Topic: Neo Nazism
The term Neo- Nazism is used to describe the post-World War II social or political movements seeking to revive Nazism. It also refers to highlight the ideology of the movement.German neo-Nazis have attacked accommodations for refugess and migrant workers in Hoyerswerda in 1991. Rostock-Lichtenhagen in 1992. As well as they were involved in other terrorist activities post the early 90s. Beginning of the 2000s, Neo-Nazis started their demostration ativities on the anniversary of the Bombing of Dresden in World War II. Nowdays the right-wing extremists are increasing their activity on online social networks to reach young people. They are using such sites as Facebook and similar German websites to search for new recruits. The main danger is that many young people are not able to recognise propaganda and attempts at indocrination from these groups.
Article 1
Jewish organization
Neo-Nazi march blocked in Dresden
http://jta.org/news/article/2010/02/14/1010617/neo-nazi-march-blocked-in-dresden
The artcle states that on 14th of February more than 10,000 protestors blocked a major neo-Nazi march in the former East German city of Dresden, froming a human chain surrounding in the center of the city.About 6,500 far-right extremists from across Europe had taken Saturday in Germany to recall the 65th anniversary of the Allied bombing of Dresden during World War II, which killed 25,000 civilians. The right-wing extrimists were forced into giving up the march. The protestors aimed to prevent the Neo-Nazis from future marches. The Far-rightist have undelined that the Dresden bombing and pushed for recognition of German suffering during World War II.Some organizations including all the mainstream political parties rallied against the neo-Nazi march. They also reminded the Neo`s that Germany had started World War II, that ended a disaster for most of Europe.
Article 2
American Organization
http://thinkprogress.org/2010/05/03/report-an-illegal/
In May 2010 the Security Arizaona's Secretary Janet Napolutano referred to the states's harsh new immigration law as shameful. A neo-Nazi group is attempting help Arizona cut down on illegal immigration, by inviting people to "Report an illegal". The Nationa Socialist Movement is considered by many to be a neo-Nazi hate group were spreading out fliers to coincide with Cinco de Mayo.The article states that Phoenix police are studying the flyer. The article goes further into explaining the legal work, which seems unclear.
Article 3
UK
Neo-Nazi Ian Davison jailed for 10 years for making chemical weapon
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/may/14/neo-nazi-ian-davison-jailed-chemical-weapon
The artcle infroms that Ian Davison,42 and his 19 year old son Nicky were called guilty of plotting to use ricin in a terrorist attack.Ian Davison was known for idolising Adolf Hitler. He flew swastika flags on secret training days in Cumbria. He was punished for recruiting his teenage son Nicky, by a detention for keeping material useful to commit acts of terror. The sentence at Newcastle crown court recoxgnized the fact that the anti group recruited about 350 people worldwide online. They will also face trial some time soon. The police were seriously concerned with their intentions and the threat they posed. Ian Davison was also condemened for spreading such books for bobmbmaking advice, on Amazon. Mr. Davison was named guilty of producing a chemical weapon,preparing acts of terrorism and possessing a prohibited weapon. The prosecutor said that Ian Davison had made anough ricin to kill nine peopl. The weapon was seized by the police last June. Ian Davison explained his attempts as " "The purpose ... was the creation of an international Aryan group who would establish white supremacy in white countries." In addition he had talked about poisoning Muslims water supplies with an avowed Nazi in Serbia etc. Even though the hatered was mostly aimed at Muslisms and ethnic minorities, the group often attacked "Zionist governments". However, Toby Hedworth QC in contrast said that the psycholigical report showed that Ian was a " pathetic character who tried to impress others by talking big.A very small amount (of ricin) was eventually produced and nothing was done with it." He also said that the father had corrupted his young son, who was previously of a good character.Eventually they were both sent down for transfer to jail and youth detention center.
Analysis/Reflection
All the three articles show that Neo-Nazism is still a relevant issue around the world. Going backwards historically, there are those individuals who still idiolize Adolf Hitler, regardless of the events in WWII.They still have a rigid view of a perfect society, with a pure race of people. The first artcle taken from a Jewish organization, describes the 14th of February Neo-Nazi march in Dresden. The march marks the unsuccesfulness of such group in carrying out those sensless marches and celebrating the wrong dates. The second artcile shows that the Neo-Nazi movements are still present in the USA, but have slightly different aims.The article does not reveal more about the Nazi groups, but gives too many Juridical details on the law that was passed on illegal immigrants. The third article talks about Neo-Nazi attempts in the UK. The two Neo-Nazis which have been discovered have been spreading nazist material and drafting terrorist attacks. All three articles show that the Neo-Nazi movement has a descent membership in some countries more than others. Although such extreme opposition proves to be unsuccesful and pointless, as most of the members fail to realize that the times have changed. Such Nazistic ideology can no longer be applied to modern society and if it will be, than these groups have all the chances to be severly punished for any dangerous terrorist activities.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Ukrainian parliament fights over ratification of Russian deal
Topic: Ukrainian parliament fights over ratification of Russian deal
Scandal has occurred in the Ukrainian parliament during a debate over the extension of the lease on a Russian naval base in Ukraine. The chamber's speaker had to use an umbrella as a source of the defense from the thrown eggs and smoke bombs that exploded while the politicians were in a state of chaos. The debate continued and Kiev has prolonged the lease on the Sevastopol base by 25 years in turn for cheaper supplies of Russian gas. Following the elections in Ukraine and Viktor Yanovych's victory in February ,the deal improved ties between Russia and Ukraine. Although this bitter defeat caused opposition from the pro-Western politicians. The conflict in the parliament broke out when the MPs debated ratification of the agreement, which was made by President Yanukovich and President Dmitriy Medvedev in the previous month.
Artcicle 1
Germany
Ukrainian parliament fights over ratification of Russian deal
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,5510140,00.html
The article summarizes the event that happened in the Ukrainian Parliament. It also talks about the fact that opposition from Viktor Yushchenko's side were shouting “Death to traitors" and "Crimea is ours". The article also informs that in exchange for the lease extension, Russia is offering Ukraine a 30 percent discount on Russian natural gas imports, worth 30 billion Euros for over ten years. The Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin communicated with the Ukrainian leaders in Kiev, where he offered an unprecedented nuclear cooperation deal. He also admitted that the gas deal had a bad impact on the Russian budget. Russia’s supply of natural gas in Ukraine has been cut three times in the recent years because of the disagreements from Ukraine’s side.
Article 2
International web source
Fight in Ukraine parliament sees eggs fly
http://newslite.tv/2010/04/28/fight-in-ukraine-parliament-se.html
The website informs that the Politicians were ought to be meeting for the sake of ratifying a Treaty with Russian about being allowed to keep a navy in the Crimean Peninsula until 2042. Furthermore, the culminated discussion soon ended in a violent fight of those against the deal. Those members started throwing eggs and tomatoes in the sign of opposition. Shortly after, a smoke bomb was let off and fists were demonstrated as the speaker Vlodymir Lytvyn used an umbrella for self defense. The new treaty was finally ratified by 10 votes.
Article 3
Abkhazia
http://www1.abkhaziya.net/2010/04/fight-ukrainian-parliament-kiev-chaos.html
Fight Ukrainian Parliament Kiev chaos smoke bombs eggs
The article states that thousands of protestors have gathered outside parliament to protest gathered outside parliament to protest against the creation of the Russian navy port is Sevastopol port for 25 more years after the old lease expires in 2017. The extension passed with 236 votes in the 450 member parliament. The opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko said that the deal would not last. She claimed "Parliament ratified this agreement on a treacherous path. We will change it as soon as we return to power". The article also emphasizes the fact that the this deal is the “most concrete sign of Russia’s renewed influence in Ukraine since Viktor Yanukovich became the president”. He also came to power in order to improve the relationship with Russia. He is also willing to fight for Russian language to change is status and become the second official language in Ukraine.
Reflection/Analysis
The first article taken from a German source talks about the opposition factor, which was coming from the ex President Viktor Yushchenko’s side. It also talks about the fact that Russia is offering Ukraine a gas discount in turn for the lease extension. However when the deal was analyzed, Vladimir Putin had admitted that the deal was a drain on the Russian budget. Therefore he offered another one. The second article describes the violence in the Ukrainian Parliament in more details. Although the source seems to be a little too sloppy. The third article taken from an Abkhaz source talks about the events and gives more additional information about the opposition. As well as it mentions some improvements with the new President Viktor Yanukovich and his ambitions.
In my opinion the situation that happened in the Ukrainian Parliament caused an essential reaction form Yushchenko’s opposition. Those demonstrations were properly organized by the Pro western opposition and served to show the public how Ukraine is betraying their own Sevastopol. However, their eccentric attempts to throw food etc seem to be too primitive and uninteresting.The fighting that continued between the members seems to be also uneeded.
Scandal has occurred in the Ukrainian parliament during a debate over the extension of the lease on a Russian naval base in Ukraine. The chamber's speaker had to use an umbrella as a source of the defense from the thrown eggs and smoke bombs that exploded while the politicians were in a state of chaos. The debate continued and Kiev has prolonged the lease on the Sevastopol base by 25 years in turn for cheaper supplies of Russian gas. Following the elections in Ukraine and Viktor Yanovych's victory in February ,the deal improved ties between Russia and Ukraine. Although this bitter defeat caused opposition from the pro-Western politicians. The conflict in the parliament broke out when the MPs debated ratification of the agreement, which was made by President Yanukovich and President Dmitriy Medvedev in the previous month.
Artcicle 1
Germany
Ukrainian parliament fights over ratification of Russian deal
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,5510140,00.html
The article summarizes the event that happened in the Ukrainian Parliament. It also talks about the fact that opposition from Viktor Yushchenko's side were shouting “Death to traitors" and "Crimea is ours". The article also informs that in exchange for the lease extension, Russia is offering Ukraine a 30 percent discount on Russian natural gas imports, worth 30 billion Euros for over ten years. The Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin communicated with the Ukrainian leaders in Kiev, where he offered an unprecedented nuclear cooperation deal. He also admitted that the gas deal had a bad impact on the Russian budget. Russia’s supply of natural gas in Ukraine has been cut three times in the recent years because of the disagreements from Ukraine’s side.
Article 2
International web source
Fight in Ukraine parliament sees eggs fly
http://newslite.tv/2010/04/28/fight-in-ukraine-parliament-se.html
The website informs that the Politicians were ought to be meeting for the sake of ratifying a Treaty with Russian about being allowed to keep a navy in the Crimean Peninsula until 2042. Furthermore, the culminated discussion soon ended in a violent fight of those against the deal. Those members started throwing eggs and tomatoes in the sign of opposition. Shortly after, a smoke bomb was let off and fists were demonstrated as the speaker Vlodymir Lytvyn used an umbrella for self defense. The new treaty was finally ratified by 10 votes.
Article 3
Abkhazia
http://www1.abkhaziya.net/2010/04/fight-ukrainian-parliament-kiev-chaos.html
Fight Ukrainian Parliament Kiev chaos smoke bombs eggs
The article states that thousands of protestors have gathered outside parliament to protest gathered outside parliament to protest against the creation of the Russian navy port is Sevastopol port for 25 more years after the old lease expires in 2017. The extension passed with 236 votes in the 450 member parliament. The opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko said that the deal would not last. She claimed "Parliament ratified this agreement on a treacherous path. We will change it as soon as we return to power". The article also emphasizes the fact that the this deal is the “most concrete sign of Russia’s renewed influence in Ukraine since Viktor Yanukovich became the president”. He also came to power in order to improve the relationship with Russia. He is also willing to fight for Russian language to change is status and become the second official language in Ukraine.
Reflection/Analysis
The first article taken from a German source talks about the opposition factor, which was coming from the ex President Viktor Yushchenko’s side. It also talks about the fact that Russia is offering Ukraine a gas discount in turn for the lease extension. However when the deal was analyzed, Vladimir Putin had admitted that the deal was a drain on the Russian budget. Therefore he offered another one. The second article describes the violence in the Ukrainian Parliament in more details. Although the source seems to be a little too sloppy. The third article taken from an Abkhaz source talks about the events and gives more additional information about the opposition. As well as it mentions some improvements with the new President Viktor Yanukovich and his ambitions.
In my opinion the situation that happened in the Ukrainian Parliament caused an essential reaction form Yushchenko’s opposition. Those demonstrations were properly organized by the Pro western opposition and served to show the public how Ukraine is betraying their own Sevastopol. However, their eccentric attempts to throw food etc seem to be too primitive and uninteresting.The fighting that continued between the members seems to be also uneeded.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The 2010 Polish Air force crash.
Topic: The 2010 Polish Air Force Tu-154 crash
The Polish Air force Tu-154 was an aviation incident that occurred on 10th of April 2010. The aircraft Tupolev Tu-154 operated by the Polish Air Force crashed in the Smolensk Province(in Russia). The victims of the incident were: Polish president Lech Kaczyński and his wife Maria Kaczyńska and other officials, the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army, the senior military officers, the central bank governor, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and the dignitaries in the government, vice-speaker and the members of the upper and lower houses of the parliament and senior members of clergy of various denominations. They were all on the way to the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre. This is a site that is about 19 km west Smolensk. According to the investigation the pilot attempted to land at the Smolensk-North air base. He ignored the advice of the ground control to use a safer airport in Minsk or Moscow. On the final approach the plane hit an antenna and as a result of the fog fell in the trees. All of the 96 passengers and the group aboard died.
Article 1
Bulgaria
Russia Rules Out Technical Failure as Cause of Smolensk Crash
http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=115114
The short article talks about the fact that the Russian investigators have concluded that the plane crash near Smolensk which killed the Polish president and the high-ranking Polish delegation, was not caused by technical failure. As the Russian media announced, the head of the investigation committee has stated to Vladimir Putin that no technical problems could have caused the crash. The based opinion of the investigation was more certain once the tapes between the pilots and the command canter on the ground were listened to. According to the information on the tape conversations, the flight captain was notified about the bad weather conditions, but he ignored that and decided to land in Smolensk regardless of those issues. However, those tapes are still going to be examined in more details in Moscow, where the investigators seem to be confident about their conclusions.
Article 2
Canada
Tu-154 likely not to blame for crash: analyst
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20100410/tu_154_100410/20100410?hub=TopStoriesV2
The article gives some historical facts about the Tu-154 aircraft. It gives an opposing opinion of the reasons for the catastrophe. The analyst Miller explains that plane attempted to land three times, four times in the fog would indicate that the airplane was functioning well. This is view is further supported by saying that if the pilot knew that there had been even a hint to a problem they would have gone to Moscow or somewhere else. The analyst further gives his opinion on the issue, stating that one of the issues they were whether if the pilot felt pressure to get that plane on the ground, as he knew that it was an important ceremony.
Article 3
China
Putin flies to plane crash site to meet Polish PM
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2010-04/11/content_9712728.htm
The article is a short extract taken from a Russian report and placed in the Chinese source website. It briefly informs that Vladimir Putin has left for the site of the plane crash that killed the Polish President Lech Kaczynski to meet with his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk who was also on his way to Smolensk . Putin said "The Polish premier wished to travel to the scene of the tragedy. I will go to meet him. We will visit the place of the crash together." He also said that the victims of the incident would be sent to Moscow for identification and a s special center would be opened to help the victim`s relatives from Poland. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk added that the modern world has unheard of this kind of tragedy.
Reflection/Analysis
The first article presents an argument that after listening to the tape conversations between the pilots and the command canter. It concluded that the captain was aware of the bad weather conditions but still ignored the danger and decided to land in Smolesnk. Whereas the second article argues that the pilot was not aware of the risk and if he was then he would have acted differently and landed the plane somewhere else. The third article informs about the events after the tragedy. It talks about Vladimir Putin’s meeting with the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and their discussion.
In my opinion such incidents are terrible and unpredictable, as you can never be sure about the possible risk. Although, I suppose that they could have taken some other route, if the pilot knew that there is some kind of risk. Regardless of a possibility that the Polish President and the government might have been late for the Ceremony they were planning to attend. Well once again you could always look backwards and find more evidence for him to in a certain way and not to act in another. As the pilot might not have been unaware of the fatal seriousness of his choice. I think this incident demonstrated the instability of the human factor in this case and late response that followed and ended as a tragedy.
The Polish Air force Tu-154 was an aviation incident that occurred on 10th of April 2010. The aircraft Tupolev Tu-154 operated by the Polish Air Force crashed in the Smolensk Province(in Russia). The victims of the incident were: Polish president Lech Kaczyński and his wife Maria Kaczyńska and other officials, the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army, the senior military officers, the central bank governor, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and the dignitaries in the government, vice-speaker and the members of the upper and lower houses of the parliament and senior members of clergy of various denominations. They were all on the way to the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre. This is a site that is about 19 km west Smolensk. According to the investigation the pilot attempted to land at the Smolensk-North air base. He ignored the advice of the ground control to use a safer airport in Minsk or Moscow. On the final approach the plane hit an antenna and as a result of the fog fell in the trees. All of the 96 passengers and the group aboard died.
Article 1
Bulgaria
Russia Rules Out Technical Failure as Cause of Smolensk Crash
http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=115114
The short article talks about the fact that the Russian investigators have concluded that the plane crash near Smolensk which killed the Polish president and the high-ranking Polish delegation, was not caused by technical failure. As the Russian media announced, the head of the investigation committee has stated to Vladimir Putin that no technical problems could have caused the crash. The based opinion of the investigation was more certain once the tapes between the pilots and the command canter on the ground were listened to. According to the information on the tape conversations, the flight captain was notified about the bad weather conditions, but he ignored that and decided to land in Smolensk regardless of those issues. However, those tapes are still going to be examined in more details in Moscow, where the investigators seem to be confident about their conclusions.
Article 2
Canada
Tu-154 likely not to blame for crash: analyst
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20100410/tu_154_100410/20100410?hub=TopStoriesV2
The article gives some historical facts about the Tu-154 aircraft. It gives an opposing opinion of the reasons for the catastrophe. The analyst Miller explains that plane attempted to land three times, four times in the fog would indicate that the airplane was functioning well. This is view is further supported by saying that if the pilot knew that there had been even a hint to a problem they would have gone to Moscow or somewhere else. The analyst further gives his opinion on the issue, stating that one of the issues they were whether if the pilot felt pressure to get that plane on the ground, as he knew that it was an important ceremony.
Article 3
China
Putin flies to plane crash site to meet Polish PM
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2010-04/11/content_9712728.htm
The article is a short extract taken from a Russian report and placed in the Chinese source website. It briefly informs that Vladimir Putin has left for the site of the plane crash that killed the Polish President Lech Kaczynski to meet with his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk who was also on his way to Smolensk . Putin said "The Polish premier wished to travel to the scene of the tragedy. I will go to meet him. We will visit the place of the crash together." He also said that the victims of the incident would be sent to Moscow for identification and a s special center would be opened to help the victim`s relatives from Poland. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk added that the modern world has unheard of this kind of tragedy.
Reflection/Analysis
The first article presents an argument that after listening to the tape conversations between the pilots and the command canter. It concluded that the captain was aware of the bad weather conditions but still ignored the danger and decided to land in Smolesnk. Whereas the second article argues that the pilot was not aware of the risk and if he was then he would have acted differently and landed the plane somewhere else. The third article informs about the events after the tragedy. It talks about Vladimir Putin’s meeting with the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and their discussion.
In my opinion such incidents are terrible and unpredictable, as you can never be sure about the possible risk. Although, I suppose that they could have taken some other route, if the pilot knew that there is some kind of risk. Regardless of a possibility that the Polish President and the government might have been late for the Ceremony they were planning to attend. Well once again you could always look backwards and find more evidence for him to in a certain way and not to act in another. As the pilot might not have been unaware of the fatal seriousness of his choice. I think this incident demonstrated the instability of the human factor in this case and late response that followed and ended as a tragedy.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Topic: 2010 Moscow metro bombings
The Moscow Metro bombings of March 29, 2010, were suicide bombings which were carried out by two women, at the two stations called Lubyanka and Park Kultury. The bombings occurred with a 40 minute interval between them. About 40 people were killed and over a 100 were injured. The investigation indicated that the bombings were prepared by the Islamist Chechen separatists of the Caucasus Emirate. The attack proves to be the deadliest and most sophisticated terrorist act after 6 years of silence. On 31st of March the Chechen rebel leader Doku Umarov had approved his responsibility for ordering the attacks. A video was released, where he stated that the such attacks in Russia would continue.
Article 1
Moscow remains insecure after ten years of fighting terrorism in North Caucasus
http://www.jamestown.org/programs/ncw/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=36210&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=24&cHash=e22cf4f230
The article discusses the fact that the Russian TV channels delayed the news about the bombings in Moscow for one or two hours after the attack. This shows that the government was surprised and did not know how to respond for some time. The article claims that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin returned to the same language as before. He used his famous expression “kill the terrorists in the toilet”. President Dmitry Medvedev had promised to eradicate the terrorists. The article argues that little has been offered so far to improve the safety of Moscow’s inhabitants, apart from rhetoric. If the Russian security services adopt the usual way of reacting to terrorist attacks, more suspected insurgents are likely to be killed in North Caucasus in the next few weeks. The article states that both Russian leaders, President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin, came to such measures as execution in order to deal with terrorism. So they rarely arrest suspects in the North Caucasus, preferring to kill them. The article refers to the Russian way of dealing with terrorism in such a way as “failed practices”. It concludes that the bomb attack was the second deadliest attack on the Moscow metro in its entire history. Even though the principal leaders of the insurgency in the North Caucasus had been killed,the only one left is Doku Umarov. In one of his latest statements he threatened to take the war to Russian cities.
Article 2
Middle East
Moscow metro blasts kill dozen
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2010/03/201032943641817269.html
The article states that Moscow`s chief prosecutor said that the suicide bombers had been wearing explosive belts. He told the reporters that the belts with explosive devices were attached to their bodies. A Russian expert at the London University said that the violence spread throughout the North Caucasus involves 200 activists, who are a problem for Russian and they are targeting them. The article also supports the argument that Russia is using brutal methods that antagonize the local population. A 19 year old student, Valentin Popov, travelling on the train to Park Kultury, said "Everyone was screaming. There was a stampede at the doors. I saw one woman holding a child and pleading with people to let her through, but it was impossible." The attack was seen as politically motivated, targeting the most symbolic signs of Russian authority in the capital when thousands of people were using the metro. The article also talks about the security methods Russia is prepared to use. The Russian civil aviation authorities had already ordered increased security airports, after the attack. A Russian political and security analyst, Alexander Pikayev explained that the conflict with the Chechen separatists is still unresolved.
Article 3
Attacks on Moscow Metro
Germany
http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,686283,00.html
The article provides general statistics and information about the incident and the extremist group responsible for it. The article talks about how the attacks were perceived by the leaders around the world. President Barack Obama stated that "The American people stand united with the people of Russia in opposition to violent extremism and heinous terrorist attacks that demonstrate such disregard for human life, and we condemn these outrageous acts.” The European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said: "We cannot allow violence to prevail over freedom and democracy." NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, said: "There can be no justification for these kinds of attacks on innocent civilians. NATO remains committed to cooperating with Russia in the fight against international terrorism." The article contains some additional information of what happened after the attack. The Moscow police had blocked the cell phone frequencies, in case another attack was planned and so that way they could prevent the explosion by mobile phone. In the end it gives some historical observance of the attacks in Moscow’s subway that happened in 2001,1998, 1996.
Reflection/Analysis
The first article taken from a Caucasus information source was interesting to read. The article is written by a Russian reviewer and provides a more or less fair analysis of the situation. Although I do not fully agree that Russia’s position is incorrect and they should avoid execution in all cases. As another future revenge might be caused due to other executions, that way it is always possible to cling to any execution that presumably affected the leader of the terrorist organization. Or considering the possibility of an arrest, after their release, the terrorist might not learn their lesson. As well as they might still seek for revenge and create other terrorist attacks. The article taken from the Middle East article is more informative, but it also does not provide accurate statistics in comparison with the other sources. The third article taken from a German source is useful as it provides the reaction of international authorities and additional information after the attack.
In my opinion the attacks that happened in Moscow’s subway are terrible and seem immoral. I think that terrorism in general is a very psychopathic concept and the leaders of terrorist organizations are mentally ill people. Of course, who have the right manipulative skills to drag weaker people in the line of terrorism. Apart from the fact that in Caucasus the Islamist religion is fairly extremist, the leaders of those organizations also use a variety of methods to convince simple people that terrorism is a good mechanism for revenge. They are likely to supply them with appropriate drugs, brainwashing music and strong persuasion. All these methods are used for the members of those organizations to lose their conscious perception and step beyond any morals. As a result they become completely aggressive and believe that the terrorist attack would be necessary to accomplish and it is worth losing one’s life in the name of revenge. I think that the government certainly needs to enhance the security system in the public places and create a better public awareness of any possible threat.
The Moscow Metro bombings of March 29, 2010, were suicide bombings which were carried out by two women, at the two stations called Lubyanka and Park Kultury. The bombings occurred with a 40 minute interval between them. About 40 people were killed and over a 100 were injured. The investigation indicated that the bombings were prepared by the Islamist Chechen separatists of the Caucasus Emirate. The attack proves to be the deadliest and most sophisticated terrorist act after 6 years of silence. On 31st of March the Chechen rebel leader Doku Umarov had approved his responsibility for ordering the attacks. A video was released, where he stated that the such attacks in Russia would continue.
Article 1
Moscow remains insecure after ten years of fighting terrorism in North Caucasus
http://www.jamestown.org/programs/ncw/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=36210&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=24&cHash=e22cf4f230
The article discusses the fact that the Russian TV channels delayed the news about the bombings in Moscow for one or two hours after the attack. This shows that the government was surprised and did not know how to respond for some time. The article claims that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin returned to the same language as before. He used his famous expression “kill the terrorists in the toilet”. President Dmitry Medvedev had promised to eradicate the terrorists. The article argues that little has been offered so far to improve the safety of Moscow’s inhabitants, apart from rhetoric. If the Russian security services adopt the usual way of reacting to terrorist attacks, more suspected insurgents are likely to be killed in North Caucasus in the next few weeks. The article states that both Russian leaders, President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin, came to such measures as execution in order to deal with terrorism. So they rarely arrest suspects in the North Caucasus, preferring to kill them. The article refers to the Russian way of dealing with terrorism in such a way as “failed practices”. It concludes that the bomb attack was the second deadliest attack on the Moscow metro in its entire history. Even though the principal leaders of the insurgency in the North Caucasus had been killed,the only one left is Doku Umarov. In one of his latest statements he threatened to take the war to Russian cities.
Article 2
Middle East
Moscow metro blasts kill dozen
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2010/03/201032943641817269.html
The article states that Moscow`s chief prosecutor said that the suicide bombers had been wearing explosive belts. He told the reporters that the belts with explosive devices were attached to their bodies. A Russian expert at the London University said that the violence spread throughout the North Caucasus involves 200 activists, who are a problem for Russian and they are targeting them. The article also supports the argument that Russia is using brutal methods that antagonize the local population. A 19 year old student, Valentin Popov, travelling on the train to Park Kultury, said "Everyone was screaming. There was a stampede at the doors. I saw one woman holding a child and pleading with people to let her through, but it was impossible." The attack was seen as politically motivated, targeting the most symbolic signs of Russian authority in the capital when thousands of people were using the metro. The article also talks about the security methods Russia is prepared to use. The Russian civil aviation authorities had already ordered increased security airports, after the attack. A Russian political and security analyst, Alexander Pikayev explained that the conflict with the Chechen separatists is still unresolved.
Article 3
Attacks on Moscow Metro
Germany
http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,686283,00.html
The article provides general statistics and information about the incident and the extremist group responsible for it. The article talks about how the attacks were perceived by the leaders around the world. President Barack Obama stated that "The American people stand united with the people of Russia in opposition to violent extremism and heinous terrorist attacks that demonstrate such disregard for human life, and we condemn these outrageous acts.” The European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said: "We cannot allow violence to prevail over freedom and democracy." NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, said: "There can be no justification for these kinds of attacks on innocent civilians. NATO remains committed to cooperating with Russia in the fight against international terrorism." The article contains some additional information of what happened after the attack. The Moscow police had blocked the cell phone frequencies, in case another attack was planned and so that way they could prevent the explosion by mobile phone. In the end it gives some historical observance of the attacks in Moscow’s subway that happened in 2001,1998, 1996.
Reflection/Analysis
The first article taken from a Caucasus information source was interesting to read. The article is written by a Russian reviewer and provides a more or less fair analysis of the situation. Although I do not fully agree that Russia’s position is incorrect and they should avoid execution in all cases. As another future revenge might be caused due to other executions, that way it is always possible to cling to any execution that presumably affected the leader of the terrorist organization. Or considering the possibility of an arrest, after their release, the terrorist might not learn their lesson. As well as they might still seek for revenge and create other terrorist attacks. The article taken from the Middle East article is more informative, but it also does not provide accurate statistics in comparison with the other sources. The third article taken from a German source is useful as it provides the reaction of international authorities and additional information after the attack.
In my opinion the attacks that happened in Moscow’s subway are terrible and seem immoral. I think that terrorism in general is a very psychopathic concept and the leaders of terrorist organizations are mentally ill people. Of course, who have the right manipulative skills to drag weaker people in the line of terrorism. Apart from the fact that in Caucasus the Islamist religion is fairly extremist, the leaders of those organizations also use a variety of methods to convince simple people that terrorism is a good mechanism for revenge. They are likely to supply them with appropriate drugs, brainwashing music and strong persuasion. All these methods are used for the members of those organizations to lose their conscious perception and step beyond any morals. As a result they become completely aggressive and believe that the terrorist attack would be necessary to accomplish and it is worth losing one’s life in the name of revenge. I think that the government certainly needs to enhance the security system in the public places and create a better public awareness of any possible threat.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Polygamy
Topic: Polygamy
Polygamy is a term used to describe any form of marriage in which a person has more than one partner. A person is available for two or more people to mate with. Polygyny is practiced when a man has more than one wife. Polyandry is a practice in which a woman has more than one husband. The less common practice is known as a group marriage, it is known as a marriage which includes multiple husbands and wives. In contrast "monogamy" is a marriage that consists of two people. Different religions have various views on the practice of "polygamy". It is considered legal in countries such as: Egypt, Eritrea, Iran, Libya, Malaysia, and Morocco. It is illegal in countries such as: Canada, Iceland, and Israel, in the USA it is illegal in all 50 states; it is legal in all the 27 countries in the European Union.
Article 1
Egypt
Egypt paper promotes Polygamy for women
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2009/12/16/94383.html
The article discusses an article that was published in an Egyptian newspaper, which called for women to have the right to marry more than one man as a part of gender quality. In the article a woman called Bedair is wondering why do men have the right of beimg bored with one woman and women are more faithful to their men. Yet the traditions and the clerics oblige her to stay at home and be quiet. She is proposing that polygamy should be allowed for both men and women or a new way of thinking towards marriages should be introduced in order defeat the men’s “lame excuses”. Therefore the discussion of why men could have another three wives, while women do not have the right to act the same.
Article 2
Australia
Why should polygamy be a crime?
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/why-should-polygamy-be-a-crime-20091002-gfdg.html
The article gives some setting information about polygyny. It also talks about Western society’s perspective on affairs are stigmatized. The Attorney-General Robert McClelland introduced legislation granting rights to the second woman so that she could share the state with her married lover. The article argues that the problem is still present and that the practice of polygamy is essential for a marriage and one way or another people tend to lie to each other even in monogamous marriage. It also asks some rhetorical questions like “Why in the liberal 21st century must we live a lie in relationships? And why do we continue to maintain a facade that monogamy is a perfect institution, when studies consistently reveal that most men admit to having affairs?” It presents an argument that Polygamy is as normal for a marriage as monogamy, and it is more is as necessary for some people more than others. The article discusses the Islam view on polygamy as a support to the argument. Islam acknowledges the fact that human nature “stipulates a regulatory framework for plural relations” In addition it gives a contrast view on polygamy mentioning the Emperor Justinian who criminalized plural unions under the influence of Augustine. Then the article provides the evidence of Polygamy being illegal in Australia. Yet polygamy is recognized under the family law for the purpose of property settlements. Toward the end of the article it supports its bias point of view by a concluding argument “Who someone marries first is an accident of history. If a man who has an affair had met his mistress before his wife, he may have married her. Why maintain the facade that is the Justinian doctrine of monogamy knowing it has failed as a social experiment?”
Article 3
Yemen
Yemeni women: Polygamy faces off spinsterhood
http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=AWNB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=12823EB25A3E8950&p_docnum=1&p_queryname=2
The article gives some background information about Polygamy in such Islamic and Arab countries such as Yemen. Polygamy was more commonly practiced in rural areas where women could easily become the second, third and fourth wives. Even in urban areas women are begging to consider and accept the idea of entering polygamous unions. In Muslim countries such as Yemen polygamy is legal. An Islam man is allowed to have up to four wives at a time. However, the Yemen law does not legislate a set structure for controlling the polygamous marriages and leaves it up to the individual families. In addition the Personal Status Law arbitrates against women and gives the man an absolute right to practice polygamy without provisions that he should inform his wife of any plans that he has. Hooria Mashour, Deputy Chairperson of the Women’s National Committee, said that the law does not restrict polygamy and support non-harassment,equality and justice among the wives. The article further discusses the problem with polygamy in Yemen, especially women rights which are being unconsidered.It gives some statistics on the numbers of women who married an already married men. It follows with its one line opinion of taking the readers attention into thinking about the substantial problems with polygamy in Islam and Arabic countries. It presents some of the better argument points are “Most Yemeni men and some Yemeni women think of it as a religious right with no moral or even economic obligations to any of the wives, especially the first one.” In the last concluding point it talks about the fact that society should take into account the major role that it is playing in guiding women towards polygamy as opposed to monogamy.
Reflection / Analysis
It was very interesting to read all the different articles written about polygamy through different perspectives. The article taken from an Egyptian newspaper provides a better outlook in the world of Egyptian women, who are wondering why polygamy is only legal with men having more than one wife. While the women have to stick to just one man, without having the right of choosing more than one husband. The Australian article really surprised me with its open argument that there is nothing abnormal about polygamy and that it is an essential process for a human’s mind. As well some individuals prefer polygamy more than monogamy and that should not be considered a crime, rather than a logical desire of the human mind. The contrary example with Emperor Justinian was a good point to persuade the reader into thinking otherwise about the practice of polygamy. Especially I liked the usage of the example with Justinian in such a context as “Why maintain the facade that is the Justinian doctrine of monogamy knowing it has failed as a social experiment?” The Yemen article discusses a global problem that is created by making polygamy legal and giving the man an autonomous right to control the marriage. As a result the women’s rights are violated and their interests are not taken into the account by the Yemen law. The article gives a serious anti-religious view from the post-reviewer on the practice of Polygamy. The article was really interesting in the sense that it gibes an internal view from a female’s perspective who presently experiences the practice and lives in an Arabic or Muslim society.
I personally think that Polygamy is not a great practice for a marriage, as it underlines the insignificance of each person involved in a marriage. I am an adherent of a monogamous unity, because it is more of a logical route to love. Polygamy does not seem to present love as a soulful need for both people, it rather distorts the primary meaning of love and a mutual unity. Polygamy also alters the moral values of a single person creating a form of a harem where the women serve as slaves to the men who chose them for their collection.
Polygamy is a term used to describe any form of marriage in which a person has more than one partner. A person is available for two or more people to mate with. Polygyny is practiced when a man has more than one wife. Polyandry is a practice in which a woman has more than one husband. The less common practice is known as a group marriage, it is known as a marriage which includes multiple husbands and wives. In contrast "monogamy" is a marriage that consists of two people. Different religions have various views on the practice of "polygamy". It is considered legal in countries such as: Egypt, Eritrea, Iran, Libya, Malaysia, and Morocco. It is illegal in countries such as: Canada, Iceland, and Israel, in the USA it is illegal in all 50 states; it is legal in all the 27 countries in the European Union.
Article 1
Egypt
Egypt paper promotes Polygamy for women
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2009/12/16/94383.html
The article discusses an article that was published in an Egyptian newspaper, which called for women to have the right to marry more than one man as a part of gender quality. In the article a woman called Bedair is wondering why do men have the right of beimg bored with one woman and women are more faithful to their men. Yet the traditions and the clerics oblige her to stay at home and be quiet. She is proposing that polygamy should be allowed for both men and women or a new way of thinking towards marriages should be introduced in order defeat the men’s “lame excuses”. Therefore the discussion of why men could have another three wives, while women do not have the right to act the same.
Article 2
Australia
Why should polygamy be a crime?
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/why-should-polygamy-be-a-crime-20091002-gfdg.html
The article gives some setting information about polygyny. It also talks about Western society’s perspective on affairs are stigmatized. The Attorney-General Robert McClelland introduced legislation granting rights to the second woman so that she could share the state with her married lover. The article argues that the problem is still present and that the practice of polygamy is essential for a marriage and one way or another people tend to lie to each other even in monogamous marriage. It also asks some rhetorical questions like “Why in the liberal 21st century must we live a lie in relationships? And why do we continue to maintain a facade that monogamy is a perfect institution, when studies consistently reveal that most men admit to having affairs?” It presents an argument that Polygamy is as normal for a marriage as monogamy, and it is more is as necessary for some people more than others. The article discusses the Islam view on polygamy as a support to the argument. Islam acknowledges the fact that human nature “stipulates a regulatory framework for plural relations” In addition it gives a contrast view on polygamy mentioning the Emperor Justinian who criminalized plural unions under the influence of Augustine. Then the article provides the evidence of Polygamy being illegal in Australia. Yet polygamy is recognized under the family law for the purpose of property settlements. Toward the end of the article it supports its bias point of view by a concluding argument “Who someone marries first is an accident of history. If a man who has an affair had met his mistress before his wife, he may have married her. Why maintain the facade that is the Justinian doctrine of monogamy knowing it has failed as a social experiment?”
Article 3
Yemen
Yemeni women: Polygamy faces off spinsterhood
http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=AWNB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=12823EB25A3E8950&p_docnum=1&p_queryname=2
The article gives some background information about Polygamy in such Islamic and Arab countries such as Yemen. Polygamy was more commonly practiced in rural areas where women could easily become the second, third and fourth wives. Even in urban areas women are begging to consider and accept the idea of entering polygamous unions. In Muslim countries such as Yemen polygamy is legal. An Islam man is allowed to have up to four wives at a time. However, the Yemen law does not legislate a set structure for controlling the polygamous marriages and leaves it up to the individual families. In addition the Personal Status Law arbitrates against women and gives the man an absolute right to practice polygamy without provisions that he should inform his wife of any plans that he has. Hooria Mashour, Deputy Chairperson of the Women’s National Committee, said that the law does not restrict polygamy and support non-harassment,equality and justice among the wives. The article further discusses the problem with polygamy in Yemen, especially women rights which are being unconsidered.It gives some statistics on the numbers of women who married an already married men. It follows with its one line opinion of taking the readers attention into thinking about the substantial problems with polygamy in Islam and Arabic countries. It presents some of the better argument points are “Most Yemeni men and some Yemeni women think of it as a religious right with no moral or even economic obligations to any of the wives, especially the first one.” In the last concluding point it talks about the fact that society should take into account the major role that it is playing in guiding women towards polygamy as opposed to monogamy.
Reflection / Analysis
It was very interesting to read all the different articles written about polygamy through different perspectives. The article taken from an Egyptian newspaper provides a better outlook in the world of Egyptian women, who are wondering why polygamy is only legal with men having more than one wife. While the women have to stick to just one man, without having the right of choosing more than one husband. The Australian article really surprised me with its open argument that there is nothing abnormal about polygamy and that it is an essential process for a human’s mind. As well some individuals prefer polygamy more than monogamy and that should not be considered a crime, rather than a logical desire of the human mind. The contrary example with Emperor Justinian was a good point to persuade the reader into thinking otherwise about the practice of polygamy. Especially I liked the usage of the example with Justinian in such a context as “Why maintain the facade that is the Justinian doctrine of monogamy knowing it has failed as a social experiment?” The Yemen article discusses a global problem that is created by making polygamy legal and giving the man an autonomous right to control the marriage. As a result the women’s rights are violated and their interests are not taken into the account by the Yemen law. The article gives a serious anti-religious view from the post-reviewer on the practice of Polygamy. The article was really interesting in the sense that it gibes an internal view from a female’s perspective who presently experiences the practice and lives in an Arabic or Muslim society.
I personally think that Polygamy is not a great practice for a marriage, as it underlines the insignificance of each person involved in a marriage. I am an adherent of a monogamous unity, because it is more of a logical route to love. Polygamy does not seem to present love as a soulful need for both people, it rather distorts the primary meaning of love and a mutual unity. Polygamy also alters the moral values of a single person creating a form of a harem where the women serve as slaves to the men who chose them for their collection.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Elections in Ukraine
Topic: Elections in Ukraine
The Ukrainian presidential elections of 2010 are the fifth election since Ukraine has declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The two final candidates who gained the most and similar amount of votes were Julia Tymoshenko and Viktor Yanukovich. Although as a result of the final election Yanukovich gained the most votes and became the President. Yulia Tymoshenko has been a Prime Minister of Ukraine from the year of 2005 to 2007. Tymoshenko gained her popularity through her scandalous image and has also been a close ally with Ukrtaine’s ex President Viktor Yushchenko. She was a strong figure in the Orange Revolution and a series of mass street protest. In addition she chose the pro Western course of action leaving behind the Russian sphere of influence. Yanukovich was the Primer Minister of Ukraine from the year of 2002 to 2004. Yanukovich unlike Tymoshenko is a success for Moscow in its struggle for the influence with the West in the former Soviet Union. After Yanukovich’s victory by 3.5 percentage,soon followed Tymoshenko’s speech in which she publicly accused President Yanukovich of "openening the door to massive and flagrant election rigging”. She also declared that she will challenge the results of the election in court.
Article 1
UK
Ukraine: Tymoshenko vows to contest election result http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8514517.stm
The article provides a good overview on the situation in Ukraine after the Presidential Elections of 2010. It gives a good impression about Tympshenko’s behavior after the elections. Tymoshenko declared that Viktor Yanukovich was not legitimately elected, she also publicly stated that “Yanukovich is not our president” and he will never become a legitimately elected president of Ukraine. While, Yanukovich has called Tymoshenko to abandon her protest and resign. The article also shows good examples of both of the opinion from Yulia Tymoshenko’s position and Yanukovich. Tymoshenko stated that the only way to defend the state and the choice that has been made is to challenge the results of the election in court. Yanukovich’s reply was very straightforward, he stated that democratic leaders always accept the results of the elections and the country does not need another crisis. Analysts tend to challenge Tymoshenko’s position, by explaining that it would only continue instability.
Article 2
France
Ukraine: Elections or Emergency Rule?
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=17318
The article provides a better analytical reading for a better understanding of the situation with the elections in Ukraine. The public’s opinion on Yanukovich’s victory suggests that it was natural and the majority of experts seem to agree with this assumption. The only questioned that is left unanswered is whether there will be a compliance with democratic norms this time. The article also supports the opinion that Julia Tymoshenko’s ascension to power was a result of the West’s investment in the Orange project. When the results of the first round were announced Tymoshenko immediately responded by ensuring that mass rigging would take place in South-East Ukraine. She also would not admit it and search for every opportunity to oppose the elections by supporting mass falsifications, provocations and protest rallies and court hearings.
Article 3
Political crisis in Ukraine not yet over – analyst
Armenia
http://www.news.az/articles/9369
The article provides an interview of Anton Finko who is an expert at the Kiev Center for Political and Conflict Studies. The interviewer questioned Mr. Finko about his assessment of the elections in Ukraine. Mr. Finko explains that there was a traditional split of the country between the Russian-speaking and industrial south-east of Ukraine, where the main capital in the country is filled with elite and predominantly agrarian and Ukrainian speaking center and the west. He views Ukrainian election as being pretty much repeated from the years of 1994 and 2004, as there were voters in the West and center on one side, and voters in the south-east. There is also a minority close to the south-east and some voters; in this case Yanukovich gained some advantage. Mr. Finko was also asked if the elected candidate would really be able to unite the country. He replied that many voters who are not from his main regions will be extremely cautious about Yanukovich and even Tymoshenko’s supporters are not all radical and some believe that Yanukovich has the right to prove his effectiveness. Mr Finko states that if Yanukovich manages to meet the socioeconomic prospects he will be able to unite the greater part of the public around him. Yet his success depends on whether he will be able to take the appropriate steps in the Chain to overcome the political crisis.
Reflection/Analysis
The three articles provide a good summary of the events in Ukraine with the Presidential election of 2010. The BBC article informs about Tymoshenko’s behavior after the elections. It also is a good source that shows arguments with both of the sides and their direct accusations about each other’s position. Towards the end the article sums up the arguments and gives the analytical view on the matters. The second article taken from a French source, presents a deeper analysis on the situation with elections. The main arguments which I found interesting were that if Yanukovich would really be compliant with the democratic norms. Also that Tymoshenko’s influence in the Orange Revolution was a result of West’s investment. The third article taken from an Armenian source provided an interview of a Ukrainian expert for Political studies, who informs that Yanukovich needs to certain steps to surmount this political crisis. In my opinion the situation in Ukraine is very exacerbated with the elections. Although personally I think that Yanukovich’s victory is beneficial to Ukraine more than it would have been if Yulia Tymoshenko gained victory. As Yanukovich has more chances of stabilizing and improving the relationship between Russia and Ukraine. Mainly due to the reason that Yanukovich is a businessman in whose interests it is to resolve the previous conflict with Russia. Unlike Tymoshenko who previously failed to deal with the gas conflict between Russia and Ukraine. She and the ex president Yushenko rather supported the confrontation with Russia rather than tried to stabilize their relationship.
The Ukrainian presidential elections of 2010 are the fifth election since Ukraine has declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The two final candidates who gained the most and similar amount of votes were Julia Tymoshenko and Viktor Yanukovich. Although as a result of the final election Yanukovich gained the most votes and became the President. Yulia Tymoshenko has been a Prime Minister of Ukraine from the year of 2005 to 2007. Tymoshenko gained her popularity through her scandalous image and has also been a close ally with Ukrtaine’s ex President Viktor Yushchenko. She was a strong figure in the Orange Revolution and a series of mass street protest. In addition she chose the pro Western course of action leaving behind the Russian sphere of influence. Yanukovich was the Primer Minister of Ukraine from the year of 2002 to 2004. Yanukovich unlike Tymoshenko is a success for Moscow in its struggle for the influence with the West in the former Soviet Union. After Yanukovich’s victory by 3.5 percentage,soon followed Tymoshenko’s speech in which she publicly accused President Yanukovich of "openening the door to massive and flagrant election rigging”. She also declared that she will challenge the results of the election in court.
Article 1
UK
Ukraine: Tymoshenko vows to contest election result http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8514517.stm
The article provides a good overview on the situation in Ukraine after the Presidential Elections of 2010. It gives a good impression about Tympshenko’s behavior after the elections. Tymoshenko declared that Viktor Yanukovich was not legitimately elected, she also publicly stated that “Yanukovich is not our president” and he will never become a legitimately elected president of Ukraine. While, Yanukovich has called Tymoshenko to abandon her protest and resign. The article also shows good examples of both of the opinion from Yulia Tymoshenko’s position and Yanukovich. Tymoshenko stated that the only way to defend the state and the choice that has been made is to challenge the results of the election in court. Yanukovich’s reply was very straightforward, he stated that democratic leaders always accept the results of the elections and the country does not need another crisis. Analysts tend to challenge Tymoshenko’s position, by explaining that it would only continue instability.
Article 2
France
Ukraine: Elections or Emergency Rule?
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=17318
The article provides a better analytical reading for a better understanding of the situation with the elections in Ukraine. The public’s opinion on Yanukovich’s victory suggests that it was natural and the majority of experts seem to agree with this assumption. The only questioned that is left unanswered is whether there will be a compliance with democratic norms this time. The article also supports the opinion that Julia Tymoshenko’s ascension to power was a result of the West’s investment in the Orange project. When the results of the first round were announced Tymoshenko immediately responded by ensuring that mass rigging would take place in South-East Ukraine. She also would not admit it and search for every opportunity to oppose the elections by supporting mass falsifications, provocations and protest rallies and court hearings.
Article 3
Political crisis in Ukraine not yet over – analyst
Armenia
http://www.news.az/articles/9369
The article provides an interview of Anton Finko who is an expert at the Kiev Center for Political and Conflict Studies. The interviewer questioned Mr. Finko about his assessment of the elections in Ukraine. Mr. Finko explains that there was a traditional split of the country between the Russian-speaking and industrial south-east of Ukraine, where the main capital in the country is filled with elite and predominantly agrarian and Ukrainian speaking center and the west. He views Ukrainian election as being pretty much repeated from the years of 1994 and 2004, as there were voters in the West and center on one side, and voters in the south-east. There is also a minority close to the south-east and some voters; in this case Yanukovich gained some advantage. Mr. Finko was also asked if the elected candidate would really be able to unite the country. He replied that many voters who are not from his main regions will be extremely cautious about Yanukovich and even Tymoshenko’s supporters are not all radical and some believe that Yanukovich has the right to prove his effectiveness. Mr Finko states that if Yanukovich manages to meet the socioeconomic prospects he will be able to unite the greater part of the public around him. Yet his success depends on whether he will be able to take the appropriate steps in the Chain to overcome the political crisis.
Reflection/Analysis
The three articles provide a good summary of the events in Ukraine with the Presidential election of 2010. The BBC article informs about Tymoshenko’s behavior after the elections. It also is a good source that shows arguments with both of the sides and their direct accusations about each other’s position. Towards the end the article sums up the arguments and gives the analytical view on the matters. The second article taken from a French source, presents a deeper analysis on the situation with elections. The main arguments which I found interesting were that if Yanukovich would really be compliant with the democratic norms. Also that Tymoshenko’s influence in the Orange Revolution was a result of West’s investment. The third article taken from an Armenian source provided an interview of a Ukrainian expert for Political studies, who informs that Yanukovich needs to certain steps to surmount this political crisis. In my opinion the situation in Ukraine is very exacerbated with the elections. Although personally I think that Yanukovich’s victory is beneficial to Ukraine more than it would have been if Yulia Tymoshenko gained victory. As Yanukovich has more chances of stabilizing and improving the relationship between Russia and Ukraine. Mainly due to the reason that Yanukovich is a businessman in whose interests it is to resolve the previous conflict with Russia. Unlike Tymoshenko who previously failed to deal with the gas conflict between Russia and Ukraine. She and the ex president Yushenko rather supported the confrontation with Russia rather than tried to stabilize their relationship.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Topic: Organ Donation
An organ donation is the removal of the human body from a living donor or a person who has recently died for the purpose of transplanting. Then a procedure similar to surgery takes place, where organs and tissues are removed. Individuals of all ages may become organ donors. The laws in different countries allow donors accept or decline a donation or give this choice to their relatives. In the U.S the law regulation of organ is left to states within the limitations the Transplant Act, which requires the donor to make a confirmatory statement during his/her lifetime that she or he has agreed to become a donor. In the United Kingdom organ donation is voluntary. The ones who are willing to donate their organs after death can use the national database. However the ethical question was always there since the mid-1970s. There are many teleological ethical, religious, political arguments that arise within that subject.
Article 1: Ukraine
Interior Ministry: Ukrainian medics have nothing to do with organs trade
http://eng.for-ua.com/news/2007/07/24/152237.html
The article informs of an incident that was revealed by the Israeli police through the international network that organized illegal donor organs transplantation in a private hospital in Kiev. The two criminal who were found were arrested in the Tel Aviv airport and they were shortly followed by the other nine people who were involved in the organ transplantation field. The police tracked the criminals trough an announcement published in a Russian press, that was persuading the people to become a kidney donor for a generous reward. After the donors were medically examined, they were taken to a private hospital in Kiev, where their renal transplantations were carried out. As the article states every kidney was sold for 150,000 dollars.
Article 2: Russia
Survival of the Fittest- turning kidneys into cash.
http://rt.com/Top_News/2009-03-20/Survival_of_the_fittest___turning_kidneys_into_cash.html?fullstory
The article discusses a social network website that invites people to buy and sell their kidneys online. The websites motto states “Your kidneys are our cares”. The website also advises that the best way to survive the world economic crisis is to sell your kidney. The websites homepage suggests that while the crisis is overtaking the planet it is very substantial to sell your kidney and receive a necessary amount of money for paying fees, credit and a lot more. The statistics show that the websites membership has 2,456 users registered. Yet, the article states that the website has little proof of being authentic and it seems a lot like a cynical joke. The website also started a promotional campaign in order to encourage people to invite their friends to join in, under a slogan “Invite your friend and receive 20% of your friend's kidney price. Only until September 1.”As well as the websites limited feedback which has two messages posted in the section, both of the opinions after the kidney donations are positive. It also provides a section which says "You are not alone” but when you open the page a blank page appears.
Article 3: Pakistan
Organ Donation Law
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/editorial/16-organ-donation-law-hs-04
The article informs that the new law adopted by the Senate, bans surgeons who exploit poverty-stricken to buy their organs for a ridiculous amount and transplant these in desperate foreigners with an end kidney failure for serious amount of money. The president of the Transplantation society has stated that the sale of human organs sale has declined when certain measures were taken in 2007. Prior to that, Pakistan had maintained a dubious reputation for becoming a place of kidney tourism. The new law that has been passed bans such actions and organs from a living donor can take under very strict conditions. This law has proved to be very successful. Nevertheless there is a need to address the issue to the public about the decreased organ donation. As the article mentions, there is not enough public awareness.
Reflection/Analysis
In my opinion organ transplantation is an important issue around the world; especially it should be directly addressed to in poorer countries such as Pakistan. In addition organ transplantation also became a very exploitive and manipulative process, particularly with those volunteers that have little knowledge on the issue; they could easily get trapped and convinced to donate their organs for a promising amount of money. Although afterwards they might have to face some severe health difficulties and dysfunctions within their body and as a result they could easily become victims of the organ donation process. It involves many ethical questions of whether this should be allowed in poorer countries or some laws need to be passed on in order to slow down the rate at which the poorer individual are manipulated to sell their organs.
The three articles show different situations related to the issue in countries such as Russia, Ukraine and Pakistan. The Ukrainian article taken from the newspaper is a story of some Ukrainian group of criminals that organized the kidney transplantations supposedly for a great award that the volunteers could receive. The Russian article talks about an online website that calls for the individuals to become volunteers for kidney donation and have some banners demonstrating that a single kidney equals a lot of money. They also claim that an effective way of avoiding economic crisis is by selling your kidneys, but after a deeper analysis the reviewers consider it to be a suspicious joke. The article taken from a Pakistani newspaper informs about a law that was passed by the Senate, which ensures that no unnecessary and unconfirmed organ transplants will take place starting from the year of 2009.
From all the three articles I found more about organ donations in different places and the cases that have appeared concerning this issue. I think that this issue requires a further analysis and investigation from the police as well as it should be taken into consideration by the governments. It also requires more fair assessment in what cases it should be legal and in what cases the medical experts and surgeons should abstain from these measures. As well as I think that in terms of exploitation this is a serious problem with some lack of understanding from the publics side about seriousness of organ transplantation.
An organ donation is the removal of the human body from a living donor or a person who has recently died for the purpose of transplanting. Then a procedure similar to surgery takes place, where organs and tissues are removed. Individuals of all ages may become organ donors. The laws in different countries allow donors accept or decline a donation or give this choice to their relatives. In the U.S the law regulation of organ is left to states within the limitations the Transplant Act, which requires the donor to make a confirmatory statement during his/her lifetime that she or he has agreed to become a donor. In the United Kingdom organ donation is voluntary. The ones who are willing to donate their organs after death can use the national database. However the ethical question was always there since the mid-1970s. There are many teleological ethical, religious, political arguments that arise within that subject.
Article 1: Ukraine
Interior Ministry: Ukrainian medics have nothing to do with organs trade
http://eng.for-ua.com/news/2007/07/24/152237.html
The article informs of an incident that was revealed by the Israeli police through the international network that organized illegal donor organs transplantation in a private hospital in Kiev. The two criminal who were found were arrested in the Tel Aviv airport and they were shortly followed by the other nine people who were involved in the organ transplantation field. The police tracked the criminals trough an announcement published in a Russian press, that was persuading the people to become a kidney donor for a generous reward. After the donors were medically examined, they were taken to a private hospital in Kiev, where their renal transplantations were carried out. As the article states every kidney was sold for 150,000 dollars.
Article 2: Russia
Survival of the Fittest- turning kidneys into cash.
http://rt.com/Top_News/2009-03-20/Survival_of_the_fittest___turning_kidneys_into_cash.html?fullstory
The article discusses a social network website that invites people to buy and sell their kidneys online. The websites motto states “Your kidneys are our cares”. The website also advises that the best way to survive the world economic crisis is to sell your kidney. The websites homepage suggests that while the crisis is overtaking the planet it is very substantial to sell your kidney and receive a necessary amount of money for paying fees, credit and a lot more. The statistics show that the websites membership has 2,456 users registered. Yet, the article states that the website has little proof of being authentic and it seems a lot like a cynical joke. The website also started a promotional campaign in order to encourage people to invite their friends to join in, under a slogan “Invite your friend and receive 20% of your friend's kidney price. Only until September 1.”As well as the websites limited feedback which has two messages posted in the section, both of the opinions after the kidney donations are positive. It also provides a section which says "You are not alone” but when you open the page a blank page appears.
Article 3: Pakistan
Organ Donation Law
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/editorial/16-organ-donation-law-hs-04
The article informs that the new law adopted by the Senate, bans surgeons who exploit poverty-stricken to buy their organs for a ridiculous amount and transplant these in desperate foreigners with an end kidney failure for serious amount of money. The president of the Transplantation society has stated that the sale of human organs sale has declined when certain measures were taken in 2007. Prior to that, Pakistan had maintained a dubious reputation for becoming a place of kidney tourism. The new law that has been passed bans such actions and organs from a living donor can take under very strict conditions. This law has proved to be very successful. Nevertheless there is a need to address the issue to the public about the decreased organ donation. As the article mentions, there is not enough public awareness.
Reflection/Analysis
In my opinion organ transplantation is an important issue around the world; especially it should be directly addressed to in poorer countries such as Pakistan. In addition organ transplantation also became a very exploitive and manipulative process, particularly with those volunteers that have little knowledge on the issue; they could easily get trapped and convinced to donate their organs for a promising amount of money. Although afterwards they might have to face some severe health difficulties and dysfunctions within their body and as a result they could easily become victims of the organ donation process. It involves many ethical questions of whether this should be allowed in poorer countries or some laws need to be passed on in order to slow down the rate at which the poorer individual are manipulated to sell their organs.
The three articles show different situations related to the issue in countries such as Russia, Ukraine and Pakistan. The Ukrainian article taken from the newspaper is a story of some Ukrainian group of criminals that organized the kidney transplantations supposedly for a great award that the volunteers could receive. The Russian article talks about an online website that calls for the individuals to become volunteers for kidney donation and have some banners demonstrating that a single kidney equals a lot of money. They also claim that an effective way of avoiding economic crisis is by selling your kidneys, but after a deeper analysis the reviewers consider it to be a suspicious joke. The article taken from a Pakistani newspaper informs about a law that was passed by the Senate, which ensures that no unnecessary and unconfirmed organ transplants will take place starting from the year of 2009.
From all the three articles I found more about organ donations in different places and the cases that have appeared concerning this issue. I think that this issue requires a further analysis and investigation from the police as well as it should be taken into consideration by the governments. It also requires more fair assessment in what cases it should be legal and in what cases the medical experts and surgeons should abstain from these measures. As well as I think that in terms of exploitation this is a serious problem with some lack of understanding from the publics side about seriousness of organ transplantation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)