Agitation in Argentina

Summary
- twenty two people were killed on December 13 1976
- All unarmed civilians killed by military
- Military argued that people killed were really armed rebels
- Military involved was tried with 11 counts of murder
- People testified to the charges in favour of the prosecution
- Happened during the early stages of the "Dirty War" in Argentina
- In 1983 there was civilian rule once again
- Some leading members of the military were tried
- Given amnesties
- Recently the amnesties have been ruled unconditional and trails are clear to continue

Opinion
It is obviously true that the military was at fault if they killed unarmed civilians, however there is always the chance they did not. With any chance of innocence and no way to prove it, I don't see how this trail will continue. There is obviously no new evidence, and without solid proof the military would never concide their faults. It's been done for years and years I don't see the need to drag it back up when there are so many other important issues people could be concerning themselves with. Who gives a flying fish what happened close to 40 years ago. I understand the concept of justice, what I don't understand is the concept of logic within the judicial system. When one is concerning themselves with miniscule details that become so bloated they lose all meaning, they begin to miss the big picture. What is the big picture you might ask? Well in case anyone missed this fact, we live in 2011 and whatever time it is you are reading this you are in the present. In the present there is just as much crime as there was in the past so focusing your valuable time on the past seems pointless when there is crime in progress all around you. Why sit around discussing who robbed the bank 10 years ago, when the bank is being robbed right now? I think the Argentinan judicial system needs to prioritize a little bit.

BBC News- Argentina

Complex Mind Map

Interrelated and Complex

Fidel Scorns the United States Killing of Osama

Summary

- Fidel writes essay about the U.S. killing Bin Laden
- The attack and killing were executed by the U.S. Navy SEALs
- Essay expresses Fidel's opinion that U.S. was wrong killing him
- Thinks the killing was wrong espcially in front of Bin Laden's family
- Bin Laden was unarmed but put up resistance
- One of Bin Laden's daughters was present for the killing
- Castro says that Pakistan's laws have been broken and dignity offended
- U.S. will not release photos of Bin Laden
- Castro believes American public opinion will change
- Killing may just create more hate and fear

Opinion

While Fidel does have a point about the increase of hate and vengence, I think because of bias against the Americans he fails to grasp some key points in favour of the killing of Osama. Contrary to popular belief terrorism is not a group of people bent on destorying the United States at any means necessary. Terrorism is an idea, and you cannot fight an idea with guns. To fight terrorism it must be through image, through dissuading that mentality in the first place. I think it is clear that the elimination of Osama will not eliminate terrorism, the real question is whether the assassination has had an affect on the image of terrorism.

Another point made by Castro is that it was wrong to kill Osama in front of his family. While this may be partially true in theory. The fact is that in reality there is a certain level of "human factor" that must be taken into account. Americans have been searching for this man for 10 years with no success and all of the sudden there he is, one chance to finally get him. What would you or anyone else do?

Now what must be decided to legitimize Castro's arguement is whether or not killing Osama was worth the hard feelings towards the United States. Obviously a widespread, powerful, and what seems to be well organised organisation such as Al Qaeda will have little trouble filling the void that Osama left. However there are two reasons that I can see for the U.S.'s actions. Either they believed that the assassination would leave the terrorist organisation with a tarnished reputation and would deter new recruits, or they believed this would be a spark in the "war on terror" if anyone actually believes you can be at war with an idea. If this is supposted to be a spark in the fight against Al Qaeda the U.S. had better start now before the reprocussions for killing Osama catch up with them.

Google Map of Cuba
CNN- Fidel Castro Slams America

Complex, Interrelated, Conroversial

Japan's Radioactive Water Crises

Summary

- After the earthquake and tsunami in Japan many problems with nuclear power plants have emerged
- Cooling systems have been destroyed and water is being relied upon to keep reactor fuel rods cool and prevent a meltdown
- Water used to cool reactor becomes irraditated
- Focus has shifted to safe water removal
- Contaminated water findings led to concerns about escaped radiation
-  Partial meltdown suspected in three of the reactors
- Plutonium, Iodine, and Cesium have all been found in higher than natural doses around the plants
- These are harmful by-products of nuclear fission
- Workers in the plant are under extremely dangerous circumstances
- Nuclear power will still play a large role in future "clean" energy of Japan

CNN Japan Report
Japan Google Maps

Opinion

Japan's current crises is a prime example of how an astonishingly unlikely series of events can be blown out of perportion and negatively influence the reputation of an otherwise reasonablely effective power source. The event has led to countries who have invested in nuclear power to rethink the safety and worth of this energy source. Before making a final decision in your stance on nuclear power, everyone should consider what preceded the cooling systems of these plants crashing. The likelihood of two natural disasters striking the same place consecutively is very low, and that is exactly what it took to created this situation. Not only that, there has not been any meltdowns to this point and besides relatively small radiation leaks and issues with water the crises has been dealt with extremely well.

For those still skeptical of the safety of nuclear power, this should not be taken as a negative against all renewable energy sources and should encourage the use of fossil fuels, thinking of them as a "safer" alternative. Fossil fuels are destroying the entire planet, not just a few city (not that nuclear power is a consistant threat to any city). Nuclear power has it's positives and negatives, but is an affordable and efficient way to stay powered while we deal with the more powerful, more expensive sources. These sources include mainly solar and fusion each being extremely expensive and difficult to produce efficiently, with regular solar fuel cells being roughly 11% efficient and fusion relying on the heating of basic elements to the point of breaking strong nuclear force bonds, fusing them together. For now we have to rely on what we have, and like it or not at the moment that is nuclear power. Take it or leave it.

Complex

Interrelated and Controversial

Al-Qaeda Strikes Again

Summary

- Militants supposedly associated with the Al-Qaeda terrorist group gunned down a Pakistani minister Bhatti, also head of the APMA (All Pakistan Minorities Alliance)
- The militants left a pamphlet explaining the attack was due to the minister opposing a law that made insulting Islam punishable by death
- This killing came shortly after the assasination of Salman Taseer who shared similar beliefs regarding the law
- Intelligence agencies were weary of possible attacks on the head of the APMA, who is also favoring the removal of the law
- Following the killings the government decided against the changing of the law
- The head of the APMA Bhatti and Member of Parliment Rahman were activists against the law dispite obvious danger
- Pakistan officials fear a break in ceasefire between them and Al-Qaeda and expect high levels of terror this year
- The assasination of Bhatti was done very professionally: the perpetrators left a pre-written pamphlet and got in and out of a secure area unscathed
- Pakistan's national security is being questioned
- The issue of successfully identifing militants is being reviewed

Asia Times Online
Pakistan

Opinion

Terror is a major threat to many countries around the world, espcially those in the Middle Eastern region. Although this major failure of national security has shaken the government of Pakistan to it's core they must realize that governments cannot be destroyed by violence, a government destroys itself when confronted with fear, intimadation and political unrest. The government should keep it's national defence strong and stand by it's ammendments. Partnership with nations in similar situations has been a large asset of the defence of many other countries around the globe and could be positive in the Pakistan effort against terror.

The government has decided to separate itself from the activists who are pushing the removal of a law that makes the questioning of Islam punishable by death. Although politics and religion should be kept separate, in this case the decision made by the government may have been correct. By avoiding being associated with the activists Pakistan has kept away direct conflict with Al-Qaeda which could have resulted in high levels of collateral damage or open warfare. This gives Pakistan time to possibly work around this issue politically, or raise their defence in the case of elevated levels of terrorism. Action must be taken as soon as possible to negate the fear and unrest in the Pakistan society, for the real enemy of a government is not other nations or terrorists, the only real enemy of a government is fear because through fear comes control.

Complex Mind Map

Interrelated and Controverisal

Newfound Partnership Between Russia and Italy

Summary

- Both are cultural powers
- Many events planned in both countries to support partnership
- Russia releasing artifacts from Hermitage Museum into Italy
- Italy sending Renaissance artwork to Russia
- Partnership primarily based on energy
- Russia huge exporter of oil and gas to European Union
- European Union huge buyer of oil and gas
- Partnership also entails Italy's ability to fly troops to Afghanistan over Russian territory
- Italy and Russia discussing joint energy transport project to supply gas to Southern Europe
- There has been one instance of asset swaps between energy companies from Russia and Italy

Russia/Italy Partnership- New Europe 
Map of Moscow
Map of Rome

Opinion

While this partnership between nations has bought many political, economic, and social benefits, it could be used in a way that better caters towards the current environmental issues. The primary reasoning behind this alliance was the transport, sale, and purchase of energy and energy related natural resources. However it is possible that this partnership could be put to better use environmentally while still promoting a certain level of economic, political, and social growth. Encouraging trade of renewable resources, especially with large buyers like the European Union, will have a massive positive effect on the environment.

Socially this relationship between countries is an important step in international trade between developed nations. The more positive relationships developed between countries, the more options for trade and the more competition in the markets. This would greatly reduce the prices for renewable resources and allow for a sharp incline in the useage of renewable resources. If this were to happen countries that could produce energy most efficiently would prosper over those who have less experience in those fields. My prediction in this case is that countries that are currently wealthy would gain more wealth due to their ability to sell cheaper, while countries with a lower current wealth would drop lower. This may not be a good thing in the beginning, however over time money would fluctuate from the wealthy countries in way of another resource. Whether the economies of nations would balance out is unknown, what is known however is the need for a sustainable source of energy.

Complex Mind Map

Interrelated and Controversial

Conflict in Egypt: Will Democracy Be Achieved? (Revised)

Summary

- Political conflict in Egypt
- Attempting to transition to democracy
- Currently being governed by military personnel
- Leadership styles of Hosni Mubarak have caused an uprising
- Enacting a constitution to allow for civilian rule
- Due for review and approval February 24th 2011
- New Egyptian government sends formal request to freeze all assets of Mr. Mubarak on grounds they may be fraudulent
- Mr. Mubarak has reportedly left Cairo for his vacation home on the Red Sea
- Concerns for the former president's health grow as he has been reported to have stopped taking his medication
- To avoid conflict the military is asking everyone to return to their jobs

Opinion

The current debacle in Egypt is a classic example of the political and social repercussions of having a single political party controlling all of the decisions of a country with no opposition. To be successfully democratic, which had been described as the "long-term goal", Egypt must realize the need for balanced competition in their political system. To move positively towards democracy the new Egyptian government must stress the importance of a leader of opposition as opposed to a government in which one party is the de facto unquestioned leader of the country.

While the military has been doing an excellent job of keeping relative order in the country during such a disorienting time, it is absolutely not a sustanable system of government. Military rule works in the short term because it is filled with people who are trained to act and think in the short term, as opposed to political leaders who can make long term decisions for the country. The real question is whether is whether Eygpt can construct and deploy a successful decmocratic system while at the same time surviving without a real political leader. As for the answer to that question only time will tell, but it will be a difficult feat and could be the first step in the road towards democracy, or a step back into the lane they are trying so hard to get out of.

Complex Mind Map

Interrelated

Political
- New President/political leader
- Attempted change in form of government
- Currently controlled by military
- Caused in part by lack of political opposition
- Constitutions being ammended to allow for civilian rule as opposed to military control

Economic
- Citizens ceasing to work in order to participate in activism
- Military encouraging the continuation of work

Social
- Crisis is focal point for media all over the world
- Split ideals over government and the fate of the former President in citizens
- Riots breaking out in and around Cairo
- Democracy gaining popularity within social environment

Controversial

How Did The Issue Start

- Unfair political system
- President de facto ruler of country
- Lack of a Leader of Opposition

How Should It Be Ressolved

- Military continue to keep order (or as best as possible)
- New democratic government set up
- Emphasise need for balanced and diverse political parties
- Emphasise need for Leader of Opposition

Interrelated and Controversial Issue Identification

Interrelated

Political
- New President/political leader
- Attempted change in form of government
- Currently controlled by military
- Caused in part by lack of political opposition
- Constitutions being ammended to allow for civilian rule as opposed to military control

Economic
- Citizens ceasing to work in order to participate in activism
- Military encouraging the continuation of work

Social
- Crisis is focal point for media all over the world
- Split ideals over government and the fate of the former President in citizens
- Riots breaking out in and around Cairo
- Democracy gaining popularity within social environment

Controversial

How Did The Issue Start

- Unfair political system
- President de facto ruler of country
- Lack of a Leader of Opposition

How Should It Be Ressolved

- Military continue to keep order (or as best as possible)
- New democratic government set up
- Emphasise need for balanced and diverse political parties
- Emphasise need for Leader of Opposition

Complex Issue Identification

Conflict in Egypt: Will Democracy be Achieved? (Opinion)

The current debacle in Egypt is a classic example of the political and social repercussions of having a single political party controlling all of the decisions of a country with no opposition. To be successfully democratic, which had been described as the "long-term goal", Egypt must realize the need for balanced competition in their political system. To move positively towards democracy the new Egyptian government must stress the importance of a leader of opposition as opposed to a government in which one party is the de facto unquestioned leader of the country.

While the military has been doing an excellent job of keeping relative order in the country during such a disorienting time, it is absolutely not a sustanable system of government. Military rule works in the short term because it is filled with people who are trained to act and think in the short term, as opposed to political leaders who can make long term decisions for the country. The real question is whether is whether Eygpt can construct and deploy a successful decmocratic system while at the same time surviving without a real political leader. As for the answer to that question only time will tell, but it will be a difficult feat and could be the first step in the road towards democracy, or a step back into the lane they are trying so hard to get out of.

Conflict in Egypt: Will Democracy be Achieved?

- Political conflict in Egypt
- Attempting to transition to democracy
- Currently being governed by military personnel
- Leadership styles of Hosni Mubarak have caused an uprising
- Enacting a constitution to allow for civilian rule
- Due for review and approval February 24th 2011
- New Egyptian government sends formal request to freeze all assets of Mr. Mubarak on grounds they may be fraudulent
- Mr. Mubarak has reportedly left Cairo for his vacation home on the Red Sea
- Concerns for the former president's health grow as he has been reported to have stopped taking his medication
- To avoid conflict the military is asking everyone to return to their jobs