news commentary: due Tues, 3/27 before school

[Ken Sklar (Radnor High School)]

Please post a commentary on any NTY article you read over the past
week: 3/19 - 3/25 (3/24 on the web) that interested you. Please
identify the article title and date.

[Erica F]

Islamist Victors in Egypt Seeking Shift by Hamas
by David D. Kirkpatrick on 3/24

Egypt's dominant party, the Muslim Brotherhood, is trying to fix
relations between Hamas and Fatah. After winning elections, the Muslim
Brotherhood will soon come to power in Egypt, and is already planning
the actions they'll be taking when in office. In an effort to pressure
Israel into creating a Palestinian state, the Muslim Brotherhood is
pushing Hamas to improve relations with Fatah. Instead of their usual
strong support for Hamas, the Brotherhood is using a new strategy by
trying to gain the approval of Fatah. They believe that talks with
Israel will be much more effective with Egypt, Gaza and the West Bank
all pushing for their beliefs. The idea of the Brotherhood having
alliances with not just Hamas, but Fatah as well, supposedly will make
the United States feel better about the Brotherhood being in power.
I'm not sure where this is going, and whether these new relations will
last, but we'll see in the coming months.

On Mar 26, 2:27 pm, "Ken Sklar (Radnor High School)"

[Shefain Islam]

As Displaced Return to Iraq, New Tensions for Neighbors
By Jack Healy and Yasir Ghazi
Published: 03/25/12

This article, while focusing on the specific Iraqi neighborhood Al Adel, tells a greater of the "what now" phase. After many years, Iraqis, worn and tired from fleeing destruction, are slowly returning to the hope of normalcy. However, normalcy is far from what the situation is now. A representative for most of Iraq, Al Adel is torn apart by sectarian differences that are foreign to returning neighbors who used to live side by side peacefully. The Shiites are angry with the Sunnis who stayed behind and are accusing the Sunnis of being accomplices in the sectarian destruction led by Sunni militants against Shiites years ago. The Sunnis now feel isolated and ostracized as a result of a growing Shiite power, especially within the government. I think this article is interesting because it deals with the greater issue at stake here in Iraq. While most of the attention was focused on how to get our tanks and troops out of the country, we completely forgot about the millions of people who were displaced and now have to return to a completely changed country, the battle wounds from the war, and the growing pains of the change. The Sunni-Shiite war has been an ongoing war with no end in sight and the hot zone of the war if anywhere is in Iraq. Resentment from Shiites against Sunnis is strong and Sunnis are now backed up into a corner. People who used to live peacefully can no longer look each other in the eye. All of this is the problem as the bombs, the attacks, and other violence are rooted in differences that can be seen in an unknown neighborhood. Relating this with Thomas Friedman's article this Sunday, I agree with Thomas Friedman that this kind of sectarian gap cannot be fixed by arming these people. The Sunni Shiite issue is never going to go away and will only gain strength and in the end, destroy the lives of millions more. If the US needs to act on anything, it needs to act on this gap. In the last few months, we've heard of at least 2 attacks on holy days as a result of this sectarian gap and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Something needs to be done here or else all our efforts, not that they can ever be fully worth the costs, will definitely be in vain. No growth or stability can be reached if the foundation, even in random neighborhoods, reveals signs of cracks between Shiites and Sunnis.

[Melissa Lee]

In Europe, where Art is Life, Ax Falls on Public Financing

By Larry Rohter

3/24/12

In Europe, the infamous debt crisis is taking a toll on the arts. When I read this, it was upsetting to me because the arts are commonly forgotten or belittled under other larger issues that appear to be superior. The “austerity” programs are reducing funding for many arts institutions and placing an emphasis on private donors to compensate. The repercussions of the economic crisis have caused a new relationship with the US over their arts programs. Many artists look for connections to the larger American institutions to be more successful. However, the reductions of the arts are being made in many ways: from fewer performers in smaller music ensembles to scaling down on venues for performances.  It is upsetting that arts institutions must accommodate to the surrounding economic atmosphere. Although these larger American companies may serve as a “model” for other smaller companies, it was said the newer, younger generation could bring both the creativity and the passion at a lower-scale cost. And I completely agree that the young generation will bring something exciting, because newer artists have not yet been exposed to the commercialization that the music industry tends to absorb, so money may not be the focal point for them. Regardless, it is so important that the arts, whether in the form of museums, orchestras, ballets, or theaters, are to be maintained because they make up the cultural identities of many countries and allow freedom of expression for people worldwide.

[Connor]

Soldiers Overthrow Mali Government in Setback for Democracy in Africa

By: Adam Nossitter

March 23, 2012

This article explained the overthrow of Mali's government by soldiers. Due to the Libyan civil war, large supplies of weapons have been transported into Mali, which has boosted the rebel forces in the north. Many of the soldiers were of a low-rank that were sick of the government's treatment of the rebellion. The presidential palace was stormed and the constitution has been suspended. The coup was unexpected because of upcoming elections and a promise by the president that he would not run again. I think that this coup in a country that was looked on to be fairly stable highlights the instability in many African countries. This shows that governments do not have the power to exert authority over their people. This lack of appropriate governance is the root of much of the instability in the region. Most foreign nations, including the United States, have condemned the coup and wish for democracy to return to the country. Situations like these will not stop unless governments are able to assert authority over their people and maintain a stable system of government.

On Monday, March 26, 2012 2:27:43 PM UTC-4, Ken Sklar (Radnor High School) wrote:

[Zoe Bermudez]

Uganda Tries to Find Opportunities in Unflattering Video
Published March 20, 2012
By Josh Kron

This article was about Uganda and how the government was trying to
take advantage of the attention the country is getting. A video swept
the Internet recently, spreading the news of Joseph Kony's army of
kidnapped child soldiers and the brutalities they have to endure,
giving Uganda a bit of unwanted popularity. Instead of focusing on the
Invisible Children, the government and media are trying to draw more
attention to their new title as Lonely Planet's best country to visit
in 2012. I thought this article was very intriguing. Having seen the
video, it really stunned me that the Ugandan government is showing
much concern about Kony. In my mind, it just seems logical that they
would want to show how much they are against such a human rights
violation so as to gain more positive views for the country. The prime
minister may claim that it is 'a modern, developing country' but they
really need to start proving it among their people as well.

[Claire Kirby]

"4 Killed at Jewish School in Southwestern France"
by Scott Sayare and Steven Erlanger, published: 3/20

Last Monday, in Toulouse, France at a Jewish school, a gunmen struck his third deadly attack in recent days. Four people were killed, three being young students who were religious and practiced Judaism. The fourth was the father of two of the victimized children, and a religious instructor at the school. This is believed to be the worst attack against Jews in France since the early 1980s, when a kosher restaurant in Paris was ambushed. In this recent attack, anti-Semitic views really came out, showing how these views can be found far outside of Palestine, into places where you generally wouldn't expect it, such as southwestern France and other nations around the world.

I took an interest in this article strongly due to both the presence of anit-Semitic views that still remain today and the ways how these attacks have become more and more common as of late, with this being the third in the last week in the region of Toulouse. Especially since we just finished reading Night and studying the Holocaust to the extent that we went into it, it really amazed me that this stuff still goes on all the time under the radar of so many people. Prior to hearing about these attacks, anti semitism is generally not common, and I hate the fact that Jewish people are still murdered because of the religion they choose to practice. Along with genocides where people are targeted solely due to race, religion, and culture, I think these small attacks really are the worst human rights crimes that continue to go on everyday even after events like the Holocaust, which was a wake up call to the world.

On Monday, March 26, 2012 2:27:43 PM UTC-4, Ken Sklar (Radnor High School) wrote:

[Michael Wong]

2 French Clans Dispute Raiding of a Lost Monet

Doreen Carvajal 3.20.12

 

During WW2 Nazi's plunderred coulntless Jewish homes within conquered European territories. Their infamy is discussed in Night, in which valuables are stolen, however in this instance something 'priceless' was stolen. A Monet called "Torrent de la Creuse"  When the original Jewish owners family (the Moulin's) private art vault was raided my the gastappo the painting was reportedly taken along with others that were later found to be have been sold no Nazi elite or stored in other collections with non-jewish owners.  Suspision surrounding the other billion dollar family bunch, the Wildenstein s when a catalouge of their works sold and for sale listed the painiting.  When the Wildensteins refuted knowledge of the painting's wherabouts the suspicion grew. As it turns out that listed painting was s similer Monet, but not the same, and was legitmately sold to the met.  However what other previousley stolen loot is in the Wildenstein vaults remains to be seen and tenions are high.  The article is interesting becasue it is part of the aftermath of Nazi occupation and the tensions between Jews seeking retribution who percieve the other family as criminal, and teh other who see them as accusitory.  Top further complicate things the Wildenstien lawyer is Jewis herself, and claims that any items in possestion are Nazi loot.  

On Monday, March 26, 2012 2:27:43 PM UTC-4, Ken Sklar (Radnor High School) wrote:

[Maddie Chapin]

Russia Seems To Soften Its Support For Syria

By Ellen Barry

3/21/12

This article really interested me because of how hopeful it made me that even Syria's top ally is finally being able to see the reality of the situation. I am glad that Russia made this step because it has been causing unnecessary tension between countries like the US, who are so opposed to Syria and their cruel treatment of their civilians. Although Russia does have a lot to fix in their own country, I feel as though this is a step in the right direction for them to see reality and realize how this alliance is affecting how they are viewed. Also, although it is going to take a lot to get stubborn Assad to cease his inhumane behavior, this might open his eyes to the fact that he is going to loose strong allies. But, it is interesting how the article states that although the foreign minister of Russia opposes Assad's harsh repression, he thinks the western countries are still wrong for wanting Assad to step down, which seems a little bit ironic. I hope Russia begins to finally see things through a new light and this could be a step in the right direction for them although they are repressing their own as well, but criticizing Syria for it. 

On Monday, March 26, 2012 2:27:43 PM UTC-4, Ken Sklar (Radnor High School) wrote:

[Jeremy Rhome]

Brazil - Computer Chips Track Students

The Associated Press

March 23rd 2012

Although this article was relatively short, I found it particularly interesting.  The Brazilian government has invested in T-shirts with computer chips in them which track the wearers behavior. It sound bazaar that amid an economic crisis Brazil is investing in such technology. The chips are worn by school students and they parents via text message if a student arrives late to school or is skipping class.  I found this intriguing because of the application of these chips.  First of all, the first time I hear about them are in schools in Brazil.  Usually a technology of this caliber originates from military applications.  This article made me think about the variety of uses for a tracking chip in a T shirt.  It has obvious military and police application, the military can keep track of soldiers and police can keep track of their officers in case of emergency.  But in dangerous countries where kidnapping is common it can serve as a safety measure for both civilians and diplomats alike.  More importantly this shows how technology continues to shape culture and the world events.  Just when society feels that they have summited the field of technological innovation, a new novel piece of technology comes out that could potentially redefine the world.  In the case of the chip, it could not only satisfy over protective parents but save lives.

On Monday, March 26, 2012 2:27:43 PM UTC-4, Ken Sklar (Radnor High School) wrote:

On Monday, March 26, 2012 2:27:43 PM UTC-4, Ken Sklar (Radnor High School) wrote:

On Monday, March 26, 2012 2:27:43 PM UTC-4, Ken Sklar (Radnor High School) wrote:

[Ben Cohen]

7-Year Manhunt Ends in Rural Australia
By MATT SIEGEL
Published: March 22, 2012
This is an article on how Malcolm Naden was captured by police after
hiding from hem in the outback for seven years. I thought this was
really interesting because it's almost unimaginable that something
like this could happen with how high-tech police are becoming.
Apparently he used low-tech tactics to throw off the police's
technology. This story kind of reminds me of cowboys back in the wild
west. There were stories being told about this guy and how he would
escape. Of course the crimes he committed where terrible, but the way
he survived seemed pretty cool. This is just one of those stories that
doesn't have much geopolitical prevalence, but is entertaining and
makes you wonder what goes on in the world.

On Mar 26, 2:27 pm, "Ken Sklar (Radnor High School)"