Israel denies apartheid South Africa nuke talks

Documents arose saying that Israel was to sell South Africa nuclear weapons in 1975 while the apartheid era was going occurring. Although the defense minister denies these claims based off of interpretation of the South African documents instead of the real facts. With multiple documents floating around stating that the two countries are working together, it has been confirmed that Israel has almost 200 warheads.

This article has global importance because at the moment in class we are learning about apartheid occurring in South Africa. This article states that Israel and South Africa were working together during that time period. While most of the other countries only speculated about those unknown nuclear weapons and their collaboration.

American woman among 3 aid workers kidnapped in Darfur

An American citizen was kidnapped in the war zone of Western Sudanese area of Darfur. She was there with three others while working for their organization. While the U.S. government and the Sudanese try to secure their release. There has been conflict going on in Darfur since 2003 and an enormous amount of people have been killed and displaced from their homes because of the attacks.

The global importance of this article displays the issues that have been going on in Darfur. Having an American involved/captured made the U.S. and or other countries more aware of this situation. They have been working to arrest the president, which shows that the world is helping. Also that can start different countries contributing to ending these issues.

Pirates hijack chemical tanker in Gulf of Aden

Pirates hijacked a chemical tanker of a crew with 15 Bulgarians. The European Union Naval Force Somalia said that they can not take action when no one has been hurt so far. But, the Force focuses on delivering aid for the World Food Program. While other groups such as the African Union Mission in Somalia protect ships in the Gulf of Aden and in the Indian Ocean from piracy.

This hijacking has importance to the world because it displays the ugliness of others in the world when there are multiple groups/forces set up to distribute aid. Also that while others try to improve the world , there will always be people using violence to stop the increase of development for other countries. While it is a simple hijacking, this aid that other will not receive makes a huge dent or disruption in their lives.

Berlin Conference

My group was Italy. I believe that we obtained land that was not our first pick but it a success in the end. Also that it was not bad going last because we got to take whatever left over land there was and Ethiopia. I think that Portugal won because of the resources and ports they gained. They did not focus on the amount of land they had but the substances in it. Then I think that France lost. Comparing the experience in class to real life is extremely similar. I believe this because now and then countries are greedy and selfish. Our actions in class for this project proved that the Berlin Conference never solved anything. It effected Africa because it divided all the land. Which results in the people not being able to be controlled or have a successful country.

"Scramble for Africa"

When I look at the quote " Scramble for Africa" I think of multiple nations rushing to be in control of Africa's natural resources. Also that inside of Africa is not structured and has no development. While others try to invade Africa to set up the countries and increase the trading business for everyone.

African Regional Folklore: Rainforest

A boy's village was struggling to find meat to survive off of. Multiple people were dying because meat being scarce. Finally, the boy caught an elephant to share with his people. But, he was still hungry so he sat another trap. The boy accidently ate a female spirit's son. As the mother realized what happened the men in the town shot the spirit. Then that was the end of the female spirit.

The animal life in Africa was incorporated into the story. Also the story told of the rainforest containing more than just animals by mentioned roaming spirits/supernatural things. I think the thing that was most entertaining was the spirits and how the people in the village just ignored them by not caring a boy ate the female spirit's son.

The story taught about how people in the village will do anything to help each individual . Also that everyone is extremely important to the entire village. That a village is more of a family than being considered neighbors. I could apply this story to my own life by helping anyone no matter what it takes. That every person has something unique to contribute to my life.

Iceland closes airports for first time due to volcanic ash cloud

The volcano in Iceland has caused two airports for the first time, although it has been a week since the eruption. Having this cloud of ash not disappearing effects the business of airports and their travelers. This cloud of ash will not go away because it is extremely large and effects more than just Iceland's airport situation.

This is an important topic because the volcano continues to distribute ash into the air. Which causes disruptions for thousands of people or more. Also it is dangerous for anyone to try to fix the problem because planes cannot handle that amount of ash. With airports closed, countries/places that were effected need to work together to figure out which areas have little pollution to solve this issue.

Iran reportedly tests five new missiles

Iran tests 5 new missiles in its "Great Prophet 5" plan. These missiles are intended for coast-to-sea, sea-to-sea. Testing these missiles is extremely important for Iran. Although there were U.S. Navy ships in this region. Also this exercise fell on the date of the 31st anniversary of the elite force. They were mainly created for testing new types of weapon systems.

Iran testing new missiles is globally important because it demonstrates to the world have Iran is constantly creating new missiles. Also that they might be doing something shady because of the date that this exercise fell on. These testings should also worry multiple surrounding countries because the types tested were not long-range. Also I believe this is important because any type of missile testing by Iran is unpredictable.

Muslim swimsuits bare little on Turkish catwalks

A fashion show modeling the conservative Buketex and swimwear for those who practice Islam is increasing greatly. Although this was a small fashion show, it was a huge step in the growing industry of clothing for modern day Islamic women. In the past there used to be only black or grey ,but now multiple designers are making multiple colored Buketex/bathing suits. Most of the models were not muslim, but they got to experience a different culture in fashion. Having fashionable modest clothing makes life easier for muslim women to do more activities without being too revealing. There are still some flaws in this growing industry,but if there is little improvement future generations to come will have an easier time adjusting to life with trendy,moderate clothing.

Usually in the United States muslim women are judge based on their conservative clothing. Going through a daily schedule also being looked at strangely is not easy for any one. Being dressed differently does not change the person under the clothing. Around the world most people cannot accept this type of conservative belief. But, with new colors,patterns,designs for muslim women's clothing , those women will not have to be stereotyped as often. Also having these modest outfits being improved makes muslim women feel more accepted. I believe everyone should be accepted for who they are and not their beliefs. Having this industry increase improves the statistic of muslim women being judged.

Wonders of Africa

There are endless wonders that are spread throughout Africa. While searching through all of Africa has to offer I realize I have not hear of any of them. The first one that caught my eye was the Great Mosque of Djenne. This mosque is extremely detailed in every corner and the architecture is something that I have never seen before. I found out not only is it a beautiful site, it served as the center of town between the 13th and 19th century. The second new thing I learned about Africa is the city of Gondar. This city consisted of multiple castles for the wealthy and was the capital for Ethiopia in the 17th-19th century. Before I found out about this city, I never knew that castles existed in Africa. Lastly, I learned about the pyramids of Giza. Once again I have no knowledge of deserts/pyramids being associated with Africa. The 2 million blocks used for these pyramids shocks me because that is an unbelievable amount.

I believe that I have never heard of these wonders in Africa before because the world does not focus on Africa that much. If Africa does become a matter of focus, then usually it is about the poverty that occurs in poor areas. Also I believe other countries do not take time to acknowledge the importance of what Africa has to offer the world.

Africa

When I think about Africa, the first thing that comes to my mind is usually the wildlife and the climate of the region. Also I think of the tribes that are spread throughout Africa. I have no other knowledge of their type of government,economy,politics, and or their lifestyle. When I hear Africa, at first I do not picture the type of life that I have because I have not seen or been exposed to the multiple sides of Africa. Although I do acknowledge that those who live in Africa are extremely different from other people who live in Africa. I know that not everyone in Africa lives the same lifestyle because it is not possible with all the different climates,regions,mountains,or rivers. Usually, I think about the land itself and not the development of the other aspects that form Africa.

Obsession

Section 1. In the first scene terrorists were portrayed as an extremely powerful and organized group. They take their beliefs so seriously that they are willing to kill themselves. In the United States not many people are willing to give up their life to just a belief. In my opinion I just do not understand/see clearly how people do this because this is not my lifestyle. It is more then frightening to know that there is such a big support for these groups in the world somewhere.

Section 2. I see Jihad as people being brainwashed into certain beliefs. These radical goals of Jihad effect every religion in the world. They make their people believe that the Unites States is the one forcing other countries to become exactly like them. To people who belong to Jihad, they think that their actions are positive and that they will create a better world. To me it is surreal that this many people can be so violent for having a religion fuel their actions.

Section 3. United States is portrayed as a devil or the evil one. Many people are confused why Americans are so hated. To terrorists full filling their duty to their god is not seen like a war but charity in a way. They do also use propaganda with their violent acts to make others understand their religion/ways. Also that videos involving these acts are shown to people to create false beliefs about the west.

Section 4. Radical Islam is not only confined in the Middle East, it occurs in London etc. Therefore terrorism is international. That there are multiple groups that support terrorist actions and that stereotypes of terrorists are not always correct. I believe having terrorist groups all over the world, it will be harder to protect people from this kind of violence. It is repeated many times that they do this for Allah but internationally this reason is not excepted. I agree with that because it does not make sense to kill innocent people for a belief. This type of terrorism is also compared to Hitler and his way of murdering one race.

Section 7. History is repeating itself with events such as the war between the United States and Iraq. To many the issue of terrorism did not seem important. But, pictures of children with guns and video of children being taught to become suicide bomber. It is unbelievable to think that children are similar to mini soldiers. If new generations are being "brainwashed" then the outcome/future of this issue is going to be full of greater violence. Also causing this issue not to have the ability to have a solution. Which can cause a negative effect on the world economically,politically, and socially.

Can the United States win the war in Afghanistan?

In my opinion I believe that the war between the United States and Afghanistan is extremely difficult. But, if I had to choose which country has the greatest possibility I would pick the United State. Although the U.S. basically built up their own enemy by training soldiers in Afghanistan. I believe with new technology,strategies, and strength the U.S. can defeat Afghanistan soldiers. But, it will take the United States an enormous amount of energy and power to win this war. Personally, I believe if the U.S. created this issue than they have the ability to overcome any obstacle Afghanistan throws in their path.

Why President Bush went to War in Iraq

Reading the article ,Why Bush Went to War , Doherty does state reasonable ideas from his own perspective. Although, it is difficult to decide on the main reason for entering Iraq, I believe that oil was the cause. I chose oil as the leading reason of entering Iraq because it is an international problem. Also the United States could not survive daily life without it. Oil is also connected to the economy, which is why I believe the United States went into Iraq.

Global Importance of the Middle East

1. I believe that America depending on oil from foreign countries and the use of energy depend on each other. Which means that if the U.S. changes the form of the energy used then oil dependency will greatly decrease. The most effective use of energy is the electric cars with the ability to use gasoline. I believe this will be the easiest way to transition the entire United States to be able to conserve gas. Which is already slowly happening throughout the country and this could change how dependent the U.S. is on OPEC. Therefore, I know it is possible to have alternative energy and the oil dependency issues will /can be solved.

2. The United States should be concerned about a water issue in the Middle East because if they need to use more water to produce their oil than prices of water will increase. Although some Americans believe that if the Middle East is having water problems then it does not pertain to the U.S. Which is wrong, because water is the center of life for everyone. If this basic need becomes scarce then prices for mostly everything will rise greatly.

True Life: I live in a Terror Zone

The one person who seemed the most unique to me was Hiba. She made a lasting impression on my because of her daily life. She is a Palestinian student without an I.D. The reason she does not have an I.D. is because she is a Palestinian. Therefore when she wants to travel she has to lie about her age. Her traveling was very courageous because most people do not dare to travel. What I mean by traveling is her visiting her family for a holiday in a town that is only about only 40 minutes away. For her is it a major struggle to get from checkpoint to checkpoint. To me, I could not imagine experiencing this difficulty every day. The reason I do not have this same type of problem is because our worlds are completely different.

Hiba is only 20 years old. Throughout the True Life video it was obvious the rights she had and the ones she did not. An extremely important right was to own an I.D. Without this I.D. she cannot get a job after she graduates. Compared to me its the opposite because it is not necessary for me to have an I.D. to do this simple things. But, I only consider going to college and having a career simple because of my daily life and the world that I live in. Also Hiba was not allowed out in public because of the curfews. Which makes no sense to me because I do not live with such strict restrictions day to day. Overall I do not feel that people should be living in this type of lifestyle just because of their beliefs.

Intense pollution fouls Hong Kong air

Hong Kong's air pollution is increasingly growing worse since the past two decades. But, recently it became so horrible that after school sports in Hong Kong had to be canceled because the air is so polluted. Environmental officials believe the pollution could be caused by a sandstorm earlier in the week.

This article shows how air pollution is not only from waste or gases produced by cars. There are other causes that have not been looked in to yet. Also this article brings up the serious topic of air pollution in the world. That programs need to at least start to be created to fix this problem for future generations. This article can also show other countries the result of ignoring pollution and the effects it as on the environment or the people living in the dangerous areas.

Dubai kiss court case highlights culture clash

In Dubai the locals are greatly outnumbered by those who do not originate from Dubai. The way the locals and the visitors go through their daily lives are extreme opposites. There has been some occasions where the culture in Dubai is difficult for those who are only visiting. One example is when a man and a women were caught kissing in public and are appearing in court to discuss their breaking of this law. The Dubai area has been increasing and locals have worries that their conservative lifestyle is decaying. And it is also debated if they should be more extreme which may limit those who visit. Which results in their economy shrinking and that is not an option for Dubai.

The global importance of this article is that Dubai is a major area that relays on foreigners businesses. But, the confusion involves where the multiple cultures meet the culture of those who are residents in Dubai. Therefore, this high traffic business area needs to determine if it wants to focus on mixed economy or if their religion standards should be met at a higher value. Which can decrease trade for other countries in the long picture.

Women fear violence in Haitian camps

When the earthquake in Haiti came and destroyed many peoples lives. The violence in this destruction has increased greatly. Especially for the women in these cramped make-shift camps. But, before this earthquak occured a five year plan was about to be put into place to decrease violence against women. But, recently men have been attacking outrageous towards the women in Haiti. Although preventions are being taken to help these women from stop being taken advantage of. The women of Haiti still have trouble sleeping in these camps while they have the knowledge that danger is around every corner.

The global importance of this article to acknowledge the abuse of women in Haiti and around the world. Also this article is making rape known as a crime while as other see rape as not a big deal when put in the catergory of the world. I think it this article could help start bring more acknowledment to this area of crime. Which may result in future prevention of violence when natural disasters occur.

Veil Blog

Reading the two articles containing information about Muslim women wearing the veil has brought attention to me how serious this is. As I reflect on facts that I read in these articles in my opinion it seems that wearing a veil is apart of this religion and daily life. But, how serious the women of this religion interrupt it depends on how modest they are in public. Now that I have read these articles I am now more informed of their decisions to wear the nikab/hijab. Although it may seem Islam enforces this rule it does effect the women personally. The effect of wearing a veil on these women is positive instead of them being brutally forced to wear a veil. My final opinion is that wearing a veil might be for religious reasons but a personal choice is mixed with the decision of the degree of modesty each women has.

Not a Clash of Religions

I have mixed thoughts whether or not the journalist is right to claim that America should fight for secularism in this war. The journalist has the facts about Bin Laden's claim of this war not being based on just religious issues. " Islam has never been and will never be at war with Christianity". From the journalist's point of view on this topic it does make better sense that religion is not involved in politics or the economy. Therefore, I do agree with the journalist that his claim for America to fight for secularism is right.

I believe that Osama Bin Landen has believed his views for a long time and they might make sense to him. But, for those who do not follow the similar religion as Bin Laden or practice it the same way he is not justified to just attack America. My personal opinion is that he is not justified due to the fact that he says ,"America has not been Christian" enough". If he bases his attacks on this mind set then why doesn't he attack other countries who follow the Christian religion.

Control of the Holy Land

Debating between the Israeli's and Arab's and which group should have control over the land is a difficult decision. With the knowledge of information I researched about this conflict makes me believe that the Israeli's deserve to have ultimate control over the Holy Land. I have come to this conclusion by thinking that them being the promised people they have more rights to this land then the Arab's who originated elsewhere. Also that they were the first out of the two to build their temple in Jerusalem, which results in them being the ones seen of having complete control. Compared to the Arabs who built their Mosque after the Israeli's and it is speculated that they could have built it in the same spot only for political reasonings. Therefore, the Israeli's should have control due to the arguments mainly based on them being the first to claim the Holy Land.

U.N. official: North Korea should get food aid

North Korea will not leave their nuclear weapon program. Causing officials to debate whether or not food aid should be supplied to North Korea. One officials states that this issue does not involve politics and that the human beings in North Korea cannot control whether or not their country abandons this program. The U.N. cannot support the entire food aid and proper immunization programs for everyone in North Korea. The issue of a peace policy to end the Korean War is discussed once again. Then North Korea discusses a treaty which removes American troops from Korean Peninsula.

This article brings awarenesses to those who thought the issue of North Korean was solved. It displays the difficulty of a solution for simple food aid for those who live in North Korea. Also this article informs governments that this issue consists of food aid, health aid,nuclear weapons,removal of troops, and the ending of a war.

Leaders of Iran, Syria stand united against U.S. influence

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stated that Iran has strong regional bonds. Then, after the television appearance of Iran's president,the United States president,Obama, has sent an ambassador to Syria for the first time in 5 years. Then Hilary Clinton made a comment making it seem like she was trying to interfere with Iran's regional affairs. Also throughout the article it is stated that the U.S policy contradicts itself when trying to keep the peace while splitting two countries.

This article has major global importance because it shows the relation between the U.S. and Iran involving issues that the U.S. seems to be concerned about in Iran. Also it informs the people of each country of how the tension between the country increases and sometimes the statements are taken in the wrong way causing bigger tension.

Al Qaeda group says it kidnapped Italian man, wife

Al Qaeda has captured an italian man and his wife, which have been under close watch for two months by armed men. Recently, a message was sent to the italian government making a demand. There has been a situation similar to this one earlier this year and that government did not respond resulting in that man's death.

The global importance of this article is showing the seriousness of situations like these around the world. It also relates to the unit that I am learning in class involving the Middle East. It makes the world aware of Al Qaeda and that situations should not be ignored.

2/23/10 ...Middle East

When I first hear of the Middle East I think of is the on going issues of extremists and the government not being able to handle it correctly. The reason for my response is because of the interactions that have been recently taking place there with the Middle East and the United States.

Do Now 2/22/10....Middle East

The Middle East is a region of mountains and plateaus. In the Middle East civilizations such as the Sumerians were created. These civilizations helped spread ideas and technology throughout the world. The region of the Middle East has the most conflict because the areas that make up this region are not really under one main control. Also the Middle East's government is mixed in how extreme or mild way of life.

Mohandas Gandhi

I believe that Gandhi was able to achieve independence for India because made all three different groups believe in one common goal that united them. Also being educated made people believe in his words. Having followers contributed to his success of accomplishing this independence. Gandhi was so strong willed that he would give his life or health to prove his point. Also a major key point for his success was because he would not cause violence. Gandhi could appeal to each group resulting in everyone putting their trust in him. With the United States knowing of the events taking place, the world will hear news about Gandhi's fight. With the world having this knowledge this helped Gandhi achieve independence. His influence on each individual resulted in this joined independence.

I believe that Gandhi only enjoyed uniting the muslims and hindus during the time period before he succeeded. Which means that I believe that after he accomplished his main task he did not have a long time after to take pride or enjoyment from it. This was because those who he united soon broke out into violence against each other. During his fight for this unity he did enjoy his goal and the results. If Gandhi lived on, I think he would have tried his hardest to fight for peace. But, I believe that this fight against both the hindus and the muslims would not be as successful as his previous accomplishment. Also if he lived on then maybe the hindus and muslims would have created violence. But, in the near future they would have realized unity is the best choice. Therefore I believe either way if he lived or died there would have been violence and or a short time period of peace and then final separation of India and Pakistan.

Over Coming Social Injustice

If an unjust law was put into place, I would choose to obey this certain law while creating a plan to end this new law. I believe that is type of action is more successful then just sitting back and watching this unfair law corrupt society. Also this action can be accomplished easier because being extreme and going against the law right away is a hard way to start. I chose a middle ground between those two options because can easily be stopped because both are extremes. Also people in the world do not respond well to those extremes or do not except them.

State of the Unions 2010

Looking at the speech that Obama made last night, I think that the United States has a future that will involve hard work to have a lasting optimistic world. But, for 2010 I do believe that Obama picked subjects that are important in todays world. Some examples are business,health, financial,economy, and years. Though I think that the words health,values,and college are small Obama needs to make sure not to let those certain things slip. As I search through the wordle document of the speech, it seems that the right goals are not being focused on. I hear that health care is still an issue but the word health is not as large as year and business. Also one word,family, I saw means to me that though the economy is not great. Obama will still have his sights on some of the other topics not related to money or businesses.

Comparing Bush's state of the union to Obama's current speech. Bush only focused on words such as troops,Iraq, and leaders. I personally believe that these two speeches are drastically different. I say this because Obama's speech had the word economy and business much bolder than in Bush's speech. It is obvious how the focus of the United States can change so quickly within a year. I think that now we do not put as much emphasis on the war and that the economy is the new key point. Not having the war as a focus point is a positive thing. But, having an economy that is decreasing is not making any improvement.