Summary:
Kenya's plan to close the Dabaab refugee camp, about 50 miles from the Somali border, is intended to reduce the chance of attacks by the al-Shabaab, which is the Somalia-based militant group that recently murdered more than 140 people at a Kenyan university. However, kicking almost 40,000 Somalis back into a mostly lawless, poverty-wracked land will create more misery, and eventually result in more terrorist recruits. In announcing the Dabaab refugee closure, Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto said, "The way America change after 9/11os the way Kenya will change after Garissa (the university) attack. Hm....
Analysis:
I think that before Kenya decides to close these refugee camps, they should look a the impact of this closure. As mentioned in the article, more terrorist recruits will result in this from the Somalis that are being forced back into the poor land. Another issue is, the Kenyan government needs to look at their problems in the country and analyze why attacks have occurred by the al-Shabaab groups. They have conducted more than 100 attacks in Kenya, killing at least 400 people. However, rather than solve these problems Kenyatta's government has blamed attacks on political opponents and passed "anti-terrorism" laws that actually allow it to crack down on the news media and non-governmental organizations. Kenya has even shut down money transfer services that are vital to the Somali refugee community.......(even another reason for these groups to be recruited as 'terrorists.'
http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-04-20/kenya-s-war-on-terror-helps-terrorists
4/24/15
10:31 pm
Showing posts with label Jasmine Gibson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jasmine Gibson. Show all posts
Friday, April 24, 2015
Friday, April 17, 2015
Blog #9 Veteran return, and children are left with invisible wounds of war
Summary:
Twice a day, Koen Hughes's medicine alarm goes off. He yells across the kitchen to his father, a retired Army Staff Sgt, an Iraq war veteran. He suffers from such a severe brain injury that it is hard for him to remember things such as whether he showered, and even HOW TO shower. Koen, who is 10, is always by his father side to make sure he has taken his anti-seizure pills, double checking his medicine box, and squinting as he monitors his father's behavior. Koen's father is what he calls a "wounded parent."
In households nationwide, hundreds of thousands of wounded parents have come home from wars in Iraq or Afghanistan, and their children struggle with navigating these 'invisible wounds'--traumatic brain injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder, which together can afflict an estimated 30 percent of the 2.7 million former troops.
Analysis:
I decided to look at war/terror is a different aspect for this blog. I am specifically interested in the effects that war may have on children. We are taught that if we go into the army, we are given so many benefits, it is a life-changing experience, financial conflicts are taken care of, etc. However, we are not presented with the information that it can negatively affect your life post-war. This article is specifically interesting because it provides not only Koen's story but several children's experiences with a parent that has returned from the war. I think the biggest impact on children is that they are forced to almost take on a parental role, and lose some of the child that they are. For example, depending on the extent of the parent's injuries, children may not be able to run to their father and yell "Boo!" in a jokingly matter because of them being afraid of their parent's reaction. Going into the military may offer some positive benefits, but it is important to think of your life post-war, especially if you have children at home.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/when-veterans-return-their-children-also-deal-with-invisible-wounds-of-war/2015/04/16/df161026-cd7a-11e4-a2a7-9517a3a70506_story.html
4/17/15
2:58pm
Twice a day, Koen Hughes's medicine alarm goes off. He yells across the kitchen to his father, a retired Army Staff Sgt, an Iraq war veteran. He suffers from such a severe brain injury that it is hard for him to remember things such as whether he showered, and even HOW TO shower. Koen, who is 10, is always by his father side to make sure he has taken his anti-seizure pills, double checking his medicine box, and squinting as he monitors his father's behavior. Koen's father is what he calls a "wounded parent."
In households nationwide, hundreds of thousands of wounded parents have come home from wars in Iraq or Afghanistan, and their children struggle with navigating these 'invisible wounds'--traumatic brain injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder, which together can afflict an estimated 30 percent of the 2.7 million former troops.
Analysis:
I decided to look at war/terror is a different aspect for this blog. I am specifically interested in the effects that war may have on children. We are taught that if we go into the army, we are given so many benefits, it is a life-changing experience, financial conflicts are taken care of, etc. However, we are not presented with the information that it can negatively affect your life post-war. This article is specifically interesting because it provides not only Koen's story but several children's experiences with a parent that has returned from the war. I think the biggest impact on children is that they are forced to almost take on a parental role, and lose some of the child that they are. For example, depending on the extent of the parent's injuries, children may not be able to run to their father and yell "Boo!" in a jokingly matter because of them being afraid of their parent's reaction. Going into the military may offer some positive benefits, but it is important to think of your life post-war, especially if you have children at home.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/when-veterans-return-their-children-also-deal-with-invisible-wounds-of-war/2015/04/16/df161026-cd7a-11e4-a2a7-9517a3a70506_story.html
4/17/15
2:58pm
Friday, April 10, 2015
Blog #8 Kenya officials compares terror victims to 'cockroaches'
Summary:
Kenyan officials have admitted on Thursday that they made mistakes in their handling of last week's terror attack on the Garissa University college, but one senior police official seems to put the responsibility on the victims, saying that people should fight back and "don't be killed just like cockroaches." The senior police officer, Pius Masai Mwachi told journalists at a Nairobi morgue that when terrorist attack, the best thing to do is simply fight back. At least 148 died in the attack, including at least 142 students. Mwachi's comments, implying that students could have avoided being killed "like cockroaches," were made at the morgue where the families were collecting their dead, and came in the wake of an attack that critics say was badly mishandled by the government and security agencies.
Analysis:
All I can say is HOW DISRESPECTFUL. Not only are these poor families dealing with the loss of their child, but a senior police officer has the nerve to relate them to cockroaches. Not only this, but he claims that could have avoided if they would have fought back, as if it was an easy task. The article states that students have told how one gunman ran into an early morning Christian prayer meeting and sprayed gunfire at praying students, shooting some in the faces, and other in the chest before kicking the bodies to ensure they were dead. There is no other word for this except absurd ! And then for this POLICE OFFICIAL to put the burden on these helpless victims..........I guess when we're getting sprayed with gunfire, or getting shot in the face, we should be running and trying to fight back so that we don't die too.
http://www.latimes.com/world/africa/la-fg-kenya-official-cockroaches-20150409-story.html
4/10/2015
12:12 pm
Kenyan officials have admitted on Thursday that they made mistakes in their handling of last week's terror attack on the Garissa University college, but one senior police official seems to put the responsibility on the victims, saying that people should fight back and "don't be killed just like cockroaches." The senior police officer, Pius Masai Mwachi told journalists at a Nairobi morgue that when terrorist attack, the best thing to do is simply fight back. At least 148 died in the attack, including at least 142 students. Mwachi's comments, implying that students could have avoided being killed "like cockroaches," were made at the morgue where the families were collecting their dead, and came in the wake of an attack that critics say was badly mishandled by the government and security agencies.
Analysis:
All I can say is HOW DISRESPECTFUL. Not only are these poor families dealing with the loss of their child, but a senior police officer has the nerve to relate them to cockroaches. Not only this, but he claims that could have avoided if they would have fought back, as if it was an easy task. The article states that students have told how one gunman ran into an early morning Christian prayer meeting and sprayed gunfire at praying students, shooting some in the faces, and other in the chest before kicking the bodies to ensure they were dead. There is no other word for this except absurd ! And then for this POLICE OFFICIAL to put the burden on these helpless victims..........I guess when we're getting sprayed with gunfire, or getting shot in the face, we should be running and trying to fight back so that we don't die too.
http://www.latimes.com/world/africa/la-fg-kenya-official-cockroaches-20150409-story.html
4/10/2015
12:12 pm
Friday, March 27, 2015
Blog #6 Two Illinois men arrested on terror charges
Summary:
A member of Army National Guard and his cousin have been arrested in Illinois for allegedly conspiring to provide material support to the terrorist organization, ISIS. Army National Guard Spc. Hasan Edmonds, only 22, was arrested Wednesday night at Chicago Midway International Airport while attempting to travel to Egypt to eventually join ISIS. His cousin, Jonas Edmonds, 29, was arrested at his home in Aurora in connection with an alleged plot to carry out an armed attack on a U.S. military facility in northern Illinois where Hasan Edmonds had been training. Hasan Edmonds, a active member of the Illinois Army National Guard, planned to use his military training to fight for the terrorist organization. It is said that conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Analysis:
Over the past couple of weeks, I have come to realize just how much happens all around the world. This article is particularly interesting to me for the simple fact this man was an elite in the army already, so he was just "moving his way to the top." At only 22, Hasan has obviously mapped out this decision for awhile, and was planned to be in Cairo on Thursday. The cousin's 'story' was not put into detail, but he too had obviously made the final decision to go into this as well. Based on the possible years of prison for this, their lives are over. I am interested to see where this case is headed.
http://fox6now.com/2015/03/26/two-illinois-men-arrested-on-terror-charges-at-midway-international-airport/
3:56 pm
3/27/15
A member of Army National Guard and his cousin have been arrested in Illinois for allegedly conspiring to provide material support to the terrorist organization, ISIS. Army National Guard Spc. Hasan Edmonds, only 22, was arrested Wednesday night at Chicago Midway International Airport while attempting to travel to Egypt to eventually join ISIS. His cousin, Jonas Edmonds, 29, was arrested at his home in Aurora in connection with an alleged plot to carry out an armed attack on a U.S. military facility in northern Illinois where Hasan Edmonds had been training. Hasan Edmonds, a active member of the Illinois Army National Guard, planned to use his military training to fight for the terrorist organization. It is said that conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Analysis:
Over the past couple of weeks, I have come to realize just how much happens all around the world. This article is particularly interesting to me for the simple fact this man was an elite in the army already, so he was just "moving his way to the top." At only 22, Hasan has obviously mapped out this decision for awhile, and was planned to be in Cairo on Thursday. The cousin's 'story' was not put into detail, but he too had obviously made the final decision to go into this as well. Based on the possible years of prison for this, their lives are over. I am interested to see where this case is headed.
http://fox6now.com/2015/03/26/two-illinois-men-arrested-on-terror-charges-at-midway-international-airport/
3:56 pm
3/27/15
Friday, March 20, 2015
Blog #5 More than 130 dead in blasts at Shiite mosques in Yemen
Summary :
A television network owned by Yemen Shiite rebels claims a total of 137 were killed and 345 people injured Friday in quadruple suicide bombings that hit a pair of mosques controlled by the rebels in Sanaa, (the Yemen capital.) This attack has become known as one of the deadliest attacks in the war-torn nation's history. The four suicide bombs attacked the Badr and Al Hashoosh masques in Sanaa. A fifth suicide attack at another mosque was foiled in the Northern city of Saada. The attack occurred Friday during midday prayers, which happens to be the busiest day of the week. A group claiming to represent the Yemeni branch of the Islamic State — composed of Sunni extremists — claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as a "blessed operation" against the "dens of the Shiites" in an online statement. If true, the bombing would mark the first major attack by Islamic State supporters in Yemen.
Analysis:
So now people cannot even pray in peace. It's crazy because Islam is claimed to be the most peaceful religion, and yet a group of the Islamic State is claiming responsibility for the horrible attack. Over the past weeks, I have seen how innocent civilians are getting ripped of their humanity, and dignity. 137 of helpless bodies were killed in this attack, and for no reason. No crime was being committed, just simply participating in their normal midday prayers. It is truly interesting to see just how the crucial countries are compared to the United States. I don't believe anything has happened like this in the United States, ever. It is sad, and I am interested in seeing if anything will happen as a result of this attack.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/03/20/3-suicide-bombings-target-shiite-rebel-mosques-in-yemen/25070699/
3/20/15
3:14pm
A television network owned by Yemen Shiite rebels claims a total of 137 were killed and 345 people injured Friday in quadruple suicide bombings that hit a pair of mosques controlled by the rebels in Sanaa, (the Yemen capital.) This attack has become known as one of the deadliest attacks in the war-torn nation's history. The four suicide bombs attacked the Badr and Al Hashoosh masques in Sanaa. A fifth suicide attack at another mosque was foiled in the Northern city of Saada. The attack occurred Friday during midday prayers, which happens to be the busiest day of the week. A group claiming to represent the Yemeni branch of the Islamic State — composed of Sunni extremists — claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as a "blessed operation" against the "dens of the Shiites" in an online statement. If true, the bombing would mark the first major attack by Islamic State supporters in Yemen.
Analysis:
So now people cannot even pray in peace. It's crazy because Islam is claimed to be the most peaceful religion, and yet a group of the Islamic State is claiming responsibility for the horrible attack. Over the past weeks, I have seen how innocent civilians are getting ripped of their humanity, and dignity. 137 of helpless bodies were killed in this attack, and for no reason. No crime was being committed, just simply participating in their normal midday prayers. It is truly interesting to see just how the crucial countries are compared to the United States. I don't believe anything has happened like this in the United States, ever. It is sad, and I am interested in seeing if anything will happen as a result of this attack.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/03/20/3-suicide-bombings-target-shiite-rebel-mosques-in-yemen/25070699/
3/20/15
3:14pm
Friday, March 06, 2015
Blog #4 Third Gaza War Averted Largest Terror Attack on Israel Ever
Summary:
The Jerusalem Center of Public Affairs in Israel has published an extensive investigation into operation Protective Edge, or also known as the Third Gaza War- in the summer of 2014. One of the authors of the report claimed that the war averted a major disaster for Israel. During the war, the Hamas had planned a mega-terror attack that was scheduled to be carried out on Rosh HaShannah, which is Jewish New Year. Scenarios were described in reports that there would be hundreds of heavily armed Hama fighters spill out into Israel in the dead of the night and within just 10 minutes be in a position to infiltrate several sparsely populated and lightly guarded Israeli communities. The terrorists would have sought out to kill and kidnap as many Israelis as they could.
Analysis:
What was supposed to be a joyful day for the Israelis turned out to be a disaster. It is absolutely crazy to see what goes out in the world outside of our small town in North Carolina, and then even outside of the United States. People decide to kill off thousands of people....for what reason? The article states that the Hama terrorists had set up attack tunnels designed to run UNDER the Israeli border with the capacity to facilitate thousands of armed terrorists on a mission of mass slaughter against Israeli's heartland. Not only did the Hamas have these tunnels built, but when the Israel's found out and destroyed the tunnels one by one, the Hamas AGAIN fought to build alternative attack tunnels. I just don't understand how people can have so much hate in their heart to wake up one morning and decide to kill innocent populations.
http://www.westernjournalism.com/third-gaza-war-averted-largest-terror-attack-israel-ever/#rYqpTCamfLiGLzQf.97
3/6/2015
11:30 PM
The Jerusalem Center of Public Affairs in Israel has published an extensive investigation into operation Protective Edge, or also known as the Third Gaza War- in the summer of 2014. One of the authors of the report claimed that the war averted a major disaster for Israel. During the war, the Hamas had planned a mega-terror attack that was scheduled to be carried out on Rosh HaShannah, which is Jewish New Year. Scenarios were described in reports that there would be hundreds of heavily armed Hama fighters spill out into Israel in the dead of the night and within just 10 minutes be in a position to infiltrate several sparsely populated and lightly guarded Israeli communities. The terrorists would have sought out to kill and kidnap as many Israelis as they could.
Analysis:
What was supposed to be a joyful day for the Israelis turned out to be a disaster. It is absolutely crazy to see what goes out in the world outside of our small town in North Carolina, and then even outside of the United States. People decide to kill off thousands of people....for what reason? The article states that the Hama terrorists had set up attack tunnels designed to run UNDER the Israeli border with the capacity to facilitate thousands of armed terrorists on a mission of mass slaughter against Israeli's heartland. Not only did the Hamas have these tunnels built, but when the Israel's found out and destroyed the tunnels one by one, the Hamas AGAIN fought to build alternative attack tunnels. I just don't understand how people can have so much hate in their heart to wake up one morning and decide to kill innocent populations.
http://www.westernjournalism.com/third-gaza-war-averted-largest-terror-attack-israel-ever/#rYqpTCamfLiGLzQf.97
3/6/2015
11:30 PM
Friday, February 20, 2015
Somalia government officials & lawmakers killed in terroist attack
Summary:
Lawmakers and government officials were holding Friday prayers at a hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia when they were attacked by Shabab militants. This attack killed at least 10 people, and severely wounded others. According to the news article, twin explosions rocked the Central Hotel, with a suicide bomber ramming a vehicle loaded with explosives into the outside gate and a second suicide bomber attacking inside the compound. The Somali president stated that they would continue to fight an anti-terrorism war. He claims that it is clear that the terrorist have no respect for the peaceful religion of Islam by killing innocent Muslims.
Analysis/Opinion:
It truly is amazing to see just how the world around us operates. I choose the word 'operate,' because not only are these terrorist groups killing government officials for absolutely no reason, but they are getting away with it. No kind of imprisonment, or punished is put on these terrible actions. Here in the United States, if you have your average individual go out an kill people for no reason, they are going to prison, no ifs ands or buts. The difference between countries authoritative figures, and crimes are very interesting. It is too interesting how the president of Somalia kind of accepts this crime as 'okay.' He pushes through with a positive attitude about the situation, claiming that the terrorist groups can never break the spirits of Somali people.
http://www.latimes.com/world/africa/la-fg-somalia-attack-20150220-story.html
2/20/15
10:17 pm
Lawmakers and government officials were holding Friday prayers at a hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia when they were attacked by Shabab militants. This attack killed at least 10 people, and severely wounded others. According to the news article, twin explosions rocked the Central Hotel, with a suicide bomber ramming a vehicle loaded with explosives into the outside gate and a second suicide bomber attacking inside the compound. The Somali president stated that they would continue to fight an anti-terrorism war. He claims that it is clear that the terrorist have no respect for the peaceful religion of Islam by killing innocent Muslims.
Analysis/Opinion:
It truly is amazing to see just how the world around us operates. I choose the word 'operate,' because not only are these terrorist groups killing government officials for absolutely no reason, but they are getting away with it. No kind of imprisonment, or punished is put on these terrible actions. Here in the United States, if you have your average individual go out an kill people for no reason, they are going to prison, no ifs ands or buts. The difference between countries authoritative figures, and crimes are very interesting. It is too interesting how the president of Somalia kind of accepts this crime as 'okay.' He pushes through with a positive attitude about the situation, claiming that the terrorist groups can never break the spirits of Somali people.
http://www.latimes.com/world/africa/la-fg-somalia-attack-20150220-story.html
2/20/15
10:17 pm
Friday, February 13, 2015
Blog #2 students sprayed with pepper spray at protest
Summary:
A seemingly routine speech given by Australian education minister, Christopher Pyne at Sydney's Masonic centre in Goulburn street turned into a violent outing as students were sprayed in the face and forcibly removed. Pyne was speaking about the government's response to a report by the educational ministerial advisory group on teacher education. The students on the other hand, we're protesting against the governments higher education reforms. The article states that the trouble began when protestors saw Pyne walking inside the building on the way to give his speech. When the protestors rushed to the door, there were about 10 police officers on hand to repel the students, but not before an officer had already sprayed some of them. Officers used the mace straight on people's faces, even a blind student.
Analysis:
SMH. I could of swore we lived in a country with the freedom of speech? Am I living somewhere else? It's just so astounding. There is no way that the students could have posed any threat to anyone, and yet the pepper spray was used. The blind student discussed in the article claimed that the feeling was much worse than a 7.5 earthquake. It's interesting that once again officers are abusing their authority and power and simply getting away with it. It's truly sad. It even states that the NSW police had been contacted for comment, and they declined to comment. So, just like that.. We get no explanation, no apology, nothing. GOD BLESS!
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/66169506/blind-student-tells-of-terror-at-being-pepper-sprayed-at-sydney-protest
A seemingly routine speech given by Australian education minister, Christopher Pyne at Sydney's Masonic centre in Goulburn street turned into a violent outing as students were sprayed in the face and forcibly removed. Pyne was speaking about the government's response to a report by the educational ministerial advisory group on teacher education. The students on the other hand, we're protesting against the governments higher education reforms. The article states that the trouble began when protestors saw Pyne walking inside the building on the way to give his speech. When the protestors rushed to the door, there were about 10 police officers on hand to repel the students, but not before an officer had already sprayed some of them. Officers used the mace straight on people's faces, even a blind student.
Analysis:
SMH. I could of swore we lived in a country with the freedom of speech? Am I living somewhere else? It's just so astounding. There is no way that the students could have posed any threat to anyone, and yet the pepper spray was used. The blind student discussed in the article claimed that the feeling was much worse than a 7.5 earthquake. It's interesting that once again officers are abusing their authority and power and simply getting away with it. It's truly sad. It even states that the NSW police had been contacted for comment, and they declined to comment. So, just like that.. We get no explanation, no apology, nothing. GOD BLESS!
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/66169506/blind-student-tells-of-terror-at-being-pepper-sprayed-at-sydney-protest
Thursday, February 05, 2015
Blog #1 Terroism comes into focus
Summary:
A lengthy trial (which began on Monday) will provide a window into what is likely to be one of the top issues in Canada this year; this is homegrown terrorism. A man name John Nuttall and woman, Amanda Korody were charged with making or possessing an explosive device, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and knowingly facilitating terrorist activity. The charges were directly related to homemade pressure-cooker bombs. They were planted out the B.C. legislature on July 1, 2013, and were scheduled to go off to kill or injure people celebrating Canada Day. (WHAT A CELEBRATION!) It is stated that Nuttall and Korody had be allegedly motivated by Islamic extremism. Now, the federal government announced that it would bring in legislation to give the Canada Security Intelligence Service more power to monitor Canadian residents whom it believes may be susceptible to influence from groups like ISIS or Al-Qaeda. The guilt or innocence of these two will be determined by jury.
Analysis:
LOCK THESE PEOPLE UP!!! (kidding.) What I find interesting is that no where in the article does it explain how these people were caught red-handed, and how in the world are they just now finding out about this when the bombs were planted almost 2 years ago?? It seems to me that the government making the decision to bring in legislation is a little too late. Another thing to consider is, how often does Canada Day occur? because evidently, it didn't occur in 2014. I am interested to see ow this trial will play out, and finding out whether or not these individuals are found guilty or innocent. (Maybe I'll try to keep up with it) Oh! and another thing to take into consideration is the susceptibility of influence from groups like ISIS or Al-Qaeda? I would like to know how the legislation will determine this, and assume that someone is being influenced by these. This may lead to wrong accusations.
http://www.cloverdalereporter.com/opinion/290945181.html
February 5, 2015
8:17 pm
A lengthy trial (which began on Monday) will provide a window into what is likely to be one of the top issues in Canada this year; this is homegrown terrorism. A man name John Nuttall and woman, Amanda Korody were charged with making or possessing an explosive device, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and knowingly facilitating terrorist activity. The charges were directly related to homemade pressure-cooker bombs. They were planted out the B.C. legislature on July 1, 2013, and were scheduled to go off to kill or injure people celebrating Canada Day. (WHAT A CELEBRATION!) It is stated that Nuttall and Korody had be allegedly motivated by Islamic extremism. Now, the federal government announced that it would bring in legislation to give the Canada Security Intelligence Service more power to monitor Canadian residents whom it believes may be susceptible to influence from groups like ISIS or Al-Qaeda. The guilt or innocence of these two will be determined by jury.
Analysis:
LOCK THESE PEOPLE UP!!! (kidding.) What I find interesting is that no where in the article does it explain how these people were caught red-handed, and how in the world are they just now finding out about this when the bombs were planted almost 2 years ago?? It seems to me that the government making the decision to bring in legislation is a little too late. Another thing to consider is, how often does Canada Day occur? because evidently, it didn't occur in 2014. I am interested to see ow this trial will play out, and finding out whether or not these individuals are found guilty or innocent. (Maybe I'll try to keep up with it) Oh! and another thing to take into consideration is the susceptibility of influence from groups like ISIS or Al-Qaeda? I would like to know how the legislation will determine this, and assume that someone is being influenced by these. This may lead to wrong accusations.
http://www.cloverdalereporter.com/opinion/290945181.html
February 5, 2015
8:17 pm
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