Unit 5
Due to the crisis in Crimea and the obvious Russian involvement in the crisis, France has delayed making their decision on whether or not to do continued military business with Russia. Russia is expecting two aircraft carriers, the first to come in October. Russia is going to demand compensation if the deliveries are not made. French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius called the issue in Crimea, "the most serious crisis since the end of the Cold War." The canceling of the deal with Russia would only be made if there were a third round of sanctions against Russia.
I think that every country needs to be wary of Russia. If they are making deals with Russia, especially deals that involve the trading of military equipment, they should probably evaluate the situation and consider stopping trade with Russia. We don't want Russia to have all the best military equipment if a war starts.
http://www.france24.com/en/20140320-france-delays-decision-mistral-warship-sale-russia/
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Putin Recognizes Crimea Secession
Unit 5
Putin has just recently declared that Crimea, the region in Ukraine, is a "sovereign and independent state." Crimea has started to support Russia more than Ukraine. They are looking to join Russia. They have started to transfer their funds to Russia. The people are seeing themselves as Russians and Russian flags have already been seen throughout Crimea. Russia continues to be not afraid of the USA's and other European countries's orders. Tensions are starting to build that feel much like the Cold War. The USA have started to put sanctions on different leaders in Russia. The EU has done the same, but the USA and the EU aren't on the same page with their sanctions and ideas. Despite their differences, both parties want to resolve the issue in Crimea. President Obama said, "We'll continue to make clear to Russia that further provocations will achieve nothing except to further isolate Russia and diminish its place in the world."
I think that this issue could be the start of something very detrimental to our society. I don't think that a war will come because of this issue, but I do think that tensions will rise. These tensions could get worse and war could be a result thereafter.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/18/world/europe/us-imposes-new-sanctions-on-russian-officials.html
Putin has just recently declared that Crimea, the region in Ukraine, is a "sovereign and independent state." Crimea has started to support Russia more than Ukraine. They are looking to join Russia. They have started to transfer their funds to Russia. The people are seeing themselves as Russians and Russian flags have already been seen throughout Crimea. Russia continues to be not afraid of the USA's and other European countries's orders. Tensions are starting to build that feel much like the Cold War. The USA have started to put sanctions on different leaders in Russia. The EU has done the same, but the USA and the EU aren't on the same page with their sanctions and ideas. Despite their differences, both parties want to resolve the issue in Crimea. President Obama said, "We'll continue to make clear to Russia that further provocations will achieve nothing except to further isolate Russia and diminish its place in the world."
I think that this issue could be the start of something very detrimental to our society. I don't think that a war will come because of this issue, but I do think that tensions will rise. These tensions could get worse and war could be a result thereafter.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/18/world/europe/us-imposes-new-sanctions-on-russian-officials.html
Oil Funds Missing in Nigeria
Unit 5
The governor of the country of Nigeria's central bank, Lamido Sansui, spoke out about missing funds coming from oil. He threatened to reveal the scam of the missing money at a meeting with Nigeria's elite bankers. He threatened to make the other bankers open their books and show where the money was. The other bankers became very angry. Some went straight to the government and reported Sansui. The amount of money that was being disputed was $20 billion. Sansui was fired weeks later. He also accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation of not turning over profits to the national bank. Sansui explained that a lot of money was missing and that he revealed the N.N.P.C. issue as a scam. Sansui said, "It was critical that we stop this hemorrhage. Otherwise we can't maintain stability."
I think this is an important thing that Nigeria needs to resolve. If they don't know where their money is going, how are they going to control their economy. The public isn't going to be happy if this scam continues.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/10/world/africa/nigerians-ask-why-oil-funds-are-missing.html?_r=0
The governor of the country of Nigeria's central bank, Lamido Sansui, spoke out about missing funds coming from oil. He threatened to reveal the scam of the missing money at a meeting with Nigeria's elite bankers. He threatened to make the other bankers open their books and show where the money was. The other bankers became very angry. Some went straight to the government and reported Sansui. The amount of money that was being disputed was $20 billion. Sansui was fired weeks later. He also accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation of not turning over profits to the national bank. Sansui explained that a lot of money was missing and that he revealed the N.N.P.C. issue as a scam. Sansui said, "It was critical that we stop this hemorrhage. Otherwise we can't maintain stability."
I think this is an important thing that Nigeria needs to resolve. If they don't know where their money is going, how are they going to control their economy. The public isn't going to be happy if this scam continues.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/10/world/africa/nigerians-ask-why-oil-funds-are-missing.html?_r=0
Saturday, March 15, 2014
The War Against Pollution
Unit 5
China is going to "declare war" on pollution according to Premier Li Keqiang. China declared a "war on smog" last week. The government wants to come down with an "iron fist" on pollution. Li wants the whole country involved in the fight against pollution. The country has monitored a thing called PM 2.5, particulate matter of 2.5 micrometers of less in a lot of different cities. A lot of people check the PM 2.5 so pollution is becoming a major issue in China. The country plans to cut energy intensity this year to reduce emissions, which would cut coal consumption. There have been a total of 596 proposals submitted to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee this year on environment issues.
I think this is a great thing that China is doing. They are trying to improve their environment by taking responsibility at the state level but also making sure citizens know that they are also responsible for what their environment is like. I think the USA should do something similar to what China is doing right now with the environment.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/ethnic/china/2014npcandcppcc/2014-03/14/content_17346330.htm
China is going to "declare war" on pollution according to Premier Li Keqiang. China declared a "war on smog" last week. The government wants to come down with an "iron fist" on pollution. Li wants the whole country involved in the fight against pollution. The country has monitored a thing called PM 2.5, particulate matter of 2.5 micrometers of less in a lot of different cities. A lot of people check the PM 2.5 so pollution is becoming a major issue in China. The country plans to cut energy intensity this year to reduce emissions, which would cut coal consumption. There have been a total of 596 proposals submitted to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee this year on environment issues.
I think this is a great thing that China is doing. They are trying to improve their environment by taking responsibility at the state level but also making sure citizens know that they are also responsible for what their environment is like. I think the USA should do something similar to what China is doing right now with the environment.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/ethnic/china/2014npcandcppcc/2014-03/14/content_17346330.htm
Former Tory Chancellors Speak Out
Unit 4
There have been some changes in the funding of public sector pensions. An extra 1 billion pounds will be available for Chancellor George Osborne to use. Osborne could use the money to help out the poor sector in the UK. The plan is to raise the tax-free personal allowance, letting the people earn more money before paying taxes. But some former Tory Chancellors have been pressuring Osborne to use the money to help out the squeezed middle class. They are trying to get Osborne to raise the threshold at which the higher rate 40 per cent tax band kicks in. Former Conservative Chancellor Lord Lamont said, "There is an argument for giving relief at the bottom. But is that going to be at the price of really squeezing the centre....[They are] just earning 40,000 pounds? That is not a lot of money." The extra money is coming from a change in pension rules. The Chancellor is expected to help out the low income workers.
I think the Chancellor should help out the middle class. A strong middle class is very beneficial to society. If the Chancellor could give the middle class a little bit of help with this extra money, I think that the long-term effects on the UK society would be very good.
http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/465004/Give-1billion-tax-cut-to-middle-earners-say-former-Tory-Chancellors
There have been some changes in the funding of public sector pensions. An extra 1 billion pounds will be available for Chancellor George Osborne to use. Osborne could use the money to help out the poor sector in the UK. The plan is to raise the tax-free personal allowance, letting the people earn more money before paying taxes. But some former Tory Chancellors have been pressuring Osborne to use the money to help out the squeezed middle class. They are trying to get Osborne to raise the threshold at which the higher rate 40 per cent tax band kicks in. Former Conservative Chancellor Lord Lamont said, "There is an argument for giving relief at the bottom. But is that going to be at the price of really squeezing the centre....[They are] just earning 40,000 pounds? That is not a lot of money." The extra money is coming from a change in pension rules. The Chancellor is expected to help out the low income workers.
I think the Chancellor should help out the middle class. A strong middle class is very beneficial to society. If the Chancellor could give the middle class a little bit of help with this extra money, I think that the long-term effects on the UK society would be very good.
http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/465004/Give-1billion-tax-cut-to-middle-earners-say-former-Tory-Chancellors
Monday, March 10, 2014
Iran and Other Countries to have Nuclear Talks
Unit 3
Iran and six other countries agreed to have talks about the nuclear program in Iran. The talks are aiming to end the nuclear program confrontations. Details were not very specific and not a lot is known about what will be discussed. The European Union's foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton said, "We had three very productive days during which we have identified all the issues we need to address to reach a comprehensive and final agreement. There is a lot to do. It won't be easy, but we have made a good start." An American official also said that all the issues American issue of concern will be discussed. Only the Iranian nuclear program will be discussed in the meetings. The six-month deal that freezes Iran's program expires in July. The deal can be extended.
I think that this is a great thing. I'm happy that we are meeting civilly to discuss issues that face our world today. I'm glad that we don't have to go to war over Iran's nuclear program. I hope that a deal that benefits all can be reached. I think that it would be good if representatives were able to extend the six-month program and allow Iran and other countries to have more time to work out other issues with Iran.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/21/world/middleeast/iran.html?_r=0
Iran and six other countries agreed to have talks about the nuclear program in Iran. The talks are aiming to end the nuclear program confrontations. Details were not very specific and not a lot is known about what will be discussed. The European Union's foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton said, "We had three very productive days during which we have identified all the issues we need to address to reach a comprehensive and final agreement. There is a lot to do. It won't be easy, but we have made a good start." An American official also said that all the issues American issue of concern will be discussed. Only the Iranian nuclear program will be discussed in the meetings. The six-month deal that freezes Iran's program expires in July. The deal can be extended.
I think that this is a great thing. I'm happy that we are meeting civilly to discuss issues that face our world today. I'm glad that we don't have to go to war over Iran's nuclear program. I hope that a deal that benefits all can be reached. I think that it would be good if representatives were able to extend the six-month program and allow Iran and other countries to have more time to work out other issues with Iran.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/21/world/middleeast/iran.html?_r=0
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Mexico Targets Powerful Gang
Unit 3
Mexico is targeting a gang that has been infiltrating the mining system. This gang is one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the world and has been smuggling iron ore to China. The gang is called the Knight's templar, and they are very violent in obtaining their goals. But the Mexican government took a big step in downing this gang last Monday. Federal police agents and military personnel raided 11 holding cells where the gang was storing 119,000 tons of minerals and 124 pieces of heavy machinery. Six Chinese citizens were also arrested on immigration charges. An investigation found that the holding places were being used to store iron ore that others could obtain illegally. The Chinese connection has been a big part of the gang's success. Law enforcement officials have said that the gang is making China buy their product by using threats.
I think that this is a great thing that the Mexican government is doing. Their seems to be a big problems with different gangs down in Mexico. The more that they can get rid of, the less of a problem it will be. I didn't expect one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in the world to be like this one though. Their gang operation is very interesting.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
US Migration Talks With Cuba
Unit 5
U.S. and Cuban representatives are scheduled to meet in Havana to have migration talks. The meetings are supposed to help with the tension that was felt in the 1960's between Cuba and the United States. In the meetings, the two countries' diplomats discuss areas of interest and the implementation of an accord that gives Cuba 20,000 visas to the United States annually. These talks were suspended in 2011 after a US subcontractor was accused of acting against Cuba's national sovereignty. The talks have resumed. One issue that may come up in this meeting is Cuba's recent banking woes.
I think that these talks are a great thing. I think that whenever we are trying to improve our relationship with other countries that it should be done like this. We shouldn't have to fight over our disagreements. It's a great thing that we are working things out. I don't like how a US subcontractor disturbed these meetings for acting against Cuba's national sovereignty. He should have represented the US better. He was just being selfish and caused some major problems.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/01/09/us-cuba-to-hold-migration-talks-in-havana/?intcmp=latestnews
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/01/09/us-cuba-to-hold-migration-talks-in-havana/?intcmp=latestnews
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
"Jihad Jane" sentenced to prison
Unit 7
A Pennsylvania woman was sentenced to ten years in prison yesterday. She was convicted for the planning of the murder of a Swiss artist. She was connected with a terrorist group who ordered her to murder the artist. Colleen Larose, who called herself jihad jane, would have served a life term if it wasn't for a Chief US District Judge giving her credit for her guilty plea and the conviction of two others. Prosecutors wanted a longer term of prison because they thought the woman could still be manipulated. Larose had a very hard childhood where she suffered the effects of rape, hunger, and alcoholism. Her future marriages were effected by abuse and she began to use crystal meth. She got involved with the terrorist group when she was in Amsterdam. The terrorist group was offended by the artist's works that depicted the prophet Mohammed as a dog. Larose could serve as little as 4 more years in prison due to her 4 years she has already been in prison and her good behavior.
I think that this is a just punishment for this woman. We can't tolerate involvement in terrorist groups and plans for murder, but she had not acted on these plans. I think that this also changes the face of terrorism. Larose was not the typical terrorist when it comes to appearance.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/01/06/jihad-jane-sentencing-hearing-underway/
A Pennsylvania woman was sentenced to ten years in prison yesterday. She was convicted for the planning of the murder of a Swiss artist. She was connected with a terrorist group who ordered her to murder the artist. Colleen Larose, who called herself jihad jane, would have served a life term if it wasn't for a Chief US District Judge giving her credit for her guilty plea and the conviction of two others. Prosecutors wanted a longer term of prison because they thought the woman could still be manipulated. Larose had a very hard childhood where she suffered the effects of rape, hunger, and alcoholism. Her future marriages were effected by abuse and she began to use crystal meth. She got involved with the terrorist group when she was in Amsterdam. The terrorist group was offended by the artist's works that depicted the prophet Mohammed as a dog. Larose could serve as little as 4 more years in prison due to her 4 years she has already been in prison and her good behavior.
I think that this is a just punishment for this woman. We can't tolerate involvement in terrorist groups and plans for murder, but she had not acted on these plans. I think that this also changes the face of terrorism. Larose was not the typical terrorist when it comes to appearance.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/01/06/jihad-jane-sentencing-hearing-underway/
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Racial Profiling Costs in Arizona
Unit 5
An Arizona county's racial profiling will cost the county at least $22 million. The cost is specifically for Sheriff Joe Arpaio's tough "cracking down on immigration laws." A court ruled that it wasn't immigration law enforcement but was racial and ethnic profiling and deserved a penalty. The sheriff's office was apparently targeting a lot of vehicles with drivers that had darker skin or were Latino. They were scrutinizing and detaining these vehicles more often than others. The sheriff's lawyers are appealing the decision. The judge ordered a retraining of the sheriff's office. The $22 million cost comes from this retraining and the maintaining of a community advisory board.
I thought this article was good because we already talked a little bit about this in class. I agree that the sheriff was being very unfair. You can't just stop people on the road because they look like illegals. I'm glad that the county finally cracked down and put an end to this injustice.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/03/us/racial-profiling-payments/index.html?hpt=us_c2
An Arizona county's racial profiling will cost the county at least $22 million. The cost is specifically for Sheriff Joe Arpaio's tough "cracking down on immigration laws." A court ruled that it wasn't immigration law enforcement but was racial and ethnic profiling and deserved a penalty. The sheriff's office was apparently targeting a lot of vehicles with drivers that had darker skin or were Latino. They were scrutinizing and detaining these vehicles more often than others. The sheriff's lawyers are appealing the decision. The judge ordered a retraining of the sheriff's office. The $22 million cost comes from this retraining and the maintaining of a community advisory board.
I thought this article was good because we already talked a little bit about this in class. I agree that the sheriff was being very unfair. You can't just stop people on the road because they look like illegals. I'm glad that the county finally cracked down and put an end to this injustice.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/03/us/racial-profiling-payments/index.html?hpt=us_c2
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