20 March 2014
Article from NY Times found here
The worst terrorist group in Africa, Boko Haram, declared war on Nigeria almost five years ago. As more time goes by, the organization only grows stronger, and more Nigerian civilians are killed. Earlier this month, 100 were killed in car bomb attacks and 45 boys attending a state-run boarding school were killed. The Nigerian military has been slow to respond to attacks and has not had soldiers stationed at obvious points of attack without explanation. In the words of the reporter:
"Boko Haram’s attacks brutally underscore what is already obvious to all Nigerian citizens: The state does not have their backs. It is not there for them. It plays no role in protecting them or succoring them, a truism amplified a hundred times over in the course of daily life, far from the terrorist group’s killing zones."
I feel really sorry for the people of Nigeria; it's so sad that they are left to face the horrors of Boko Haram essentially alone, and the corruption described at the end of this article is pretty appalling. After learning about some of the struggles this country faces today, reading this article gave a more personal perspective on what Nigerians deal with.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
China Backs North Korea on Human Rights
20 March 2014
Article from bbc.com found here
When UN-appointed jurists reported human rights violations taking place in North Korea, including torture and starvation, China refused to back the claim. They stated that "the inability of the commission to get support and co-operation from the country concerned made it impossible for the commission to carry out its mandate in an impartial, objective and effective manner,"(Chen Chuandong, Chinese diplomat). All information for the report was gathered from North Korean refugees and defectors because North Korea would not allow the panel to enter the country or speak with them. The US, EU, and Japan proposed that an investigation be made in North Korea, but they will face serious opposition from Russia, China, Vietnam, and Cuba in Geneva.
The North Korea situation is unstable to say the least, but I do agree that more real information needs to be gathered in the country itself if possible. I understand that it is very difficult to get accurate information about North Korea because they heavily filter everything that the few visitors are allowed to see, but I think it's unfair to make such serious accusations based only on the testimonies of these refugees.
Article from bbc.com found here
When UN-appointed jurists reported human rights violations taking place in North Korea, including torture and starvation, China refused to back the claim. They stated that "the inability of the commission to get support and co-operation from the country concerned made it impossible for the commission to carry out its mandate in an impartial, objective and effective manner,"(Chen Chuandong, Chinese diplomat). All information for the report was gathered from North Korean refugees and defectors because North Korea would not allow the panel to enter the country or speak with them. The US, EU, and Japan proposed that an investigation be made in North Korea, but they will face serious opposition from Russia, China, Vietnam, and Cuba in Geneva.
The North Korea situation is unstable to say the least, but I do agree that more real information needs to be gathered in the country itself if possible. I understand that it is very difficult to get accurate information about North Korea because they heavily filter everything that the few visitors are allowed to see, but I think it's unfair to make such serious accusations based only on the testimonies of these refugees.
China Baby Hatch Suspended After Hundreds Abandoned
19 March 2014
Article from bbc.com found here
A baby hatch, or center where parents can leave their unwanted children, in China had to close its doors to new children due to the hundreds of abandoned babies overwhelming their facilities (the facility now holds 1,121 babies and young people and has 1,274 in foster homes). Most of the babies are sick with diseases such as Down's syndrome or cerebral palsy because the parents either don't want the child or are afraid that they cannot afford to properly care for it. Because of the strict population control laws in China, most parents can only have one child, and the usual preference is for a healthy boy. In December, the Chinese legislature eased the law for couples to two children if either parent is an only child.
This was a very sobering article to read. I can't imagine living in a world where I might be forced to give up a child due to financial inability or sheer practicality. The population control laws make sense logically, but the heartache and suffering that comes from that logic is tragic. Although these baby hatches are a sad necessity, I am glad that there are now places for these children to be cared for instead of being left in the streets as they used to be.
Article from bbc.com found here
A baby hatch, or center where parents can leave their unwanted children, in China had to close its doors to new children due to the hundreds of abandoned babies overwhelming their facilities (the facility now holds 1,121 babies and young people and has 1,274 in foster homes). Most of the babies are sick with diseases such as Down's syndrome or cerebral palsy because the parents either don't want the child or are afraid that they cannot afford to properly care for it. Because of the strict population control laws in China, most parents can only have one child, and the usual preference is for a healthy boy. In December, the Chinese legislature eased the law for couples to two children if either parent is an only child.
This was a very sobering article to read. I can't imagine living in a world where I might be forced to give up a child due to financial inability or sheer practicality. The population control laws make sense logically, but the heartache and suffering that comes from that logic is tragic. Although these baby hatches are a sad necessity, I am glad that there are now places for these children to be cared for instead of being left in the streets as they used to be.
Mercy and Social Media Slow the Noose in Iran
19 March 2014
Article from NY Times found here
Due to the impact of social media and a growing distaste in Iran's middle class for capital punishment, some minors sentenced to death row are being pardoned. This is the fruit of the work of the Imam Ali Popular Students Society, a group who works to use the teachings of Islam to convince victims' families to allow the guilty to live and instead accept monetary, etc. compensation. In a recent case, Safar Anghouti, convicted of murder at the age of 17, was saved from execution by the efforts of the Society. The members of the Society contend that minors are still innocent and should be forgiven for their mistakes, and that those who forgive will be blessed in heaven. This was the plea made for Anghouti on Facebook (technically illegal in Iran) to encourage people to participate in a fundraiser to earn the $50,000 needed to satisfy the victim's family, a figure that was met within days. The Imam Ali Society also believes that execution is not the answer for drug-related crimes, a major issue in Iran. Though minors are still being placed on death row, these people will continue to work towards a more merciful punishment for minors.
This article was really interesting--I think that sometimes we take for granted how politically powerful social media can be, and I'm amazed at the difference this organization has been able to make by using to their advantage. It's terrible to think that a child could be condemned to execution, and I'm glad that someone is fighting for the rights of these kids. I only hope that this organization is allowed to stick around.
Article from NY Times found here
Due to the impact of social media and a growing distaste in Iran's middle class for capital punishment, some minors sentenced to death row are being pardoned. This is the fruit of the work of the Imam Ali Popular Students Society, a group who works to use the teachings of Islam to convince victims' families to allow the guilty to live and instead accept monetary, etc. compensation. In a recent case, Safar Anghouti, convicted of murder at the age of 17, was saved from execution by the efforts of the Society. The members of the Society contend that minors are still innocent and should be forgiven for their mistakes, and that those who forgive will be blessed in heaven. This was the plea made for Anghouti on Facebook (technically illegal in Iran) to encourage people to participate in a fundraiser to earn the $50,000 needed to satisfy the victim's family, a figure that was met within days. The Imam Ali Society also believes that execution is not the answer for drug-related crimes, a major issue in Iran. Though minors are still being placed on death row, these people will continue to work towards a more merciful punishment for minors.
This article was really interesting--I think that sometimes we take for granted how politically powerful social media can be, and I'm amazed at the difference this organization has been able to make by using to their advantage. It's terrible to think that a child could be condemned to execution, and I'm glad that someone is fighting for the rights of these kids. I only hope that this organization is allowed to stick around.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Ukraine Crisis: Russia Tells UN It Does Not Want War
17 March 2014
Article from bbc.com found here
On March 13th, Ukrainian PM Yatsenyuk and Russian ambassador Churkin spoke to each other at UN meeting in New York. There has been a lot of tension concerning the violence and rivaling protests in Crimea. Yansenyuk said that Ukraine was a victim of Russian aggression, and that Moscow was violating several UN laws and treaties, but that he still wanted to talk things out peacefully. In response, Churkin blamed Kiev for the divisions in Ukraine and confirmed the Crimeans' right their own referendum to decide their future. In the meantime, Russia has begun military exercises near the Ukrainian border, and a long-term monitoring mission is being considered for Ukraine.
It was interesting to hear the opinions of both countries in this article, and I think that both sides have a point. However, I do think that Russia needs to back off and let Ukraine deal with its own problems. If the Crimeans do indeed decide to break off with a referendum, then that's their choice, but I think that Russia should let them choose without being aggressive, as Yatsenyuk says they have been.
Article from bbc.com found here
On March 13th, Ukrainian PM Yatsenyuk and Russian ambassador Churkin spoke to each other at UN meeting in New York. There has been a lot of tension concerning the violence and rivaling protests in Crimea. Yansenyuk said that Ukraine was a victim of Russian aggression, and that Moscow was violating several UN laws and treaties, but that he still wanted to talk things out peacefully. In response, Churkin blamed Kiev for the divisions in Ukraine and confirmed the Crimeans' right their own referendum to decide their future. In the meantime, Russia has begun military exercises near the Ukrainian border, and a long-term monitoring mission is being considered for Ukraine.
It was interesting to hear the opinions of both countries in this article, and I think that both sides have a point. However, I do think that Russia needs to back off and let Ukraine deal with its own problems. If the Crimeans do indeed decide to break off with a referendum, then that's their choice, but I think that Russia should let them choose without being aggressive, as Yatsenyuk says they have been.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
'Long Dead' Mexico Drug Lord Nazario Moreno Killed
16 March 2014
Article from bbc.com found here
On March 9th, Mexican drug lord Nazario Moreno was killed by the police after opening fire in Tumbiscatio, a village in the state of Michoacan. Though he had been reported dead in 2010 following a shootout, his body was never found, and there were rumors suggesting that he was still alive. Moreno was the founder of the La Familia cartel, and his death greatly weakened the organization (it's now run by the La Familia offshoot, the Knights Templar). His death was a major triumph for the Mexican government's campaign against drugs.
I am so glad that this drug lord was able to finally be punished for his crimes. I can't imagine what it would be like to be constantly surrounded by drug trafficking, kidnappings, and gang violence, and I hope that the Mexican government will be able to have continued success in taking care of their drug problems now that one more leader has been killed.
Article from bbc.com found here
On March 9th, Mexican drug lord Nazario Moreno was killed by the police after opening fire in Tumbiscatio, a village in the state of Michoacan. Though he had been reported dead in 2010 following a shootout, his body was never found, and there were rumors suggesting that he was still alive. Moreno was the founder of the La Familia cartel, and his death greatly weakened the organization (it's now run by the La Familia offshoot, the Knights Templar). His death was a major triumph for the Mexican government's campaign against drugs.
I am so glad that this drug lord was able to finally be punished for his crimes. I can't imagine what it would be like to be constantly surrounded by drug trafficking, kidnappings, and gang violence, and I hope that the Mexican government will be able to have continued success in taking care of their drug problems now that one more leader has been killed.
UK Should Raise Myanmar Aid to £100m, Says MPs
16 March 2014
Article found here from bbc.com
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a struggling country in Southeast Asia currently receiving £60m per year from the UK. Due to several political reforms and laws passed in Myanmar, several members of Parliament say that the UK should increase the funds they send to this less-developed country to £100m. Though some object and say that doing this would be naive and that Myanmar's power is still too shaky (the military still has quite a bit of control), these MPs say that the UK should take this chance to help out the economy and democracy of a growing country.
I think that it's really cool that the UK is doing what they can to help the government and people of Myanmar. These people are doing what they can to improve their own country, and it's important to support them in promoting democracy in their own country. On the other hand, I agree that sending too much money without being careful would be a naive thing to do; if the UK did decide to increase the funds they send by £40m per year, I think they would need to first make sure that their money was going to the places in order to best serve the people of Myanmar.
Article found here from bbc.com
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a struggling country in Southeast Asia currently receiving £60m per year from the UK. Due to several political reforms and laws passed in Myanmar, several members of Parliament say that the UK should increase the funds they send to this less-developed country to £100m. Though some object and say that doing this would be naive and that Myanmar's power is still too shaky (the military still has quite a bit of control), these MPs say that the UK should take this chance to help out the economy and democracy of a growing country.
I think that it's really cool that the UK is doing what they can to help the government and people of Myanmar. These people are doing what they can to improve their own country, and it's important to support them in promoting democracy in their own country. On the other hand, I agree that sending too much money without being careful would be a naive thing to do; if the UK did decide to increase the funds they send by £40m per year, I think they would need to first make sure that their money was going to the places in order to best serve the people of Myanmar.
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