Venezuela: Chavez wants to rule till 2021

Things are heating up on the re-election front in Venezuela.

The Venezuelan constitution currently limits a candidate’s presidency to two 6-year terms. President Hugo Chavez, whose second term is up in 4 years, is calling for an end to presidential term limits.

According to this article, President Hugo Chavez is again “giving his people the authorization” to move toward amending the constitution, though, he says, the people ultimately have the right to decide if they want the amendment.

This isn’t the first time Chavez has called for term amendments. Shortly after the beginning of his final term in January, 2007, he began talks of removing the limits. The referendum was ultimately defeated after 51% of voters rejected the proposed amendment.

But Chavez, now with his popular support standing at 55% one year later, is proposing the constitutional amendment again. And according to the Economist, “Chavez says the legislation will be the start of a new era of ‘maximum revolution’ during which he will consolidate Venezuela's transformation into a socialist society. His critics, however, are calling it a radical lurch toward authoritarianism by a leader with unchecked power.”

-- by Hannah Morris

Chavez Calls Out Journalist-Venezuela Group

Hugo Chavez called out two journalists leading up to a local election in Venezuelan on November 27th claiming that his statements were decontextualized and that Chavez does not censor the media, according to this article.

Chavez said that Patricia Janiot, a CNN correspondent, misconstrued a statement that Chavez would "bring tanks into the street" if he were to lose a recent election.  Chavez requested that Janiot explain what he really meant, and then proceeded to blame her superiors at CNN for the story.

Chavez also said CNN reporter Glenn Oman was wrong when she said that Chavez ordered an "information probation" during the elections, and that no such order was ever provided.

This is yet another example of how Chavez likes to control his political image, and his control by controlling the media, especially whenever anything negative is said about him, his regime, or both.  Calling out CNN and credible journalists is second nature for Chavez.  It is actually surprising that such was reporting was even printed for the public to read.

By Mike Ramsing

Russian Media "Biases"

It is an interesting time to be following the Russian media and the case of Anna specifically. This past week a few articles were published concerning the biases that Russian media uses. In this article journalists accuse the Russian media of bias favoring Russia in the Russian-Georgian conflict. In another article that was published concerning the current economic status of Russia, it is obvious that the Russian people agree that the media is not covering stories as objectively as possible. Given the history and the circumstances that Russia has seen in the past regarding censorship and a media system that is not considered free from a global perspective this was to be expected. However, it is notable that specific journalists such as Julia Latinina are accusing Russia of biases directly given the fate of other journalists who have been critical of Russias policies.

The story in the link above offers little hope that Russia is leaning toward a more democratic state in which journliasts are free to be critical of the government and policies that the people of thet state may not agree with. A fair and balanced press is one of the most important and useful tools of a democracy and it is sad to see countries that do not have this freedom. Even scarier is the violence and fear described by Mikhail Beketov. He even calls the job "suicide." The biases shown in the media can be explained if that is the retaliation that can be expected with critical reporting.

Hopefully after the trial of the people responsible for the death of Anna Kachkayeva, a new light will be shined on Russia's policies towards the media and change will come and journalists will not be forced to be bias and information will flow freely in Russia. In a developed "democracy" no journalists should have to live daily life in fear because of their everyday job.


-Alexa Sell

Venezuela- The enemy of my enemy is my friend

History was made as it marked the first time a Russian president visited Venezuela Wednesday the 27th. President Dmitri Medvedev visited Venezuela to discuss a wide variety of issues ranging from a setting up a Nuclear Reactor to exploring the possiblity of Russia joining the Venezuelan trade group ALBA.

It seems Russia and Venezuela are obeying a golden rule to politics 'The Enemy of my Enemy is my friend'.
With both countries on poor terms with America they alliance they form is not a good thing at all for the US. It appears Russia is trying to replace the US as a 'mentor' to South America. By joining the Chavez lead trade group ALBA which features; Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Dominca, and Honduras, Russia is in good position to act as that mentor and gain more support from the rest of the continent.
I believe Russia is also trying to 'return the favor' to the US from the 'Charlie Wilson technique in Afganistan by providing the Venezuelan military with training and Nuclear capablility it makes them a legitimate threat to the US.
The scariest part of this alliance is Chavez plans to reach out to China next to join the ALBA organization. Hopefully Washington DC is paying close attention to this and comes up with an idea to prevent all the countries with any trace of anti-American'ness' from joking together.

Rwanda: Media Has Bright Future - Media Council

This article discusses the future of journalism in Rwanda. Efforts are being made by the government to improve journalism in the country, for example they plan to move the school of journalism from the National University of Rwanda in the Southern Province to the capitol city of Kigali. Also, the article talks about the importance of investing in the media. The Executive Secretary of the High Council of the Media, Patrice Mulama, along with the government, believe that if people invest in the media, it will improve the standard of journalism. Also, investing in the media would overcome most challenges that go with capacity to human resources. All of this was discussed at the media conference at Serena Hotel. Also discussed at the conference was the concern about the lack of financial resources. According to the article, "the conference's main objective was to promote sustainable, professional and responsible media, strengthening and expansion of media freedom in the countries of the Great Lakes Region."

I think that it is very important for Rwanda to take the necessary steps to improve the countries media. Moving the school of journalism to Kigali is important because it is where "most journalism practitioners are located and operate from." This is beneficial because students will be familiarized with the environment that they will be working in after studying. I also think that it very important for investors to support the media. The media in Rwanda will not improve and flourish without financial backing. Money is needed for the media systems to expand. In the past, the government has hindered the development of the media and freedom of the press for journalists. It will be crucial in the future for the government to work with and support the media to improve the standard of journalism.



By: Stefanie Merrigan

Midterm Election Update

Most of the headlines I found this week covering the results of the Venezuelan midterm elections last Sunday had similar messages: "Mixed results in Venezuela election"

I found one interesting article, however, by The Washington Post that explained very distinctly how the elections last Sunday could seriously hurt Chavez's future power in Venezuela...

Some politicians who are known to publicly criticize Chavez were voted in by people living in poverty (who once voted for the current dictating president).

Although the article focuses on the limits the new governing body may put on Chavez's economic and oil policies, I think this could be a positive and exciting time for the media system struggling to survive in the nation. If these politicians are realizing the problems Chavez is causing for his country economically, hopefully they will see the blockades he builds around journalists and their ability to cover the news.

This quote stood out to me the most while reading the article:
"The setbacks add to a list of growing problems for Mr. Chávez that are likely to slow his swagger."

Here's another link to the story: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122748432718751705.html?mod=googlenews_wsj


Posted by: Bridget Monaghan

Journalist's murder puts Russian justice on trial

This article talks about the continuing trial for the murder of Anna Politkovskaya. This week, the trial of the three men (two Chechen brothers, Dzhabrail and Ibragim Makhmudov, and a former police officer, Sergei Khadzh-ikurbanov) accused of assisting in the murder- though not of the actual murder itself- begins. Stated in the article: "...critics say, [the trial] has worked more to illustrate the farcical nature of Russia's justice system, and how little is expected to change during the reign of [President Dmitry] Medvedev, himself a former lawyer." A lawyer, Murad Musayev, for the brothers said that the prosecution declared that Politkosvkaya's murder was ordered by a Russian politician without giving a name.

I found this article to be interesting and relevant because it illustrates the constant controversy surrounding Anna's murder. Two years later, justice has still not yet been found. As was mentioned in the article, this trial really demonstrates the absurd nature of Russia's justice system, which in a way reflects upon the country's press freedom as well. I think the outcome of this trial could be very telling of whether or not Russia is moving towards any positive changes in the areas of the justice system and press freedom.

By Lauren Chapman

Son of slained Russian journalist says she was threatened for years

Anna Politkovskaya was gunned down entering her home from a shooping trip. her children revealed that Anna had been threatened for nearly five years prior to her death because her reports were leading to criminal investigation. Four men now stand trial for the murder, but the gunnmen is still yet to be revealed. Also, four days proir to her murder the gunnmen had been entering her apartment building and loitering around passing Anna almost everyday. On the day Anna was murdered the gunnman was seen entering the building and exited the premises 1 minute after the fatal gunshot was fired. Today it is believed that a Russian politcan based in side the country is responisble for the murder of Anna Politkovskaya.

Iran’s 100-Second filmfest to become intl. event

TEHRAN -- Organizers of Tehran’s 100-Second Film Festival plan to convert it into an international event.

A number of foreign films have been slated to compete in the two-day event, which will commence on February 19, 2009.

The motto of this year’s festival is “Interrogative Cinema”, the secretariat of the festival Fazel Nazari mentioned during a press conference on Sunday.

He went on to say that the festival will have four sections namely Culture, Economy, Society and Resistance.

“The undeniable role of media in modern world will be explored in the Culture Section of the gala,” he added.

In the Economy section, art is considered from the aspect of economy since like culture, it has an important role in art. The Social section of the gala will focus on sacrifice and philanthropy as essential elements in human societies, he mentioned.

The Iran-Iraq war (1980-88) is a national honor which will be reviewed in the Resistance Section of the festival. The young generation should be acquainted with these values, he mentioned.

“We held several workshops in other countries including Azerbaijan, Turkey and Syria in order to introduce young filmmakers with this festival,” the Executive Secretary of the gala Behnam Bahadori said during the conference.

He went on to say that several countries including Turkey, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Syria and Cyprus will take part in this edition of the festival.

The 100-Second Film Club is established on the sidelines of the festival, which will be attended by renowned artists. Also, the festival will hold workshops, he mentioned.

At the conference, the Deputy Director of the festival Hossein Rabbani Gharibi said that the jury of the festival is comprised of three groups: experts, juniors and experienced cineastes.

“The festival will also hold a Free Section in which only foreign filmmakers can participate,” he concluded.

--------------------

It's awesome that Iran is trying to expand their media base and opening up their 100-Second Film Club to become an international event which in my opinion is saying they are trying to be a less strict media regulating country. The only problem I can see with this is that Iran will start to sanction rules in order for other countries to participate. This might involve rules regulating freedom of speech but maybe Iran will surprise us all.
-Meka Brooks

Venezuelan Polls Open

Today marked the opening day for polls in Venezuela to elect local governors and mayors. Many articles around the world are determining this election to be somewhat of a popularity contest for Chavez and his leftist party. Today is also marks a year after Chavez lost a referendum on extending his authority. According to The News International website, "Famous for his fiery language, Chavez has threatened to imprison opponents, or even send tanks onto the streets if his party loses in the populous northwestern state of Carabobo (on Sunday)." Although no results have come in as of yet with who has won the election, I think today's polls will determine the future of Venezuela and Venezuelan media. Check out some more articles on the elections here: http://www.silobreaker.com/DocumentClusterReader.aspx?Item=16_928225798
(notice you don't see any articles coming from Venezuelan reporters!)

-- Bridget Monaghan

Thaksin to announce return

Former Prime Minister Thaksin has announced his return to Thai politics on December 14. He has said he will no longer sit back and wait to be attacked and would rather fight for his name than sit around taking heat and not fighting for himself. Unfortunately for Thaksin, this will cause some change to his personal life, as he and his wife made an agreement that they would separate had he returned to politics. It appears that they plan to hold true to this agreement.

-Jared Besecker

Protesters gather as tense Thailand prepares for 'last battle'

This is interesting as the Thai government has been going through a rough patch very recently and since Thaksin has been overthrown. Thousands of protesters gathered today as a final push for their 6 month long campaign to bring down their current government. Many have already died in the attempts, and protesters have pointed the finger at the government, but the government denies any sort of ties to the violence that has partaken towards the protesters during this long period.

-Jared Besecker

Russia: Activists Demand Probe Into Russian Journalist's Savage Beating

Once again, people who cared for killed and assualted journalists in Russia are writing President Dmitry Medvedev about pushing their investigation. Russian journalist Mikhail Beketov was found unconsious outside of his neighbor's home early morning of Nov. 13. He was brutally beaten, which forced the amputation of one of his legs and remains in serious condition.
Beketov was a editor of a paper that features critical articles against local authorities in Khimki. He has received death threats in the past, and last May his car was detonated.
This request for an investigation is becoming common, like the one asked for the investigation of Anna Politikovskaya's death. It is apparent that the government isn't concerned with finding the suspects for these incidents which makes us suggest that maybe the government has something to do with the cases.

Ashlee Newcomb

Communal Banks Receive big boost

Chavez's latest plan is to give a large sum of money to local banks to help the faltering economy around the world. By doing this Chavez may be helping out the banks in the short run but he is also going against a major principle of democracy which is a nation should have a weak central government. Bailing a country out in a time of need is a good plan with a lot of benefits but eventually the country will be too reliant on the government and lose the capitalistic structure that allows democracy to thrive.

Press and public unable to attend Politkovskaya murder trial

“Allowing the public and press to attend the trial is a good decision, given the importance of the case,” Reporters Without Borders said. “The murder victim was an outspoken and independent journalist who dedicated her professional life to making the public aware of aspects of reality that many people would have liked to cover up. We have a debt towards here. We owe her transparency in the investigation and in the trial of her murderers.” (Reporters Without Borders)

Yevgeny Zubov, the presiding judge in the trial of four men for the 2006 murder of Novaya Gazeta reporter Anna Politkovskaya, has ruled that he will not allow the press or public to sit in during the trial. Two days before this ruling he posted the opposite, saying that press and public were granted access to the courtroom. Zubov claims that the jury had requested this action, saying they would not enter the courtroom as long as press were present. In an interview for independent radio Echo Moskvy today an anonymous juror denied claims that the jury itself had requested the press and public be banned from the hearings. He said they were presented with a document that if signed the press would be banned from the courtroom, but none of the jurors agreed to sign the document. This is just another sick twist in the case of Anna Politkovskaya and the four men on trial.

Iran News show

Student Enrollment

0-Fold Rise in Student Population

Minister of Science, Research and Technology Mohammad Mehdi Zahedi said on Sunday Iran’s student population has increased by 20-fold since the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
“Early in the revolution, 170,000 out of a population of 35 million Iranians were students but today there are some 3.5 million students. This means that the student population has grown by 20 times,“ said Zahedi in a meeting with a group of American deans and Universities, IRNA reported.
Zahedi noted that girls constitute 60 percent of the state-run universities’ students and 51 percent of other Iranian universities’ students.
“At the beginning of the revolution, there were PhD courses for 10 branches of sciences but now there are PhD courses in all branches of science,“ he said.
Zahedi also said some 500 international-level scientific articles and essays were produced annually in the early years of the revolution but the number of Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) articles stood at 13,000 in 2008.
The same number of articles was published in other reputable magazines, showing a rise of 52 percent.

I found this interesting because here at Penn State we look at over enrollment as a problem and take it for granted that a lot of us can enroll anywhere we want. to jump from 170,000 to 3.5 million is a great accomplishment. Another interesting fact is that women made up the highest percent of college students, Iran is one of those countries that is expected to keep their women at a lower level than men but these results prove them wrong.

-Meka Brooks

Workers Recieve Shares

20m Shares for Workers

Over 20 million state shares have been given to workers in the past month (ended Oct. 21).
In line with transferring the shares of state firms to their own staff, Privatization Organization has ceded more than 20 million shares of production units worth 18.5 billion rials during Sept. 22-Oct.21, ISNA reported.
Of these shares, close to 750 shares worth 637 million rials and 2.6 million shares worth 5.6 billion rials have been respectively handed over to the employees of Satkab and Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization.
Also, 18 million shares worth 12 billion rials have been ceded to the subsidiaries of Industrial Development and Renovation Organization.

I find this interesting how slowly bust surely the Iranian government is giving businesses some control over their industries.

-Meka Brooks

UAE Police Harassing Iranians

Hassan Qashqavi

Hassan Qashqavi on Monday condemned the Dubai police for mistreating Iranians tourists.
Police at Dubai International Airport reportedly manhandled and insulted 150 Iranian men and women arriving in the Persian Gulf emirate from Tehran. The police claim they had had reports suggesting one of the Iranians was carrying narcotics, Presstv reported.
The Foreign Ministry spokesman once again urged the emirati officials to approach and treat Iranian travelers with respect.
He noted that Iran’s Foreign Ministry had summoned the UAE charge d’affaires to protest the irresponsible conduct of the Dubai police.
“Such unacceptable behavior will indeed harm Iranian public opinion about the UAE,“ the spokesman said. He rejected reports that the Foreign Ministry has been apathetic toward the systematic harassment of Iranians by the UAE police.

Posted By : Meka Brooks

Facebook Removes Italy Neo-Nazi Pages

On Saturday, November 15th, the parliament filed a complaint against facebook about a number of neo-nazi groups based out of Italy. They claimed that although they respect the free-flow of information, the groups promoted violence and therefore violated their terms of service. This is the newest case of a number of incidents where nazi items were censorsed or banned. According to the article E-Bay and Yahoo both banned the sale of pro-nazi items.

Threats against Italian Journalist

This is an article that talks about how journalist, Rosaria Capacchione, has experienced life threatening threats from the Mafia also known as the camorra. The same mafia has also threantened the life of Italian author Roberto Saviano. This woman is now under 24 hour police protection. Like Robert Saviano, many of her stories cover the Casalesi clan and which Saviano exposed in his worldwide bestseller.

oops haha

i mean "strategic" ...strategical isnt a word.

A "Strategical" Divorce in Thailand

Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra reportedly divorced his wife Pojaman in order for each to achieve separate goals. The divorce was supposedly only "on paper"... not because the couple was having relationship problems. The separation was simply "practical and legal".
The couple is calling the divorce a "strategy". Thaksin plans to continue to campaign against his political enemies, mainly the People's Alliance for Democracy. He is currently accused of corruption. If found guilty, it would affect Pojaman's freedoms (as his wife). The trial will be held at the end of the month.
Pojaman wants to apply for a visa to move to Britain with their three children. If Thaksin is found guilty, attaining a visa would be nearly impossible. Pojaman was already revoked of her visa once when Thaksin was first accused.
It is beleived that this "forced" divorce will rouse much sympathy among Thaksin supporters. It is reported that the couple remains very close.

Marley Lynch

Italians Celebrate Obama Victory

Amid the media blitz regarding Italian prime minister Berlusconi, the Italian public along with Americans celebrate the victory of Barack Obama in the presidential race. It is very interesting to me that in a country that has an extraordinarily corrupt political system that our goverment would get such publicity. I understand that America is seen as a world power and despite recent years is still highly respected. After living in Italy for 5 months I have come to realize that Italians look to the American democratic system in hope. In the recent years under the umbrella of Berlusconi, Italians have had a grim view of democracy. Obama, in the eyes of the Italians, offers as much hope for change for Americans as he does for them. Although it is clear in this video that the American people living in Italy, in this case Rome, are leading this celebration it is also very obvious that the Italians are just as much involved. The parade of people are moving down a very highly populated area in Rome and this just proves that Obama is accepted as a figure head, already, in this country.

Tricia Mastuzo

The People of Thailand say their farewells to Princess Galyani Vadhana

Thousands of Thais clad in black gathered around Sanam Luang to welcome and pay respect as Their Majesties the King and the Queen presided at the Friday evening merit-making ceremony at Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall for HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana on the first day of the six-day funeral ceremony.

HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, the elder sister of His Majesty the King, passed away on January 2.

It is the first full royal funeral in Thailand since 1996, a potentially unifying moment at a time of deep political strife and anti-government protests in the Buddhist kingdom.

"I want to express my loyalty to her and the monarchy and I do it with my heart. I am appreciate that most Thais are wearing black today to mourn her," said Watchara Somsean, 39, a black-clad food vendor in Bangkok.

Bangkok's normally vibrant streets were muted Friday, with most people on the futuristic Skytrain system wearing black shirts or jackets, while flags flew at half mast for the princess.

The government has asked television and radio stations to keep programming "appropriate" while all Thais have been asked to wear black for the first three days of the ceremony.

"If someone passes away you should wear black or white but we prefer black ... because white to many means wedding," an official from the Government Public Relations Department told AFP.

At least 1.5 million people have paid their respects to the late Princess's embalmed remains, which have lain in state at the Grand Palace's Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall since her death from cancer, the Royal Household Bureau said.

The 10-month period between her death and the funeral was to make preparations for the building of the huge gilded crematorium and for the procession that will take her remains there.

An official 15-day mourning period followed her death in January, although royal palace employees stayed in mourning 100 days after her death.

"I am Thai and must show respect to her. It's also our tradition," said government official Kachorchan Kakhao, 51. "I feel grateful to see Thais are wearing black everywhere -- in the bus, traders."

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Being that this is the first royal funeral since '96, the country seems to unite in honor of the Princess. I think this is really nice because many different kinds of people loved their Princess, and it shows that their tradition of honoring an important person in their society still holds strong. They can put aside the problems for a few days to show respect and say their farewells to the Princess.

Posted By:
Amanda B

Italian Media Jacking Movement

This video explores the Italian Media Jacking Movement, Italy's Telestreet phenomena. It used a network of around 200 micro pirate TV transmitters to counter the media monopoly that Berlusconi held.
The documentary has activists from TeleAut and SpegnilaTV and famous media theorist Franco Berardi.

Iran waits for Obama to enact "Yes We Can" slogan

Irans Foreign Ministry Spokesman said in a press briefing on Monday that Iran is waiting for US President Elect Barack Obama to put into practice his "Yes We Can" slogan.

The spokesman said that Tehran would reply favorably to any change of policy by Washington towards Iran.

For the first time since the 1979 Islamic revolution, Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made history by sending a congratulation message to his American counterpart on his success in the presidential race. 11/10/08



Watch the news report here

Iran signs a MoU with Malaysia

Economic MoU Signed With Malaysia

Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki and his Malaysia counterpart Rais Yatim signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries.
The MoU was signed following the Seventh Iran-Malaysia Economic Commission meeting in Putrajaya, the country’s administrative capital, on Tuesday, IRNA reported.
Prior to signing the MoU, the two sides reviewed the latest developments at the expert level commission on the same day.
“Iran is regarded as one of Malaysia’s major trade partner,“ said the Malaysian foreign minister, adding that Iran is the third trade partner of Malaysia in terms of volume of bilateral trade exchange.
“Increase in trade between the two countries touched its highest level in the current year,“ he said.
SAA Oil Company has signed a deal valued at $16 billion for investment in the Iranian oil and gas sectors while Petronas Oil Company and automaker Proton Company are now pursuing different projects in Iran.
“A Malaysia construction company has been financed to construct some 10,000 residential houses in Iran,“ he said.
Yatim noted that other areas of mutual cooperation such as tourism, education, food industry, agriculture and exchange of skilled workforces were among issues discussed at the confab.
The Iranian foreign minister said the meeting is expected to help deepen and bolster ties and cooperation between the two countries.
“Expansion of relations with Malaysia in various fields, including international organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is of prime importance,“ he said.
“Trade volume between Iran and Malaysia increased by 33 percent to $880 million in the first six months of the current Iranian year (started March 20),“ he said, expressing hope that the figure would exceed $1.5 billion by the end of next year.
Mottaki also urged private sectors of the two sides to play a much more active role in implementing the projects.
“Iran possesses numerous assets and business opportunity,“ he said, citing the country’s unique geo-political status, oil and gas resources, easy access to Asian and European markets, major waterways such as Persian Gulf and Caspian Sea, ample labor force and suitable climate for investment.
“Iran’s access to peaceful nuclear energy is unavoidable for the Iranian nation which seeks sustainable development,“ he said.
Mottaki stressed that Iran is strongly opposed to any hostile actions or proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and calls for durable peace and justice round the globe.


I posted this for 2 reasons. First reason being we just finished studying the Media Systems of Malaysia and second reason being this shows that Iran does go out their way to try to build allies outside of the middle east and the United States.

-Meka Brooks

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s Welcomes Obama

World Welcomed Letter to Obama

Hassan Qashqavi (Minestry Spokesman)

The world has welcomed President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s congratulatory message to US President-elect Barack Obama, the Foreign Ministry said.
“Ahmadinejad’s decision to write to Obama was, among other things, an indication of the high potential of Iranian diplomacy. It had the greatest impact inside the United States,“ Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hassan Qashqavi, told students at Tehran University on Tuesday, Presstv reported.
In an unprecedented move, the president congratulated Obama on his victory in the Nov. 4 presidential election. He was the first Iranian president after the 1979 Islamic Revolution to congratulate an American leader. Iran and the US have had no diplomatic ties for almost three decades. Washington cut off relations in 1980 after revolutionary students seized the US Embassy in Tehran to protest years of US spying and subterfuge under diplomatic cover.
Soon after overtaking the mission the students set out on a torturous program and put together millions of pieces of shredded confidential documents at the embassy that without any doubt proved the illegal activities of the ’diplomats’. Over the years the students published tens of books that showed in graphic detail how the embassy had been effectively turned into a den of spies to the detriment of Iran and its people. Ever since, the former embassy has been known as the “US espionage den.“
Successive US administrations have been carrying the grudge of the so-called ’hostage crises’ until today and have done everything in their power to undermine the Islamic Republic and its interests in the region and beyond.
“The letter conveyed the message (to Obama) that if you seek real change, we are ready to help you. Obama said at his first press conference after the historic victory that he would study the letter and reply accordingly,“ Qashqavi recalled.
Iranian diplomacy is influential both at the regional and international levels, he said, and added “It is said that Iran was the biggest challenge facing the United States and its election.
This pretty much contradicts claims by certain quarters that Iran’s foreign policy is isolated.“
One key factor in assessing the success of any foreign policy is to what extent it can serve national interest and security, he told the students at the prestigious university.
Qashqavi rejected criticism leveled by the domestic and foreign press about the performance of Iran’s diplomatic corps.
“Sections of media seek to portray Iran’s diplomacy as isolated,“ he added. A glance at the key role being played by Iran in helping resolve regional and international crises can show the role and effectiveness of the Foreign Ministry apparatus, he concluded.

---- I think a report like this shows that Iran is trying to work with the United States and really does want change. I think they were just not as fond of Bush like most people in the country and was waiting to see if America really meant that they're ready to steer away from the plans the Bush Administration set forth. Now the next step is for Obama to keep his work about successfully bringing change not only to America but to the way countries like Iran looks at America.
-Meka Brooks

Russia- Perception of Leaders- Home and Abroad

--This article found on the AFP's website entitled "For Russia's Putin, knockabout with Obama is just the ticket" tackles the question of how the world media portrays Putin and also how Russia portrays Obama as the new president elect to the United States.
--The fact that Russian bloggers are talking about the election of Obama is interesting because it shows how our president affects the media in a worldwide perspective. If these bloggers are accrediting Obama to the "decline" of America, it is difficult to understand how much diversity of opinion and information is being delivered to the Russian people regarding the American election. The question arises again of how much the media is being censored in Russia regarding foreign affairs and everything else.
--Putin also is extremely careful of how he is perceived in the media which could help explain why so journalists who speak out specifically against Putin and his administration tend to be silenced in various ways. He wants to remain seemingly powerful in the media. The fact that a publicity stunt was planted where he "saves" a group of journalists from a tiger shows that he must care and understand how the world perceives him as treating the media.

This is the example of how the media portrayed Putin after the tiger stunt:


A hero?
Silly, huh?


Post by: Alexa Sell

Thailand's best-known social critic arrested for royal insult

Thailand's best- known social critic, Sulak Sivaraksa was arrested Friday in Bangkok on charges of insulting the monarchy. This is not Sulak's first time being arrested, he was also  arrested in 1991 on similar charges, but was later released after his arrest sparked international protests. The arrest comes after Sulak delivered a speech last year to mark International Human Rights day at Khon Kaen University. Sulak is best known for his human right's campaigns around the world and a vocal critic to Thailand's past prime minister Thaskin. 

Sulak was arrested and freed on bail and his lawyer claims this is just another example of the government controlling the freedoms of speech. Sulak's lawyer would not quote the exact parts of the speech that were deemed offensive but said Sulak spoke about human rights, philosophy, and that Sulak believed his critical remarks to be an effort to protect the monarchy. 

The charge of lese- majeste carries a maximum sentence of 15 years, and according to Thailand's laws any insults to the king is illegal because he is thought to be semi-divine by many Thais' and such insults are disrespectful. This is not Thailand's first time controlling the flow of information.  Last year, in an action to stop this growing trend the Thailand government shut down hundreds of websites that had content that was deemed disrespectful to the royal family. Police also said they are investigating over 30 cases with similar charges.

This is just another example of how different Thailand's freedoms are from  other countries in the world with regard to freedoms of press and speech. 

Alyssa Ciambriello

Russian Media on Obama and other Russian news this week

Since this week was Election week, I thought it only appropriate to examine how Russian media currently views and is talking of Barack Obama's victory and the future of the U.S. This BBC News article highlights a few Russian news lines regarding Obama including; "Obama has become a kind of new religion for some of his supporters" and "Experts are convinced that Obama will pay more attention to Russian internal political problems such as political pluralism and freedom of speech." I found this very interesting first of all because Russia is recognizing the Obama-craze that has swept the nation and also because for the most part, it seems that Russia is pleased with our election results and hold high hopes that he will improve our relations with Russia. I think this is a very important development. I also noticed the part in the second newsline about Obama paying more attention to the freedom of speech problems in Russia. Since our case study directly involves this issue, that caught my eye and make me wonder what Obama would be able to do in terms of helping this situation in Russia, if this is even possible.

Some other Russian news that I came across in my media monitoring this week includes the following:

Communists accuse Bond girl Olga Kurylenko of "betraying" Russia: The Communist Party of St. Petersburg has accused Ukranian actress Olga Kurylenko, Bond's sidekick in the most recent Bond adventure "Quantum of Solace," of "betraying" Russia by acting in this film. Though the film is of fictional nature, the party is angered that she assists "a man who worked for decades under the orders of Thatcher and Reagan to detroy the USSR." They feel that she is assisting the "killer of thousands of Soviet people and their allies." The article states that the Communist Party of St. Petersburg has a history of criticizing "disloyal" Western films.
I found this article rather interesting because it somewhat relates to media issues, but in this case it's Russia having an issue with our media. I think this really highlights how sensitive an issue it can be for countries to portray other countries in a negitive light, even through fictional movies. This reminded me of examples we covered in class relating to this issue such as the films "Zoolander" and "Borat," who both portray other countries in negative lights as well.

Finally, in one other news story I read, hate crimes in Russia are soaring. Attacks on Russian holiday kill 2: On a national holiday celebrating Russian unity, Russian youths killed two people from Central Asia. National Unity Day has increasingly been used by ultranationalists and facist groups to attack dark-skinned immigrants from Central Asia. Hate crimes in Russia are soaring and are at a 50% increase over the last year. According to the article, in the first 10 months of this year, 113 people were killed and 340 injured in zenophobic attacks. Most of these attacks happened in Moscow.
The reason this story caught my attention is because it made me think of our case study which focuses on the murders of Russian journalists. This case is different because the target is immigrants rather than Russian journalists, however it still highlights some of the country's issues and it still puts Russia in a bad light.


By Lauren Chapman

Berlusconi calls Obama "Tan"

This week Italy was no different than countries all over the world as the historic nomination of Barack Obama was all over the headlines. However, by Thursday the news had changed from celebration of America making history, to that of outrage and shame because of comments made by PM Silvio Berlusconi. On Thursday Berlusconi, who is known for making insensitive statements called American president-elect Obama "young handsome and even tanned" at a news conference in Moscow. The remark came as the Italian PM and Russian president Dmitry Medvedev discussed the increasingly negative US/Russia relations, saying that between the two young leaders (Obama and Medvedev) should be able to come together. Despite the outrage that many have over the comments, Berlusconi has defended the comment saying it was a compliment and that he was just trying to be "cute." Personally I've heard a lot worse said about black people, but as a world leader in an increasingly diverse world one should know the difference between a "cute" comment and a racially insensitive one. With political correctness sweeping the world, and a rapid and aggressive media, Berlusconi should know when he's fighting a lost cause. Rather he truly believes his comments were appropriate or not is the point. But as an elected official and direct representative of a nation he should try a little harder not to offend such a large amount of people and so often with controversial remarks.

Ahmadinejad welcomes Obama change

For the first time since the 1979 Iran revolution, The Iranian government offered praise and a message of positive hope to America and president elect Barack Obama. Ahmadinejad praised and congratulated Obama, saying that he hopes his new regime can move away from the Bush policies on international negotiations. Ahmadinejad as well as Tehran insist that it is possible to have peaceful relations, those relations which were restricted by Bush's policies as well as Iran's desire to possess and cultivate Uranium-rich products. It is believed that what the Iranian president did is a positive step in regards to relations between Iran and the U.S. The next step to be taken is the one by Obama and Washington D.C.

Thailand's Former Prime Minister Speaks to Supporters

From The Bangkok Post, November 3, 2008

80, 000 red-shirted supporters showed up at Rajamangala national stadium to hearformer Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatara’s speech Saturday to listen to their leader’s message, which was pre-recorded and aired from Hong Kong to the faithful followers.

The core leaders of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), the event’s organizer, were thrilled with the success of the event based on attendance.

The highlight was Thaksin's speech. He began with a cynical snipe at the justice system and democracy. "Swasdee, Tharn Veera and every Thai national, [I] wish to say that [I] love democracy and love justice so much. Today [I am] pleased there are so many of you here." After the short preamble, he went right to his usual self-pitying rhetoric.

Minus a brief call for reconciliation at the end of the program, Thaksin's rhetoric was mostly about himself and his family and how they were unfairly treated by what he mocked as krabuankarn yuti kwam pen tham (literally, the process to end justice) instead of krabuankarn yutitham (judicial process), about his multi-billion baht assets which have been frozen here in Thailand. He also blamed the September 19 coup makers two years ago for being the original cause of today's political turmoil and social division. And last but not least, he pleaded with his supporters to seek a royal pardon to bring him home. "Only royal kindness can bring me home," he told his audience. Thaksin did however omit mentioning the "privileged elite," whom he earlier accused of ganging up on him.

This speech reinforced the belief that Thaksin has not changed and will not change, he is the same as before the coup and after the coup, a man who blames everyone else but himself for the misfortunes that have fallen on him and his family.

Thaksin tried to convince supporters that the two-year jail term he was given and is evading was imposed on him without a legitimate case. He pointed out in his speech that his verdict did not stem from any abuse of power on his part under the Criminal Code, but stemmed from his breach of ethical conduct as stipulated in the anti-corruption law, which came into force before he assumed the premiership.  

Pleading for a royal pardon for Thaksin so that he can come home and walk as a free man is against the principle that a convict must serve a part of their prison sentence before he or she is entitled to a royal pardon or amnesty. Ironically, the plea for freedom now will only make Thaksin one of the "privileged elite" that he vilifies for all his misfortunes.

Against widespread anxiety and expectations, Thaskins’ speech has not helped in improving his prospects for reconciliation. Neither the "show of force," like the one organized by the UDD on Saturday, or the PAD's prolonged occupation of the Government House serves any purpose in respect to national reconciliation.

I think that it will be smarter for the country if the PAD and UDD, or the Somchai government, sit down for talks with a neutral moderator between parties to hopefully work out a peaceful solution to end the turmoil surrounding Thaksin’s evaded jail term. Thaksins’ plea is not a priority for the country and will not serve the goal of national reconciliation.

Ilana Kamens
http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=131794

Chavez Televised Speech

President Chavez, in a televised speech Sunday, addressed the upcoming U.S. election, the U.S. trade embargo with Cuba, and the recent U.S. attacks on Syria.

It may seem a bit strange that the Venezuelan president would spend time and energy talking about America instead of his own country, but I guess it's easier to talk about somebody else's shortcomings than your own. :) On the other hand, I found it difficult to find any press on this speech that was not about America, so he probably talked about other issues besides the ones that the American media would decide to cover.

Chavez, who has a strong anti-American stance, recently pulled his ambassador out of the U.S. and is refusing to send a new one until President Bush is out of office. Chavez also said that he would look forward to meeting and talking with Obama if he wins the election. He did not address his feelings on the possibility of meeting with McCain.

The big test, according to Chavez, of the next American president is whether or not the U.S. ends their current embargo with Cuba. (Chavez is a friend and supporter of Fidel Castro.)

Chavez also commented on the U.S.'s attack on Syria this weekend, calling it "illegal aggression" and violating international rights.

Anyway, I thought it was an interesting display of the dynamics of our relationship with Venezuela. There's a lot of finger-pointing on both sides, but hopefully our next president will be able to take the steps to get along with Chavez so that he can stop focusing on the U.S.'s actions and focus on running his own country!

http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/uspolls2008/Election_Story.aspx?ID=NEWEN20080070968&

and

http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/uspolls2008/Election_Story.aspx?ID=NEWEN20080070968&

--Hannah

Iran Feels the Hit of Falling Oil Prices

After taunting the United States about their economic crisis, calling it "God's punishment," the people of Iran quickly realized that their economic status was about to change too. Iran has found itself in a bind because of the plunging oil prices. People have quickly put the blame on Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, because he and his government failed to save any of the billions of dollars from the oil sales. Critics are saying that Iran could have as little as $9 billion left in their reserve, while it's predicted that the government earned around $66 billion a year in oil revenue. The low number has shocked the country, causing some to think that Ahmadinejad could be taking the money unlawfully. According to the Associated Press, Iran should be "swimming in money". It seems that Iran's economy is in a terrible state along with other countries right now. It is unfortunate that most of the country had no idea this ordeal was going on.

Iranian Exile Speaks Out

Amir Fakhravar was exiled into what is called a "white torture" after he spoke out against the Iranian regime. In 2004, at the age of 17, Fakhravar was punished for 5 years after he gave speeches and wrote articles going against the ideas of the Iranian regime. For 8 months of those 5 years, Fakhravar experienced sensory deprivation where he was only exposed to white. He was in a white cell with white light and wore white clothes. He was fed white rice and had to slide a white piece of paper under the door when he had to go to the bathroom. This kind of torture is used in trying to mentally weaken the prisoners. Fakhravar escaped only after the regime changed. Fakhravar said that the Iranians are trying to instill a fear in all Iranian children and people into converting into Shia Islam.
I think that this really depicts the lack of freedom in Iran. People are punished and tortured for years and years for merely speaking against the regime. The media system is not free and Fakhravar spent much of his life suffering for what he did. In America, something like this would never happen. Every day journalists speak out against the government and provide the public with their opinion without any kind of punishment.

3 Russian Channels are Banned from Ukraine

National Council of TV and Radio Broadcasting announced that all foreign channels must adapt to comply with the Ukraine law and if failed to do so would be banned. However, how to adapt was never explained to the Russian channels causing them to violate ethical norms, copyright, and advertising law set by the NCTRB. Some see this move as political being that Moscow and Keiv have not fair well recently. “It’s a matter of serious concern for us. Ukraine is a multinational state and those Russian-speaking citizens have the right to use their language and to watch Russian TV channels,” said Grigory Karasin, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister. It was esitmated that the Russian channels take in roughly 15 million viewers, and though the Ukraine cable co. is losing profits they feel that it is the Russian speaking citizens who suffer the worst.

The Courts Listen in

Former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, is expected to call from London at 8pm tonight. He will be addressing his supporters who will gather under the banner of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) to hear the live broadcasting. The Office of the Judiciary will be closely monitoring his every word for any signs of contempt. They will be looking to see if he criticizes the court over his conviction in the Ratchadaphisek case. There’s also scare that this talk will lead to violent riots between the UDD’s pro-government supporters and the anti-government supporters led by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

The penalty for contempt of court is a fine between 2,000 and 4,000 baht or up to seven years in jail. The case has just recently been posted on the internet for public view so that people can see the courts decision and the reasoning behind it. It was a split decision but the verdict found Thaksin Shinawatra guilty of breaching anti-corruption law. The law prohibits political office holders from doing business with state agencies. The media was also warned about quoting the Prime Minister so that they don’t get charged with contempt of court as well. It will be interesting to see what happens after this broadcasting and in the days to come as the media reports what happened.

By: Ronda Sundstrom

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=131753

RCS Managing 3 Hospitals Overseas

Iran’s Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has established three hospitals overseas, the society’s chief said.
Speaking in a seminar attended by the IRCS provincial directors, Masoud Khatami added that the society not only provides medical services to Iranians inside the country, but also extends them overseas.

"Iran has established hospitals in Yemen, Lebanon and UAE. We are also planning to build a hospital in Afghanistan,“ he said.
Referring to relief operations inside Iran, Khatami noted that Iran has been ranked sixth in the International Committee of the Red Cross in terms of providing medical services, Mehr News Agency reported.
“A total of 19 lawmakers are members of the General Assembly of IRCS. All individuals and institutions should try to remove the prevailing problems by assisting IRCS,“ he said.
A two-day seminar was held in Qom for reviewing the IRCS policies.
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Just found this interesting. Most of the time anything we hear in the news about Iran is negative. Just thought this was nice change in pace to hear something positive about the Iranian people instead of negative propaganda fueled by the United States. -Meka

Lebanese Valor Commended

Secretary of Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Saeed Jalili on Tuesday said that today’s Lebanon is a clear example of the victory of resistance over the strongest enemies.
In a meeting with former Lebanese President Emile Lahoud, he lauded Lahoud’s role in supporting the resistance movement and withstanding the excessive demands of enemies with courage and patience, Fars News Agency reported.
Jalili, who is the leader’s representative in SNSC, referred to the historic victory of Lebanon’s resistance against the Zionist regime in the 2006 war and said, “Moves by the resistance movements worldwide, the exemplary resistance of the people of Lebanon, and their imposing a humiliating defeat on the illegitimate regime of Israel led to the situation today wherein American politicians collectively speak about their mistakes and the futility of their past policies.“
Lahoud, for his part, characterized Iran as a real friend of Lebanon and said his people see Iran as a friend under all circumstances.
He referred to the aggressive nature of the Zionist regime and recalled that it is crucial that the resistance continue to confront Israeli aggressions.

Grateful
Lahoud praised Iran’s support for his country, and rejected any UN attempt to disarm the powerful Lebanese resistance movement, Hezbollah.
Lahoud who arrived Tuesday in Tehran on the invitation of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, attended a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, ISNA reported.
He expressed his dislike for the West and the Zionist regime’s conspiracies against Lebanon, and stressed that the hostile powers cannot impose their will on his people.
“None of western powers backed the Lebanese resistance. They even tried to stand against it,“ he said, adding that only Iran and Syria stood by his nation in time of need against Zionist aggression.
“We thought the westerners had come to Lebanon to be a part of the solution. But as it turned out, they secretly supported Israel.“
He termed the United Nations’ bid to disarm the popular Hezbollah resistance group as dangerous.
Mottaki, for his part, condemned the recent US attack on Syria and Pakistan and hoped that the next occupant of the White House would fix the dented US image in the world.
A US drone hit a tribal region in South Waziristan region of Pakistan late Monday and killed at least 20 people. It was the 70th violation of Pakistan’s territory by the US and NATO forces.

Secretary of Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Saeed Jalili (r) welcomes former Lebanese President Emile Lahoud in Tehran on Tuesday. (Photo by Hossein Fatemi)

---------------------------------------------

After reading this I somewhat understand why the Middle East is opposed to US "help". When the US says we're going over there to help the people we normally mean we're going over there to force our values on to a group of people who are happy living the way they are living. It's no wonder why people hate the United State's with a passion, and its not because we are the top super power. - Meka Brooks

Thailand: Tension Grows

In a Bangkok Post top story, five pro-government supporters were held by security guards for the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) . Scuffles broke out and a woman was punched in the face after the guards claimed they were armed and ready to incite violence. The four women and one man were intercepted by the guards wearing red shirts which said "Choose Samak, Love Thaksin" in a pick-up truck stuck in traffic. The guards claimed that a group of men in the back of the truck fired slingshots at them and that one also threw an axe but missed. The guards then paraded the man and women, who were found inside the truck, in front of a group of PAD supporters. They were then handed over to police for questioning.

This incident is of importance because it shows the rise in tension between the two groups and absence of stability within the political system of Thailand right now. Some people fear that things will continue this way or worsen because of events to come. A rally is planned for the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorships (UDD) on Saturday and a political talk show in Bangkok is said to attract a crowd of UDD supporters when the former prime minister will address the rally by telephone from London.

Despite the tension, the fact that a televised political talk show will be airing the viewpoints of former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, proves that there is still evidence of press freedom within the country and broadcast stations are not censoring themselves from covering a variety of material.


By: Allison Kershner

Russia Group:Businessman convicted of Russian c.banker's murder

This article really caught my attention because, they claimed this murder of the deputy head of Russia's central bank to be one of the highest-profile killings during Putin's presidency. It seems that there are many similar high-profile cases under his reign that take a long time to solve. This murder took place over two years ago, and finally now are sentences being distributed. The fact that this man was killed because he was leading a campaign against money-laundering and corruption, shows that it is common in Russia do whatever is necessary to quiet a loud mouth. This is similar to our case study about Anna Politkovskaya, a month after the banker was killed, and there is still no suspects for the murder. This article supports our theory of both either Putin's influence on such murders (journalists or important non-governmental leader figures) or that it is a part of the Russian society, and a normal way to handle things.

By Ashlee Newcomb

Radio Reporter Freed After Being Held for 14 years on genocide charge

This article discusses the release of Dominique Makeli from prison. Makeli is a former reporter with Rwanda Radio. He was arrested on September 18, 1994 for a genocide-related charge. In May 1994, Makeli was covering a supposed appearance of the Virgin of Kibeho. He reported that she said "The parent is in heaven," which prosecutors believed meant "President Habyarimana is in heaven." This was taken as support for Habyarimana, and thus, the killing of the Tutsis. To this day, Makeli and many local supporters dispute this interpretation. Makeli spent the last 14 years in several different prisons until finally ending up at the Kigali central prison.

Reporters without Borders is calling this "excellent news and a great relief." I too think that the release of Makeli is a positive step for Rwanda. It is a shame to think that he may have spent the past 14 years of his life incarcerated do to a misinterpretation. The government in Rwanda, to this day, has complete control over the media. The release of Makeli is a small step forward from the government's domination in Rwanda. Hopefully, this will lead to the liberation of many others who were imprisoned on vague genocide-related charges.

By: Stefanie Merrigan

This article is very brief, but gives an update on the progress of the tribunal against Augustin Ngirabatware. Ngirabatware was arrested at the request of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in Germany in late 2007. The ICTR issued a warrant for his arrest in 2001 on charges related to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Ngirabatware made his first appearance before the ICTR the day after this article was published, and denied all charges against him.

Rwanda genocide suspect moved to Africa

(CNN) -- A former top Rwandan official charged for his alleged role in genocide during the 1990s has been transferred to a U.N. detention facility in Africa.

Augustin Ngirabatware, the country's former minister of planning, was moved from Frankfurt, Germany on Wednesday to a U.N. detention facility in Arusha, Tanzania, according to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. He was arrested in Germany on September 17, 2007.

Ngirabatware is charged with nine counts, including genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, crimes against humanity and violations of the Geneva Conventions.

The tribunal says he will soon make his initial appearance before the court, but did not give a date.

About 830,000 Rwandans, both minority Tutsis and majority Hutus with moderate political views, were killed by Hutu extremists during the 1994 genocide.

The killings began April 7, 1994, the day after a plane carrying the presidents of Rwanda and Burundi was shot out of the sky with a missile as it prepared to land in the Rwandan capital of Kigali.

Chavez threatens to imprison opposition

Although this story about Chavez wanting to imprison the man who ran against him in the last Venezuelan presidential race is not a report on how Chavez controls and dictates the media, it is just another example of how Chavez dictates his entire country. The Associated Press reports that Chavez gave no reasoning behind his arrest of Rosales nor did he explain to the public what charges Rosales would face. This story is more evidence of Chavez unfair representation of his country. It's no wonder he treats the media the way he does. To add, I could not find one Venezuelan newspaper/television channel who reported this story...

Chavez threatens to imprison opposition governor

By RACHEL JONES

Associated Press Writer

CARACAS, Venezuela --

President Hugo Chavez threatened Saturday to imprison the popular governor of Venezuela's western Zulia state for allegedly plotting to kill him.

Chavez leveled the accusation against Manuel Rosales - one of Venezuela's four opposition governors - just weeks before Nov. 23 gubernatorial and municipal elections.

Rosales, the two-time governor of Zulia, is running for mayor of Maracaibo, Venezuela's second largest city. He ran against Chavez for the presidency in 2006, but Chavez handily defeated him with nearly 63 percent of the vote.

"I have decided to make Manuel Rosales a prisoner," Chavez told a group of business leaders in Maracaibo. "He cannot continue in office. ... He is one of those who wants to see me dead."

Chavez did not give further details such as who would arrest Rosales or what charges he would face.

Rosales denied the accusations later Saturday, calling the Chavez government a "nest of gangsters and mafia leaders" with "clearly demonstrated" ties to Colombian guerrillas.

"I respect (Chavez) as president but he has not respected me as governor," Rosales told television station Globovision.

Since taking office in 1999, Chavez has frequently accused his opponents of conspiring with Washington to assassinate him. But government and opposition rhetoric is becoming even more heated ahead of November's vote on 23 state governorships and 300 municipal posts.

In recent weeks, Chavez's allies have accused Rosales of planning the president's assassination - though officials have not presented any evidence implicating the governor in such a plot.

Chavez said Saturday "it's no coincidence" that authorities arrested two people last month in Rosales' Zulia state in an alleged plot to shoot down the presidential plane with an anti-tank weapon. He called Rosales a corrupt gangster "worse than Don Corleone" of the "Godfather" movies.

Chavez also said concerns for his safety led him to cancel a trip to El Salvador for next week's Ibero-American Summit because President Tony Saca's administration could not guarantee his safety.

Rosales has accused Chavez allies of making unfounded allegations as an electoral ploy to distract Venezuelans from pressing problems such as double-digit inflation and rampant crime.

Opposition leaders have also criticized a decision by the country's top anti-corruption official to bar 272 candidates from running in the upcoming elections because authorities suspect them of graft. Critics say the move sidelined popular Chavez opponents.

Last week a Venezuelan court reopened a case against a Caracas mayor suspected of involvement in violence during a short-lived coup attempt against Chavez in 2002. Henrique Capriles called the timing of the decision an attempt to sabotage his current campaign for governor of Miranda state.

--Bridget Monaghan

Should US officials talk with Iranian government officials?

An article in Newsweek magazine explored this past week the issue of whether United State governmental officials should begin to talk with difficult governmental leaders such as Iran's president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.  The article, written by an ex-Bush official, discussed how McCain and Palin steadfastly pledge not to talk with the Iranian government while Obama believes that it would be in America's best interest to open lines of communication with Iranian governmental leaders. McCain called Obama "naive" for believing that honest communication with Iranian leaders would be beneficial and Palin has attacked Obama for having what she described as "bad judgement" for his opinion of open and honest communication.  The reporter in this article sides with Obama, stating that he believes that Iran is a powerful world force in the Middle East and cutting communication would be harmful to our country in the long run. He cites former Presidents such as John Kennedy and Richard Nixon for their policies in remaining on good terms with our enemies. He believes that we need to enter into a smart strategy of "engagement" with the rest of the world in order to provide for a positive and prosperous future for our country.

Positive relations with the country of Iran is extremely important to the United States government because Iran is currently developing a nuclear-weapon program that would change the balance of power in the Middle East.  The Iranian government also funds terrorist groups that target the United States and our allies.  By opening lines of communication, we would be taking steps towards avoiding the possibility of a third world war with Iran. This reporter believes that if we don't begin to talk with the Iranian government, we will be forced to take military action in the future.

I believe that the author of this article is extremely on target.  While the government of Iran now imposes strict controls on the media and journalists, I believe that there is a chance that open lines of communication with the United States could work to break down those controls.   

New Community for South Ossetia

Over the weekend Mayor Yuri M. Luzhkov stated that he plans on spending over 100 million dollars to rebuild the society. He would go on later to say that they are celebrating a victory for freedom and independence. Mr. Luzhkov is the Mayor of Moscow not Tskhinvali where the South Ossetians where when the were trying to fight for their freedom. I dont understand how he can call it a victory for freedom when the opposing side was fighting for the same purpose, but gained nothing from it. A good point is made in this article. Foriegn governments protest basically saying that he is detroying everything they built in their society whether it be their society or freedom. Yuri replies back by saying that he is doing this to expand Moscow's sister-city. Yuri M. Luzhkov is what I call a hyprocrit, one second he says that he is celebrating for the victory of freedom and on the other hand here he is invading someone eles privacy. He is only worried about his own country and he is not protecting Moscow's freedom he is adding to it by invading other countries rights and freedoms. Later on in the article it talks about how Luzhkov was critized for his thoughts on Crimea, in a newspaper. He had city officials try to evict the paper from the builing, but officials stopped after a small like riot broke out. This article only goes to show that Russia is not striving for press freedom and democracy. Russia is far from either one of those two things, I think the United Nations needs to step in a create a Universal Law or something to spark press freedom over in Russia.


Tyler Mcdowell

Italian Government Collapses

Italy's government finally fell Thursday, after Prime Minister Romano Prodi lost a confidence vote that making it clear that Italy’s leaders know they are about to face a deep political and economic crisis but are venomously divided over how to solve it. During the debate one senator rushed in fury to colleague, Stefano Cusumano, taunting him and apparently tried to attack him. Mr. Cusumano, 60, reportedly cried, then collapsed.

His attacker stated “If I had the chance, I would have spit in his face,” (Senator Tommaso Barbato) His action came after Mr. Cusumano changed his vote to support Mr. Prodi. After the vote, which Mr. Prodi lost 161 to 156, he submitted his resignation, ending his 20 turbulent months in office and the 61st government here since World War II. Of course Silvio Berlusconi is urging for immediate elections, as the richest man in the country he believes he can do something to pull Italy out of its economic and political crisis. Another option is the president could also ask Mr. Prodi, or another member of the center-left, to try to form a new majority. Or he could appoint an interim government of technocrats charged with reforming, among other things, the electoral law, which most experts agree creates thin, unstable majorities.

In an earlier blog I reported on the popular Beppe Grillo, the political comic and blogger. He made a statement on this issue stating that "We’ve tried the right, then a false left,” “Where is the difference between right and left? There is none. If we go to elections with the same old law, people face a situation of no hope.”

Apparently in many ways, Mr. Prodi’s government seemed doomed from the start, due to the difficulties of assembling a stable coalition in a nation with scores of small parties, each with a strong sense of self-preservation. His coalition was composed of nine parties, ranging from conservative Christian Democrats to Communists. They agreed on little, and at times ministers demonstrated against their own government.

The government has “reached the end of the line,” Senator Renato Schifano, who is with Mr. Berlusconi’s party, Forza Italia, said before the vote was taken to eject Mr. Prodi. “That’s what Italians feel right now, and they’re ready, and cannot wait to breathe a sigh of relief.”

I have many mixed emotions about this article. How does this country function without a proper government? Do they really want to rely back on Berlusconi's who controls majority of the media. Its an awful situation and it is tearing their country apart. Sooner or later they need to be able to support its citizens with everything they need our of a government. 61 governments since WWII, that is outrageous!

Iran arrests American University student

A student from American University was arrested and is being held in prison for research she is going on women’s movement in Iran.  The student was staying with her family in Iran and has been taken from the home. Her computer and other materials that related to her research have been seized. The young girl is a member of the Iranian women’s right group and is being held at jail in Iran until her case is fully investigated. American University is working hard to try and release her, but their student isn’t the only one that has been arrested. Dozens have also been arrested due to their role in the Change for Equality campaign, which was set up by Iranian women activists and seeks to change laws the deny women their equal rights by getting as many signatures as possible.

 

I was shocked in reading this article because it goes against freedom of speech. It upsets me that these women can’t even try and speak up about getting equal rights in Iran. The student who has been arrested was merely trying to do research for her school, and everything, including her computer was taken away. If Iran is stopping people like her from expressing their opinion to the world, we may never know what is truly going in their country. 

-Marisa Cooperman

Thailand Wins Tourism Award

The popular Danish travel magazine "Stand By" held an award ceremony October 9th. It was the 13th annual ceremony the magazine held of this type. Out of 40 countries Thailand was voted the "Best Tourist Country 2008" for the second consecutive year in a row.

I find this interesting news based on a previous blog post about Thailand tourism. Thailand must be doing all it can to attract visitors to the country. However, they might be doing it at the expense of their own culture. A previous blog post featured an article about how the cultural minister wanted to mass produce religious charms for tourist consumption. These charms and talisman included phallic shapes. This suggestion raised eyebrows among many Thai citizens, who dont think that tourists will understand the cultural references of the talisman and will not take the phallic charms seriously. Could Thailand be exploiting its own culture at the expense of fabulous tourism?

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Proclaimed Guilty

THAILAND

By the narrowest of margins, a Supreme Court panel on Tuesday found ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra guilty of corruption in the Ratchadaphisek land deal case and sentenced him to two years in prison. His wife Khunying Potjaman was cleared of all charges.

The court's 's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions ruled 5-to-4 that Mr Thaksin was guilty of conflict of interest by helping his wife get a sweet, discounted price for her purchase of 33 rai of land on Thiam Ruam Mit Road in the Ratchadaphisek business district.

The deal went through while Mr Thaksin was prime minister, through an auction run by the Bank of Thailand's Financie Development Fund (FIDF) five years ago.

"Thaksin violated the article of the constitution on conflict of interest, as he was then prime minister and head of government, and was supposed to work for the benefit of the public," one judge said, reading the verdict. "He is sentenced to two years in jail."

The jail term was given without suspension. But because Mr Thaksin is currently living in exile in London, the court issued a warrant for his arrest.

The court voted 7-2 to clear Khunying Potjaman of all charges, because she was not a state official.

Immediately after the verdict Mr Thaksin spoke by telephone to the Reuters news agency. He said he was not surprised, and had expected the jail term.

"I have been informed of the result. I had long anticipated that it would turn out this way," he was quoted as saying, adding that the case was politically motivated.

"The attorney general will be seeking Thaksin's extradition very shortly," said Seksant Bangsomboom, the head of the prosecution team.

The sentence would expire in 10 years, after which Thaksin could return to Thailand without fear of being jailed, Seksant said.

Meanwhile, People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) supporters at the Government House compound they have occupied since late August cheered loudly at the verdict. They chanted "Thaksin in jail" in unison for several minutes.

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Well my opinion of this is that he is rightfully deserving to be convicted. Political leaders should not be abusing their power to help out friends (or in this case his wife) with their personal wants and needs. Obviously it is a wrong-doing to his country and he seems accepting of that. As it said, he is living in exile in London. If he returns to Thailand he will be arrested, unless he waits ten years; then he can return without being arrested. He put himself in this position and he is being rightfully punished. Luckily for him he can avoid jail by staying away from Thailand, even though many PAD protesters do not not agree with that.

Posted by Amanda B

Reporters Without Borders ranks Russa 141st for media freedom in 2008 press freedom index

Earlier today, the international organization Reporters Without Borders ranked Russia 141 out of 173 countries in terms of press freedom, with Mexico standing 140 and Ethiopia at 142. The ranking is based on events taking place between September 1, 2007 to September 1, 2008 and reflects the degree of freedom that journalists and the media have, as well as the effort made by the government and authorities to respect press freedom. Authors of the report say that Russia's journalists are still subject to violence and harrassment, and although the country has climbed a few places since it's 144 ranking in 2007, it still ranks poorly in terms of press freedom.

I found this article very interesting because we had been talking about Reporters Without Borders, as well as other such organizations, earlier in the semester. It interested me that despite the murder of Politkovskaya on October 7, 2007 and other such occurances since then, Russia was still able to climb a few spots in terms of press freedom ranking. It makes sense, however, that the country is still considered "not free" in terms of the press and that they rank so low, still, despite their climb.

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Also, in other Russian news, this past Tuesday, top military officers from Russia and the U.S. met secretly in the neutral capital of Helsinki, Finland to discuss their strained post-war in Georgia relationship and to try to get it back on track, according to a StarTribune article yesterday. It was organized at the request of the Russians, according to U.S. military officials. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with counterpart Gen. Nikolai Makarov and discussed the war in Georgia; NATO's relations with Russia, and how to improve cooperation on countering terrorism. Though Mullen offered no details, he said that dialogue will continue between the two countries.

I found this article very interesting as well because Russia arranged the meeting with the U.S. which shows that they are seeking our alliance and support. I think that this meeting is a good sign for Americans, Russians and the globe alike because I personally believe that cooperation, communication and understanding between any countries is a very beneficial and good thing to the world in general. Hopefully dialogue between the two countries will continue in a cooperative manner.

By Lauren Chapman

Mediaset back at it

Berlusconi's company wants more money. Mediaset is suing Youtube for copyright infringement of over 325 hours of clips. Although Youtube does not have the following in Italy that it does in America, it is fast getting there. The giant that is Youtube has many rules and stipulations in place that prohibit a user from posting copyrighted material. However, it is common for compyrighted videos to slip through. Mediaset, and therefore Berlusconi are trying to have more of a hold over the news they spew. Check it out!

Tricia Masturzo

Comic blogs about Mediaset

Although a very short article I found it very interesting and revealing about Italian media systems. Obviously I was attracted at first due to the title about Mediaset, the overpowering media system run by former prime minister Berulsconi. In this article is goes on to say that a Genovese comic goes on to mock Berlusconi"s position in office and the position he hold in the media business. He mentions that if the company was taken over then "real journalists" could take over. This is an obvious jab at the political programs in the country, the programs that feature "journalists" who are either so one-sided no real news get told or they are more like actors.

The other reason I found this article interesting was because the comic posted all of this on a BLOG. This blog post made front page news in the Corrierre della Sera, an English Italian newspaper. I Found this very interesting because with blogging being a relatively new phenomenon it is amazing that this story could generate that much interest.


Tricia Masturzo

Iran: Iran to stop executing youths

Citizens of Iran are relieved today after learing that human rights campaigners have welcomed an announcement by Iran that ends Iran's execution of juveniles.This year alone, at least six youths have been executed, but this year Irans deputy prosecutor general Hossein Zebhi announced that they will restrict the number of juveniles being killed. Iran is believed to execute the largest number of juvenile offenders. Hossein has said that judges have been instructed to no longer impose the death penalty on juveniles. Juveniles, defined as those aged under 18, has been a big issue in Iran for years, but the possible talks of reducing this is a great announcement and great progress! Iran currently is one of the last remaining countries in the world that imposes the death penalty on juveniles at the time of the crime.The Human Rights campaigners say the practice is banned by the International Convention of the Rights of the Child, which Iran has signed and ratified.

Slain Journalist's Cousel Ill After Possible Attempted Poisoning

Slain Journalist Anna Politkovskaya's lawyer, Karinna Moskalenko, missed a preliminary hearing in the alleged killer's trial Wednesday, October 15, after falling ill from what is believed to have been a poisoning attempt. Prosecutors believe it was mercury intoxication. Moskalenko is a human rights lawyer.
This article caught my attention for a few reasons, the first being that it is directly related to our group's case study concerning the murder of journalist Anna Politkovskaya. Also, I think this occurance really exemplifys the press freedom issues in Russia. People believe that the government was involved in Politkovskaya's death and, in my opinion, the attempted poisoning of her lawyer (a human rights lawyer) is almost direct proof that there is something to hide in this murder case. To me, it's obvious that the person who tried to poison the lawyer is someone of high power who doesn't want a human rights lawyer shedding light on the situation. Both the murder of Politskovskaya and the attempted murder of her lawyer are evidence that Russia has not gotten any closer to achieving press freedom.

By Lauren Chapman

VENEZUELA- 6 Suspects Arrested For Murder of Student Leader by Mike Silvestri

According to the Venezuelan Attorney General 6 arrest were made for the murder of an Anti-Chavez student leader. Three of the Suspects work for the Venezuelan intelligence division and one is an ex-member of the CICPC (Criminal, Scientific, and Penal Investigations Corp)
Recently investigators found evidence linking Soto's murder to his illegal trafficking of government-subsidizing bus tickets.

This shows real progess, at least according to the Attorney General. From what we have learned about the Chavez regime in Venezuela it's difficult to accept information released to the public. After reading this article I'm curious about the Venezuelan government and if there is a system of checks in balances that allows the Attorney General to speak freely without orders from Chavez
Pending whether Chavez has direct control over what the Attorney General says it's possible the investigation has begun to find the truth. Or it could also just be another part of the smoke and mirrors game Chavez plays with the people.

Army Chief Calls on Thai Leader to Quit

This week in the International Herald Tribune, there was an article discussing how Thailand's army chief, General Anupong Paochinda asked Thailand's Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to step down. Tensions remained high in Bangkok as protesters continued to barricade the Prime Minister's office forcing business to be conducted in  Bangkok's former international airport. General Paochinda words were reminiscent of a past military coup, and urged the Prime Minister to do the right thing, and step down. 

Prime Minister Wongsawat indicated that his job was not finished, and he had to much work to do with Thailand being on the brink of war with Cambodia. Demonstrations by protesters continued all week, with most being arrested by the government. On Friday, demonstrators protested through the business district as well as red light district. 

As demonstrations continued, Thailand is becoming divided as a country, and government officials are becoming worried. Political turmoil has shadowed Thailand for the past three years, and Thai citizens are wondering if this trend will ever resolve itself.

My opinion on the current situation in Thailand, is that someone needs to step up in the political atmosphere and do what is right for Thailand as a country. If that means, that Prime Minister Wongsawat should step down and that is what is best for the country, I believe he should take the higher road and step down. I also believe that the King and Queen need to be proactive and get involved in the current situation. As leaders of the country, they should address the country and put assurance in the nation of Thailand. 

- Alyssa Ciambriello