Be pro-social
15,000 Russians protest in Moscow–accusing the US of policies and actions that “cause a significant number of deaths of innocent people.” Context of the story: Why is this important? Russia is a developing economy with significant oil reserves. It has a massive nuclear arsenal and a sophisticated military. And Russia’s relationship with the US has … Read more
BMW has produced a model car called GINA with flexible skin and lighter materials–it might even take less time and energy to manufacture. Context of the story: Why is this important? Development of this car demonstrates how radical thinking can lead to big improvements, especially in science. Who is involved? BMW, a German car manufacturer. … Read more
“Bolivian President Evo Morales said Saturday that he was suspending the work of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Bolivia and that the government will take control of its activities in the war on drugs.”
“A federal judge has ordered the Justice Department to produce White House memos that provide the legal basis for the Bush administration’s post-Sept. 11 warrantless wiretapping program.”
“A panel of experts accused the Food and Drug Administration of creating ‘a false sense of security’ with its assessment that a compound used to make food and beverage containers poses no immediate health risks.”
“Colombia’s U.S.-backed security forces are engaging in ‘systematic and widespread’ extrajudicial executions of innocent civilians as part of their counterinsurgency campaign, a top United Nations diplomat said Saturday.”
This analysis suggests that war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is due to fighting over gold, diamonds, and minerals. The analysis does not offer any solutions nor talk about alternative explanations for the conflict. Context of the story: Why is this important? The DRC is the third largest country in Africa, resource rich … Read more
A 13-year-old girl complained that she was raped by three men, but the local leaders accused her of adultery and stoned her to death in a stadium with 1,000 spectators. Context of the story: Why is this important? Violence against women is especially common in the lawless lands of Somalia. Who is involved? Somali leaders … Read more
One of the recent US missile strikes in Pakistan killed an important Qaeda leader. The US still refuses to confirm or deny attacking in Pakistan. Context of the story: Why is this important? Incidents such as this make it clear that there are benefits to attacking targets in Pakistan, but no one in the US … Read more
US border patrol detained seven Mexican troops and their Hummer with a machine-gun turret on Friday. They were sent back to Mexico with their vehicle. Context of the story: Why is this important? Some people think that the Mexican army helps drug smugglers by providing reconnaissance or by distracting US agents. According to the US, … Read more