Dec 27 – Guinea-Bissau/Gambia: Banjul Likely Behind Failed Coup in Guinea-Bissau
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Guinea-Bissau-Gambia–Banjul-Likely-Behind-Failed-

Dec 27 – Philippines: Abu Sayyaf Attacks As Deaths From Flooding Hits 1,500
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Abu-Sayyaf-Attacks-in-Phillipines-as-Deaths-From-F

Dec 23 – Yemen: Growth of Criminal Gangs Threatens Stability
http://www.lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/Growth-of-Criminal-Gangs-in-Yemen-Threatens-Stabil

Dec 23 – Rwanda: Kigali to Crackdown on Drug Use and Cross Border Smuggling
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Rwanda-Kigali-to-Crackdown-on-Drug-Use-and-Cross-B.aspx

Dec 23 – Democratic Republic of Congo: Confrontation LIkely Following Competing Inaugurations
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Democratic-Republic-of-Congo-Confrontation-Likely-

Dec 23 – Ethiopia/Sweden: Two Swedish Journalists Convicted of Aiding Terrorism Could Prompt Reduction of European Aid
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Ethipoia-Sweden-tension.aspx

Dec 21 – Philippines: Flash Floods Devastate Island With Large Terrorist Group Presence
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Philippines-Flash-Floods-Devastate-Island-With-Lar

Dec 19 – Turkey/France: Ankara Furious Over Armenian Genocide Bill
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Turkey-Furious-Over-French-Armenian-Genocide-Bill

Dec 19 – Russia/North Korea: Pyongyang Has Labor Camps in Siberia
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/North-Korrea-Has-Labor-Camps-in-Siberia

Dec 15 – Latvia: Twitter Causes False Banking Crisis
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Latvia-Twitter-Causes-False-Banking-Crisis

Dec 15 – Austria/Canada: Austria Refuses to Sell Tanks to Canadian Military
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Austria-Refuses-to-Sell-Tanks-to-Canadian-Military

Dec 14 – United Kingdom/Argentina: New Falkland Islands Offshore Oil Discovery Will Anger Buenos Aires
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/New-Falkland-Islands-Offshore-Oil-Discoveries-Will

Dec 14 – China/South Korea: Tensions Rise After South Korean Coast Guard KIlled By Chinese Fisherman
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/China-South-Korea-Tensions-Rise-After-South-Korean

Dec 14 – Italy: Rome Reevaluates New Austerity Measures Following Strike
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Italy-Reevaluates-New-Austerity-Measures-Following

Dec 14 – Tunisia: Tunis Swears in First New President Since Arab Spring
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Tunisia-Swears-in-First-New-President-Since-Arab-S

Dec 13 – Europe: Cyber Security is Woefully Inadequate
http://www.lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/Europeean-Cyber-Security-is-Woefully-Inadequate

Dec 13 – South Korea/North Korea: Christmas Tree Controversy Unlikely to Escalate into Conflict
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/South-Korea-North-Korea-Christmas-Tree-Controversy

Dec 13 – New Zealand/Indonesia: New Zealand Acquires Indonesia Oil Stake
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/New-Zealand-Acquires-Indonesian-Oil-Stake

Dec 13 – Haiti: Port-au-Prince Seeks Investment As Aid Begins to Falter
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Haiti-Seeks-Investment-As-Aid-Begins-to-Falter

Dec 13 – Estonia/Czech Republic: Tallinn & Prague Refuse to Contribute to IMF Euro Rescue
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Estonia-Czech-Republic–Refuse-to-Contribute-to-IM

Dec 12 – China/Australia: Beijing to Purchase More Australian Natural Gas
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/China-to-Purchase-More-Australian-Natural-Gas

Dec 9 – Laos: Faces Second Delay of Major Hydroelectric Dam
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Laos-Faces-Second-Delay-of-Major-Hydroelectric-Dam

Dec 9 – Canada: French Oil Company to Construct Oil Sands Mine
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Canada-Approves-French-Oil-Company-to-Construct-Oi

Dec 8 – Bahrain: Tensions Could Prompt Renewed Violence
http://www.lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/Bahrain-Tensions-Could-Prompt-Renewed-Violence

Dec 8 – Russia/Iran/EU: Moscow Rejects Proposed EU Ban on Iranian Oil
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Russia-Iran-EU–Moscow-Rejects-Proposed-EU-Ban-on-

Dec 8 – Greece: Athens Approves New Austerity Budget
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Greece-Athens-Approves-New-Austerity-Budget

Dec 8 – Eritria: UN Increases Sanctions for Support of Al-Shabaab
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Eritrea-UN-Increases-Sanctions-for-Support-of-Al-S

Dec 8 – Belgium: Brussels New Government Promises to Tackle Debt
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Belgium-Brussels-New-Government-Promises-to-Tackle

Dec 7 – Ireland: Passes Tough Austerity Budget
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Ireland–Passes-Tough-Austerity-Plan.aspx

Dec 7 – Peru: Lima Imposes State of Emergency to End Violent Protests, Protect Gold Mine
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Peru–Lima-Imposes-State-of-Emergency-to-End-Viole.aspx

Dec 6 – Slovenia: Election Reflects Frustration Against Incumbents, Weak Economy
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Slovenia–Election-Reflects-Frustration-Against-In.aspx

Dec 6 – Croatia: Election Reflects Economic Concerns, Anger over Scandals
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Croatia–Election-Reflects-Economic-Concerns,-Ange.aspx

Dec 6 – Ethiopia/China: Beijing Provides Addis Ababa With $700 Million in Loans
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/A-coalition-of-Croatian-opposition-parties-won-80-.aspx

Dec 5 – Ivory Coast/Ghana: Ivory Coast Claims Ghana’s Oil Fields
http://www.lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/Ivory-Coast-Ghana-Ivory-Coast-Trying-to-Claim-Ghan.aspx

Dec 5 – Latin America: 33 Nations Form New Regional Bloc, Could Challenge OAS
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Latin-America-33-Nations-Form-New-Regional-Bloc-Co.aspx

Dec 5 – China/Zimbabwe: Harare Reportedly WIll Adopt the Yuan as Its Currency
www.lignet.com/InBriefs/China-Zimbabwe-Harare-Reportedly-Will-Adopt-the-Yu.aspx

Dec 2 – Burma/China; Rangoon’s Top General in Beijing to Discuss Military Cooperation
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Burma-China–Rangoon%E2%80%99s-Top-General-in-Beijing-to-D.aspx

Dec 1 – Germany’s Bitter Medicine to Solve the EU Debt Crisis (an interview I did of my boss)
http://www.newsmax.com/video/viewid/0761c176-73d5-4a99-bc5a-6e63892c8a28

Dec 1 – Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur Passes Law to Restrict Street Protests
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Malaysia-Kuala-Lumpur-Passes-Law-to-Restrict-Stree.aspx

Dec 1 – Philippines: Al Qaeda-Linked Terrorist Group Leader Captured After Hotel Bombing
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Philippines–Al-Qaeda-Linked-Terrorist-Group-Leade.aspx

Nov 30 – Cameroon: China Interested in Growing Oil Output, New Port
http://www.lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/Cameroon-China-Interested-in-Growing-Oil-Output-Ne.aspx

Nov 30 – India: Reforms of Retail Industry Likely to Boost Economy
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/India–Reforms-of-Retail-Industry-Likely-to-Boost-.aspx

Nov 30 – China/United Kingdom: Beijing Wants to Invest in UK to Diversify Assets
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/China-UK–Beijing-Wants-to-Invest-in-UK-to-Diversi.aspx

Nov 29 – Kosovo/Serbia: Violence Could Prompt EU to Oppose Membership for Belgrade
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Kosovo-Serbia–Violence-Could-Prompt-EU-to-Oppose-.aspx

Nov 29 – Kuwait: Business with Beijing Continues Despite Cabinet Resignation
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Kuwait–Business-with-Beijing-Continues-Despite-Ca.aspx

Nov 28 – Yemen: No Guarantees of Stability As Saleh Gives Up Power
http://www.lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/Yemen-No-Guarantees-of-Stability-As-Saleh-Gives-Up.aspx

Nov 28 – Gambia: Presidents Reelection May Bolster Royal Ambitions
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Gambia-Presidents-Reelection-May-Bolster-Royal-Amb.aspx

Nov 28 – Iran/United Kingdom: Tehran Furious With British Sanctions
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Iran-United-Kingdom–Tehran-Furious-With-British-S.aspx

Nov 28 – New Zealand: Elections Reflect Support for Current Leadership
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/New-Zealand–Elections-Reflect-Support-for-Current.aspx

Nov 23 – Brazil: Fine Over Oil Spill Could Delay Offshore Drilling
http://www.lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/Brazil-Chevron-Fine-Over-Oil-Spill-Could-Delay-Off.aspx

Nov 22 – China/Canada: Ties Likely to Center on Oil Development
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/China-Canada–Ties-Likely-to-Center-on-Oil-Develop.aspx

Nov 22 – South Korea/Philippines: Economic Agreements Prelude to Military Upgrade
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/South-Korea-Philippines–Economic-Agreements-Prelu.aspx

Nov 21 – Cuba: Property Reforms Must Go Further to Succeed
http://www.lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/Cuba-Property-Reforms-Promising-But-Must-Go-Furthe.aspx

Nov 21 – Burma/Australia: 2014 ASEAN Summit Could be Controversial
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Burma-Australia-2014-ASEAN-Summit-Could-be-Controv.aspx

Nov 18 – Liberia: Nobel Prize Winning President Calls for Reconciliation Despite Violence
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Liberia–Nobel-Prize-Winning-President-Calls-for-R.aspx

Nov 17 – Mali: Oil Discoveries Signal Prosperity Despite Terror Concerns
http://www.lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/Mali–Oil-Reseves-but-Threat-of-Terrorism.aspx

Nov 17 – China: Wireless Data Streaming Key to Rural Growth Strategy
http://www.lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/China–Wireless-Telecom.aspx

Nov 15 – Yemen: Al Qaeda Returns As Rebellion Intensifies
http://www.lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/Yemen–Al-Aqaeda-Gaining.aspx

Nov 15 – Zimbabwe/China: Weapons from Beijing Likely to be Used in 2012 Elections
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/China-Sells-Arms-to-Zimbabwe.aspx

Nov 11 – Algeria: New Finds of Oil and Gas Reserves Offset by Terrorism
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Algeria–New-Finds-of-Oil-and-Gas-Reserves-Offset-.aspx

Nov 10 – Canada: Ship Contracts to Help Economy; Keep Pace with Chinese and Russia Arctic Oil Ambitions
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Canada–Contracts-to-Help-Economy;-Keep-Pace-with-.aspx

Nov 10 – Thailand/Japan: Flooding in Bangkok Hurts Japanese Manufacturing
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Thailand-Japan–Flooding-in-Bangkok-Hurts-Japanese.aspx

Nov 9 – Russia/Brazil: Moscow Desires More Latin Oil
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Russia-Brazil-Moscow-Desires-More-Latin-Oil.aspx

Nov 8 – Guatemala: New President Promises to be Tough on Crime
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Guatemala–New-President-Promises-to-be-Tough-on-C.aspx#axzz1d3xLNrMb

Nov 2 – Japan/India: Trying to Get Around China On Rare Earths
http://www.lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/Japan-India–Trying-to-Get-Around-China-on-Rare-Ea.aspx

According to Samer Naji, the Vice President of External Affairs for the Associated Students at the University of California, San Diego, due to complaints and “various concerns raised about the Occupy Resolution, the External Affairs Office decided to draft a different resolution directed mainly towards our campus.”

Therefore, instead of passing a resolution to support the occupy movement, they decided to focus their efforts on passing a resolution in support of Reclaim UCSD.

However, the AS office of External Affairs does not stop there. Instead, their new resolution decides to overturn their former Resolution Upholding Commitment to the Principles of Community that was passed last April. The new resolution states: “LET IT BE RESOLVED, the ASUCSD shall rescind their decision to maintain neutrality in regards to world events and political issues and instead shall take a more proactive approach to allow the association to partake in relevant political affairs that deeply impact students and are significant to their student lives.”

UPDATE AS OF 8:15 PM: Language of the Clause Currently Reads: ” LET IT BE RESOLVED, the ASUCSD clarifies that the wording of the “Resolution Upholding Commitment to the Principles of Community,” does not require the ASUCSD or the external office to maintain neutrality in regards to world events and political issues that deeply impact UCSD students and are significant to their student lives.”

This clause effectively overturns AS decision to remain neutral regarding world events and national political issues. Sadly this clause in the current resolution is completely unnecessary. The Resolution Upholding Commitment to the Principles of Community only restrains AS from remaining neutral on “divisive external political issue[s].” Although divisive, Reclaim UCSD is an on campus issue and does not fall under the purview of the Resolution Upholding Commitment to the Principles of Community. Therefore, the AS Office of External Affairs is effectively trying to once more assert itself as a partisan organization by seeking to repeal the Resolution Upholding Commitment to the Principles of Community.

It was your actions and your emails that got the AS office of External Affairs to update its resolution. Keep up the hard work. To express your disapproval for the Associated Students at UCSD passing this resolution, email asvpexternal@ucsd.edu or contact the council members directly: http://as.ucsd.edu/council

Attached is the first resolution: Resolution in Support of Reclaim UCSD

Attached is the updated resolution: Resolution in Support of Reclaim UCSD Amended

Update 1/6/12: This article was reposted on Larry Elder‘s website on January 5, 2011 and Larry Elder interviewed me about this story on 1/6/12.

On April 13, 2011 the Associated Students at the University of California, San Diego voted to endorse a principle of neutrality on political and divisive issues and refrain from passing resolutions.

Yet this promise has faded quickly, with the announcement that the AS Vice-President External Affairs Samer Naji will be introducing a resolution on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 that will explicitly announce the Associated Students support for the Occupy movement.

Although I am generally sympathetic with some of the goals of the Occupy movement, such as their concern that big business is in collusion with government and that bailouts for banks are wrong, yet other claims, such as debt forgiveness for all and “magic” money for every pet project they could imagine are hollow demands and are stupid. In addition, the recent acts of violence in Washington DC, Oakland, and San Diego (among others) has slowly eroded their positive attributes.

In addition, the resolution conflates the recent protests that have been met in some cases with what could be characterized as “excessive force” in the UC System with the Occupy movement at large. The resolution opens with statements claiming: “reckless greed committed by Wall Street firms and Executives,” “corporations prey[ing] on the hopes and aspirations held by millions of people with the simple and selfish aim to maximize profit,” “these corporations are responsible for the eviction of millions of people from their homes due to predatory lending practices.”

Most concerning of all however, this resolution calls upon the “Associated Students [to] provide support for protests and or occupations, should students decide to set up an occupation on campus.” This means that the A.S. will be using your student fees to bring the Occupy movement to UCSD and then proceed to disrupt traffic and interrupt classes and speeches. If members of A.S. want to use their stipends to cover the “Occupy Movement,” then that is their prerogative. But it is a shame that the Associated Students at UCSD continue to try to misrepresent more than 23,000 undergraduates, display their biases in a official capacity, and for revealing their belief that they know whats best for you.

I hope that UCSD students will tell AS to keep itself out of political and controversial matters and let them get back to problems that they have direct influence over, such as improving the parking situation at UCSD, dining dollar inflation, and restoring SunGod.

To express your disapproval for the Associated Students at UCSD passing this resolution, email asvpexternal@ucsd.edu or contact the council members directly: http://as.ucsd.edu/council

Below is the Resolution in full.

***

Resolution to Support the Occupy Movement

Whereas, individuals in the United States and across the world have been severely impacted by the reckless greed committed by Wall Street firms and Executives;

Whereas, these corporations preyed on the hopes and aspirations held by millions of people with the simple and selfish aim to maximize profit1;

Whereas, the profits made by the major businesses and corporations are being used to influence the American political system and the choices it makes, regardless of the impacts to ordinary individuals2

Whereas, these corporations are responsible for the eviction of millions of people from their homes due to predatory lending practices3;

Whereas, University of California, San Diego students, faculty, staff, and workers have been deeply impacted by the 2008 Financial Crisis and following recession that was caused by reckless management of domestic and international financial systems;

Whereas, billions in taxpayer dollars were committed to bailing out selfish and predatory corporations at the cost of neglecting Main Street America and cutting public funding for vital public services4;

Whereas, funding cuts to institutions of higher education, including the University of California, have led to skyrocketing tuition and fees, service cuts, and faculty, staff, and worker layoffs;

Whereas, personal and student debt has and continues to skyrocket5;

Whereas, concerned individuals have committed to peaceful occupation of symbolic centers in protest of the symbiotic relationship between corporate and government institutions, in addition to protesting public service cuts and the continual reduction of their standards of living,

Whereas, the demands made by the various occupations are closely aligned with the demands made by the University of California Student Association, including but not limited to:
The demand for corporate accountability,
The demand for a separation between corporate money and the American political system,
The demand to reform Proposition 13 to raise corporate property tax rates,
The demand to return for public higher education to return to be fully publicly funded and affordable.

And whereas, local police departments, including the University of California Police Department, have resorted to forceful eviction and suppression of peaceful demonstrators, in violation of their First Amendment rights to peacefully assemble6;

Let it therefore be resolved that the Associated Students of the University of California, San Diego endorse the Occupy movement;

Be it further resolved that the Associated Students provide support for protests and or occupations, should students decide to set up an occupation on campus;

Be it further resolved that the University of California, San Diego Chancellor sign a pledge, ensuring students’ rights to free speech and assembly on campus;

And let it finally be resolved that the Associated Students strongly condemns and demands that the University of California, Davis, and the University of California, Berkeley Chancellors and Police Chiefs resign immediately for authorizing the use of force by the University of California Police Department on UC students, faculty, staff, and workers

1. http://www.nhi.org/online/issues/109/bradley.html
2. http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/10/13/the-10-biggest-corporate-campaign-contributors-in-u-s-politics/
3. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12184365
4. http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/national/200904_CREDITCRISIS/recipients.html
5. http://www.npr.org/2011/05/16/136214779/college-student-debt-grows-is-it-worth-it
6. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/nov/03/occupy-militarisation-policing-protest

Nov 1 – Angola: Oil Production Booming; Measures Against Price Shocks
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/ArticleAnalysis/Angola–Oil-Production-Booming;-Measures-Against-P.aspx

Nov 1 – Ireland: Political Fluidity Helps Labor Candidate Become President
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Ireland–Political-Fluidity-Helps-Labor-Candidate-.aspx

Oct 27 – Ireland: Presidential Election Reflects New Discontent
http://www.lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/Ireland-Presidential-Election-Reflects-Political-C.aspx

Oct 26 – Canada: Albert Oil Sands Leads to Growth; Heated Debate
http://www.lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/Canada–Alberta-Oil-Sands-Lead-to-Economic-Growth-.aspx

Oct 26 – Syria/China: Beijing Looks to Take Diplomatic Role in Syria
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Syria-China–Beijing-Looks-to-Take-Diplomatic-Role.aspx

Oct 25 – Vietnam/Philippines: Bilateral Summit Begins Wednesday
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Vietnam-Philippines–Bilateral-Summit-Begins-Wedne.aspx

Oct 24 – Philippines: War Looming With Muslim Separatists
http://www.lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/Philippines–Troops-Battle-Muslim-Separatists.aspx

Oct 24 – Turkey: Earthquake Strongest in Decade
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Turkey–Earthquake-Strongest-in-Decade.aspx

Oct 21 – Yemen: More Delays from Saleh as U.N. Plans Vote
http://www.lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/Yemen–More-Delays-from-Saleh-as-U-N–Plans-Vote.aspx

Oct 21 – Russia/Lebanon: Moscow Expands Ties with Hezbollah
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Russia-Lebanon–Moscow-Expands-Ties-with-Hezbollah.aspx

Oct 20 – Philippines: Troops Battle Muslim Separatists
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Philippines–Troops-Battle-Muslim-Separatists.aspx

Oct 19 – Thailand: Economy Hurt by Rising Minimum Wage and Flooding
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Thailand–Economy-Hurt-by-Rising-Minimum-Wage-and-.aspx

In the future I will be uploading an archive of my LIGNET articles biweekly.

October 18 – Bosnia and Herzegovina: Crippled by Ethnic Politics
http://www.lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/Bosnia-and-Herzegovina–Crippled-by-Ethnic-Politic.aspx

October 18 – Oman: High Voter Turnout Reflects Sultan’s Popularity
http://www.lignet.com/InBriefs/Oman–High-Voter-Turnout-Reflects-Sultan’s-Popular.aspx

Oct 13 – China: Growing Arctic Energy Ambitions
http://www.lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/China–Growing-Arctic-Energy-Ambitions.aspx

Oct 11 – Chile: Investment in Copper Climbs Despite Market Slump
http://lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/Chile–Investment-in-Copper-Climbs-Despite-Market-.aspx

Oct 11 – Sri Lanka: Violence Occurs After Ruling Party Dominates Local Elections
http://lignet.com/InBriefs/Sri-Lanka–Violence-Occurs-After-Ruling-Party-Domi.aspx

Oct 10 – Oman: Growing Economy and Island of Stability
http://lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/Oman–Growing-Economy-and-Island-of-Stability.aspx

Oct 10 – Croatia/Syria: Croatian Company Cuts Oil Production in Syria
http://lignet.com/InBriefs/Croatia-Syria–Croatian-Company-Cuts-Oil-Productio.aspx

Oct 7 – Yemen: Saleh Doesn’t Want to Step Down Until Rivals Removed
http://lignet.com/ArticleAnalysis/Yemen–Saleh-Doesn’t-Want-to-Step-Down-Until-Rival.aspx

Oct 7 – Bahrain: Medics Sentence Overturned; Will be Retried in Civilian Court
http://lignet.com/InBriefs/Bahrain–Medics-Sentence-Overturned;-Will-be-Retri.aspx

Oct 5 – Saudi Arabia: Riyadh Pledges to Respond to Violence With “An Iron Fist”
http://lignet.com/InBriefs/Saudi-Arabia–Riyadh-Pledges-to-Respond-to-Violenc.aspx

Oct 4 – Algeria: As Threat of Al Qaeda Grows, Algiers Grants Reforms
http://lignet.com/Manage/ArticleAnalysis/Algeria–As-Threat-of-Al-Qaeda-Grows,-Algiers-Gran.aspx

Oct 4 – China/Burma: Beijing Concerned by Rangoon’s Suspension of Dam
http://lignet.com/Manage/InBrief/China-Burma–Beijing-Concerned-by-Rangoon’s-Suspen.aspx

Oct 4 – Tuvalu/Tokelau: Water Crisis for Pacific Islands
http://lignet.com/Manage/InBrief/Tuvalu-Tokelau–Water-Crisis-for-Pacific-Islands.aspx

Oct 3 – Bahrain: Medics Sentenced to Prison for Treating Protestors
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/InBrief/Bahrain–Medics-Sentenced-to-Prison-for-Assisting-.aspx

Sept 30 – Kosovo/Serbia: Violence Erupts Against NATO Peacekeepers
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/InBrief/Kosovo-Serbia–Violence-Erupts-Against-NATO-Peacek.aspx

Sept 28 – Chile/Bolivia/China/Iran: Scrambling for Latin Lithium
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/ArticleAnalysis/Chile-Bolivia-China-Iran–Tehran-and-Beijing-Seek-.aspx

Sept 28 – Iceland/China: Concerns that Chinese Investment is Ploy to Gain Access to Arctic Oil
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/InBrief/Iceland-China–Concerns-that-Chinese-Investment-is.aspx

Sept 27 – North Korea/China: North Korean Prime Minister Visiting China to Expand Trade
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/InBrief/North-Korea-China–North-Korean-Prime-Minister-Vis.aspx

Sept 26 – ALgeria/Libya: Algiers Issues De Facto Recognition to Libyan National Transition Council
http://lignet.com/Manage/InBrief/Algeria-Libya–Algiers-Issues-De-Facto-Recognition.aspx

Sept 26 – Yemen: Saleh Returns to Government Attacks on Protestors
http://lignet.com/Manage/ArticleAnalysis/Yemen–Saleh-Returns-to-Government-Attacks-on-Prot.aspx

Sept 22 – Iraq/Syria: Baghdad Begins to Oppose Assad
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/InBrief/Iraq-Syria-Baghdad-Begins-to-Oppose-Assad.aspx

Sept 21 – Zambia/China: Election in Lusaka Are Referendum on Beijing
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/Zambia-China-Elections-in-Lusaka-Are-Referendum-on.aspx

Sept 20 – Yemen: Violence in Sanaa Takes Pressure off Al Qaeda
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/ArticleAnalysis/Yemen-Violence-in-Sanaa-Takes-Pressure-off-Al-Qaed.aspx

Sept 20 – Lebanon/Iran: Beirut Looks to Sign More Agreements with Tehran
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/Lebanon-Iran-Beirut-Looks-to-Sign-More-Agreements-.aspx

Sept 20 – Iraq/Syria: Iraqi Officials Divided Over Assad; al Qaeda Looks to Syria
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/Iraq-Syria–Iraqi-Officials-Divided-Over-Assad;-al.aspx

Sept 19 – French Guiana: Large Oil Discovery Mirrors West African Finds
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/ArticleAnalysis/French-Guiana-Offshore-Oil-Find-Mirrors-West-Afric.aspx

Sept 18 – India/Vietnam/China: Tensions Over Oil Exploitation in South China Sea
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/India-Vietnam-China-Tensions-Over-Oil-Exploitation.aspx

Sept 15 – Ghana/China: Accra Reaps Oil Profits with Chinese Investment
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/ArticleAnalysis/Ghana-China-Accra-Reaps-Oil-Profits-With-Chinese-I.aspx

Sept 15 – Venezuela/Iran: Ahmadinejad Strengthens Ties with Caracas
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/Venezuela-Iran-Ahmadinejad-Strengthens-Ties-with-W.aspx

Sept 14 – Turkey/Israel/Cyprus: Ankara Opposes Offshore Israeli Gas Fields
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/Turkey-Israel-Cyprus-Ankara-Opposes-Offshore-Israe.aspx

Sept 14 – Yemen: Protests Erupt After Saleh Continues to Delay Stepping Down
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/ArticleAnalysis/Yemen-Protests-Erupt-After-Saleh-Continues-to-Dela.aspx

Also reposted on Newsmax World

Sept 13 – Congo: Dodd-Frank Act Drives Out American Businesses
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/Congo-Dodd-Frank-Act-Harms-American-Businesses.aspx

Sept 9 – Yemen: Ruling Party Offers New Deal for Saleh; Yemeni Forces Attack Al Qaeda Strongholds
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/ArticleAnalysis/Yemen-Ruling-Party-Offers-New-Deal-for-Saleh-Yemen.aspx

Sept 7 – Iran/Cuba/Ecuador: Iran Looks to Expand Influence in Latin America
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/Iran-Cuba-Ecuador-Iran-Looks-to-Expand-Influence-i.aspx

Sept 6 – Russia/Syria: Moscow Continues to Stand by Damascus
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/Russia-Syria-Moscow-Continues-to-Stand-by-Damascus.aspx

September 3 – Bahrain: Protests Escalate Following Death of 14 Year-Old Boy
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/Bahrain-Protests-Escalate-Following-Death-of-14-Ye.aspx

September 2 – Iran/Egypt/Israel: Tensions High in Red Sea and Sinai
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/ArticleAnalysis/Iran-Egypt-Israel-Tensions-High-in-Red-Sea-and-Sin.aspx

September 1 – Iran/North Korea/China/Russia: Kim Jong-Il Seeking Investments From Neighbors and Allies
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/Iran-s-Ali-Larijani-Visting-North-Korea.aspx

August 31 – Russia/Syria: Moscow Condemns Violence, Demands Reforms
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/Russia-Syria–Moscow-Condemns-Violence-Demands-Ref.aspx

August 31 – China: Reliance on U.S. Food Imports Grows
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/ArticleAnalysis/China-Reliance-On-U-S–Food-Imports-Grow.aspx

August 31 – Yemen/Somalia/Terrorism: Saleh Talks of Return and Elections, Al Qaeda and al-Shabaab Grow Closer
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/ArticleAnalysis/Yemen-Somalia-Terrorism–Saleh-Talks-Of-Return-And.aspx

August 26 – Algeria/Libya: Algeria Delays Recognition of Libyan Rebel Government Due to Concerns about al Qaeda
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/Algeria-Libya–Algeria-Delays-Recognition-of-Libya.aspx

August 24 – China/Russia/Libya/Syria: China and Russia Fear Loss of Energy Contracts in Post-Revolution Arab States
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/China-Russia-Libya-Syria-China-and-Russia-Fear-Los.aspx

August 21 – Israel: Gaza Militants Differ on Ceasefire, Violence to Continue
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/ArticleAnalysis/Israel-Gaza-Militants-Differ-on-Ceasefire-Violence.aspx

August 21 – Yemen: The Return of President Saleh Would be Setback to Stability
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/ArticleAnalysis/Yemen-The-Return-of-President-Saleh-Would-Be-Setba.aspx

August 19 – Turkey/Iraq/Iran: Turkey’s Cross Border Attack on PKK in Iraq Could be Exploited by Iran
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/ArticleAnalysis/Turkey-Attacks-PKK-in-Iraq.aspx

August 18 – Israel/China: Visit of China Chief of Staff Has Economic Implications
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/Israel-China-Visit-of-China-Chief-of-Staff-Has-Eco.aspx

August 10 – Israel: Protests Challenge Netanyahu Popularity
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/Israel-Protests-Challenge-Netanyahu-Popularity.aspx

July 28 – Lebanon/Israel: Beirut Plans to Fight Israel Over Natural Gas Find
http://www.lignet.com/Manage/ArticleAnalysis/Lebanon-Israel-Beirut-Plans-to-Fight-Israel-Over-N.aspx

July 23 – China: Countering Beijing’s Monopoly on Supply of Rare Earth Metals
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/ArticleAnalysis/China–Countering-Bejing-s-Monopoly-on-Supply-of-R.aspx

July 19 – Egypt: New Egyptian Cabinet Formed; Islamists Divided
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/ArticleAnalysis/Analysis–New-Egyptian-Cabinet-Formed;-Islamists-D.aspx

July 4 – Vietnam: Anti-China Protests Continue
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/Vietnam–Anti-China-Protests-Continue.aspx

July 1 – Philippines: Seeking to Use Negotiations and U.S. Ties to Counter China
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/Philippines–Seeking-to-Use-Negotiations-and-U-S-.aspx

June 20 – India/Vietnam: Mutual Assistance to Deter China
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/India-Vietnam–Mutual-Assistance-to-Deter-China.aspx

June 16 – China/Sudan: Ignoring International Concerns, Beijing Welcomes Sudanese President
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/China-Sudan–Ignoring-International-Concerns,-Beij.aspx

June 15 – Somalia/Indian Ocean: Piracy Expands in Range
http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/Manage/Snowflake/Somalia-Indian-Ocean-Piracy-Expands-in-Range.aspx

The frustration of the “Occupy Wall Street” (OWS) movement in their call to end corporate corruption and societal inequality is valid. Sadly, several solutions to the problem that have been presented are disastrous because they ask the wrong question. Instead of asking if big businesses and the Federal Reserve have screwed the American people (the answer to which is undoubtably yes, as Glen Greenwald of Salon outlines), they should probe deeper.

A better question to ask would be:  How did big businesses, the Federal Reserve, and the federal government cause the financial crisis, and how can it be kept from happening again? Some in the OWS movement will place the blame on capitalism and free enterprise. Yet these activists will miss the mark.

The culprit of this crisis is big government regulations, which no longer act as an impartial referee and permit some big businesses to succeed while others fail. The culprit is a distorted tax code, which enables certain companies to evade taxes. The culprit is departments and agencies that are not transparent and accountable to the people.

These big government policies caused the financial crisis.  Tim Carney, the senior political columnist of the Washington Examiner, has written extensively on the mechanisms that big government employs to assist its favored corporations. Solving the mess requires a government restrained and unable to create loopholes. Only then can the government respect the individual, the world’s smallest minority, to ensure equal treatment under the law.

The estimated cost to live on campus has risen by more than $1,000 over the last five years. This more than thirteen percent increase is stark when compared to the cost of living off-campus. These lucky commuters will pay a mere $300 more than five years ago, a 3.2 percent increase that is below even the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate of 3.6 percent. In the 2011-2012 academic year, UCSD students who live off-campus are expected to save more than 800 dollars when compared to their on campus peers when considering all non-tuition expenses.

The 2010-2011 academic year was the first time that it was cheaper for a student to live off-campus after considering all expenses. For the 2011-2012 academic year room and board on the UCSD campus is expected to cost $11,571 on average, while commuters are expected to pay $9,669 for room and board.

Students at every college in the University of California (UC) system will find it is more expensive to live on campus. Yet as housing on the UC campuses grows more costly, students who live on campus in the California State University system and many California private universities will pay less. Students living on campus in the UC system paid on average $2,238 more than the surrounding community, whereas students saved on average $842 to live on campus in the CSU system. Several private universities saved students living on campus an average of $645 compared to students who commuted.

At the University of California, San Diego the price of room and board is determined by Housing, Dining and Hospitality Services (HDH), “a self-supporting department of UC San Diego that operates without any state funding.” The HDH sets the price of on-campus room and board as it manages all on campus housing units, meal plans, and housekeeping services. Yet the inflationary and rent-seeking policies of the HDH have contributed to making on campus housing less affordable.

For the fifth year in a row, UCSD students who live in the dorms will face another increase in the price of their mandatory minimum meal plan, as it increases to 2,908 dining dollars. These students will be receiving a meal plan that is 800 dining dollars greater than students had in 2007. Although students living in on campus apartments will only have a 100 point dining dollar increase to 2208 dining dollars, according to HDH these minimum dining plans are not meant to feed students 3 meals a day, 7 days a week.

These meal plans are “designed to be flexible for an array of lifestyles and appetites,” and therefore several options, including “buy up” exist for students who want the option of having 3,400 dining dollars. HDH also recommends that students living in the dorms should spend 87 dining dollars per week (~340 per month), students in campus apartments should spend 65 dining dollars per week (~260 per month), and students with the “buy up” option should spend 100 dining dollars per week (~400 per month). HDH promises that one dining dollar “yields one dollar of purchasing power.”

If dining dollars are the equivalent of a normal dollar then prices on-campus are heavily inflated. According to the US Department of Agriculture, the average person between the ages of 19-50 in the United States spent only $242 on food per month in peak months of the academic year (November, February, May). In 2010-2011, only the largest consumers were expected to spend close to the equivalent dining dollar value as students in the dorms ($340.33 for men, $300.60 for women), while thrifty consumers were expected to spend far less ($172.23 for men, $153.17 for women).

This $800 meal plan increase for students living in the dorms is drastically higher than average American food spending, which has only increased by $10-$20 dollars in the face of a world food price crisis that has been ongoing since 2007. HDH’s policy enables students to have both leftover dining dollars (which are kept by the school if they are unused) and inflated food prices on-campus due to their monopoly of the dining halls (that justify increasing the minimum rate for meal plans).

So how has HDH been spending the profit that they have made off of the students? Not very well, according to a 2009 study sponsored by The Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS), which is part of the University of California Santa Cruz. UCSD students were asked to rate their dining experience as well as if they would be willing to pay more for certain foods or foods with a reduced environmental impact. Only 30% of students surveyed said the UCSD dining experience reflected their food values.

Students surveyed responded that the most important features for dining hall food are flavor, safety, and variety, rating flavor a 4.62 out 5 on importance, variety a 4.48 out of 5, and safety a 4.47 out of 5. Students also heavily supported increasing nutritional options and reducing the price. In contrast, locally grown food and vegan-friendly food scored at the bottom of students priority list, with locally grown food earning a 2.69 out of 5 and vegan-friendly food earning a 2.64 out of 5.

Although HDH claims that “making the best use of natural resources, minimizing negative impact on our environment, and satisfying our customers are our main objectives,” HDH does not meet their students’ demands. In the last three years, the emphasis of the Housing, Dining and Hospitality Services has been to provide students with programs they do not particularly care about. These include Meatless Mondays, where the dining halls provide only vegan grill options, Farm 2U, where local farmers sell their goods on-campus, and cage-free eggs. The only major student concern that HDH has actually addressed came from their dietician, who has made nutrition a priority.

According to the Director of UCSD’s Housing, Dining and Hospitality Services, Mark Cunningham, “our intent in the design of our housing and dining program is not to burden students with unnecessary costs.” Although HDH does not keep records on hand about how many meal points are left over each year, Cunningham said, “I believe that students do an excellent job managing their dining dollars and the vast majority spend down to $0.00 or very close to it because they understand that this is their money and they manage those dollars well, albeit there’s no perfect meal plan so there are always variances.” However, this does not consider that the students who are forced to spend their leftover meal points on junk food would rather see their unused dining dollars refunded to their student accounts.

There can be no perfect meal plan because the minimum plan is mandatory. When students are forced to use all their dining dollars or to lose them, waste and inefficient spending is encouraged. With their priority on green and sustainable options, the UCSD HDH can continue to ignore student preferences, at the expense of both greater on-campus affordability and sustainability.

***

Note: This article has been reposted in two parts on the Young America’s Foundation Blog: Part 1 and Part 2.

Attached is the excel spreadsheet of UC Costs with all data used in this report.

I was twelve when 9/11 happened and I remember waking up in Los Angeles as the first tower was falling in New York. I could not fully comprehend what had happened. I went to school that day and as a seventh grader I did not know how to make of the tension, confusion, hurt and anger that we felt going to class that day.

I revisited Ground Zero with my brother last summer and was able to look down on the site of what had been the Twin Towers. It was a sobering moment to really grasp the enormity of the terrorist attack on 9/11.

Ground Zero - July 2010

To watch the video, click here

Timeless circumcision jokes can add a new term to their repertoire: “intactivists.” These “intactivists” seek to ban circumcision by proposing legislation to eliminate the practice of infant male circumcision. They argue that these bans are needed to abolish the “barbaric” practice of circumcision.

Yet their efforts came to a head when this ridiculous attempt at lawmaking in San Francisco and Santa Monica was overcome by controversy. Although the sponsor of the proposed Santa Monica bill quickly withdrew it, and a lawsuit will likely to suspend San Francisco’s vote on the November 2011 ballot initiative, “intactivists” continued their protests outside the United States Capitol to make their radical anti-circumcision sentiments known to Congress.

Me (A Jew), Intactivists, and the Phallic Washington Monument in front of the Capitol

These attempted bans stem from the belief of “intactivists” that male circumcision is the equivalent to genital mutilation of females. All forms of child female circumcision are currently prohibited under Title 18 of the United States Criminal Code, as female genital mutilation is much more dangerous, extreme, and terrible than is male circumcision, and lacks any potential benefits. Their use of videos of infant circumcisions is motivated by “intactivists” in their mission to portray male circumcision of the foreskin to be brutal, traumatic, and dangerous.

Using emotional, medical, and ethical arguments, “intactivists” have sought to impose their beliefs upon their fellow citizens. By relating male circumcision to female circumcision, a horrific procedure that is banned throughout the developed world, these anti-circumcision activists try to cast circumcision as unprotected by 1^st Amendment provisions protecting religious freedoms. Advocates of the ban claim that individuals are protected from “bodily mutilation” and attack infant circumcision due to a lack of consent from the child.

This objection to circumcision is a critical problem with the circumcision ban. The disdain of “intactivists” toward parental and religious rights reveals the elitism and egoism of the leaders of the anti-circumcision movement. Jena Troutman, the activist who pushed for the Santa Monica ban, argued in the Santa Monica Outlook that “My goal is to educate parents to give them a choice, because our babies are perfect as they come out.” Yet these activists are offering rather limiting choice to the American people by demanding that cities and states ban the practice of circumcision. It is not enough for the anti-circumcision advocates to discuss their ideas with people who support circumcision; “intactivists” view it as their mission to ban circumcision in all cases except for medical emergencies. This assault on freedom is outrageous, especially when faced with the reality that no laws mandate that families must circumcise their sons.

Anti-circumcision activists also try to take on the medical arguments that have been traditionally cited in favor of circumcision. Several studies and many doctors recognize that health benefits of circumcisions exist, especially as a protection against contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, the American Urological Association has recommended that circumcision be offered to parents for health reasons. However “intactivists” cite the Royal Dutch Medical Association that in 2010 officially declared that circumcision is unnecessary and is an abuse of the rights of the child. The existence of mixed medical studies is often obscured by misinformation and conspiracy theories from within the “intactivist” movement.

A powerful charge against the movement to ban circumcision comes from the appearance of blatant anti-Semitism displayed by “intactivist” leaders. Although the assertion of anti-Semitism should be used carefully, when blatant displays of propaganda are produced that rival those of World War II-era Germany, a serious discussion of prejudice should be considered. In a cartoon series called “Foreskin Man” produced by Matthew Hess, anti-Semitic themes run rampant. Hess is the president of MGMBILLORG, which works to create legislation that would ban infant circumcision. Portrayals of anti-Semitic imagery include the “monster mohel,” who the comics depict as “Nothing excites Monster Mohel more than cutting into the penile flesh of an eight-day-old infant boy.” Monster Mohel is the archenemy of “Foreskin Man,” the classically Aryan protagonist of the comics who is a blond, blue eyed, and muscular superhero.

Parents’ decision to submit their child to circumcision should not be based solely on any one factor, whether it is hygiene, health, appearance, or religion. Yet banning circumcision is not a real solution to the problem of ignorance that it seeks to address. Rather, education should be the focus of an ongoing debate over whether parents decide to circumcise their children. Proper understanding of both the merits and detriments of the procedure is essential for parents to make an informed decision. The elitist and self-righteous leaders of the “intactivist” movement will doom their crusade, relegating their cause to failure as fodder for the late night television comedy circuit.