CONGO FIGHTING KILLS 36 PEOPLE JOSELOPEZ 4th prd

The fighting started on Wednesday in North Kivu. About 36 people have been killed in the fighting between the government and militia forces. 10 Sicilians were killed and at least 3000 to 4000 Congolese have taken refuge around anU.N base. I will also keep u guys updated to more about this.      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analysis: I just think that all this fighting is useless.                                                                              http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/28/world/africa/drc-fighting/index.html     

THE PRESIDENT OF SOMOLIA NEGOCIATES WITH PIRATES!! JOSELOPEZ 4th prd

Boys involved with pirate groups are now offered partial amnesty according to Somalia's president.  This is a move designed to curb attacks on shipping of the Horn of Africa, said his office. There's no further information about this but I'll update some more information about this.                                          ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------analysis: I think that it really isn't a very good idea to do this.                                                                http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/28/world/africa/somalia-boy-pirates-amnesty/index.html 

Adoption in Uganda -Hadassah Lai

Uganda is one of the poorest countries in the world, based on agriculture. But based on adoption? It's booming like no other. Many people in Uganda suffer from extreme poverty, but they have one of the world's highest birth rates. This causes a lot of babies and children to be abandoned in streets or orphanages. Many children are in Uganda's orphanages and many are adopted each day. Russia has banned Americans from adopting in their nation, and China's process has become very tedious and long. Uganda provides a safe and easy process to adopt children.

I think this is very good for the kids. I feel so sorry for them for being abandoned by their own parents, but I think it'd be better for them to live in a safe environment that can provide all their needs than living in a dangerous one. The fact that millions of kids are put into safe and loving homes each year just touches my heart.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/27/world/africa/wus-uganda-adoptions/index.html

Deadly Attack in Mali-Molly Paley

              A car bomb exploded in the city of Kidal killing seven people. It is suspected that the attack was targeted towards a checkpoint manned by people who support the French' s military intervention. Mali has been an unstable country since the militant takeover. Much unrest and violence makes the citizens of Mali fearful. The French, who once controlled Mali, intervened last month when militants were threatening southern Mali. I hope that all the political problems in Mali can be solved. While it may difficult, creating resolutions is necessary in order to have peace in the country.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21595018

South Africa mine dispute erupts in violence - Jack VanGorden

In Johannesburg, South Africa last Monday, nine mine employees were hurt by Anglo American Platinum security guards. The guards shot rubber bullets to try to break up an intense argument between rival union groups. The disturbance occurred at the company's Siphumelele mine. After the shooting, all of the employees were treated but none had any serious injuries. This is not the first time something like this has happened. Several other eruptions took place last fall. I hope that whatever these miners are fighting about is resolved so that there aren't any more outbreaks that cause serious damage.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/18/world/africa/south-africa-mine-shooting/index.html

And the death toll rises by Madeline Ibarra

It's sad to hear that yet another car bomb has gone off in Syria and killed dozens on Thursday. This bomb was targeted at Syria's leading government but was set off close to a Russian Embassy building causing major damage. The death toll was 53 with 230 other wounded and 17 cars burned. Most of the victims were civilians. The police say that they do not know exactly who was behind this blast yet.  This report says that, "The car bomb exploded just 65 feet away from the Baath Party building and damaged it, a resident named Mohammed said. Two schools are close by, and teachers phoned parents, asking them to pick up their children, he said. He did not want to give his last name because he was concerned for his own safety." This explosions was one of many on Thursday that killed a total of 210 people across the nation.
All I can really do is let my jaw drop. I feel like every week there is more and more deaths related to bombing, gun violence, and war. Not only is this issue escalating in the Middle East, it is becoming a serious problem here on home ground. I feel like we could maybe be an influence for them. By preventing violence and taking serious action when the crime is done, we should begin to promote a more peaceful life style. So many deaths every week is just a moral problem!

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/21/world/meast/syria-civil-war/index.html

South African Olympic Athlete is Charged of Murder - Lysette Barrera

Oscar Pistorious, a South African olympic athlete, was charged with murder after the fatal shooting of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on valentine's day. His family "strongly refutes" upgrading charges against him to premeditated murder, as he would get a life sentence in prison. 

Pistorious is grief-stricken by his girlfriend's death, according to his uncle. His family says that he and Steenkamp were very close since they started dating. The death of the 29-year old model and the arrest of the athlete shocked South Africa. Steenkamp was shot 4 times with a 9mm pistol. Pistorious was known as "Blade Runner" because of his high-tech prosthetic limbs.

This is old news, but I had this saved for a while and never posted it, so here it is!

http://m.nydailynews.com/1.1265912

"Palestinians protest inmate's death, warn Obama" EMMA HERNANDEZ

After a prisoners death, many Palestinians became angry. All of the prisoners in the Palestinians prison began to protest, there was about 4,500 people protesting. Crowds protested in the streets of West Bank. 
"If President Obama wants to visit the region peacefully, he should exert pressure on Israel to release the prisoners -- especially the ones who are on hunger strike -- or else he will visit while Palestine is on fire," Palestinian Minister of Prisoner Affairs Issa Qaraqe said. Palestine blames Israel for the prisoner's death.  .

Hannah Menchu - No Freedom Of Poetry, Just Prison

Qatari poet life sentence reduced to 15 years

            Mohammad al-Ajami is a poet in Qatar.  Last year he was sentenced to LIFE in prison for inciting the overthrow of the government and insulting Qatar's rulers.  This week his Life sentence was  reduced to fifteen years.  The case against Mr Ajami is said to be based on a poem he wrote in 2010 which criticized the Emir, Sheikh Hamad al-Thani.  But activists believe the authorities were angered by a 2011 poem he wrote about authoritarian rule in the region.

            Words can be powerful but he shouldn’t be in prison for this.  Thank goodness we have freedom of speech.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21572072

Anti - Missile - Elvira Gamboa

In Israel a missile interceptor was tested succesfully. It was made to prevent any missiles from countries near by. This success boosts up Israel's  defenses. The U.S. has helped Israel make this defense for a while.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/25/world/meast/israel-weapons-system/index.html?hpt=imi_c2

an innovation on how people will get around in israel_breanne moreno

http://geocurrents.info/news-map/environment-news/two-innovations-to-revolutionize-how-people-get-around-in-israel


Thist transportation alternative is said to literally take off ground-within two years. This futuristic rapid transport system is called skyTran. Magnets in this vehicle make a magnetic field around the metal coil inside the rail, which makes the vehicle lift up and fly 60 miles per hour on a cushion of air. This system does not use much anergy and it is potential to be powered completely by solar panels.
The first route of this system will be next spring. skyTran will be cheap to use, and have a public and private way of transportation.

French Journalist Dies- TeeDee Simons

A French journalist, Oliver Voisin, was recently killed on Sunday in Syria. He died from a head injury in a hospital in Turkey. Voisin was a photographer working with reporters, but did not have any Borders. The news says that him and his team were covering the civil war in Idlib when he was wounded in an explosion on Thursday. The media reminds us of how dedicated journalists are to their job so they can inform their fellow citizens on news, wheather it's locally or internationally. The media also hopes that this is a reminder of how long this fighting has been going on in Syria and that it will soon be put to a stop.

My source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/24/world/meast/syria-french-journalist-killed/index.html

This article was written on February 25 this morning. The article says it was written by a cnn staff member. This article is for people who are interested in politics and war in Syria. I found this article very sad and I now have a respect for journalists and their jobs.

Palestinians inch closer to rejection at U.N. body_ Breanne Moreno

https://sites.google.com/site/southwestasiaandnorthernafrica/south-west-asia-and-northern-africa/current-events/palestiniansinchclosertorejectionatunbody



Palestine has been trying to be recognized as a state by the UN for a while now. Earlier this week, Palestine was the 194th member of UNESCO. The United States and israel decided to not fund UNESCO since they let palestine in. This made them loose 25 percent of their yearly budget, for letting one member in. The people of Palestine are not happy at the moment. They are being denied UN membership again. one of the biggest reasons why palestine will not get UN membership now is because israel has sided with the United States. Countries also do not want to be responsible for being the reason why the US would stop funding certain UN programs.

Israel Successfully Tests New Missile Defense System- Maddie Ash

   Israel has successfully tested its new missile interceptor system: Arrow 3. Arrow 3 detects an incoming missile, intercepts it and destroys it with a second missile above the earth's atmosphere.The system was developed to protect Israel from the threat of a strike from Iran. It was tested for the first time on Monday alongside US forces. Officials say that the Iron Dome missile defense system in place now in Israel has intercepted up to 85% of missiles fired from Gaza towards populated areas during the conflict in November 2012. An official said it was "the first time the interceptor with all of its equipment took off and flew, achieved the velocities, and did the maneuvers in space".


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21571422

French Family Kidnapped in Cameroon- Margaret Canady

A Youtube video has been posted showing 7 members of a family, included four children, kidnapped by Islamists in the African country of Cameroon. The family was abducted by the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram last Tuesday.

In the video, an armed man read a statement demanding the release of prisoners in Cameroon and Nigeria. One of the other kidnappers warned that France had launched a war on Islam. Behind him, one of the hostages confirmed the abduction had been by Boko Haram. French authorities are still trying to confirm the authenticity of the video.

In recent years, Boko Haram has attacked churches, government buildings and security buildings throughout Northern Nigeria. The family that includes young children has been held captive for almost a week.

Abducting a family with children is a very twisted thing to do. The children are innocent, and do not have anything to do with the conflict involving Boko Haram. I hope they are able to free the family without anyone getting injured. The government and French authorities should be aware of this Nigerian group, who have attacked before.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21577874

7 Foreigners Kidnapped in Nigeria by Corsica Steding

Seven foreigners have been kidnapped at a construction site located in Nigeria late at night two Saturdays ago.  Of the workers that were kidnapped there was one Italian citizen, one Greek citizen, and two Lebanese citizens that we know of.  The kidnappers first gunned down a prison, burning two police trucks.  The criminals have also done many other horrific things leading up to this one.  Since then security forces have caught one of the group's leaders and killed 17 suspected members.

Hassan John wrote this article for CNN on February 18th.  Before reading this article I knew that there had been various conflicts in Nigeria, but I wasn't aware of any specifics.  This article was written to inform anyone who wanted to be updated on the issue.  I think that it's awful that people have been hurt and taken just due to conflicting ideas that could be resolved in another way.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/17/world/africa/nigeria-kidnappings/index.html

peace deal signed in Congo- Amanda Cervantes

On Sunday African leaders signed a deal meant to bring stability to the country of The Democratic Republic of Congo. The agreement asks of nations to cooperate to "preserve and protect the territorial sovereignty". It was made because of constant fighting beetween the M23 rebel group and the army. The M23 group had been called to sign an agreement numerous of times before but always broke out of it. The deal was signed in Addis Ababa the capitol of Ethiopia.

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/24/world/africa/congo-peace-deal/index.html?hpt=iaf_c1

Rwandan army deserters 'held on Lake Kivu island' by Amaria Stern

280 Rwandan soldiers who were accused of desertion  being held on Lake Kivu island were recently revealed. The soldiers who were being held there were moved from a military prison in 2012. The troops were moved because the Red Cross was planning to visit that particular prison. A leader of the prison claimed to have been "re-educating" them. They were accused of deserting their jobs and they needed to be taught how to "behave themselves again." One of the deserters said that many of them had been held for several years without a trial or visitors.

I find it disturbing that someone can take it upon themselves to force people onto an island to "re-educate" them. It was obvious that they were not supposed to be held in prison because of their fear of being caught by the Red Cross.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21537102

South African Mine Dispute-Cassidy Kaye

Nine miners were hurt on monday when bullets were fired in order to break up a dispute. Controversy and conflict have arose while decisions are being made about the NUM policies for miners. I really hope they can get this sorted out without anyone else being badly injured like the events that happened previously.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/18/world/africa/south-africa-mine-shooting/index.html

New Education (vanessa de la cruz)

 

The National Youth Development Agency has handed over a mobile science lab to one of the disadvantage schools in Port Elizabeth. The initiative seeks to provide science teachers with better resources and improve matric results.

The project enables learners of underprivileged schools to perform science experiments, which they are currently unable to do due to lack of facilities and do to their harsh economy.

For more than ten years, teachers at Sakhisizwe senior secondary school struggled to explain difficult scientific reactions; theory to learners and it showed in the results the students performed. The school resulted badly in math and science last year.

A total of 30 schools in the Eastern Cape especially in rural areas will also receive these mobile science labs. Government has urged teachers at this school to encourage learners to use the labs.

Steven Ngubeni, National Youth Development Agency CEO says, “The mobile clinic is divided into two parts. We want youth to excel in education; our job is to encourage learners to excel in maths and science. We are going to enroll this project in other provinces. We want these learners to be competitive and we need more scientists in the country.”

Teachers will be given clear guidelines to teach these learners about these mobile science labs.

/SABCNews-Templates/SABCNews_tech/default_content/default_content_newsDefault Content News

:

Jodi Arias grilled over lies-Noe Perales

Prosecutor Juan Martinez kept up his aggressive courtroom style on Monday, the second day of his cross-examination, as he peppered Jodi Arias with questions about the events leading up to and after Travis Alexander's death.

At one point during the cross-examination, Arias said she did not want her parents to see her admit to killing Alexander. Martinez shot back, "Then why are you admitting to it now?"

Honing in on the details of Alexander's brutal death, Martinez said, "Can you imagine how much it must have hurt Mr. Alexander when you stuck that knife right into his chest?"

click here to see more of the trial thingy

Rwandans Tough It Out for Their Homeland by Corran Nolan

Like many places in Africa, Rwanda suffers from severe weather and natural disasters. Last year alone 3000 homes were destroyed, the worst severe weather storm killed at least 72 people and injured many others. Though this is due mainly to the bad weather, overpopulation, the way land is used, and modern construction methods make the damage much worse than it could be. However, many people will not leave their land, the land that their ancestors used for generations, because they feel a connection to it. Even people who experience annual flood damage from living near rivers will not move to safer ground because that is their ancestral land. The Rwandan government however is trying to reduce the impact by relocating many people hurt by these natural phenomenon to safer areas. It is an ongoing project, but the Rwandans are determined to keep their people safe.
This article is important because it shows how geography can affect push and pull factors for people. It also shows how people's cultural ties can keep them from moving, as well as how their building and population management structures can affect the everyday lives of the people living in an area.

Source: http://worldcrunch.com/culture-society/rwandans-risk-it-all-for-their-ancestral-lands/rwanda-climate-change-africa-floods/c3s10957/#.USv5sqWG3zs

French tourists kidnapped in Cameroon by Elaine Hennig

A family of seven French tourists were kidnapped from a national park in Cameroon. French military and intelligence officers have joined the search for them. It is believed that the family has been taken over the border into neighboring Nigeria. French officials have blamed the incident on Boko Haram, who has waged war on Nigeria and weakened its borders. However, others believe it may be related to France's military intervention in Mali. Those kidnapped include four children between ages 5-12, their parents, and their uncle.

This article shows the importance of border security. Not only can drugs and other items be smuggled, but people can be endangered. Hopefully this incident will make both Nigeria and Cameroon increase their border security.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/20/world/africa/cameroon-french-kidnapping/index.html?hpt=iaf_c2

Only diplomatic means are allowed to solve the iranian nuclear tissue

http://www.infoniac.com/news/italy-and-russia-summit.html

Vladimir Putin confirmed his point of view on the iranian nuclear tissue by saying that no other means other than diplomatic should be used to solve the conflict around the iranian nuclear program. Mr. Putin stated at a press-conference that the same diplomatic means should also be used in resolving other conflicts and in any other situation. After acknowledging everything Mr. Putin said, Romano Prodi added that such a multi-sided approach and the potentials of the UN could move, one way or another, the intense situation around lebanon from its dead point.The prime minister stated that the two countries will also closely cooperate in the UN security council, because many conflicts have not made any solution yet.

Bombings in Afghanistan By: Zaria Chambers

In Kabul, Afghanistan a series of explosions killed one person and wounded several people on Saturday. There were three attacks that occurred on Saturday. The first bombing was targeted to a building to National Directorate of Security. This blast killed one person. The second bombing was targeted at a police checkpoint. This blast wounded one police officer. Finally in the third bombing a suicide bomber placed his vest by a police gate causing many other people to get wounded.



This article is very sad. I hope that all of theses bombings will stop. I think that the security of this nation should do a better job to stop things like this from happing.

Source:
http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/24/world/asia/afghanistan-unrest/index.html

Shootings in Kenya by Kira Bell

people said that ten people came in and shot dead at least 7 people. It was in a mosque during the early morning prayerhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21530291

Saudi Arabian Health Ministry Is Being Attacked Because of a Girl Being given HIV-tainted Blood By: Nina Bharadwaj

     Much outrage has become in Saudi Arabia when a twelve year old girl had been given HIV-positive blood. Many people want the health minister to quit his job. In the Islamic kingdom (which is very ultraconservative), HIV and AIDS is not a common topic. Now, this case (of Reham al-Hakami) has started to cause some issues across the country.
     An investigator of the government-backed Human Rights Comission, Mohammed Almadi, has said that Reham al-Hakami had sickle cell anemia and that that she had received a blood transfusion on February 12. She had received in Jazan which is her hometown. Later in the day, some medical officers  told the family that the blood was HIV-positive. Next, she was taken to a hospital (King Faisal Specialist Hospital) in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. We have not been told whether Reham has been tested positive for HIV. Almadi said "This was a case of negligence."
     There has so much discussion on the topic which caused the Health Ministry to report a statement on Monday. The statement called the incident a "critical error" They also apologized to the girl, the family, and the Saudi Arabian Society. The ministry is investigating the issue. They posted that the issue was "acting on behalf of the family as the legal guardian in seeking compensation and to ensure that the legal procedures and the decisions made by the legal health councils will be carried out in her case." There is a video of Reham, online, saying "I need you to stand by me and pray for me."
     Around seven Health Ministry officials were injured and some were even fined, even the AIDS programs, said the report, which does not say anything about HIV. This rarely happens in this bureaucratic kingdon. Normally government institutions remain silent. A well-known television presenter on the MBC channel, Daoud al-Sharian, wants the Health Minister, Adullah al-Rebiah to resign. He said "I wish, just once, that a minister would resign over (his ministry's) mistakes. If a case like this happened in other countries, not just one minister but several ministers would resign."
     A local paper that goes out often in Saudi Arabia said that the Minister went to visit the girl in the hospital on Saturday and gave her an ipad. This has sparked mocking comments on social networks. There is line that has been posted various times online which has shown how angry these citizens are. The line is "Hey sorry about what happened so take this ipad and download some apps while you are waiting to die." There was also another post that was an Arabic tweet by the Saudi Arabian preacher, Adel Al-Kalabani. It was retweeted around 4,000 times. The tweet was "This should go into the Guinness Book as the cheapest compensation ever."
     However, Al-Rabiah has claimed that this is not compensation by saying "I couldn't go empty-handed to the hospital to visit her for the first time." Apparently, he had asked Health Officials what Reham had wanted, and she had said an ipad to listen to Quran, Islam's holy book. He said "So I asked my colleagues to prepare an ipad and put some games on it as well as Quran. As a father, if I visited her without bringing anything with me, I would have blamed myself."
     The family's lawyer, Ibrahim al-Hakimi, said the family plans to sue the Ministry "Starting from the most senior official and including all employees involved in this medical mistake." They are still in shock.
Analysis: The main idea of this article is that a girl was given a blood transfusion, but unfortunately the blood she was given had HIV in it. It is still unclear whether the girl has HIV. The family plans to sue the Health Minister. The authors of this article, Schams Elwazer, Mohammed Jamjoom, and Samya Ayish wrote this article to tell of what awful this has happened to this girl and how this has caused outrage in Saudi Arabia. There was bias against the Health Minister, but I agree with it.
I was shocked after I read this story. This poor girl may die all because of a medical mistake. I can't believe that the hospital would not check the blood to make sure it is healthy before putting it into this girls' body. I feel horrible for her and her family. I agree with the family suing the Health Minister because it is just an unintelligent mistake that shouldn't have even happened in the first place. All I can do is hope that this girl is not infected, but even if she doesn't have HIV she could be a carrier which would affect her future generations. I hope the hospital has learned its lesson.
Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/20/world/meast/saudi-arabia-hiv-case/index.html?hpt=imi_c2

Pistorius Case Brings Attention to South Africa Gun Culture Post by : Addison Norman

Pistorius Case Brings Attention to South Africa Gun Culture

Post by : Addison Norman

           

                        In South Africa, Oscar Pistorius shot his girlfriend after he thought it was someone breaking in. The court is now deciding if he will be charged for murder. This case has brought attention to guns and crime in South Africa. It is said that many people in the country are fearful of someone breaking into their homes. Sources say that last year around 50 percent of people reported to police that they are afraid, in South Africa. The rate of break ins has doubled over the past seven years. In South Africa, there are around 6 million licensed guns, and that is what burglars are after because it is difficult to buy a gun lawfully. Many people believe gun culture started back during apartheid when there was fighting among blacks and whites. During this time many people bought guns to protect themselves.

            I understand why people would want to protect themselves, especially during apartheid. Apartheid was a time when blacks had little rights compared to whites. This created fighting and cause many people who wanted to protect themselves.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/23/world/africa/south-africa-gun-violence/index.html?hpt=wo_c1 

A British Man Perishes In A Resort in Egypt By Lucy Hinderliter

     A fifty-year-old man drowned swimming in the Red Sea coast on Friday. He was staying at the resort of Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt."We can confirm the death of a British national in Egypt on 22 February. We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time," said a foreign office spokeswoman. 
     I find it very sad when people are on vacation trying to escape stress, or trying to have a good time when all of a sudden they die from random events like swimming.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21558778

US deploys 100 troops to neighbour Niger Ayla Huff

US deploys 100 troops to neighbour Niger

 

 

 

In mid-January the United States and Niger requested a meeting with each other discussing the status of the US. army and which forces will be needed in Niger in the future. Just recently on friday Barack Obama infromed the congess that the United States sent forces out to Niger to assist French troops in the neighboring Mali. In January the french were sent to Mali to fight the forces of Islamist militants and now are in need of help from the U.S. which will provide intelligence support. I would like to know more about what makes up this Islamist Militant group and why France and the U.S. oppose this militant group. This article didn't give much information on some subjects and very important details on others. The story is very interesting and I can't wait to find out more about whether the United State forces were of any help to Niger and the French.

Australian Man Held Hostage In Yemen-Kennedi Mayes

December 21st, Dominik Neubauer and two other people were abducted by a tribe in Yemen. The tribe was threatening to kill them if they didn't get paid a set amount to release him. They forced him to record a video asking the Yemen and Australian governments to send the money. The governments are planning a way to set the captives free. Sadly, kidnappings like these happen quite frequently in Yemen tribes.

I think it's sad that some tribes in a country have to go this far to get attention and resources. Selfishness has caused other people to have to go without and if we all shared everything, there would be less kidnappings because more people's needs would be met.

My Source:
http://news.yahoo.com/kidnapped-austrian-says-captors-demand-ransom-185329296.html;_ylt=AnJUDTr5g3PPTv75l0yJgra1qHQA;_ylu=X3oDMTQ4YW9waGVxBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBXb3JsZFNGIE1pZGRsZUVhc3RTU0YEcGtnAzE2YmZhODk1LWEwODctM2RmMy1hMTRlLWY3ZDVkOTUyMTk4NgRwb3MDNwRzZWMDdG9wX3N0b3J5BHZlcgM5MGRkZmZkMC03ZWIzLTExZTItYjdiMS03N2M5MzUzZjMwYjc-;_ylg=X3oDMTF1cDZjaTBwBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdAN3b3JsZHxtaWRkbGVlYXN0BHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

More problems for the Pistorius's-Alyssa Hamilton

Pretty much everybody has heard the story about Oscar Pistorius and his now dead girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Oscar is accused of shooting her and his excuse is "I thought she was an intruder." Now more family problems come to light through the hands of the Pistorius's lawyer. He says that Carl Pistorius, Oscar's brother, is facing a possible homicide charge from a 2010 road trip gone wrong. Carl was allegedly involved in a car accident with a female motorcyclist and was supposed to face trial last Thursday while his brother Oscar was facing a bail hearing.
Hopefully they can get this all straightened out and my prayers go to the Pistorius family as this is a lot to go through in just a couple short months.



http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/24/17073854-lawyer-pistorius-brother-facing-homicide-charge?lite

Somali Women And Journalist Sent To Jail For A Year by Lashaun Morgan

Summary: A 27 year old woman who had accused security forces of rape is now serving one year in jail. The government felt insulted by the false accusation she made towards government officials. The journalist who she had told  the story to has also been arrested even though he had not published the article. The government believed since he had believed her story and heard it he too should go to jail. They also put her husband and two other people who had helped her find the journalist behind bars. But later released her husband and two other people so they could take care of the baby.

Source:http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/06/world/africa/somalia-rape-victim/index.html

(A protest that the journalist had made to free the journalist.)


Analysis:  I think it was horrible for the girl to lie on the government but I do not think they had to be this extreme about it. I mean the journalist did not do anything neither did her husband and friends. So why did they all have to get arrested because of her lie? This article was written just to make a opinion on this topic which I would have to agree with. I want to be a journalist and to know one day that I might have to go to jail because of the story I have heard is crazy. I can see why CNN the people that posted this article would feel so strongly towards this subject because they're journalist too.

Tunisian Prime Minister Steps Down by Sylvie Lednicky

The prime minister of Tunisia, Hamadi Jebali, resigned on Tuesday. This country is full of fighting over politics, and its government is pretty much in turmoil as it stands now. He stepped down after he failed to implement a technocratic government (a government in which the technologically advanced make all the important decisions). Personally, it annoys me when important leaders stay while they are loved and leave when they are needed. Why didn't he stay with his country and try another plan? Isn't that the purpose of a leader? All of these people can't possibly focuse on the same goal by themselves, they need someone. And apparently that "someone" isn't going to be Hamadi Jebali.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/19/world/africa/tunisia-pm-resigns/index.html?hpt=wo_bn7

Oscar Pistorius leaves jail after bail granted- Joseph Katinas

In Pretoria, South Africa Oscar Pistorious left jail on Friday, free of bond of 8 days due to the shooting and death of his girlfriend. The state police have had issues with the situation and do not have enough evidence to keep him jailed. Pistorious was crying Friday after the verdict and did not celebrate much and hugged his family quietly. It is noticeable that Pistorious killed this women on February 14th, Valentine's Day. I find this article sad. Although some people are claiming that he shot his girlfriend because he thought she was a rober, I dont think a person would be that confused and paranoid. http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/22/world/africa/south-africa-pistorius-case/index.html

Life in South African's Prisons by Lashaun Morgan

Summary: Imagine sharing a single bed with two or three people. Being on lock-down for 23 hours with no food or water, while your stuffed in crowded cell with at least 40 people. This is the life that awaits Oscar Pistorius a man that is going into trial for the death of his girlfriend. South African prisons are most of the time over crowded and has bad sanitation. Some people have to sleep on the floor and earn a bed with two other people. Many people believe Pistorius should get special treatment since he is a track star. Others believe he should suffer like the rest of them. While some people think that they should improve prisons all together. Then other people believe that this is a good system let them suffer and that all prisons should be like that.

Source:http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/21/world/africa/south-africa-prison-conditions/index.html?hpt=iaf_t3

(Oscar Pistorius)



Analysis: This article was written to make you feel sympathetic for the South African prison system. I know I do I think its horrible for people to be living in those kind of conditions. No matter what they did I would never wish someone to live in that life style. I have to agree on the same treatment for Oscar though. Yes he is a big star, but he did a crime and he is human like the rest of us. This article was written by the CNN staff which I look at, and get most of my articles from. I like the articles they write and agree most of time with their opinion.

Peace Deal for the Democratic Republic of the Congo by Cruz Rendon

African leaders signed a peace accord to try and bring peace to the DR of the Congo. They tried signing it last month but it it was dismissed. Thousands of people were displaced since March 23rd of last year from when the rebels started to rebel. The Rebels want to improve living conditions. The region also has many mineral deposits .

Woman lied about role in Rwanda genocide, U.S. jury says By: Halle Van De Hey

        In this article Kristina Sgueglia of CNN talks about a woman who lied about her role in the Rwanda genocide. This woman was just convicted in New Hampshire because she lied about what she did in the 1994 genocide to gain U.S. Citizenship. Beatrice Munyenyezi, who is now 43 years old, is facing up to 10 years of jail time, a fine, and possible deportation. 

        I think this is very tragic. This woman lied about everything she did in the genocide, and got away with it. There were so many people who suffered in this genocide, and she was one of the causes. I'm so glad that she is being convicted for everything terrible she has done. 

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/21/us/new-hampshire-rwanda-genocide/index.html?hpt=iaf_c2

Twitter about Oscar-Faith Barnes

In South Africa in twitter hacker fasely posted that Oscar Pistorius would be going to be doing media interview on the twitter of Oscar Pistorius older brother Carl Pistorius. On Friday Oscar Pistorius was let out of jail on bail eight days after the death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, a 29 year old model. Carl said he had never twitted this out of respect for Oscar and Reeva. Oscar told the Hill that her was not going to so any interview. The hacking occurred on Saturday. Meanwhile Oscars family and friends are so happy he was freed on Bail. Oscar Pistorius said he fired his gun because he thought an intruder was hiding in a toliet room inside the bathroom of his Pretoria home, not realizing it was actually Steenkamp inside. I think that it is so sad anyone would go on twitter for something this serious and past false things.

Source:http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/23/world/africa/south-africa-pistorius/index.html

Open Fire at Mosque by: Rachel Devine

        A few days ago, seven people were found dead in an attack on a mosque in a village in north-eastern Kenya, near the border with Somalia. 10 gunmen started shooting as people were leaving the mosque after the early morning prayers. Five men were killed, and two women who attemped to scream and warn the others of the gunmen. It was reported that the region has been prone to attacks blamed on al-Qaeda-aligned Islamist militants. The region is mourning for those who died and pray that the violence will subside.

       Reading this article makes me sad that this type of thing is common over there. Those gunmen are horrible people and it is awful that there are people like that in our world. My prayers go out to those affected.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21530291

Dog finds newborn girl By Sydney May

Sydney May

     Two days ago, a baby girl was found by a dog. This newborn was discovered in Texas in a plastic bag. She was immediately taken into custody by the police and taken to a children's hospital where she is being cared for. According to the article, she is in great conditions now, but if not for those dogs, she could have stayed outside all night and could have easily died. The baby was found by a fence at about 7 pm on Tuesday, February 19. About three inches of her embillical chord was still there, unclipped where it has been cut. This, of course, made her situation much more perilous. This article was written by M. Alex Johnson from the NBC News staff. I found it to be frightening yet informative. It is crazy that stuff like this happens in our own state! I did not sense any bias in this article. I think this was written for people living in Texas so we could be aware of something happening close to us. I hope that the baby finds a good home soon and that she will be able to have a great life ahead of her.

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/21/17046293-dogs-find-newborn-girl-abandoned-in-plastic-bag-in-texas?lite

Oscar Pistorius' Police Detective Challenged - Molly Paley

Detective Botha who was at the scene shortly after Oscar Pistorius allegedly murdered his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius is a double amputee para-olympian, who made headlines this year by being the first double amputee in the Olympics in London. Detective Botha has changed details of his testimony, and Pistorius' lawyers are challenging him. Oscar Pistorius is being charged with premeditated murder. Pistorius claims he woke in the middle of the night and thought an intruder was in the bathroom, so he shot three times. This is an awful story; whatever the outcome of the trial may be nothing can bring Reeva back to life.





http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21522673

Pistorius cries in Court - Elvira Gamboa

While in court, Pistorius began to openly cry. He is being charged for murdering his girlfriend. People at first thoguht he had mistook her for an intruder,but there had been nothing that indicated she forced her way in. People are devastated that a hero was involved in such a crime. Also they fhad been having domestic issues earlier. This event has also caused people to want stricter gun laws as well.

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5XtpCw4SDo

Jackie Brown-Obama Could Revisit Arming Syria Rebels as Assad Holds Firm

http://www.nytimes.com/pages/world/middleeast/index.html

Obama can't decide whether he's for or against bearing arms.
He wants to take away guns from his own country, who has the RIGHT to protect themselves as stated in the Constitution. However, let's give guns to some of the most chaotic places in the world who will not use them with good intentions.

Here in this article, Obama is considering giving guns to the opponents of the unwanted President Bashar al-Assad of Syria. Additionally, he's already given weapons to the citizens of Juarez, Mexico, one of the largest drug cartel cities in the world. With intentions of giving them "self-defense", but why is he not satisfied with his own country possessing the same rights as these undeveloped countries he's helping?

Further more, as history shows, the only time guns have been confiscated is when the nation was about to be controlled by a dictator and become a totalitarian country. Hitler took guns away from the Jews in the Holocaust, Mousellini did the same act in Italy. These are only some of the well-known dictators I'm using as examples for gun-control patterns, there are more minor rulers that could be compared actions with the considerations Obama is taken into removing guns from the U.S.

Poor Obama, too many people trying to be his puppeteer & tell him what's right & wrong & how much to do of what. One puppet can only move so quickly, & our government is not willing to preserve what they promised to protect & maintain in the Inauguration: the Constitution.

Women in Lebanon are Taking on Judges That Call Rape a "Marital Right" By: Nina Bharadwaj

     Women in Lebanon are protesting on the streets to force the government to take violence seriously by enforcing laws that will protect women from their harmful spouses.

     A founder of the feminist collective, Nasawiya, Nadine Mouwad, said that the look of women in Beirut can give the impression that Lebanon is highly liberated from the chief cultural takes as opposed to other close countries. However this is not true. She said "The problem is that we are sold a lot of fake freedoms that raise Lebanese women under the impression that they have freedom to go anywhere, freedom to dress the way they want to."

     Nadine Mouwad, as well as many other feminists, are protesting and trying to force the government to ignore the objections of important, religious, people in Muslim, for the past year and a half. They want a law to be passes that will protect women from domestic violence.

     There was a draft made of the Law to Protect Women from Family. It was passed by the Cabinet in Lebanon, in 2010. However, lately, it has been chaotic, due to opposing views from the Sunni and Shia groups. The first version of this bill was made to show the harmfulness of physical and sexual abuse, marital rape, and other domestic violence. It should have provided the framework, legally, for restraining orders to be given to people causing the violence.

     Unfortunately, the religious courts in Lebanon, judicial authorities in charge of the countries faithful communities, with control of matters of "personal status", have opposed this law because they think it is an attempt to corrupt the authority.

     Lebanon's top Sunni authority , Dar al-Fatwa, and the Higher Shi'a Islamic Council are against the draft. They oppose the law saying that the Sharia law should protect women.

     Many cases relating to violence are commonly heard in religious courts. They often result with rulings that will keep the family together with unity, rather than actually protecting women.

     Lebanese lawyer, Amer Badreddine, said that "It's a response that abused women are usually met with from police as well. They are told to solve the problem amicably, to keep it a family issue and not cause embarrassment to themselves by bringing it to the police." She specializes in domestic violence cases. He also said that the law didn't recognize rape during marriage as a crime. This is a position that some judges in Muslim argue over.

     A judge in the Sunni religious court, Sheik Ahmad Al-Kurdi, said "Criminalizing rape during marriage could lead to the imprisonment of the man, where in reality, he is exercising the least of his marital rights."

     Since women have little protection from important figures, Lebanese women in bad relationships must also have to deal with the disapproval of their families if they decide to escape the issue.

     One mother of the three kids told CNN that her husband beat her, shortly after she had become pregnant. After the child was born, her husband broke the wife's nose. She wanted to divorce him, but her parents said that she would have to give up the child if she wanted to leave.

     The wife returned to her abusive husband where the beating continued. Her husband forced himself onto her. She said "He used to make me pregnant, thinking that as long as I was having kids he would make me stay." The wife thought that her husband would kill her, but later the women received help from a Kafa (an NGO tackling violence and abuse towards women and kids), the women was allowed to leave the relationship and keep her husband.

     This happy ending is not likely for women in Lebanon. Her organization heard of many cases in which the women was killed by her spouse. Mouwad said that the draft of the law had been lowered with to many objection by religious officials, that there was no point in going through with it. She said, "If it passes the way it is, it's going to be disastrous and counterproductive."

Analysis: The authors of this article, Arwa Damon and Tim Hume, wrote this article to tell us what has been happening in Lebanon in relation to women and how they are treated. There was bias because the authors were all on the side of the women, but it was for good reason. I don't see how someone could not be on their side. The main idea is that women want a law to be passed that will protect them from abusive partners. However, this law is being objected by many religious officials.

I think that this law needs to be passed. I can't believe how women are treated in Lebanon. It just isn't right. I remember learning that women and men weren't always equal in the U.S., but that was so long ago. For that to happening now is crazy. Women shouldn't have to suffer for any reason. These men need to treat women right. I just hope that this law is passed soon because we shouldn't need to see other women die for us to get the law approved.

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/17/world/meast/lebanon-womens-rights-law/index.html?hpt=imi_c1     

R.I.P John Mills :( -Abraham Correa

Ghana's president, John Mills past away because of sickness at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
                                                  ..... well that sucks. :/



http://www.africanews.com/site/Ghanas_president_John_Mills_is_dead/list_messages/42035

Car blast and Kills- Ausia Jones

On  Febuary 16 a security guard was killed and five others were injured when a car packed with explosives detonated Saturday in Mogadishu. The explosion occurred in a seaside restaurant parking lot in the capital, Somali police Col. No group had claimed responsibility by late Saturday.The wail of sirens echoed as residents and firefighters rushed to put out flames and smoke from scorched vehicles in the parking lot.


Site:http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/16/world/africa/somalia-explosion/index.html?hpt=iaf_c2

Ayla Huff- Islamists claim Nigeria kidnappings

Islamists claim Nigeria kidnappings

Very recently in Nigeria, 7 civilians were kidnapped by as they have claimed themselves to be Ansaru, a  Nigerian militant group. Among these victims are supposedly British, Italian, Greek and Lebanese workers who were in Nigeria for the time being working on a construction project when they were suddenly attacked on Sunday. The Militant group confessed their crimes through an email to journalist claiming they have hostage 7 prisoners of which contain European counterparts. The Ansaru, an Islamist group, emerged last years in mid-June when they attacked and kidnapped a French national. The Ansaru militian group is now known throughout Europe as a Terrorist organization for the crimes they have committed. Whether the hostages will be rescued or not is still a mystery.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21497044

Ivory Coast man sets himself alight at Rome airport by Amaria Stern

A young man from Ivory Coast, located on the western border of Africa, lit himself on fire while being deported from Italy. He survived, but is said to be badly burnt. He was not the only migrant who has been reported to illegally cross the Mediterranean from Africa. To carry out his "stunt", he hid the fuel in his suitcase. A police officer witnessed him covering himself with the fuel with a light in his hand, but wasn't able to get to him before he set himself on fire. A customs official helped him to take off his shirt after she saw that his arm was on fire. She then used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. They were both taken to the hospital.

This was a fairly interesting article and I would really like to know the true motive behind this. Hearing about someone lighting himself on fire can be somewhat amusing, but the reasons behind it are probably nothing to laugh at.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21460609

Forced Birth Control For Ethiopians In Israel-Kennedi Mayes

It has been reported that Ethiopian women immigrants were being given a birth control shot without being informed of all of the side effects before they got the injection or took the pill. After immigrating to Israel, the government convinces the Ethiopian women to take the drug(that won't allow the women to have children for two years after the injection), but they suggest that the pill is good for them, when the women don't know what they're walking into.

I think that this is really messed up and side effects of a drug, especially one not used in first world countries, should be given to the people who are considering taking them. When a moral situation, such as the right to know the drug you are taking is going to limit you abilities to do your job(women having babies), is put up against the government's views and what it feels is best for their country(especially one with a broken government), there is going to be a problem that arises quite quickly. I hope Israel gets this sorted out and that these women are educated about the consequences of this birth control.

My Source:
http://news.yahoo.com/israeli-ethiopian-birth-control-ignites-debate-225148686.html;_ylt=Aph6mDBBJpBGZafFRV3Hoh.1qHQA;_ylu=X3oDMTQ4c3U0bWVuBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBXb3JsZFNGIE1pZGRsZUVhc3RTU0YEcGtnAzJhY2U5MGY0LTYzYTQtM2NhNS05Yzk0LTM0NDBhMjRlNzdlMQRwb3MDMQRzZWMDdG9wX3N0b3J5BHZlcgNmNTM4NjQxMC03YTFkLTExZTItYjdmNy0yYzNhZWMyNjk2YmI-;_ylg=X3oDMTF1cDZjaTBwBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdAN3b3JsZHxtaWRkbGVlYXN0BHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

"'Blade Runner' Pistorius In Tears As Murder Charge Is Filed" By: Sydney Magnall

Oscar Pistorius, the south African 'blade runner', started crying on Friday after being charged with "shooting dead his girlfriend in his Pretoria house,". According to one source "The 26-year-old Olympic and Paralympic superstar stood with head bowed in front of magistrate Desmond Nair to hear the murder charge read out, then started sobbing, covering his face with his hands." Police were called to his home on thursday. At his house they found his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, shot four times. One source said " it looks like she was shot through a bathroom door." Oscar pistorius is a double amputee. He has had many accomplishments in the athletic world that have inspired many people. Pistourious was born without a fibula bone below his knees. He is called Blade runner because of his prosthetic legs. In the London Olympics he was the first double amputee to compete in the Olympics. 

I really hope they figure out this case. Its so awful to think such a good inspiring man would of done this. 

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/02/15/172083131/blade-runner-pistorius-in-tears-as-murder-charge-is-filed

Argo & It's Effect on Iran - Hannah Kalan

With the commercial for the new movie 'Argo', comes a "thorn in the side of the Iranian government."
Over 130 foreign guests debated this movie among other things in their third annual Holloywoodism conference in Tehran this month. Each of the participants had their own problems with Hollywood; "Hollywood gets away with everything," said one, who has their own television show called "Secret". He also stated that "“It’s the only example of aggression they have against Iran,” he said. “ ‘Argo’ just tears open the wounds in order to prepare the minds. This movie is no coincidence. Timing matters.”" 

"“We Iranians look stupid, backward and simple-minded in this movie,” Mr. Tondro said. “Hollywood is not a normal industry; it’s a conspiracy by capitalism and Zionism. We need to come up with an answer to this and other films.”"

There were several other people who's statements were published in this article, which you can read here: just click!

NEXT POPE SHOULD BE AFRICAN JOSEBLOPEZ 4th prd

The answer of the cardinal John Onaiyekan of Abuja, Nigeria attracted much cheering a crowd of over 500 Catholics  of African descent. He was asked if the time was ripe for a pope, from Africa. His response to that was: " The time for an African pope was ripe even in the time of the Apostolic Fathers in the first century of the church.                                                                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Analysis: I think that his answer was very good answer for the question asked.                                    http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/02/14/why-the-next-pope-should-be-african/?iref=allsearch                       

A Mine Breaks Into Violence. JOSE LOPEZ 4th prd

This Monday nine employees were hurt when Anglo security guards shot rubber bullets to break up a fight between rival union groups at a mine in northwest South Africa. This fight involved several work personnel of the mining company and the mining workers. No more but 12 were injured during this argument. The company said that the injuries were not life threatening, and that they were immediately taken to the closest hospital. No further notices have been given but this.                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Analysis: I think that if the workers were being very aggressive then it was right for the security personnel to take action.                                                                                                                            This Friday I will http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/18/world/africa/south-africa-mine-shooting/index.html?iref=allsearch