Thirty Greenpeace volunteers are in a Russian jail after they boarded an offshore oil rig to protest drilling in the Arctic. So far, they have been refused bail on charges of piracy. The Russian public approves of the harsh charges, and there is little question that the Greenpeace protesters were in Russian waters. What is unusual, however, is how little protest the harsh charges have elicited from the member states representing the 30 volunteers: 18 different states. Apparently, on questions of sovereignty, the world still gives tremendous latitude.
Two teenagers were arrested in Morocco after they posted a photograph of them kissing on Facebook. They were arrested on charges of violating public decency and they are part of a larger movement to challenge the social mores embedded in the law. The definition of human rights varies considerably across cultures. The internet hacker group, Anonymous, has decided to enforce its own definition of human rights, arguing that it is a question of freedom of speech.
The Christian Science Monitor has an impressive series of graphics trying to answer the question, “Why do Israeli Settlements Expand More During Peace Talks?” The question is a troubling one since it raises the distinct possibility that the peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians may do more harm than good.
Worried about a Zombie invasion? Don’t worry, we have great allies in our fight against the walking dead. (Not a quiz link)
World Politics News 
Leave a comment