North Korea launches missile from submarine

In recent news, North Korea has really turned up their game when it comes to nuclear missiles and warheads. They have begun firing missiles off of submarines off their eastern coastline and having them land further in the Pacific ocean. This is a serious matter for the United States and the rest of the world because North Korea's submarine military system has gone from a joke to a very serious matter which is beyond disconcerting. Although their long range ballistic missiles are still not up to their full capabilities, the progression of the technology has the rest of the world in a state of panic, especially South Korea and for good reason! It does not help one bit that North Korea slams all opposition and condemnation by saying they can and will destroy cities and reduce them to nothing but the sea and ashes. Words such as these need to be corrected as they have no place being said in the 21st century. World powers still exist but one inciting mass violence should not by any means.

-Chris Kucinsky

http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/23/asia/north-korea-launches-missile-from-submarine/index.html

Turning the Tide in the Yemeni Civil War

Yemen has been in the midst of a deadly civil war since March of 2015, with a faction of al-Qaeda fighting against troops backed by Saudi Arabia. In attacks earlier today, these Saudi-backed forces mounted a major offensive to drive out al-Qaeda backed militants in areas in the southern portion of the country. The attacks took place in the city of Mukalla, an important port city that al-Qaeda is using as its de facto capital. The conflict has claimed over 6,000 lives and the United Nations has described the area as a "humanitarian catastrophe."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/war-in-yemen-takes-a-major-turn-with-offensive-against-al-qaeda/2016/04/24/b8e73a3e-0a2c-11e6-bc53-db634ca94a2a_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-more-top-stories_yemen-150pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory

-William Dawes

Mexican Police Tortured Suspects in Students' Case

The police force in Mexico continues to be a problem as alleged suspects in the disappearance of 43 Mexican students have been said to have been assaulted by police. The human rights expert groups claim that at least 17 suspects show signs of beatings with bruises and scrapes. This isn't the first case in Mexico of police brutality and seems to be a cover up for a bigger issue. It is said that the 43 students that were missing were taken by corrupt police officers. If the problem lies within the police department, why isn't the Mexican government doing anything to help the situation? It is said that the government just wants to push the disappearance of the students under the rug. How long will these problems go on in Mexico before something is done? It makes me wonder if Mexico is going to be able to solve it's problems on its own or if it is going to take the help of other countries or organizations to end the problems.

Lauren Whelan

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/report-mexican-police-tortured-suspects-students-case-38636081

Al-Shabaab child soldiers captured in Somalia firefight

A terrorist group from Somalia known as Al-Shabaab launched an attack on Puntland, semi-autonomous state in Somalia, on March 14^th, 2016.  This attack proved very disturbing for a number of reasons.  This was the first time that Al-Shabaab had attacked from the sea instead of a land attack.  The authorities also found the number of child soldiers in the terrorist ranks disturbing.  Finally, the location of the attack caused uneasy because not many attacks have been focused around that region so far. 

Peter Olache

http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/31/africa/al-shabaab-child-soldiers/#

N. Korea Claims Successful Test of Submarine-Fired Missile

On April 24, North Korea claimed to have had a successful test of a missile fired from one of their submarines. This seems like another military demonstration by North Korea, showing it's military might and warning other nations of the power they possess. South Korea reported the measured distance of the fired missile to be 30 kilometers which is much shorter than the usual submarine-fired missiles. If this test was actually successful, it's concerning to the other nations in the world. For North Korea to hold the ability to fire missiles from submarines would make it that much more difficult for the world to know what North Korea is up to until it happens.

- Kyla Singleton

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/korea-claims-successful-test-submarine-fired-missile-38628883

"Turkish-Dutch Journalist Detained for Tweeting About President Erdogan"

Turkish-Dutch columnist, Ebru Umar, was detained from leaving Turkey while authorities questioned her about and investigated Tweets she had posted about President Erdogan. While she has been released, she is unable to leave the country and she has stated that a lawyer is trying to lift the travel restriction so that she can return home. Umar is not the only one dealing with restricted expression in Turkey, as discussed in class, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other officials have been accused of not speaking out against Turkey's denial of free speech.

Meredith Teuscher

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2016/04/24/turkish-dutch-journalist-detained-for-tweeting-about-president-erdogan/

Chernobyl’s Silent Exclusion Zone (Except for the Logging)

In Pripyat, Ukraine where the Chernobyl disaster of 1986 took place, an patch of land with an 18-mile radius is fenced off with barbed wire and off limits to people. The land is still full of radioactive substances and toxic chemicals, but it isn't stopping the under-the-table dealings of bureaucrats who manage the area from wanting to profit off of it. In secret, the managers of this deadly land are sending in loggers to clear cut the trees growing on it to be made into lumber to be sold in Ukraine and Romania, and possibly all through out Europe. This lumber will be highly radioactive and full of chemicals leftover from the nuclear explosion. A team has been investigating the secret clear cuts, and warns that anyone who lives in a house build with this lumber would be at risk of a number of serious health problems. The head of the management of this site has denied any illegal logging, and many officials are saying the radioactivity left there does not pose a threat to humans. They even want to turn this site into a commercial zone with increased logging and other things, and they say it is in order to turn their country's shame into an advantage. Despite what the land managers are saying, scientists are saying that continuing to log or otherwise disturb this land is too dangerous and outweighs any benefits of doing so. It is interesting what corrupt leaders are willing to do, including harming the environment and human beings, in order to make a profit.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/24/world/europe/chernobyls-silent-exclusion-zone-except-for-the-logging.html?src=me

Emily Alaimo

Stop war drills and we'll stop nuclear tests, North Korea tells US after missile launch

Ri Su Yong, the foreign minister of North Korea, stated that they will stop nuclear tests if the United States stops holding military drills in South Korea.
Ri claims that North Korea developed nuclear weapons as a form of self-defense due to America's ongoing hostility. He says that if America were to act less hostile, then North Korea would be less hostile in return.
Katina Adams, a spokesman for the American State Department, responded that the military drills were to strengthen the joint capabilities between America and South Korea. Adams also called on North Korea to act in a manner that does not raise tensions.
This comes after North Korea launched a submarine based missle, concerning South Koreans. Should the launch be confirmed, it is a violation of multiple United Nations resolutions.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/23/north-korea-launched-offshore-ballistic-missile-says-the-south

--Melissa Widel

This is How Countries Practically Maintain International Relations

Germany’s leader, Angela Merkel, and a group of EU officials are currently in Turkey, where they just visited a refugee camp. Merkel and the EU officials praise the camp by its good standards, saying it is “an example for the whole world on how we should treat refugees”.

Turkey is the country in the world that has the highest registered numbers of refugees, 2.7 million people. Its geographic location between Europe and Syria results in a massive stream of people who flee the conflicts in the Middle East.

As nobody should have missed, a great deal of the refugees who have fled to Turkey continued into Europe, causing turmoil among European countries. As a result of this, EU recently signed an agreement with Turkey, which essentially says that Turkey helps EU in returning refugees in return for group of incentives, which are “from billions in refugee aid to progress on visa-free access to the bloc for Turkish citizens” (Al Jazeera).

Therefore, because of the importance for EU to maintain its deal with Turkey, field trips like the one in this article are valued, and viewed as means to build friendly relations between each other.

Victor Krueeger

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/04/merkel-turkey-refugee-camp160423101251609.html

Germany Rallies Against TTIP

The proposed TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) deal would eliminate almost all tariffs (taxes applied only to imported goods) on trade between the EU and US, which would remove or reduce barriers to trade and foreign investment. Specifically in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cars, energy, finance, chemicals, clothing, food and drink.

This was a concern that was first negotiated at the EU-US summit of November 2011 to increase growth and competitiveness. Then in 2013, the TTIP negotitations were launched.

While Obama strongly agrees with the proposal, thinking it will bring new growth and jobs on both sides of the Atlantic, thousands of people have marched in the German city of Hannover against the proposal. Those against the proposal believe it to be dangerous for the democracy and workers rights. Interestingly, they compare the US role in the proposal as "the Trojan horse- they can't change our whole system, but they will".

Jessy Krempp

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36120560

Investigators Say Mexico Has Thwarted Efforts to Solve Students’ Disappearance

Last year, 43 young men training to be teachers in impoverished Mexican cities went missing during a protest in Iguala. Only one body has been found, while the many others remain missing. During the past year, the government has apparently been working to figure out the cause of this disappearance; however, most of the missing men's families and experts called in to help would disagree. A panel of five international investigators were sent to Mexico to investigate the disappearances, yet their names have been slandered in the Mexican media. The panel is accusing the Mexican government of not being supportive and causing this propaganda in the media. Most of the missing men's families would agree since they have never supported the government's tale of what happened - that local police under the influence of drug gangs kidnapped and murdered the 43 men. The government is vehemently denying these accusations, yet the panel is insisting that there is no cooperation from the government. Therefore, the panel cannot continue its investigation. Coincidentally, the government was willing to work with the panel at first, yet in September when the panel contradicted the government's version of events on that fateful day, the panel has since been dealing with a hostile government. A panel member was even slandered by the media, stating that she "lacked credibility". The panel member believes that this media attack is to distract from the investigation. With the way things play out, this will determine whether or not these families get closure and 43 young, bright men get the justice they deserve.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/23/world/americas/investigators-say-mexico-has-thwarted-efforts-to-solve-students-disappearance.html?ref=world

Haley Kuck

North Korea fires submarine-launched missile: South Korea

North Korea  tested its submarine ballistic   missile program , by  launching a missile from one it submarines  to the its north east area. The  missile   only flew for about 18 miles, which questions the overall effectiveness of the program. However, this raises concern among South Korea and its allies, considering North Korea is planning a 5th nuclear test , and launching a ballistic missile from a submarine  is violation of multiple  UN Security Council   resolutions. This comes  before  North Korea holds a congress of it ruling workers party, where North Korean Supreme Leader  Kim Jung Un is expected to attended, and give a speech on the military might of North Korea. Which leads to speculation that the launching of the ballistic missile  was an act of posturing from North Korean to the international community.  


Thomas Baggot

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missile-idUSKCN0XK08U

175 Nations Sign Historic Paris Climate Deal on Earth Day

On Earth Day, representatives from all over the world gathered at the UN to sign a climate deal promising to limit the global temperature increase to within 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit of pre-industrial levels. The agreement will go into effect once 55 nations' governments ratify the agreement. The nations also must represent a total of 55% of the world's greenhouse emissions. The US and China, representing a total of 40% of the world's greenhouse emissions, have both signed the agreement. Representatives of each government brought a child with them to sign the document. The children, including Secretary of State Kerry's granddaughter, represent the future of the world that needs to be protected. Members and environmentalist groups praised the agreement as a crucial first step to limiting the damage done to the world. However, this agreement will mean nothing if the nations don't keep their promise.

Luke Blocker

Obama Weighs in on Britain's Future in the EU

Obama, after visiting Saudi Arabia, has stopped in Britain for a three day visit. Plans to visit surrounded a few things, one it was the queens 90th birthday, so Obama wanted to stop in and celebrate, but, but more importantly, the referendum vote on whether or not Britain will remain in the EU is in the near future. Obama wanted to voice his opinion and give a recommendation to his friends in Britain. He was advised to keep it very light and non-judgmental, it is a sensitive topic and he was told not to rock the boat too much. 

Obama did not really follow the advice of his advisers. He wasted no time in giving his opinion on Britain's future in the EU. He spoke with a conservative newspaper the Daily Telegraph, and stated strongly that he believed Britain needs to stay as a member of the EU. He claimed that the EU does not diminish Britain's world power, but enhances it and it would be a poor decision on Britain's part to leave the EU. 
Obama will still be in Europe for the next couple of days and it will be interesting to see how everyone responds to his strong stance. 

Ashley Clayton
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-plunges-into-heated-debate-over-britains-future-in-the-eu/2016/04/22/43657cba-0867-11e6-a12f-ea5aed7958dc_story.html

China Scrutinizing Apple, Among Other US Tech Companies

Two Apple services, iTunes Movies and the iBooks Store, were shut down in China. They were viewded to compete directly with Chinese Internet companies' products. Mr. Xi, the chinese President, has increased censorship and added policies to keep tabs on electronic communication. His aim is to "ensure high-quality content with positive voices creating a healthy, positive culture that is a force for good".

This shutdown of Apple's services is just one of many examples of Mr. Xi's crackdown on Western ideology, which is against Chinese interests in protecting the content viewed by Chinese people, polocing its national security and favoring indigenous giants. The shutdown shows that Apple may be vulnerable to the scrutiny that other American tech companies, including Cisco, IBM and Microsoft, have faced in recent years.

While China may temporarily see impressive welfare gains from its country's improvement of global tech productions, its exclusion of foreign tech companies, such as Apple, may consequently lead to a heavy economic loss and distressed global connections.


Jessy Krempp

Link to article: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/22/technology/apple-no-longer-immune-to-chinas-scrutiny-of-us-tech-firms.html?ref=asia&_r=0

Cameroon Boy Killed by US Ambassador's Motorcade

A seven-year-old Cameroon boy was struck and killed by a vehicle belonging to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power's motorcade. Reports indicate the convoy was moving at high speeds when the boy attempted to cross the street, at which point he was fatally struck by an armored Jeep.

The boy received care from an ambulance within the convoy and was subsequently transferred to an immediate care facility, where he died soon after. While the ambulance offered their services, the situation was complicated by the fact Powers was travelling through an unsecured area at the time. The Jeep involved in the accident stopped immediately afterwards, but had to be ordered to continue on due to safety concerns.

Powers was travelling to a refugee camp to meet with people who had fled Boko Haram, an African terrorist group.

It's unclear whether the United States will compensate the boy's family for their loss.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36080579

Adam Poklop

UK warns gay travellers about US anti-LGBT laws

In the United States, Mississippi and North Carolina recently passed laws that state that businesses will not be punished for refusing service to LGBT+ people because it is an expression of their religious rights. As a result, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has suggested that LGBT+ travelers avoid going to these states. An advocate for the Human Rights Campaign has spoken against the laws and says that it is an embarrassment for the United States to be receiving such negative views.
These interactions emphasize the different ways that countries are recognizing LGBT+ people rights.

Blake Mitchell

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36104879

Anders Behring Breivik, Norway murderer, wins human rights case

The BBC reports that a Norwegian mass murderer has won a human rights case concerning the extreme solitary confinement he has been subject to during incarceration.  He  has been subject to 22-23 hours of solitary confinement, random strip searches with female officers present, and being woken from sleep every half hour or so during the night.  The judge that ruled in his favor states that he, like other inmates, has basic rights.  As no other inmates have been given this extreme form of confinement, it seems as if his punishment is extra, or more than the norm.  Survivors of his attacks and their families are "shocked and disappointed" by the news, but glad that he will not be able to communicate with other extremists.  Breivik gave the Nazi salute when he appeared in court.

Dayo Ajayi

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36094575

Kenya Prepares to Butn Ivory to Protect Elephants

Wildlife officers in Kenya started stacking 105 tons of ivory and 1 ton of rhino horns in order to make towers that they can set on fire and burn. This is scheduled for the end of the month on April 30th, and is meant to encourage the global efforts of stopping elephant and rhino poaching. Many journalists and media spokespeople came to witness the unloading of 11 shipping containers that held tons of ivory from the Kenyan stockpiles. A Kenyan Wildlife Director said that elephants have a real threat of becoming extinct within the next 50 years due to serious poaching that's being bankrolled by the illegal trade of ivory around the world, hence why they are taking a dramatic action against preventing further poaching. Another Wildlife Director continued to say that ivory is not used in other countries for any medicinal or important means; therefore saying ivory is more useful to the animals themselves than it is to humans. Some opponents say that instead of burning it and effectively destroying it, the Kenyans could fund the conservative efforts by selling the ivory stockpiles instead. However, the wildlife directors believe that this continued trade would still encourage the poaching of rhinos and elephants around the world. They say this solution would be ineffective and the animal populations would still be decimating over time. They believe these animals should be cherished and given a second chance at survival and reproduction, rather than getting killed off simply so we can use them for our menial desires such as making pretty bangles.


Hailey Brzoska

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/kenya-prepares-burn-ivory-protect-elephants-38541804

Barack Obama and US defence chief arrive in Saudi Arabia

President Obama has met with the King of Saudi Arabia and plans on meeting with a number of other heads of state in the region in order to discuss ISIS efforts and the "destabilizing" actions being undertaken by Iran. He is hoping to gain regional military and naval aid in the conflicts from states that are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. He will also be meeting with heads of state from Germany and the UK later this week.

Blake Mitchell

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36088774

Another problem in Syria

Recently there has been another bombing in Syria, this time it was at an observatory for human rights, where dozens of people died. Before the bombing happened there were actually peace talks being made, and of late the peace talks have been suspended. The Russian foreign minister did not want that to happen, he basically said that the suspension of the talks was unnecessary. Although that is true what stuck out to me the most was that the target of the bombing was at a place that sounds like it should be for peace and not destruction. Is no place safe anymore?

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36084848

Pat Gallagher

Russians Sentenced to Prison in Ukraine

A court in Ukraine sentenced two Russian men to 14 years imprisonment for attacks against Ukraine. Accused of being disguised Russian military, the two men were wounded and captured last summer. Russia denies any association with them, but evidence since their captured has been somewhat conflicting in nature. The official response by Russia is that both men had resigned from the military before fighting as civilian soldiers in a separatist group. Officials on both sides say a prisoner exchange for a Ukrainian pilot imprisoned in Russia is the most likely outcome.


Andrew Winter

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/19/world/europe/ukraine-russia.html?_r=0

Attack in Kabul Followed by Taliban Declaration of "Spring Offensive"

A week after the Taliban announced the start of a new spring offensive, an attack in Kabul claims the lives of at least 28 and injures hundreds more. The target of the attack was a security team responsible for the protection of government officials. The attack began with a suicide bomber detonating a vehicle in a parking lot near the wall of a compound. A second attacker entered the building and despite the intended target, killed mostly civilians. Afghan President responded to the attacks in a tweet: "Today's terrorist attack near Pul-e-Mahmud Khan, #Kabul clearly shows the enemy's defeat in face-to-face battle with ANSDF."

As American Forces have been on the withdrawal from the Middle East, will a rise in terrorist attacks call for an increased military presence?  As little has seemed to change, perhaps the answer to terrorist attacks is no longer the active presence of military personnel.



Andrew Winter

http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/19/asia/kabul-explosion/

Vietnamese girls smuggled into China and sold as child brides

Imagine going out to dinner with a group of new friends for some drinks, and waking up in an entirely new country. Lately in places such as Vietnam, young teenage girls will be tricked into meeting up with online pals and smuggled across the Chinese border. This increasing trend in smuggling young girls into China has been due to the one-child policy as well as the preference for sons. These stigmas have altered the gender ratio to mostly males. Additionally, it costs a Chinese man a large sum of money to get married to a Chinese woman - he must pay for the wedding or banquet as well as a new home for the family. Police and activists against trafficking both agree that the best prevention is awareness. While the police have been able to save girls at the border, many are still smuggled into China and have to learn to fend for themselves. Since the Chinese police sometimes have a harder time tracking down the young women, the women tend to find ways to escape - even leaving behind their babies. It is EXTREMELY important to pay attention to one's surroundings - since both women in the article commented on the fact that neither believed this could happen to them.

Haley Kuck

http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/17/asia/vietnamese-girls-child-brides-china/index.html

Erdogan's True Colors

Erdogan is increasingly concerned about his brand, how people see him, and how he is expressed in the media, which has lead to his desire to control any representation and interpretation of himself anywhere. He is suppressing constitutional rights, especially in Turkey, which is supposed to be a democracy. People are far from having the right to express themselves, and their cultures if they are not Turkish because of his growing dictator-like responses. He is “targeting [The H.D.P. or People’s Democratic Party] precisely because [they] stand in the way of the authoritarian order he is trying to establish." 

The Kurdish, Turkish peace talks have all but worked out, and have resulted in Erdogan’s growing thirst for control over the Kurdish peoples. Now, for example, they must be wary of speaking their own language, and practicing anything to do with their own culture, or they may face imprisonment, torture, and possible death. Meanwhile, the US is attempting to maintain a good relationship with Turkey, while Turkey funds ISIS, and dubs the PKK, or the Kurdish Workers Party a terrorist organization when in actuality the Kurds are the ones being terrorized by the Turkish government. 

Ultimately, because of our relationship with Turkey as allies, we have been indirectly aiding ISIS in fighting the Kurds, who are the only ones in the Middle East who have been successful in fighting ISIS. Erdogan has clouded our judgement. and our ability to see the whole, actual picture by using his power to lessen democratic freedom in Turkey, increase his control, and “take care” of any word getting out concerning the inhumane curfews, killings, and bombings  of Kurdish cities etc. 

By acting as he is, oppressing the Kurds, suppressing people’s expression of free speech and such, Erdogan is killing the democracy that Turkey has had, making it more and more unstable, and vulnerable in a particularly insecure time for the Middle East, and the world.  

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/14/opinion/free-speech-isnt-the-onlycasualty-of-erdogans-repression.html?_r=2

-Livia Gazzolo

Cattle Raider Massacre

Cattle Raiders Massacre On Friday and Saturday, the hospital in Gambela, Ethiopia experienced a massive increase in patients. On Friday, the region was struck by an attack that wounded plenty of people. The real numbers lay in the estimated 182 people killed and 104 kids kidnapped during this attack. The accusations lead to a Sudanese group called the Murle, who are mainly known for cattle robbing. Others say people from the Dinka ethnic group also assisted with the attack. The attackers were said to have surrounded the villages on Friday morning in green uniforms and shot at both men and women. Cattle and children were taken from the village.Some question if the South Sudan's government sanctioned the killings. Amanda Pringle http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/18/world/africa/deadly-attacks-in-ethiopia-leave-victims-wondering-why.html?ribbon-ad-idx=10&rref=world&module=Ribbon&version=origin®ion=Header&action=click&contentCollection=World&pgtype=article

Unpredictable Russia...

Kalingrad, the small, Russian territory located in between Poland and Lithuania has faced increased difficulties recently. Kalingrad has for long made good profit out of shopping tourists from around Europe, who have found products cheap here. However, since Russia has taken a more aggressive stance in the world politics again, Kalingrad has suffered from sanctions that the World Bank and Western countries have aimed towards them. These worsened economic circumstances have critically hit businesses in Kalingrad, who are worried about their future outlook.

Moreover, Kalingrad is a geopolitically strategic spot for Russia, and it has now been victim for increased militarization. This move from Russia has raised the discussion whether Russia’s next military target are the Baltic countries: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Since Putin has acted irrational earlier, and hardly communicates clearly, it is hard to predict his next move. Specualtions hence are filled with great nervousness. What would NATO do if Russia attacked the Baltic countries? Would NATO assist or would it let Russia expand its power? These cold war speculations may at best be nothing more than a sudden muscle flex from Russia, and at its worst, the beginning of a real conflict between Russia and the US.

Victor Krueeger

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/17/world/europe/russias-separate-piece-sets-off-alarms-about-a-cold-war-revival.html?ref=world&_r=0