to a rapidly aging population, the country hopes to encourage Chinese families to have bigger families to ensure the success of future generations. However this time around, Chinese families have since become acclimated to the one child system. Having just one child is not only tradition, but the only economically feasible option. The immense pressure of education in China has led to many families investing heavily in their child's education from the time their child starts grade school. In this article, a middle class family is spending $10,000 per year just on after-school classes for their one son. With these issues in mind, it would be difficult to expect Chinese families to grow accustomed to having more than one child in the near future despite the change in law.

-Drew Truckenmiller

-https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/china-drops-one-child-policy-but-exhausted-tiger-moms-say-one-is-plenty/2016/10/14/336f1890-8ae7-11e6-8a68-b4ce96c78e04_story.html

‘Get lost’: Moscow to keep counter sanctions & other highlights from Putin's BRICS presser

https://www.rt.com/news/362972-putin-brics-us-sanctions/
Robert Tomaszewski
RT interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin on putting counter sanctions on western policies. The reason for this being that according to Putin The U.S. does not accept compromises "Apparently, they don't want to compromise, they only want to dictate. Such a style has formed over the past 15-20 years in the US, and they still can't deviate from it," Putin said. Putin has no inclinations to stop counter sanctions and told RT in reference to the west "...they can get lost". It is a powerful statement on the deteriorating relations between the west and Russia and a need for economic balance. Putin blamed France for backing out of attending a cultural art exhibit with Putin, which is why he says he did not go to France to attend talks on Syria. The president also commented on Kiev, noting the lack of political commitments in Ukraine.

Boris Johnson makes light of 'semi-parodic' pro-EU column (Boris Johnson wrote a Pro-EU Article in February)

Boris Johnson, a leading figure in the 'Brexit' campaign, wrote an article in favor of the UK's EU membership in February of this year. The article was recently published by 'The Sunday Times'. Mr Johnson publicly backed the 'Brexit' movement only a few days after the piece was written. When questioned by reporters, he claimed that the piece was in part to help him to understand both sides of the issue, and in part to help him come to the correct decision. He expressed surprise that the article had surfaced. Opponents have used this opportunity to demonstrate that the 'Brexit' leadership deceived the public with regard to the level of thought and consideration they utilized in their campaign over such an important decision.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-37670091

-Clayton Bailey

How Thais mourned the death of their King

Since the death of their King last week, Thais have been mourning his death in many different ways. They treat the death of their King as if a member of their own family has died. All around the country the citizens wear black, the party city of Bangkok has stopped selling alcohol at many bars, and they cancel many sporting events. The impact that this has had on the country of Thailand could prove to be detrimental for their future.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/16/asia/thailand-king-mourning-will-ripley/index.html

Mitch Reid

SAS soldier 'investigated for Iraq War mercy killing'

Former UK Special Air Service Sergeant Colin Maclachlan is being investigated over claims a made in a recent book about his service in the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. He described killing at least 2 mortally wounded soldiers his unit had ambushed. The men posed no threat, but he said he chose to kill them because one of them asked him to, and because it was the humane thing to do. Since he received word of the investigation, he has appeared publicly, reiterating his story and defending his actions. He claimed that he would gladly go to prison and challenged the investigators and critics to walk in his shoes. If what he said he did was true, it would be in violation of UK Military Law and the Geneva Convention, according to BBC.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-37670794

-Clayton Bailey

Syria conflict: IS 'ousted from symbolic town of Dabiq'

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37670998

Syrian Rebel forces have recently captured the Syrian town of Dabiq from IS control with the help of Turkish military aid. The small town holds heavy symbolic value in the eyes of ISIS and is used very often in IS propaganda. According to the news source, Dabiq is supposed to host an "apocalyptic battle where a final battle between muslims and non-muslims takes place. Dabiq was defended by over 1,200 Islamic State soldiers which was overtaken by nearly 2,000 Syrian rebels as well as Turkish tanks and artillery.

Tanner James

US Navy Investigates Possible Missile Fire From Yemen

The U.S began in investigation looking into an overnight missile attack from Yemen on a group of warships stationed in the Red Sea. What exactly caused the missile attack is yet to be known. The attacks are believed to have been sent from rebel-held territory Bab el-Mandeb. In retaliation to the two missile attacks, the U.S shot back with Tomahawk missiles. The U.S was informed by the attack because the missile strike was caught on radar. The USS Mason was the destroyer that was attacked.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/10/16/world/middleeast/ap-ml-yemen-us.html

-Chase Gozdziak

China set to free last Tiananmen prisoner

China has just released the final prisoner from the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident.  Miao Deshun, a 24 year old factory worker at the time, was charged with arson for throwing a basket into a burning tank.  Initially Deshun faced a delayed death sentence for his actions but over time it was reduced to life imprisonment and finally a 20 year sentence which came to a close on the 15th of this month.  Deshun will be living with limited rights for 7 years, which take away his right to vote, run for public office, and free speech.

Chris Buechner

http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/15/asia/china-tiananmen-square-last-prisoner/index.html

UK Letting in Ethiopian Children Refugees

The Calais camp in the UK has officials wanting to let in children under the age of 18 into the camp.  The camp is a safe place for children wanting to escape the Ethiopian government.  However, the camp will be closing at the end of the year and no other refugees will be allowed in.  Also, it has become increasingly difficult to determine the true age of refugees.  There is a lot of controversy over whether or not refugees should not be allowed into the camp anymore.  It will be interesting to see how the situation plays out over the next few weeks.

http://news.sky.com/story/officials-at-calais-jungle-to-find-children-eligible-to-live-in-uk-10620532

-Andres Terronez

Battle for Mosul: Operation to retake Iraqi city from IS 'begins'

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has announced the start of an offensive to recapture the northern city of Mosul from ISIS. Mosul has been ISIS's largest stronghold in Iraq since June 2014. Ahead of the start of the operations, the Iraqi military dropped thousands of leaflets over Mosul, calling on residents to stay away from militant hideouts and not to trust false information. The UN is building refugee camps in northern Iraq as it estimates 700,000 people in the area will need support and assistance. It is said that if Iraqi troops, with the US-led coalition backing, recapture the city, it will be a major blow to so-called Islamic State.

-Mirina Uchida

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37674693

Kuwait’s Ruler Dissolves Parliament, Citing Security and Oil Prices

In his decree, Kuwait’s ruling emir, Sheikh Sabah al­Ahmed al­Sabah, said “regional circumstances” and “security challenges” had prompted the dissolution of Parliament. However, this is questionable given the fact that this decree came a few hours after government officials held an emergency meeting. They had planned to question numerous government officials in the coming weeks about subsidy cuts. The security challenges are ambiguous but the regional circumstances are more of economic ones it seems. Kuwait is a petro-state where price of oil is consistently dropping which has lead to growing dissent since, "government ­subsidized gasoline prices have been raised, and other benefits have been cut". The dissolution has also caused the elections to occur earlier. The dissolution of parliament keeps democracy at bay since the questioning of government officials can't take place. To me this situation speaks perfectly to the first law of petropolitics, where the pace of democracy and the cost of oil move in two opposite directions.

-AC Christopherson

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/17/world/americas/kuwaits-ruler-dissolves-parliament-citing-security-and-oil-prices.html?ribbon-ad-idx=15&rref=world&module=ArrowsNav&contentCollection=Americas&action=click&region=FixedRight&pgtype=article

European-led Mars lander starts descent to red planet

After traveling for seven months, a mothership from Europe left its mothership on Sunday. Europe's first Mars rover will be looking for sign of current and past life on the planet. Paolo Ferri, the head of the missions operation claimed the separation to be a success. This mission has only been the second attempt to settle on the planet of Mars. Their first, was a mission in 2003 that had failed. Not only is landing on Mars a difficult task for this nation, but for others as well, including NASA. The total cost for this operation is approximately $1.4 billion. According to President Obama, he has high hopes of sending people to the planet by the year 2030.

Alexa Ortiz

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-space-mars-idUSKBN12F0U7

China Space Mission

             China is in the midst of preparation for their, two-manned space mission; set to take place on Monday.  This mission is, only one of several, that has been launched by the Chinese within the past few years.  The astronauts are planning to dock on their space station, and test the sustainability and atmosphere for the following month.  Although not confirmed by China, many believe these missions' aim to, eventually send manned units to the Moon, and even Mars.  China's space program is growing rapidly, only behind Russia and the United States; it is expected that advances in technology will continue to aid in the growth of China's space exploration endeavors.

-Jaedyn Krebs-Carr

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-37670842

Greek Migrants Riot Over Death of Mother & Son

Greek police reports are stating that a group of migrants living outside the city of Thessaloniki are rioting over the death of a 35 years old mother and her 10 year old child. Migrants claim that the woman and child were struck by a car and the ambulance was late to arrive to the scene. The group of civilians pleaded that the officer take the woman and child to the hospital in a patrol car but they refused. The group of migrants took to rioting by blocking off the road to their camp, throwing rocks at police and setting fire to two patrol cars. The police responded with tear gas and stun grenades, but the migrants set fire to trash cans as a defense to the tear gas. The situation has defused, as of now, in the camp.

Obama, Cementing New Ties With Cuba, Lifts Limits on Cigars and Rum

On Friday President Obama set forth a new policy to “lift the Cold War trade embargo and end a half-century of clandestine plotting against Cuba’s government” (New York Times). This opens the ties with Cuba even more. Obama was the first president to reconcile the differences between Cuba and the US since the Cold War. President Obama also lifted a $100 limit on being able to bring Cuban rum and cigars into the US. I am sure that some are very thrilled about this lifted restriction. This set of policy is on the track to reshape the way Americans travel to and do business with Cuba. New milestones have been reached with Cuba as a result of the Obama administration. Within the last month, he has nominated the first United States ambassador to Cuba in more than 50 years, and has help to reopen embassies in Washington and Havana. 

-Lauren Whelan 

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/15/world/americas/obama-cuba-trade-embargo.html?ref=world&_r=0

India: Stampede kills 24 people and dozens injured during hindu ceremony near Varanasi

Dozens of people injured and 24 people were killed during a Hindu religious ceremony in northern India. The incident occurred on the outskirts of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Police officer SK Bhagat informed that the organizers were expecting 3000 devotees but instead 70000 devotees filled the ashram of a Hindu religious leader, Jai Baba Gurudev, on the banks of the Ganges river. It is an annual tradition for millions of Hindus to visit Varanasi and cleanse their sins by dipping in the river water. A spokesman for the organizers said the stampede occurred as police started turning back people from the overcrowded Rajgahard bridge. This triggered a rumor that the bridge had collapsed and people ran for safety. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his deep sadness on the tragedy.  A hundred police officers were deployed to control the panicked crowd, said police officials.

Anisha Venkatesh Babu


http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/10/stampede-kills-19-pilgrims-ancient-indian-city-161015125626719.html

Hurricane Matthew and Cholera in Haiti

Haiti is struggling right now. A week ago, it was struck by Hurricane Matthew, which killed many and left others without shelter. Now, there is a cholera outbreak, although this really isn’t new news. Cholera is an infectious and also fatal bacterial disease of the small intestine. People get cholera from infected water supplies and causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. Cholera has been around Haiti and is not showing signs it’s going anywhere. About 90% of Haiti’s previous habitats have fleeted or have died from the hurricane or Cholera. People are laying in buildings and just left to die. This is super sad and it makes me realize how we take clean water for granted. The part of the article that really got to me was the part where it describes a young girl in a purple dress with a pink sweater clutching  a live chicken in her arms as her and her family brace themselves to cross a river. I feel so bad for the kids and the parents. In another instance, a father was running with his daughter draped over his shoulder with fear in his eyes, as the article described it. I guess what amazes me the most the hope people still have, even in the worst of situations. No matter how bad things are, Haitians are still fighting to survive and I wish there was more we could do. A citizen named Joseph Kenso said, “when you look around you, it’s like the end of the world. Look around you. The disaster speaks for itself”.

--Jazmin Galindo

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/15/world/americas/cholera-haiti-hurricane-matthew.html?ref=world&_r=0

CIA Prepping for Possible Cyber Attack Against Russia

According to U.S. intelligence officials, the Obama administration is prepping for a covert cyber attack on Russia, in reaction to their interference in the American presidential election. The CIA will be delivering options to the White House for a cyber investigation meant to "embarrass" the Kremlin leadership. Former intelligence officers told NBC News that the agency had gathered reams of documents that could expose unsavory tactics by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Apparently, there is a long history of U.S officials searching for retaliation on the Russian government- including cyber options, only to abandon the idea later on.

Right now, the question lies within the scope of a secondary attack. If our government launches this attack, where will Russia hit us next? 

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/cia-prepping-possible-cyber-strike-against-russia-n666636

-Nicole Simos

IS Militants Attack on Egypt

Egypt is a less talked about place in terms of Islamic State and its attacks to try and make its own state.  This attack came from fifteen militants attacked a security bases in the Sinai Peninsula.  This region has been problematic for the Egyptian Government in the past.   The area has seen many different groups in its history.  Before the Islamic State group took power there was a group that supported Israel, and fought with that.  Then the new group came into power and they pledged their allegiance to ISIS.  They then started to fire small arms and bombs into Israel.  Most recently they have started to attack Egyptian security forces in the area.  This recent attack was done against a security force by fifteen militants with small arms and heavy machine gun fire.  These attacks are happening because the group has vowed to make an Islamic State Province in the area of Egypt.  This just shows how although the Islamic State in Syria is decreasing due to bombing and fighting, they are still a powerful movement.  

John Carmody  

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37658035 

Saudi Arabia, Where Even Milk Depends on Oil, Struggles to Remake Its Economy

In AL KHARJ, Saudi Arabia, the Saudi king's favored son, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has held up the dairy farm, Almari, as a model for Saudi Arabia which is trying to wean itself from oil dependence. Many companies like Almari rely on the cheap energy provided by crude oil. Because of low oil prices and an increasingly costly war in Yemen has caused cuts in pubic spending in the Saudi budget, and reductions in take-home pay and benefits for the government workers. Saudi Arabia burns barrel after barrel of crude oil for electricity in large quantities. Prince Mohammed has a plan to transform the economy, his future as king relies on the success of this plan. He announced this year that he plans to sell off a small piece of the country's economic crown jewel, Saudi Aramco to free up money for investment.

-Taylor Sikora

http://nyti.ms/2dYIIQZ

German Terror Suspect's Death in Jail a Scandal

A terrorist suspect in Germany committed suicide in his jail cell. The suspect, Jaber al-Bakr, was caught after a manhunt following a raid on his flat. He was suspected of plotting to bomb an airport in Berlin. Three Syrian asylum seekers turned al-Bakr in after he came to them for help. The suspect implicated the three Syrians in his bomb plot. Al-Bakr's death is a judicial embarrassment for Germany. He was on suicide watch, but prison officials neglected to ensure his safety.

-Hannah Friedle

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37641263