3/20/14
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-26649162
Great Britain
There are worries about how people are going to spend the money they receive from pensions. They are being allowed to spend the money however they want when they come to the age of retirement. Chancellor George Osborne says that the pensioners were, "responsible people who are capable of making decisions about their future." Numerous other people were mentioned in the article saying that they will spend the money on useless stuff or all at once or invest it and risk losing it all. The other side of this, the Labour party say that argument is not true and should be used against the new law regarding pensions that has been passed.
I personally have no idea what exactly pensions are or how they work. What this sounds like to me is a trust in the people that they will be smart and not cause a pain to the government after the government decided to help them. That can be a huge gamble by the government to let them be free with their money. I wonder that after awhile they would have the means to be able to tell if they spent it wisely or not? Maybe their will be an increase in number of people that need government support. I don't think I could really trust the majority of people who get money without working for it to spend it to help out their future over their immediate desires.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Ukraine Withdraws Troops
3/19/14
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/20/world/europe/crimea.html
Another Russia
It looks like Ukraine has officially made plans to withdraw all of its troops out of Crimea due to the Russian troops occupying the area. A day ago Russia also announced it was annexing the disputed peninsula. It made plans to relocate around 25,000 people to mainland Ukraine. The government in Kiev has stated that the annexation to Russia is actually illegal Ukraine has militarily surrendered Crimea and surrounding area. Putin has already started plans to make a bridge for cars and other such transportation straight to Russia. Ukraine has tried some smaller things to make life harder for the Russian Federation. The west is very angry and frustrated with the current situation. America has reassured their allies of the Baltic region that if Russia threatens them we will protect and defend them.
I think that this situation is very interesting because of the fact that the people of Crimea are the ones that most support the annexation of them into Russia. So everyone besides that actual people that live there are really angry about the whole situation. I do think that Russia shouldn't be able to just walk in and take what they want against a struggling nation in Ukraine. Russia is obviously not really in the mood to negotiate. Putin is being very aggressive and so far getting away with it. What I really what to know and need to research is if this all stays how it is, what are the long term implications? Should we really be more involved or is not that big of a deal?
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/20/world/europe/crimea.html
Another Russia
It looks like Ukraine has officially made plans to withdraw all of its troops out of Crimea due to the Russian troops occupying the area. A day ago Russia also announced it was annexing the disputed peninsula. It made plans to relocate around 25,000 people to mainland Ukraine. The government in Kiev has stated that the annexation to Russia is actually illegal Ukraine has militarily surrendered Crimea and surrounding area. Putin has already started plans to make a bridge for cars and other such transportation straight to Russia. Ukraine has tried some smaller things to make life harder for the Russian Federation. The west is very angry and frustrated with the current situation. America has reassured their allies of the Baltic region that if Russia threatens them we will protect and defend them.
I think that this situation is very interesting because of the fact that the people of Crimea are the ones that most support the annexation of them into Russia. So everyone besides that actual people that live there are really angry about the whole situation. I do think that Russia shouldn't be able to just walk in and take what they want against a struggling nation in Ukraine. Russia is obviously not really in the mood to negotiate. Putin is being very aggressive and so far getting away with it. What I really what to know and need to research is if this all stays how it is, what are the long term implications? Should we really be more involved or is not that big of a deal?
Power Balance of Asia
3/19/14
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/20/opinion/sharing-power-with-china.html?_r=0
China
In this article the power balance between the US and China was laid out over the conflict between Japan and China and their dispute over some islands in the East China Sea. The United States have declared Japan their allies under their defense treaty with them. China keeps threatening with their military which would easily over take the Japanese military if they were to attack. What China is looking for is to show they really have the power in Asia and that America is not willing to support Japan if this turned into an even bigger conflict. America could really lose power in Asia if that is how everything played out. China would really love this. If they did enter into the war they would have no control over it and would most likely lose. Both of their options are not good for America and so it has been hard for the Obama administration to take a side and put out a clear plan.
I think that this is another one of those sticky situations for our country and like the articles said either way and we have a lot to lose. We do have a treaty with Japan that says we would support them in a situation like this, so part of me says we need to step in and go for it. I also don't know if we should be butting in with a dispute between two other countries and risk our own money and soldiers. If we don't step in then we will lose a lot of respect and power in Asia who have always depended on us and always saw us as a huge world power. We could lose all of that. I just want to see if this becomes a bigger problem and see if we do anything about it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/20/opinion/sharing-power-with-china.html?_r=0
China
In this article the power balance between the US and China was laid out over the conflict between Japan and China and their dispute over some islands in the East China Sea. The United States have declared Japan their allies under their defense treaty with them. China keeps threatening with their military which would easily over take the Japanese military if they were to attack. What China is looking for is to show they really have the power in Asia and that America is not willing to support Japan if this turned into an even bigger conflict. America could really lose power in Asia if that is how everything played out. China would really love this. If they did enter into the war they would have no control over it and would most likely lose. Both of their options are not good for America and so it has been hard for the Obama administration to take a side and put out a clear plan.
I think that this is another one of those sticky situations for our country and like the articles said either way and we have a lot to lose. We do have a treaty with Japan that says we would support them in a situation like this, so part of me says we need to step in and go for it. I also don't know if we should be butting in with a dispute between two other countries and risk our own money and soldiers. If we don't step in then we will lose a lot of respect and power in Asia who have always depended on us and always saw us as a huge world power. We could lose all of that. I just want to see if this becomes a bigger problem and see if we do anything about it.
El Chapo
3/17/14
Mexico
The mexican drug lord that has been on the run for 13 years has been caught and wants to prevent any US extradition from happening. He faces charges of smuggling massive amounts of cocaine. He was captured after 13 years on the run by the Mexican marines backed by the US with drones and cell phone taps. He also faces charges of drug trafficking and organized crimes. His lawyer filed papers that if the judge approved would block him from being extradited to the United States. If he was extradited then Mexican authories would need to decide if he needed to serve his sentence in Mexico first or send him here after his sentence. A Senior MP from the US said it would be best if he came here so he didn't have a chance of escape like he did in 2001.
First off I am really pleased that were able to capture this guy so we can get him so of the justice he needs to be served. I really think that he should serve all of the sentence in Mexico and then be extradited to America so that he could recieve the justice he deserves here as well. But if he somehow gets off the hook and is blocked from coming here then hopefully he won't be able to escape as he did last time. It becomes a hassle and unecessary especially for something that we really shouldn't be dealing with.
Mexico
The mexican drug lord that has been on the run for 13 years has been caught and wants to prevent any US extradition from happening. He faces charges of smuggling massive amounts of cocaine. He was captured after 13 years on the run by the Mexican marines backed by the US with drones and cell phone taps. He also faces charges of drug trafficking and organized crimes. His lawyer filed papers that if the judge approved would block him from being extradited to the United States. If he was extradited then Mexican authories would need to decide if he needed to serve his sentence in Mexico first or send him here after his sentence. A Senior MP from the US said it would be best if he came here so he didn't have a chance of escape like he did in 2001.
First off I am really pleased that were able to capture this guy so we can get him so of the justice he needs to be served. I really think that he should serve all of the sentence in Mexico and then be extradited to America so that he could recieve the justice he deserves here as well. But if he somehow gets off the hook and is blocked from coming here then hopefully he won't be able to escape as he did last time. It becomes a hassle and unecessary especially for something that we really shouldn't be dealing with.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
People of Nigeria
3/16/14
http://www.boston.com/news/world/africa/2014/03/16/killed-stampedes-for-jobs-nigeria/lW2PNACEjNn676mGefHDTK/story.html
Nigeria
According to several articles 16 people have been stampeded to death in a fight for jobs in Nigeria. There is almost definitely more as well that have not been accounted for. There were about 500,000 people that came out to apply for less than 5,000 jobs. A lot of people are blaming Interior Minister Abba Moro for inviting way too many applicants where not enough facilities or security were provided to create a safe environment. Nigeria's economy is growing very well and is the biggest oil provider in Africa but because of corruption in the government and mismanagement have failed to provided any jobs for the citizens of their country. Nigerians are desperate for work as 41 of 171 million people are unemployed, with an even bigger percentage of younger people not having jobs.
I really don't know much about Nigeria. All I know is what we have learned in class that Nigeria is a country with a very bad government and is not very developed. After reading this article I understand more about the poor condition this country is in. 500,000 people for 5,000 positions is absolutely crazy! That really tells us that for one that people are desperate for jobs. Two: the government really does not know what it is doing and should be fired. I don't see how the ministry is caring for its people by what it did. Plus they should be able to do more with its economy than what it is currently doing.
http://www.boston.com/news/world/africa/2014/03/16/killed-stampedes-for-jobs-nigeria/lW2PNACEjNn676mGefHDTK/story.html
Nigeria
According to several articles 16 people have been stampeded to death in a fight for jobs in Nigeria. There is almost definitely more as well that have not been accounted for. There were about 500,000 people that came out to apply for less than 5,000 jobs. A lot of people are blaming Interior Minister Abba Moro for inviting way too many applicants where not enough facilities or security were provided to create a safe environment. Nigeria's economy is growing very well and is the biggest oil provider in Africa but because of corruption in the government and mismanagement have failed to provided any jobs for the citizens of their country. Nigerians are desperate for work as 41 of 171 million people are unemployed, with an even bigger percentage of younger people not having jobs.
I really don't know much about Nigeria. All I know is what we have learned in class that Nigeria is a country with a very bad government and is not very developed. After reading this article I understand more about the poor condition this country is in. 500,000 people for 5,000 positions is absolutely crazy! That really tells us that for one that people are desperate for jobs. Two: the government really does not know what it is doing and should be fired. I don't see how the ministry is caring for its people by what it did. Plus they should be able to do more with its economy than what it is currently doing.
Iran Making No Progress on Humans Rights
3/16/14
http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2014/03/14/why-human-rights-sanctions-could-work-with-iran/
Iran
A new president was elected back in August for the country of Iran. His name was Hassan Rouhani he promised to improve a lot of the problems Iran has with human's rights. Since then there has been no improvements. The reason for this is not clear because we can't tell if it is the fault of President Rhouhani or other leaders of the country. Maybe the goal was to never fulfill those promises. There is discussion of whether sanctions on Iran can be a good thing and help get its country to comply with deals they made to improve their human rights. They want to make sanction that don't effect the whole people of Iran but just the ones who are not willing to compromise.
I think that sanctions need to continue until Iran can show they are willing to change and be nicer to all the people of their country. The sanctions can be rought but I agree with the article and that sanctions can be made that don't harm the entire people. I think that just trying to be diplomatic with them will not be as successful. Hopefully there are enough moderates that have power and are able to compromise and make some improvements to their country.
http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2014/03/14/why-human-rights-sanctions-could-work-with-iran/
Iran
A new president was elected back in August for the country of Iran. His name was Hassan Rouhani he promised to improve a lot of the problems Iran has with human's rights. Since then there has been no improvements. The reason for this is not clear because we can't tell if it is the fault of President Rhouhani or other leaders of the country. Maybe the goal was to never fulfill those promises. There is discussion of whether sanctions on Iran can be a good thing and help get its country to comply with deals they made to improve their human rights. They want to make sanction that don't effect the whole people of Iran but just the ones who are not willing to compromise.
I think that sanctions need to continue until Iran can show they are willing to change and be nicer to all the people of their country. The sanctions can be rought but I agree with the article and that sanctions can be made that don't harm the entire people. I think that just trying to be diplomatic with them will not be as successful. Hopefully there are enough moderates that have power and are able to compromise and make some improvements to their country.
Tensions Continue to Rise
3/16/14
www.forbes.com/sites/dougschoen/2014/03/16/russia-invades-ukraine/
Russia
The tensions are at an all time high between Ukraine and Russia as yesterday Russia invaded and took control over a natural gas station in a village outside Crimea. This came after an intense and tense meeting and vote between the nations of the UN. All the votes were against the secession referendum except for Russia's. China, Russia's closest ally, chose to abstain their vote which is still showing support for Putin. The goal of the vote is to stop or at least slow down Putin's aggression but there is no sign of them slowing down.
A White House spokesman says there will be consequences if the aggresion will not stop.
The situation has really gotten sticky and bloody. I am in a stance where I don't really know what us in America should do. The US is not going to step in and take any military action. I do think that America has become weaker and not as imposing under our current President. Now is that necessarily a bad thing? I guess that becomes a personal opinion to all of us. I am down the middle as I think that we shouldn't let Russia bully Ukraine around but it may be very bad to get involved and turn this into a bigger conflict which we don't want to worry about right now.
www.forbes.com/sites/dougschoen/2014/03/16/russia-invades-ukraine/
Russia
The tensions are at an all time high between Ukraine and Russia as yesterday Russia invaded and took control over a natural gas station in a village outside Crimea. This came after an intense and tense meeting and vote between the nations of the UN. All the votes were against the secession referendum except for Russia's. China, Russia's closest ally, chose to abstain their vote which is still showing support for Putin. The goal of the vote is to stop or at least slow down Putin's aggression but there is no sign of them slowing down.
A White House spokesman says there will be consequences if the aggresion will not stop.
The situation has really gotten sticky and bloody. I am in a stance where I don't really know what us in America should do. The US is not going to step in and take any military action. I do think that America has become weaker and not as imposing under our current President. Now is that necessarily a bad thing? I guess that becomes a personal opinion to all of us. I am down the middle as I think that we shouldn't let Russia bully Ukraine around but it may be very bad to get involved and turn this into a bigger conflict which we don't want to worry about right now.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Obama Lacks Passion
1/12/14
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/12/gates-dont-ask-dont-tell-fight-was-only-time-obama-showed-passion-for-military/?intcmp=latestnews
Recently, former Defense Secretary Robert Gates sharply questioned Obama's passion for anything military related, besides his repealing of "Don't ask, don't tell." Gates said he was disturbed by the lack of any emotion or passion when it comes to the military. He also went on to compare him to previous president George W. Bush. He said that Bush was generally very unemotional except when dealing with military matters like the giving of the Medal of Honor. There were numerous people that defended Obama saying otherwise.
As for my opinion on this matter, well it's not something that chalks up to be that big of a deal. I don't think it really matters too much what President Obama is passionate about. I guess you could hope that cares about our military personnel and how are military actions can effect our country but it's not something that is of upmost importance. I guess if Bush liked the military more than Obama that's fine. You just want the President to give focus to everything that needs to be given focus not just what he personally wants to focus on, if that makes sense.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/12/gates-dont-ask-dont-tell-fight-was-only-time-obama-showed-passion-for-military/?intcmp=latestnews
Recently, former Defense Secretary Robert Gates sharply questioned Obama's passion for anything military related, besides his repealing of "Don't ask, don't tell." Gates said he was disturbed by the lack of any emotion or passion when it comes to the military. He also went on to compare him to previous president George W. Bush. He said that Bush was generally very unemotional except when dealing with military matters like the giving of the Medal of Honor. There were numerous people that defended Obama saying otherwise.
As for my opinion on this matter, well it's not something that chalks up to be that big of a deal. I don't think it really matters too much what President Obama is passionate about. I guess you could hope that cares about our military personnel and how are military actions can effect our country but it's not something that is of upmost importance. I guess if Bush liked the military more than Obama that's fine. You just want the President to give focus to everything that needs to be given focus not just what he personally wants to focus on, if that makes sense.
Impeachment for Christie?
1/12/14
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/12/impeachment-dems-escalate-nj-bridge-probe-as-others-defend-christie/
There are now Democrats saying that Chis Christie should be impeached for the incident involving the lane closures that happened on the George Washington bridge last fall. The apparent reasoning for the lane closures was an act of political revenge. Chris Christie claims that he had no knowledge of what was happening with that incident at that time. He has also fired his top aid who did have knowledge of this. The New Jersey governor says he is very embarrassed by what has happened. People are saying that if he can be proven to know about the situation he should be impeached.
Here is the thing, I really doubt Christie is going to be impeached. It is very hard to prove that a certain person had specific knowledge about something. You have to have hard evidence and that is hard to come by. In my opinion I am not really sure that he did know or was involved directly in this mess. If he was then he definitely be punished for something so unprofessional and quite frankly, illegal. You also have to wonder if this will have any effect on his running for the president 2016.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/12/impeachment-dems-escalate-nj-bridge-probe-as-others-defend-christie/
There are now Democrats saying that Chis Christie should be impeached for the incident involving the lane closures that happened on the George Washington bridge last fall. The apparent reasoning for the lane closures was an act of political revenge. Chris Christie claims that he had no knowledge of what was happening with that incident at that time. He has also fired his top aid who did have knowledge of this. The New Jersey governor says he is very embarrassed by what has happened. People are saying that if he can be proven to know about the situation he should be impeached.
Here is the thing, I really doubt Christie is going to be impeached. It is very hard to prove that a certain person had specific knowledge about something. You have to have hard evidence and that is hard to come by. In my opinion I am not really sure that he did know or was involved directly in this mess. If he was then he definitely be punished for something so unprofessional and quite frankly, illegal. You also have to wonder if this will have any effect on his running for the president 2016.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Utah Not Recognizing the Marriages
1/8/14
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/08/utah-governor-says-state-will-not-recognize-gay-marriages-amid-court-battle/
In the middle of all the battles in the courts concerning same sex marriage in our state of Utah, Governor Gary Herbert says the state will not recognize any of the couples that were married after Dec. 20. There has recently been a stay passed so for now gay marriage is on hold. More than 1300 couples were married after Judge Shelby ruled Utah's ban on gay marriage unconstitutional. The state agencies that would normally give services to normal married couples are barred from giving any help to the couples that were legally married after the ruling. Gay rights activists are furious with the Utah government and some say that the governor is discriminatory for not giving them basic rights and protections. One example of something that gay couples cannot do is get their names changed on their driver licenses because the state won't recognize the marriage as legal.
I am very down the middle with this issue. I see what the problems the gay rights groups have with this. They feel cheated because they were allowed to legally be married and now the state won't recognize this. Back where they were before. I kinda think that its unfair for them, but at the same time the state got a stay on the ruling and are going into the appeals process. So if no one else can get married then maybe wait to let the ones that did get married to see if their marriages really will end up being valid. The whole process has been very sticky and confusing.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/08/utah-governor-says-state-will-not-recognize-gay-marriages-amid-court-battle/
In the middle of all the battles in the courts concerning same sex marriage in our state of Utah, Governor Gary Herbert says the state will not recognize any of the couples that were married after Dec. 20. There has recently been a stay passed so for now gay marriage is on hold. More than 1300 couples were married after Judge Shelby ruled Utah's ban on gay marriage unconstitutional. The state agencies that would normally give services to normal married couples are barred from giving any help to the couples that were legally married after the ruling. Gay rights activists are furious with the Utah government and some say that the governor is discriminatory for not giving them basic rights and protections. One example of something that gay couples cannot do is get their names changed on their driver licenses because the state won't recognize the marriage as legal.
I am very down the middle with this issue. I see what the problems the gay rights groups have with this. They feel cheated because they were allowed to legally be married and now the state won't recognize this. Back where they were before. I kinda think that its unfair for them, but at the same time the state got a stay on the ruling and are going into the appeals process. So if no one else can get married then maybe wait to let the ones that did get married to see if their marriages really will end up being valid. The whole process has been very sticky and confusing.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Enrollment For Obamacare
1/6/13
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/06/obamacare-enrollment-figures-still-far-short-administration-own-goal/
There is once again debating and discussing about Obamacare. Now people are arguing over whether the amount of people signed up so far is a "failure" or if it just doesn't really matter. There are so far 2.1 million people have been signed up to private state or federal plans when the goal for the end of December was 3.3 million. There is also a goal of 7 million to be signed up by the end of March. Some say that is not enough of the 20 million uninsured plus the other people that had their policies canceled. But there are those like Gene Sperling (National Economic Council Director) says it doesn't matter what the number is but that we have as many signed up as possible. White House Spokesman Jay Carney also says it doesn't matter how matter but who it is that are signing up. A lot of sick people have signed up because it benefits them the most. The young and healthy will most likely be the last to sign up.
Does it really matter how many people are signed up through Obamacare? Well there are definitely multiple sides to this question. One is that Obamacare is not reaching the goals that its own supporters set up. That's fact. Who really knows if it will ever get as many people as it was hoping to get. But I do think that the bigger deal is who is getting signed up. I am not a supporter of Obamacare but if you are someone that would benefit from it then why not use it if it's there for you to use? The sick and people without insurance definitely need to be helped so it is really good that they are the ones signing up right now. Up to this point there have been a lot of issues with rolling out Obamacare, and it is not making its goals. So I am curious to see how it is going to do from here on out.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/06/obamacare-enrollment-figures-still-far-short-administration-own-goal/
There is once again debating and discussing about Obamacare. Now people are arguing over whether the amount of people signed up so far is a "failure" or if it just doesn't really matter. There are so far 2.1 million people have been signed up to private state or federal plans when the goal for the end of December was 3.3 million. There is also a goal of 7 million to be signed up by the end of March. Some say that is not enough of the 20 million uninsured plus the other people that had their policies canceled. But there are those like Gene Sperling (National Economic Council Director) says it doesn't matter what the number is but that we have as many signed up as possible. White House Spokesman Jay Carney also says it doesn't matter how matter but who it is that are signing up. A lot of sick people have signed up because it benefits them the most. The young and healthy will most likely be the last to sign up.
Does it really matter how many people are signed up through Obamacare? Well there are definitely multiple sides to this question. One is that Obamacare is not reaching the goals that its own supporters set up. That's fact. Who really knows if it will ever get as many people as it was hoping to get. But I do think that the bigger deal is who is getting signed up. I am not a supporter of Obamacare but if you are someone that would benefit from it then why not use it if it's there for you to use? The sick and people without insurance definitely need to be helped so it is really good that they are the ones signing up right now. Up to this point there have been a lot of issues with rolling out Obamacare, and it is not making its goals. So I am curious to see how it is going to do from here on out.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Benefit for Unemployment
1/5/14
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/01/white-house-jobless-benefits-should-be-first-new-legislation-2014/
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/05/hill-democrats-and-republicans-set-2014-agendas-with-midterm-elections-in-mind/
One of the first things congress will be debating and trying to sign this new year is an extension or some kind of benefit of insurance for the unemployed. 1.3 million Americans have recently seen their unemployment insurance cut off, something they need desperately as they try to find jobs. (This according to National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling) This cut off was due to failing to extend aid in the budget deal last December. They will be holding a preliminary vote on the issue tomorrow. House Leader John Boehner argued that no agreement will be made unless there are cuts somewhere else to offset the cost. There is pressure on the Republicans after Obama came out and supported this as well. Marco Rubio R-Fla. says that what we need is to help the people acquire skills to get out of poverty over just handing them money.
In my opinion, I tend to lean slightly on the side of the Republicans with this issue. Yes we don't want these unemployed people to suffer but I think that they can just take advantage of the system. No, not everyone does take advantage but there are those that do. Help them out a little by getting them what they need to be employed again. I also think that if we do extend the benefits that we need to offset with cuts in another area. I don't like the thought of just giving out money from nowhere. We will have to see how it plays out in Congress and see which side gets what they want.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/01/white-house-jobless-benefits-should-be-first-new-legislation-2014/
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/05/hill-democrats-and-republicans-set-2014-agendas-with-midterm-elections-in-mind/
One of the first things congress will be debating and trying to sign this new year is an extension or some kind of benefit of insurance for the unemployed. 1.3 million Americans have recently seen their unemployment insurance cut off, something they need desperately as they try to find jobs. (This according to National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling) This cut off was due to failing to extend aid in the budget deal last December. They will be holding a preliminary vote on the issue tomorrow. House Leader John Boehner argued that no agreement will be made unless there are cuts somewhere else to offset the cost. There is pressure on the Republicans after Obama came out and supported this as well. Marco Rubio R-Fla. says that what we need is to help the people acquire skills to get out of poverty over just handing them money.
In my opinion, I tend to lean slightly on the side of the Republicans with this issue. Yes we don't want these unemployed people to suffer but I think that they can just take advantage of the system. No, not everyone does take advantage but there are those that do. Help them out a little by getting them what they need to be employed again. I also think that if we do extend the benefits that we need to offset with cuts in another area. I don't like the thought of just giving out money from nowhere. We will have to see how it plays out in Congress and see which side gets what they want.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Al Qaeda Resurgence?
1/2/14
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/02/civilian-death-toll-in-iraq-highest-in-years-fueling-concern-about-al-qaeda/
2013 has ended and looking back at the violence in Iraq during the past year there is major concern that Al Qaeda is making a violent resurgence after some steady and lower key years. According to the UN 7,818 civilians were killed throughout 2013. There is concern that the US hard fought gains to get more peace for Iraqi civilians is now going to waste. Troops were pulled out in 2011 and the levels of violence stayed lower for a while. Some are urging the United States to get involved again but there is not a lot of desire for us to go back there. Tensions between the Sunnis and Shiites (different branches of the Islam religion) have also risen over the past year. This has created contention between different government officials.
It is a little worrisome that violence seems to growing in Iraq again. It just shows that how hard you try to keep terrorism and violence down it is impossible to completely stop it. I did read that the US is still helping Iraq in different ways than supplying troops. They continue to discuss various things with officials of Iraq and supplying arms to the government. I don't think going back into Iraq would accomplish anything. We don't have an appetite or good reason to go in so I don't think we should really even consider it at this point. We will have to watch and see what Al Qaeda continues to do during 2014.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/02/civilian-death-toll-in-iraq-highest-in-years-fueling-concern-about-al-qaeda/
2013 has ended and looking back at the violence in Iraq during the past year there is major concern that Al Qaeda is making a violent resurgence after some steady and lower key years. According to the UN 7,818 civilians were killed throughout 2013. There is concern that the US hard fought gains to get more peace for Iraqi civilians is now going to waste. Troops were pulled out in 2011 and the levels of violence stayed lower for a while. Some are urging the United States to get involved again but there is not a lot of desire for us to go back there. Tensions between the Sunnis and Shiites (different branches of the Islam religion) have also risen over the past year. This has created contention between different government officials.
It is a little worrisome that violence seems to growing in Iraq again. It just shows that how hard you try to keep terrorism and violence down it is impossible to completely stop it. I did read that the US is still helping Iraq in different ways than supplying troops. They continue to discuss various things with officials of Iraq and supplying arms to the government. I don't think going back into Iraq would accomplish anything. We don't have an appetite or good reason to go in so I don't think we should really even consider it at this point. We will have to watch and see what Al Qaeda continues to do during 2014.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)