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