N. Korea Launches 4 Missiles July 2, 2009 12:45 PM
With tenstions high between North Korea has reported test fired 4 short range missiles today. Yahoo News reports, "[t]he launches came as North Korea's relations with the United States, South Korea and other countries were already severely strained after its May 25 underground nuclear test and a series of missile firings. The U.N. Security Council adopted a tough sanctions resolution last month to punish the communist regime." The Christian Science Monitor reports that "Last month, Japanese media reported that Pyongyang might shoot a long-range ICBM in the direction of Hawaii around the July 4 holiday. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates ordered the deployment in the region of US antimissile interceptors and a sea-based tracking radar. President Obama thought the situation serious enough to address in an interview broadcast on June 22. 'Our military is fully prepared for any contingencies' regarding North Korea, Mr. Obama said. But despite Thursday's ripple of short-range test shots, there is little physical evidence North Korea is readying another long-range test, at least in the foreseeable future."
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-- Association of Young Americans
Generation Gap June 29, 2009 1:37 PM
A new study by Pew Research Center shows a significant values gap between older and younger generations. "Almost eight in 10 people believe there is a major difference in the point of view of younger people and older people today, according to the independent public opinion research group. That is the highest spread since 1969, when about 74 percent reported major differences in an era of generational conflicts over the Vietnam War and civil and women's rights. In contrast, just 60 percent in 1979 saw a generation gap. Asked to identify where older and younger people differ most, 47 percent said social values and morality. People age 18 to 29 were more likely to report disagreements over lifestyle, views on family, relationships and dating, while older people cited differences in a sense of entitlement. Those in the middle-age groups also often pointed to a difference in manners," reported Fox News regarding the study.
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-- Association of Young Americans
Protesting in Iran June 22, 2009 12:54 PM
Unrest and uncertainty continues in Iran following their presidential election and claims of fraud in the reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. "[M]ore details emerged of election irregularities and the government stepped up accusations against the West and the media for fomenting violence. Until now, the government has employed police and ideological militia to quell protests. But now Iran's Revolutionary Guard have vowed to weigh in. It ordered protesters to "end the sabotage and rioting activities" and warned them to be ready for a 'revolutionary confrontation with the Guards, Basij, and other security ... and disciplinary forces' if they dared to gather in public again," reports the Christian Science Monitor.
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-- Association of Young Americans