Current Events Week 4

Ukraine Crisis: Russia Vows No Invasion

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has announced that Moscow has no intention if sending troops into Ukraine. The US-backed plan calls for Russia to halt its military build-up on the border with Ukraine and withdraw its troops from Crimean bases.This was said after US and Russian presidents discussed a diplomatic solution to the crisis. Us Secretary of state John kerry will meet Lavrov in Paris on Sunday. Lavrov also stated that Russia was ready to protect the rights of Russians and Russian-speaking people in Ukraine, using all available political, diplomatic and legal means.

Flight MH370: Ships Draw Blank

Two ships, a Chinese and an Australian, have failed to identify remains from the missing Malaysia airline. The two ships retrieved objects from the Indian Ocean but none confirmed to be from Flight MH370. However, Chinese aircraft have flown over the area and have spotted more objects. Bad weather has impaired recent search efforts and made it hard to retrieve further objects. Meanwhile some relatives of the the flights's 153 Chinese passengers have refused to accept the Malaysian account of events and accused officials of withholding information. 

Over 1 Million Displaced By Sudan Conflict

Over one million people have been displaced from their homes by the on-going conflict in Sudan. The latest UN report warns the situation is only likely to get worse. Some have stayed within the country and some have fled to neighboring countries. The UN estimated that 4.9 Million are in need of humanitarian assistance. But it warned that the location of these people makes it hard to reach them. In addition, the UN has received only a quarter of what they need for the crisis.

Works Cited

"BBC NEWS." BBC NEWS AFRICA. N.p., 29 3 14. Web. 29 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26798721>.

"BBC NEWS." BBC NEWS ASIA. N.p., 29 3 14. Web. 29 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26797866>.

"BBC NEWS." BBC NEWS EUROPE. N.p., 29 3 14. Web. 29 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26799326>.

Cureent Events Week 3

Russian Troops Storm Ukrainian Bases in Crimea

Russian troops backed by armored vehicles stormed  stormed a Ukrainian airbase in Crimea. Shooting and explosives were heard and at least one person was injured. The base is now said to be under Russian control. Pro-Russian militia have also been seizing navy ships. And earlier, several hundred unarmed protesters seized a Ukrainian naval base at Novofedorivka, western Crimea. The picture above is of Ukrainian soldiers given an ultimatum to leave the base. 

100 Killed in Nigeria 

At least 100 villagers were killed in Nigeria's Kaduna state in attacks linked to disputes between ethnic groups. Heavily armed men entered three villages Kaura District in the south of the state. It is unclear who was behind these attacks but residents suggest and blame herdsmen from the Fulani community. Nigeria often witnesses violence stemming from land and religion disputes. Thousands have been killed from such violence in recent years in fact. 

Palestinians Killed in Israeli Raid

Israeli security forces have shot down at least 3 Palestinians during a raid to arrest a Hamas member in the Jenin refugee camp in the west bank. The Israeli military explained that they wanted to arrest a man accused of plotting attacks on Israelis. It said he barricaded himself in his home and opened fire, injuring two soilders and was then shot dead. Two Palestinians were killed as rioters attacked security forces. US-brokered peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians have made little progress since they resumed last July, with the aim of creating state alongside Israel. 

Works Cited

"NEWS Middle East." BBC News. N.p., 22 3 14. Web. 22 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26695804>.

"NEWS Europe." BBC News. N.p., 22 3 14. Web. 22 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26698754>.

"NEWS Africa." BBC News. N.p., 22 3 14. Web. 22 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26602018>.

Current Events Blog Week 2

Malaysia Airlines Plane Deliberately Diverted

The Malaysia Airlines plane that disappeared a week ago has had everyone wondering what could have happened, what could have suddenly taken the lives of 239 people. It is now thought to have been deliberately diverted. Malaysia's prime minister Najib Razak said that the communications of flight MH370 were deliberately disabled and that "the movements are consistent with the deliberate action of someone on the plane". Razak is not saying it was a hijacking per-say, and stating only that they are investigating "all possibilities". According to radar and satellite evidence, the plane could have even traveled for another seven hours than originally thought, making finding the plane (or whats left of it) even harder. Although, some think this news brings the families of the passengers some hope. But for now, it is just a waiting game. 

Egypt: Six Soldiers Shot Dead

In the northern Cairo suburb of Shurba al-Khayma, six Egyptian soldiers were shot dead by gunmen at a checkpoint. A security official said two bombs left behind by the attackers had been defused. Just two days earlier, another soldier was shot and killed on an army bus in eastern Cairo. This all being part of the upsurge of violence since the overthrow of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi last July. Hundreds of police and soldiers have been killed in the attacks. 

US Regulator Sues 16 Banks for Libor rigging

A US regulator has sued 16 banks for allegedly manipulating Libor. Libor is the "London interbank offered rate". It is used to set trillions of financial contracts such as mortgages and financial transactions worldwide. The regulator said that the manipulation devastated 38 US banks which were shut down during the 2008 financial crisis. Some major banks involved are Citigroup, Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Barclays and HSBC. The regulator has also sued the BBA, British Bankers Association, for their participation in this scheme. 

Works Cited

"BBC News." US regulator sues 16 banks for alleged Libor rigging. N.p., 15 3 2014. Web. 15 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/business-26584942>.

"BBC News." Egypt unrest: Six soldiers shot dead in Cairo. N.p., 15 3 2014. Web. 15 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26591463>.

"BBC News." Missing Malaysia Airlines plane 'deliberately diverted'. N.p., 15 3 2014. Web. 15 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26591056>.

 

Current Events Blog Week 1

China's Pollution

Rising pollution in China is taking its toll on the health of its citizens. Beijing raised its air pollution alert to orange, the second highest on a four-tiered system, a few weeks ago. China's smog has sent many with minor health issues flocking to the hospitals, it has shut down schools and roads, and has concealed Beijing's tallest building to the point where it is no longer viable from a distance.The picture above indicates the drastic change. The picture to the left shows Beijing on a day in 2005 after it had rained, the picture on the right shows a sunny but smog filled day. Many citizens now need to wear masked any time they must step outside, and things are becoming more and more drastic. According to Wikipedia, only 1% of the countries 560 million city dwellers is considered safe by the European Union. China is pouring billions into trying to better the situation, but for now, China remains engulfed in the smog.

Ukraine Revolution

Pro-Ukrainian activists have been beaten by pro-Russian groups at a rally in Crimea's city of Sevastopol. A BBC reporter reports they had been attacked with whips, describing very ugly scenes. During the protest, one Russian man was "kicked to the ground, bleeding". The Russians tried to get their revenge not long after by smashing a driver's windshield, who was trying to flee the scene. The a Ukrainian was dragged into the bushes, kicked and whipped by the furious mob. Even the reporters on the scene were threatened. Meanwhile leaders from Russia, the UK and Germany held urgent talks on the phone to discuss the crisis in Ukraine. The US warned Moscow that any moves to annex China would close the door to diplomacy.  

California Drought California is undergoing its worst drought in history, with less rain than any point sense 1850. Rivers are at record lows and melted snow off the mountains is only at 20% of its expected levels. California Politicians have recently announced a $687 million plan to provide help to communities parched by California's ongoing drought. Under the plan, food assistance and short term help would also be provided. However, many argue that long term water-needs need to be addressed. Such as building water reservoirs. Not to mention the impact the drought will have on America's much needed crops coming out of California.  

Citations

China's Pollution:
"China media:Pollution woes." BBC NEWS China. N.p., 24 2 2014. Web. 9 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-26319180>.

Ukraine Revolution:
"Ukraine Activists Attacked in Crimea." BBC NEWS Europe. N.p., 9 3 2014. Web. 9 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26503478>.

California Drought:
"California governor unveils drought assistance plan." BBC NEWS US & Canada. N.p., 19 2 2014. Web. 9 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-26268177>.