Ryne Purvis
4/15/11
9:29 AM
The United Nations has warned that it is running out of funds to finance it's relief efforts in Libya and neighboring countries. "UNHCR is facing a critical shortage of funds for our operations in Libya and neighbouring countries," said Andrej Mahecic, spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. "Unless funds are swiftly committed by donor countries, this shortfall will likely impact vital humanitarian assistance for tens of thousands of people displaced by the recent fighting," he added. On April 5th, the UN called for $294.82 million dollars to help finance the efforts. However, they have only received 41 per cent of what they asked for. The International Organisation for Migration, which has been working with the UNHCR to evacuate migrants, is also running out of funds. The International Organisation for Migration has sent a ship with a capacity of 800 to evacuate the 8300 people is Misrata. They only have enough funds to finance two trip there and back, thus rescuing 1600 of the 8300. "We simply do not have money to carry out such life saving operations," said Jemini Pandya, spokeswoman for the organisation.
The European Union and NATO continued work on a possible EU military mission into Libya to deliver humanitarian aid to the city of Misrata. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton met with NATO foreign ministers in Berlin to discuss ties between the two organisations and the situation in Libya. This after the EU put to rest concerns by by the Swedish. The EU and NATO agreed to hold a meeting of ambassadors to discuss Libya in the coming weeks in order to "avoid a doubling up of operations and adjust their activities", a German diplomat said. The EU has yet to decide on a mission fro Libya, but any mission will need the go ahead from the UN.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/un-running-out-of-funds-for-libya-aid/story-e6frf7jx-1226039967678
Showing posts with label Ryne Purvis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ryne Purvis. Show all posts
Friday, April 15, 2011
Friday, April 08, 2011
Blog #11, More Violence will not solve Libyan crisis
Ryne Purvis
4/8/11
7:00 PM
The United States, the United Kingdom, France and their allies began air strikes on Libya on March 19. This is the largest military intervention in a Middle Eastern country since the invasion of Iraq. There have been many casualties in this strike, including children. Many people thought that Gaddafi's regime was on the border of falling apart and that once the bombing started it would crumble. However, Gaddafi's government has yet to do so. Gaddafi has armed many rebels, including those in his hometown of Sirte. Chinese President Hu Jintao told visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy on March 30, "The U.N. Security Council approved the Libya resolution only for the purpose of stopping violence and protecting civilians. The military operation in Libya could violate the Security Council's original intention if it caused civilian casualties and provoked a bigger humanitarian crisis. China advocates full respect for every country's independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and does not approve of the use of force in international affairs. History has proved that the use of force is not an answer to problems but only makes them more complicated. Only dialogue and other peaceful means are the ultimate solution to problems." Two wars have taken place since the world entered into the new century: the Afghanistan war and the Iraq war. What issues have the two wars addressed? Many Americans even say that these wars have accomplished nothing and fear that America may be getting into a similar situation. Libya is also an Islamic nation and tension there could further distance Christian and Muslim people. This conflict is also drawing attention because of the fact that 65% of the world's oil is found there. This could have a negative impact on the world economy. China's stance generally has four highlights. First, the turmoil in the various countries of West Asia and North Africa are internal affairs. People in Libya should decide matters for themselves. Second, problems brought by the turbulence in these countries should be solved through dialogue. Violence is not advisable. Third, other nations should try to maintain peace and maintain oil prices. Fourth, the League of Arab States and the African Union should play an important role in resolving regional issues. These four ideas would be helpful in promoting cooperation and peace in African nations.
4/8/11
7:00 PM
The United States, the United Kingdom, France and their allies began air strikes on Libya on March 19. This is the largest military intervention in a Middle Eastern country since the invasion of Iraq. There have been many casualties in this strike, including children. Many people thought that Gaddafi's regime was on the border of falling apart and that once the bombing started it would crumble. However, Gaddafi's government has yet to do so. Gaddafi has armed many rebels, including those in his hometown of Sirte. Chinese President Hu Jintao told visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy on March 30, "The U.N. Security Council approved the Libya resolution only for the purpose of stopping violence and protecting civilians. The military operation in Libya could violate the Security Council's original intention if it caused civilian casualties and provoked a bigger humanitarian crisis. China advocates full respect for every country's independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and does not approve of the use of force in international affairs. History has proved that the use of force is not an answer to problems but only makes them more complicated. Only dialogue and other peaceful means are the ultimate solution to problems." Two wars have taken place since the world entered into the new century: the Afghanistan war and the Iraq war. What issues have the two wars addressed? Many Americans even say that these wars have accomplished nothing and fear that America may be getting into a similar situation. Libya is also an Islamic nation and tension there could further distance Christian and Muslim people. This conflict is also drawing attention because of the fact that 65% of the world's oil is found there. This could have a negative impact on the world economy. China's stance generally has four highlights. First, the turmoil in the various countries of West Asia and North Africa are internal affairs. People in Libya should decide matters for themselves. Second, problems brought by the turbulence in these countries should be solved through dialogue. Violence is not advisable. Third, other nations should try to maintain peace and maintain oil prices. Fourth, the League of Arab States and the African Union should play an important role in resolving regional issues. These four ideas would be helpful in promoting cooperation and peace in African nations.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Coalition Forces hit Gaddafi Forces, Blog Post #9
Ryne Purvis
3/25/11
4:03 PM
Coalition forces hit ground targets loyal to Gaddafi near the city of Ajdabiya overnight.So far it seems as though these loyalists are not listening to the demands by the U.S. and allies to stop fighting and are instead fortifying their positions. These bombings were bombings of opportunity and not specific targets. Many people, including a highly ranked French military official, think it will take weeks to end the conflict in Libya and that a political solution will also be needed. Meanwhile, over 150 individual missions were carried out and many tanks and other weapons of Gaddafi were destroyed before they could attack the city of Ajdabiya. Allied ships also fired Tomahawk cruise missiles at targets. Many of Gaddafi's resources are becoming weakened and scattered as a result of the coalition's attacks. Coalition forces also claim that as they bring in more surveillance aircraft they will have better images of potential targets to further weaken Gaddafi's forces. Gaddafi's government is asserting that these bombings have killed multiple Libyan civilians. Western leaders have denied these reports. “The operation is still focusing on tanks, combat vehicles, air defense targets — really whatever equipment and personnel are threatening the no-fly zone or civilians on the ground in such locations as Ajdabiya and along some other areas on the coast,” Marine Corps Capt. Clint Gebke told the Associated Press from aboard the USS Mount Whitney. As expected, many people are attempting to flee from Libya. Many people unable to leave the country have fled to smaller coastal towns. 1500-2000 people are crossing the Libya-Egypt border daily. An estimated 352,000 people have fled Libya with most of them going to Tunisia or Egypt.
The coalition should continue doing what it needs to do to ensure the safety of the Libyan people. However, great care should be taken to ensure that civilian casualties are kept to a minimum. Gaddafi should heed the warning of the coalition's warning and surrender himself because it certainly sounds as if things are going badly for him and his loyalists.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/french-official-libya-campaign-will-likely-last-weeks/2011/03/25/AFNTJyVB_story.html
3/25/11
4:03 PM
Coalition forces hit ground targets loyal to Gaddafi near the city of Ajdabiya overnight.So far it seems as though these loyalists are not listening to the demands by the U.S. and allies to stop fighting and are instead fortifying their positions. These bombings were bombings of opportunity and not specific targets. Many people, including a highly ranked French military official, think it will take weeks to end the conflict in Libya and that a political solution will also be needed. Meanwhile, over 150 individual missions were carried out and many tanks and other weapons of Gaddafi were destroyed before they could attack the city of Ajdabiya. Allied ships also fired Tomahawk cruise missiles at targets. Many of Gaddafi's resources are becoming weakened and scattered as a result of the coalition's attacks. Coalition forces also claim that as they bring in more surveillance aircraft they will have better images of potential targets to further weaken Gaddafi's forces. Gaddafi's government is asserting that these bombings have killed multiple Libyan civilians. Western leaders have denied these reports. “The operation is still focusing on tanks, combat vehicles, air defense targets — really whatever equipment and personnel are threatening the no-fly zone or civilians on the ground in such locations as Ajdabiya and along some other areas on the coast,” Marine Corps Capt. Clint Gebke told the Associated Press from aboard the USS Mount Whitney. As expected, many people are attempting to flee from Libya. Many people unable to leave the country have fled to smaller coastal towns. 1500-2000 people are crossing the Libya-Egypt border daily. An estimated 352,000 people have fled Libya with most of them going to Tunisia or Egypt.
The coalition should continue doing what it needs to do to ensure the safety of the Libyan people. However, great care should be taken to ensure that civilian casualties are kept to a minimum. Gaddafi should heed the warning of the coalition's warning and surrender himself because it certainly sounds as if things are going badly for him and his loyalists.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/french-official-libya-campaign-will-likely-last-weeks/2011/03/25/AFNTJyVB_story.html
Friday, February 25, 2011
Blog #6, Qaddafi has Time to Kill as U.N. Prepares
Ryne Purvis
Feb. 25, 2011
3:35 PM
President Obama and his administration will be considering all available options in confronting Muammar al-Qaddafi. Qaddafi is currently killing his own citizens as civil war is occuring in Libya. Option one in Obama's eyes is to look to the U.N. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton is in Geneva for a meeting of the U.N. Human Rights Council to discuss the Libyan massacre. A big part of that council will be to determine Libya's status as a member of the council now that these atrocities have occured there. The goal is for the council to come to a decision of action quickly as to avoid slow response like there was in Sudan. Some, like Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, think that the United States is interested in Libya for its oil and not protection of its people. Qaddafi is currently attempting to secure the south and west portions of the country with his army and probably entrench himself there. It seems as though he is planning an ethnic purge of any groups of people that he deems disloyal to him. America is also concerned for about 600 Americans that are waiting to evacuate Tripoli. A heavy storm is halting their evacuation and capture by Qaddafi is a real possibility.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/02/24/qaddafi-time-kill-prepares-meet/
Feb. 25, 2011
3:35 PM
President Obama and his administration will be considering all available options in confronting Muammar al-Qaddafi. Qaddafi is currently killing his own citizens as civil war is occuring in Libya. Option one in Obama's eyes is to look to the U.N. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton is in Geneva for a meeting of the U.N. Human Rights Council to discuss the Libyan massacre. A big part of that council will be to determine Libya's status as a member of the council now that these atrocities have occured there. The goal is for the council to come to a decision of action quickly as to avoid slow response like there was in Sudan. Some, like Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, think that the United States is interested in Libya for its oil and not protection of its people. Qaddafi is currently attempting to secure the south and west portions of the country with his army and probably entrench himself there. It seems as though he is planning an ethnic purge of any groups of people that he deems disloyal to him. America is also concerned for about 600 Americans that are waiting to evacuate Tripoli. A heavy storm is halting their evacuation and capture by Qaddafi is a real possibility.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/02/24/qaddafi-time-kill-prepares-meet/
Friday, February 11, 2011
Blog #4, 105 Killed in Southern Sudan Fighting.
Ryne Purvis
Feb. 11, 2011
5:23 PM
Two days of fighting in the Southern region of Sudan killed 105 people. The fighting took place between the region's army and a rebel faction. 105 people were killed in two different towns: 39 civilians, 24 southern police and soldiers, and 42 of rebel commander George Athor's men. In addition, about 50 people have been admitted to medical centers, mostly because of gunshot wounds. This fighting came during the same week that the results were announced from the region's independence referendum. 99% of ballots supported independence and so the region is on pace to become a country. However, this shows that violence can break out at any point, especially in a region that experienced 22 years of civil war from 1983-2005. Lt. Gen. George Athor defected from his position in the southern army earlier this year to run for governor in Jonglei state. After losing the April vote, Athor lost the vote and launched a revolt against the southern government, along with an unknown number of his troops. The fighting appeared to be over in September when Athor was granted amnesty, but the past week's events show that the fighting is not over. The UN officials in the area have spoken to both sides and are pleading to end the conflict.
The fighting in this area shows that the local military is not strong or organized enough to deal with the rogues. If the fighting continues the local government should discuss the possibility of seeking foreign aid to help deal with the conflict.
Feb. 11, 2011
5:23 PM
Two days of fighting in the Southern region of Sudan killed 105 people. The fighting took place between the region's army and a rebel faction. 105 people were killed in two different towns: 39 civilians, 24 southern police and soldiers, and 42 of rebel commander George Athor's men. In addition, about 50 people have been admitted to medical centers, mostly because of gunshot wounds. This fighting came during the same week that the results were announced from the region's independence referendum. 99% of ballots supported independence and so the region is on pace to become a country. However, this shows that violence can break out at any point, especially in a region that experienced 22 years of civil war from 1983-2005. Lt. Gen. George Athor defected from his position in the southern army earlier this year to run for governor in Jonglei state. After losing the April vote, Athor lost the vote and launched a revolt against the southern government, along with an unknown number of his troops. The fighting appeared to be over in September when Athor was granted amnesty, but the past week's events show that the fighting is not over. The UN officials in the area have spoken to both sides and are pleading to end the conflict.
The fighting in this area shows that the local military is not strong or organized enough to deal with the rogues. If the fighting continues the local government should discuss the possibility of seeking foreign aid to help deal with the conflict.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Russian Defense Minister suggests replacing AK-47
Ryne Purvis
1-21-11
9:09 P.M.
1-21-11
9:09 P.M.
The Russian Defense Minister, Anatoly Surdyukov, caused much debate in Russia by suggesting that Russian made rifles were outdated and that he is considering buying foreign-made small arms. Russian rifles like the AK-47 have been a staple in the Russian military for over 60 years and thus many Russians are protesting this plan. Russian gun creators claim that Russian rifles are the best the world has to offer in terms of quality and durability and also that buying foreign weapons for the military would destroy the gun industry in Russia. Another argument being made is that Defense Minister Surdyukov is not a military man and thus does not have an expert opinion and should not speak on the issue. Some people are even trying to defend the AK-47 by saying that terrorists prefer it to other rifles made around the world so it must be of great quality. The AK-47 may not be a very accurate weapon in terms of modern day warfare, but according to American retired Maj. Gen. Bob Scales the weapon epitomizes the Russian philosophy of the “people’s weapon” that anyone can use.
Either decision the Russian’s make will have advantages and disadvantages. If the Russian military does decide to buy foreign small arms, then they will have a more modernized, accurate rifle and may be able to improve relations with the country they purchase from. However, they will have to spend time and money training soldiers to use more complicated weapons. If they decide to keep their domestic rifles, the Russians will avoid the transition period of a switch and keep their tradition. But they will still have a weapon that is inaccurate and obsolete by modern standards.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)