Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Burma eases restrictions on aid
1. Citation
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7406868.stm
BCC NEWS: Bush’s ‘Israel bias’ angers Abbas
Date Published: May 18, 2008
Date Chosen: May 26, 2008
2. Summary
This article discusses how Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, felt that President Bush in his recent visit to Israel to celebrate their 60th anniversary, was biased toward Israel in his speech to the Israeli Parliament. President Abbas went onto say how President Bush lavished praise on Israel, while foregoing any comment or mention of the Palestinian people. What the writer noted however, was that during an interview with President Abbas prior to his state dinner with President Bush, there was no mention or hint of anger toward President Bush or his comments. President Bush’s during his visit to the Middle East, continued to advocate the call for peace, with a true belief that a peace can ultimately be reached in this volatile region. In Contrast, to his comments on President Bush’s Israeli speech, President Abbas defended President Bush’s belief in a peaceful solution against those who doubt a peace deal can ever be reached.
3. Reactions
A) The AP world history theme that relates to this article is, Impact of interaction among and within major societies. This relates to this article because the Middle East conflict between the Palestinian and Israel Nations has been going on for over sixty years, with other Arab nations siding with the plight of the Palestinian people.
B) The history of the issue is that over the past decades, American Presidents have considered Israel, one of America’s closest allies, in the fight against terrorism, and also in the Middle East reason in general, Although, Past president have tried to broker a peace between Israel and Palestine, little or no progress has ever been made.
C) The point of view of this article is one most likely by an Arab writer because the article calls out the President of the United States as being biased toward Israel. The writer of the issue seemed to know his/her facts and was very well-informed, however he/or she did very little to make President Bush seem interested and concerned about the Palestinian people even though he attended a state dinner with president Abbas.
D) The article may show some bias of point of view that may be impacting how the issue is being reported by the author feeling sympathy for the Palestinians. It was shown that the writer cared little about the history of the American and Israeli relationship, and more about the current relationship and lack of respect of President Bush toward the Palestinian people.
E) The point of view missing from this article is one of understanding the long history between the United States and Israel. This relationship has grown very deep over the past 60 years, with each country supporting the other. By understanding the history of this relationship, the author could have Cleary set the context for the President’s remarks that were made to Israeli parliament.
F) My reaction and insight to this article, is that, I feel and understand the author’s view of bias, even though I do not feel President Bush in this instance was attempting to ignore the Palestine nation. There is a time and place for President Bush to have an open dialog of support for President Abbas, and the people of Palestine if their country truly wants a peaceful solution, and I do not believe that a speech to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Israel is the appropriate environment.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7406868.stm
BCC NEWS: Bush’s ‘Israel bias’ angers Abbas
Date Published: May 18, 2008
Date Chosen: May 26, 2008
2. Summary
This article discusses how Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, felt that President Bush in his recent visit to Israel to celebrate their 60th anniversary, was biased toward Israel in his speech to the Israeli Parliament. President Abbas went onto say how President Bush lavished praise on Israel, while foregoing any comment or mention of the Palestinian people. What the writer noted however, was that during an interview with President Abbas prior to his state dinner with President Bush, there was no mention or hint of anger toward President Bush or his comments. President Bush’s during his visit to the Middle East, continued to advocate the call for peace, with a true belief that a peace can ultimately be reached in this volatile region. In Contrast, to his comments on President Bush’s Israeli speech, President Abbas defended President Bush’s belief in a peaceful solution against those who doubt a peace deal can ever be reached.
3. Reactions
A) The AP world history theme that relates to this article is, Impact of interaction among and within major societies. This relates to this article because the Middle East conflict between the Palestinian and Israel Nations has been going on for over sixty years, with other Arab nations siding with the plight of the Palestinian people.
B) The history of the issue is that over the past decades, American Presidents have considered Israel, one of America’s closest allies, in the fight against terrorism, and also in the Middle East reason in general, Although, Past president have tried to broker a peace between Israel and Palestine, little or no progress has ever been made.
C) The point of view of this article is one most likely by an Arab writer because the article calls out the President of the United States as being biased toward Israel. The writer of the issue seemed to know his/her facts and was very well-informed, however he/or she did very little to make President Bush seem interested and concerned about the Palestinian people even though he attended a state dinner with president Abbas.
D) The article may show some bias of point of view that may be impacting how the issue is being reported by the author feeling sympathy for the Palestinians. It was shown that the writer cared little about the history of the American and Israeli relationship, and more about the current relationship and lack of respect of President Bush toward the Palestinian people.
E) The point of view missing from this article is one of understanding the long history between the United States and Israel. This relationship has grown very deep over the past 60 years, with each country supporting the other. By understanding the history of this relationship, the author could have Cleary set the context for the President’s remarks that were made to Israeli parliament.
F) My reaction and insight to this article, is that, I feel and understand the author’s view of bias, even though I do not feel President Bush in this instance was attempting to ignore the Palestine nation. There is a time and place for President Bush to have an open dialog of support for President Abbas, and the people of Palestine if their country truly wants a peaceful solution, and I do not believe that a speech to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Israel is the appropriate environment.
Food Crisis-a threat to Latin American Poor'
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Global_Markets/Food_crisis_a_threat_to_Latin_Americas_poor/articleshow/3080252.cms
May 28th 2008-The Economic Times
Summary- The people in Guatamala are recently experiencing big problems associated with their economy. Some of the poor live on about 1$ a day. Now a 550 million dollar donation is to be made to try to help the people. In the next two weeks the board will provide the money and begin trying to help out the poor. The IDB, (Inter-american Development Bank) is the benefactor and at a meeting the 550 mil was agreed on and now that efforts are beginning because if they wait too much longer recovery is going to be even harder.
Reactions-
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Global_Markets/Food_crisis_a_threat_to_Latin_Americas_poor/articleshow/3080252.cms
May 28th 2008-The Economic Times
Summary- The people in Guatamala are recently experiencing big problems associated with their economy. Some of the poor live on about 1$ a day. Now a 550 million dollar donation is to be made to try to help the people. In the next two weeks the board will provide the money and begin trying to help out the poor. The IDB, (Inter-american Development Bank) is the benefactor and at a meeting the 550 mil was agreed on and now that efforts are beginning because if they wait too much longer recovery is going to be even harder.
Reactions-
- This article relates to theme of impact and interaction of and within major societies. The IBD is gathering people together to make decisions. Their interaction will make a huge impact on the poor society.
- As time progressed the people became more and more poor and times became harder and harder. Finally people are trying to help. If you live on 1$ a day life has to be very rough. It's now realized that if they let this go on much longer the recovery will be much harder.
- The author is most likely a male that is into the topic and has done a ton of research to support their information.
- The author speaks through other peoples quotes, most of which support the concept that without immediate action, the poor will fall even deeper into a place they can't get themselves out of.
- It would help to hear the point of view from a poor Latin American person that does live on 1$ a day and see how they are making it through and how they have made it through thus far.
- I think it's horrible that people are struggling so hard to survive while we live so luxiourisly in America. I also think that action being taken is the best thing considering there isn't much lower the poor can sink. It really shows us how fortunate we are and it also makes us realize that finally something is being done but it wasn't impacted at all by America, but it was influenced by other countries trying to put their money together to aid another country.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Burma Grants All UN Visa Request
I. Citation
Title- Burma Grants All UN Visa Request
Date Written- 5-29-08
URL- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7425130.stm
II. Summary
As of today Burma has agreed to allow officials from the UN to provide aid to the people of the country. It took a while to establish this deal, but UN officials were able to persuade Burma into accepting the deal. Elections were also held to see how many Burmese people would want to have financial aid from other countries. (A tremendous amount of voters said they wanted foreign aid.) Only until recently did the Burmese Leaders agree to having foreign aid, before this decision these high officials wanted no help, the Burmese government believed they could handle the situation themselves. Burmese Leaders did not want aid since they had a fear that with foreign aid spies would come and study the societies. (Spies could make reports which could bring down the empires reputation.) Burma in not a well known country to many, hopefully because of foreign aid, ties between countries and Burma will continue to be stronger.
III. Reaction
· This article best relates to the theme, “Impact of interaction among and within major societies.” This article shows how Burma is being helped by other countries causing more interaction between these countries. Because of the help given stronger ties between Burma and other countries remain tight.
· At first Burma was part of British India, soon Burma separated itself from India causing it to be a separated colony under Non-British control; Burma is now a totalitarian dictatorship. Burma is a country in now a Southeastern Asian country whose economic status tends to be moderately poor, although this country is still well developed. Recently a cyclone hit causing thousands of death. This lead up to an agreement over foreign aid.
· We are not given any information as to who is the writer of this report. Therefore, we cannot make any conclusions based on this person, his or her nationality or gender.
· The author of this article makes biased references towards the junta (political leader) of Burma. The writer explains how his decisions on not wanting aid were wrong. He displays the junta’s reasons in a very negative tone, and emphasizes the junta’s reasons for not wanting aid as horrible excuses. While the author does expand on the junta’s first decision on aid, he only briefly explains how the junta has changed his mind on wanting foreign help.
· I believe the point of view of the commoners who need aid is missing. While we hear directly from UN officials and Burmese leaders, we do not here from the people who are affected. To get an account from a person directly related to the problem caused by the cyclone could help justify our stand on this topic.
· I believe that the Burmese government is doing the right thing by accepting financial aid. While the officials are rich they must understand that the commoners have lost their crops, livestock and houses. These peasants have nothing, not even a morsel of food to eat. Burmese officials should understand not to be offended to receive aid. By doing so we show our friendship with other societies, through this peace between counties and stronger bonds can developed
Title- Burma Grants All UN Visa Request
Date Written- 5-29-08
URL- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7425130.stm
II. Summary
As of today Burma has agreed to allow officials from the UN to provide aid to the people of the country. It took a while to establish this deal, but UN officials were able to persuade Burma into accepting the deal. Elections were also held to see how many Burmese people would want to have financial aid from other countries. (A tremendous amount of voters said they wanted foreign aid.) Only until recently did the Burmese Leaders agree to having foreign aid, before this decision these high officials wanted no help, the Burmese government believed they could handle the situation themselves. Burmese Leaders did not want aid since they had a fear that with foreign aid spies would come and study the societies. (Spies could make reports which could bring down the empires reputation.) Burma in not a well known country to many, hopefully because of foreign aid, ties between countries and Burma will continue to be stronger.
III. Reaction
· This article best relates to the theme, “Impact of interaction among and within major societies.” This article shows how Burma is being helped by other countries causing more interaction between these countries. Because of the help given stronger ties between Burma and other countries remain tight.
· At first Burma was part of British India, soon Burma separated itself from India causing it to be a separated colony under Non-British control; Burma is now a totalitarian dictatorship. Burma is a country in now a Southeastern Asian country whose economic status tends to be moderately poor, although this country is still well developed. Recently a cyclone hit causing thousands of death. This lead up to an agreement over foreign aid.
· We are not given any information as to who is the writer of this report. Therefore, we cannot make any conclusions based on this person, his or her nationality or gender.
· The author of this article makes biased references towards the junta (political leader) of Burma. The writer explains how his decisions on not wanting aid were wrong. He displays the junta’s reasons in a very negative tone, and emphasizes the junta’s reasons for not wanting aid as horrible excuses. While the author does expand on the junta’s first decision on aid, he only briefly explains how the junta has changed his mind on wanting foreign help.
· I believe the point of view of the commoners who need aid is missing. While we hear directly from UN officials and Burmese leaders, we do not here from the people who are affected. To get an account from a person directly related to the problem caused by the cyclone could help justify our stand on this topic.
· I believe that the Burmese government is doing the right thing by accepting financial aid. While the officials are rich they must understand that the commoners have lost their crops, livestock and houses. These peasants have nothing, not even a morsel of food to eat. Burmese officials should understand not to be offended to receive aid. By doing so we show our friendship with other societies, through this peace between counties and stronger bonds can developed
After Sureshot
I. Title: After Sureshot, Source: The Economist, May, 29th
http://www.economist.com/world/la/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11455759
II. Summary:
Manuel Marulanda or “Sureshot”, was the president of FARC, a danderous colombian guerilla insurgent (or as Colombia says, terrorist) group that was established in the 60's as a military wing of the Colombian Comunist party. Marulanda refused peace talks and never gave up his violent campaign. He, including two other members of the FARC's seven-man secretariat, Raúl Reyes Iván Ríos have recently died. Sureshot's death seems to be leading to the end of FARC as a danger to Colombia. For many years, FARC has been drug-trafficking, bombing, recruiting, threatening Bogotá (the capital), kidnapping, and refusing peace talks with the government. Now that Manuel Marulanda and several other major members are dead, FARC seems to be dividing and becoming smaller. Freddy Padilla de León (the armed-forces' commander) says that this is happening to FARC becasue “they are reduced militarily, isolated politically, have a reduced social base and we are cutting their finance (by acting against their drug business). " Actions against FARC have been made by the Colombian government. For example, Álvaro Uribe, the colombian president expanded security forces by a third and appointed 80,000 professional soldiers, backed them with a helicopter fleet, Brazilian tactical bombers and advice from the US in cutting off FARC's ability to communicate. These efforts of the goverment are now showing results, but there is one problem, there are signs Venezuela is helping FARC. By continuing its efforts, the Colombian government hopes to get FARC to start negotiating. The colombian government thinks after Sureshot's death, success doesn't seem far off.
III. Reactions:
http://www.economist.com/world/la/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11455759
II. Summary:
Manuel Marulanda or “Sureshot”, was the president of FARC, a danderous colombian guerilla insurgent (or as Colombia says, terrorist) group that was established in the 60's as a military wing of the Colombian Comunist party. Marulanda refused peace talks and never gave up his violent campaign. He, including two other members of the FARC's seven-man secretariat, Raúl Reyes Iván Ríos have recently died. Sureshot's death seems to be leading to the end of FARC as a danger to Colombia. For many years, FARC has been drug-trafficking, bombing, recruiting, threatening Bogotá (the capital), kidnapping, and refusing peace talks with the government. Now that Manuel Marulanda and several other major members are dead, FARC seems to be dividing and becoming smaller. Freddy Padilla de León (the armed-forces' commander) says that this is happening to FARC becasue “they are reduced militarily, isolated politically, have a reduced social base and we are cutting their finance (by acting against their drug business). " Actions against FARC have been made by the Colombian government. For example, Álvaro Uribe, the colombian president expanded security forces by a third and appointed 80,000 professional soldiers, backed them with a helicopter fleet, Brazilian tactical bombers and advice from the US in cutting off FARC's ability to communicate. These efforts of the goverment are now showing results, but there is one problem, there are signs Venezuela is helping FARC. By continuing its efforts, the Colombian government hopes to get FARC to start negotiating. The colombian government thinks after Sureshot's death, success doesn't seem far off.
III. Reactions:
- This article relates to the themem of State-building, expansion and conflict. This is because FARC is a rebel group that has been in conflict with Colombian goverment for around 60 years.
- Historical backround: FARC was established in the 60's as a military wing of the Colombian Communist party and originated as a guerrilla movement. It has been involved in drug-trafficing (in the 80's cocaine in particular), kidnapping, recruiting, bombing and threatening the Colombian government. All the while, FARC has continously refused peace talks and even after Marulanda's death Cano (new leader after Sureshot's death) said that FARC will continue in the “struggle for political power.”
- The point of view is that of a British outsider.
- The author is in favor of the Colombian government and against FARC, this is because FARC is a communist group that drug-traffics, kidnaps, bombs, and threatens Colombian government.
- Many are leaving FARC, they are referred to as deserters. I would like to hear from their point of view. This is because they would be able to provide their own insight and knowlegde. They are different from the main leaders of FARC (like Cano) because they would most likely have no reason to put on fake front of FARC's "struggle for political power" if it is really crumbling in numbers and other aspects (and starting to hand in the towel).
- My reaction is that I hope that the Colombian government is successful in defeating FARC. I also hope that what Freddy Padilla de León says about FARC's current decline is true.
Tamil Tigers bomb people of Sri Lanka
I. Sri Lanka “will defeat terrorism”
BBC News
Tuesday May 27, 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7421470.stm
II. This article is about how the president of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa, is upset because of terrorism attacks against his country. One attack was reported to injure at lest 70 people on a commuter train. The authorities are accusing the Tamil Tigers. The president says that he is committed to defeating terrorism and will not let up until it is stopped. The bombing occurred 4 days after an attack happened the Tigers’ territory, in which they Tigers’ blamed Sri Lanka for. Sri Lanka is also increasing in the number of battles fought around their country.
III. A) This article relates to the AP World History theme of impact of interaction among and within major societies. It relates to this theme because the Tamil Tigers and Sri Lanka are conflicting, and it is causing many deaths.
B) The Tamil Tigers is a militant organization, located in Sri Lanka. They constantly conflict with Sri Lankan government and are trying to secede from their nation.
C) The author of this article is not listed, but it is likely to be an insider.
D) The author seems to lean towards the Sri Lankan side of the story. He uses many quotes that support their side and doesn’t give the Tigers’ point of view. He most likely chose to do this because the Tamil Tigers are listed as a terrorist organization and may not care for them.
E) The point of view missing in this article is that of a Tamil Tiger. There are absolutely no quotes from a Tamil Tiger. If we had their point of view, it would help us get their side of the story and see if the Sri Lankan government has done anything bad to them.
F) I believe that the Tamil Tigers should stop attacking the people of Sri Lanka. If they want to secede, they should try to negotiate with the government instead of killing innocent people.
BBC News
Tuesday May 27, 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7421470.stm
II. This article is about how the president of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa, is upset because of terrorism attacks against his country. One attack was reported to injure at lest 70 people on a commuter train. The authorities are accusing the Tamil Tigers. The president says that he is committed to defeating terrorism and will not let up until it is stopped. The bombing occurred 4 days after an attack happened the Tigers’ territory, in which they Tigers’ blamed Sri Lanka for. Sri Lanka is also increasing in the number of battles fought around their country.
III. A) This article relates to the AP World History theme of impact of interaction among and within major societies. It relates to this theme because the Tamil Tigers and Sri Lanka are conflicting, and it is causing many deaths.
B) The Tamil Tigers is a militant organization, located in Sri Lanka. They constantly conflict with Sri Lankan government and are trying to secede from their nation.
C) The author of this article is not listed, but it is likely to be an insider.
D) The author seems to lean towards the Sri Lankan side of the story. He uses many quotes that support their side and doesn’t give the Tigers’ point of view. He most likely chose to do this because the Tamil Tigers are listed as a terrorist organization and may not care for them.
E) The point of view missing in this article is that of a Tamil Tiger. There are absolutely no quotes from a Tamil Tiger. If we had their point of view, it would help us get their side of the story and see if the Sri Lankan government has done anything bad to them.
F) I believe that the Tamil Tigers should stop attacking the people of Sri Lanka. If they want to secede, they should try to negotiate with the government instead of killing innocent people.
111 Nations Adopt Cluster Bomb Ban
I. 111 Nations Adopt Cluster Bomb Ban, Jpost.com, May 30, 2008, http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1212041434978&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
II. On Friday a 12 day negotiation was finished in Ireland regarding the ban of Cluster Bombs. 111 Nations were in attendance and all officially banned the bombs in their nations. The signatories are required to stop production of cluster bombs, and to destroy any remaining bombs within the next eight years, and to fund projects to repair old-battlefields that were scared by cluster bomb duds. The supporting nations are planning sign the treaty in Norwegian capital Oslo in December. It would come into force in mid-2009. There were several large nations that didn't attend including, Israel, Russia, and the United States. These nations did not attend due to their opposition to the treaty. This shows that these nations have power and are afraid to give it up. Jerusalem said that Israel did not to attend because "it has to deal with well-known security threats and is opposed to a comprehensive ban on cluster bombs." Israel is widely criticized for their use of these bombs after the Second Lebanon War, where 40 innocent Lebanese were killed, including children, by the cluster-bombs. It remains unclear if these nations are ever going to give up these destructive weapons.
III. A) This issue relates to the AP World History theme of Impact of interaction among and within major societies. This article relates to this theme because the nations that were involved in this treaty were all in agreement, when the opposing nations were completely against this ban, this may cause some conflict in the future.
B) Cluster-bombs were developed in Germany during the Second World War and was named the German SD-2. As the bomb nears the ground it separates into many smaller bombs and blows up in all different areas around the main target zone.
C) The author of this article is a Jewish writer who is an insider on Israels situation. She knows exactly what is happening in her nation.
D) The author could be leaning toward Israels side like they are the correct ones. She defends her nation by giving quotes of their reasons for keeping the bombs.
E) The point of view of the other 2 nations was missing. I want to know why the U.S and Russia were not present. Although they oppose this act I feel they should have still been present at the meeting to express their opinions.
F) I feel like the 111 nations that accepted this treaty were taking a huge step towards more peace in this world. If there was less availability of weapons terrorism rates would steadily drop. I feel like it is very wrong for Israel, Russia, and the U.S to deny this. These countries push anti-terrorism so much, but when it comes to make an act that would drastically affect terrorism they do not take action. I feel like these nations need to step up for what they are doing.
II. On Friday a 12 day negotiation was finished in Ireland regarding the ban of Cluster Bombs. 111 Nations were in attendance and all officially banned the bombs in their nations. The signatories are required to stop production of cluster bombs, and to destroy any remaining bombs within the next eight years, and to fund projects to repair old-battlefields that were scared by cluster bomb duds. The supporting nations are planning sign the treaty in Norwegian capital Oslo in December. It would come into force in mid-2009. There were several large nations that didn't attend including, Israel, Russia, and the United States. These nations did not attend due to their opposition to the treaty. This shows that these nations have power and are afraid to give it up. Jerusalem said that Israel did not to attend because "it has to deal with well-known security threats and is opposed to a comprehensive ban on cluster bombs." Israel is widely criticized for their use of these bombs after the Second Lebanon War, where 40 innocent Lebanese were killed, including children, by the cluster-bombs. It remains unclear if these nations are ever going to give up these destructive weapons.
III. A) This issue relates to the AP World History theme of Impact of interaction among and within major societies. This article relates to this theme because the nations that were involved in this treaty were all in agreement, when the opposing nations were completely against this ban, this may cause some conflict in the future.
B) Cluster-bombs were developed in Germany during the Second World War and was named the German SD-2. As the bomb nears the ground it separates into many smaller bombs and blows up in all different areas around the main target zone.
C) The author of this article is a Jewish writer who is an insider on Israels situation. She knows exactly what is happening in her nation.
D) The author could be leaning toward Israels side like they are the correct ones. She defends her nation by giving quotes of their reasons for keeping the bombs.
E) The point of view of the other 2 nations was missing. I want to know why the U.S and Russia were not present. Although they oppose this act I feel they should have still been present at the meeting to express their opinions.
F) I feel like the 111 nations that accepted this treaty were taking a huge step towards more peace in this world. If there was less availability of weapons terrorism rates would steadily drop. I feel like it is very wrong for Israel, Russia, and the U.S to deny this. These countries push anti-terrorism so much, but when it comes to make an act that would drastically affect terrorism they do not take action. I feel like these nations need to step up for what they are doing.
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