S-400: India missile defence purchase in US-Russia crosshairs

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-45757556

By: Teddy Trifunovski

I thought this article was very interesting because it talked about India's new deal with Russia for defense missile systems that was an agreement between each other for about $5 Billion Dollars. This deal was specifically for a missile system called the S-400. The S-400 is one of the most sophisticated surface-to-air defence systems in the world. It has a range of 400km (248 miles) and can shoot down up to 80 targets simultaneously, aiming two missiles at each one. Also, there is a fear that the US will possibly but some sanctions on India because of this agreement that India has with Russia. This is very big news because India usually never does these type of agreements but there has always been some sort of conflict between them and China, and China has this defense system. So that is why I believe India did it as well. So they can have the same thing that China has in case of any future conflict between the two countries. 

Brazil election: Hundreds rally against far-right Bolsonaro -Emilio Lopez

This post was written by Al Jazeera and was published on 10/11/2018

In today's international politics, various far-right groups and leaders have been gaining traction. From Poland to Spain, and now Brazil. It is significant that Brazil is protesting this candidate, Bolsonaro, because he had 58% of voters intentions compared to Haddad who had 42% of them. Even tho he currently has the majority and might be projected to win it is shocking with what groups he is against. He has been known to show anti-LGBT, against the Blacks and indigenous population of Brazil. He has also caused oil and electrical companies in Brazil to take a hit in their stock prices, saying that they would not benefit from the economic reforms he has in mind. The impact that this candidate has on IR is what he might say, having another irrational actor in the international system may cause more tension between Brazil and neighboring Latin American countries. One thing I do wonder is what our president thinks of Bolsonaro.

Link to the Article Below:

Brazil election: Hundreds rally against far-right Bolsonaro

Written by:

Emilio Lopez

Africa's youngest billionaire kidnapped in Tanzania

Africa's youngest billionaire has been kidnapped by gunmen in Dar es Salaam. Mohammed Dewji who is 43 years old and has a fortune of 1.5 billion dollars has been abducted as he entered a hotel gym. He is the president of MeTL Group which is a company that ranges from agriculture to transporting food. Tanzania regional governor, Paul Makonda, said: “Initial information indicates he was kidnapped by whites traveling in two vehicles. This kind of incident is new here.” He also went on to say the police were looking for suspects and had already made arrests.

By Jack Bronec

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/11/africa-youngest-billionaire-mohammed-dewji-kidnapped-tanzania-dar-es-salaam

The "Putin Generation": How Vladimir Putin has won over Russia's youth

https://globalnews.ca/news/4535403/the-putin-generation-russian-president-youth/

A recent poll conducted in Russia has come to the conclusion that Putin has “won over” the Russian youth. An independent polling firm found that 86 percent of Russian adults age 18-24 approve of President Putin, which is higher than any other age group. These young adults have no memory of any other Russian leader since Putin has been in power for 18 years now; they say they like it that way, but maybe they’re afraid of change. While older Russians get their information from Kremlin-controlled tv networks, the younger generation get their news from the internet, which is less restricted. Some young Putin supporters have acknowledged that Russia doesn’t have very good relationships with surrounding countries, but the economic stability outweighs the cons.

By: Liz Metcalf

 

Nikki Haley resigns - Ian Smith

On October 9th Trump's ambassador to the U.N. announced that she would be resigning after over a year and a half in the Trump administration. Nikki Haley stated that after almost two years in the white house and eight as governor of South Carolina she felt that it was time for her to step down. However, other sources state that her motivations could be financial in nature, preferring to work in the private sector, or even brought on by national security advisor John Bolton's differing views in foreign policy.

Article: https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/09/politics/nikki-haley-resignation/index.html

Trump on UN ambassador position

Kaitlyn Boelter-Eberhardt

On Tuesday, Donald Trump released to reporters that he would not be considering his daughter, Ivanka, for the UN ambassador position after the sudden announcement of resignation of Nikki Haley for the end of the year. He claims she is fully capable but it would cause negative speculation against him. He has brought up new potentials including Goldman Sachs and Diana Powell.

https://globalnews.ca/news/4530555/ivanka-trump-ruled-out-un-ambassador-dina-powell/

Wife of ex-Interpol chief fears for her life with her husband detained in China

Grace Meng, the wife of Meng Hongwei, decided to speak out about the disappearance of her husband. He husband is detained in China, and he was the former chief of Interpol. The disappearance occurred in late September when Chinese officials detained him due to suspicions of corruption. Many similar disappearances have been occurring in China in President Xi Jinping's attempt to remove political opponents. Grace Meng has claimed that her husband is innocent, and she is speaking out about this because too many people have been through this without ever finding out the truth. She refuses to meet with the Chinese consulate until she has a lawyer who will help her. Over 1 million estimated disappearances have occurred during Xi's 6 year presidency. 

Web: https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/09/asia/grace-meng-interpol-china-intl/index.html
By: Morgan Knight 

Nikki Haley's Departure

Nikki Haley had announced on Tuesday she would be stepping down from her position as UN ambassador towards the end of the year.  Trump mentioned she is going to be "taking a little break." This is surprising news to all for Haley has never shown signs of leaving or dwindling down. She has always been alongside the President for important issues and her work in the UN was always consistent. Her departure has led to the question of what the impact will be like for the President and his international affairs.

By: Sumayya Ali

Nikki Haley's Departure

Bulgarian journalist who reported on EU corruption murdered - Kel Goff

Bulgarian journalist Viktoria Marinova was found dead in a park in the town of Ruse on Saturday. She had suffered multiple blows to the head and suffocation. Her phone, car keys, glasses, and pieces of clothing were missing from the scene. Marinova had also been raped. Prior to her death, she had reported on corruption in the European Union regarding missing funds. There is suspicion that this could have upset officials and may have contributed to her demise. She was also a member of popular television station, TVN. Political officials stated that her death was not due to her involvement in reporting on the corruption of the EU. Marinova is yet another journalist who has been murdered in the EU in the last year. Most recently, an investigative journalist was murdered by a car-bomb and another having been shot in February of this year. Bulgaria is not an exceptionally free country with limited freedom of press. Historically, opponents of political leaders in Bulgaria and the surrounding areas have been censored or physically harmed.

Click here to read: "Bulgarian journalist found raped and murdered"

India wants to seal its borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh

India is in fear that terrorists are entering their country from Pakistan and Bangladesh. But India's plan is proving to be more difficult than imagined because of the terrain of where the borders land. There is understanding of why India feels it necessary to close the border but there is as hesitation in thinking this is best for both countries. I personally believe the fear of terrorist going into countries through immigration is Trump's fault. I believe this because Trump is always talking about building a wall between the U.S. and Mexico. So it looks like India is following the U.S.'s footsteps.

Netanyahu and Putin will meet for the first time since a Russian jet was shot down

This is a big step in terms of the relationship between Russia and Israel. I think it signifies that Putin is ready to mend some of the uneasiness between Russia and Israel, and it would be interesting to see how this will affect Syria. It will also be interesting to see how the United states will react to this decision, and how Donald Trump will feel about Russia beginning to make amends with Israel.
 Sho Kawajiri

Brexit: Japan 'would welcome' UK to TPP

Brexit: Japan 'would welcome' UK to TPP says Abe.

With the recent notion to remove itself from the EU completely, the UK has now linked arms with Japan in joining with the Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal. The UK is to be removed entirely from the EU until the spring of 2019. However, the question raises if the UK will actually be admitted into the TPP. Trump removed the US from the agreement soon after becoming president. So, the question I think that stands is how will all these countries cooperate and align with the UK making a huge decision in politics towards their international system. I am interested in seeing how the trade agreements play out and which countries decide to align with the UK or those that shy against the UK.

-megan jensen

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-45780889

Scottish Party to Support Another Brexit Vote

The Scottish National Party, the third largest party in the United Kingdom, has decided that they would "undoubtedly support" another referendum on Brexit. This is a continuation of the out pour of support for another vote on the controversial decision the U.K. made to leave the European Union just a few years back. However, this news is not unexpected, as Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon reminded viewers on BBC that "Scotland had voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU." Although unsurprising, it stacks on top of the thousands who call against the exit, bringing a thundering cloud of tension with it to see what the United Kingdom will do. Internationally, all eyes are on Britain to see whether or not there will be a second referendum on the matter.


Article

Dan Kowalczyk

US and Canada's Relation Frayed

While NAFTA was signed by the US, and many found relief in knowing that Trump's threats to ruin Canada's economy was not going to happen, the future relations between Canada and the US will not be the same. Many are saying that because Trump had inssulted the Prime Minister, the country, and even the chief negotiator. This interaction is being said to have left a large scar on the Canadian's psyche. It will be hard to recover the damage of a relationship that is being compared to kinship. The dynamics between the two countries have shifted towards being compared to brotherhood to Canada being called a "security threat".While it is not the first time that presidents and prime ministers don't get along but what makes this incident different is how public it was.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/03/world/canada/trudeau-trump-nafta.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FInternational%20Relations&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=10&pgtype=collection

Chloe Ma

Jared Wojcik

Haiti was hit by another earthquake measured as a magnitude 5.9. This natural disaster comes after the devastating earthquake in 2010 that killed 220000 people and hurricane Matthew in 2016 that killed 336 people. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere leaving other countries the opportunity to help Haiti as it recovers from another natural disaster.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/07/americas/haiti-earthquake/index.html 

Jack Drover

Mexico: President-Elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador To Eliminate Fracking  

https://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Mexico-President-Elect-AMLO-To-Eliminate-Fracking-20181006-0034.html 

Mexico Elected a populist presidential candidate in 2018, with the promise of economic growth to fight against poverty and income inequality in mexico. This president-Elect said he will ban fracking under his term. This could cause Mexico's Relations with the United States to become less Favorable as many USA companies make profit off of fracking in Mexico. Fracking is known to cause significant pollution in water, which is extremely harmful to local communities. 

Brazil election: Far-right Jair Bolsonaro wins first round

Brazil is in the middle of electing a new president. On October 8th, Brazilians went to the ballots to place their vote for their next president. Some Brazilians are claiming that they are voting for the candidate they believe is the 'least worst' because they do not want to see the Worker's Party to take control or they do not want a far-right candidate in power, creating a lot of tension. Since Brazil's voting system is a run-off, a candidate must receive 50% of the vote to win. If 50% is not meet, then the two with the highest vote will go on to a second round (which will take place October 28th). The two candidates that will go on to the second round of voting is Jair Bolsonaro, who got 46% of the votes during the first round, and Fernando Haddad, who received 26% of the votes.

Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-45780176

Abby Widd

Pressure on Saudis after disappearance of dissident in Istanbul

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/07/saudi-dissident-murder-claim-international-inquiry-jamal-khashoggi


Recently a high profile Dissenter of the Saudi Arabian government has gone missing in Istanbul, and Turkish investigators are claiming he was murdered by Hit squad working for the Saudi government. These accusations are based on security camera footage of Jamal Khashoggi, the Washington Post writer in question, entering the Saudi Consulate building in Istanbul and never leaving; along with accounts from Turkish informants within the building. Turkish President Erdogan was, "saddened" by Khashoggi's disappearance, since the investigation has not yet concluded Erdogan has yet to take any action towards Saudia Arabia, seemingly to hold off on escalating the situation into a bigger international incident. On the other side, the Saudi government has flatly denied any involvement in the disappearance. If it turns out the Saudi government is responsible for this, this could have lasting effects on the Saudi-Turkey relationship and Saudi Arabia's relationship with the International community at large.

Sam Troy

Weak Voter Turnout Voids Romania Gay Marriage Referendum

In an article published by Associated Press this past Sunday it was stated that a Romanian referendum aimed to change the definition of family to make marriage a union between a men and women instead of "spouses" was invalidated due to low voter turnout. According to AP, it is required in Romania that at least 30 percent of eligible voters were needed to make the result of the referendum stand, but only 20.41 percent of the voting population actually participated. LGBTQIA rights group Accept stated that low turnout was a result of the people of Romania wanting their country to based upon democratic values. AP stated that marriage statutes already prohibit same-sex in Romania, but the Coalition for Family argued that is wanted to eliminate any ambiguity to the constitution. It is stated also the Romanian Orthodox Church backed the amendment and was disappointed by the low voter turnout. An interesting fact the article stated was that in one village only 62 people voted out of the total 1,147 in the voting population of that village.

Anthony Hernandez

https://a.msn.com/r/2/BBO2ZNe?m=en-us&referrerID=InAppShare

Several Men Arrested in Germany on Suspicion of Plotting Far Right Terror Attack

Seven Men Have Been Arrested In Germany On Suspicion Of Plotting A Far-Right Terror Attack

Posted on October 1, 2018, at 9:36 a.m. ET

German authorities arrested six men Monday suspected of planning a far-right terrorist attack.

The men, all German citizens aged between 20 and 30, allegedly belong to a group called "Revolution Chemnitz" and were trying to obtain automatic weapons for an attack targeting foreigners.

"For that purpose, they are believed to have intended violent assaults and attacks with weapons against foreigners as well as political opponents," a statement from Germany's federal prosecutor's office said.

A seventh man, named only as 31-year-old Christian K., is already in custody having been arrested earlier in September. He is suspected of being the ringleader of the group.

Investigators said the seven men all belonged to the "hooligan, skinhead and neo-Nazi scene in the Chemnitz area."

Link:https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/lesterfeder/chemnitz-far-right-terror-arrests

Piper Jones

Trump tries to cut China out of trade deals with partners

Donald Trump revamped NAFTA is telling Canada and Mexico not to trade with China.  This is a problem for Canada because they felt like it was a "loss of sovereignty in Ottawa." A unanimous white house official said that this type of talks is going to be very common in terms of dealing with China and trading with them.  One white house official compared it to the George Bush "you're either with us or against us" during the Iraq war.

This blog was written by Connor Hazzard

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/trump-tries-to-cut-china-out-of-trade-deals-with-partners/ar-BBO4vlD?li=BBnbfcL

North Korea Agrees to Allow Inspectors Into Nuclear Testing Site, Pompeo Says

This article is about the relationship among the United States, North Korea, and South Korea. The Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo goes into detail about his meetings with Mr. Kim and Mr. Moon of North Korea and South Korea, respectively. He discusses his meetings with both leaders in the article, stating that the meetings were really great and a step in the right direction. He notes that it will still be a very long, drawn out process when it comes to the total denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. He believes that it can be done, however, there are many steps that need to be taken in order for it to actually happen. The biggest thing that came out of these meetings was that Mr. Kim agreed to allow inspectors into the nuclear testing site. He is doing this because he wants others to actually believe him that he says that he wants to get rid of the nuclear weapons. I believe that the United States and Korean relationship has grown stronger in the past few years, but I am still a little leery on believing that Kim Jong Un has completely gotten rid of his nuclear weapons. I believe that we are definitely making progress, but I know that North Korea has a history of promises being broken later on. Therefore, I am still excited to see what comes of these inspections, and I'm hoping the results are ones we want to hear.

By Jake Rogers

Source below:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/07/world/asia/pompeo-north-korea-visit.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FInternational%20Relations&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=4&pgtype=collection

Romania marriage poll: Referendum on definition fails

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-45779107

The Romanian government created a referendum for its citizens to vote on, in attempt to establish a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. To be more specific, the referendum was  made to change the definition of marriage to be “between one woman and one man”. However, only 20.4% of eligible voters turned out, when the referendum needed at least 30% voter participation. Because of the low turnout, the referendum failed. Unfortunately, that does not mean that Romanian citizens advocate for gay marriage, being that a poll conducted on the support for the change was as high as 90%. As of right now, Romania does not recognize gay marriage or civil unions. While it is still good that the referendum failed, those in the LGBT community continue to lack equality within their nation.

 

By: Liz Metcalf

 

Cameroon on Brink of Civil War as English Speakers Recount ‘Unbearable’ Horrors

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/06/world/africa/cameroon-election-biya-ambazonia.html

Article by: Dionne Searcey

The article argues Cameroon, whilst trying to deal with the aftermath of colonization, has been forced to the brink of a civil war. A separatist movement known as the "Amba boys" are fighting against the elite military force trained by American and Israel. The elite force has been accused of committing numerous human rights violations, not limited to to burning down villages and shooting civilians indiscriminately. In the midst of the fighting the country is also trying to hold an election. Paul Biya, who is running uncontested, has been in office for more than 30 years. The separatist movement is opposed to Biya remaining in office for another 7 years , and are doing what they can to further disrupt the election process. The Amba boys believe Mr Briya favors the Francophone areas while people in Anglophone regions are left without paved roads or other infrastructure. In addition, Mr Briya allegedly uses the elite military force to use violence on protestors. The fighting has severely impacted the civilians, resulting in schools remaining closed for more than 2 years and forcing more than 90 percent of the population to flee. Cameroon is a nation incredibly important to the United States as a nation that fights against Islamist extremism in the region, mainly Boko Haram.

Jennie Fry

Russian Arms deal with India comes while U.S. military changes priorities

Russian Arms deal

by Barbara Starr



Earlier today, Russian President Vladimir Putin's made a new $5 billion weapons deal with India, who is a key American ally, to sell an advanced S-400 air defense system. This is just the latest open challenge by Russia to the U.S. defense dominance. This took place while the U.S. changes is military priorities. The S-400 is one of Russia's air defense systems, which it is also trying to sell to Turkey, who is another key U.S. ally. The S-400 underscores the type of worry U.S. commanders have. In the field, it functions with a virtual umbrella of radars and missiles that can limit the ability of the US military to operate freely and without restrictions in combat.

The link is attached if you would like to see the article, thank you.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/07/politics/pentagon-russia-india-arms-sales/index.html


Blog by Brandon Torrence

Venezuela forms Migration Force as thousands continue fleeing

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/10/venezuela-forms-migration-force-thousands-continue-fleeing-181006065251002.html

Venezuela, a country that used to be prominent and one of the wealthiest countries in Latin America until 2014, when its oil prices dropped and worsened with Nicolas Maduro’s fiscal mismanagement. The Venezuelan government has announced the creation of a new police force to strengthen border controls as thousands of people continue to flee the country's political and economic crises. This new Migration Force will start taking control of Venezuela's 72 official entry and exit points as soon as possible, and would reinforce the existing controls in ports, airports and border crossings. According to the United Nations, more than a million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2015, with Colombia being one of the most popular destinations among Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and several other American countries. Maduro blames the situation on an "economic war" being waged against Venezuela by the US and other foreign powers. Nonetheless, in September, it was revealed that officials from the Trump administration held secret meetings with Venezuelan military officers to discuss plans to overthrow Maduro.

By Isabel G. Torres

"Osaka, Japan, Ends Ties With San Francisco..." Isa Chudzik

https://www.npr.org/2018/10/04/654474739/osaka-ends-ties-with-san-francisco-in-protest-of-comfort-women-statue
Isa Chudzik

In this article Sasha Ingber explains why Osaka , Japan is cutting its relationship with its "sister city", San Francisco. In 2017 San Francisco debuted a statue called "The column of strength", meant to honor the women who were forced to become "comfort women" (sexual slaves) by the Japanese Imperialist Army during WW2. Osaka and Japan in general have a problem with this for a few reasons. They feel that the monument will further divide other Asian-American communities against the Japanese-American community, that the monuments misrepresents this event in history, and most troubling there are officials in the Japanese government who still believe the women volunteered to work at the brothels. Japan has always had a strained relationship with this part of its history. It was not until 1993 that the government officially acknowledged and apologized for its wrongdoings.

Tsukiji: Japan's famed fish market to relocate

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-45755348

Melissa Vandermark

Due to the 2020 Olympics, Japan is undergoing mass redevelopment which means even famed tourist attractions such as the Tsukiji fish market are being forced by the government to relocate. Tsukiji has been in operation for 83 years and is famed for its array of fresh seafood. Many famous chefs from big name restaurants and curious tourists love Tsukiji. It also promotes a sense of community between the sellers and provides many people's livelihoods. The reaction to the relocation has been tragic to say the least.

French police probe Interpol president Meng Hongwei's disappearance

The Chinese president of Interpol, Meng Hongwei, has vanished. Meng Hongwei wife went to the police in Lyon, France to report his disapperance. She said "she has not herd from him in ten days. She is also getting threats on social media and on the telephone. A statement was said that "France is looking into the situation of the President of Interpol and is concerned about the threats his wife has received...suitable police mechanism was put in place to guarantee her safety". The article said "Meng's vanishing act bears hallmarks of what happens to senior officials when they are suspected of violating party rules, usually alleged corruption". Meng Hongwei was elected president of Interpol in November of 2016.

By Jack Bronec

https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/05/europe/interpol-president-meng-hongwei-disappearance-intl/index.html

Interpol chief Meng Hongwei goes missing on China visit

Meng's wife reported the disappearance of her husband, the president of Interpol, for the last 10 days and the French police opened an investigation. He was on a home visit to China, and he was last seen at the headquarter in Lyon, France in late September. According to a newspaper based in Hong Kong, Meng was immediately taken for an investigation when he landed in China. The French paper Le Monde reported that this is not the first time that a high ranking Chinese official had disappeared. Exchanges between China and France are currently ongoing.

- Sangay Chhoki

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/10/interpol-chief-meng-hongwei-missing-china-visit-181005142103765.html

Once Enslaved By ISIS, Nadia Murad Is Co-Recipient Of Nobel Peace Prize

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2018/10/05/654775175/once-enslaved-by-isis-nadia-murad-is-co-recipient-of-nobel-peace-prize

Nina Severin

Nadia Murad was captured by ISIS in 2014 and was sexually enslaved for 3 months prior to her escape due to one of her captors leaving a door unlocked. Now, in 2018, she is a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize alongside Dr. Denis Mukwege who treats victims of rape. I believe this article not only represents the hot topic as of now regarding survivors and their voice but how different parts of the world are arguably more dangerous than others. Along with that the article states how Murad continuing her life casuses ISIS not to succeed. By doing so it raises the awareness of how terrorists groups can have a lasting impact on one but speaks to great length of how to strengthen the survivors voice while diminishing the terrorists. 

Kavanaugh Update

Kaitlyn Boelter-Eberhardt

Kavanaugh wrote in his op-ed on Thursday within the Wall Street Journal that he may have been too emotional in his deliverance of his Senate testimony. He claims he used sharp tones and said things that he should not have said but still continues to claim he will be an "even-kneeled" judge if allowed to continue with his nomination. The Senate is set to finish their deliberation by 10:30 am on Friday.


https://globalnews.ca/news/4518915/kavanaugh-op-ed-too-emotional-testimony/

Melania Trump in Malawi

With a focus on advocating for children, First Lady Melania Trump travels to Malawi with soccer balls and books to distribute. It is said 9.6 million books have been distributed out to schools in Malawi. Though, President Trump has intentions of pulling back the US foreign aid budget, which has been looked down upon by Democratic and Republican law makers. Melania Trump also plans of travelling to Kenya and Egypt before returning to the US.

Melania Trump in Malawi

By: Sumayya Ali

US indicts Russian agents over alleged hacking of doping agency -Emilio Lopez

This article was published on Aljazeera

Russia has currently been getting a lot of heated controversy over cyber attacks and hacking. This is following many other allegations such as Russian spies assassinating people, hacking into a Dutch chemical weapons agency, and United Kingdom cyber attacks. Currently the U.S has indicted seven Russian intelligence officers in connection with hacking into a anti-doping sports agency, money laundering, and fraud. What importance does this bring to IR? It signifies that Russian officials are more than likely being instructed by their government to commit these acts, although what this might escalate to is unknown, considering there are sanctions already, more might be added. This could also signify a start to a new conflict to see who can hack who. This may also lead into a new Cold War between Russia and the United States if there is no resolution found. However, the most compelling aspect of this is that Russia is denying any intervention, even if many of its government officials are doing these acts.

Written by: Emilio Lopez

With Ships and Missiles, China Is Ready to Challenge U.S. Navy in Pacific

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/29/world/asia/china-navy-aircraft-carrier-pacific.html?rref=collection%2Fspotlightcollection%2Fchina-reach

By: Teddy Trifunovski

I though this article was very interestimg because we talked about this a little bit last class about China continuously becoming a greater and greater global power and every aspect. This article talks about China's first aircraft carrier on the pacific. A modernization program coming out of China is having the US troubled and shocked by the power that China is creating. China believes that they can now challenge the US in the Pacific with aircraft carriers and such. China is rapidly becoming powerful in the military aspect as well which is challenging the US by stationing themseleves in different areas. It seems as if the US will not be the most powerful country in the wolrd in the near future. China's economy is also booming so it is interesting to see the relationship that evolves within these two global powers. Experts believe that China is now able to completely control the South Asian Sea. So this discussiom will comtinue to be interesting with the relationship between these two countries and their evolving power.

U.S. Halts Visas For Diplomats' Same-Sex Partners If They're Not Married

When Hilary Clinton was the Secretary of State, a policy was initiated allowing visas to be granted to unmarried LGBTQ couples. The State Department has now reversed this policy. This policy specifically impact foreign diplomats and their partners. It prevents unmarried members of the LGBTQ community to come to the U.S. together. Although the diplomat may be given he visa, the partner will be denied this right if they are not legally married. The U.S. government has said that they will be open to working with countries where gay marriage is illegal under the condition that U.S. diplomats will be allowed visas. Throughout the past couple years of the Trump administration, the U.S. has seen several backward shifts in policy and in our culture. This policy, although it does not direct U.S. citizens directly, says a lot about our countries standing. In my opinion, the U.S. should be the country taking the first large steps in the world toward more equality and freedom. This policy goes against that and what many individuals have been fighting for in the past 50 plus years.
For more information on this subject:
https://www.npr.org/2018/10/02/653646121/u-s-halts-visas-for-diplomats-same-sex-partners-if-they-re-not-married
By: Alyssa Farney

I am surprised that Trump was able to get Canada and Mexico to agree to a new trade agreement. although trump put lots of pressure Canada to agree to the trade agreement. this was the Mexicans presidents last accomplished goals. after both sides agreed to what trump wanted all the countries where pleased that trade did not collapse.

By Shane Todd

//www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/2018/10/01/cae5b7fa-c588-11e8-b1ed-1d2d65b86d0c_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.6634a6533a4a

India to seal its borders

The South Asian country intends to completely shut two borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, which would be more than double the length of the US-Mexico boundary. Although, 90% of India's border is fenced, there are still terrorists who are trying to intrude the country. Moreover, there may be as many as 15 million illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, and it has proved a huge challenge for India with implications for its resources and national security. However, sealing remaining 10% will be a painstaking effort, since it is a very difficult terrain, such as mountains, jungles, and rivers. Yet the government plans to complete it by the end of 2018.

https://www.cnn.com/2017/03/28/asia/india-pakistan-bangladesh-borders/index.html

Kaho Sugimoto

Chemnitz arrests: Six held for alleged far-right militancy in German city

Chemnitz arrests: Six held for alleged far-right militancy in German city

In Germany, the influx of immigrants from mostly the Middle East has caused a far-right uprising in Germany. The city of Chemnitz has a very strong far-right presence. This presence grew when a man was killed by migrants in August. A group called "Revolution Chemnitz" had six people arrested between the ages of 20 and 31. The men were planning to attack foreigner, politicians, and senior civil servants. Five out of the six suspects were caught using glass bottles, steel knuckles, and tasers to attack foreign residents on September 14th. Another attack was planned for October 3rd. Another suspect was charged on the 14th of September, and he is believed to be the leader of the group. Other groups like the AfD (Alternative for Germany Party) and the Pegida movement have been growing throughout the nation causing a change in policy against immigration.

Web: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-45704868

By: Morgan Knight

Trump announces USMCA as new replacement for NAFTA - Kel Goff

President Trump announced today a new trade deal with neighboring nations Mexico and Canada. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will be replaced with the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). While Canada and Mexico have agreed to this deal, Congress has yet to approve it. This agreement is said to improve U.S. farmers' access to Canadian diary, as well as providing a "new dawn" for the U.S. auto industry (O'Reilly). Surprisingly, Mexico agreed to the deal well before Canada did, despite Canada and the U.S. being long-time allies prior to President Trump's tumultuous relationship with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto has stated that the USMCA is a "win-win-win" for all three nations involved (O'Reilly).

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