Focus Article
New York Times
Controversy Over Dam Fuels Rare Public Outcry in Myanmar by The International Herald Tribune
The Burma population is in outrage due to Chinese influence in the area. The Chinese plan to build a dam on Irrawaddy - their sacred river. It is iconic to the people, and spreads out into deltas that nurture hundreds of rice paddies. I found this interesting because there is such a large culture in the area that reveres the river highly. The people had previously been controlled by dictatorship, but have newly gained freedom, which they are all expressing now. I am amazed at how fast the Burmese are able to stand up for their beliefs, within months of being liberated from decades of oppression. This is related to our human geography course because it deals with cultural clashes, and capitalism. The Chinese have gained much power in Burma because of the transitional state the locals are in. China plans to import 90% of the energy produced from the dam. The Kachin that inhabit the area have strong spiritual ties to the river, and the banks surrounding it. Construction workers are blasting within kilometers of their most sacred ground. As you can tell, the cultural arrogance of the project owners is causing a huge problem to the Burmese population.
Article Summaries
Washington Post
For new commanders in Afghanistan, a fine balance by Kevin Stieff http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia-pacific/for-new-commanders-in-afghanistan-a-fine-balance/2011/08/26/gIQALCg8mK_story.html
Commanders in Afghanistan have difficulty balancing out America’s calling for soldiers, and protecting the new government. They have a lot of pressure on them to deploy their soldiers by 2014, while ensuring that all the efforts we’ve invested in Afghani’s aren’t put to waste. In a sense, they are being assaulted not only by insurgents, but also their own country.
Washington Post
35 bodies dumped in Mexican city as president begins effort to woo tourists by William Booth
Many gang attacks have terrorized the country of Mexico, but this one takes it too far. At the same time that President Felipe Calderon was campaigning a new TV show to attract tourist to Mexico, 35 mutilated corpses were dumped in the middle of the busy city of Veracruz. Witnesses say that the unfortunate people were killed by a drug cartel.
The Washington Post
Cholera, measles to hit Somalia famine victims, groups warn as they call for more aid by Associated Press
The famine in Somalia has hit an all-time high. The death rate is incomparable and many men, woman, and children are severely malnourished. There is much pressure in the U.S. to aid Somalia, but their harsh government will not allow any imports into the area.
New York Times
Snipers Imperil Truce in Yemen by Laura Kasinof and Robert F. Worth
A power struggle between rebels and Yemen’s current government caused over 70 casualties in the past 2 weeks. Officials hope the strikes will simmer down soon, as neither side seems to be benefiting. Outlying provinces are still untouched by these efforts.
So far, I have learned about the influence countries have in other parts of the world and how human geography is determined by the people and their actions. Before this course, I had no idea how intertwined every part of the world is. For example, last year during the tsunami in Japan, my phone broke and I couldn’t get a new part for it because it was manufactured in Japan. It’s amazing to hear about the cultural differences between provinces, and then discover how much they depend on each other. If a tragedy occurs on one side of the globe, another place is affected. I have learned that when one country is affected, ripples spread throughout the world.
