Russia to Ban "Undesirable" Foreign Organisations

Russia has proposed a bill that would allow the government to ban foreign organizations if the government thought the organization was a threat to national security. Specifically the bill targets non-governmental organizations (NGOs). However the bill does not clearly define what makes an organization "undesirable."According to the BBC, "a foreigner declared "undesirable" could face a fine of up to 500,000 roubles (£6,343; $10,000) and up to six years in jail." This bill is expected to receive back-lash from the international community as it could cause NGOs like Amnesty International or Greenpeace to be banned from Russia. The bill is also thought to break several international laws.

BBC News:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32751797

- Jenn Hoffman

Cuba Ready to Exchange Diplomats, Raúl Castro Says

In the article “Cuba Ready to Exchange Diplomats, Raúl Castro Says” the main idea is that Cuba and the United States are ready to restore full diplomatic ties with one another. That means restoring embassies and also diplomats. On May 29^th, 2015, it is expected that Cuba will be removed from the state sponsored terrorist list. However, exchanging ambassadors and diplomats can only happen once Cuba is removed from the list and the U.S. and Cuba make a deal on abilities of the ambassadors. For example, American ambassadors are only allowed to stay within Havana, Cuba. They are not allowed to travel outside of that area. This is probably so they wouldn't see how poor the rest of Cuba is. Something the U.S. would want in the new deal is allow ambassadors to travel anywhere in Cuba they please. The same goes for Cuba though, usually, Cuban diplomats could not travel outside of Washington D.C. or New York if they were there for a United Nations meeting. The most important stipulation of the deal would be building embassies in each other’s nations.

By Josh Hubbs 

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/13/world/americas/cuba-ready-to-exchange-diplomats-raul-castro-says.html

Key City in Iraq is Captured by ISIS: Ramadi Falls

On Sunday, Ramadi fell captive to the militants of the Islamic State. Officials have reported that the military headquarters were ransacked and Islamic State militants have seized heavy weapons that had recently been sent by Bagdad. The United States is claiming that it is too early to deem Ramadi a fallen city.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/18/world/middleeast/isis-ramadi-iraq.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

Defying U.S., Colombia Halts Aerial Spraying of Crops Used to Make Cocaine

In the article “Defying U.S., Colombia Halts Aerial Spraying of Crops Used to Make Cocaine” the main topic is how Colombia just decided to stop spraying fields with pesticides because it was found that the chemical probably causes cancer. The drug prevention agency in Colombia has been using U.S. aide to help fight the war on drugs for over two decades. But a previously supreme court ruling in Colombia said that if there was ever evidence that the chemical can cause cancer, then they would stop using it. The chemical, glyphosate, is also a key ingredient in the weed killer, Round Up. The agency that sprays the crops with the pesticides says it is sad to give up their tools, but have no choice. What this means for the U.S. is cocaine will become more affordable and accessible because they main way of combating cocaine (pesticides) can no longer be used, thus creating more plants. Even though the U.S. wants Colombia to keep spraying, the U.S. will have to come up with a different strategy to fight the war on drugs so it can keep one of its’ biggest allies in Latin America, Colombia.

By Josh Hubbs

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/15/world/americas/colombia-halts-us-backed-spraying-of-illegal-coca-crops.html?_r=0

Russian Special Forces Seized in Ukraine

Two Russian special forces troops fighting with the rebels were captured by Ukraine's military, according to Ukraine. Russia denies that they sent troops to aid the rebels in Eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian military police posted a video of the questioning of one of the detained Russian soldiers where he identifies himself as a member of the Russian special forces. The video has not been verified, and Russia has not commented on it. Ukraine and the West claim that Russia has deployed thousands of regular soldiers into Ukraine. The two sides have agreed to a cease-fire since February yet has seen frequent violations.

Mike Bikulcius

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32776198

Pope Francis call the Palestinian President Abbas "angel of peace"

On a recent trip to attend the canonization of two nuns in Vatican, Palestinian President was handed a medallion by Pope Francis. The Pope held private talks with the president after which he gave him the medal and called the president as the angel of peace. This incident took place days after Vatican moved towards recognizing Palestine as a state- something that has bothered Israel. Moreover, the pope also emphasized that as per the Holy See jurisdiction, they see that the best way to resolve conflict between Israel and Palestine is by recognizing them both as separate and independent states. The growing relations also mean that Vatican shall be responsible for protecting property and civil rights of Catholic Church in the Palestinian territories.
This is an interesting move in my opinion because it may or may not encourage other states to recognize Palestine as an independent state and therefore push for greater protection of human rights in the two states.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32769752

Macedonian Protest

On May 13, after  a surveillance scandal the Macedonian PM Nikola Gruevski accepted the resignation of the Interior Minister Ms. Jankulovska, Transport Minister Mile Janakieski, and the intelligence chiefe Mr. Mimalkov. This was after allegations from opposition leaders that these three led government attempts to control the press, as well as judiciary and electoral officials by tapping their phones. The government denies all allegations. Also, in a clash following a police raid in an ethnic Albanian neighborhood, fourteen ethnic Albanians and eight police officers died. Demonstrators demanded the PM's resignation or they will take to the streets on Sunday, May 17.

Today, Sunday May 17, the demonstrators followed up on their threat by holding rally outside the PM's office in the Macedonian capital of Skopje. The demonstrators carry both Albanian and Macedonian flags to show unity. The government claims the demonstration is the opposition's way of destabilizing the country for its own benefit and will be organizing a counter-demonstration for Monday. The opposition leader Zoran Zaev has continued to release recordings accusing the government of wiretapping 20,000 people including politicians, journalists, and even religious leaders. The recordings also accuse corruption at high government levels including mismanagement of funds, dubious criminal prosecutions of opponents, and cover-ups of murders. Zoran Zaev calls for the resignation of the PM and calls for new elections. PM Gruevski accuses Zoran Zaev of organizing a coup on behest of unnamed foreign spy agencies wanting to over through the conservative government. Zoran Zaev says the protest outside the PM's office will stop until the PM resigns.

-Cori Elsesser


Articles:

May 13 - http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32718448
May 17 - http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32771233

Vatican Recognizes Palestinian Statehood

The Vatican will formally recognize Palestinian statehood. The Vatican has always held that a two-state   agreement between Palestinians and Israelites is the best option to bring an end to the long fought war between the two groups. Currently, 135 countries recognize Palestine as a state. Pope Francis has angered many Jews and Israelites, yet excited many Arabs. The Pope plans on canonizing a couple Palestinian nuns and will meet with Palestinian authorities then to make the recognition official. Recently, the Pope has made some big news such as urging westerners not to bomb Syria, claiming the killings of Armenians to be a genocide, and helped the US and Cuba create a more amicable relationship.
By Hannah Higgins
http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/13/world/vatican-palestinian-statehood/index.html

Latin American Allies Resist U.S. Strategy in Drug Fight

A major push back is occurring with Latin America. After forty years of harsh regulations that have been brought down by the US on drug production in the lower Americas. Countries like Colombia and Bolivia have begun to disregard the tents of the "War on Drugs". these tents have included things like blocking aerial spraying of coca plants or regulations on marijuana crops. The consensus is that the same tenets and been in place for decades and nothing has changed so the countries might as well reduce the bloodshed and overflowing prisons from resisting the drug trade. Latin American leaders went to the United Nations to call for new approaches to the drug problems, specifically the decriminalization of drug use. This is an example of the US' waning influence over South America. It will be interesting to see what the US will do to attempt to whip Latin America back into the War on Drugs.

-Kevin Nalefski

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/16/world/americas/latin-america-and-us-split-in-drug-fight.html?ref=world&_r=0

Deposed Egyptian President Sentenced to Deat

On Saturday the former Egyptian president, Mohamed Morsi, was sentenced to death because of his contributions to the prison break in 2011 during the protests. He and a few other Islamist leaders overran the understaffed guard posts to free the prisoners. Morsi was the first democratically elected president of Egypt but held power for a very short time. He was removed from office by the military in 2013,

Before Morsi was sentenced to death he was also given 20 years in prison for illegal detainment and torture of prisoners. He also has a few other charges that have not been heard in court yet. Interestingly, Morsi's death sentence is still unofficial. He cannot be killed until the Grand Mufti, the top Sunni Muslim authority in Egypt, rules on the sentence. This ruling is scheduled for June 2nd.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/17/world/middleeast/egyptian-court-sentences-ousted-president-morsi-to-death.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

Luxembourg Premier Is First E.U. Leader to Marry Same-Sex Partner

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/16/world/europe/luxembourg-premier-is-first-eu-leader-to-marry-same-sex-partner.html?ref=world

Today the Prime Minister of Luxembourg married a male architect from Belgium. This is the first time a leader of the E.U. has married someone of the same sex. Prime Minister Bettel has always downplayed his homosexuality since his coming out in 2008. He made it very clear that he was elected due to his merit and not because people wanted a gay leader.

Luxembourg overruled bans on same-sex marriage less than a year ago, shifting away from their known conservatism. Speculators are now expecting Luxembourg to start shifting more democratic on a number of different social issues, now that Bettel has openly shown his stance on the issues. This has also caused speculation that the Roman Catholic Church will now start to reconsider their stance on the issue.

This is a step in the right direction for equal representation for the citizens of the E.U. and it comes with hope for further progress.

Lauren Edmunds

Saudi Arabia Promises to Match Iran in Nuclear Capacity

Yesterday and today, President Obama has met with Arab leaders at Camp David. Back in 2012, President Obama said that a nuclear armed Iran would lead to a proliferation of nuclear weapons. Other countries in the region would feel the need to attain nuclear weapons leading to a free for all. Now in 2015, President Obama faces what he predicted back in 2012. Saudi Arabia and other smaller Arab states have vowed to match Iran in the set nuclear capability. Saudi Arabia is years behind Iran in nuclear abilities. This creates the question of how the Saudis will develop their nuclear capabilities since many will not send essential components needed into the Middle East. This leaves only North Korea and Pakistan who have mastered the process of nuclear power. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan do have relations which would make the possibility of going to Pakistan for assistance even larger. President Obama is expected to offer Saudi Arabia and other Arab states some protection, but not much.

 Written by Sarah Prosia
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/14/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-promises-to-match-iran-in-nuclear-capability.html?ref=world&module=ArrowsNav&contentCollection=Middle%20East&action=keypress&region=FixedLeft&pgtype=article

Afghanistan: 'Five dead' in Kabul siege, including US citizen

A famous Afghan singer, Atlaf Hussain, was supposed to perform at the Palace Park Hotel in Afghanistan when a shooting occurred. Five people were confirmed dead including one US citizen that was at the hotel. After five hours of shooting, the Afghan police finally shot the shooter dead while saving fifty-four people.

Malaysia turns away 500 migrants

In Malaysia this past week the government turned away more than 500 illegal immigrants who were Muslims and Bangladeshis wanting to come over into their country. The Home Minister stated that they can not have immigrants flooding the shore, since they have been humane to them in the past but its time to not let them know their not welcomed anymore. But now theres talk that since these countries are turning away immigrants they are getting stranded in very dangerous oceans with no where to go. Some leaders believe that it is their job to help these immigrants find a new place and lead them in the right direction. Which i agree with you can not just send these people with no where to go. In the last 3 years 100,000 muslims have boarded ships and fled avoiding persecution. No countries want these immigrants because if you accept one of them their will be an overflow of them coming in and wanting citizenship. Since not a lot of countries are taking these migrants captains of ship are starting to leave them to fend for themselves.
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/boat-500-rohingya-bangladeshis-nears-malaysia-31009926
T.J. Miller

Raul Castro: US and Cuba ambassadors to be named soon

According to the Cuban president, the United States and Cuba will appoint ambassadors to the other's country following the official removal of Cuba from the US's state-sponsored terror list at the end of the month. As renewed diplomacy between the two nations continues, both Raul Castro and Barack Obama are hopeful that relations will improve even more. Taking Cuba off the state terrorism list is a major step in restoring relations between the two countries, and renaming ambassadors to each other's embassies is "the next logical step". However, there are still many more steps to go.

http://news.yahoo.com/raul-castro-us-cuba-ambassadors-named-soon-152946626.html

Kevin McMahon

Another Earthquake in Nepal

RJ Ramanauskas

http://nepal.usembassy.gov/

This is breaking news this morning. Near 1pm local time, the Nepali people faced another earthquake. Nepal is still recovering from the earthquake in April, and today there was a 7.3 magnitude earthquake. As the day progresses, I'm sure we'll find out more.

Egypt’s Justice Minister Resigns After Saying Sons of Garbage Collectors Cannot Be Judges

Egypt’s Justice Minister Resigns After Saying Sons of Garbage Collectors Cannot Be Judges. The public responded to what he said on all social media, and hashtags are trending on twitter. I would understand what the justice minster said “With all due respect to the garbage collector, and anyone else beneath him or above him, it is necessary for the environmental medium where a judge grows to be suitable,said the Justice Minister. A judge has his highness and position, he must come from a respectable medium, both financially and morally.” But at the same time. We can't judge that person by her/his fathers job. I'm sure that these fathers are working hard to support their family and see their kids better than them. Then why not give them a chance? Most powerful and famous people were homeless. So I kind of understand why the Justice Minister said that, but we all deserve a chance! We are all humans! We all can do great things!

 http://egyptianstreets.com/2015/05/11/egypts-justice-minister-resigns-after-saying-sons-of-garbage-collectors-cannot-be-judges/

California's drought is Asia's nightmare

Adam Winters

In California, there is a drought ongoing currently and the State is having a hard time managing its water supply.  Across the world though, Asia is also feeling the affects of this drought.  With the economy down in California, things that Asia import from there like walnuts, wine, cheese and even commodities like Silicon Valley high-tech are going to not be as much in supply.  This also means, if California is experiencing a drought, when is Asia a very susceptible location to drought going to experience it also.  Technology to counter climate change is predicted to come out in the coming years.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/11/opinions/clifford-california-asia-water-solutions/index.html

Why So Many Children are Fighting in Yemen’s Civil War

Young children are fighting in the war in Yemen. Many of the soldiers are between the ages of 13 and 16. The parents of the boy soldiers feel that their sons should be in school and not fighting in Yemen’s civil war. They feel that the boys are much too young to be involved in such violence. One statistic states that nearly one third of the Houthi military force are boys under the age of 18. The children are agreeing to fight in the war since they are receiving benefits. They are told that they will be given money as well as regular meals. Psychologically it is upsetting to the boy soldiers and can be traumatizing. The families of the soldiers may also become dependent on the money the boy soldiers are making, so they may end up supporting their child at war in order to have food and shelter. Some children may be reluctant to return home in order to finish their mission.

Marissa Kulak 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/why-so-many-children-are-fighting-in-yemens-civil-war/2015/05/10/7602d9be-e7a8-11e4-8581-633c536add4b_story.html

North Korea claims to have successfully tested a ballistic missile

Over the weekend, North Korea has said that they have successfully test-launched a ballistic missile from a submarine. In response to this announcement, a South Korean defense official stated that it is possible for North Korea could have fully operational submarines armed with ballistic missiles in as soon a four to five years. South Korea estimates that the submarines are still in the early stages.

Like always, the level of nuclear weaponry that North Korea actually posses is relatively unknown. Some estimates are that the regime has nuclear warheads that could reach South Korea and Japan when set up to launch from the ground. It is also estimated that North Korea could have as many at 10-15 warheads with an increase in several more a year.

If the announcement made by North Korea is truthful to the last detail, multiple resolutions passed by the U.N. Security Council will have been violated. With this announcement, it leaves one to wonder the true nuclear arsenal that North Korea has, are the numbers understated or overstated. It is unknown to the extent due to the secretive nature of the government.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/11/asia/south-korea-north-korea-submarine-missile/index.html?sr=tw051115nksubs10aVODtopPhoto

-Cara Hoover

Chris Christie loves food... And spending taxpayer money

I think anyone who looks at New Jersey governor and GOP presidential hopeful Chris Christie would be hard pressed to imagine him missing many meals and it would be reasonable to assume he loves America's favorite sport of Football. According to an article by the Huffington Post, Mr. Christie spent an estimated $82,000 on concessions at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium (home of the New York Jets and Giants). The Republican party has responded by saying that all $82k has been paid back, but one has to wonder how you can spend $82,000 on concessions in 1 year? We all know that stadium food is not by any means cheap to buy, but spread over 16 games that comes to a little bit more than $5,000 a game. Wow...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/11/chris-christie-nfl-taxpayer-food_n_7256268.html

UK Elections

In a surprising end result the Conservative party retained power in Britain but this time with a majority government, this result left many other parties in disseray especially the Labour party, the Liberal Democrats and UKIP (UK Independence Party) all three party leaders have resigned as heads of the parties, leading to a what's next in UK politics.

The surprising result came from a mass supporting of the Scottish National Party claiming all but 3 seats in Scotland, leaving the former Labour (red) territory a sea of yellow. With a conservative government, that traditionally favours middle to upper class which as caused tensions before during the Maggie Thatcher years, many Liberal Democrat and Labour supporters are wondering what is next for them are their benefits safe and most importantly what reforms are going to happen to the NHS.

With several laws being set to pass within the next 100 days in order to surpass any rival party opposition as they will all be getting their own parties in line and as they are a majority government there is no opposition standing in their way, people who rely on government money are upset that their benefits are going to be capped and the middle class celebrating with a tax break there is a large political divide in the UK at the moment which we will have to wait a further 5 years to see how it plays out.

With a Conservative victory comes a decision the people have to make, in or out of Europe in the coming years both the leaders of Europe and the UK government are going to be pitching arguments about why we should stay are why we should go, I personally at the current moment in time believe we should leave the Eurozone however the debates and arguments have not begun yet so we will see how my option lasts until d-day in 2017.

http://news.sky.com/story/1443818/live-blog-general-election-results-and-reaction

Nicole Meecha

Trial over the death of an Egyptian Activist begins

Back in January, while participating in a peaceful protest on the streets of Cairo, an unarmed activist named Shaimaa al-Sabbagh was shot by an Egyptian policeman. The 32 year old was walking on her way to honor the memory of the events of the 2011 revolution that took place in Tahrir Square. It was on that night when the group she was with was shot on with tear gas and ultimately pellets from a shotgun. One of them hit Ms Sabbagh. The event was caught on video and went viral causing outrage.She was shot by a police lieutenant named Yassin Hatem Salaqhedeen, who was charged with manslaughter.
The Trial resumes May 14th.
The moral of this event is this, the tactics being pursued by the Egyptian Police has been highly criticized. This death along with nearly 1,150 other protesters occurred in July-Augest of 2013. What is of concern here is that peaceful protests are still being infringed upon by the government. The human right to a peaceful protest is still being violated.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32685935\

-Cara Hoover

EU and Greece

For the past few years, the country of Greece has been struggling financially and recently received funds from European Creditors and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Greece has yet to reach a new agreement with the European Creditors, and has a deadline approaching in June. The country is hoping that the EU recognizes Greece's financial progress, including that fact that Greece was able to pay a scheduled interest payment to the IMF on time.

Greece's current government is tasked with choosing one of two options come June: the nation will have to either negotiate a new agreement with the IMF or be forced to default on its loans and leave the euro.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32685938


Posted by: Sergio A. Lopez

Typhoon in Philippine

Super Typhoon Noul stormed northeastern Philpipine on Sunday, leaving many buildings destroyed. It has hitted northeastern tip of the island of Luzon Sunday afternoon,  maximum sustained winds of about 260 kph and gusts of about 315 kph. Prior to the arrival of typhoon, the PAGASA has issued a highest level storm warning to areas near northeaster coast of Philippine and lower level warning for wider region. About 3800 residents in the area were already been relocated to evacuation center before the typhoon's arrival. On the bright side, there is no casualty so far due to the typhoon, and the damage it caused is not as big as been expected. However, the storm did cause rough sea, which left 5000 people stranded, yet the heavy rain it dumped provides sufficient water for the farmers. So overall, there are goods and bads for this storm.

- By Leiyang Guo

- link: http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/10/asia/philippines-typhoon-noul/index.html

Teenage Terrorist Appears in Australian Court

A 17 year old boy was arrested last week in his home in the second largest city in Australia and is being charged with terrorist acts. Three home made bombs were found in his house and it was clear that he was planning an attack but no location and time was revealed to the media. If convicted of the crime he will face life in prison, his next court date is may 26.

Patrick Cravens

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/teenage-suspected-terrorist-appears-australian-court-30946063

Bombings in Yemen

Saudi-led coalition violated international law by bombing Yemen 130 times in a 24 hour period, targeting hospitals and schools. they claimed that these hospitals and schools were being used as military bases and that the citizens in the area were given prior warning to the bombing and that it was the rebels who set up blockades to keep civilians in the area to use as human shields however this still violates the international humanitarian law. 

posted by Anthony Colant

http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/09/asia/saudi-airstrikes-yemen/index.html

Saudi Arabia's King Will Not Attend Summit at Camp David

Caitlin Atkinson

While the nuclear negotiations with Iran have been going well for the USA and Iran, Saudi Arabia is not happy with the United States's actions. The King of Saudi Arabia decided not to attend meetings with the President nor a scheduled summit at Camp David on Sunday. Friday, however Saudi Arabia was telling a different tale. Many officials in the White House are taking this as a snub, a sign of displeasure at the USA's interactions with Iran. In addition, Saudi Arabian officials were angered over comments the President made in an interview about internal unrest in some Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia.

It is difficult to balance international relationships as evidenced by the article below. While the USA tries to pacify one nation, it angers another. This is true of any nation-state. Unfortunately, it is difficult, if not impossible to keep all nations satisfied with one another.


http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/11/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-king-wont-attend-camp-david-meeting.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news

Dozens die and 40 escape in Baghdad prison

Forty prisoners of an eastern Baghdad prison escaped, some convicted of terrorism, got out because of an riot that happened. During the riot 6 police officers got killed and 50 prisoners were killed, While 200 prisoners escaped the prison, due to a fight between the inmates that caused the guards to act and they got overpowered by the prisoners.There were other reports stating that their was an outside force with explosives and 30 inmates got away. With these mixed reports the General stated that their was no outside force involved and that the riot caused the deaths and escapes.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/world/middleeast/dozens-die-and-40-escape-in-iraqi-prison-riot.html?ref=world&_r=0
T.J. Miller

Indonesia Frees Prisoners, Lifts Media Curbs in Papua

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has agreed to free political prisoners and allow for a relaxing of the media and travel restrictions on tbe Papua province. Papua has been clamoring for independence since the Dutch left in 1962 and has had separatist activity all through the decades of Indonesian Rule. President Widodo promised a roll back of the restrictions in Papua upon taking office last October. Widodo did not though condemn the death penalty administered to 5 foreigners in Papua, calling it a "positive law". Foreign travel had been restricted in Papua to stel the amount of non governmental information on what was happening there. Papuans are happy but not yet satisfied with the concessions that have been made.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32677259

Saudi Arabia Says King Won't Attend Meetings In the U.S.

The article “Saudi Arabia says King won’t attend meetings in the U.S.” was one that I found particularly interesting. The main topic of the article is how Saudi Arabia’s King, King Salman, wasn’t going to be attending a meeting with President Obama this week, and instead, sent someone else to attend the meeting on the King’s behalf. The author of the article believes that this was Saud Arabia’s way of showing the United States that they are unhappy about to continuing negotiations with Iran. Saudi Arabia and Iran do not get along, so naturally Saudi Arabia is upset about the U.S. entering into a deal with Iran, in which Iran could possibly develop nuclear capabilities. One piece of information I found interesting, is that King Salman initially said he would attend the meeting in the U.S., but then decided not to go. It is a strong realization for the Obama administration when the King of Saudi Arabia decides he has better things to do, then meet with the President of the U.S. to discuss foreign policy. A White House spokesperson responded to this incident by saying they had spoken with Saudi Arabia, and that this was not a “Snub”. “If one wants to snub you, they let you know it in different ways” the white house spokesperson said. All in all, there seems to be a growing perception in the White House that Saudi Arabia and the U.S. are friends, but not allies, and that the U.S. and Iran are allies, but not friends. That was an interesting perspective to take on this whole situation.

By Josh Hubbs

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/11/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-king-wont-attend-camp-david-meeting.html?ref=topics&_r=0&module=ArrowsNav&contentCollection=Middle%20East&action=keypress&region=FixedLeft&pgtype=article

"North Korea would use nukes if forced"

Last year, CNN correspondent Will Ripley got an opportunity to visit North Korea and meet the three Americans detained there. It was believed that whatever Ripley and his photojournalist saw in North Korea was sort of planned and according to what the North Korean wanted them to see. This year, they got a call from the North Korean government to come back and in fact interview a high ranking member of the government with no preconditions. The interview was open to any type of questions making this the first ever foreign interview with no limits; therefore Ripley wasted no time asking about the recent buzz of 15 North Korean officials being executed as per the order of their supreme leader Kim Jong Un. Park who is the deputy director of the research institute for national reunification slammed them as slander right away. He diffused the argument by saying that those who try to break down the state are punished everywhere in the world and hence if they are punished in North Korea its not a big deal. Moving on, the correspondents asked about the human rights violations that go on in North Korea to which Park replied that there are equal human rights violations in the USA so its not fair talking about North Korea only. He said that violence and extreme torture are also visible in the US suggesting the fact that they should not point the fingers at DPRK when they have such flaws themselves. Lastly, Park also stated that Nuclear arsenal is part of their security measurement and that it was really necessary for them. Their nuclear capacity allows them to strike mainland USA and the director made sure that he conveys this message to the world that they would use their nuclear power if ever USA forces them to. He said that North Korea as a state is convinced that they are strong militarily, ideologically and politically and that economic frontier is the only front left that needs to be focused on now.

Economic progress requires solid international ties and with North Korea's current list of allies so small, one can only doubt economic progression.




http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/07/asia/north-korea-official-interview/index.html

Raul Castro Meets Pope Francis

By: Valarie

Raul Castro met with Pope Francis on a private meeting at the Vatican. The Castro's are known to have been raised in the Catholic faith and after the meeting, Raul lamented that he may return to the Catholic faith as a result of the help the Vatican has offered to Cuba to help with relations with the US. Pope Francis has promised to pay the Caribbean island a visit . He will be the third pope to visit Cuba after Pope John II and Pope Benedict XVI.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/10/europe/italy-raul-castro-pope-francis-meeting/

Macedonia blames Kosovans for deadly Kumanovo clashes

Macedonian officials claim that Kosovans led a group of over thirty armed men in a deadly confrontation in the Macedonian town of Kumanovo. The Albanian minority has been fighting for greater rights and some advocate an independent Albanian state within Macedonia since 2001, and tensions have escalated despite peace agreements. Eight police officers and fourteen gunmen were killed in the fighting. Both sides blame each other for destabilizing the country.

Mike Bikulcius

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32680904

Colombia President to Call for Suspension of Coca Plant Spraying

President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia has decided to ask the government to suspend aerial fumigation of coca plants (used to make cocaine) because it is believed to be a cancer causing agent. In March, the World Health Organization claimed that glyphosate (a chemical released on the coca plant to fumigate it) is “probably carcinogenic to humans”. If the aerial fumigation of coca ceases many fear that Colombia’s war on drugs will face complications and ultimately be threatened.

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2015/05/09/world/americas/09reuters-colombia-coca-fumigation.html?ref=world

U.N. Official Accuses France of Delays in Child Sexual Abuse Case

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/09/world/africa/un-official-accuses-france-of-delays-in-child-sexual-abuse-case.html?ref=world&_r=0

On Friday, allegations surfaced of sexual abuse against French soldiers working in the Central African Republic. France has yet to order an investigation and the UN is now speaking out to France to push investigations forward.

After the questioning began by UN officials, the UN is now ordering their own investigations. They took testimonies of 6 young boys, all claiming that they either witnessed or were abused themselves by soldiers sometime between December and May 2014.

France deployed the soldiers long before the UN's peacekeeping initiative began in Central African Republic. The soldiers were deployed to keep peace between any conflicting groups. Samantha Power is pushing for the investigation to be done by independent, unbiased investigators hired by the UN and not France. Overall, everyone is outraged by the prospect of these gross allegations being truthful, and all parties involved are seeking justice for the victims.

Lauren Edmunds

Anti-Israeli attack in Copenhagen

Four buses in the Danish town of Copenhagen were burned, in an alleged 'anti-Israeli' arson attack. A fifth bus was found with anti-Iraeli graffiti. This incident comes after transit authority in Copenhagen banned a pro-Palestinian group from advertising on their buses. Many consider this a Palestinian attack on Jews. The ads originally on the buses discouraged people from buying/selling to Jews. The transit authority found this "unnecessarily offensive." Many believe the arson was politically motivated and orchestrated by Palestinians, but no definitive evidence has been found to suggest them as the culprit. By Hannah Higgins

From http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32664678

Pakistan helicopter crash kills foreign envoys

Earlier today (Friday, May 8, 2015) Pakistani military helicopter crashed in the mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan territory in Northern Pakistan. Seven people were killed including Philippine and Norwegian ambassadors. The Polish and Dutch ambassadors were injured in the crash. The helicopter was one of three carrying foreign diplomats to an inauguration ceremony of a ski chairlift, built in the breathtaking resort of Naltar in the Pakistani-administered Kashmir region. The ski chairlift was done six months ago but the inauguration ceremony was postponed due to the prime minister's attention being elsewhere. The Pakistani Taliban reportedly claim they shot down the helicopter intending to kill the prime minister but the Pakistani government says it was an accident. The Pakistani Prime Minister was attending the inauguration but his helicopter turned back when reports of the crash were received. This is the fifth crash of this type of Pakistani military helicopter since 2004.

-Cori Elsesser
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32653359

Bolivia and Chile Sea Access

http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Bolivia-Calls-on-Chile-to-Negotiate-Sea-Access-at-The-Hague-20150506-0009.html


In 1904, Bolivia agreed to a treaty which essentially land-locked them and made them forfeit their sea access/sovereignty, and are seeking an independent agreement with Chile to allow them sea access. This would greatly boost commerce and trade for Bolivia, however Chile is denying to come to an agreement due to the similarity of the 1904 agreement and fear that Bolivia is just trying to renegotiate said treaty. This is causing the Bolivian representative,  Rodriguez Veltze, to have to argue that the case is independent, and this claim is supported by Evo Morales, Bolivia's leader.


Kayti Everette

Number of Displaced People Hits Record High

A new report has found that around 38 million people are currently displaced inside of their country due to violence and conflict. The report was conducted by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and they say it is the highest figure every reported in this generation. Most newly displaced people are currently in Iraq, Syria, South Sudan, Nigeria, and Democratic Republic of Congo. These countries are all facing internal violence and conflict that is pushing people out of their homes and towns. In 2014 alone nearly 11 million people were newly displaced. This figure does not include those that had already been displaced prior to 2014. Syria has the most internally displaced people because many cannot cross the boarder in to other countries where they would become considered as "refugees" instead of internally displaced persons. Finally, the UN has even found "that the number of people living as refugees from war or persecution had exceeded 50 million for the first time since World War Two".

BBC News:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-32608172

- Jenn Hoffman