The World of Women

Corinne Knowles

October 31, 2010

4:30 pm

This article is about recent reports from the United Nations about women around the world. Unfortunately, where there is good new there is also bad news. The good news is that women seem to be catching up to men in areas of work, education, poverty, and life expectancy. The bad news is that women are still falling behind in these areas and issues of sexual abuse are described as a “universal phenomenon.” This may seem depressing but there is a positive side. The fact that people are recognizing world-wide sexual violence against women means more and more people are seeing it as a problem. Something that we have learned in class is that we cannot begin to figure out how to solve a problem until we see it as a problem. Something else the reports show is that education is related to many of these issues. The article says, “Where girls have the greatest access to education, they marry later, have fewer children and more economic opportunity.” Like in the United States, women around the world often face a kind of “glass ceiling” but for now the world is making progress by offering more education opportunities for girls everywhere.

It seems that many of the issues that sociologists discuss lead back to education. A country as a whole is much more likely to thrive and be economically successful if they invest in schools and see that not only boys but girls too can enroll and learn. I like seeing the United Nations focus their efforts on women. There are obviously still many problems that need to be resolved when it comes to women’s rights but I think getting girls around the world enrolled in schools is a step in the right direction.

Article

Haiti, Cholera Death Toll Rises

Emily Ferland
October 31st 2010
Soc. 202-01
4:19 PM

Currently in Haiti there has been an outbreak of cholera due to the lack of sanitation. Last week the death toll was nearing one-hundred, this week the death toll has risen to about three-hundred.

The biggest concern when the death toll has risen three times the amount that it was over a week ago, is that this disease is not backing down anytime soon. This means that it will affect that many more people. The biggest struggle for this nation is to keep cholera as far from the nations capital as possible. Seeing that most of the population is still camping out in Port Au Prince since the earthquake in Haiti back in January. Another concern is that this country will also be going under elections on Nov. 28Th, this is a concern because this can also help the spread of the outbreak. This is a social problem because it can be avoided. Although presidential elections are very important, it is also important to prevent the spread of this disease any further. Thousands upon thousands of people were already killed during the Earthquake back in January, now hundreds of lives are being claimed due to cholera. The health department needs to set rules to minimize any further illness and help these people.

http://www.topnewspress.com/cholera-death-toll-reaches-300-in-haiti-disease-to-%E2%80%9Csettle%E2%80%9D-soon/871164/

Ethiopia: Religious division among Oromos harming OLF struggle, says founder

Ashley Bennerson

10/30/2010


5:40 p.m.


An issue facing the Oromo people of Ethiopia is that some people are turning to religion for guidance and help in life. There was a Unity and Reconciliation Forum held on September 25, 2010, organized by Oromo Artists Association. The ending result of the forum, concluded with the signing of a unification agreement between the two main factions of Oromo Liberation Front (OLF). Leading OLF forum were founding members, Obboos Ahmed Hussen, Xaha Abdi, Leencoo Lataa and Diimaa Nagoo, spoke at the event. Obboo Ahmed Hussein stated, "religion is pulling the Oromo struggle back." He cautioned that the Oromo Diaspora communities are abandoning the struggle and turning to churches and mosques. One of the arguments that the OLF brought up was that religion is a choice, and that being Oromummaa is a collective identity.

This article is focused on the OLF trying to tell the Oromo people that religion comes second to their identity and doesn’t mean as much as who they are as a person. This is not good because some identify themselves with their religion and that creates their identity. I understand that they want the people to remember where who they are and the struggles that they face day to day but at the same time religion can be a way for them to escape the struggle. Religion can be the thing that keeps them motivated to push through the struggle and make things better.



http://www.jimmatimes.com/article/Latest_News/Latest_News/Ethiopia_Religious_division_among_Oromos_harming_OLF_struggle_says_founder/33809

Yemeni Forces Arrest Woman Believed to be Linked to Plot

Yemeni officials have arrested a woman in Sanaa who they suspect is connected to a plot to send explosive packages to the U.S. According to the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano told CNN that the plan was to send explosives on a flight to the United States has the "hallmarks of al Qaeda." Officials have also been working to find those who are responsible for sending two suspicious packages addressed to Jewish Synagogues in the U.S. found in the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. British officials suspect that the packages were meant to go off inside an aircraft but there were unsure of the time or location that the explosion would have went off. They were certain however that the blast would have been enough to take down the whole plane. Yemen has become a battleground between Yemeni forces and AL Qaeda members since 2009 when a local affiliation sprang up in the Arabian Peninsula. The U.S. Postal Service announced it has temporarily suspended acceptance of inbound international mail originating in Yemen. President Obama stated in a press briefing that counter-terrorism officials are taking the situation very seriously and the Department of homeland security has also taken measure to insure our country’s safety. The president also extended a thank you to King Abdullah for Saudi Arabia’s role in unraveling the terrorist plot. Without the intelligence information found in Dubai things could have turned out very badly for the U.S.


First off I must say that I’m glad we are working together across the world to combat against terrorism. I can only imagine what could have happened if the packages had not been detected. I hope that other countries see this as a sign to step up and be more involved in the fight. I also hope that the terrorist are also seeing that it’s not going to be easy for them to cause such mayhem and destruction as they have in the past. Terrorism around the world is on the rise but so is the fight against it. I think that the world is finally beginning to accept the fact to terrorism is in fact a global problem and no one nation is going to be able to put an end to it alone.

href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/10/30/security.concern/

Domestic violence: a global problem, not a religious one

Victoria Phillips
10/30/2010
12:29pm

According to the United Nations’ new report, violence against women is a worldwide problem that crosses many religions, races and ethnicities. Many blame religion for violence against women, particularly the Islamic religions. Many people associate Muslim women with domestic abuse. However, domestic violence actually has more to do with factors like education and culture. “…[I]t underscores the connection between advancement and education, noting that women who go to school are more likely to lead successful and healthy lives to the benefit of society. Conversely, girls and women who are less educated or illiterate are more vulnerable.” Traditional values and culture also play a big part in violence against women all around the world. Certain cultures and traditional values allow domestic violence. “Honor-killings” is one form of cultural domestic violence. It is up to everyone to fight against domestic violence.
Domestic violence goes beyond so much more than religion. The women (or men in some cases) who are being abused are more often than not economically dependent on their abusers. They usually have little to no education and have no job leaving them with no income if the leave their partner. The person being abused might also be disowned by their family, friends, and community if they leave. “Honor-killings” are the killing of someone to protect the family honor. Most of these killings are of women. In certain cultures, family honor is the most important value to uphold. It even becomes before family and blood. Religion is not to blame for domestic violence. The cultural values that says it’s okay is what needs reform. When women are looked at as equals, the violence will stop


http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/opinionla/la-oew-esposito-lalwani-women-violenc20101031,0,6185552.story

Osama Threatens France...

Recently France has received threats from Osama Bin Laden because France released its nationals kidnapped a month ago. “The French authorities are completely mobilizing the release of seven hostages.” The French authorities say that they will continue to fight against terrorism. Osama threatened to kill French natives in revenge of the French governments support for the war led by the United States  in Afghanistan and its new law banning Muslim veils that cover the full face.  Depending on the issue of freedom of expression of religion that should be mutually appreciated and respected per every nation; Osama is attempting to defend this honor in a rather radical method.  While I see that Osama is trying to protect something that should be protected, his manner of action is something that should never be taken by anybody.  
The French government on the other side, have a right to express their own rules and regulations depending on the way that they want to execute their regulations.  If they wish to employ a controversial rule, it is their right as a republic to do this.  The issue of religion is highly involved in the wearing of a veil, so there is no doubt that this issue is highly controversial.  Regardless, the protection of their nation is the number one priority once any threats have been made that could possibly threaten their security.  Therefore, their ties with NATO is proper, and even with the impression of defence of religion that Osama tries to imply, there should never be an excuse to conduct terrorist at the expense of possibly innocent bystanders and citizens.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-10/28/c_13580555.htm

Studies examine costs, prospects of ending malaria

Pouya Rohani

October 29, 2010

9:10 pm

About half of the world’s populations are in danger of getting infected by the malaria disease according to the World Health Organization. Most cases of malaria disease exist in the world’s poorest region like sub-Saharan Africa. Two hundred fifty million people around the world are infected by this disease and about one million deaths every year. Scientists in the Lancet medical journal stated that the extinction of malaria disease in many countries cannot be achieved very quickly and without challenges. There is possibility that the disease come back even in places that the disease was eradicated. Lancet editors Richard Horton and Pamela Das advised that countries should do careful analysis before trying to eradicate the disease. It could negatively affect the achievement in regulating of the disease in the long run. If current efforts around the world continue by 2015, millions of lives could be saved. It is suggested by scientists that the best way to approach malaria disease is to focus on shrinking the “malaria map” in countries that malaria is widespread. Approximately, ninety nine countries have endemic malaria and thirty two of these countries, China, Iraq, South Africa, etc, are moving to eradicate malaria.

Following the progress of malaria disease around the world can help to control this disease substantially. I think countries should pay more attention in controlling disease and educating people about the possible consequence of disease in their life. Malaria disease is a serious social problem that effect lives of so many people globally. People who are affected cannot be socially active and functional.

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE69S1J620101029

15 killed in Mexico car wash

Gunmen killed 15 people and injured at least two others at a car wash on Wednesday in western Mexico. It was the third massacre related to drug gangs in the country in less than a month. The victims were mostly young men who lived at a drug rehabilitation centre and the five of the gunmen arrested belonged to the powerful Sinaloa drug cartel. The police said that rehabilitation facilities were increasingly being targeted by drug cartels who suspected the clinic of harbouring members from rival gangs. Earlier this week, a dozen recovering addicts were attacked in Tijuana, in Baja Californa. And in September, 28 were killed on two rehab clincs in another city. The Mexico President Felipe Calderon blamed the US for the high demand for drugs and the easy flow of illegal weapons, which fueled the violence in Mexico. He also urged California voters in the US to veto the legalization of marijuana in their state.

Mexico is a country notorious for its drug-gang violence which is either targeted at the police or other rival drug gangs. The highest drug-gang crime rate occurred close to the border shared with the US. It is therefore interesting and unsurprising to observe that President Calderon attributed the uncontrollable chaos to the US. Indeed, cross border crimes such as drug gang violence are affected by the economic and legal system in the counterpart country, though the effectiveness of the law enforcement and social order control in one's own country should not be neglected. Cross border cooperation is the only root solution to this type of problem, taken into account the fact that both countries’ interests are at stake.

But perhaps one may be more curious to wonder why one drug gang targets violence at another drug gang since both gangs are basically of the same kind. Social identity theory may offer an account for the conflict. The theory holds that different groups inevitably engage in social comparison. When something bad happens to one group (for example, when its economic interest is endangered), the group would tend to blame the other comparable group for it. Competition and hatred ensue, resulting in conflicts whose purpose is to destroy the opponent group (even if the opponent group no longer poses any realistic threats). Here the loss of income from drug dealings due to competition with other drug gangs is the crucial factor.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11639980

International controversy over Ugandan anti-homosexuality bill

Oriana Robertson

29 October 2010

4:33pm

Public outcry over the presence of homosexuals and homosexuality in Uganda has reached an all time high. Uganda’s Rolling Stone newspaper has recently published an article featuring Uganda’s “Top 100 Homosexuals” including the pictures and addresses of these perceived people. Since the publishing of the article, at least four people have been harassed and attacked. In the Rolling Stones’ editor Giles Muhame’s interview, he claims that “We thought, by publishing that story, the police would investigate them, prosecute them, and hang them.” When asked if he feels like he is guilty of the invasion of privacy, Muhame replies that it is good for the public to know what evils are going on behind closed doors.

Lawmakers are currently proposing an ‘anti-gay’ bill with penalties such as death and/or imprisonment. International human rights agencies and governments have gone against the bill and give aid to Uganda in the midst of their crisis. The bill has been claimed to stem from a recent Evangelical Christian’s conference on the evils of homosexuality. This issue has a lot to do with the presence of homophobia in Uganda and other predominately Christian nations.

There is clearly a conflict of cultural interest among all nations involved concerning this issue. Some countries think that the bill is outright hateful and violates privacy and basic human rights. Others tend to agree with Uganda’s bill, but not necessarily condoning the violence it permits. If the bill were to pass, there would be an even bigger increase on violence in the nation of Uganda. The country is currently experiencing growing pains as it is developing itself. There is no one answer when it comes to the matters of individual countries decisions. Who is to dictate what a country can impose on its citizens; however, if it seems to be a matter of violence or human rights, who is not to intervene?

http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/anti-homosexuality-bill-uganda-global-uproar/story?id=10045436&page=1

http://www.einnews.com/news.php?oid=WIyx4Su25v5sww

Church sex abuse victims to gather near Vatican, demand crime against humanity designation

This weekend, people who were raped and molested by priests are gathering in Rome to launch a petition demanding that sexual abuse against children be considered a crime against humanity. Several hundred people from a dozen countries are expected to attend. This Sunday will mark the first time that abuse survivors have gathered for a day of healing. The gathering was set to take place in St. Peter's Square, however they were forced to move a couple of hundred yards away because the Holy See declined their access. One of the organizers, Gary Bergeron states that the issue needs to be treated as a global one. "If it can happen in an institution like the Catholic Church, it can happen anywhere. If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone," he told reporters.

Bergeron and co-organizer, Bernie McDaid, met with the Vatican No. 2 in 2003 and McDaid became the first victim to meet with Pope Benedict XVI. Both men were abused by a Boston-area priest. The sex abuse scandal erupted in Boston in 2002 and Bergeron and McDaid state that nothing has been done to solve crimes committed by priests against young children. Both men are upset that the Vatican has not taken responsibility and reached out to victims. Just this year, people have began to take notice to the issue. Stories of thousands of cases in Europe and beyond, the bishops who covered up the priest's actions, and the Vatican officials who paid no attention to the problem have been revealed to the public.

The pope has admitted that the church failed to take sufficient measures to put a stop to these crimes and has also made several apologies to victims during several foreign trips. However, still no outreach programs have been set in place.

Victims from Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy are expected to attend. Victims from Verona, Italy are expected to attend and are one of the most horrific examples of abuse. Many of these victims were molested by priests while they were students at an institution for the deaf.

Bergeron states, "I am not here to change the world. I am here to make sure my son isn't abused." Bergeron's father was also abused by a priest when he was a child.

I can not begin to imagine what kind of individual would take away the innocence of a child, however it happens so often. The issue of child molestation and rape was and still is an important issue. I think anyone who could perform sexual acts against someone without consent is disgusting and even more so when the acts are against a child. I believe we need to make this issue more well-known by educating the public through media and establish programs to help victims heal from their experience. I also believe that the Vatican should make it their personal responsibility to "clean house." After committing a crime such as this, no priest should receive forgiveness; they should be let go immediately. I also think that it is a good idea to hold these healing gatherings more often. It may possibly give victims who have never come forward the chance to express their pain with people who have endured what they have.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article.html

Japan Offers No Response on Human Rights Issue

Kara Weinacht

10/29/2010

3:49PM

This article comments on the nonresponse on behalf of Japan regarding religious persecution of members of the Unification Church. American religious figureheads spoke out to the press about this issue outside of Japan's consulate 15 days prior to this article and since, there has been no response from Japan. Victims are being abducted, imprisoned, and forced to de-convert. The striking statistic presented is that "over the past 40 years, an estimated 4,300 members of the Unification Church have been subjected to human rights violations."

As serious as this issue would seem, this is a problem in so many countries around the world. Why is such an emphasis being put on Japan? My guess would be that since the religious group being persecuted is of Christian denomination, more American politicians are willing to give it attention. And at 4300 people being affected over the course of 40 years- thats a little over 100 people each year...This specific problem is being overemphasized while ignoring the larger global problem of religious discrimination as a whole. I definitely feel that this article shows significant bias towards the importance of this issue due to it surrounding a Christian ideology. It doesn't address both sides of the issue, and doesn't investigate very deeply. Instead, it just plays on the emotional ties of United States citizens to support global Christianity, instead of global tolerance of everyone.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/japan-offers-no-response-on-human-rights-issue-106013783.html

Dubai Struggles with Environmental problems after growth

Felicia Jenkins
10/29/10
3:20 PM

Dubai Struggles with Environmental problems after growth

Dubai, India has one of most beautiful skylines in the eastern world. But a simple look down would change a person’s view of the city. There is raw sewage in the streets and alleys. The rapid growth of the city is taking a toll on the environment. As the standards of living increase Dubai is dangerously low on resources to keep the city going. Waste treatment and removal as well as having safe fresh water are a large concern in this growing city. The water from the gulf of Omen is not readily available for drinking because it needs to be desalinized- which uses more electricity and produces large amounts of carbon dioxide and hot sludge that is returned directly to the sea. There is only about four days of back up water in the reserve systems despite the large quantities of sea water that are desalinized daily. With the addition of so many new buildings there seems to be little planning on how they will get water and electricity to them. There has been a new groundwater system put in recycles water from various places. Another growing problem is the production of steel and aluminum which also require electricity and water that are not readily available. But there are not many alternatives; wind and solar power are not readily used so industries are starting to utilize nuclear energy. But this is not a renewable resource and also leads to the issue of the disposing of the nuclear waste and nuclear energy not being renewable sources of energy.

Dubai poses an interesting situation. They have built a city that is unable to sustain itself. There is a demand for energy that is not available and the alternatives are not looking good as well. Again we have the basic issue of human wants and ambitions versus what nature can provide and what we can manufacture without messing the environment up. The raw sewage is being poured into drains and is polluting the land. The salinity of the water in the Gulf of Omen is rising which is threatening the wildlife and marine plants as well. All of these changes are due to human activity. But the people of Dubai want a better lifestyle, but at what cost is to the environment. Is making astronomical amounts of chemical waste worth it? There will be no place to put it, the shelters we build for the waste break down- like in Hungary. People could be exposed to toxic chemicals and there could be a rise in terminal diseases as well. But what can be done? Yes new standards can be put in place to decrease future destruction, but what happens to all the older building that do not have the capacity to follow new standards because being green and environmentally friendly was not a priority. It seems that the city of Dubai is at an environmental crossroads.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/28/business/energy-environment/28dubai.html?_r=2&ref=global-home&pagewanted=all

US Drone Attack Kills Five in Pakistan Tribal Belt

A US drone attack targeted Islamic fighters in Pakistan’s tribal belt on Thursday, killing five militants including three Arabs.  Some security officials said that it was the third drone attack in twenty-four hours.  Another official said that two others were injured when two missiles struck a compound in Ismail Khel village in North Waziristan.  The village is considered the premier fortress of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked militants on the Afghan border and the focus of a dramatic increase in US attacks.  An official said that the five people killed were three Arabs, one Afghan and one local.  Officials also said that it is not clear if there were any high-value targets in the casualties.  The US considers Pakistan’s tribal belt an Al-Qaeda headquarters and many of the officials from that area say that the drone campaign is seen as integral to US-led efforts to turn around this nine-year Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan.

It seems as if the Western officials think that the drone attacks are necessary to get the Taliban and Al-Qaeda out of Afghanistan.  If they do, then that gives the US military the green light to go forth and continue with the drone attacks.   The drone attacks themselves are sending a message to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.  Now that Western officials are agreeing that the drone campaign is integral and is needed to end the Taliban’s efforts, at least in Afghanistan, is just adding more to that message.  The message is now saying that the US is coming for them-not that the US military has not been for nine years-, but also that they now have the support of Western officials to continue with the campaign to get the job done.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/203639/us-drone-attack-kills-five-in-pakistan-tribal-belt

Human Trafficking is Being Fought

Elizabeth Bainbridge

10-29-10

2:32 pm

In Canada, MP Joy Smith is concerned about the problem of human trafficking, and is pushing for a developed plan to fight it. Smith explains that many Canadians have ignored the issue, assuming it was a problem only in other countries, and not realizing that it has been occurring right under their noses. Smith wants the government to implement a strategy that will involve “more investigations and prosecutions, better victims' services, increased awareness campaigns and an attack on the demand for prostitution by criminalizing the purchase of sexual services.” Smith calls her plan “Connecting the Dots,” and developed it with an expert in the subject of human trafficking, Benjamin Perrin. So far over twenty agencies have offered their support to Smith’s endeavors. The Criminal Code was expanded in 2006 to include human trafficking, and since then only five people have been convicted, but investigations and the number of people being charged is increasing. Currently there are forty human trafficking cases in Canadian courts. Smith and Perrin will be meeting with government officials to promote their plan, and hope that it is well received.

The more I read on the subject the more convinced I am that human trafficking is happening everywhere. It has become a global problem, and I think most people fail to realize how widespread it really is. I liked how Smith acknowledged that most Canadians assume that it’s not a problem in their country, and I think most Americans are under the same deception. I am always glad when someone actually does something to combat human trafficking rather than just talking about the issue, or even worse, ignoring it altogether. This article gave me a good idea of what was going on, and I felt that everything was well explained.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/mp-targets-human-trafficking-105988823.html

Another massacre takes place in a Mexican carwash, killing 15 men

Jordan Saunders
October 29, 2010
2:31 p.m.

This past Wednesday another massacre took place in Mexico. With the increase of violence in Mexico over the past few years, the death of fifteen men would be one of three massacres this week.  The massacre took place at a local carwash in the city of Tepic. Most of the victims were recovering drug addicts who were employed at the carwash. It is thought to be believed that the employees were washing stolen cars, but there is no know connection to the shooting. With the increase in violence and murder, another carwash owned by the same owners lost a man the day before in a shooting. Investigation is taking place to see if there is a connection between the two shootings. The gunmen suspected in these shootings are in drug and gang organizations. There seems to be a connection in reference to drugs among the gunmen and the victims in the same shootings.  For example in Tijuana there was a shooting at a drug rehabilitation center, killing thirteen drug addicts who were currently in recovery. The victims may have had a previous relationship with some of the gunmen, or maybe the gunmen who are part of the organizations are trying to send out a physical message to the government and the local people. Also in Tijuana 135 tons of marijuana was taken into police procession. Following the drug bust a message was verbally said to the police department. Someone hacked into the police department’s radio line and threatened to kill 135 people in the city. As the drug production continues to increase cartels will continue to try and defeat the government and over power it. These shootings and massacres are a message to the government and will continue, because this groups want the attention and fear they gain from committing these attacks.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/10/27/world/main6996877.shtml

Malaysia Women’s Group Gets to Keep ‘Islam’ in Name

Jennifer Cocks

October 29, 2010

2:06 pm

Sisters in Islam is a prominent non-governmental organization in Malaysia. It fights for reforming women’s rights by challenging the enforcement and punishment associated with breaking Muslim morality laws. Initially Sisters in Islam was formed to stop child marriages, polygamy, and more recently to stop the caning of women who have been caught publicly drinking alcohol. Recently, the Malaysian Assembly of Muslim Youths filed suit against the women’s advocacy group, claiming that the use of Islam in its name is confusing Muslim practitioners by appearing to represent all Muslims. The High Court ruled in favor of the Sisters in Islam, stating that the Muslim Youths group had no legal basis for challenging the name.

I think the Sisters in Islam are trying to bring a modern interpretation to the acceptable behaviors and punishments of Muslim practitioners. Basic human rights and women’s rights are also incorporated in the goals of the organization. I do believe that the ‘Muslim Youths’ organization had an interesting point, that the organization’s goals do conflict with the traditional values and customs associated with Islam; I also believe that the cognitive dissonance it might bring to people that do get confused and perceive the organization as being representative of the majority of Muslims would be positive and hopefully will promote additional reforms. However, the group has challenges that I wished the article spent more time on; for instance, the Sisters were able to stop the caning punishment for women who drink alcohol in public and instead women now serve community service for the offense. But since the implementation of the alternate punishment, other moral crimes that Muslim Malaysian women commit have been adversely affected. One specific instance that the article highlighted was that women who have committed adultery are now being caned- a punishment that is new for that particular moral crime. Obviously, the ‘Sisters’ have many more trials ahead in their quest for “promoting moderation in Islam.”

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_MALAYSIA_ISLAM_LAWSUIT?SITE=FLPEJ&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT