Syria, Under Siege Inside and Out, Does Not Budge

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/08/world/middleeast/syria-bashar-assad-officials-dismiss-protests.html?_r=1&ref=middleeast


The turmoil undergoing in the nation of Syria has garnered national attention as it presents yet another example of political unrest over the existing regime in power. The people of Syria have opposed the Syrian government and most notably its President, Bashar al-Assad, and have voiced their displeasure over the regime with acts of protest and revolt. This all culminated in a massive killing orchestrated by the President's government officials that resulted in the deaths of over 4,000 civilians with many thousands more being imprisoned by the secret police of the regime. In the following days, Assad's resignation has gained much support from the Syrian people and the international community. Yet, he still maintains that his country has the majority support for his Presidency. He denies any video footage taken by civilians clearly showing the destruction and havoc his regime has inflicted on the people. He seems hell-bent on remaining in power and does not seem to think much of the conflict surrounding him, and engulfing his presidency. The article highlights the fact that Assad and his followers are undeterred by all the negativity and hate surrounding him. Clearly, the man is out of touch with reality.

Marc Butiong
Maness 10am

Leader of FARC Guerrilla Movement Is Killed in Combat, Colombian Officials Say

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/05/world/americas/leader-of-farc-guerrilla-movement-is-killed-in-combat-colombian-officials-say.html?ref=colombia

Alfonso Cano, the Leader of the Farc was killed in an air raid on Friday, November 4th, 2011. The Farc is a Marxist-Socialist group that became a rebel force financed by drug trafficking and kidnapping. Alfonso Cano had been pressed charges for drug trafficking and the State Department offered a $5 million reward for his capture. In the past years, the Farc has suffered many losses of its' top leaders who have been killed during combat. However, there will always be someone else waiting to take the place of the leader who had been killed. I believe that the only way the Farc could ever be taken down would be by stopping them from drug trafficking and stopping their flow of income. Is this the only way of putting a stop to the Farc? If not, then what other ways could be used and how would it work?

Ernesto Acosta
T.A.: John Van B.
Friday @ 9 a.m.

Syria's Bashar al-Assad 'feels no guilt' over crackdown

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16065131

The article presents key points and quotes regarding the interview between Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, and Us network ABC spokesperson, Barbara Walters. Assad does not take blame for the killings but rather blames armed criminal gangs. Assad also does not express guilt for the violence and deaths because he did all he could do for his people. However, he fears the loss of their support.

Anna Orszulak
Ryan Maness Friday @ 10:00AM

New Cabinet Sworn In In Egypt

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2011/12/egypt-cabinet-constitution.html

After ten months, a new Prime Minister and 13 other new departmental ministers are appointed in Egypt. Kamal Ganzuri will assume the post of Prime Minister, but will not have control of the military, unlike his predecessor Honsi Mubarak. The Associated Press quoted, "We are in the early stages of democracy. This is not out of mistrust of the parliament. What we are seeing is free and fair elections ... but it certainly doesn't represent all sectors of society."

Robert Fri- 9:00am

Pakistani attacks in Afghanistan

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/08/world/asia/hamid-karzai-visits-wounded-in-suicide-bombings-and-looks-to-pakistan.html?_r=1&ref=internationalrelations


This article is about three suicide bombings taking place in Afghanistan, the most recent in a hospital, by Pakistani extremists. These Pakistanis are using these bombings as direct attacks against Shiites and these bombings take place on the high holidays of the Shiites. No apology or any sign of condolences have come from Pakistan to Afghanistan. Afghani leaders are now debating on what their next actions will be.

Nick Waters
Ryan Maness: Fri@9AM

Euro-Zone Debt Follow-up

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/07/world/europe/angela-merkel-nears-a-remaking-of-euro-zone.html?_r=1&ref=world

According to several credit rating agencies, the entire euro-zone may be in for the same type of down grade that the U.S. experienced weeks ago. The consequences of this type of action could be, in theory, catastrophic to global markets. Already dealing with the weight of their debt, a devaluation of their overall economies would be crippling to European nations like Italy, Greece and Portugal.

Andrea Hernandez

Maness F 9:00

Mexico's Calderon says drug gangs threatening democracy

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16027972

Mexico's president believes that the drug cartels' attempts to mainupulate elections is a threat to Democracy and to the country especially. He has propsed to crack down even harder by ordering troops to tackle the cartels. "It's a threat that affects everyone and we must all, without hesitation, move to stop it."

Katina Cuevas
TA John
9:00 AM Friday

Mexico 'stops entry' of Libya's Saadi Gaddafi

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16075043

In this article it states how Saadi Gaddafi tried to sneak in into Mexico, but he was stopped. But he wasn't the only only one, some of his family members were also trying to be smuggled into Mexico and some of them were arrested. It also talks about a criminal ring of "international dimensions", which it involved people from different countries involving Mexico, Denmark, and Canada.

Andres Ortegano

TA Ryan on Fridays @ 10:00 am

IMF releases 2.2 billion euro in aid for Greece

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund on Monday agreed to release a 2.2 billion euro ($2.95 billion) aid disbursement to Greece, part of a three-year IMF-EU bailout package to help the debt-stricken country avoid bankruptcy.

"The executive board of the International Monetary Fund today completed the fifth review of Greece's economic performance under a program supported by a three-year Stand-By Arrangement for Greece," the IMF said in a brief statement.

The disbursement brings to 20.3 billion the sum paid out to Greece so far under the 30 billion euro IMF loan agreed in May last year. It is part of a bigger 110 billion euro rescue package for the country.

The approval of the latest aid tranche followed assurances by Prime Minister Lucas Papademos and his new unity government that the country would stick to terms of a debt reduction deal.

Last week, European leaders approved an 8 billion euro tranche for Greece.

An IMF mission will travel to Athens between December 12 and December 16 for preliminary discussions with the new coalition on economic policies.

I saw this coming, since Greece has been in economic problems for a while now. In my opinion Greece had no other choice but to turn to the IMF-EU. Its good because Greece will be in good economic conditions under the IMF-EU, but its also bad because they have to abide by their rules and economic policies that the IMF has in mind.

Jose Acosta

Maness 10 am

Eurozone crisis: New EU treaty 'may not be needed'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16062378

In this article it it states how they believe they will be able to help the economic troubles that the Eurozone has without a new treaty. Some of the members believe that by amending a few things they will be able to gain more than if they drafted a new treaty and had members sign on again. Members like France are Germany are urging a new treaty and stricter rules for members. The main point is that they would like some important rules to be enforced such as monitoring for those who are bailed out by the EU.

Rocio Clara
TA Ryan

Eurozone crisis: New EU treaty 'may not be needed'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16062378

EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy is saying that there is a possible fast-track "fiscal compact" that does not need ratification by parliaments or national referendums. A protocol will have to amended which requires a national consensus but does not require any major changes to EU treaties. These provisions were found in the interim report:

Each eurozone member's budget deficit should be below 3% of GDP and national debt under 60%

A "golden rule" should be enshrined into national legislation to guarantee a balanced budget in the medium-term

The eurozone bailout fund to be given a banking licence to borrow directly from the European Central Bank

The European Commission to have the power to impose austerity measures automatically on countries which require bailouts

Great Britain still opts out unless safeguards are put up to protect financial interests of London and and for British role in the European single market. Greek debt has been written down by half and many think that the Portuguese, Irish, Spanish, and Italian governments will soon follow. If Greece, Italy and other default on their debts, German and French lenders will lose big. The dilemma is growing very large and needs to be taken care of quick. Heck the European public is far from understanding the issues.

Greece has been living outside its means before it joined the euro. Once it did spending soared and more and more debt piled up. The crisis just seems to go on and for serious action to be taken ratification will have to be made.

Sarvateet Patel

Benthuysen - 11am Friday

Pakistan recalls some troops from posts on Afghan border

After a NATO attack killing almost two dozen troops, Pakistan has withdrawn several soldiers along it’s Afghanistan border. This recall is part of an investigation by Pakistan on the NATO airstrike which killed 24 Pakistani soldiers on November 26. This all comes during heightened tensions between Pakistan and the US in the aftermath of the air strike. Due to a request by Pakistan, the US is vacating an airbase in Pakistan at Islamabad’s request. Withdrawn soldiers will return to their posts after consultations are complete. I think that this response by Pakistan will complicate communication between Pakistani, NATO, and Afghan forces within Afghanistan and was somewhat of a drastic approach.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/06/world/asia/pakistan-nato-fallout/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

Keara McGraw 9am F Maness

Libya authorities 'to disarm Tripoli by 31 December' Residents of the capital want the rebels to lay down their arms Continue reading the main story

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16060966

This article discusses the implications of military disarmament caused by third party deterrence. One of the heads in Trapolli's council has warned rebels that they have until the end of the month to disarm, stop protests, and go back to their normal lives. This was caused by a public outcry to stop the violence. The fact of the matter is that there were no consequences stated within the statement and thus deterrence was not executed. I understand both parties points of view, as one is trying to initiate change while the other is trying to stabilize violence. Overall I believe that change can be enacted through other means, even in the middle east. It has been successful in Libya, and it can in this case.

Qian Wu

Ryan Mannas F 9am

POLS 184

Iran, Facing New Sanctions, Warns of Oil at $250 a Barrel

Western nations have discussed sanctioning Iran after mobs stormed and vandalized Britain's diplomatic facilities in Tehran less than a week ago. This past Monday, Iran's foreign ministry warned that the global price of oil would more than double if sanctions were imposed to block oil exports from the country. Despite this threat, oil prices had little change by the end of Monday. In my opinion, even if Iran did increase oil prices, other oil producing countries would take the opportunity to make more money by filling the gap. The Iranians would be hurt the worst if they decided to increase prices since oil sales are the main source of Iran's income. Regardless to this threat, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed economic sanctions against Iran on this past Thursday.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/06/world/middleeast/threatened-by-new-sanctions-iran-warns-of-250-oil.html?ref=world

Sylvia C.

Ryan Maness 10 am

NASA Telescope Confirms Alien Planet in Habitable Zone

Article:
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — NASA's planet-hunting Kepler spacecraft has confirmed the discovery of its first alien world in its host star's habitable zone — that just-right range of distances that could allow liquid water to exist — and found more than 1,000 new explanet candidates, researchers announced today (Dec. 5).
The new finds bring the Kepler space telescope's total haul to 2,326 potential planets in its first 16 months of operation.These discoveries, if confirmed, would quadruple the current tally of worlds known to exist beyond our solar system, which recently topped 700.
The potentially habitable alien world, a first for Kepler, orbits a star very much like our own sun. The discovery brings scientists one step closer to finding a planet like our own — one which could conceivably harbor life, scientists said.
"We're getting closer and closer to discovering the so-called 'Goldilocks planet,'" Pete Worden, director of NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif., said during a press conference today. [Gallery: The Strangest Alien Planets]
The newfound planet in the habitable zone is called Kepler-22b. It is located about 600 light-years away, orbiting a sun-like star.
Kepler-22b's radius is 2.4 times that of Earth, and the two planets have roughly similar temperatures. If the greenhouse effect operates there similarly to how it does on Earth, the average surface temperature on Kepler-22b would be 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius).
Hunting down alien planets
The $600 million Kepler observatory launched in March 2009 to hunt for Earth-size alien planets in the habitable zone of their parent stars, where liquid water, and perhaps even life, might be able to exist.
Kepler detects alien planets using what's called the "transit method." It searches for tiny, telltale dips in a star's brightness caused when a planet transits — or crosses in front of — the star from Earth's perspective, blocking a fraction of the star's light.
The finds graduate from "candidates" to full-fledged planets after follow-up observations confirm that they're not false alarms. This process, which is usually done with large, ground-based telescopes, can take about a year.
The Kepler team released data from its first 13 months of operation back in February, announcing that the instrument had detected 1,235 planet candidates, including 54 in the habitable zone and 68 that are roughly Earth-size.
Of the total 2,326 candidate planets that Kepler has found to date, 207 are approximately Earth-size. More of them, 680, are a bit larger than our planet, falling into the "super-Earth" category. The total number of candidate planets in the habitable zones of their stars is now 48.
To date, just over two dozen of these potential exoplanets have been confirmed, but Kepler scientists have estimated that at least 80 percent of the instrument's discoveries should end up being the real deal.
More discoveries to come
The newfound 1,094 planet candidates are the fruit of Kepler's labors during its first 16 months of science work, from May 2009 to September 2010. And they won't be the last of the prolific instrument's discoveries.
"This is a major milestone on the road to finding Earth's twin," Douglas Hudgins, Kepler program scientist at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C., said in a statement.
Mission scientists still need to analyze data from the last two years and on into the future. Kepler will be making observations for a while yet to come; its nominal mission is set to end in November 2012, but the Kepler team is preparing a proposal to extend the instrument's operations for another year or more.
Kepler's finds should only get more exciting as time goes on, researchers say.
"We're pushing down to smaller planets and longer orbital periods," said Natalie Batalha, Kepler deputy science team lead at Ames.
To flag a potential planet, the instrument generally needs to witness three transits. Planets that make three transits in just a few months must be pretty close to their parent stars; as a result, many of the alien worlds Kepler spotted early on have been blisteringly hot places that aren't great candidates for harboring life as we know it.
Given more time, however, a wealth of more distantly orbiting — and perhaps more Earth-like — exoplanets should open up to Kepler. If intelligent aliens were studying our solar system with their own version of Kepler, after all, it would take them three years to detect our home planet.
"We are getting very close," Batalha said. "We are homing in on the truly Earth-size, habitable planets."
You can follow SPACE.com senior writer Mike Wall on Twitter: @michaeldwall. Follow SPACE.com for the latest in space science and exploration news on Twitter @Spacedotcomand on

Commentary:
I was surprised to find that so many earth like planets had been discovered and how large some of them are. I also thought that it would take longer than 3 years to identify an earth-like planet considering how fragile conditions to sustain life are. It is great that NASA is dedicated to finding these planets, but we have to think, for what purpose? We have pretty much ruined this planet by destroying much of its natural beauty through foresting, developing, mining, etc. I'm no tree hugger, but i do believe in preserving some natural beauty for posterity. It is humbling to look into the Great Canyon, swing through the Amazon, and be splashed by water falling off the Niagra Falls. These are just a few natural wonders that are in danger. Are we exploring these planets as a potential colony? or are we just looking for the easy way out? We have already nearly ruined this planet. It would not be right to ruin others.

posted by
Marla K
Ryan 9am

Harnessing desert sun to power Europe

A group based in Germany by the name of Desertec wants to implement solar panels in the deserts of North Africa and the middle east to provide clean energy to Europe as well as local areas. They plan to setup a similar model in Morocco on a lesser scale to demonstrate the feasibility of the project. Their goal is to be self sustaining by 2050 and project a budget of $400 billion.

Solar power is undoubtedly becoming a more effective energy source and analysts even say will be able to contend with fossil fuels by 2020. Other problems arise though, with the instability of Africa potentially causing problems as well as the vast distance the energy would be traveling. I think it could work if proper measures and precautions were taken. Not to mention it is still a few decades from being implemented so lots of unpredictable factors can occur in that time span. Hopefully the United States looks at this plan to create some type of large scale solar plan too.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15984493

Trevor Engstrom
Ryan Maness Friday 9am section

Iran claims to have obtained US drone

Iran claimed to have shot down a RQ-170 Sentinel, a u.s. drone near the Afghan border. US officials say that there is no indication that one has been shot down, instead that the remote piloters lost control of the aircraft and the drone crashed into an unknown location. My concern is how do US officials not have better tabs on the equipment they use. If it is technology that we are afraid could be replicated, whether by Iran or by China or Russia, then I would assume they would be able to account for every drone plane that is made.

Casey Summers
11am discussion w/ Van Benthuysen

German Military Fears Civil War in Afghanistan

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,801253,00.html

As NATO forces plan to leave in 2014, the German Army is fearful for a Civil War in Afghanistan. Fighting the Taliban over the years have caused some sort of peace but, the army is afraid that after they leave that war will ensue.

Austin Sellers

TA: Ryan Maness 10am

Protests at Climate Change Summit in Durban

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16021217

Thousands of demonstrators have marched through the South African city of Durban demanding faster action on climate change. However, there is massive resistence by the developed nations and the EU to support these actions in Africa.

Cailie Swillum
TA: Ryan, 9am

Phase 1 of Egyptian Elections End in Anticipation

http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/02/world/africa/egypt-elections/index.html

The results of the first phase of the Egyptian elections has ended and results are projected to be released today. This phase was specifically for the election of representatives in the Egyptian houses of parliament. Elections for the lower houses are set to be completed in January and the elections of the upper houses will proceed from January to March with the presidential election held by June. Some parties have arisen such as the Salafis and the Muslim Brotherhood which may have a big influence in these elections.

Andrew Makar

TA: John 9 AM

Syria committed crimes against humanity, U.N. panel finds

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-syria-un-20111203,0,1827015.story

"...The U.N. Human Rights Council condemns Syria for 'gross and systemic violations' in a resolution that diplomats say calls for action by the main U.N. bodies and the International Criminal Court.

Reporting from Beirut—

The United Nations' top human rights forum on Friday condemned Syria for "gross and systematic violations" after an independent panel found evidence suggesting the country's security forces had committed crimes against humanity..."

Comments:

The response from the UN is past due. The situation started months back and the UN's delayed response is not very helpful. At least they are doing something. It is not surprising that Syria would say that the resolution is not an "objective assessment". They probably deny the fact that they even have a major problem. What do you think?

-Manuel Medina

TA: John, Friday (9am)

Clinton Says U.S. Will Relax Some Restrictions on Myanmar

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/02/world/asia/us-will-relax-curbs-on-aid-to-myanmar.html?adxnnl=1&ref=world&adxnnlx=1322802617-lXgUxRm9X1f%20fHqhaYHJ3w&pagewanted=all

Published: December 1st, 2011 - NY Times

TA: Ryan (10am)

Student: Binsy Chennikkara

Comments: This article sparked my interest because it seems to me that the U.S. is looking for a greater foothold in Asia, and hopefully gathering more allies. The location of the former Burma is just a little to the right of India, being right by India, Pakistan, and China, as well as not being too far from North/South Korea and Japan.

The U.S. seeks to gain more influence by beginning diplomatic relations with Myanmar. Such an alliance will give more support and credence to work with other countries (Namely: China, India, Pakistan, North/South Korea)

At the same time the U.S. will seek to spread democracy as well as improve conditions for Myanmese people as well as opening up country's politics, and release political prisoners. It is also implied the the cost of having U.S. aid is to cut off possible illicit dealings with North Korea and possible nuclear technology.

The new president seems predisposed and willing to work with the U.S. even though its obvious that there are powerful players in the Myanamese government that will not be happy with U.S. interference into their politics, as well as possibly being a pawn to U.S. power, and setting up an American influenced democracy will take time.

The U.S. is also 'not yet considering' (most likely wont) lift sweeping sanctions against the majority of imports from Myanmar, the US is at least agreed to step aside to allow the World Bank and International Monetary Fund from carrying out assessment programs.

They will also support expansions of health care and small businesses.

Also noted -- the U.S. has encouraged Myanmar to improve water conditions, but also by opening up their policies and joining the regional initiative of the Lower Mekong which is sponsored by America. (Already combining Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand)

In short, economic reform is being offered as an incentive to get political reform that will favor the U.S. government more in future international conflicts.

Arab League votes to impose sanctions against Syria

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/27/world/meast/syria-unrest/index.html

Since the passing of these sanctions by the Arab League, the Syrian Government has stepped down, a tremendous victory for the people of Syria. What is still important here though is that the pressure from the Arab League helped make that happen, when pressure form western powers could not. As Americans, we are known for having stereotypical view of the middle east, that all of these countries abuse human rights and are foes of democracy. But regardless of their motivations, this story proves otherwise. If you read the quotes from the Syrian delegate, he says he is shocked that the Arab nations would turn on another Arab nation. This goes to show that while they do support each other, at some point there is a limit. Syria's human rights abuses against the protesters finally crossed a line that the rest of the League would not tolerate. This is a huge step forward not only for the people of Syria, but for the League itself and for any other people that might be joining this movement spreading through the Middle East.

Avi Yudkowsky

Ryan, 9am