Welcome to the Global Current, your window to the world. Today we have a report on the hurricanes in Haiti and Chile, as well as a lengthy discussion on the recent Palestinian settlements. But first, headlines.
Headline Writers: Headline Anchors:
The Americas- Christiana Weidanz Kristen Velloza
Europe- Renee Callender Caleb Barnhart
The Middle East- Matt Ausloss In-Focus Anchors:
Africa- Andrea Borrelli Quemars Ahmed
Asia- Vivian Moreno Omar Ahmad
The Americas
Haitian Orphans Returned
In the aftermath of the January earthquake in Haiti, 33 children were illegally taken to the Dominican Republic. The American missionaries that had the children claimed that the kids were orphans, but after further investigation it was discovered that almost all the children had at least on living parent. This week, all of the children were returned to their parents, many of whom told authorities that they willingly gave their children away in hopes of a better life. When the children were returned the parents were given food, blankets and money to help. All of the missionaries, except the leader of the group, have been released from jail in the Dominican Republic. The leader, Laura Silsby, still remains in custody.
Chile has a new President
Last week, in the midst of rebuilding after the 8.8 earthquake that recently ravished the country, Chile swore in a new president. Sebastian Pinera, a Harvard educated economist, is the first conservative president in over two decades. Pinera has said that in this time of rebuilding the country needs to work together and not be held back by partisan debates, it is necessary for the people and the country to get back on their feet. Before the earthquake Chile was a very strong developing country that was prospering despite the global economic decline.
“Jihad Jane” Denies Terror Charges
Colleen LaRose, who calls herself Jihad Jane, pleaded not guilty to four terrorist charges this week in court. The Pennsylvania woman denies conspiring with Islamists in a plan to murder a Dutch Cartoonist, who printed a controversial cartoon about the Prophet Mohammed a few years ago. She has been charged with providing material support to terrorists, as well as recruiting and raising money for terrorism. She was arrested in October and is currently awaiting trial in Pennsylvania.
U.S and Russia Work on Nuclear Deal
Secretary of State Hilary Clinton was in Moscow this week for negotiations on a new nuclear arms disarmament deal, to replace the START treaty which was negotiated during the Cold War. The previous treaty expired in 1991. Both sides seem very positive about progress made on the negations and have publically said that they are nearing a final agreement. This is a clear sign of an attempt to restore relations between the U.S and Russia, which have been rocky since the Cold War. Despite the positive results of the new nuclear arms agreement there is still tension between the two countries about the nuclear capabilities of Iran. Russia has been helping Iran develop its nuclear program, and at meetings this week Secretary Clinton urged Russia to delay the launch of Iran’s first missile, which Russia helped build.
Asia
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Ban Proposal Denied
The proposal to ban trade of the Atlantic bluefin tuna was rejected by the UN Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species. The proposal was introduced by Monaco on March 12, 2010 in an attempt to reduce the trade amounts of Atlantic bluefin tuna. In the last decade, the population of bluefin tuna has plummeted to by a 61% decrease, according to the International Commission for Conservation Atlantic Tunas. (ICCAT) Monaco claimed that the ICCAT did not enforce strict enough measures to conserve the species. Japan and Canada were against the ban, claiming that their fish economies would be devastated if the measure passed. Scientists and conservation organizations saw the ban as proof ICCAT’s incompetency to use appropriate measures to guarantee the species’ survival.
Rio Tinto Signs Billion Dollar Deal with China
Rio Tinto, an Australian mining company, declared today that it will enter into a deal with China to create a huge iron ore mine in West Africa. Chinalco, a metals-group, signed to pay $1.3 billion for project Simandou, in Guinea. The contract was agreed upon despite diplomatic conflict between Australia and China, due to the upcoming trial of Rio employees. The employees were accused of espionage and bribery, and were arrested in June 2009. Rocky relations between the two nations have been raised due to Australia’s concern over the Chinese conduct of the trial. China will not allow Australian or Chinese officials to be present during the trial. Rio’s CEO, Tom Albanese, still believes Rio and Chinalco “could work together on major projects for mutual benefit.”
Relief for Fiji
Fiji has been the subject of much concern for Australia and New Zealand, as of late. The Australian Defense Force arrived with more than 7 tons of aid in southern Fiji to deliver to the northern and eastern regions of the islands. The nation was struck by cyclone Tomas, which caused further damage due to sea inundation. The cyclone hit the nation on Monday and lasted till Tuesday, destroying the northern and eastern regions. Only one death has been reported, though there are unofficial reports of more deaths. Unfortunately the extent of the damage is unreported due to the lack of communication with the worst hit areas. Officials are trying to confirm the welfare of the 17 Australians in the area.
Delays for Australia and Indonesia
On Thursday, the White House announced the President Obama is postponing his trip to Indonesia and Australia for June, in order to devote more attention to the health care bill that is still awaiting a final vote in congress. Health care legislation and a final vote for health insurance reform will take place on Sunday. This is President Obama’s second delay of the trip this week. The first delay was intended to give him time to make one last call for support by seeking specific members of Congress. The president was expected to speak to the Australian parliament and the visit was reported to be a great opportunity for all three nations to increase their relationship on trade and security.
The Middle East
Moscow to Hold Mideast Talks
Moscow is holding Mideast talks in an effort to reignite Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. The meeting is being held by the International Quartet, which consists of the US, EU, UN, and Russia. The meeting will also address the growing rift in US-Israeli relations. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated he wants to rebuild confidence with the U.S. Netanyahu had a conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in which they discussed steps to be taken to settle the diplomatic dispute and restart peace talks. It is reported that talks have gone well. George Mitchell, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, is expected to visit the region over the weekend.
Election Race Narrows for Iraqi PM
The race is getting tighter for Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki and his chief rival, Iyad Allawi. With 80 percent of the votes counted, Allawi, who is a former prime minister, has taken a narrow lead. Allawi is leader of the Shia-Sunni Iraqiya coalition. He is proving popular among many Sunnis who are resentful of Shia political dominance. Maliki, who is leader of the State of Law alliance, has the lead in Baghdad and Basra. Allawi is in the lead in 5 of Iraq’s 18 provinces, but his national lead is only 9,000 votes. Many cases of fraud have been alleged in the March 7 election. Preliminary results will come within days, and final results are expected at the end of March.
EU Foreign Affairs Chief Visits Gaza
The EU foreign affairs chief visited Gaza for a few hours in an effort to bring attention to the humanitarian situation there. Baroness Ashton visited a UN food distribution center. She said: “I condemn any kind of violence. We have got to find a peaceful solution to the issues and problems… we need to move forward.” The UN welcomed her visit, which highlighted the poverty endured by thousands of Gaza residents as a result of the Israeli blockade. Her visit came coincided with a rocket that was fired by Gaza militants into Israel, killing a Tai farm worker.
Iran and Pakistan Sign Pipeline Agreement
Iran and Pakistan have signed a long-awaited agreement to build a natural gas pipeline between the two countries. The $7.6 billion deal was intended to carry gas to India, but India withdrew from negotiations last year, citing the decades-old mistrust of Pakistan. The deal was delayed because Pakistan could not get funding. The pipeline is expected to be operational by 2015, and will carry 750 million cubic feet of gas per day from Iran to Pakistan. The US is not happy about the agreement, due to its opposition towards Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons program.
Europe
Major Serbian Historical Site to be Guarded by Kosovo Police
Kosovo police have been put in charge, of guarding the Gazimestan monument by NATO. This move is being viewed as a major step in the transfer of powers to the Kosovo government. This step has angered Serbia, due in large part to the history of attacks on Serbian monuments by “Albanian extremists,” who have been aiming to remove the strong Serbian presence in Kosovo. The Kosovo police force is predominantly composed of ethnic Albanians. NATO has said that it will keep its presence there in case of any future attacks.
Fake Russian Invasion Report Sends Panic Throughout Georgia
A television broadcast in Georgia incorrectly reported that Russian tanks had invaded the capital, and that the President was dead, creating panic in the nation. The television network, Imedi, corrected the report stating that they meant to show how events might unfold if the President was really killed, and issued a formal apology. Some say that this act was a political move to attack the Georgia’s opposition leaders, who recently met with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
Germany Calls for IMF to Rescue Greece
Germany has changed its mind about a European rescue of Greece, saying instead that help should come from the International Monetary Fund. Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou said that the country will make it through its current economic issues, if it “can borrow on reasonable terms.” He went on to say, “Based on those conditions, our country is not seeking and will not seek financial aid, either from our European partners or from the IMF.” It is likely that Greece will need some form of aid to pay off its debt, but European leaders want proof that the Greek government is serious about cutting spending if they do give Greece financial help. The impact of the crisis on the euro has necessitated international involvement, and the once national crisis has expanded to involve many other nations.
Africa
Students Outraged At Musicians Release
Over 2,000 student protestors in Soweto, South Africa were making threats and being withheld by water cannons this week after the famous hip-hop performer, Jub Jub, was released on bail on Wednesday. The musician had been arrested for killing four students in a car race. His final trial date is set for April 7th.
Nigerian Asylum Seeker’s Death Sparks Concerns for Swiss Tactics
A Nigerian man, who resisted deportation after his asylum bid was refused, died while in the hands of Swiss police. The incident is being investigated based on statements made by witnesses saying the police used inhumane treatment. The Nigerian man was also reportedly on a hunger strike and a known drug-dealer at the time of his death.
Darfur Conflict Working Towards Peace
The second deal in recent weeks making peace between Sudan and Darfur rebel groups is looked at as moving the region towards peace. This week, the Liberation and Justice Movement, a newer group of 10 movements, signed the Sudanese government’s framework deal. This leaves only one group of rebels in conflict in the region.
Investigative Report:
Calculating the Earthquakes in Haiti and Chile
By Alyssa Alfano
The devastation caused by the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile have garnered an impressive amount of attention and support from the international community. Technology and the media have played a huge role in campaigning and organizing this support in the past few months. January’s 7.0 magnitude earthquake killed nearly 230,000 people in Haiti and has left nearly one million homeless. In contrast, the Chilean earthquake that occurred in late February was measured at an 8.8 on the Richter scale and has killed an estimated 700 people.
Although the Chilean quake was measured about 50 times stronger than the one in Haiti, the death and devastation that Haiti faces is incomparable. The differences can be attributed to various reasons. Chile is much wealthier nation and is therefore better prepared to handle a natural disaster. The country has very strict building codes and because earthquakes occur in the region so often, adults and children were both prepared to handle the situation.
Additionally, the epicenter of the earthquake in Chile was centered in an unpopulated area. However, the Haitian earthquake was a catastrophe in comparison. Due to the fact that the earthquake occurred so close to the nation’s capital of Port-Au-Prince, various landmarks and governmental building were destroyed. As a much poorer nation, Haiti lacked strict building codes which led to the demise of nearly 300,000 residences and buildings in and around the capital city.
The media has played a huge role in raising awareness and mobilizing support, especially in the case of Haiti. CNN had nearly non-stop video coverage in the first weeks after the quake, with famous TV personalities like Anderson Cooper updating the public regularly. This video coverage allowed everyday citizens to visually recognize the devastation in Haiti. News organizations as well as social media sites like Twitter and Facebook were overloaded with updates and graphic images of the destruction. Today’s technology allows the public to stay informed regularly and has fostered the development of the citizen journalist in the modern world.
Because of the non-stop media coverage and pleas from the Haitian government and its citizens, a tremendous amount of aid has been granted to those affected. The Red Cross’ texting campaign raised over one million dollars alone. Governments from around the globe have also been incredibly generous. The United States has been charitable, initially committing over 100 million in relief aid. Canada, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have been the most financially generous per capita based on their country’s wealth.
The humanitarian response to the Chilean earthquake did not accumulate to nearly as much financial resources as compared to Haiti. While countries like the United States and Canada have contributed financially, staffed field hospitals and donated food and other necessities, these contributions have been far less in comparison. Chile has been struck by 13 large earthquakes in the past 30 years. Young and old are educated in earthquake preparedness and the government is equipped to handle the disaster. Chile President Sebastian Pinera, who assumed office after the quake on March 11 said his goals are "to cope with the emergency needs of citizens, find people who are still missing, provide prompt and timely assistance to the sick and wounded, and restore law and order so that people can return to peace.”
While both earthquakes occurred within two months in the Western hemisphere, it is evident how both the government and extreme poverty have played a major role in the face of natural disasters, as well as in the response of the international community. As one Haitian commented to the Huffington Post, “Chile has a responsible government. Our government is incompetent.”
While Haiti is considered an underdeveloped country, it is unfortunate that this quake occurred while it was on the path to development and economic stability. With the help of various organizations including the Clinton Foundation, Haiti was in the process of attracting investors and other means of financial capital. One can only hope that with the additional aid and pleas for international debt relief, Haiti will be on that path once again in the near future.
Recovery efforts in the two nations continue today. Haitian recovery is focused on restoring immediate humanitarian needs such as food and shelter. Additionally, the infrastructure in and around Port-au-Prince needs major reconstruction. While Chile is focused on similar recovery goals, a majority of their humanitarian and reconstruction efforts will be overseen and taken care of internally within the government. In comparison, much of Haiti’s relief has been external and they rely on the assistance of other non-governmental organizations which may unfortunately foster dependence. Regardless, the assistance is much needed and will help the process of recovery in both nations.
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