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

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

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

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

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.

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)

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