While I'm not particularly educated in Iranian politics at this point, I'll do my best to outline their current situation regarding an upcoming parliamentary election, with the extent to which this parliament and "free election" have been realized still in question. Many opponents to current Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad have voiced intent to not participate in the upcoming elections in an effort to undermine the regimes claims to hold political legitimacy. Where have I heard that term before? The Friday elections highlight the significant disconnect between a generally conservative government and the nation's increasingly prominent working-class urbanites and middle class. State-owned television networks have made an effort to invigorate nationalism and political efficacy in its citizens, touting Iran as having the world's fastest rate of scientific growth, frequently referencing accomplishments in infrastructure such as bridges and electricity, and more to enliven "national self-confidence." While the accomplishments have had some effect, general country moral remains low with fear of an invasion from Israel. The article makes no effort to assert a personal opinion, but given our nation's emphasis on the spread of civil liberties and the free market economy, many Americans are likely to support the rising middle class, despite their political apathy.
LINK!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Sectionalism in Nigeria
As addressed in Nigeria's last current event, the country's efforts to establish a stable democratic rule have been in many ways futile due to sectionalism and division throughout the country by race, culture, and religion. Recent fighting in Northeast Nigeria resulted in upwards of ten deaths including two unarmed civilians, caused by continued warring between radical Islamic sects such as the Boko Haram and the national police. Boko Haram is waging an increasingly violent campaign against Nigeria’s weak central government in its quest to enact strict Shariah law, free its detained members and avenge Muslim deaths in the nation. Eruptions of violence over the past year have resulted in nearly 300 deaths, with the sect primarily targeting Christians, who comprise much of the country's southern territory. Such attacks further solidify the Islamic-Christian division that has plagued Nigeria's attempts to achieve a true democracy. Some Nigerian politicians have even proposed sectionalism in opposition to national elections, though a majority of head politicians continue to support further efforts to establish the country's unity.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/explosions-gun-battles-rage-in-northeast-nigeria-city-thats-home-to-radical-islamist-sect/2012/02/20/gIQActxIPR_story.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/explosions-gun-battles-rage-in-northeast-nigeria-city-thats-home-to-radical-islamist-sect/2012/02/20/gIQActxIPR_story.html
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Military Contractors Turn Eyes to Mexico
Given my father's position as chief engineer at a local (though Israeli-owned) military technology firm, the international roles of weapon and technology distributors have always been of great interest to me. With military presence in the Middle East and Afghanistan gradually deteriorating, the lucrative American market of military technology distribution needs to feed from a new source of international conflict, and the spreading criminal violence and rising power of drug cartels in Mexico may be the perfect way to reinvigorate an industry. The State Department has pledged nearly $2 billion in drug war aid to Mexico since 2008, much of it available to U.S. companies that can provide equipment or services to the besieged Mexican state. With Mexico's more aggressive response to drug lords following the election of President Felipe Calderon, the state is very appealing to domestic distributors, though many argue it could never match what US companies faced in the Middle East. Mexico's stern anti-gun legislation makes it increasingly difficult for military contractors to be stationed there. Thus, contractors with notable military skill are of less value, while strategists prove a great asset despite being unarmed. Facing continued hostility within Mexico and limited carrying laws, Mexico may never prove as lucrative a battleground, but may quite likely become the hotspot for military contractors in the years to come.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/americas/security-contractors-see-new-opportunities-in-mexico/2012/01/03/gIQAUj3wSQ_story_1.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/americas/security-contractors-see-new-opportunities-in-mexico/2012/01/03/gIQAUj3wSQ_story_1.html
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Russians Protest Against Putin (Shocking, I Know)
Vladimir Putin, the Prime Minister of Russia, has caused a great deal of controversy in recent years. Even following two terms of Presidency, he remains the primary governing force in Russian politics. Following numerous elections of speculation and potential corruption, protesters in Moscow have staged a significant movement against Putin's regime, advocating honest elections and fair government. Significant disconnect remains between police and protest members regarding the protest's size, though it may be upwards of 100,000 people. While hostility remains between the country's political allegiances, groups including the liberal democrats, nationalists, and communists all came together against the Putin regime. Videos showing election fraud have caused uproar in Russia, and the government has responded in charging the United States with disseminating the videos. Protest members demonstrate great vigor given the climate in Russia this time of the year. A pro-Putin rally was also staged in response, and Putin himself offered to personally pay for the fine charged due to exceeding the permit.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/russians-give-putin-cold-shoulder/2012/02/04/gIQAW47DpQ_story.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/russians-give-putin-cold-shoulder/2012/02/04/gIQAW47DpQ_story.html
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