Conflict Pushes Displaced People to Record 65.3 Million

Last year, more people than ever before were displaced by
persecution and conflict

A record 65.3 million people were displaced by persecution and conflict in 2015, and many
encountered closed borders and stronger anti-asylum sentiment, the United Nations said
Monday.

It was the highest figure since the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees started
keeping records, and it was the first time the 60 million barrier was breached. The number
covers asylum seekers, refugees entitled to international protection and internally displaced
people forced to leave their homes to avoid persecution.

The total—bigger than the population ofthe U.K.—climbed from the 59.5 million registered at
the end of 2014.

This means that one 1 every 113 people on the planet is now an asylum-seeker, internally
displaced in a home country or a refugee.

"The willingness of nations to work together not just for refugees but for the collective human
interest is what's being tested today, and it is this spirit of unity that badly needs to prevail,"
U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said.

Decades of fighting in Afghanistan and Somalia and new or reignited conflicts in places such as
Syria, South Sudan and Yemen lifted the total number of refugees to 21.3 million—more than
half of them children, said the UNHCR.

"Politics is gravitating against asylum in some countries," said Mr. Grandi, adding that a
"frightening" number of refugees and migrants are dying at sea, and on land people are finding
their way blocked by closed borders.

While the European Union has managed to stem the influx of Syrian refugees and other
migrants after striking a deal with Turkey in March, an increasing number of mostly African
migrants are attempting to make the perilous journey via Libya across the Mediterranean Sea to
Italy, indicating the difficulty in trying to stop people escaping conflict attempting to reach the
Some 50,000 people were rescued and brought to Italy this year and over 2,000 are feared dead
after several boats capsized off the Libyan coast, according to the UNHCR.

Anxiety over rising immigration levels in the U.K. has fueled anti-EU sentiment before this
week's referendum on whether the country should leave the bloc.

U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has made a hard line on illegal
immigration a centerpiece ofhis campaign.

Monday marks World Refugee Day, which was first commemorated annually in 2001.
A record new 2 million asylum requests were registered last year in industrialized countries.
Germany received the highest number of asylum claims, at 441,900, followed by the U.S. with
172,700, mainly from individuals fleeing gang-related violence in Central America.
Despite the EU managing 1 million refugees and migrants who arrived in 2015 via the
Mediterranean, UNHCR reports that 86% of refugees were located in the developing world.
Turkey was the biggest host country with 2.5 million refugees.

Lebanon held more refugees relative to its existing population than any other country, or 183
for every 1,000 Lebanese.



Response:
This article is sharing the shocking facts that number of asylum seekers in the world are rapidly rising.  Clearly there is bias for the asylum seekers, and I found myself believing that there must be more that could be done for these people. When looking at this topic, it is good to remember all sides. Many countries have already taken in so many asylum seekers, they have reached capacity. In my opinion, there should not just be an effort in Europe to take these people in, but really the countries they are fleeing from. It is hard to define how this could be accomplished though, because these countries are persecuting the fleeing and they are in complete turmoil. In this article there are many numbers that could confuse the reader, or make it seem more accurate. When reading this article it is important to keep in mind that some of the numbers may be estimated or exaggerated for effect. This is clearly a rising the issue is facing, and as stated in the article is for the betterment of the entire  human population, if it can be helped, or resolved. It is time for the entire world to be trying to solve this growing problem, since it is unsafe and not humanitarian.

Moloney, Liam. "Conflict Pushes Displaced People to Record 65.3 Million."

WSJ. N.p., 20 June 2016. Web. 20 June 2016. <http://www.wsj.com/articles/conflict-pushes-displaced-people-to-record-65-3-million-1466430994>.

Extreme poverty is a reality, not just a faceless statistic, pope says

ROME (CNS) The key to ending extreme poverty and hunger is to recognize that behind every
statistic, there is the face of a person who is suffering, Pope Francis said. 

"Poverty has a face! It has the face of a child; it has the face of a family; it has the face of people,
young and old. It has the face of widespread unemployment and lack of opportunity. It has the
face of forced migrations, and of empty or destroyed homes," the pope said June 13 during a
visit to the Rome headquarters of the U.N .'s World Food Program. 

Advanced communications, while informing the world of the tragedy of poverty, has also
resulted in a desensitized culture that has turned the real suffering of people into statistics, the
pope told WFP executive board members. 

The world is gradually -growing immune to other people's tragedies, seeing them as something
'natural,'" he said. "Without faces and stories, human lives become statistics and we run the risk
of bureaucratizing the sufferings of others." 

According to the WFP website, the organization provides food assistance to an estimated 80
million people in 82 countries. 

Arriving at the headquarters, the pope greeted employees and took a moment to pray in front of
a plaque commemorating those who died in the line of duty. The pope praised their sacrifice,
saying that far from a "cold and anonymous institution," the WFP is "an effective means for the
international community" to carry out the work of feeding the hungry. 

"The credibility of an institution is not based on its declarations, but on the work accomplished 

by its members," he said. 

While noting the potential of an "interconnected world marked by instant communications,- the
pope also lamented a situation in which extreme poverty is considered -natural - and the tragic
circumstances of the hungry "turn into one more news story." 

If the people behind the statistics are not recognized, he said, the world "can yield to the temptation of discussing 'hunger; 'food,' and 'violence' as concepts without reference to the real
people knocking on our doors today." 

"We are bombarded by so many images that we see pain, but do not touch it; we hear weeping,
but do not comfort it; we see thirst but do not satisfy it," he said. "While the headlines may
change, the pain, the hunger and the thirst remain; they do not go away." 

Pope Francis told the members of the WFP executive board that the first step in fighting poverty
is to "de-naturalize" it and shed light on the causes of poverty due to "a selfish and wrong
distribution of resources" as well as the abuse and exploitation of the earth. 

"We have made the fruits of the earth a gift to humanity commodities for a few, thus
engendering exclusion. The consumerism in which our societies are immersed has made us
grow accustomed to excess and to the daily waste of food," he said. 

The pope also brought attention to the resources and priority given to the production and
purchase of weapons at the same time that efforts to distribute food supplies to hungry people
suffering in war zones are used as a "weapon of war." 

"We thus find ourselves faced with a strange paradox. Whereas forms of aid and development
projects are obstructed by complicated and incomprehensible political decisions, skewed
ideological visions and impenetrable customs barriers, weaponry is not," he said.
Praising the World Food Program's dedication to eradicating world hunger, the pope affirmed
the church 's commitment and cooperation to defend and protect the dignity of those who
suffer. 

"'I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.' These
words embody one of the axioms of Christianity. Independent of creeds and convictions, they
can serve as a golden rule for our peoples," the pope said. 

After delivering his address, Pope Francis greeted WFP employees, telling them he preferred to
speak off the cuff rather than reading his prepared remarks because "speeches are a bit boring."
Thanking the employees for their "hidden work behind the scenes" in eradicating poverty, the
pope called on them to never forget the lives of the program's employees who died while
serving others. 

"They were able to do that not only because of the courage they had (and) the faith they had in
their work, but also because they were sustained by your work. Thank you so much and I ask you
to pray for me so that I, too, can be able to do something against hunger," he said.



Response:

This article, bring from a Catholic news agency, is focused on the Pope and his view on Poverty, but it holds key facts for the fight against poverty. It praises the WFP, and states that it is an organization that does not just say it is going to do something, but truly does act for the improvement of the situation. The Pope praises all the people of the WFP that has died for the cause to end poverty. When one looks at poverty, many just think about the money they should give, or an image of a hungry child. This issue is much bugger, and as the Pope states, "Poverty has a face!" Those suffering, without food, clothes, and the bare necessities of life, are just as much people and individuals as we are. There should be more awareness and fundraising, but it is not good enough just to say you are going to do something. With a promise comes action. The world must become doers for anything to truly be accomplished. 

Esteves, Junno Arocho. "Extreme Poverty Is a Reality, Not a Faceless Statistic, Pope Says." 

Catholic News Service. N.p., 13 June 2016. Web. 13 June 2016. <http://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2016/extreme-poverty-is-a-reality-not-a-faceless-statistic-pope-says.cfm>.

What Japan's 7-year old survivalist wants to do next

Seven-year-old Yamato Tanooka was met with loud camera flashes and cheers from dozens of people when he appeared outside the hospita in the city of Hakodate on the northern island of Hokkaido. Wearing a baseball gap and a gray jacket over a T-shirt, Yamato waved at the crowd while he holding a greeting card in the shape of an oversized baseball.

Japanese boy found after being abandoned in woods as punishment

When asked what he would like to do, he said he wants to play baseball.

'I am fine," Yamato said when a reporter asked how he is feeling.

Yamato added he would like to go back to school soon and is looking forward to participating in a sports day at his school.

Before leaving the hospital, his father bowed to the cameras and said, "Thank you."

Yamato was found in a military training ground hut on Friday, six days after he was reported missing. Japanese media said the boy experienced only light dehydration and minor bruises on an arm and both of his legs, even though he had not eaten and drunk only water.

Shunsuke Kudo, an assistant section chief for the Hokkaido police department public relations division, said the police were not intending to press charges against his parents for child neglect.

Kudo said the police were considering reporting the case to a children's welfare center.

Miki Kurotatsu with Hakodate Children's Welfare Center declined to comment on whether the center had received a report from the police because it was a private matter.

Takayuki Tanooka, father of 7-year-old boy Yamato Tanooka who went missing on May 28, 2016 after being left behind by his parents, but was later found alive, reacts as he speaks to the media in Hakodate on the northernmost Japanese main 'sland of Hokkaido, Japan, June 3, 2016.

REUTERS

His parents reported Yamato missing on May 29, initially telling police their son disappeared when they were

collecting plants in the forest. Later the father, Takayuki Tanooka, said he had planned to leave Yamato briefly in the forest as punishment because the boy had been throwing rocks at people and cars at a river earlier that day.

The punishment drew public scrutiny, generating debate in Japan over what is considered to be excessive in disciplining children.

Takayuki told reporters after his son was found that he regretted his action.


Response:
This article focuses on the hopes and dreams of a young Japanese boys, and is considered a survivalist. This article portrays the story of a young boy that was left in the woods by his father as punishment, and then was reported missing.  He was then found in a military training ground hut, suffering from light dehydration and minor bruises. While reading this article, I found it odd that they made the report seem so light hearted and enjoyable, where in reality this is a tragic story. This seven year old boy was left in the woods, alone, by his parents as a form of punishment, and then survived for six days on his own. It is amazing how the little boy handles it and is only focused on the positive things he will get to do again, but I find it odd how the story is expressed by CBS news. The writer does mention the possible charges against the parents, but again, nothing seems to have arisen. The father does say that he regrets his actions, and with this inclusion, the author is almost supporting the parents. In continuation, this writer does not focus on the tragic happenings of this child, but rather looks at this situation in a positive light, using the boys hopes and wishes as his focal point.

"Japan Forest Boy Yamato Tanooka Leaves Hospital Says He's "fine" and Wants to Play Baseball." 

CBSNews. CBS Interactive, 7 June 2016. Web. 07 June 2016. <http://www.cbsnews.com/news/japan-forest-boy-yamato-tanooka-leaves-hospital-fine-baseball/>.

Austria's chancellor resigns, in Europe's shift to the right

VIENNA — Austria's chancellor abruptly resigned Monday, a high-profile victim of Europe's
growing shift to the right, which threatens to push into obscurity some parties that have dominated post-World War II politics. 

Werner Faymann cited lack ofbacking from his fellow Social Democrats as his reason for stepping
down both as the nation's and his party's leader. "This country needs a chancellor who has the
party's full support," he said in a statement. 

Vice Chancellor Reinhold Mitterlehner, of coalition partner People's Party, was to take over until
the government nominates a new candidate for presidential approval. 

Pressure had been mounting on Faymann since his party's candidate was drubbed in the first round
of presidential elections last month by a rival from the right-wing Euroskeptic Freedom Party.
But his resignation was unexpected, signaling not only disarray within the Social Democratic Party
but also a shift in Austria's traditional political landscape. 

In his more than seven years at the helm, the Social Democrats — who once commanded absolute
majorities have seen their popularity sink both in the 2013 natlonal elections and in provincial
votes. 

The centnst People's Party — the Other dominant post-World War II political force — saw a
similar loss of support even before the migrant crisis hit full-force last year. In both cases, much of
the backing the traditional parties has shifted to the right-wing Freedom party. 

The Freedom Party's strongest card is strong anti-migrant sentiment within Austria. But it also has
benefited from perceptions that the establishment parties are out of touch over Other issues,
including unemployment and terrorism. 

Recent polls show support for the Freedom Party has surged to 32 percent, compared with just
over 20 percent for the government coalition. Even before the migrant influx strengthened the
right-wing opposition, decades of established party bickering over key issues — most recently tax,
pension and education reform — has fed perceptions of political stagnation. 

Reflecting Austria's political upheaval, Freedom Party candidate Norbert Hofer received 35
percent of the vote in the April 24 first round presidential vote to just over I O percent each for the
Social Democratic and People's Party hopefuls. Hofer is the favorite going into the May 22 runoff
against a former leader of the Green party running as an independent. 

The shift in favor ofa vehemently Euroskeptic party is significant, as Austria has been traditionally in the pro-EU camp. For pro-European politicians, it's a worrying sign of what could
happen in the country's next general election, which must be held within two years, and the latest
indication of the strength of anti-EU parties in Europe. 

In EU founding member France, Marine Le Pen's far-right National Front party won European
Parliament elections two years ago, and a recent poll had 80 percent ofrespondents saying they
think she'll make it to the second round of France's 2017 presidential election. In the Netherlands,
a poll this year had anti-EU populist Geert Wilders' party leading in popularity. 

Hungary and poland are already governed by Euroskeptic parties, while the Czech president
regularly criticizes the EU. In Scandinavia and Finland, populist parties advocating national
interests over EU authority are either in power or strongly represented in parliament. 

Germany's anti-EU AfD party, is in eight state parliaments, scoring in the double digits last month
in three state parliament electlons. 

Political scientist Thomas Filzmaier says the populist surge has paralleled growing disenchantment
with the European Union and traces both back to the 2008 world financial crisis.
Since then, he says, "trust in EU institutions has crumbled, but trust in national governments is
hardly better." 

Faymann had hoped to stop the Freedom Party surge by swinging to end Austria's open-border
policies for refugees earlier this year. But that only hurt him and his party. While many Social
Democrats backed the move, others accused him ofbetraying their party's humanitarian principles.
Whistling and boos met him at his party's traditional May I event, drowning out the cheers Ofhis
backers. Many in the more than 10,000-strong crowd carried signs demanding he step down. 

Faymann appeared unbowed, telling Austrians just last week to "continue reckoning with me." The
abrupt change of mind appeared to reflect an acknowledgment that change at the top is needed. 

"This government needs a new start," he said Monday.


Response:

Austria's chancellor has made a bold decision and resigned from his position. As stated in the article, this is due to the shift to the right in Europe. There have been many political changes in Europe through the past few years, as in most countries, that have affected their major leaders. As Europe continues to rescue asylum seekers, or fight against IS, there is a constant shift in issues and power. At this point, the people of Europe (including Austria) are tired of being "saviors" of the asylum seekers. Werner Faymann desires Austria to restart and complete the foundation. With these consistent issues, Europe needs to change some critical aspects within their views and actions. I think it was very bold and probably uplifting in a sense as Faymann desires the government to have a "new start".

Jahn, George. "Austria's Chancellor Resigns, in Europe's Shift to the Right."

Washington Post. The Washington Post, 9 May 2016. Web. 10 May 2016. <https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/austrian-chancellor-faymann-resigns-citing-lack-of-support/2016/05/09/8b59b0ac-15d9-11e6-971a-dadf9ab18869_story.html>.

North Korea's sub-launched missile exploded midair, Seoul says

Pyongyang is exaggerating capabilities, according to South Korean military intelligence.
North Korea has frequently touted the power Of its submarine-launched ballistic missiles,
but the South's military says the most recent device detonated mid-air before it reached
20 miles.


SEOUL, May 2 (UPI) — A submarine-launched ballistic missile North Korea said fired
"successfully" in April probably exploded mid-air, South Korea military said Sunday.
The SLBM launch was followed days later by a failed launch Of a midrange ballistic
missile, the Musudan.

But the launch was reported as a "great success" in North Korea state media, South
Korean television network KBS reported Sunday.

Pyongyang had stated there was a verifiable "stage separation" and that a -nuclear
detonation device" was working.

"All technical indicators satisfied the requirements for an underwater offensive compliant
with state self-reliance," North Korea's KCTV stated on April 24.

But Seoul's military concluded the projectile exploded midair after traveling less than 20
miles. South Korea press also reported it's likely Pyongyang's military officials lied to Kim
Jong Un131 about the results of the test.

The missile was launched from a submerged vessel located more than 120 miles from the
coast, according to Seoul.

Moon Sung-mook, a senior researcher for the Korea Research Institute for National
Strategy, said the launch was probably executed in a show of loyalty to Kim Jong Un, and
that the military pushed ahead with the test despite a lack Of preparedness.
North Korea, however, has not stopped publicizing the power Of its weapons.
State propaganda outlet DPRK Today stated Monday Pyongyang's SLBMs could not be
blocked by the U.S. anti missile defense system THAAD.

"Nuclear weapons are our symbol and dignity, self-reliance and livelihood," North Korea
had said in a statement issued April 20, according to South Korean news service Newsis.
"As long as U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises continue, we will go on to strengthen
our nuclear offensive capabilities,' North Korea stated.

Response:

This article is explaining the complicated issue of nuclear missiles from North Korea. The article looks at both sides, but takes supporting evidence from Seoul, therefore they have bias towards South Korea. The writer points out that South Korea could not protect itself even with the US anti-missile defense system THAAD. North Korea takes a lot of pride in its Nuclear Missiles, so obviously in any interview that they agree to will be about their support of these missiles. It is hard to find a good light for North Korea, but I do believe it is important to try to see and understand each side of the issue.

Shim, Elizabeth. "North Korea's Sub-launched Missile Exploded Midair, Seoul Says." 

UPI. UPI, 2 May 2016. Web. 2 May 2016. <http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2016/05/02/North-Koreas-sub-launched-missile-exploded-midair-Seoul-says/9281462200889/>.

In Germany, Obama urges Europe to stay united for the good of the world

HANOVER, Germany U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday said the United States
needed a strong, united Europe to maintain international order, and he urged European
allies to increase defense spending to address Islamic State and other security threats.
Wrapping up a trip to Germany that has focused on boosting trade ties, Obama pleaded
with Europeans to look past the multiple crises facing their nations and maintain the
unity that had brought peace to their continent.

His comments came after an earlier trip to London, where the American president urged
Britain to stay in the 28-nation European Union, boosting efforts by Prime Minister
David Cameron to avoid a so-called "Brexit" that opponents warn could trigger damaging
political and economic consequences.

"I've come here today to the heart of Europe to say that the United States and the entire
world needs a strong and prosperous and democratic and united Europe," Obama said
during a visit to a trade fair in the northern Germany city Of Hanover, drawing applause
from his audience.

Obama said worries over Russia's annexation of Crimea and slow economic growth
particularly in southern Europe, had led to questions about integration on the continent
and sparked destructive politics that stoked fears about immigrants and people with
different religions.

An influx of migrants fleeing the civil war in Syria has heightened tensions within the
bloc and put pressure on German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the preeminent leader in
Europe, whose initial open door policy hurt her domestic political standing.
Obama's rare two-day trip to the trade fair was seen as a sign Of support for a leader with
whom he has forged close ties ahead of German elections next year.

"DEFINING MOMENT"

It also allowed him to put his support for Merkel and Cameron in the wider context Of
Europe's role in the world.

"This is a defining moment, and what happens on this continent has consequences for
people around the globe," Obama said on Monday.

"If a unified, peaceful, liberal, pluralistic, free-market Europe begins to doubt itself,
begins to question the progress that's been made over the last several decades, then we
can't expect the progress that is just now taking hold in many places around the world
will continue

Obama has spoken out against similar trends in the United States. He makes no secret of
his disdain for Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump, who has proposed
building a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico and temporarily banning Muslims from
entering the United States.

Obama needs support from European allies to handle foreign policy challenges in Russia
and the Middle East, and he used his platform in Hanover to announce deployment of an
additional 250 U.S. forces to Syria.

But the president said Europe generally could do more to prepare for its own defense and
to fight Islamic State. He repeated his call that NATO members step up their
contributions and warned of a tendency to get complacent about defense needs.
"We need to stay nimble and make sure our forces are inter-operable and invest in new
capabilities like cyber defense and missile defense,- Obama said.

"That's why every NATO member should be contributing its full share, 2 percent of GDP,
towards our common security - something that doesn't always happen and, I'll be honest,
sometimes Europe has been complacent about its own defense."

Response:
As our world seems to be crumbling around us, with an increase of terrorist attacks and overall disunity throughout the world, it is admirable for Obama to speak up on these matters in Europe. Europe and the United States make up the majority of leading world powers. As Obama speaks he is only trying to bring attention to the disunity in the world. Through this unity there will be better protection and a safe guard when attacks come, especially as the Islamic State is near their borders. The writer seems to be in support of Obama's speech as he proves his ideas to be against those of Donald Trump, which the writer was clearly against. The author is writing this piece to show that Obama is correct when he talk about the strength that comes from world powers working together to defeat or defend the world. It seems that is their job in the world; to protect and fight back against the corruption.

Rampton, Roberta. "In Germany, Obama Urges Europe to Stay United for Good of the World." 

Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 25 Apr. 2016. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. <http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-germany-obama-europe-idUSKCN0XM1FP>.

Muslim body urges ban on products from Israeli settlements

A global Muslim body called Monday for a ban on products from Israeli settlements in
the occupied territories and pledged full support for the "inalienable rights" of the
Palestinians.

The call came at the end of an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (01C) summit in
Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, which brought together
representatives from 57 states.

A resolution urged "member states and the wider international community to ban
products produced in or by illegal Israeli settlements from their markets".
However, the move was not binding on member states.

Settlements refer to Jewish communities built in areas occupied by Israel since 1967.
Such settlements are illegal under international law and major stumbling blocks to peace
efforts, with those in the West Bank and East Jerusalem built on land which Palestinians
see as part of their future state.

The issue of goods imported from settlements has caused tensions with Israel in the past.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in November suspended diplomatic contacts
with the European Union about the Middle East peace process which has been stalled
for almost two years over the bloc's decision to label imported produce from the
settlements as such rather than "Made in Israel

The suspension was ended last month when Netanyahu held talks with the EUS foreign
policy chief.

At the end of Monday's summit, the 01C also pledged "full support to the political
diplomatic and legal efforts" to ensure the Palestinians achieved their "inalienable
rights".

The Jakarta meeting was attended by leaders including Palestinian president Mahmud
Abbas and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted for alleged war crimes by
the International Criminal Court.

It came amid a five-month wave of violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories that
has killed 181 Palestinians as well as 28 Israelis.

Israeli-Palestinian peace talks collapsed in April 2014 and since then the situation has
deteriorated, with the prospect Of fresh dialogue appearing more remote than ever.


Response:
This article is focused on the ban of products from Israeli settlements, but looks deeper at the issue of the Palestinian Israeli conflict. This is an ongoing conflict that has not successfully implemented a peace plan. There is bias towards Israel, as they focus on the effects this has on the Palestinian population. Especially when they state that the Palestinian people deserve "inalienable rights." The writer even uses numbers to show the reader the suffering Palestinians are experiencing. A conflict of the magnitude is not easily solved. People continue to pick sides and an agreement cannot be reached. As this Muslim body urges the ban of products it is just another part of this ongoing chaos.

France-Presse, Agence. "Muslim Body Urges Ban on Products from Israeli Settlements." 

GlobalPost. N.p., 07 Mar. 2016. Web. 07 Mar. 2016. <http://www.globalpost.com/article/6742888/2016/03/07/muslim-body-urges-ban-products-israeli-settlements>.