21 Chibok girls have been released captivity

This Thursday, the first mass release of the 276 girls and woman who were kidnapped two years ago in Nigeria happened. They saved 21 schoolgirls that were kept with the kidnapers since then. It was because of a negotiation between Red Cross, the government of Swiss and Nigeria and the Islamist militants that the girls are now safe with the Nigerian's authorities. The negotiations will not stop and there is a big campaign to maintain schoolgirls safe in the country. 

http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/13/africa/nigeria-chibok-girls-released/index.html

Ana Maria

Educating Girls Around the World

First Lady Michelle Obama shares her opinion of the initiative she launched called "Let Girls Learn." She shares her struggles with education and how the educations of girls globally was personal to her. She is partnering with countries around the world and together they have pledged almost $60 million.Sharing personal stories of girls around the world, she urges the audience to help by sharing the voices they have, especially on International Day of the Girl.

--Jackie Diaz

http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/11/opinions/cnn-films-we-will-rise-michelle-obama/index.html

Pentagon Confronts a New Threat from ISIS: Exploding Drones

Kurdish forces fighting ISIS last week shot down a drone the size of a small model airplane in the northern region of Iraq. Believing it to be like the other drones that have been flying over from the Islamic State, the small drone was brought back to their outpost for examination. Upon taking it apart, however, it blew up, killing two Kurdish fighters. This is one of the first times, it's believed, that ISIS has successfully used a drone to kill troops on the battlefield. In the last month, the Islamic State has tried to use drones to launch attacks, and these attempted attacks show that the Islamic State is using accessible technology as a new way to launch attacks.

-Allie Downer

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/12/world/middleeast/iraq-drones-isis.html?ref=world&_r=0

Bombing at Funeral in Yemen

In Yemen, there is a conflict going on between 2 groups of people. The Houthis who support the previous and exiled president of Yemen, Ali Abdullah Saleh, and another group of people who are loyal the current president, Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Hadi is also backed by Saudi Arabia and is leading the pro-Hadi coalition. In March of 2015, the Saudi Arabian lead side began using airstrikes and bombing the Houthis who had taken over the capital of Yemen in 2014. Most recently in Yemen, there was a funeral being held for the death of the patriarch of a prominent family. The Saudi Arabian led coalition let loose airstrikes at the building where the funeral was being held and killed at least 100 people. This has increased tension between the two sides, and has caused the U.S to rethink its alliance with Saudi Arabia.

-Mynk R.C.
 http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/10/world/middleeast/yemen-saudi-arabia-military.html?_r=0

Missiles target US warship off Yemen, Pentagon says

More than 22 km off the shore of Yemen, a US warship was targeted by two missiles while in international waters. While the ship was undamaged, they deployed "onboard defensive measures". The missiles were expected to be fired from Houthi-controlled territory. No word on a response but the US remains committed to "ensuring freedom of navigation to anywhere in the world.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/10/politics/yemen-us-navy-targeted/index.html
Mitch Reid

Russia deploys nuclear-capable missiles in Kaliningrad

Russia has just deployed multiple nuclear capable missiles in its western most region in a "training exercise." Its pretty unclear why exactly Russia would need to execute training for how to place nuclear weapons along the borders of two NATO countries Lithuania and Poland, but they have done it anyway claiming that it is "not the first time" they have done this. Rising tensions between the US and Russia continue to concern the western world and create fear for countries that would have little to no defense should conflict occur. The Missile system in place would be capable of reaching as far as Berlin. This personally seems like just another flex on Russia's part and nothing that would actually lead to conflict though it does not help the situation.

-Tanner James

Phillipines President Duterte orders the U.S out of the country

     The president of Philippines Rodrigo Duterte ordered a stop to a military alliance between his country and the U.S Military that has existed for 65 years. The defense minister of Philippines, Delfin Lorenzana says that the U.S will now not be able to carry out its military exercises in the Philippines. The U.S is supposed to conduct 28 joint military exercises with the Philippines under a defence treaty from 1951. However, this move has put a stop to those plans.

      Duterte also says, "For as long as I am there, do not treat us like a doormat because you'll be sorry for it. I will not speak with you. I can always go to China." The U.S military alliance also provides 50 to 100 million dollars for the Phillipines annually. Lorenzana says that he will ask the Philippines congress to compensate for the loss of said revenue and contact Russia or China to do the same. A spokeswoman at the U.S embassy in Manila has responded with "Frankly, it seems at odds with the warm relationship that exists between the Filipino and American people and the record of important cooperation between our governments."

Why Tokyo 2020 Olympic stadium designer Kengo Kuma is going back to the future

http://edition.cnn.com/2016/10/06/architecture/kengo-kuma-future-cities/index.html?sr=twcnni101016architecture/kengo-kuma-future-cities/index.html0302AMStoryLink&linkId=29741277
Robert Tomaszewski
Kengo Kuma and Associates are abandoning concrete in favor of natural materials. The new olympic stadium will avoid concrete in favor of more natural materials such as wood. The building is thinking of the future, the next generation. Modern technology has solved issues of flexibility, maitenance and flammability in natural materials according to CNN. Specifically Kuma wants to embrace stone, wood and rice paper. The article does not make any references to the recent paris agreement on climate change, though the timing of the direction of the Olympics is significant in that it shows that countries already beginning on the race towards sustainability. The article left out information such as the green impact of such a stadium compared to one built with concrete, but time will tell.

Car Bomb Kills 18 at a Military Checkpoint in Turkey

The prime minister, Binali Yildirim, of Turkey said that Kurdish militants detonated a car bomb outside a military checkpoint in southeastern Turkey. The checkpoint is 12 miles from the town of Semdinli, near the borders with Iraq and Iran. Ten soldiers and eight civilians were killed as a result. In response, Turkey immediately launched a military operation against the rebels. Interestingly, "the Turkish authorities imposed a temporary blackout on coverage of the attack, citing public order and national security reasons". This is a bit worrisome since the U.S. is supporting the kurds and want to arm them even more.

-AC Christopherson

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/10/world/europe/turkey-kurdish-pkk-bomb.html?ref=world

Egypt is getting a new capital - courtesy of China

A state-owned Chinese company has pledged $20 billion to the megaproject of creating a new Egyptian capital city.  This is in addition to $15 billion already pledged by another Chinese company, which brings the budget of $45 billion well within reach.  The currently unnamed city hopes to solve several problems of Cairo, including crowding, pollution, and inflating house prices.  There is some concern from urban planners however, as Egypt has already attempted to establish eight satellite cities surrounding Cairo that fulfills the open needs of the mother city.  These cities have largely failed and are called ghost towns by locals.  One of the main problems with the satellites is their modern design and feel, which does not suit well for the culture of the area.  The proposed design for the new capital is very modern itself and only time will tell of the success or failure of this large foreign investment.

Chris Buechner

http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/09/africa/egypt-new-capital/index.html

Nigeria Anti-Corruption Raids on Judges

        Nigeria's security agency, after extensive surveillance and ongoing investigation, carried out raids on judges whom were thought to be corrupt.  Several Nigerian judges have been accused of a variety of crimes within the courts; whether it be taking large monetary bribes or approving unauthorized release of offenders whom were close to these judges.  What makes these accusations even more shocking, is the fact that these judges represent those within Nigeria's highest courts, even some within the Supreme Court.  While many of these raids were effective, representatives from Nigeria's security agency acknowledge the fact that the corruption throughout the country, especially in relation to their judicial system, is a very real and pervasive problem.  The steps taken to help solve this issue, and those similar to it, will undoubtedly be crucial in the resolving of these problems in the future.

-Jaedyn Krebs-Carr

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-37603857

Former Portuguese PM Set to Become the Next Secretary-General of the United Nations

In a vote cast by members of the U.N. Security Council,  Antonio Guterres of Portugal was voted to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations. Guterres was the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002, and will be replacing current Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of South Korea, who has served since 2007, in early 2017. Guterres also served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015, after his service as the head of the Portuguese government. During his previous position within the United Nations, Guterres frequently appealed to Western nations to offer more assistance for refugees fleeing the conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq. This appointment came as a surprise to many who were expecting the next Secretary-General to be a woman; seven of the thirteen candidates in the election were women. In spite of this, the candidates who received the three highest ballot numbers were all men, with the fourth place winner being Irina Bokova of Bulgaria, the Director-General of UNESCO. The Secretary-General is the top diplomat in the United Nations, and his duties involve managing the conflicting demands of world powers within the U.N., as well as preventing disputes from escalating between nations. The Secretary-General serves for terms of five years, and can serve a maximum of two terms. The two most recent Secretaries-General, Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-moon, have each served two terms.

Justin Wysocke

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-37566898

Hillary and Trump and Russia?

Yes there seems to be one more player in the reality TV show that is now called the United States Presidential race.  Now along with Trump and Hillary going back and forth it appears that Russian Hackers might be trying to medal with the election. It appears that Russian Hackers have hacked into the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign.   These are very interesting attacks because this is the first time that Russian Hackers have gone after the US elections as a whole.  They usually hit strategic targets like security and economic threats to Russia itself.  But, this appears to be an attack on the way the US government is set up in itself.  The US believes that this attack could have only go through with the backing and authority of high ranking Russian leaders.  A member of Obama's staff said in an interview that it will not make public what the US plans to do to react to Russia's new attack.  They might impose more sanctions on Russia as well, but they also said that their retaliation might never be made public because it might be done behind close doors.  The US has already had very strained relations with Russia it will be interesting to see how we respond.

John Carmody

http://news.sky.com/story/russia-hacking-political-sites-to-interfere-with-election-claims-us-10609112

Ethiopia Declares State Of Emergency Amid Continuing Protests

After months of anti-protest government led by the Oromo people, the Ethiopian government has declared a state of emergency. The declaration is set to last for six months following a large-scale stampede that pitted the two parties against one another. Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn believes declaring a state of emergency is necessary to protect the lives of everyone. The stampede took place October 2 in the town of Bishoftu, where according to the article,"Video recordings from that day show that the crowd had been pressing toward an open-air stage when security forces opened fire and deployed tear gas, triggering a panic. Many people initially ran to a nearby treeline for cover, only to become trapped in a deep and steep-sided trench. Others were hemmed in by a nearby lake," (Chappell). During the months of protest, human rights groups claim hundreds of people have been killed and thousands more arrested.

http://www.npr.org/2016/10/09/497292914/ethiopia-declares-state-of-emergency-amid-continuing-protests

-Chase Gozdziak

Thousands March in Yemen After Airstrike Kills Nearly 140

On Saturday, and airstrike from the U.S.-backed Saudi coalition fighting Shiite rebels hit a funeral parlor packed with people mourning the losses from the previous strike. The blast injured over 600 and killed upwards of 140 people so far. The bombing was the latest in strikes intended to hit places where civilians congregate, such as hospitals and markets, in an effort to kill rebel forces and alliances. The horrifying scene has been described by one rescuer as a "lake of blood". Body parts are still being found scattered throughout the rubble of the hall. Clearly, the situation in the Middle East doesn't seem to be getting any better.

What Options Does the U.S. Have After Accusing Russia of Hacks?

The White house has had enough cyber attacks from Russia now that they are meddling in the presidential election. American officials are trying to think of different ways to counter attack Russia. one way is to cyber attack them with full force, the problem with that is it will get messy. Another option is to put more sanctions on Russia, the problem with that is Europe wont sanction them because they rely heavily on Russia's gas and oil.


http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/09/us/politics/what-options-does-the-us-have-after-accusing-russia-of-hacks.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news


- Maria Dementieva

Ethiopian protesters attack factories in Africa's rising economic star

Protestors in Ethiopia caused damage to foreign-owned factories and some flower farms. In a nation that is state-led and industrial driven, it has become one of Africa's fastest growing economies. Not to mention, the government has been faced with judgement and hostility because of their authoritarian approach to their development system. This backlash from protestors came after the deaths of 55 of its people who were demonstrating near the capital. A total of 11 companies have been affected by this attack, as well as 60 cars that have been torched. Some of this backlash is also due to the nation seizing their land while offering little compensation before they turn it over to large corporations and an inflated rate. Some interviewed even say that they were denied jobs that were locally built on their families land. In Ethiopia, it is considered that the land belongs to the state while the owners are considered its leaseholders. Others criticize the government for stating that the only form of dialogue the they know how to use is "excessive force." Not only is this causing issue to its local people, but to travelers world wide.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-ethiopia-unrest-idUSKCN1270MX

Alexa Ortiz

Refusing to Surrender, Turkish Suspects Blow Themselves Up

There has been a constant state of war in Turkey between the P.K.K., the Islamic State, and State Security. This past week, two members of the P.K.K. were cornered into a building, they were asked by State Security to surrender. Instead of surrendering, the suspects blew themselves up. This is not the first time that this has happened. The P.K.K. is notorious for mass bombings as well as suicide bombings. These bombings have been going on for the past year in Turkey, with the blame falling on both the P.K.K. and the Islamic State. It is unsure when these two groups will get under control and stop killing others as well as themselves. 

Lauren Whelan 

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/09/world/europe/turkey-ankara-bombers.html?ref=world

The French Underground Railroad

This article is about about France is going through a very similar situation that the United States once went through. There's a French underground railroad that is helping Africans get to France. While some stay there, others are going to Germany and Britain. A 37-year-old farmer named Cedric Herrou ,who lives on the border of Italy and France, helps people cross the border to get to France. This is a French underground railroad, a type of railroad we are familiar with in the United States when slaves were trying to escape the south. Although it is not 100% successful, Herrou is still risking his life and the life of the people he is smuggling, many of them whom are children. Some helpers smuggle people for money. Even though Herrou doesn't do it for profit, he has already been arrested once. Herrou doesn't work by himself though. He has allies and they work as a team. Françoise Cotta is a popular Paris lawyer who is one of his allies. She states "“We think we are doing what we should do, as citizens."

--Jazmin Galindo

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/05/world/europe/france-italy-migrants-smuggling.html?ref=europe

Kashmir: Anti-India protest erupts after boy killed

 A 12year old boy was killed in India-administered Kashmir by Indian force. The residents say that pellets were sprayed on the boy in the lawn outside his home. However, in contrast, the police say Junaid Ahmad was a part of Anti-India protest which took place on Friday.  A doctor at the Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, where the boy was brought to, told that the boy was shot in the head and chest. Ahmad’s death sparked anger and protests among thousands. A clash between the protesters and security force erupted, eventually lead to an imposition of a curfew in Srinagar. 

Anisha Venkatesh Babu 

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/10/anti-india-protests-erupt-kashmir-boy-killed-161008103444314.html

Paris climate pact to enter into force ahead of schedule

The Paris climate agreement will officially enter into force in early November. As of October 5, 72 countries representing all regions of the world — and almost 57 percent of global emissions — have formally ratified the agreement. Once the agreement takes effect, all signatory nations will work to limit warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), and to adapt to climate change impacts. What sets it apart from previous agreements — other than, possibly, the speed of its ratification — is the prominence of nature in the text, which acknowledges both its role in curbing emissions and helping people adapt to climate impacts.

David Soto

Russia's Military Bases in Cuba and Vietnam

Russia's military bases in Cuba and Vietnam were tension amplifiers during the Cold War. There have been plans to close the two bases since the early 2000s, but it seems that Russia is reconsidering. This is important amid the recent growing tensions between the United States and Russia. Additionally, Russia voted to approve an indefinite deployment of forces in Syria and could establish a permanent base there. Russia's recent escalation of military conflict contrasts with previous attempts to demilitarize after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

-Hannah Friedle

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37591756

"Punished for her imagination", Iranian writer given long jail term for story about stoning

A writer and human rights activist Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee has been sentenced to six years' imprisonment in Iran for her yet to be published story about a young woman who burns a copy of the Koran after watching the film The Stoning of Soraya M (a true story of a young woman stoned to death). Ms Ebrahimi Iraee was convicted of "insulting Islamic sanctities" and "spreading propaganda against the system". She was taken to Tehran's Evin Prison and was held there for 20 days, without being able to contact her family or a lawyer. Amnesty International said that the conviction and the trial were "ludicrous" "farcical", and Ebrahimi Iraee "is effectively being punished for using her imagination".

-Mirina Uchida

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37575193

Haiti Says More Than 100 Died in Hurricane Matthew

According to local officials more than 100 people have been killed by Hurricane Matthew, The Haitian government has dramatically raised the death toll from the half dozen that were reported initially. Haiti was hit with Hurricane Matthew on Tuesday by the 145-mile-per-hour winds and torrential downpour of rain. The death toll is expected to raise as international aid reaches the south of Haiti which is the most affected part of the country. Many aspects of the country have been affected including schools, hospitals and police stations. "According to the United Nations, more than one million people have been affected by the storm in Haiti, and at least a third of them will require humanitarian assistance."

- Taylor Sikora

http://nyti.ms/2dI9or8

Kurdish Territory Threatining Rellationships

The Kurds, probably the most vital group in driving ISIS out of territories in the middle east, have recently gained control of Kirkuk.  Kirkuk is the largest oil reducing region in Northern Iraq.  Although all parties involved hard pleased to see ISIS lose control of the region, Iraq is not happy to see that the Kurds do not plan to give up the territory.  The Kurds say this land is part of Kurdistan, and has always been land that has belonged to them, they are simply reclaiming what is rightfully theirs.  On the other hand, Iraq's Prime Minister, Haider al Abadi, has threatened the Kurds.  He said the focus should not be over territory but defeating the Islamic State.  It will be interesting to see what happens to the relationship between the Kurds and Iraq in the next few weeks.

http://news.sky.com/story/land-grab-by-iraqi-kurds-risks-undermining-final-mosul-assault-10606492

-Andres Terronez

The U.S. Has Left Syria

It's no secret that the U.S. and Russia are currently in an extremely tense relationship. The U.S. announced that it would be withdrawing its support to end the Syrian war. Fed up with Russia's unreliability and failure to hold the Syrian leader to his word, the U.S. finds itself between a rock and a hard place. The conflict will have to run its course before the U.S. offers any more assistance.The U.S. may have left the playing feild, but this war still has no end in sight.

Jackie Diaz
http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/04/homepage2/us-russia-syria-analysis/index.html

lifesaving treatment through an app in India

A new app is the new hope for Indians who live in the countryside. More than 70% of the Indian population live in rural areas, and yet 60% of the doctors in the country live in the city. The new app can provide a full digitalized medical appointment, with doctors for those who have to make long journeys to go to the city. Consumers can now have a better treatment and keep up with their medical visits without leaving home. This can make them improve their health and save a lot of money, that most times they don't have. 

Ana Maria Gentil
http://money.cnn.com/2016/10/03/technology/intelehealth-india-doctor-health-worker-app/index.html

Putin rushes to take action before next president is elected

Now that Obama is preparing to exit office, his ability to assert strong, long-lasting policy is waning. According to this article, Putin is attempting to take advantage of this time period before the next president is elected in order to deepen Russia's influence in Syria. Putin's goal is to help Syria take Aleppo so that Russia can have more of a say in how Syria turns out in the future. Putin wants to accomplish all of this before the next president is elected to that the new president will be forced into a tough position of having to deal with a very powerful Syria backed by Russia. The article contemplate how if Hilary were elected into office, she may be more forceful in her approach with Syria as opposed to Obama's more weary strategy. Either way, the next president will have quite an issue to handle coming into office.

-Mynk R.C.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/putin-%e2%80%98in-a-hurry%e2%80%99-in-syria-before-us-holds-election/ar-BBx01Db?ocid=HPCOMMDHP15

UAE: Yemen aid ship struck

An aid ship headed for a war-torn Yemen was struck by airstrike launched by Houthi rebels according to one UAE news source. A Houthi spokesman had since confirmed that it was a Houthi attack. A rescue mission was sent out to rescue those on the ship, and the attack has been called a "dangerous indication" by the Saudi-led Arab coalition. The coalition began its campaign aimed at restoring the Yemen government and to prevent forces loyal to the President from taking power over the country. Since this conflict has started in March 2015, at least 10,000 people have been killed.

-Allie Downer

http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/02/middleeast/yemen-aid-ship-attacked/index.html

Brexit: Theresa May to trigger Article 50 by end of March

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-37532364

The United kingdom will begin its formal withdrawal process from the EU as early as March of 2017. The ministers of the UK were quoted saying the citizens voted "with emphatic clarity" and that the minister need to "get on with the job." Theresa May made a statement regarding those who have still not come to terms with the referendum decision, saying that the government is to do nothing more or less than what the voters instructed them to do. Much of the UK is enthusiastic about leaving the EU due to some of the restrictions that were placed on them as a result of their part in the European Union.

-Tanner James

Spaniards, Exhausted by Politics, Warm to Life Without a Government

For 288 days now, Spain has had no national elected government. The reason for this shut down is that no party has won enough seats needed to form a government. Spain is now considered to be functioning in a 'caretaker' government. The crazy thing is that the Spaniards could care less that their government is in a shutdown. One citizen put it like this, 'no politicians, no corruption.' The next election is scheduled for December 25th if there is no agreement to form a government by October 31st. It is interesting to me that the citizens could care less that their government shut down. It is probably due to the fact that government programs are running without the help of politicians. I would be scared as a citizen what could happen if a major crisis struck. Who would call the shots to how the problem is fixed? And doesn't there being no elected government heighten the chances of danger because the country is vulnerable? As much as citizens are fed up with the way politicians have been doing things, I feel like I would be scared if I was in their situation.

-Lauren Whelan

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/03/world/europe/spain-socialists-sanchez-rajoy.html?ref=world&_r=0

India Ratifies Paris Climate Agreement

     Today, India has ratified the Paris Climate Agreement, meaning that India has committed to making sure that 40% of its electricity will be powered by non-fossil fuels by 2030. However, this deal can only be forced legally if it is ratified by 55 countries and the countries should altogether produce at least 55% of global carbon emissions at the time of ratification. Other countries to join the Paris Climate agreement include China and the USA, which are responsible for 40% of the world's carbon emissions. It is expected for the European Union to follow as well, which can take the total carbon emissions over the 55% threshold.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-37536348
-Mohammed Khan

State of Hospitals in Aleppo

Stephen O'Brien, the United Nations Under-Security-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, recently discussed the condition of medical facilities in Aleppo.  He said that the hospitals are "All but obliterated", making it almost impossible to get people the emergency medical attention they desperately need.  With the constant bombings, hundreds of people are dying every week because their is no place for their injuries to be treated.  O'Brien said, "We are in a race against time to protect and save citizens in eastern Aleppo city."  The situation in Aleppo is getting worse every day, and something needs to be done to help the innocent civilians soon.

-Andres Terronez

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/hospitals-aleppo-are-all-obliterated-bombings-un-warns-n658166

Colombia peace vote: FARC to pay reparations to war victims

On Monday, Colombian polls open up following the peace agreement made between the Colombian government and the rebel group known as FARC, and will pose a referendum that will ask "Do you support the final accord to end the conflict and build a stable and lasting peace?".  If only 13% of the vote swing "yes" then Colombia will officially close a brutal 52 year old war.  A new development in the story, however, is that the Marxist rebels have apologized to all victims of the war and have agreed to pay reparations for damage done.  The group will also surrender all weapons, and, if they confess to war crimes, will serve no jail time in favor of "effective restrictions of liberty".

Chris Buechner

http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/02/americas/colombia-farc-reparations/index.html

Crisis Status Potentially Extended in Turkey

It has been recently announced by President Ergodan of Turkey that there could be a three month extension of the state of emergency that has been governing Turkey since July. His security council has advised for the extension, providing time and security for the government to root out those in support of the attempted coup. Ergodan and his cabinet have been criticized for their work during this emergency period, as over 40,000 have been incarcerated and over 100,000 been affected in their jobs either being fired or suspended from their posts. Critics also feel that extending the state of emergency would be the perfect tool for Ergodan to use to extend his presidential power, by using his extended powers in a way capable of reworking the Constitution to make himself nearly untouchable. This instability and distrust has lowered the Turkish currency to its lowest value in two months, straining Turkey's global business capability. The next weeks could hold significant developments in the state of Turkey, as the emergency extension could ride even beyond a year if approved.

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2016/0930/Turkey-s-state-of-emergency-may-be-extended-Erdogan-hints

Benjamin Ubert

Syrian gov. advances into Allepo

With a renewed weekend offensive government forces have pushed into Aleppo and have started to drive the rebels back, and closer to the breaking point.  The Allied force of the Syrian Army, Iranian backed, Militants, and the Russian Air Force.   As the US and Russia still talk about peace.  But this is growing less and less likely due to Assad brutality when dealing with the the rebels and how he continues to go after civilian targets.  The City of Aleppo has been under siege since the government had taken control of the main road and prevented aid from entering the city.  Today many of Aleppo's basic utilities are on the verge of collapses, and total chaos.  There looks to be no end in sight for the people of Aleppo as neither side looks as if they will stop the fighting any time soon.  One thing is for certain the citizens of Aleppo are paying a heavy tole from the bombing campaign being done by the Russians and the shelling being done by the Syrian Army.

John Carmody

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKCN1220FR

Hurricane Mathew Threatens Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica

Hurricane Mathew is slowly pushing it's way towards Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica. The category four hurricane had reported winds of 145 MPH today. The center is expected to be very close to Haiti tomorrow and reach Cuba on Tuesday. Experts say the southwestern tip of Haiti is expected to get his the worst with combinations of winds and rain. Haiti's civil protection agency said there are roughly 1,300 emergency shelters across the country, enough to protect about 340,000 people. The impoverished country is very prone to flooding because of the steep terrain, mountains and hillsides. Cuban authorities have stated the hurricane will be "twice as powerful as Sandy".

Alex Khatcherian

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/matthew-category-hurricane-threatens-haiti-jamaica-42504974

Colombia Peace Deal Headed to Defeat, Causing Shock and Uncertainty

A 52 year war between the Colombian government and FARC, also known as Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, has not officially been called off. [FARC began with 50 farmers as they took up arms because they were fed up with concentration of power on the elite. They began to grow their finances through kidnapping and drug trafficking throughout the state.] Voters heard the news today as they found that the majority voted 'no' in the case asking if they support the final agreement to end the conflict and construct a stable and enduring peace. This past Sunday, the Colombian President and FARC leader met with televised press as they wanted to clear the air and have an open dialogue about wanting the end the war. Politicians who did not agree with the deal felt the that deal needed "more stringent terms." This war has killed about 220,000 people along with displacing six million. Colombia's past president also argued the agreement was too lenient on rebels and feels that they should be prosecuted as murderers and drug traffickers.

Alexa Ortiz
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/03/world/colombia-peace-deal-defeat.html

Colombians narrowly reject peace deal with the FARC

http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/02/americas/colombia-farc-peace-deal-vote/index.html
Robert Tomaszewski
In a vote that was decided by very close margins, Colombia rejected a peace deal that would have ended 50 years of war between rebels and the colombian government. According to CNN 50.22 percent of the vote was against the peace deal. The deal took four years to negotiate and was signed in pens made from recycled bullets by the president and the rebel leader. Santos has reportedly said there is no plan B to the deal that would have rebels give up thier guns and rejoin society.

Chinese Purchases of U.S. Media Have Some in Congress Raising Eyebrows

16 members of Congress have urged the Government Accountability Office to review the "effectiveness" of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). In a letter, they called for "greater scrutiny of Chinese corporate purchases, including movie theaters and studios". The rate and quantity of which the Chinese are acquiring movie theaters and studios is creating a bit of a geopolitical conflict, and raising many questions. The main concern of the members of Congress “Should the definition of national security be broadened to address concerns about propaganda and control of the media and ‘soft power’ institutions?” Also the major Chinese purchasing company, WANDA, seems to have many investors with ties to the Communist Party, which is worrisome as well. 

-AC Christopherson 

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/01/world/asia/china-us-foreign-acquisition-dalian-wanda.html