Conflict Ensues in Thailand

Security forces in Thailand have taken action against protestors in a camp and it's been reported that eight people have died.  Protestors clashed with police and military forces by setting fire on objects including a bus, while the police also retorted back with violence.  The "red shirt" protestors reportedly want elections and the current prime minister to be removed from his position. They've also been known to defend Thaksin Shinawatra, a former prime minister who was stripped of his title in 2006 during a coup.  The most recent clash in this on-going conflict just got pretty intense as embassies have shut down and the water and electricity supply have been closed off  in the protestors camp by the Thai government.  A dissenting general who supported the protestors was also shot and many others have been injured as well. Unfortunately, violence and political disharmony seems to exacerbate as time goes on in Thailand.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8681833.stm

Submitted by: Hanna Khan

Fighting over the Nile

Four East African states have desired to receive more water from the Nile River. Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia have claimed that the water distribution from the Nile is unfair and would like a new deal to be made. Currently Egypt and Sudan receive 90% of the river's water and they are opposed to this new agreement signed by the four East African states. The process of determining a new deal has been in negotiation for the past ten years, and nothing has gotten done according to Ethiopian representatives. This new agreement would help experts to determine how much each country is entitled to. Egypt has completely disregarded this agreement claiming, "Water is a matter of national security and Egypt will not join or sign any agreement that affects its share." Both Egypt and Sudan say they will not sign a new deal until they are guaranteed an exact share of the Nile.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8682387.stm
By:
Shauntal Van Dreel

Australia arrests Serb war crimes suspect Vasiljkovic

A former Serbian paramilitary leader suspected of war crimes has been arrested in Australia. According to Australian officials the Netherlands was responsible for providing the information that led to the detainment of Vasiljkovic. Apparently Vasiljkovic is wanted in other European countries for various alleged crimes. Of course, he denies such allegations and insists that he is innocent. Vasiljkovic was previously detained in Australia back in 2006, but was released last September when Australia's Federal Court turned down an extradition request and set him free. Australian Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor will decided on what to do with Vasiljkovic, but for now is being held in prison.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8678791.stm

Submitted by: Nate Heberlein

Jet Crash in Libya With Only 1 Survivor

A Libyan airliner crashed in Libya on Wednesday, killing 92 passengers and 11 crew members. A young boy appears to be the only survivor. Most of the passengers killed were Dutch tourists. The plane was from Afriqiyah Airways from Johannesburg. It crashed while making the landing at 6 a.m., just short of the runway. The cause of the crash is unknown, but terrorism has already been ruled out very quickly. The reason is what ruled out that fast is unknown as well. The flight recorders are being analyzed. The airline has been inspected three different times in recent months, and no large problems were found. Also, The skies were clear, the visibility was 3 or 4 miles, and the winds were very light. So, people are confused as to how this could happen. The boy who survived is in the hospital undergoing surgery, and his identity or age has not been confirmed, are who he was traveling with. There was a lot of debris, and there are few large pieces left within the wreckage, most of the plane is destroyed. This is the first crash for this air line company, and after the stop were it crashed, it was supposed to continue on to London.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/13/world/middleeast/13libya.html?ref=world

Submitted by: Kathleen Tite

The Coalition is Here!

For the first time in history, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats of the UK have created a coalition, also making it the first UK coalition since the Second World War. David Cameron and Nick Clegg have acknowledged the risks they take in this endeavor, but move forward in confidence. Cameron, the youngest Prime Minister since 1812, led the Conservatives to take the most seats in last week's election, but it was not enough for a majority. He then reached out the the Liberal Democrats to create a new administration whose focus will be "freedom, fairness, and responsibility." The two leaders have been laughing off opposition they faced in the past. Recognizing the huge economic burden they are taking on, Nick Clegg assured the press that it would a radical reforming government where needed, but a stable and reliable government in other areas where reassurance would be needed. Cabinet appointments have been made, deals of the new policy between the parties has been published, and we can be sure the new government is ready to go. To top it off: the first foreign phone call of congratulations to the Prime Minister was from our own president, Barack Obama.

Submitted By: Nora Beswick

Japanese Prime Minister's Fashion Faux Pas

The Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's approval ratings, and his fashion sense, have been going down the drain. The Minister held a barbecue at his home in which he would meet with some ordinary citizens to try and shed some positive attention on him. However, the multicolored checkered shirt received much negative attention. Some pointed out that the shirt dating from the 1980's, shows his old fashioned philosophies. The public are convinced that a Prime Minister of this sort is the last thing they need. There still may be a little chance that Hatoyama will fall back into the good graces of the Japanese people. However, if he does not, at least he went out in "style".

Submitted by: Mallory Neumann

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05/12/japan.hatoyama.fashion/index.html

Pakistan's envoy to Iran attacked

While in Tehran, Pakistan's ambassador to Iran, Mohammad Bakhsh Abbasi, was injured in attack on his car by an unidentified Afghan man. The ambassador was taken to the hospital and the assailant has been arrested and is now in captivity. The envoy was apparently traveling without bodyguards or a driver, but earlier reports on local TV said that two bodyguards had been killed. However, the ambassador appears to have not been seriously injured. More on the story is likely to emerge once more details are uncovered.

By: Anna Moric

New Prime Minister for England!

Quite surprisingly today England announced that David Cameron would be the new prime minister, shortly after Gordon Brown resigned. The queen announced Cameron as the new prime minister Tuesday night. This has been a huge victory for Conservatives in England, it is their first victory since 1997 when the Tony Blair and the Labour Party won. The Conservatives have jumped over party lines and formed a coalition with the Lib Dems, giving the Labour Party the cold shoulder in the wake of Brown's resignation. Cameron seems to be taking after U.S. President Obama, appointing Lib Dem nominee and former opponent, Nick Clegg as deputy prime minister. Cameron is already making an attempt to rally the country together, encouraging the British people not to focus on themselves but on how they can help the country. He has also promised to put aside major party divisions and act in the best interest of the country with the Lib Dems. Time will tell how the coalition works out, until then, here's to an end of a week of uncertainty in England.

Submitted By: Emily Schaub

Egypt Extends The System of Police Powers

Egypt's parliament extended the nation's emergency law today, which will not stop police from arresting opposition leaders and democracy activists. The government wants to stress the importance that the law would only cover terrorism, and drug-related crimes, while others oppose the system that is easily manipulated and gives police power against political opponents. Many believe the new law is an attempt by the ruling party to further weaken the opposition of the 2011 presidential elections.This two-year expansion which was passed by a wide majority, was claimed to be needed to counter terrorism. The minister of state for legal and parliamentary affairs suggested that bloggers and activists for non-terror-related crimes will be reviewed, the law will also prohibit security forces from shutting down newspapers and taking property. The Emergency law has allowed authorities to detain suspects for long periods without formal charges, used frequently against members of the Muslim Brotherhood.
For more about the article

Submitted By: Jessica Seggman

Commitment to Afghan Security

The United States' Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, made the profound statement that the United States will remain committed to the security of Afghanistan even after the troops are no longer stationed there. The focus was on the commitment to the civilians; Afghan leader Hamid Karzai hopes that the US will make better efforts in reducing the number of civilian causalities, in response Clinton replied that our "civilian commitment will remain long into the future." Another statement about this article that caught my eye was the statement showing that Afghanistan is considered to be a mature nation; this shows some improvement with the situation in the area, although there is still much to work on and improve.

Posted by: Shane Dare

Mass Grave Discovered in Serbia

A mass grave was just discovered outside Raska, Serbia containing 250 bodies thought to be Kosovo Albanians. The bodies are thought to be from around 1999 when Serbia was fighting Albanian rebels. EU investigators reported the find, which was rumored to have existed for years, but could not be found. The grave was found beneath a building that is thought to have been built to purposely hide the grave. DNA processing to discover the victims' identities will take years. These are not the first mass graves to be found in Serbia. Over 800 Albanian bodies have been found throughout the country. Over 11,000 people have died in the conflict between Kosovo and Serbia, and another 1,800 are still missing. Although the country of Kosovo is now recgonized by many other nations, Serbia does not recognize it as a country. The discovery of this grave is said to be a sign that Serbia is finally coming to terms with its dark history.

Submitted By: Nora Beswick

Secretary of State Clinton's wheelings and dealings

As this 60 Minutes piece showed last night, even with telephones and Skype, the person in charge of relations with the rest of the world has alot of traveling to do. In less than 18 months, the Secretary of State has traveled to 54 countries and has had to deal with a number of complex international problems. In the video, Secretary Clinton talks about our relationship with Pakistan, while saying that if there was a devastating terrorist attack on American soil that was linked to that country, severe consequences would ensue. Clinton also talks about the U.S. relationship with Afghanistan, currently being led by the corrupt Harmid Karzai. Also, Clinton talks about her goal of spreading women's rights as a major global issue.

By: Justin Lynch

Gordon Brown to resign as prime minister

England's prime minister Gordon Brown announced that he will resign by September, setting the stage for his party, Labour, to remain in power in a coalition with the Lib Dems. Brown staying at 10 Downing Street would have made it difficult for Labour to stay in power, and while the Lib Dems have been in talks to form a coalition with the Conservatives, they are basically at the opposite ends of the ideological spectrum and disagree on a few major issues, like reform to make it easier for third parties to gain seats in government.

By: Justin Lynch

Chavez blames bourgeois for economy and threatens action

Hugo Chavez has blamed Venezuela's bourgeois for the country's recent economic woes. Venezuela is already entrenched in a recession and the news only gets worse as Venezuela expects to be the only country in South America to have negative GDP growth in 2010. One of Chavez's courses of action to rectify this problem is to seek justice against the country's bourgeois. One such included the rounding up of dozens of butchers last week that are accused of illegally hiking prices. Chavez believes Venezuela's inflation is due to the fact that the government has raised wages and the bourgeois have raised prices as well to counter the governments policy. This situation is ironic in that Chavez is staunch supporter against capitalism and believes the capital system is bringing down the United States and other countries, despite the fact that his non-capitalist run country is in worst economic shape than most free market countries.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37051007/ns/world_news-americas/


By: Shawn Lawton

Abandoned children in Haiti

THis article told of of how there has been a surge of abandoned children at orphanages in Haiti. Parents of the children are in hopes that workers will be able to give their childrend at least one meal a day, which is more than they can provide. Before the quake, parents could barely provide, now it is impossible. Children are left in waiting rooms and on front steps of hospitals, and the orphanages are forced to take the children in. The article speaks to many people getting first hand accounts. One woman is giving h er child away so that she may have a better place because she can not. It's very sad.

Obama chooses Kagan for Supreme Court

Tomorrow, President Barack Obama will nominate Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. The move positions the court to have three female justices for the first time in history. Obama will announce his choice at 10 a.m. Monday in the East Room of the White House.
Kagan is known as sharp and politically savvy, she has led a blazing legal career, she was the first female dean of Harvard Law School, first woman to serve as the top Supreme Court lawyer for any administration, and now first in Obama's mind to succeed legendary liberal Justice John Paul Stevens. At 50 years old, Kagan would be the youngest justice on the court, one of many factors working in her favor. She has the chance to extend Obama's legacy for a generation.
Kagan must first win Senate confirmation.

In her current job, Kagan represents the U.S. government and defends acts of Congress before the Supreme Court and decides when to appeal lower court rulings.
Kagan has the high task of following Stevens, who leaves a legacy that includes the preservation of abortion rights, protection of consumer rights and limits on the death penalty and executive power. He used his seniority and his smarts to form majority votes.

Submitted By: Brian C. Gaddis

Russian Mine Blasts

This past Saturday in Mezhdurechensk, Russia (about 2,000 miles East of Moscow), a gas explosion occurred in Russia's largest coal mine. Four hours later, a second explosion occurred. It is believed that there are twelve dead, and over seventy others remaining trapped. Rescue operations were suspended Sunday, due to smoke limiting visibility inside the mine. The blasts have also disabled the ventilation system in the mine, and rescuers are worried that those trapped will soon run out of air. Officials are blaming the explosions on a partial rock collapse inside the mine. Russian Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev, has given federal aid to help out with the disaster.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/05/08/russia.mine.blast/index.html

By: Becca Sage

A Crude Clog

The initial plan to solve the oil spill problemin the Gulf of Mexico hit a hiccup recently. The original plan was to drop a dome structure over the top of one of the weakest leak point. Then the oil would be sucked out of the top. However, ice-like crystals formed a slush making the dome buoyant and unable to work properly. The dome idea has not been dropped entirely though. The crystal problem may take a while to fix. In the mean time, Thad Allen, the commandant of the Coast Guard, spoke of trying what is known as a "junk shot". The plan basically hopes to clog the leak with garbage. The garbage would probably consist mainly of debris such as shredded tires. The main concern with this plan is that it has never been done so far below the surface. The leak is some 5,000 feet below. Several areas were warned by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasters that the oil could hit the coast by Tuesday.

by Jenae Harner

Siberian Mine Explosion Kills and Traps

Saturday night, two methane explosions reverberated through one of Russia’s biggest coal mines, Raspadskaya. More than 312 miners were inside when the first explosion occurred. Four hours later, the second blast trapped 80 miners and rescue workers inside and killed twelve when it took out the main air shaft leaving the remaining people inside with high levels of methane. The ventilation system for the mine has been destroyed but officials are trying to reassure the public with the fact that the mine holds modern breathing devices. Rescue missions have been called off as the situation has been deemed too dangerous; a top official where the mine is located has stated he believes more explosions are likely.

Submitted by: Rachael Petro

Goodbye to Burma's democratic party.

The Burmese National League of Democracy (NLD) dissolved after failing to register in time for elections. But this wasn't because someone forgot to turn in the papers at the right time, they chose to not register. This was a boycott against the elections. This was a result of the party winning an overwhelming victory in 1990, but never being allowed to govern. Senior NLD Win Tin told BBC that even if the people vote for them, they still cannot win, according to the law and the situation. The election law in Burma does not allow anyone with a criminal record to participate in the elections. This would have forced the NLD to get rid of several key members in order to participate. Registration begins on Friday, and some ex-NLD members are forming a new political party in order to participate in elections. NLD will not come back as a party, but will stay together as a group.

Submitted by: Madelyn Higdon

How Greece Could Topple The World

Earlier this year the fear of the great national debt if Greece called for a huge solution- a solution to the tune of 980 billion dollars as reported by the New York Times, earlier . 600 billion of it is coming from the EU and 317 billion from the IMF. This decision is somethingd that many are hoping will not only fix the Grecian debt crisis but will also serve to bolster confidence in other Western Markets, namely the US. President Obama talked with French president Sarkozy and the Gernan chancelor in an attempt to come to a concise conclusion . Many countries are now showing their true economic colors at this moment, because the Implications of the debt crisis may resonate strongly with the whole world.

David DePino

U.K. Elections Means Discussion

The United Kingdom held their elections this past week, yet as of Sunday, the Labor party prime minister is still in power since the majority of the Parliament seats did not go to a single party, causing the Parliament to be hung and at a stand still. The opposing parties--the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats--sent members of their parties to meet with each other and discuss the issues to see if the two parties could merge to become the majority. Despite the fact that the two parties and their leaders meet with reportedly good discussions going on, many of the Liberal Democrats supporters have went up against the merger. In a turn of events that shows the age that this election is taking place, the supporter created a Facebook group, began an petition on the internet and tweeted their dissatisfaction, even managing to raise money through Twitter to buy an advertisement space to show their opinion on the matter. Though the old-school, old fashion demonstration and rally took place, it seems that the U.K. election has not only made the first step in using technology for their campaign purposes but also made the first widespread movement to use the technology in regards of the people getting their say.

Submitted by: Albie Braun

Murder Mix-up in China

A Chinese man, Zhao Zuohai was just released from jail after being there for ten years on a murder charge. Reason behind his release? His supposed murder victim showed up alive. Zhao and his neighbor had gotten into a fight, and shortly afterwards, his neighbor disappeared. After a headless decomposing body was found 18 months later, Zhao was charged with the murder of his neighbor. Investigation is going into the case because Zhao's conviction was based on his confession, in which police forced him to drink chile-water and exploded fireworks above his head. Punishment for those officers and the judges in the case is expected to be delivered. Zhao was to spend 29 years in prison, but his neighbor returned to town seeking welfare, therefore proving his innocence. The neighbor claims to have fled in fear because he thought he had killed Zhao during their original fight. Zhao has been released, but his wife remarried during his sentence time, and several of his children were adopted.

Submitted By: Nora Beswick

American March In Russia Stirs Up Animosity

U.S. troops marched through Red Square for the first time in a Victory Day parade on Sunday as Russia celebrated the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Other nations such as the French, British and Polish marched as well and all were greeted warmly by Russian officals, but the community whispered behind the US nation's back. The editor in chief of the nationalist Zavtra daily stated that it was just a way for the US to flaunt their victory of the Cold War. "The fact that American troops are trampling underfoot the cobblestones of Red Square is a huge shame and humiliation for Russia," Prokhanov said. "Thus they are celebrating their final victory not in World War II but in the Cold War." Even though there are some little animosities being held against the Americans in Russia, so far it seems as though relations between the two countries have been getting better, especially with the progress being made to reduce nuclear weapons.

Submitted by Tieren Dokes

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/europe/la-fg-russia-victory-day-20100510,0,2800786.story

Four Kurds Executed in Iran

After Iran found four Kurds guilty with the involvement of an opposition group and reported bombings they were hung on Sunday. The Kurds are known as separatists group that is often in battle against the security forces. The Kurd group identifies itself as PEJAK and they claim they are fighting for Kurdish rights. The United States is often accused of arming and financing the group, by Iranian officials. Human activist and lawyers say that the four executed were not guilty. One of the four Kurds was an uneducated female and another was a teacher. There was another hanging on Sunday which involved a man who was also connected to a bombing.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/09/AR2010050900278.html?hpid=moreheadlines

Submitted By: Sherry Klinger

Nigeria Takes On New Leader

On Thursday Nigeria swore in their new leader, only hours before the former leader, Umaru Yar'Adua , was buried. The former leader was only 58 at the time of his unfortunate death and his new predecessor Goodluck Jonathan took over. Jonathan has experienced some resentment over the past couple of days since he is a Southern Christian, the Northern Muslims have voiced their opinions. Jonathan faces many tough tasks in the coming months, but now instead of an "acting president" he is the full president and therefore has more of an official title and job. The country does have an election coming up next year, but until then Jonathan will hold office and have to deal with all the challenges that come his way. Jonathan has already appointed his cabinet and signed a new budget bill, this makes analysts confident that Jonathan will lead his country well, maybe well enough to win the polls over next year.

Submitted by: Katherine Conrad

Obama Seeks to Ease Rules on Questioning Terror Suspects

A new exception to the Miranda Rights will be made for terror suspects. The Obama Administration supports a law which would allow alleged terrorists to be interrogated before a necessitation of the Miranda Rights. The Miranda Rights, in a nutshell, ban prosecutors from using information gathered from a babbling suspect before he or she is told of the right to a lawyer. The new law would, in turn, allow for the use of that evidence. The idea of throwing out Miranda Rights for terrorists has come up in the past, in 2000 it was struck down by the supreme court 7-2, but returned to the spotlight in response to the Time Square bomb attempts.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/10/us/politics/10holder.html?pagewanted=2&ref=world


Submitted by: Ingeborg Moran

The Top ICC prosecuter in Kenya

The top prosecutor is in Kenya to investigate the death of 1300. After a vote in 2008 the countries most powerful politicians and businessmen were accused of organizing attacks. One of their biggest concern is that witnesses are being threaten and some have left the country for safety.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi.africa/8669576.stm

Jessica Branch

Pakistani Taliban Responsible for Times Square Car Bomb

Senior White House Officials stated that the Pakistani Taliban were behind what was earlier this week regarded a "lone wolf" attempted car bomb attack in Times Square. This event marked the first time that the group has been able to launch an attack of US soil. The US government did a good job downplaying the attack "citing the bombings lack of sophistication." However this shows that terrorist groups are growing in power. We are uncertain about what this new evidence will do for US-Pakistan relations. The US Attorney General believes that the Taliban helped plan and direct this attack, however he has not yet released what the new evidence was that led him to believe it was the Pakistani Taliban. A suspected US missile has killed 10 along the Afghan-Pakistan border since Shahzad has been accused of the attack. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton believes there will be more cooperation from Pakistan to fight terrorism. She warned of "severe consequences" if attacks on US soil could be traced back to the country.

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2010/05/09/13883061.html

Submitted By: Erin Burneson

Phillipine gay party will be on ballot for the first time in Monday's elections

Elections in the Phillipines on Monday will determine whether Ang Ladlad, which represents LGBT Filipinos, will get the three seats in Congress allowable for "a marginalized or underrepresented party". Ang Ladlad has been fighting to be represented, and had been denied a few times. The Commission on Human Rights of the Phillipines sided with them when the fight to stand for elections reached the Supreme Court. The Commission cited the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, helping the party get its name on the ballot. They were accredited just April 8, giving them only about a month to campaign.

First on Ang Ladlad's agenda is support for the Anti-Discrimination Bill, that would criminalize discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This bill has been filed several times in the Phillipines Congress, but to no avail. Other items on their platform include "support for LGBT-related and LGBT-friendly businesses; setting up microfinance projects for poor and disabled LGBT Filipinos; setting up centers that could provide legal aid and counseling services for poor and aging LGBT Fillipinos; and support for the repeal of the Anti-Vagrancy law, a tool that Ang Ladlad says has been exploited to extort members of the LGBT community".

The party has experienced challenges from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Phillipines, and 8 out of 10 households in the Phillipines are Roman Catholic. The party estimates 25,000 members, and, as they are the only known gay political party in the world, they are making strides in a sort of new frontier. Senator Chiz Escuadero says, "Whether they win or lose, what's important is, they're on the ballot, and people are given the chance to vote for them and other parties."

Submitted by: Katie Kregor

Attempt to stabilize the European market.

European Union finance ministers have gathered in a summit held in Brussels as an attempt to forge a system that could expand the bloc’s power in aiding any troubled members away from going bankruptcy. This urgent meeting attended by officials of 27 E.U. members is expected to end up with a final agreement to establishing a so-called European stabilization mechanism as the bloc’s market has been suffering significantly right after the eruption of Greece debt crisis. Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy , France President, and Mrs. Merkel are calling for stricter sanctions against countries breaking any rules that protect the stability of the euro even though France and Germany have broken those rules but without serious consequences. Meanwhile, Britain and other countries that don’t support the euro show no signs in doing so but unclearly agreed to “pledge their assets” to help stabilize the market. Finally, it is still murky whether or not there is an achievement of establishing a stabilization mechanism.

Submitted by Yen Do.

China's Increasing Energy Use

In the midst of energy conservation and going green, China's energy intake has increased. The developing country has set high goals for going green, but the growing industry demands more coal and oil. However, the backward steps have not gone unnoticed. Officials are working to create new regulations that will fortify energy conservation. China is the largest emitter of greenhouse gasses and has been since 2006. The country claims that it will do everything in its power to reduce the consumption no matter how difficult it may be.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/07/business/energy-environment/07energy.html?ref=asia

Submitted by: Mallory Neumann

Victory Day Parade in Russia

For the first time since former Soviet Union leader Joseph Stalin commemorated the victory over Nazi Germany, NATO troops have joined Russian soldiers to mark the 65th anniversary of Soviet Union's1945 victory over Germany in World War II event. NATO troops from the US, Britain, France and Poland joined over 11,000 Russian soldiers in Moscow's Red Square. Chinese president Hu Jintao, German Chancellor and leaders of almost all former Soviet republics attended the event except US President Barack Obama, who could not make the trip to Moscow due to scheduling clash. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that the lesson learned from World War II is to unite in solidarity and it was also a great victory of good over evil, and a victory of justice over anarchy. As a matter of fact, according to a recent poll conducted by the Levada Center, 28 percent of Russians were against the presence of NATO troops at the parade while 55 percent of Russians were wholly or partly positive about the event. Read more at http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/05/09/russia.parade/index.html

Submitted by David Gum Awng

Earthquake In Indonesia

An earthquake that reached 7.4 on the scale struck in Sumatra, an Indonesian island.  Soon after the earthquake, concerns sparked for a tsunami warning by Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, but was later called off.  The region where the earthquake just hit is in close proximity to the devastating earthquake and tsunami that took place in 2004 where more than 200,000 people were killed.  It's also reported that the recent earthquake resulted in damaged homes in the region.  However, the tsunami watch was later lifted by the Warning Center because of no immediate, large-scale threat or devastation.  Indonesian islands are unfortunately prone to earthquakes because of their location on the Pacific Ring of Fire.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8670593.stm

Submitted by: Hanna Khan

Pervez Musharraf to return to Politics

The former President and military ruler of Pakistan said he will return to politics and run for general election. Saying that he has received a lot of supports from Pakistani living abroad as well as in Pakistan, he assured his supporters that he won't "let them down." As of now, he is not unrevealing his mission to the people but said will do so when the right time comes. He has been living abroad since his resignation in 2008 as the President of Pakistan. Read more at http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/I-will-contest-next-election-in-Pakistan-says-Musharraf/articleshow/5907237.cms

Sumbitted By: Namgyel Dorji

North Korea commits to being nuclear free

According to a story released Kim Jong Il has committed to being a nuclear free peninsula after his meeting with Chinese government officials. His trip was made in attempt to restart the six-party talks. These talks include North Korea, the United States, Japan, Russia, South Korea and China. The talks were ended last year by North Korea over international criticism they apparently did not appreciate. They have conveniently initiated these talks again after they were suspected of attacking a South Korean naval ship in March. It was also cited that North Korea is attempting to end what they consider to be a "state of war" in their land with the U.S. and have sanctions lifted by the U.N.

Submitted By: Emily Schaub

Bangkok Attacks Continue

Thai policemen are now being targeted in continuation of the two month long conflict in which protesters have rejected the government's plan to dissolve parliament in September. The red-shirt's and yellow-shirt's are both critical of the governments projected plans. Yellow shirts also argue that the prime minister should resign if he cannot enforce laws against the red shirts and their protesting. The government has issued a later election date pushed back until November, which has not yet satisfied red shirt protesters. The Prime Minister made the following statement in regards to the recent attacks on policemen, "We have to seek co-operation from everybody to return Thailand to peace."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8669394.stm
By:
Shauntal J Van Dreel

Russian Destroyer Frees Hijaked Oil Tanker

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/07/world/africa/07pirate.html?ref=world

Early Thursday morning a Russian Destroyer freed a captured oil tanker taken by what is thought to be Somalian pirates. The 23 man crew trapped themselves inside the rudder compartment of the ship to escape the pirates. This was seen to be a setback of the European Unions anti piracy task force which is supposed to protect these ships from pirates. The destroyer sent a helicopter at the destroyer and when it got close the pirates opened fire on it. Knowing the crew were safe inside the helicopter fired back. The pirates but up a robust fight but eventually surrendered to a boarding party. This is just a continued example of the rise of piracy in the world. Many of these pirates come from Somalia where a crippled government and a extremely poor country fuels their interests of becoming pirates. Over the last year these pirates have collected over 100 million dollars in ransom money.

Submitted By Zach Mowen

Japan reactivates Monju nuclear reactor

Japan's Atomic Energy Agency says it has restarted a controversial nuclear reactor, more than 14 years after its operations were suspended. Work started once again at the plutonium-fired reactor in the northern fishing town of Tsuruga, after the government gave its approval. The reason it was shut down in the first place was because of a huge fire that broke out in the reactor in 1995. The accident created widespread public concern over the safety of nuclear power, but since Japan relies on nuclear energy for 1/3 of its domestic power supply they decided it was time to re-open the reactor despite domestic concerns and hesitations. Japan is definitely in need of the power supply so they are hoping to have it up and running by the upcoming weekend, and at maximum output by 2013. Other than Japan, only Russia and India have fast-breeder reactors operational, but China is considering joining the ranks.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8664005.stm

Submitted by: Nate Heberlein

Nigerian President Dies

Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua died late Wednesday at age 58 after a battle with heart and kidney disorders.  Acting President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to be sworn in as president and appoint a new deputy.  Yar'Adua has been absent since November when he left for treatment in Saudi Arabia.  He returned in February but was too sick to govern.  Jonathan became acting president in February and appointed his own cabinet and advisors.

Submitted by Derald Willey