North Korea is Reportedly Granting Amnesty to Prisoners in Birthday Celebration

In celebration of the late Kim Jong-il and Kim ll-sung’s birthdays North Korea has decided to grant amnesty for prisoners. However, there has been no information release as to how many prisoners will receive amnesty. This comes as a shock because just last year Amnesty international had reported through satellite pictures that North Korean prisons were expanding. KCNA said that amnesty would begin February 1st. It will be interesting to hear if the new leader, Kim Jong-un comes out with a personal statement on this humanitarian act.

To read more:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16481003

- Kathleen Fultz

Germany and France Warn Greece on Bailout Money

Mrs. Merkel and Mr. Sarkozy, the prime-minister and the president of the two largest economies in the European Union, have warned Greece on its sluggish, if any, structural changes that are required to combat with the wide-spreading eurozone crisis. The actual circumstance does not look any better now than it did before the holiday season. Indeed, Mr. Sarkozy acknowledged that the uncertainty in the markets "is very tense, very tense.” Even the Greek prime-minister, Lucas Papademos, hahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifd to admit last week that the default would be a possibility if no further spending cut was implemented. Meanwhile, Mrs. Merkel further stressed that there would be no continuation on the bailout package if Greece failed to live up to its commitments.

Tomorrow, the head of the IMF will arrive in Berlin for talks with the German chancellor. And on Wednesday, Mario Monti, Italy's Prime Minister, is scheduled to meet with her.

Eurozone countries are predicted by economists to return to the recession, let alone the $2.4 trillion to re-finance in 2012.



http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/10/business/global/merkel-and-sarkozy-meet-as-bond-markets-remain-wary-of-euro-risk.html?ref=europe

Yen Do

Ahmadinejad meets with Chavez during trip through Latin America

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad met Monday with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. The two world leaders discussed many issues, but chose to focus on their opposition to the United States. They described the United States as being a threat to the world. This is not the first time the two have met. In the past they have signed trade deals and industrial agreements to the benefit of both nations. However, Ahmadinejad's latest visit comes at a time when tensions are high between Iran and many western powers due to Iran's recent undertaking of more uranium enrichment programs. These programs are said to be for medical purposes. Western leaders aren't the only ones expressing concern over the visit. Venezuelan politician Diego Arria claims that this visit is a way of provoking the United States.

Cody Follis

http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/09/world/americas/venezuela-ahmadinejad/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

Boko Haram sympathisers in Nigerian government

"Western Education is Forbidden", or Boko Haram, is an Islamic group responsible for recent violence against Christians in the African country of Nigeria. They seek to strike the current government and create an Islamic state. Intense hostilities last week led people to flee the violence, which is aimed at Christian communities in the predominantly Muslim north of Nigeria.

The president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, claims that the judicial, executive, and legislative branches of the government and the police and military have some members who are sympathetic to Boko Haram.

Some northerners living in the south are fleeing in fear of retaliatory strikes. The government seems incapable of confronting the group directly, as many Christians feel an inadequate job is being done to protect them.

Roughly half the country is Muslim, and the other half Christian. The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Nigerian-Biafran War, saw the country divided by religion. Continued violence may lead to the country reverting to civil war. If President Jonathan is correct, the divided government may crumble and the country, if power is assumed by a group like Boko Haram or another such Islamic fundamentalist group, would institute Sharia law and become an Islamic state.

Bob Hartzer

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16462891

Alleged American Spy Sentenced to Death in Iran

Amir Mirzaei Hekmati, a former U.S. marine interpreter, was arrested in Iran while visiting relatives and sentenced to death as a spy for the U.S. CIA. Officials from the State Department as well as the National Security Council have claimed that the allegations are untrue and believe that Hekmati is being held for political reasons. Not coincidentally, the sentence was issued as Iran's nuclear activity is increasing beyond U.N. sanctions and as tighter U.S. led sanctions threaten to undercut the country's oil industry. Hekmati is likely being used to deter actions that may jeopardize their nuclear program and to prevent the U.S. from interfering with their oil industry. He has 20 days from when the verdict was issued to appeal.

http://huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/09/amir-mirzaei-hekmati-iran_n_1193425.html

Tristan Hunter

14 Killed in Baghdad Due to Car Bombs

Monday evening in Baghdad, Iraq, three car bombs killed possibly 17 people. Authorities say that at least one car bomb was to targeting Shiite pilgrims, it was a roadside bomb that killed two. If this holds true it only deepens the sectarian violence already present there. The second car bomb was near a Shiite neighborhood, al-Shaab, and killed three policemen and four other people in the area. The third bomb was found in a Sunni area and exploded while sappers were trying to defuse it and resulted in the death of a soldier. The latest wave of sectarian violence has targeted Shiites which has resulted in the deaths of over 90 people in the last week. The two sects, Sunnis and Shiites, have been in a stand off between the two leaders for the last month.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2012/01/09/world/middleeast/AP-ML-Iraq.html?_r=1&ref=world

Jessica Connor

Danger at 2012 Olympics?

Earlier today, police in the U.K. sent a man armed with a fake bomb into Olympic Park, testing how reliable the site's security will be. On-site policemen were well aware of the possible fake bomb, yet the man was able to get passed the police with ease. Is this something to be concerned about? With increased tension throughout the world, "London 2012" may become eerily similar to "Munich 1972", and this failed test demonstrates that a terror attack is not impossible, and may, God forbid, happen. Now 200 days away, let's hope the Olympic police force incorporates changes in order to ensure safety for participants, fans, and U.K. citizens.


http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/01/09/uk-police-smuggle-fake-bomb-onto-olympic-site/

By: Luke Habeeb

US Navy rescues Iranians

Iranian sailors were taken hostage on their fishing vessel, only to be rescued by an American destroyer. The USS John Stennis Strike Group was moving through the Strait of Hormuz when they came upon the distressed ship. They assumed that the ship was hijacked as they claim that they saw a pirate ship, believed to be Somalian, next to the Iranian boat. The crew of the Al Molai had been held for 40 to 45 days before the USS Kidd happened upon it. The rescue attempt came a few days after Iran stated that the U.S. should no longer have ships positioned in the Strait of Hormuz.

http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/06/developing-story-us-navy-rescues-iranians-from-pirates/

Jim Michalik

Yemen cabinet approves President Saleh amnesty law

The Yemeni Cabinet has agreed to grant immunity to President Saleh from prosecution as part of a transition deal.

Amnesty has also been granted to his government, civil, and military departments. However, this deal still has to be approved by parliament.

This deal has been widely criticized by human rights groups. Human Rights Watch said,

"International law and the UN policy are clear on the matter: amnesties are not permissible if they prevent the prosecution of individuals who may be criminally responsible for international crimes including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and gross violations of human rights."

It is known that Saleh had been accused of genocide and crimes against humanity. Saleh ceded power on 23 November 2011 to the Vice President Hadi. During this time the opposition set up a national unity government. New elections will be held 21 February

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16463802

Post by Rima Gungor

Egyptian Elections

Egyptian voters are partaking in the last round of voting today. This is a historic day for the country and serves as good example that democracy can come rather quickly for a country that is determined to have a voting process installed. The last round of voting takes place in the rather rural southern portion of the country which is home to the largest segment of christian voters in the country. Islamic parties already claimed a victory by a large margin in the elections held in the country's northern regions. I believe that it is a great that citizens that are tired of having no say in a country's decision making process finally have a say in the way in which their county is being run but hopefully government corruption does not ruin the process. I hope that the ousting of Mubarak results in many great strides for the citizens of Egypt.

http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,15641769,00.html

by Matthew Draper

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un paints own identity through documentary

Since taking over for his recently deceased father, new North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has showed the world that he will continue to press domestic military policies. With his fathers sudden death, the world and its leaders watched with scrutiny as this twenty-something year old man stepped into power with what seemed to be little grooming. However, this appears to now not be the case. A documentary was shown on state television highlighting that back in 2009, Un vowed to wage war with any states who chose to shoot down their recently fired rocket. The documentary, a multi-segemented feature, is aimed at persuading the North Korean mass public that Un has been at the helm of the military for some time now; hoping to put any thoughts of a naive, inexperienced leader to rest.

By: Tyler Lundquist
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45917169/ns/world_news-asia_pacific/

Thousands of Citizens Fleeing for their Lives in South Sudan

Recent violence in South Sudan has forced civilians to flee their villages and abandon their homes. Thousands of families have hidden in the bush and now have no access to medical supplies and other necessities. Two MSF medical facilities were targeted, forcing their volunteer to shut down the facilities and leaving thousands of people without medical care. During the violence, these MSF medical facilities were targeted and looted and damaged. Their main concern is for the civilians that have fled into the bush, saying that countless numbers of them must have injuries from all of the violence. The MSF organization condemns the targeting of their medical facilities because they are neutral and impartial to who they care for. Many people, regardless of where they are from, have been treated by MSF in South Sudan. MSF began working in Sudan in 1978, and it 2010 alone they treated well of half a million civilians.

http://www.msf.org/msf/articles/2012/01/south-sudan-thousands-of-civilians-fleeing-for-their-lives-with-no-aid-msf.cfm

Rachel Foy

US orders Venezuelan Diplomat out of the Country

On Sunday, the State Department said that it ordered a Venezuelan diplomat, who was based in Miami, to leave the country. The Diplomat is Livia Acosta Noguera, who was Venezuela’s consul general. Officials have not released a reason for ordering her to leave, but a news report, broadcasted on a Spanish- speaking channel called Univision, from last week claimed that Acosta was involved in discussions about engaging in cyberattacks against the US. The report included alleged taped conversations with Acosta, and involved officials from both the Iranian and Venezuelan Embassies in Mexico. The scheme allegedly began in Cuba, and was planning on targeting companies or nuclear power plants in the US. There is no definitive evidence that was brought up in the report. However, Acota's expulsion goes along with the Obama Administration's disapproval with Venezuela's continuing to maintain an amiable relations with Iran, regardless of international efforts to isolate them over their nuclear program.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/09/world/americas/us-expels-venezuelan-diplomat-from-miami.html?ref=world

Kathleen Tite

Obama voices US concern over Venezuela democracy

In an interview with a Venezuelan newspaper, Obama criticizes attempts by the Venezuelan government to democratize. He states the attempts made by Venezuela to promote democracy have suppressed freedom of speech and press in order to accomplish this goal, which he views to be anti-democratic. The article then goes on to explain the relationship between American foreign policy and Hugo Chavez, the President of Venezuela who is up for re-election in 2012.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16256469

by
Kaitlyn Gordon

Pressed by U.S., Asian Countries Look for Ways to Reduce Purchases of Iranian Oil

According to the United States' sanctions on Iranian oil, Asian countries decided to join that direction. It has significant meaning to Iran since China, India, Japan, and South Korea altogher consume 60% of Iranian oil. China already reduced its import of oils from Iran. Japan and South Korea are trying to accomodate the pressure from the US. The success of failure of this sanction depends on how other countries in Middle East can export oils to fill the Iran's portion. Any disruption in the Middle East would make oil prices sharply increased, which will be followed by more chaos in world economy.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/07/world/middleeast/amid-pressure-on-oil-iran-plans-new-round-of-military-exercises.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=iran%20oil&st=cse

Bahrain government beating activists?

According to a BBC news article I found online, security officers employed by the Bahraini government beat prominent Civil Rights activist Nabeel Rajab. The United States State Department has asked the small island nation in the Middle East to conduct an investigation into the event it denies happened. The United States and Bahrain are close and the US holds their Fifth Fleet there. While the US doesn't usually condemn close allies, they are worried that the government might be cracking down on civil rights activists and not allowing its citizens to express themselves.

Here is the article where I found this story:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16456109

Also for those who don't know where Bahrain is, here is a link for that

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ba.html

Erik Brown

Iran welcomes U.S. rescue of Iranian fishermen

UThis past weekend a helicopter from the USS Kidd spotted an Iranian fishing ship under distress. They helped rescue and ensure the safety of Iranian citizens. Iran calls this a humanitarian act. How does this contribute to the current frustration between both governments? Will this lead to the door opening up on agreements between each nation, or no? I found it interesting that while both nations are very sensitive to each other’s actions can one that brings them together reset the way in which they think of each other?

-Dan Vogrin

Obama announces new military strategy of the US.

On Thursday, January 5th, President Barack Obama announced future America’s military plans.  In his speech at the Pentagon, Obama indicated two major changes in the US military strategy.  According to the new strategy, the military forces will now become leaner along with budget cuts on military spending.  Over the next decade, it is expected to accommodate around $450 billions in reductions to the US Army and Marine Corps. Another strategic change will affect localization of the US forces. Now the focus will shift to the Asia-Pacific region as relationships with Asian allies and partners have become of the top priority to the United States.  This new strategy is supposed to increase stability in the region where China continues to grow as a regional power.

Oksana Vernygora

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16430405

Musharraf Announces He Will Return to Pakistan Late This Month

On Sunday former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf announced that later this month he will be returning to his country alongside up to 500 of his followers, albeit the fact that he may be arrested when he enters the country. His return date is scheduled between January 27 and 30.
Pakistani officials have stated that he will be arrested due to his connection with the 2007 assissination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutta. In fact there has already been an arrest warrant issued according to the special public prosecutor assigned to the case. Nevertheless, Musharraf's atttorney states that the the threat of arrest is politically motivated, thus the warrant will be challenged in court.
Musharraf also intends to run in the Pakistani elections next year.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/08/world/asia/pakistan-musharraf/index.html?eref=rss_world&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_world+%28RSS%3A+World%29

Aleksandra Ruseva

Iran begins uranium enrichment

New but not entirely unexpected news of out Iran this morning when the country announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic oil route, and plans to enrich uranium in a well protected underground location. As the Us and its allies in Europe and around the globe place tighter sanctions on Iran the country insists that it is only enriching uranium for energy and medical purposes. Between one-sixth of the worlds oil traveling through the strait of Hormuz and Iran's unsettled government many countries fear Iran having weapons grade uranium. Iran is in for a long fight with the whole world if they go ahead with the closure of the strait of Hormuz.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57354636/report-iran-begins-uranium-enrichment/?pageNum=2&tag=contentMain;contentBody

Nicole LeDonne

Danger ahead with untested leader?

Kim Jong Un is a very untested leader that has been thrust into the world spotlight after taking over for his late father Kim Jong Il. This passing of the torch in North Korea has sparked a particular interest with United States governmental officials as well as China. The U.S is interested in what stance North Korea is going to take on their nuclear program as well as if there is going to be any fissures in the military due to the new transition with such an inexperienced leader. This inexperience has already led to the price of rice to rise "tenfold" in just two months because he wanted a reevaluation of the nation's currency. These mishaps have led even North Korean military elites to question the new leader's skill set. China has a particular interest in the transition because they hope for everything to remain the same as it was with Kim Jong Il. China doesn't want North Korea to potentially reunify with South Korea because that would be a U.S ally right on China's border. The U.S. and the rest of the world are sitting back and letting North Korea make the first move to see what direction Kim Jong Un will take their foreign policy.

Jordan Tassio
http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/06/danger-ahead-with-untested-leader/

Obama imposes sanctions on Iranian oil

President Obama signed a law on New Year's Eve that could greatly impact Iran's oil revenues. It is a measure meant to harm Iran into putting a stop to their Uranium enrichment and nuclear advancements. Iran's nuclear program is thought to be aimed at producing an atomic bomb, but the Iranian government maintains that the program is peaceful. The oil sanctions are already hurting Iranians via falling currency and rising prices. Oil accounts for 60% of Iran's revenue, and the damages done by sanctions could have a profound impact. In response to the sanctions, Iranian officials have threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, which provides an outlet for most of the Middle Eastern oil. The United States has pledged to use naval force if necessary to keep the strait open.

By Jill Laumbacher

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/06/us-iran-idUSTRE8041RA20120106

Canadian man enters U.S. with only iPad

A Canadian man was able to cross the border into the United States using only his iPad and driver’s license. The man, Martin Reisch, forgot his passport and had only a digital copy of the document that had been scanned onto his iPad. A border patrol officer reviewed the passport and ultimately made the decision to accept the digital form of identification. Reisch was able to travel to Vermont and deliver his Christmas presents as originally planned as well as re-enter Canada with no issues. He believes that digital identification will soon be the only form of identification.

Meghan Steinbeiss

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16403636

Yemen's President Saleh Resigns

Ali-Abdullah Saleh is stepping down from power in Yemen after 33 years of presidency.  After three more months of transistional governance, Saleh will officialy be remeoved from office, making him the fourth Arab leader to be ousted this year.  Whether this is a sign of progress for Yemen will naturally be answered only when the shape of the new government takes form.  What is clear is that like in other Arab states, there have been many violent and deathly protests occuring in Yemen over the past year as supporters and protestors clash.  Saleh follows former Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, and Moammar Gadhafi of Libya as Arab leaders to be taken from power recently.  Ali and Gadhafi fled, while Mubarak and Saleh agreed to step down.  The most important issue in all of these cases now turns to action going forward.  Will the next government in line continue with the corruption, exploitation, and violence that plagued their predecessors?

David Johnson

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/23/world/meast/yemen-unrest/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Whose lost decade?

Over the years, people have been striking Japan's economy with almost a pessimistic tone, failing to realize the actual growth that actually has been occurring. Since Japan's population has been declining, people above 45 are getting wealthier. Furthermore, many thought of Japan as the indebted nation when in fact they are one the biggest creditors around. The individual growth of Japan has definitely startled those who doubted it and is on a good track for continuing progress ,despise the problems it was having with deflation and such.

Cubans Set for Big Change: Right to Buy Homes

Cuba is ready for big change with rights that allow Cubans to buy homes. Many are expecting major changes in Cuba. With money from Cubans who are living in the United States are giving a large amount of property taxes and money to their home land and also Cubans from around the world. “There’s going to be huge demand,” said José, 36, who declined to give his last name, stepping away from the crowd and keeping an eye out for eavesdroppers. “It’s been prohibited for so long”(Cave).
The people in Cuba understand that the key to capitalism is the idea of private property. Their is a slogan in the country "socialism or death" to fight for their rights and legitimize their country. With the new rules that were put in place by the Obama administration which allows relatives of Cuba to send as much money as they want. This is giving the Cuban Americans a big part in giving the Cuban economy success. Experts in Cuba say that the Cubans are already creating a tiered social system within Cuba. The Cuban Americans have already sent $1 billion so far to fund the idea of the people of Cuba receiving their own rights to purchase and own their own home.

By; Joe Ruffolo

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/03/world/americas/03cuba.html?ref=americas

Sources: U.S. to slap new sanctions on Iran's petrochemical industry

Diplomatic sources have said that the Obama administration plans to add more sanctions to Iran's petrochemical industry. Current US sanctions already prohibit American companies from doing business with Iran. The proposed sanctions, planned to be announced Monday, would bar foreign companies from doing business with Iran's petrochemical industry by threatening to cut off business from America and banning those companies from US markets. The intention of the new sanctions is to take away some of the power form Iran. These new sanctions come just after the IAEA reported there is strong evidence that Iran is building the technology needed to create a nuclear weapon. This is very concerning for all free nations, as Iran is very unstable. Because Iran has huge oil reserves, taking business away from its petrochemical industry might have a big effect.

by Rachel Foy

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/19/world/meast/obama-iran-sanctions/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

Libyan Government to Try Gaddafi's Son at Home

According to Fox News, Libya's new leaders said Sunday they will try Muammar Qaddafi's son at home and not hand him over to the International Criminal Court where he's charged with crimes against humanity. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, who was once the face of reform in Libya and who led his father's drive to emerge from pariah status over the last decade, was captured by fighters from the small western mountain town of Zintan who had tracked him to the desert in the south of the country. He was then flown to Zintan, 85 miles southwest of Tripoli, where he remains in a secret location.

Meghan Kats

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/11/20/fighters-who-captured-qaddafis-son-demand-be-tried-in-libya/?intcmp=trending

Al Qaeda in Africa

Two weeks ago al qaeda connected terrorist groups began to wreak havoc in the African nation of Nigeria. Hundreds were killed in gunfights and bombing campaigns coordinated by the terrorist group. According to the CNN article, Christians were the primary target along with mosques that were deemed "insufficiently islamic". Experts believe that the Nigerian 'Boko Haram' terrorist group, over the past two years, has built up relations with al qaeda. Houses, churches, and places of "Western influence" are all common targets of Boko Haram. This has caused a flood of Nigerian Christians to leave their homes and flee into neighboring nations. President Goodluck Jonathan has promised "swift and certain justice for criminal elements". Wether the weak Nigerian government can hold their promise of justice is as of now unclear. The Nigerians were able to somewhat defend themselves from attack and hundreds of Boko Haram were killed including their leader, Mohammed Yusuf. Nigerian forces have also begun to stockpile weapons to prepare for futher attack. As of now no international help has been offered or requested. Unbelievably, the Human Rights Watch has defended the Boko Haram and condemned Nigerian police for "extrajudicial executions" of terrorists. Violent times call for swift and sometimes unpleasant responses.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/18/world/africa/nigeria-militants/index.html?npt=NP1

Andrew Cross

14 Tons of Marijuana Seized After Border Tunnel Is Found

14 tons of marijuana was seized after tunnel was discovered in San Diego. The tunnel stretched about 400 yards and linked warehouses in San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico. Authorities of United sates seized about 9 to 10 tons of marijuana, Mexican authorities recovered about 5 tons. The depth and the width of tunnel is unknown, also several arrests were made. It was one of the most significant drug smuggling passages ever found on United States-Mexican border.

The number of tunnels that were found in 2008 is about 70, which is surpassing the number of discoveries in previous years. Many smugglers are grouping in California border because it is popular for it's clay-like soil, which is easy to dig.

Last November 50 tons of marijuana was seized on both sides of the border, two of the largest seizures in United States history.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/17/us/us-mexico-tunnel-leads-to-tons-of-marijuana.html?ref=americas

Nazira Bakhriyeva

Facing Calls to Give Up Power, Egypt Military Battles Crowds

CAIRO — Egypt’s military rulers struggled Sunday to contain an explosion of protests demanding their ouster, as a growing crowd of demonstrators pushed security forces out of Tahrir Square for a second night in a row and new clashes broke out across the country.

Egyptian troops, heralded as saviors when their generals ushered out President Hosni Mubarak on Feb. 11, led a new push to clear the square. And the battles took a more lethal toll: the Health Ministry said that at least six were killed, and doctors set up in the square said that the number could be twice that.

But the violence only seemed to reinforce the revolutionary urgency that had returned to the square, and when the army moved to push out the thousands of protesters, more than twice as many quickly flooded back.

“This is February 12!” said Abeer Mustafa, a 42-year-old wedding planner. “We have finally succeeded in reclaiming our revolution.”

The crackdown, including the reported use of live ammunition by troops, elicited condemnation across the political spectrum, joined by voices who had previously taken a more restrained tone toward the military council, from the liberal former diplomat Mohamed ElBaradei to the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood.

Almost all the civilian parties called for an accelerated end to military rule before the drafting of a constitution — either an immediate handover to some civilian unity government, a turnover to the lower house of Parliament when it is seated in April, or after a presidential election, to be scheduled as soon as possible.

But while unity reappeared in the square, where Coptic Christians once again stood guard as their Muslim compatriots bowed to pray, the political class remained deeply polarized over what sort of civilian government might succeed the military. Liberals and Islamists continued to battle each other in back-room arguments over the question of what rules the military might set for the selection of a constitutional convention, even as the street protesters demanded that the military give up such authority.

In its first official response to the crisis, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces repeated its commitment to its “road map” of the transition, including next week’s elections, but it did nothing to move up or clarify its exit date, now set for some time after drafting of a constitution and electing of a president in perhaps 2013 or beyond. The council expressed “sorrow” over the situation. It said it had ordered an investigation and it asked the political parties to “contain the situation.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/21/world/middleeast/clashes-in-cairo-continue-into-a-second-day.html?_r=1&ref=world

By: Joseph McGee

Socialists Lose in Spain

Europes debt crisis has taken a large toll on the people of Spain with its high unemployment rate and credit squeeze. This caused the people to Spain, who have had a socialist government for over the past 8 years, to vote in a different way. On Sunday 99.8% percent of the votes counted were for the popular party candidate, Mariano Rajoy. The popular party won 186 seats while the socialist party decreased greatly from 169 seats to 110. Unlike other countries being affected by the Europe debt crisis the new prime minister of Spain will have the strong support of the single party majority in Parliment. Former Socialist Prime Minister Zapatero left office because of the complete loss of an economy boom. There is a threat of another recession that still has the Popular Party questioning if a center-right government can turnaround the economy. It was stated in the article that this problem is too big for just the new government to fix. Spain will need help from outside intervention.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/21/world/europe/spanish-voters-punish-socialists.html?_r=1&hp

Blake Sabatke

More Turmoil in Egypt

Ten people died in Cairo, Egypt today as a part of the demonstrations that Egypt's military government hand over their power to the people. The EU's foreign policy chief condemned the violence that continues to take place inside of Egypt. According to a statement read on Egyptian state television the current government is commited to holding the scheduled elections on time. The frustration of the Egyptian people is quite clear and I wonder how much longer it will be until a stable government that the people approve of is in place. It does seem that Egypt is on a path to path to froming a democracy. Hopefully the interim government allows for this to take place.

http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,15544410,00.html

Matthew Draper

U.S. Fugitive Found in Portugal

A fugitive named Manuel Luis Ferreira has been found in Portugal after decades of searching for the man. Ferreira escaped from jail in 1970 after being found guilty of murder. He was also a participant in an alleged plane hijacking. He has evaded capture for almost forty years. The real interest in the story comes from the fact that Portugal will not extradite the fugitive. The Portugese court determined that since Manuel Luis Ferreira is not a citizen of Portgual, is in declining health, and the Portugese statute of limitations has expired on the case, they will not return the man to the Unites States. This story offers an interesting look on the power dynamics between state actors in regards to both individual policies and the agreements they have between one another. The U.S. and Portugal have a bilateral extradition policy and Portugal determined they were denying the U.S. big for extradition. It seems to be a rare occurence that the U.S. is denied anything on a global level. The United States may appeal the decision to the Portuguese Supreme Court.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/17/world/europe/portugal-us-fugitive/index.html?hpt=wo_bn6
Posted by: Kendall Bilbro

14 killed in eastern China chemical plant explosion

In eastern China, fourteen workers have been killed due to an explosion a a chemical plant. This happened Saturday afternoon at a melamine production unit in Xintai in the Shandong province. This is where a condenser was being repaired according to the local officials. They are still investigating the cause of this explosion in Xintai. According to BBC news, these types of industrial explosions are pretty common due to the disregard for basic safety measures taken by these industries. This plant was of Shandong Liaherd Chemical Industry Co Ltd. and four workers were killed and ten are hospitalized. China has said to have ''a notoriously poor workplace safety record, with rules widely flouted as companies chase contracts and profits.'' These accidents are common in China even though the government is working towards a safe working environment for the Chinese workforce.

Libya's former intelligence chief is captured

Libya's former intelligence chief, Abdulla al-Senussi, brother-in-law to Ghadafi, was captured by the Libya revolutionary forces just 100 km north of Sabha. The announcement came a day after the capture of Ghadafi's son, Saif al Islam. Authorities plan to bring al-Senussi in Tripoli, where he will be standing trial. Earlier this year, the ICC (International Criminal Court) in the Netherlands indicted al-Senussi for crimes against humanity, especially after the revolt against Ghadafi's regime. Unlike his brother-in-law, al-Senussi was reorted to not have been harmed during his capture. Besides his own son, al-Senussi was also reported to have been one of Ghadafi's potential successors during the latter's time. The court prosecutor's arrest warrant stated that al-Senussi, "exercised his role as the national head of the Military Intelligence, one of the most powerful and efficient organs of repression of Gadhafi's regime." Deputy chairman of the National Transitional Council, Abdel Hafiz Ghoga, stated that an investigative committee has been set up to review al-Senussi's case.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/20/world/africa/libya-arrest/index.html?npt=NP1

BY: Lauren Marie De Guzman

Trucks carrying fuel for NATO torched in Pakistan

Four assailants attackers torched three trucks carrying fuel for U.S. and NATO forces in Pakistan near the border with Afghanistan.

Police informed that nobody was injured during the attack because the drivers managed to escape before the trucks were set on fire. Witnesses said that the big flames could be seen from quite far away.

These type of attacks have become common in Pakinstan, in an attempt from the assailants to cut supplies for NATO and to try to block the fuel supply for U.S. forces that allegedly target suspected militants in northern areas of the country.

by Paula Elum

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/20/world/asia/pakistan-nato-tankers/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

America in the Asia-Pacific: We're Back

Since he was elected, President Obama has wanted to be known as the first “Pacific President”. Although he hasn’t done much to live up to his self-proclaimed title so far, Mr. Obama says that is changing.

America’s allies in Asia have rightly complained about only receiving intermittent attention from the U.S. According to Mr. Obama, this marginalization of the East has ended; America is shifting its focus to Asia and the Pacific, and keeping it there for good.

Senior administration officials back up the president, saying that the President has had to deal with “inherited issues” tied to President Bush’s “war on terror” for most of his first term. According to the officials, now that troops are being pulled out of Iraq, and that there is a deadline for withdrawal from Afghanistan, the U.S. will begin to bring the Asia-Pacific region more into focus.

At his stop in Canberra, Australia’s capital (as part of his recent Asia-Pacific trip), Mr. Obama announced with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard that the U.S. will put rotating units of marines in Darwin, in Northern Australia, for training and exercises. Although China has implied that it is uncomfortable with the decision, Mr. Obama has affirmed that the decision in not meant to hinder China’s “peaceful rise”.

Andrew Elam

http://www.economist.com/node/21538803

Election in Spain

An election to choose 350 members of Parliament and 208 senators is set to begin tomorrow morning in Spain. Recent tensions due to the state of the economy have pushed the country in a new direction; It is anticipated that the nation's newer, more conservative Popular Party, lead by Prime Minister candidate Mariano Rajoy Brey, will make great strides in the elections, while power is expected to shift away from the current Socialist Party. This is in response to the new party's claims to make economic changes; Rajoy has won a lot of support with his promises to reduce unemployment and mend the economy. Many have become frustrated with the Socialist Party's extreme austerity measures after allowing the economy to fall apart. However, the Socialist candidate, former Interior Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, has accused Rajoy of planning significant cuts to education and health in order to make the improvements that he has promised. Nevertheless, polls have projected that the Popular Party will finish some 15 percent ahead of the Socialist Party. Regardless of the outcome, though, it is clear that the winner will have to act quickly and keep Spain committed to repaying its debts.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15809062

Maci Mitchell

Unscheduled Meeting Between the Leaders of the U.S. and China

President Obama and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao had an informal meeting after an Asian forum, ended at 19, Nov. in that meeting, it is reported that they talked about China’s currency issue and the territorial dispute on the South China Sea.
In terms of the currency issue, although Western countries and the U.S. have insisted that “China’s currency has been artificially undervalued,” Mr. Wen stated again that its value of the currency was already adjusted and the effort would be continued.
Regarding the territorial dispute between China and other countries including the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam and Brunei, Mr. Wen emphasized a refusal on any mediation on this dispute. That territory is believed to possess rich minerals.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/20/world/asia/wen-jiabao-chinese-leader-shows-flexibility-after-meeting-obama.html?_r=1&ref=asia

Natsumi Tsuchiya