Plot to blow up British Airline Plane

A bangledashi native who moved to England in 2006 for health related issues of his son, is now being prosecuted for involvement in terrorist threats against British Airlines. Rajib Karim is a computer worker part of an organisation, Jamayetul Mujahideen, which is committed to extreme jihadist and religious cause, and seeks martyrdom. He is found guilty of producing terrorists group videos, and plotting to blow up a plane.

Source Says Americans detained Pirate Negotiators

It was just discovered that U.S. officials detained two pirate negotiators after the message was sent "kill the hostages if we do not come back from negotiations". The pirates were apparently detained before the four hostages were killed, and this may have had a hand in their death. An as yet un-named U.S. government official told CNN reporters that the negotiators they detained were decided to have "no authority" and therefore were kept in custody instead of returned to the yacht. This entire proceeding goes against normal U.S. negotiating policies, and the question of why this took place and if it caused the deaths has arisen.

Claire Van der Vort

European governments send rescue missions to Libyan desert

British Prime Minister David Cameron sent in a military-led mission to rescue U.K. citizens despite the fact that the U.K. did not have permission to enter Libyan airspace. Three aircraft were sent in to retrieve 150 civilians, but it was not completely safe. One of the aircraft was hit by small arms fire but did not receive any major damage. Germany had also sent in two airplanes to retreive 132 European Union citizens in a secret mission inside Libyan airspace. This willingness to send military aircraft into Libyan airspace shows that Western governments are growing impatient with Gadhafi. In fact, the U.S. has now strongly urged Gadhafi to step down now that American citizens appear to be out of the country.

- By Peter Zafiropoulos

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/02/27/libya.rescues/index.html

As North Korea threatens, U.S., South Korea to start drills

U.S.-South Korean joint military drills kick off Monday, one day after North Korea threatened to engulf Seoul in a "sea of flames." The annual exercises are taking place amid high tensions. North Korea shelled Yeongpyeong Island, killing two South Korean marines and two civilians, last November.

The U.S insists the drills are defensive in nature while training forces to respond to any provocation but North Korea has always denounced them as preparing for an invasion to topple Kim Jong-il's regime.

Kazuya Usui

CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/02/27/south.korea.drills/index.html?hpt=T2

Egypt proposes presidency reform

Egypt is planning constitutional amendments that would open up competition for the presidency and only allow the winner to stay in office for eight years. The existing constitution is suspended by the military. Elections would be held within 6 months.

Read more:
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/02/2011226163611509450.html

by Yasmeen Kiswani

Can India's buget last?

20 years ago, India's prime minister Manmohan Singh and finance minister started the budget that opened India to the global economy. This budget help created India's economic growth that pulled its people out of poverty and aid the poor. Recently, the budget also created inflammation that is growing. Food prices has reached thier highest, prices over 11%. The government decided to deregulate Petrol prices but this may have been the mistake since control is now lost. India still needs to create more reforms to stop corruption and create more jobs since the current population makes India a very competitive place for jobs. Over the next five years, the government wishes to invest $1 trillion into infrastructure construction for example, roads and railways. Posted by: Ana Rivera
URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12591720

Yemen's parties to join anti-president protests

The opposition parties in Yemen, opposed to the current President, Ali Abdullah Saleh, joined the protestors today in favor of the president stepping down from power. This is a major setback for the United States, because Saleh is a major supporter of the United States in the War on Terror. Yemen is the next in a series of uprisings that have swept the Middle East and Northern Africa. Citizens are tired of being ruled by long standing dictatorships, and it is the youth that have decided to rise against them.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/02/27/yemens-parties-join-anti-president-protests/

Jacob McCarty

William Hauge, the British Foreign Secretary, recently spoke out against how Lybia's government is handling protests and unrest. Moammer Gadhafi, the leader of Lybia has met the newest wave of political reform in africa and the middle east with violence. Ordering his army to kill civilians and quickly losing control of Lybia to rebel forces city by city, Gadhafi has been criticized by many world leaders for his handling of the situation. As a response, Britain has frozen the accounts of Gadhafi and the rest of his household to impress upon Gadhafi that using violent means against his own people isn't tolerable. Along with the frozen accounts, Britain has also revoked Gadhafi's immunity.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/02/27/uk.libya.gadhafi/index.html?npt=NP1

Courtney Darnell

Iraqi Prime Minister cracks down on Government Corruption

The Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has responded to the recent protests by the Iraqi people by giving the Iraqi government 100 days to eliminate its corruption or be fired. After the 100 days are up, the ministers will be assessed and changes will be made based on them. The police in the country have responded violently to protesters at a saturday funeral, opening fire on a rowdy crowd and wounding some of the protesters. There have been many other clashes across the country between protesters and police forces that have resulted in many people being wounded or killed. The Prime Minister has called for investigations into these cases as well as urged the protesters to stop what they are doing because he claims that former members of the Hussein government are leading the protests so that they can overthrow the current government and regain power.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/27/iraq.politics/index.html
Alex Damske

Opposition party ahead in Ireland elections

Ireland's first election since the multi-billion-dollar bailout is now said to be transforming politics. Fianna Fail, the ruling party for the last sixty years, is moving towards its worst election ever, while the nation's major opposition party is the largest parliamentary seat holder. It appears that center-right Fine Gael leader, Edna Kenny, will become the next prime minister. Moreover senior party members stated that he may attempt to negotiate with the center-left Labour Party in order to form a coalition government.

The Dublin government took out and 85-billion-euro loan package from the EU, IMF, and individual European nations last year. Voters placed the blame on Fianna Fail for the money issues and Brian Cowen, prime minister, had to step down before the elections. The election of Kenny has thus led to a "new era" in politics, as well as hope for rejuvination from it's people.

By Aleksandra Ruseva
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/02/27/ireland.elections/index.html

China puts up a show of force to block rally

China stepped up its police presence in Beijing in response to an online call for protests in various areas of the country at 2pm. Overnight they erected barricades around the local McDonalds that was originally supposed to be the sight for the protest causing the protest to move to in front of KFC. The chinese government flooded the area with uniformed and undercover police officers, police dogs, water trucks, and civilian volunteers. Officers targeted college age teens and foreign reporters and forced pedestrians to move along at a normal pace. Though there was a sense of confusion about the police presence a protest never formed and eventually the police departed leaving no explanation for the exercise.

China's authoritative government leaves no room for protests and they continue to act to censor the internet and television content to prevent uprisings similar to those in North Africa.

Dylan Tate

http://behindthewall.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/02/27/6145615-china-puts-on-a-show-of-force-to-block-rally

Near Tripoli, Rebels in Libya Gain Firepower and Defectors

ZAWIYAH, Libya — The Libyan rebels challenging Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi demonstrated their increasing military coordination and firepower on Sunday, as defecting officers in the east took steps to establish a unified command while their followers in this rebel-held city, just outside his stronghold in the capital, displayed an array of tanks, Kalashnikovs and anti-aircraft guns.

In a further sign of their strength, the rebels also began making plans to tap revenue from the vast Libyan oil resources now under their control — estimated by some oil company officials to be about 80 percent of the country’s total. And in recognition of the insurrection’s growing power, Italy’s foreign minister suspended a nonaggression treaty with Libya on the ground that the Libyan state “no longer exists,” while Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the United States was reaching out to the rebels to “offer any kind of assistance.”

The most striking display of strength came here, 30 miles from Colonel Qaddafi’s Tripoli redoubt, one of several cities near the capital controlled by rebels, who have repulsed repeated attempts by Colonel Qaddafi’s forces to retake them. The arsenal they had in Zawiyah was far more lethal than previously seen.

“Army, army, army!” excited residents shouted, pointing to a defected soldier standing sentry at Zawiyah’s entrance as he raised his machine gun in the air and held up two fingers for victory.

A few yards away a captured anti-aircraft gun fired several deafening salutes into the air, and gleeful residents invited newcomers to clamber aboard one of several Army tanks now in rebel hands. Residents said that when Colonel Qaddafi’s forces mounted a deadly assault to retake the city last Thursday — shell holes were visible in the central mosque and ammunition littered the central square — local army units switched sides to join the rebels, as about 2,000 police officers had done the week before.

And on Sunday, scores of residents armed with machine guns and rifles joined in a chant that has become the slogan of pro-democracy uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain, Yemen and across the Arab world: “The people want to bring down the regime!”

The opposition’s display came as a global effort to isolate Colonel Qaddafi and possibly force his resignation gained momentum over the weekend, with the United Nations Security Council moving to impose punitive financial sanctions and NATO allies discussing steps that included a possible no-fly zone over Libya.

But with their increasingly brazen show of firepower, the rebels appeared more willing to engage Colonel Qaddafi’s forces militarily and break the pattern of nonviolent revolts set by neighboring Egypt and Tunisia and now sweeping the Middle East — just as Colonel Qaddafi has shown a willingness to shed far more of his citizens’ blood than any of the region’s other autocrats.

The maneuverings by both sides suggested they were girding for a confrontation that could influence the shape of other protest movements and the responses of other rulers who feel threatened by insurrection movements.

Colonel Qaddafi’s militias, plainclothes police and other paramilitary forces have so far kept the deserted streets of Tripoli under a tight lockdown. And residents of Zawiyah said Sunday that his forces were massing again on its outskirts, and as a caravan of visiting journalists left Zawiyah on an official tour, a rowdy crowd of hundreds of Qaddafi supporters waving green flags and holding Qaddafi posters blocked the highway for a rally against the rebels. “The people want Colonel Muammar!” some chanted.

In interviews with ABC News, two of Colonel Qaddafi’s sons appeared to mix defiance and denial. “The people — everybody wants more,” said Saadi Qaddafi, apparently dismissing the public outcry for a more accountable government. “There is no limit. You give this, then you get asked for that, you know?”

He described the uprisings around the region as “an earthquake” and predicted, “Chaos will be everywhere.” If his father left, he said, Libya would face a civil war “one hour later.”

His brother, Seif al-Islam el-Qaddafi, seemed to challenge journalists to look for signs of unrest. “Please, take your cameras tomorrow morning, even tonight,” he said. “Everything is calm. Everything is peaceful.”

But when government-paid drivers and minders took visiting journalists on an official tour to visit here Sunday morning, they found a town firmly in rebel hands, where Libyan officials and military units did not even attempt to enter. It was the second consecutive day that an official tour appeared to do more to discredit than bolster the government’s line, and questions arose about the true allegiance of the official tour minders, who appeared to mingle easily with people of rebel-held Zawiyah. Others suggested that the Qaddafi government might in fact have believed its own propaganda: that the journalists would discover that Zawiyah had fallen into the hands of radical Islamists, or young people crazed by drugs procured by Osama bin Laden.

But the residents o showed little interest in either Islamist politics or hallucinogenic drugs. They mocked Colonel Qaddafi’s allegations, waved the tricolored pre-Qaddafi flag that has become the banner of the revolt, and chanted, “Free, free, Libya.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/28/world/africa/28unrest.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&hp

William B. Robinson

French Foreign Minister Resigns after Tunisia

Why would a French politician be ousted from a position because of protests in Tunisia. It turns out former Foreign Minister of France Michele Alliot-Marie had close ties with members of the Tunisian government and upper class businessmen. Her and her family had close ties with the former Ben-Ali regime in Tunisia. They would conduct business deals and and Alliot-Marie would vacation in Tunisia. She resigned after taking a lot of harsh criticism from the French Media about offering French Aid in stopping the protests in Tunisia. A lot of this could have been avoided with proper handling of the situation by Alliot-Marie, she tried to cver it up and deny the accusations. In he resignation letter to Nicolas Sarkozy, she said she did nothing wrong but decided it was best if she stepped down. The situation now creates a power switch with the Defense Minister becoming the Foreign Minister. The situation, besides essentially ending Alliot-Marie's career, also presents and issue about the French government's close ties with the Arab regimes and the powerful Arab businessmen.
More information about the cabinet shake-up at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12591452
By: Zach Howell

Possibly a Libya No-Fly Zone

The administraters to Obama met with officials from Europe who the U.S. is allied with to discuss a no-fly zone over Libya. The hopes in doing this is to prevent more civilian deaths from happening. Italy decided to withdraw their treaty with Libya for the time being as to show that they will take action to keep the peace in the international community. This is to pressure Colonel Qadaffi with the acts being done in Libya. NATO and European allies met to talk about controlling flight above Libya but no decision has been made yet. Now UN officials are saying that the no-fly zone will not be put into effect unless there are more attacks on civilians by air. The Obama administration is also discussing the use of military to the neighboring countries to help with refugees and cutting off communication of Colonel Qadaffi to the people of Libya. Overall, anything that is decided with Obama, the Security Council, and NATO will not go into effect for a while.


http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/28/world/europe/28military.html?_r=1&ref=world
Jessica Connor

Libyan Security forces switch sides

The tides have changed for Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi when on Sunday his security forces had changed their views and joined to rally against him. A possible war between the government and the people could start sometime this week. Sited civilians have taken roof tops in the city of Zawiya, armed and dangerous ready to shoot at any of Gadhafi's attacking loyalists who try to take back the city. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton stated that the U.N. Security has already issued a arms embargo on Libya and issued travel bans for Gadhafi, his family members and his governmental aids. She quoted that this was the fastest response by the U.N. ever.

-John McWard

www.cnn.com

Oman clashes: Two killed during protests in Gulf state

The citizens of Oman have started protesting for political reform. Oman, is the oldest independent state in the Arab world, their main export is oil and the country has kept good relations with the US and Britain. The Al Said family has been in power since 1744. To keep the public calm for so many years, the Al Said family allows a select group of Omani adults to vote in elections for the Consultative Assembly, but this assembly is only advisory, with no legislative power. Now, the protestors are demanding more democracy and jobs. Already two protestors have died after being shot with rubber bullets. Though the ruler, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, has replaced six members of his cabinet and announced there will be more social benefits for students, I think the protestors are looking for a bigger change from the government.

To read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12590588

-Kathleen Fultz

Eight die in bomb attacks at Afghan dog fight

Eight people have been killed by two bombs at a dog fight in the volatile southern Afghan province of Kandahar. Nato forces have been battling to take control of Kandahar from the Taliban, whose heartland it is. All the dead were civilians, Arghandab district chief Shah Mohammad told the AFP news agency. Twelve civilians were also injured, AFP reported, quoting Afghan interior ministry spokesman Zemarai Bashary in Kabul. No group has yet said it carried out the attack, but the Taliban regularly target large public gatherings.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12590141

Jamie Alt

Rebellion in Libya

In Zawiyah, Libya, people protest against the rule of Muammar Gaddafi who declared to keep his 41-year old rule. The crowds protested chanting, “The people want the fall of the regime.” The same slogan used in protests of authoritarian rulers across the Arab world. Banners were everywhere. One read, “Libya is the land of the free and honorable.” Another had a picture of Gaddafi’s head attached to a dog body. Bullet holes covered buildings in Zawiyah and burned out vehicles remained in the streets unoccupied. The state of Zawiyah was a signal that Gaddafi was losing power. Serbian television explained Gaddafi blamed foreigners and al Qaeda for the turmoil and the Security Council for approving and allowing a war crimes inquiry. Despite what the information the press was releasing, Gaddafi claimed, “Libya is safe, there are no conflicts, Tripoli is safe. The security council could not see how Tripoli is safe.” The turmoil in Libya has had effect on the increase in oil price, which has reached over $112 a barrel. However Libya only produces 2% of the oil in the world. Many people are trying to flee the country and some have escaped to Tunisia.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110227/wl_nm/us_libya_protests;_ylt=AhS3peoXRX7vPEZXUzac1ghvaA8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJpNWdoZ2RxBGFzc2V0A25tLzIwMTEwMjI3L3VzX2xpYnlhX3Byb3Rlc3RzBGNwb3MDMQRwb3MDMgRzZWMDeW5fdG9wX3N0b3J5BHNsawNnYWRkYWZpZGVmaWE-

Taryn Vaughan

Report: 75% of Coral Reefs Threatened

The beautiful ocean wonders of coral reefs have become increasingly more threatened in the last 10 years. The rate of threatened reefs has increased by 30% up to 75%. This could greatly impact the many countries that depend on ocean ecosystems to sustain their lifestyles. Overfishing, destructive fishing, coastal development, and watershed and marine-based pollution, along with the rising temperatures of ocean water, has led to the threat of coral reefs. Over 60% of the world's reefs are in danger, but surprisingly, the largest reef, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, has the lowest threat level of 14%. Many Pacific and Caribbean islands rely on reefs for fishing, tourism, and coastal protection, thus the threats on the reefs pose a great danger to these islands. There is no direct prevention plan in place yet to help with this issue, but the continued actions of reducing greenhouse gas emissions will be beneficial, along with trying to regulate and prevent the local threats of overfishing and destructive fishing.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/02/25/world.coral.reefs/index.html

-Kristine Zizis

Saudi king returns home to shaken Mideast

After three months abroad for medical treatment, Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah returned home Wednesday to a Middle East shaken by unrest, announcing a series of sweeping measures aimed at relieving economic hardship and meeting with Bahrain's beleaguered monarch.
King Abdullah's gestures of largess are not uncommon in a time of celebration, but the large scale of the measures -- the boost in spending amounts to billions of dollars -- raised the prospect of an attempt to stave off the kind of revolts that have engulfed neighboring nations.
Undoubtedly, the Saudis are concerned about events in the region, especially in bordering Bahrain and Yemen. But Boucek said the Saudi government is much more apt to use methods of co-opting or persuasion than to use brutal force to quell opposition voices.
Adding to the Saudi dilemma is that soon the kingdom will have to deal with a pending transition of leadership, now composed of elderly men.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/23/saudi.king/index.html

By Annie Hung

Tunisian interim PM Ghannouchi resigns over protests

At a news conference in Tunis, Tunisian interim Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi announced that he was resigning at the demand of protesters. The announcement came after a long speech defending his government record. Mr. Ghannouchi had served under the former President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali whose was toppled in last months uprising. The protesters called for his resignations in anti-government protests on Friday and Saturday. Unfortunately, three people were killed on Saturday. Tunisia's government is working on reform and is planning elections in July, this was clearly not fast enough for the people.

Nicole LeDonne

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12591445

Brazil sues ex-president, ex-minister over letters

In world news, federal prosecutors in Brazil have filed suit against former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and a former Cabinet minister. According to the article both the former president and minster are being charged with misusing public funds to send more than 10 million letters to retirees telling them about low-interest payroll loans from Banco BMG. Back in 2004, the letters served no public interest and were sent 10months after the law was passed allowing the loans. During the time of the sent letters the financial institution recently contracted was able to make the loans, which was the new thing. In the article, it states that the protestors believe the purpose of the letters was merely self-promotion, praising the law and at the same time benefiting Banco BMG, which was the only bank approved to provide the loans. The prosecutors seek to compel Lula and former Social Security Minister Amir Lando to refund the amount spent on the letters, about $5.7 million, which is 9.5 million Brazilian reais.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/02/22/brazil.president.lawsuit/index.html

Delaina Flagg

Libya: Barack Obama calls on Col Gaddafi to step down

President Obama has offically stated that Gaddafi must relieve his post as ruler of Libya. The United States has issued sanctions against him as well as the UN sending evidence to the International Criminal Court for Gaddafi's crimes against his people. Previously, the US had not issued a statement on the happenings in Libya until it turned violent. The United States has also revoked all visas for Libyan officials as well as calling off trade between the countries.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8350246/Libya-Barack-Obama-calls-on-Col-Gaddafi-to-step-down.html

Jim Michalik

Violence escalates in Ivory Coast

The Ivory Coast's unresolved presidential election is still affecting the country as violence has increased after the African Union demanded a "binding solution" to the election crisis. In the commercial capital of Abidjan, forces who are loyal to President Laurent Gbabgbo have been firing on supporters of Gbabgo's opponent Alassane Ouattara, who his still being kept in the Golf Hotel under the protection of UN peacekeepers.  Witnesses fleeing the region have reported high amounts of violence and casualties.  The UN has condemned the recent violence and calls for cooperation from both sides so that the African Union can come to a solution and another civil war can be avoided. 

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/02/25/ivory.coast.violence/index.html

Mark Zajac

676 arrested, tons of drugs seized in US bust of Mexican cartels

U.S. law enforcement officials have seized thousands of pounds of drugs and arrested hundreds of people in connection with the drug cartels. Not only were the cartels arrested, but their associates were arrested as well. In total, 676 people were arrested, over $12 million dollars were confiscated as well as numerous weapons and vehicles. Almost 40,000 pounds of marijuana, 467 kilograms of cocaine, 64 pounds of methamphetamine, and 21 pound of heroin were confiscated during this raid. This raid shows what can happen when the U.S. gets involved. Although, the U.S. law enforcement confiscated a huge amount of drugs, their work is far from complete.

The joint operation began Wednesday and concluded Friday. The Drug Enforcement Administration is using this operation to send a message to drug cartels, letting them know that they will be caught and punished. Over the past week, there have been two incidents involving drugs. A immigration and customs agent was ambushed while in Mexico and a Houston police officer was also shot while trying to serve a a narcotics warrant.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/02/25/us.mexico.drug.cartel/index.html

By: Brianne Thomas

Another Russian Bomb

A Russian man, near a Russian supermarket in Moscow detonated a grenade while in his possession. The man drove up to the supermarket, got out of his car, walked to the entrance, activated the grenade and waited for it to explode. It is unclear about the intent of the attack, but Russia did have a suicide bomber kill 37 in Moscow's Domodedovo airport January 24th. The attack at the airport was claimed by a Russian Islamist from the Russian Caucasus. It is interesting seeing attacks being focused on Russia. Russia is a very unique place because it lies between many different cultural regions, and is very unique culturally in it's self. It has some "western" style, but not a typical "western" nation.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/02/26/report-man-blows-moscow-supermarket/

Brett Kelleher

U.S. prepares to slap sanctions on Libya

The Obama administration has announced that they plan to apply unilateral sanctions against the Gadhafi regime. The president will meet with the UN in order to discuss the situation in Libya and the options. What's more, a senior US official told NBC news that the executive order on the sanctions would name and target Gadhafi and his family members, create travel bans, and freeze assets as well. I think it is interesting how the article states that the attacks against the Libyan civilians are "crimes against humanity" according to a draft of the UN Sanctions resolution. This correlates to our class discussions on human rights and the fact that they can be violated and stripped away from people.

By: Jasmina Vukovic

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41785849/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa/

Iraq protests turn violent

Today violence erupted in Iraq when police fired on demonstrators and protesters burned buildings. Thousands of Iraqis have been rallying for better government services, modeling their protests after Egypt and Tunisian. Protesters in Baghdad pulled down two concrete walls, and threw rocks, resulting in multiple police beatings. Elsewhere Iraqi soldiers fired on over 250 demonstrators, killing at least eight. However, prime minister Maliki continues to affirm free-speech rights while continuing to discourage the protests. The crowds are not looking for an entirely new government, but rather are outraged at the corruption and instability that exist in the current administration.

Claire Van der Vort

Tough Winter Fails to Loosen Regime's Grip on North Korea

North Korea is face what some are considering to be one of their toughest winters ever. Korea is said to be facing poverty levels that are usually seen in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite this, the people of North Korea do not seem to be shown any signs of unrest, like that seen in the Middle East. While the government would like to modernize, economic reform is not likely to take place is North Korea. To the people of North Korea, reform would mean death. So for now, they are just quietly waiting for the situation to improve.


http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/25/world/asia/25iht-north.html?_r=1&ref=world

By: Kaitlyn Gordon

Iran War Ships Sail Via Suez Canal Amid Israeli Concern

For the first time, Iranian warships have passed through the Suez Canal since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iranian officials have stated the two Iranian warships are heading to Syria for training. The Suez Canal is a ship canal located in Egypt and used as a major navigational route linking the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea thus eliminating the grueling circumvention of Africa. The Egyptian Defense Ministry has reported the two vessels would have no military equipment, nuclear materials, or chemicals on board. At the center of attention is whether this deployment is seen to demonstrate diplomatic significance or actually pose a significant threat to the Israeli Navy or US vessels in the Mediterranean. The latter is unlikely, as the standards of the Iranian Navy are light years from the sophistication of both the Israeli Navy missile boats and US Navy's warships. Some believe the deployment to be a direct response to the upheavals in the Middle East and Northern Africa. However, a semi-official Iranian news agency had reported this year-long training mission through the Suez and the Mediterranean well before the protests in Tunisia and Egypt toppled their respective regimes. But that does not mean Israel is not be concerned. Israel has described the deployment as provocative and in particular destabilizing. Israel has had an long confrontational history with Iran as a result of Iran's controversial nuclear program, development of ballistic missiles, support for Lebanese and Palestinian militant groups, and Tehran's repeated anti-Israeli rhetoric. For Israel and its main ally - the US - this deployment sends multiple signals and represents another clear sign of Tehran's widening strategic horizons. Thus, this act demonstrates Iran's pursuit of diplomatic significance in the region and its tendency to demand respect from the West.

BBC News - February 22, 2011
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12533803

-Dennie Whitlow

Security Council Condems Libyan Crackdown

On Tuesday all 15 members on the UN security council condemned Libyan leadership for the crackdown on protests and called for an end to the violence along with addressing the wishes of the population. Stating that "(They)deplored the repression against peaceful demonstrators, and expressed deep regret at the deaths of hundreds of civilians." Human rights have also been brought up and even the Libyan deputy UN ambassador who has called for Gadhafi step down said that the security councils stance is not tough enough.

Brandon Borkovec

Gadhafi loosing his grip on Libya

Today Libya's leader Moammar Gadhafi gave a speech refusing to step down and saying he will "die a martyr", even though he has lost control of Eastern Libya and many officials from his own country. The crowds of people gathered to hear his speech are devoted supporters according to state TV, however opposing leaders tell a different story. Many were "dragged" into the square to hear Gadhafi's speech. Sources report people being offered money to carry pictures of Gadhafi into the square, and students were even being offered free master's degrees if they would appear at his speech. In eastern Libya, civilians are solidly in control. Armed civilians guard the boarders, but there is no structure or higher government authority. Meanwhile in central Libya violence continues as Gadhafi tries desperately to stop the opposition underway, and there are reports of food shortages, intimidation by soldiers and mercenaries. Protests have only been occurring for eight days, but the situation is escalating dramatically.

Claire Van der Vort

China begins work on Caribbean resort

China has recently started construction on a new resort in the Bahamas. The resort, costing an estimated $2.6 billion, is composed of four hotels, one golf course, and a record-breaking large casino. It is being funded by state-owned Chinese companies. The project will bring an economic boost to the tourism industry of the Caribbean which was also affected by the global financial crisis. Over 8,000 jobs will be created in the hospitality sector of the project, while 4,000 temporary jobs will be created for the construction of the resort. The Chinese are using the resort to globally expand their presence in economic affairs.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12521763
Meghan Steinbeiss

Jordan's king calls for 'real and quick reform'

Okay so in the todays news, King Abdullah II is telling his government to enact a "quick and real" reform. In order for the situation to not be the same as it is; King Abdullah wants a quick and real reform. Ever since the economy downfall, Jordan's economy has been hit really hard.

Read more:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/20/jordan.abdullah/index.html?npt=NP1

Yasmeen Kiswani

Pacific Fishing in danger

"More than $300 million worth of fish was being stolen every year" said Foreign Minister Murray Mc Cully who is calling for the United States and Australia to help protect the Pacific fishing grounds. Currently, New Zealand is the largest provider of surveillance over the Pacific but more help is needed. The Pacific is the world's last sustainable fishing areas and due to climate change, human population growth and over fishing, Tuna and other fish are endangered. Mc Cully states that even with the US Coast Guard contribution, more surveillance is needed to make a big difference to stop illegal fishing. He believes if New Zealand, US and Australia all pitch-in in the fight against illegal fishing then the Pacific can be saved from being exploited beyond the point of no return.
Posted by Ana Rivera
URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12520928

North Korea likely preparing for nuclear tests

North Korea is digging tunnels at the site of two previous nuclear test sights, according to a report by South Korea. This is bring tensions between the two states to high levels again, after North Korea fired artillery shells at a South Korean island in early November. North Korea says that they are using their uranium enrichment program for peaceful purposes only, but even major ally China has expressed concerns and distrust with North Korea over their use of nuclear power

Jacob McCarty

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/02/20/report-n-korea-likely-preparing-nuclear-test/

Following days of unrest and protest, several of the larger protest groups in Bahrain have recently met to come to a consensus on position and to present a united front. One of the main demands that all of the groups agree on is an independent investigation into the death of 10 protesters in the last week. They also ask that the disappearance of dozens of people thursday morning be explained. Bahrain's government has publicly stated that communication is open with opposition groups, but that there are a lot of unresolved issues to get to the bottom of. Bahrain is just one of many countries that are following the successful examples of Tunisia and Egypt.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/20/egypt.officers.arrested/index.html?npt=NP1

Courtney Darnell

Uganda Election- Another Call for Corruption

Following the political revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt, the Uganda election which extended Yoweri Museven’s 25 years of presidency is receiving speculation. Though it does not appear the the opposition party will be able to overthrow Museven, his challenger, Kizza Besigye has made allegations toward election fraud and rejects the result of himself only winning 26% of the votes. Now it seem like every time a reining leader wins an election someone screams for a corrupt conspiracy. However, is it possible that that presidents could keep in the good graces of their people without resorting to dirty dealings. Not to say that Besigye is wrong to want a recount because in 2006 Museven had only 59% support from the population. I do think it is important to note in Will Rose’s annalysis, the heavy hit all of this political scrutiny is going to take on the economy. With several leaders using large amounts of money to watch their backs and secure their position, this money pumped into their campaigns is dangerous for the economy.

To read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12516562

-Kathleen Fultz

Egyptian Police Officers Arrested

Three officers in Alexandria, Egypt have been arrested because they have been accused of firing live ammunition at protesters in late January. The Alleged incident occured on January 28 while protesting for Murbaraks ousting. The Attorney General of Alexandria issued an arrest warrant for the officers because a number of family members and eye witnesses reported this instance. Alexandria was on of the main political protested cities located in Egypt.

-John McWard

www.cnn.com

Islam in Tunisian Politics

With all of the current revolutions and rebellions going on in the world it's easy to forget the first country to start this movement, Tunisia. While the focus has been on elsewhere Tunisia is still in a sensitive place especially in it's politics. While the Tunisian people did manage to overthrow their authoritarians after decades of rule one thing they can't agree on is how religion and politics are going to mix. In the middle of all of the commotion following the revolution there was a more interesting problem in Tunis (the nation's capital); protecting the city's brothels from boards of religious fanatics.

The group attacked the city's brothels yelling and throwing rocks in the alleyways of Tunis, where prostitution is legal. The police have been forced into a position of putting down the Muslims who are against these brothels. The politics of the past in Tunisia have been shockingly advanced for a country that has 9.8 million out of it's 10 million residents practicing Islam. Not only is prostitution legal, but so are abortions, and alcohol and women are even allowed to wear bikini's.

The main concern right now is the move to make Tunisia a strict Muslim country with strict laws much like the rest of the middle east. Women are the most scared and have the most to lose should this be the case. In a country that fought for it's freedom the women in the country are prepared to fight for theirs. In one of the biggest demonstrations since the overthrow of their former leader, the Tunisian people demanded the separations of church and state. However, the recent re-formation of the Muslim political movement called Ennahdha and it's alignment with Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood have cause more than a little discomfort. However, as we have seen in recent weeks this country is full of people who are willing to stand up for their rights and what they fell is best for their country.

Spencer Darrow

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/21/world/africa/21tunisia.html?ref=world