current events commentary: due Wed, 1/18 before school
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Ken Sklar (Radnor High School)
Jan 17, 2012, 3:11:45 PM1/17/12
to 2011 Global Issues
If you were unable to participate in our class discussion, please post
a commentary on any NTY article you read over the past week: 1/9 -
1/16 (1/15 on the web) that interested you that was not discussed in
class. Please identify the article title and date.
a commentary on any NTY article you read over the past week: 1/9 -
1/16 (1/15 on the web) that interested you that was not discussed in
class. Please identify the article title and date.
Cat Mosier-Mills
Jan 17, 2012, 3:42:49 PM1/17/12
to 2011 Global Issues
"US to Renew Myanmar Ties in Light of Reforms"
by Steven Lee Myers
1/13/12
After many long decades of frayed ties with Myanmar, the US has
finally restored its diplomatic relations with the country, due to the
dramatic changes the government made, such as a cease-fire with rebels
and the release of hundreds of political prisoners. In the time since
the military government took power, our diplomacy with Myanmar has
been frayed -- though not completely severed -- because the military
government arrested any political opposition, and even caused the US
to withdraw its ambassador in 1990. But now, it appears that our ties
have been faithfully restored!
I think this is so refreshing to hear; Aung San Suu Kyi has left a
tremendous impact on her own nation and other nations, as well. This
is a big step in securing our ties in the Pacific rim, as well as
continuing to support fair democracy movements all over the world --
in the past few years, Obama's foreign policy has been very active at
reaching out to other countries. The improvements in the government
will pave a clear path for Myanmar's future, greatly improving the
lives of its people!
On Jan 17, 3:11 pm, "Ken Sklar (Radnor High School)"
by Steven Lee Myers
1/13/12
After many long decades of frayed ties with Myanmar, the US has
finally restored its diplomatic relations with the country, due to the
dramatic changes the government made, such as a cease-fire with rebels
and the release of hundreds of political prisoners. In the time since
the military government took power, our diplomacy with Myanmar has
been frayed -- though not completely severed -- because the military
government arrested any political opposition, and even caused the US
to withdraw its ambassador in 1990. But now, it appears that our ties
have been faithfully restored!
I think this is so refreshing to hear; Aung San Suu Kyi has left a
tremendous impact on her own nation and other nations, as well. This
is a big step in securing our ties in the Pacific rim, as well as
continuing to support fair democracy movements all over the world --
in the past few years, Obama's foreign policy has been very active at
reaching out to other countries. The improvements in the government
will pave a clear path for Myanmar's future, greatly improving the
lives of its people!
On Jan 17, 3:11 pm, "Ken Sklar (Radnor High School)"
Ashley Gubernick
Jan 17, 2012, 5:32:12 PM1/17/12
to 2011 Global Issues
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/world/asia/taiwan-presidential-election.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper
"President of Taiwan Is Re-elected, a Result That Is Likely to Please
China"
by Andrew Jacobs
1/15/12
I was taking the Macbeth test during our current events discussion so
I am not sure if we talked about this article or not, but I found it
very interesting. The Taiwanese are despondent about their
relationship with China. Business leaders and uneasy American
officials are pleased with the results. Mr. Ma will please China,
which in return pleases the people who do not want change, and
certainly do not want to rock the relationship Taiwan has with China.
A lot of this fear of disturbing the relationship has to do with
finances; China provides economic support to Taiwan. In the article
Andrew Jacobs interviews Edward I-hsin Chen, former legislator and a
professor at Tamkang University. Mr. Chen says, "What this election
showed is that business interests in Taiwan now trump ideological
ones.” What Mr. Chen says is true; however, I believe that support of
Mr. Ma has something to do with fear of China and the power China
possesses, not just business interest. China and Taiwan have been at
war since 1949 and it seems that citizens are cautious about further
rupturing any correlation with China, whether it be business or
ideological ties, that Taiwan still has left.
"President of Taiwan Is Re-elected, a Result That Is Likely to Please
China"
by Andrew Jacobs
1/15/12
I was taking the Macbeth test during our current events discussion so
I am not sure if we talked about this article or not, but I found it
very interesting. The Taiwanese are despondent about their
relationship with China. Business leaders and uneasy American
officials are pleased with the results. Mr. Ma will please China,
which in return pleases the people who do not want change, and
certainly do not want to rock the relationship Taiwan has with China.
A lot of this fear of disturbing the relationship has to do with
finances; China provides economic support to Taiwan. In the article
Andrew Jacobs interviews Edward I-hsin Chen, former legislator and a
professor at Tamkang University. Mr. Chen says, "What this election
showed is that business interests in Taiwan now trump ideological
ones.” What Mr. Chen says is true; however, I believe that support of
Mr. Ma has something to do with fear of China and the power China
possesses, not just business interest. China and Taiwan have been at
war since 1949 and it seems that citizens are cautious about further
rupturing any correlation with China, whether it be business or
ideological ties, that Taiwan still has left.
Melissa Lee
Jan 17, 2012, 5:50:09 PM1/17/12
to 2011 Global Issues
In Rare Public Appearance, Assad Addresses Rally in Syria
By Nada Bakri
1/11/12
For the first time in 10 months since the uprising started, President
Assad of Syria appeared in Umayyad Square of Damascus for a loyalist
rally. He delivered a very telling speech to the public following the
deaths of Western journalists amid the unrest. The crowd of thousands
chanted his name, approving his militiamen claiming “Shabeeba forever,
for your eyes Assad”. The magnitude of people who still support Assad
disappointed me, and somewhat surprised me. However, in other non-
Western nations, like North Korea following Kim Jung-il’s death, the
devout followers of these corrupt leaders seems to be religiously
bound to them. During his speech he claims he wants to end the
“conspiracies” he faces. A former Arab League observer, Malik, sees
through the regime’s act, attempting to cover up the obvious violence
occurring. However, he resigned, deeming the mission a “farce”. The
resignation of this official unfortunately shows a loss of patience
for the violence, and the UN only has so many options left. Hopefully,
the UN with the support of other nations, can find an effective way to
at least calm the violence and the government before civil war erupts.
By Nada Bakri
1/11/12
For the first time in 10 months since the uprising started, President
Assad of Syria appeared in Umayyad Square of Damascus for a loyalist
rally. He delivered a very telling speech to the public following the
deaths of Western journalists amid the unrest. The crowd of thousands
chanted his name, approving his militiamen claiming “Shabeeba forever,
for your eyes Assad”. The magnitude of people who still support Assad
disappointed me, and somewhat surprised me. However, in other non-
Western nations, like North Korea following Kim Jung-il’s death, the
devout followers of these corrupt leaders seems to be religiously
bound to them. During his speech he claims he wants to end the
“conspiracies” he faces. A former Arab League observer, Malik, sees
through the regime’s act, attempting to cover up the obvious violence
occurring. However, he resigned, deeming the mission a “farce”. The
resignation of this official unfortunately shows a loss of patience
for the violence, and the UN only has so many options left. Hopefully,
the UN with the support of other nations, can find an effective way to
at least calm the violence and the government before civil war erupts.
Quincy Shuda
Jan 17, 2012, 6:35:55 PM1/17/12
to 2011 Global Issues
Russian Child Disappears Into Pipe After Falling Into a Sinkhole
By: Andrew E. Kramer
January 10, 2012
I was taking the Macbeth test during class today so I’m not sure if we
touched on this subject or not but it was one that I found
particularly interesting and upsetting. Although it wasn’t a big news
event, told by an isolated story, I think it really shows how the
Russian infrastructure is flawed which fuels some of the unsettlement
in Russian right now, along with displeasure from corrupt government.
The article was about a mother and son outside of Moscow who collapsed
into a sinkhole in the sidewalks caused by a burst pipe. While the
mother was able to be pulled out by a rope from her husband, her baby
son in his stroller were carried to the bottom of the pit and washed
away through the underground pipelines. What was even more shocking
about this story was that it isn’t an uncommon tragedy to take place
in Russia. Since the post-Soviet era and through all of the economic
hardships over the past decades, Russia has failed to update many of
their infrastructural systems, especially pipelines. Their capital
equipment is about 22 years old, whereas most Western equipment is
only 10. The article said that 70% of the cities waterways were out of
date, but there wasn’t enough money to replace them. It talked about
two other stories where a young boy and a motor vehicle were captured
by a sink hole for the same reason. This provides yet another reason
for the people of Russia to be upset and protest. They want a better
future for their country, and that means change; a change that Putin
may not be able to bring. They need to get out of their Soviet-era
styles and updates their waterways, lifestyles, and governing system
so that everyone is pleased as well as safe.
By: Andrew E. Kramer
January 10, 2012
I was taking the Macbeth test during class today so I’m not sure if we
touched on this subject or not but it was one that I found
particularly interesting and upsetting. Although it wasn’t a big news
event, told by an isolated story, I think it really shows how the
Russian infrastructure is flawed which fuels some of the unsettlement
in Russian right now, along with displeasure from corrupt government.
The article was about a mother and son outside of Moscow who collapsed
into a sinkhole in the sidewalks caused by a burst pipe. While the
mother was able to be pulled out by a rope from her husband, her baby
son in his stroller were carried to the bottom of the pit and washed
away through the underground pipelines. What was even more shocking
about this story was that it isn’t an uncommon tragedy to take place
in Russia. Since the post-Soviet era and through all of the economic
hardships over the past decades, Russia has failed to update many of
their infrastructural systems, especially pipelines. Their capital
equipment is about 22 years old, whereas most Western equipment is
only 10. The article said that 70% of the cities waterways were out of
date, but there wasn’t enough money to replace them. It talked about
two other stories where a young boy and a motor vehicle were captured
by a sink hole for the same reason. This provides yet another reason
for the people of Russia to be upset and protest. They want a better
future for their country, and that means change; a change that Putin
may not be able to bring. They need to get out of their Soviet-era
styles and updates their waterways, lifestyles, and governing system
so that everyone is pleased as well as safe.
Ben Cohen
Jan 17, 2012, 7:59:12 PM1/17/12
to 2011 Global Issues
"Online suggestion Box a Peril for Putin"-Ellen Barry
1/12/12
This article is about an online suggestion box Putin put up, so he
could "listen" to suggestions. When it was first posted many of the
posts called for Putin to leave the race, but those post mysteriously
vanished. I find Putin trying to portray himself as a leader that
listens to the people pretty funny. This seems like a waste of energy
for Putin, or his assistants to even make this page because everyone
knows he does what he wants. This could be a sign that the protests
and opposition are making Putin worried. Prokohorov seems like a
somewhat legitimate opponent after getting the two million signatures
needed to run in the race. The protests have also had bvery large
number of participants, which shows Putin should not take this
upcoming election lightly. Although Putin losing the election seems
unlikely, this may be a sign he is becoming worried, and it might not
be as lopsided as the other elections.
1/12/12
This article is about an online suggestion box Putin put up, so he
could "listen" to suggestions. When it was first posted many of the
posts called for Putin to leave the race, but those post mysteriously
vanished. I find Putin trying to portray himself as a leader that
listens to the people pretty funny. This seems like a waste of energy
for Putin, or his assistants to even make this page because everyone
knows he does what he wants. This could be a sign that the protests
and opposition are making Putin worried. Prokohorov seems like a
somewhat legitimate opponent after getting the two million signatures
needed to run in the race. The protests have also had bvery large
number of participants, which shows Putin should not take this
upcoming election lightly. Although Putin losing the election seems
unlikely, this may be a sign he is becoming worried, and it might not
be as lopsided as the other elections.
Maureen McDermott
Jan 17, 2012, 10:27:07 PM1/17/12
to 2011 Global Issues
Smear in Russia Backfires, and Online Tributes Roll In
by Andrew E. Kramer
Monday's (1/9/11) NY Times
A doctored photo of Aleksei Navalny (the Russian blogger and huge
protestor that was jailed but recently released) was ran nationwide
through Russian papers. The picture showed him in a room with an
exiled man who is wanted by Russian police. The blogger claimed this
picture was altered and he proved it by circulating the original,
depicting him with a billionaire politician instead. It turns out this
photo was altered by the Russian government as a propaganda attempt,
but it completely backfired on them because now the whole country
knows what they did, and it caused a lot more criticism of Putin. The
article also said that during the Soviet era, the government would
frequently put doctored photos in magazines, which just shows how
outdated and useless this tactic is, especially in todays world of
advanced technology. I found this article particularly interesting
because to me this reads at Putin and his government's last straw. I
mean you'd have to be pretty desperate to print a doctored photo of a
pretty well liked guy and circulate it all throughout the country. So
I almost see this a Putin getting publicly antsy and nervous about his
standings in the eyes of the people, which probably isn't something
he'd want to let them onto at this point in his campaigning process.
by Andrew E. Kramer
Monday's (1/9/11) NY Times
A doctored photo of Aleksei Navalny (the Russian blogger and huge
protestor that was jailed but recently released) was ran nationwide
through Russian papers. The picture showed him in a room with an
exiled man who is wanted by Russian police. The blogger claimed this
picture was altered and he proved it by circulating the original,
depicting him with a billionaire politician instead. It turns out this
photo was altered by the Russian government as a propaganda attempt,
but it completely backfired on them because now the whole country
knows what they did, and it caused a lot more criticism of Putin. The
article also said that during the Soviet era, the government would
frequently put doctored photos in magazines, which just shows how
outdated and useless this tactic is, especially in todays world of
advanced technology. I found this article particularly interesting
because to me this reads at Putin and his government's last straw. I
mean you'd have to be pretty desperate to print a doctored photo of a
pretty well liked guy and circulate it all throughout the country. So
I almost see this a Putin getting publicly antsy and nervous about his
standings in the eyes of the people, which probably isn't something
he'd want to let them onto at this point in his campaigning process.
Erica
Jan 18, 2012, 8:24:07 AM1/18/12
to 2011 Global Issues
"Kim Jong-il to Go on Permanent Display"
by Choe Sang-Hun
1/12/12
Kim Jong-Il, like his father, will have his dead body placed on
permanent display in a Payongyang mausoleum. North Korean officials
have reported that Mr. Kim will be embalmed and displayed in a
prestigious, marble-lined mausoleum; most people (aside from the grief-
stricken North Koreans) are concerned about the cost of the mausoleum,
as the North Korean government has far more important things to spend
their limited funds on than marble. In the 90s, as North Koreans died
from famine, the government was making improvements to this mausoleum,
as well as making bronze statues of Kim's predecessor- no longer do we
have to wonder about where North Korea's money is going. In other
news, the North Korean government has also made February 16 (the
birthday of the late Kim Jong-Il) a national holiday: the Day of the
Lodestar. Apparently, this was the name of a missle, which Kim took as
his own nickname (how fitting).
by Choe Sang-Hun
1/12/12
Kim Jong-Il, like his father, will have his dead body placed on
permanent display in a Payongyang mausoleum. North Korean officials
have reported that Mr. Kim will be embalmed and displayed in a
prestigious, marble-lined mausoleum; most people (aside from the grief-
stricken North Koreans) are concerned about the cost of the mausoleum,
as the North Korean government has far more important things to spend
their limited funds on than marble. In the 90s, as North Koreans died
from famine, the government was making improvements to this mausoleum,
as well as making bronze statues of Kim's predecessor- no longer do we
have to wonder about where North Korea's money is going. In other
news, the North Korean government has also made February 16 (the
birthday of the late Kim Jong-Il) a national holiday: the Day of the
Lodestar. Apparently, this was the name of a missle, which Kim took as
his own nickname (how fitting).
Claire Kirby
Jan 18, 2012, 10:37:43 AM1/18/12
to 2011-glob...@googlegroups.com
"Migrants' New Paths Reshaping Latin America"
by Damien Cave 1/13/12
In a small Mexican village outside of Oaxaca City, many Mexican immigrants are beginning to arrive, bring the distress and upset of current citizens with them. Citizens have been saying cruel things about the unwanted neighbors like, "They bring complications. They don't bring benefits." The concern over the growing population in the crowded schools and the loss of jobs is taking over the small-town talk of Santa Maria Atzompa, a town of family tradition. Immigration to the U.S. has dropped since many arrests on the border have taken place, causing emigrants to move to other areas and smaller towns of Mexico, pressuring governments and leaders to create new immigration laws, please the original citizens, and create more jobs to accomodate the growing populations of the region. I think that these people immigrating to small towns and villages and taking over others' lives is uncalled for. I can definitley understand the opinions of the townspeople that do not want the extra company, but in the same way I can understand why the immigrants would choose to take residences in small, country towns rather than large, bustling cities. It guaruntees the immigrants job opportunities and a promising future.
Maddie Chapin
Jan 18, 2012, 11:54:38 AM1/18/12
to 2011 Global Issues
3 Killed as Drone Strikes Resume in Pakistan
by Eric Schmitt 1/11
I found this article a very risky move of the US to take considering
our uneasy relationship with Pakistan that we don't want to ruin.
Although we were trying to abstain from anymore drone strikes in
Pakistan after the way the previous strike was seen, we continued to
strike another drone on Tuesday killing three people. I thought this
wasn't a smart decision on the US's part because this decision might
cause the world to look at us differently and most importantly,
Pakistan to look down upon us. The pause of drone strikes was intended
to not worsen our relationship with Pakistan, but with this end of the
silence will come with consequences and also a new and worsened
relationship with Pakistan. This was an interesting article that I
found kind of contradictory and I am anxious to see how this strike
will be seen through other countries eyes and what effect it could
have moving forward.
by Eric Schmitt 1/11
I found this article a very risky move of the US to take considering
our uneasy relationship with Pakistan that we don't want to ruin.
Although we were trying to abstain from anymore drone strikes in
Pakistan after the way the previous strike was seen, we continued to
strike another drone on Tuesday killing three people. I thought this
wasn't a smart decision on the US's part because this decision might
cause the world to look at us differently and most importantly,
Pakistan to look down upon us. The pause of drone strikes was intended
to not worsen our relationship with Pakistan, but with this end of the
silence will come with consequences and also a new and worsened
relationship with Pakistan. This was an interesting article that I
found kind of contradictory and I am anxious to see how this strike
will be seen through other countries eyes and what effect it could
have moving forward.
Zoe Bermudez
Jan 18, 2012, 6:35:10 PM1/18/12
to 2011-glob...@googlegroups.com
Russian Official Suggests a Weapon Caused an Exploration Spacecraft’s Failure
By Andrew E. Kramer
Published on January 11, 2012
It seems that Russia has had yet another setback for its space exploration program. Their spacecraft that was meant to explore one of Mars' moons never made it out of Earth's low orbit due to a failure in the rockets. Many Russian officials hinted that this could have been the work of U.S. weapons when the aircraft was over our part of the planet, in an area where the Russians "do not see the spacecraft and do not receive telemetric information". There is predicted to be over 13-tons of debris falling down sometime this week over a large area that includes London, Tokyo, and New York City. This particular explorer cost over $160 million to make with 5 years to build. It was hoped that the operation could have been a success because the time when Earth and Mars are lined up in the right place in their orbits comes once every two years.
Allie Martin
Jan 18, 2012, 11:03:43 PM1/18/12
to 2011 Global Issues
"Now Able to Exhale, Libyan Rappers Find a Voice"
By: Liam Stack
January 10, 2012
I found this the most interesting thing I've read in The New York
Times in awhile. I think that this shows what this revolution and what
all the revolutions in the Middle East are about. It's so cool that a
couple of Libyan get to express themselves so freely after being
opressed for so long. This is what all of the protesting was for and
it's great to see that all of it paid off. It also shows that not
everybody hates Western culture over there as much as some of us like
to think. These guys not only get to follow their dremas, but they are
inspiring younger boys in the area. This is one of the stories you
read and it just makes you smile because it reminds us that there is
still good things, especially in the areas of the world where things
seem so bad.
By: Liam Stack
January 10, 2012
I found this the most interesting thing I've read in The New York
Times in awhile. I think that this shows what this revolution and what
all the revolutions in the Middle East are about. It's so cool that a
couple of Libyan get to express themselves so freely after being
opressed for so long. This is what all of the protesting was for and
it's great to see that all of it paid off. It also shows that not
everybody hates Western culture over there as much as some of us like
to think. These guys not only get to follow their dremas, but they are
inspiring younger boys in the area. This is one of the stories you
read and it just makes you smile because it reminds us that there is
still good things, especially in the areas of the world where things
seem so bad.
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