South Korean coastguard "killed by Chinese fisherman"

A South Korean coast guard was stabbed to death by Chinese fisherman in an attempt to gain control over a Chinese ship operating illegally near South Korean waters. Another South Korean was injured in the process. Chinese fishing are often caught fishing in South Korean waters. "One officer is dead. There is another one injured. There are no other injuries," a coastguard officer said. "It happened in the EEZ (exclusive economic zone), outside the territorial waters, but it's still illegal fishing." Last month South Korea said they start to crackdown on illegal fishing by Chinese fishing boats in its EEZ. About 2,600 Chinese fishing boats have been caught illegally fishing in the South Korean EEZ since 2006 and nearly 800 Chinese fishermen have been arrested.

http://news.yahoo.com/south-korean-coastguard-killed-chinese-fisherman-020454885.html;_ylt=Aq8XpL_zTv9yleP9bCdW8kxvaA8F;_ylu=X3oDMTRibzRvcWtsBGNjb2RlA3ZzaGFyZWFnMgRtaXQDSnVtYm90cm9uIFdvcmxkU0YEcGtnA2E3ZjYyNTMzLTk3YTMtMzFhYS1iMzQ1LWI1NTllMTAyYWVhNARwb3MDMQRzZWMDanVtYm90cm9uBHZlcgNiNGVmODcxMC0yNDZjLTExZTEtYjdiOS0yN2U0NjEwNzE0NjE-;_ylg=X3oDMTFwZTltMWVnBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdAN3b3JsZARwdANzZWN0aW9ucwR0ZXN0Aw--;_ylv=3

Treatment for Blood Disease Is Gene Therapy Landmark

Roughly one in 30,000 babies born are born with Hemophillia B Gene. It is a fatal disease which is most prevalent in males as it is involved with the x chromosome. Women have t wo x chromosomes while men only have one, so if a woman is affected by the disease, her second x chromosome takes over and she is fine. She does however pass the gene to her children. Recently, through gene therapy, a new treatment has been created. In the past gene therapy has been very dangerous and not helpful. This is a breakthrough not only in Hemophilia B, but also in the entire pr actice of gene therapy. Gene therapy works by taking a working gene and attaching it to a virus. The virus then introduces the working gene to the body. The old treatment for Hemophilia B costs $300,000, this gene therapy costs $30,000 one time! http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/11/health/research/hemophilia-b-gene-therapy-breakthrough.html?_r=1&ref=world

Issa Plans Probe Into Report U.S. Helps Drug Cartel Laundering

Issa Plans Probe Into Report U.S. Helps Drug Cartel Laundering
by Jeff Bliss


Are United States government agents helping Mexico’s drug cartels to learn about their financial operations? A state representative from California, Issa is looking into this matter. This article mentions another recent incident in Mexico where illegal gun purchases in the U.S. occurred to link weapons to drug cartels. A few months ago one of U.S. Border agents was murdered with a gun the U.S. gave to Mexico. Our Justice Department should be looking into these matters and although much is confidential the public needs to be aware of some of the actions the Department is taking.

The New York Times is like a check on the Department of Justice and that’s a good thing.
The problems in Mexico with drugs and U.S. borders seem to be growing. These problems
relate to immigration and the Mexican cartels moving into the U.S.. Our country should closely
study and work toward solving or alleviating these problems.

M5 and Autobahn Crashes prompt debate about speed limits

In early November, a crash on the M5 motorway in southwest England involving nearly 40 vehicles was among the worst in the country's history and left seven dead and over 50 injured. The cause of the crash is yet to be determined, but it was said that flames rose more than 20 feet into the air. Just a few weeks later, during a heavy fog on the German A31 not far from the Dutch border, a minor fender- bender turned into a 52 car crash resulting in 3 deaths and dozens of injuries. The Autobahn is known for not having speed limits, while there are places without, many areas have variable speed limits ranging from 60-130 km/h (81.1mph). These limits can be changed based on conditions and is seen as beneficial. In the UK, the current highest speed limit is 70mph (112.6km/h), 2km/h higher than the lowest motorway limit in Europe. These current crashes have created two perspectives; one saying keep or lower this limit, and the other claiming that an 80mph speed limit would be safer and save travellers money as well as time. The UK's transport secretary is in favor of a higher limit, though no law has been put into place. The highest speed limit in the US is in Texas, where some locations allow speeds of up to 85mph.

Ryan Fraleigh

Sources: Telegraph, Autoblog

More Coverage & Video: BBC

Unrest in Egypt

Tahirir Square was quiet Wednesday, in wake of much tumult and protest over upcoming elections. Many not only fear, but believe so strongly, that the elections will be fixed that they held out of voting, although for many this will be the first time they fill out a ballot after dictator Hosni Mubarak was overthrown in February. The most recent protests and rioting in the Square began in wake of a strong feeling that vendors working in the vicinity selling Marijuana gave the protesters a bad image. This escalated into the most recent skirmishes that sent 28 people to the hospital on Tuesday, and causing 88 people in total to be hurt. The country is currently electing a lower house of parliament, with the next step in the process being the election of an upper house. Presidential elections will take place in June if everything remains in schedule. However, many also fear that the military will try and hold onto power, however, leading to more unrest.
Will Case
cnn.com

Australia Agrees to US Marine Deployment Plan

Obama has decided to establish military personnel in Australia to combat China's growing influence. China has been rising, and in order to counter that, Obama has decided to deploy 250 US Marines next year, and it will eventually be built up to 2,500. Obama has said that the US was "stepping up its commitment to the entire Asia-Pacific". Earlier in the year, Obama had announced that all U.S. troops were to be removed from Iraq by the end of 2011, but now the US will establish themselves in the opposite direction. Many believe that this is a mistake by Australia, claiming that if they let the US use their military bases, then they will eventually be caught in crossfire. If the US "intrudes on China's core interests" then Luo Yuan, a senior officer at the People Liberation Army's Academy of Military Sciences says that a military conflict would be unavoidable. This is big new to all US citizens, because perhaps the US is one step closer to war with China, or perhaps one step closer from saving the south pacific from China's influence.

Deadly protest over chemical plant in northern Egypt

Protests have been occurring in Egypt near a fertilizer plant with concern for the pollution caused. There have been demonstrations to relocate or close the plant and prevent the opening of two more plants. This is significant because under Egypt’s previous leader, Hosni Mubarak, protests would not have occurred or been tolerated. Activism is now taking place more frequently in Egypt; protesters of the chemical plants even took their demonstrations outside the governor’s office chanting anti-government slogans. It is interesting and significant that protests like these are happening more and more due to new leadership throughout the Middle East.  

By Matt and Becca

School targets teen girls from war torn nations

This article made us think about how fortunate we are, human resiliency, and how it is possible to help refugees. The Global Village School in Georgia helps educate girls from war-torn nations including Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Bosnia, Iraq, Iran, Nepal, Vietnam, Kosovo, Myanmar, and Russia. We are fortunate to grow up in a relatively safe areas with our whole family. Some of the girls don’t now if their parents and family are safe and that is something that we don’t have to worry about. We were surprised by the ability of these girls to move on from their past and brave a new country and language. Often, we feel like people think that it is impossible to help these refugees because they are so far away but this article and school proves them wrong. There is a lot we can do to reach out and help these girls get an education and succeed in life.
By: Rebecca Kirtley and Rory Kelly

Bombs dropped near South Sudan refugee camp

It is sad that those who sought refuge in Yida, South Sudan are being followed by the war. We also think that it is admirable that the United States is trying to stop the bombs and prevent future casualties. It is unfortunate to think that people who are trying to live their lives away from the war are still affected; however, this is not surprising due to past conflict between Sudan and South Sudan.

Jack Colley, Stephanie Curley, and Mayree Nolan

The Iran Nuclear Threat

It is shocking to think that there is a very surreal possibility that Iran might soon have the abilities and resources to put a nuclear warhead on the end of a ballistic missile. That frightening idea is becoming more real with each minute now as Obama talks about economic sanctions on Iran with other countries, and he is getting real support from countries like China and Russia. United States senators and presidential candidates are now discussing about what they would do in the case that Iran militarizes their nuclear powers and they say that if it comes down to it, military action is a very real and possible course of action. As each day goes on that Iran is working on perfecting their nuclear powers, the threatening concept of taking military action, along with other world powers, against Iran is becoming more and more imminent.

Michael Mollerus and Clayton Cottingham.

Rio Slum Is ‘Pacified’ in Advance of Games

This article, by Simon Romero, is quite interesting because it describes Brazil's movement to clean up and correct huge slums around Rio De Janeiro to prepare Rio for hosting the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics. This past week, the Brazilian government deployed around 3,000 security forces, including police and soldiers, to enforce order in these crime-filled slums. The intensity of this intervention can be perfectly described by the article: "...military helicopters buzzed the sky, and tanks rolled through the narrow streets of the Rocinha slum. Elite police squads patrolled the alleys, and snipers perched on rooftops." No shots where fired but why some much firepower? It might be an overreaction but it is making the area much safer. The true test of this mission's success will be when the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics occur.

By Andrew Rice and Julian Graef

Anders Behring Breivik Gets Hearing

Anders Behring Breivik, who confessed to killing 77 people in Norway this past July, and injuring 151 more, made his first public appearance in court today. Breivik is a right wing extremist who claimed that his crimes were necessary in order to save Norway from multiculturalism and Islam. It is hard to forget the trouble that this man caused this summer, and the mass sorrow that resulted from it when he dressed up as a police man and went to an island where children were engaging in activities and he killed many of them. Those that survived will never forget the tragedy, and will forever be scarred by the event. The article mentions Breivik's request to receive a court hearing so that he could explain his motives, but his request was denied by high courts. It is hard to comprehend how devastating this event was and Breivik should be locked up for a long time.
By Will Case and Ted

New arrest as Germany links neo-Nazis to 10 murders

This article was very shocking because in the time since the Holocaust, people have began to imagine Nazis as more of a historical group with forbidden and extremist ideas instead one existing in our current day society. It amazes us that there are still people in the world who have not adopted the views of the general public and have not realized the importance of equality and justice. It scares us to hear and remember that there are still close-minded and ignorant views and opinions that exist in the world, as we, in our sheltered lives, often do not come in contact with these firsthand and are given a false sense of security and justice. It is scary to think that multiple people were so close-minded as to kill 10 others (nine foreigners and a local policewoman) so maliciously. The fact that groups like these have been so overlooked by the public is frightening to us, and suggests that we, as members of society, must do our part to stay as aware and educated as possible.

(by Alex Theodosakis and Kaitlyn Johnson)

Will the European Central Bank save the eurozone? Amy, Shemar, and Alex V.

The European Central Bank was supposed to be the world's most independent central bank. Europe is working nonstop to help rescue banks and over-indebted governments by demanding painful economic reforms. It is now looking quiet obvious that the European Central bank will have to rescue Italy from its debt crisis. Other countries such as France and Spain may soon be following this path. Europe's governments have tried very hard to fix this crisis without the European Central banks help. Most believe that the only way to solve this crisis is to have the involvement of the European Central bank. A large reason why the European Central bank has not intervened is because of the great cultural divide in Europe. While involvement from the European Central bank is necessary, it is certainly not sufficient. As this happens it affects the entire world's economy. Having all these countries in such a crisis only makes it worse for the countries trying to help. With many of them refusing help from outside it makes it difficult to feel like they care about what happens, but you also feel that they do truly need the help and that at some point they will have to accept that.

Death toll jumps from Turkey quake

The earthquake in Van, Turkey with the Magnitude of 5.6 killed an estimated 40 people but that number appears to be rising. Last month, another earthquake in Van, Turkey had the magnitude of 7.2 and left 604 dead. The winter in Turkey is causing more and more deaths as people have been abandoned from their homes. We found this article interesting because it mentions that Turkey is not getting much aid from outside sources. It does not appear to be fair because although it is not as big as an earthquake as let's say Haiti, that does not mean it does not deserve attention. This rises tension between Turkish people and the government because the lack of effort to reach out and aid those suffering as a result of the winter and lack of resources provided.
By: Sarah and Heather

Taliban Claims to Leak Security Details of Crucial Afghan Meeting

This is very interesting because the Taliban is trying to assert their power in Afghanistan and dethrone the government. A Taliban website published what they claimed was a leaked document containing confidential security plans for the government and it shows that the Taliban is trying to be the central source of power in Afghanistan. Meetings were planned to discuss Afghanistan's relationship with the United States and peace talks with the insurgency. Some plans included a satellite map of the area and details of security arrangements but the Afghan government said those pans were fake. The government is obviously concerned about this supposed leaked document and a level of national security for the Afghan government is at risk.

By Garrett Rasmus

Floodwater recedes in Thailand, but steep challenges linger

The recent flooding in Thailand has left many shocked. The flood has killed hundreds of natives and many have abandoned the flooded areas in search for refuge. Historic monuments such as Mahathia have been severely damaged by the waters. The locals are trying to rebuilt to bring back their precious temple and the economical benefits that tourists bring. The locals have hope because elephants built the city and are now helping clean up the ruble. Lucky the flood waters are slowly receding, but some places in Thailand are still struggling. Many people have been effected by this devastating disaster, but they have hope that Thailand will regain its beauty By: Charlotte Hayward and Sara Hondmann. The article and video

A Maid on Death Row in Saudi Arabia could be Pardoned

Rizana Fathima Nafeek had left Sri Lanka when she was 17 in search of employment and a better life for her family back home. She had a forged passport that said she was 6 years older than she was and did not know any Arabic. She was to work as a maid for a wealthy Saudi family. This family later accused her of murder when their 4-month-old infant was accidentally choked when Nafeek was bottle-feeding the baby. She was found guilty and sentenced to death by beheading. The Sri Lanka government and various right groups have campaigned against her beheading.
This is a typical case of thousands of women from poor Asian countries who leave their homes to find a better life for their families back home and better opportunities for themselves. Discrimination plays a big part because it probably would not have resulted in beheading if she was not a poor Sri Lankan woman who came with a forged passport. It is very unfair for her to receive such harsh punishment because of her background or previous crimes. It is not unheard of at all to give pardons for murder cases so hopefully the victim's family will soon come around to pardon her from her harsh punishment.
Read more: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2099272,00.html

India's Inflation Rate is even higher than expected

India's already high inflation rate has continued to grow- to a staggering 9.73% overall in October. This rise is mainly due to food prices (inflated 11.06%) and fuel (inflated at 14.79%). Last month, analysts had expected the rate to drop and say that the increase came as a surprise. The increase is also not helped by the value of the Rupee, which is at it's lowest rate in two years. Imported goods, such as oil, are also becoming more expensive in India. The increase in inflation is expected to be followed by a decrease in December.

Source: BBC Business

More coverage: Bloomberg