http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/30/politics/targeting-us-citizens/index.html?eref=rss_latest&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_latest+%28RSS%3A+Most+Recent%29
An American drone has killed an American born terrorist working with al Queda abroad. al Awlaki was imperative to the al Queda because of his proficiency in both English and Technology. He was killed in Yemen. This event is important because it makes Americans redefine their conceptions of terrorism; terrorism is not a just something born in foreign countries, but also within our borders. Another interesting aspect to this event is that it questions the rights of Americans to a trial, even when they are uprising against their own country.
Erika Kissick
POLI 184
Valieriano
Fri 9am
John Van Benthuysen
Friday, September 30, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
POLS 184 Intro to IR: Saudi Women Get Right To Vote
POLS 184 Intro to IR: Saudi Women Get Right To Vote: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/saudi-king-women-given-right-to-vote-for-first-time-in-2015-nationwide-local-elections/2011/...
This is a victory for women, however a small one. But I think it is encouraging, and with more pressure on the King over recent events with the Arab Spring, I think that more changes will come the longer it lasts. Now the question is can women keep up the momentum and make changes that will significantly improve their rights and equality.
This is a victory for women, however a small one. But I think it is encouraging, and with more pressure on the King over recent events with the Arab Spring, I think that more changes will come the longer it lasts. Now the question is can women keep up the momentum and make changes that will significantly improve their rights and equality.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Saudi Women Get Right To Vote
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/saudi-king-women-given-right-to-vote-for-first-time-in-2015-nationwide-local-elections/2011/09/25/gIQAt4wwvK_story.html
In a nation that historically is deeply rooted in ultra-conservatism, Saudi Arabia is becoming a little more liberal. For the first time in history, women are being allowed to vote and will be able to run in the next local elections which will be held in 2015. The women of Saudi Arabia have long been the sufferers of the conservatism that King Abdullah and his predecessors have enforced. And while the women still will not be able to drive, serve as Cabinet ministers, or travel abroad without the consent of a male guardian, women gained a tiny victory in this ruling. Women have been fighting for equal rights for quite some time in Saudi Arabia and gained a little headway against their male counterparts. The United States supported the move by King Abdullah, praising his efforts to become a more balanced nation. The worries of an uprising like in near-by Egypt and Libya have put fear into King Abdullah. He brought forth a $93 billion package of incentives, jobs, and services for the suffering Saudis in hopes to quell the idea of any possible uprising.
It is a shame that the Saudi society is still an oppressor of feminine rights. Granted, America isn’t that far ahead of them with the 19th Amendment only being ratified in 1920. It seems as though the life of Saudi women is a constant struggle; carefully being watched by every one of society’s males in some way to make sure that the laws are being followed to the letter. With the recent change of events, it makes for wanting to keep a careful eye on the country as a whole to see if this new revelation leads to more liberal wants from its citizens, and not just the women.
Erica Carlson
Pols 184
Friday 9AM Discussion
In a nation that historically is deeply rooted in ultra-conservatism, Saudi Arabia is becoming a little more liberal. For the first time in history, women are being allowed to vote and will be able to run in the next local elections which will be held in 2015. The women of Saudi Arabia have long been the sufferers of the conservatism that King Abdullah and his predecessors have enforced. And while the women still will not be able to drive, serve as Cabinet ministers, or travel abroad without the consent of a male guardian, women gained a tiny victory in this ruling. Women have been fighting for equal rights for quite some time in Saudi Arabia and gained a little headway against their male counterparts. The United States supported the move by King Abdullah, praising his efforts to become a more balanced nation. The worries of an uprising like in near-by Egypt and Libya have put fear into King Abdullah. He brought forth a $93 billion package of incentives, jobs, and services for the suffering Saudis in hopes to quell the idea of any possible uprising.
It is a shame that the Saudi society is still an oppressor of feminine rights. Granted, America isn’t that far ahead of them with the 19th Amendment only being ratified in 1920. It seems as though the life of Saudi women is a constant struggle; carefully being watched by every one of society’s males in some way to make sure that the laws are being followed to the letter. With the recent change of events, it makes for wanting to keep a careful eye on the country as a whole to see if this new revelation leads to more liberal wants from its citizens, and not just the women.
Erica Carlson
Pols 184
Friday 9AM Discussion
Friday, September 23, 2011
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas makes UN statehood bid
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15033357
Mahmoud Abbas, Palestenian leader, has officially submitted the bid for statehood for Palestine to exist within the confines of pre-1967 borders. Israel retains the position of peace talks as opposed to a statehood push, and along with the United States, believe that statehood can be achieved through peace talks as opposed to application through the United Nations. The United States maintains their vow to veto the measure. On a more familiar note, the move ignited clashes in the region of Israel-Gaza Strip, where the article mentions examples of Israeli aggression toward Palestinians, as well as burning of the Israeli flag. The process of attaining statehood was initiated by a written request made by Abbas and a vote in the security council is expected to take place in the upcoming weeks. The application needs approval of 9 out of the 15 security council seats, that includes 5 permanent seats which all must approve of the measure, in order for Palestine to become a recognized state
Damian Jez
TA: Maness
Friday, 9:00AM
Mahmoud Abbas, Palestenian leader, has officially submitted the bid for statehood for Palestine to exist within the confines of pre-1967 borders. Israel retains the position of peace talks as opposed to a statehood push, and along with the United States, believe that statehood can be achieved through peace talks as opposed to application through the United Nations. The United States maintains their vow to veto the measure. On a more familiar note, the move ignited clashes in the region of Israel-Gaza Strip, where the article mentions examples of Israeli aggression toward Palestinians, as well as burning of the Israeli flag. The process of attaining statehood was initiated by a written request made by Abbas and a vote in the security council is expected to take place in the upcoming weeks. The application needs approval of 9 out of the 15 security council seats, that includes 5 permanent seats which all must approve of the measure, in order for Palestine to become a recognized state
Damian Jez
TA: Maness
Friday, 9:00AM
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Pakistan 'backed Haqqani attack on Kabul' - Mike Mullen
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15024344
This article focuses on rising tensions between the U.S. and Pakistan. The views of different American figures within the article shows that due to religious and physical proximity, there is a fair amount of suspicion regarding Pakisatn's role in recent attacks on Afghanistan by the Haqqani groups. Pakistan, however, claims that it has not allied itself with the Haqqani group. Although Pakistan and the U.S. have been on good, even friendly, terms in the past, the tensions between the two states has been increasing, this paired with Pakistan's own internal conflict may end things on a sour note.
Kanza Ahmed
TA: John Van Benthuysen
Friday Discussion 9
This article focuses on rising tensions between the U.S. and Pakistan. The views of different American figures within the article shows that due to religious and physical proximity, there is a fair amount of suspicion regarding Pakisatn's role in recent attacks on Afghanistan by the Haqqani groups. Pakistan, however, claims that it has not allied itself with the Haqqani group. Although Pakistan and the U.S. have been on good, even friendly, terms in the past, the tensions between the two states has been increasing, this paired with Pakistan's own internal conflict may end things on a sour note.
Kanza Ahmed
TA: John Van Benthuysen
Friday Discussion 9
Monday, September 19, 2011
350 injured on bloodiest day of Yemen uprising
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/19/yemens-bloodiest-day-yet
This article focuses on the situation in Yemen, where peaceful protesters have been relentlessly yet quietly assaulted by the Yemeni military. Today was unfortunately the bloodiest day thus far. The middle east has been undergoing a transformative process and various nations have taken different approaches. According to the article, the protesters they have had communication with say that while "The Libyan revolution succeeded by the use of force while we are still suffering. We insist on peaceful strategies to achieve freedom and democracy." To say the least this is encouraging. Things in Yemen definitely need to be dealt with internationally however thus far help has been slow to come for the Yemeni people.
Matt Piscitelli
POLS184
Friday 9:00
TA:Maness
This article focuses on the situation in Yemen, where peaceful protesters have been relentlessly yet quietly assaulted by the Yemeni military. Today was unfortunately the bloodiest day thus far. The middle east has been undergoing a transformative process and various nations have taken different approaches. According to the article, the protesters they have had communication with say that while "The Libyan revolution succeeded by the use of force while we are still suffering. We insist on peaceful strategies to achieve freedom and democracy." To say the least this is encouraging. Things in Yemen definitely need to be dealt with internationally however thus far help has been slow to come for the Yemeni people.
Matt Piscitelli
POLS184
Friday 9:00
TA:Maness
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Libya: Modern Democratic State Based on Moderate Islam
“We seek a state of institutions, law, and prosperity, we will not tolerate any extremist ideology on the right or the left. We are a muslim people for a moderate islam and we will stay on this road. You are on our side, you are our weapon against anybody who tries to sabotage our revolution.”
Mustafa Abdul Jalil, head of the National Transitional Council
Mustafa Abdul Jalil sets the stage for a modern democratic state based on the moderate islam ideology. The rebels have gain control of most of Libya but loyalists are still occupying the towns of Sirte and Bani Walid. The rebels are fighting back to preserve the revolution. Their major threat is the unknown whereabouts of Gaddafi and his loyalists that continue to cause damage inside the town. The rebels have been accused by the Amnesty International of war crimes because of several torturous behavior against the loyalists.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14894264
Sonya Pereyra
Pols 184
Discussion: F 10am
Mustafa Abdul Jalil, head of the National Transitional Council
Mustafa Abdul Jalil sets the stage for a modern democratic state based on the moderate islam ideology. The rebels have gain control of most of Libya but loyalists are still occupying the towns of Sirte and Bani Walid. The rebels are fighting back to preserve the revolution. Their major threat is the unknown whereabouts of Gaddafi and his loyalists that continue to cause damage inside the town. The rebels have been accused by the Amnesty International of war crimes because of several torturous behavior against the loyalists.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14894264
Sonya Pereyra
Pols 184
Discussion: F 10am
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Famine in Somalia
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/inside-a-mogadishu-hospital-a-struggle-to-treat-the-smallest-victims-of-famine/2011/09/06/gIQAgwnn8J_story.html
This story talks about the extreme food shortage that is ravaging the populous of Somalia. The death tole is mostly made up of young children but the famine is severely effecting everyone. Many of Somalia's residents have made long journey's to other countries in search of refuge. The country has fallen on hard times for a variety of reasons, however, I found it very out of place for the author to mention the state of the country and then say "...despite massive support from the United States and its allies."I felt that this statement put blame on the people of Somalia for the famine. The article also mentioned that in one southern region of then country the people are not aloud to leave their area. This area is controlled by an al-Queda-militant. I also found it interesting that al-Queda was in Somalia.
Matt Cavers
Professor Valeriano
POLS184
Tues/Thurs 11-12:15
Friday 10-11:00
This story talks about the extreme food shortage that is ravaging the populous of Somalia. The death tole is mostly made up of young children but the famine is severely effecting everyone. Many of Somalia's residents have made long journey's to other countries in search of refuge. The country has fallen on hard times for a variety of reasons, however, I found it very out of place for the author to mention the state of the country and then say "...despite massive support from the United States and its allies."I felt that this statement put blame on the people of Somalia for the famine. The article also mentioned that in one southern region of then country the people are not aloud to leave their area. This area is controlled by an al-Queda-militant. I also found it interesting that al-Queda was in Somalia.
Matt Cavers
Professor Valeriano
POLS184
Tues/Thurs 11-12:15
Friday 10-11:00
Monday, September 5, 2011
Japan and India to boost trade
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14783786
This is a short but interesting video I came across. It's stating that one of India's primary economic growth relies on oversea investment. Japan within the last couple decades has become a critical part of the Indian economy. Japan has spent billions of dollars on improving Indian infrastructure, in return, both give preferential treatment to each other. Although their relationship is complex, it seems to me that Japan provides the technology while in turn, India provides the cheap products and labor.
This mutual relationship is, I believe, something that will help both economies. With Japan's recent catastrophes, its ties to India may help the people of Japan have access to cheap products. India will also experience economic growth. However, there are two things that worry me. If they become to interdependent and if one of their economies were to severely plummet, it will most certainly affect the other country. The other thing is that they could potentially grow and become a threat to the U.S. in terms of economic power. Overall, I think both countries should continue these international relations in order to benefit their industrial sectors and raise the standard of living for each respective country.
Emmanuel Cordova
Professor Valeriano
POLS 184-AD5
13200 Class
11:00 am-11:50 am
2EPASW 2219
This is a short but interesting video I came across. It's stating that one of India's primary economic growth relies on oversea investment. Japan within the last couple decades has become a critical part of the Indian economy. Japan has spent billions of dollars on improving Indian infrastructure, in return, both give preferential treatment to each other. Although their relationship is complex, it seems to me that Japan provides the technology while in turn, India provides the cheap products and labor.
This mutual relationship is, I believe, something that will help both economies. With Japan's recent catastrophes, its ties to India may help the people of Japan have access to cheap products. India will also experience economic growth. However, there are two things that worry me. If they become to interdependent and if one of their economies were to severely plummet, it will most certainly affect the other country. The other thing is that they could potentially grow and become a threat to the U.S. in terms of economic power. Overall, I think both countries should continue these international relations in order to benefit their industrial sectors and raise the standard of living for each respective country.
Emmanuel Cordova
Professor Valeriano
POLS 184-AD5
13200 Class
11:00 am-11:50 am
2EPASW 2219
Hosni Mubarak Trial Ongoing In Egypt
Hosni Mubarak resumed trial in Egypt this week. Scuffles erupt as protesters and loyalist continue to demonstrate in Cairo and around the country. The former leader is on trial for his alleged role in the deaths of 850 people during January and February. The official charges against him are:
Charge: Conspiring in killing of protesters
Penalty: 15 years in prison or death penalty
Charge: Abusing power to amass wealth
Penalty: 5-15 years in prison
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14784471
Elliott Minge
POLS 184
PROF: Brandon Valeriano
TA: John Van Benthysen
CRN: 13200
Friday, September 2, 2011
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14758905
Finally some good news. This article informs us that at a Paris meeting, National Transitional Council, Mustafa Abdel Jalil promises a new constitution and elections within 18 months. Along with that, 63 nations were committed to returning frozen assets for Libya such as food, medicine, and water. However, Nato forces will remain prevalent to protect the citizens of Libya if needed. Although it is 'good' news, I am questioning this. Is it truly possible for a country such as Libya to shift to a democracy within such a short amount of time? Although it certainly is, to what extent? I'm not really sure what to think of this yet, I guess we will have to see...
Emmanuel Cordova
Professor Valeriano
POLS 184-AD5
13200 Class
11:00 am-11:50 am
2EPASW 2219
Finally some good news. This article informs us that at a Paris meeting, National Transitional Council, Mustafa Abdel Jalil promises a new constitution and elections within 18 months. Along with that, 63 nations were committed to returning frozen assets for Libya such as food, medicine, and water. However, Nato forces will remain prevalent to protect the citizens of Libya if needed. Although it is 'good' news, I am questioning this. Is it truly possible for a country such as Libya to shift to a democracy within such a short amount of time? Although it certainly is, to what extent? I'm not really sure what to think of this yet, I guess we will have to see...
Emmanuel Cordova
Professor Valeriano
POLS 184-AD5
13200 Class
11:00 am-11:50 am
2EPASW 2219
Thursday, September 1, 2011
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/09/01/iraq.us.casualties/index.html?hpt=wo_c2
There has been no casualties this month in Iraq. Since 2003, when United States first entered, there has been casualties every month. Suprisingly Afghanistan has had the most casualties this month but mainly due to a 30 death helicopter crash. United States are expected to leave forces there to help with training and support.
Adam Alvarado
Pols 184
Discussion FRI 9am
Adam Alvarado
Pols 184
Discussion FRI 9am
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/02/world/africa/02nato.html?pagewanted=2&ref=world
This article discusses the potential for a peaceful take over of Qaddafi Loyalist city of Surt. Currently, the rebels are working with tribal leaders in the area with hopes of capturing the city peacefully. This strategy will be effective in that A: peacefully capturing a city is always better than having to fight for it. B: It shows the beginning of stability operations. Working with the people, specifically the tribal elders will start the beginnings of rebel and Libyan civilian cooperation making future stability operations easier. However, the downfall to this strategy is that it may make the loyalists believe that they are trying to peacefully take over the city because the rebel forces are weak, especially after the conflict at Tripoli. However, increasing NATO support and new support from countries such as Russia will hopefully pressure the loyalists even more. Depending on what happens over the next week with Surt, the rebels may be able to effectively take out Qaddafi's government committee's, but Qaddafi's call for insurgency type operations could prolong the conflict in Libya.
Alexander Chorak
POLS 184
PROF: Brandon Valeriano
TA: John Van Benthysen 0900 - 0950
Alexander Chorak
POLS 184
PROF: Brandon Valeriano
TA: John Van Benthysen 0900 - 0950
Italian businessman arrested over Berlusconi blackmail http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14751432
This article is discusses Prime Minister Berlusconi, On the BBC news website the article stated that Giampaolo Tarantini admitted he paid for escorts to attend the PM's so-called bunga bunga parties. Tarantini would bring over prostitutes to the Prime Ministers house but introduce them as his friends, later Tarantini blackmailed the Prime Minister. The police said that half million euros were extorted in exchange for telling investigators that the Prime Minister did not know that the women were prostitutes. The Prime Minister admits he payed money but only did it because he was helping a family in need. The article quotes him from the news magazine Panorama, "I helped someone and a family with children who found themselves and continue to find themselves in very serious financial difficulty, I didn't do anything illegal, I limited myself to helping a desperate man without asking for anything in exchange. That's how I'm made and nothing will change that." Prime Minister Berlusconi denies being blackmailed but he was only helping a family in need. I feel the Prime Minister was in-fact being blackmailed, but is denying the fact of it so he does not in any way get in trouble for sleeping with prostitutes since he already is suspected of sleeping with a 17 year old at his parties in Milan, Italy.
Josip
Brandon Valeriano T/Th @ 2pm.
Josip
Brandon Valeriano T/Th @ 2pm.
Libya crisis: Colonel Gaddafi says he will fight on
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14753645
In a way Gaddafi's new video message is not surprising, but it also seem very Bin- Laden like in a way because he has been hidden for so long, and no one knows where he is (all very sinister). It seems as though Gaddafi is simply trying to show that he does still hold power, the patriotic propaganda enforced by his family emphasizes that fact. Yet until he is found everyone is really just a sitting duck.
Kanza Ahmed (9am Friday)
In a way Gaddafi's new video message is not surprising, but it also seem very Bin- Laden like in a way because he has been hidden for so long, and no one knows where he is (all very sinister). It seems as though Gaddafi is simply trying to show that he does still hold power, the patriotic propaganda enforced by his family emphasizes that fact. Yet until he is found everyone is really just a sitting duck.
Kanza Ahmed (9am Friday)
First Death Free Month For US In Iraq Since The War Began In 2003
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-14745907
After reading this article I found it really interesting how after about 8 years this was the first month in which there were no US casualties in Iraq during the war. With over 48,000 soldiers being there and about 4,500 have been killed is really crazy. In the least the good part is that the soldiers will be out of Iraq and returning home by the end of the year.
Osama Abbasi Discussion 10am-10:50 Friday
After reading this article I found it really interesting how after about 8 years this was the first month in which there were no US casualties in Iraq during the war. With over 48,000 soldiers being there and about 4,500 have been killed is really crazy. In the least the good part is that the soldiers will be out of Iraq and returning home by the end of the year.
Osama Abbasi Discussion 10am-10:50 Friday
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