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>.

As Europe bickers, police fire tear gas on migrants storming border

IDOMENI/ATHENS Macedonian police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of migrants
who stormed the border from Greece on Monday as a deeply divided Europe traded barbs
over the biggest humanitarian crisis in decades.
As frustrations boiled over at restrictions imposed on people moving through the
Balkans, migrants trapped on the Greece-Macedonia border tore down a metal gate in the
barbed wire fence.
A Reuters witness said Macedonian police fired several rounds Of tear gas into the crowd
and onto a railway line where other migrants sat refusing to move, demanding to cross
into the country.
Greece raced to set up temporary accommodation for a build-up of thousands of
migrants stranded in the country after Austria and countries along the Balkans migration
route imposed restrictions on their borders, limiting the number of migrants able to
cross.
Many of the migrants, fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and North Africa, hope
to reach Germany, which last year took in 1.1 million asylum seekers.
There were an estimated 22,000 migrants and refugees trapped in Greece on Monday,
some sleeping rough in central Athens, some in an abandoned airport and at the 2004
Olympic Games venues.
Greece's migration minister said without any outlet, that figure could rise as high as
70,000 in coming days.
More than one million migrants passed through Greece last year, prompting criticism
from other European nations that Athens simply waved people through.
"These people do not want to stay here," said Thodoris Dritsas, Greece's shipping
minister. "Even if we had a system in place for them to stay here permanently it wouldn't
work. "
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, facing the biggest test of her decade in power, on
Sunday defended her open-door policy for migrants, rejecting any limit on the number Of
refugees allowed into her country despite divisions within her government over the
Issue.
"There are many conflicting interests in Europe,- she told state broadcaster ARD. "But it
is my damn duty to do everything I can so that Europe finds a collective way.
That was lacking on Monday, a week before European Union leaders were due to meet
with Turkey on how it could help quell the flow of migrants from its shores.
In an increasingly shrill debate, Austria's defence minister suggested Merkel take in all
those who were stranded in Greece.
"The German chancellor
said that formally there is no upper limit in Germany. Then, I
would invite her to take the people, who arrive in Greece now and whom she wants to
take care of, directly to Germany," Hans Peter Doskozil told Austrian's Oel radio.
TENT COMMUNITY
Thousands of people have been gathering at Idomeni, the small frontier community on
Greece's border with Macedonia, for days. Hundreds of tents were pitched in soggy fields
on Monday and there were reports that fights had broken out among families over tents,
which were in short supply.
Macedonian Foreign Minister Nicola Poposki, speaking in Geneva, said 'encouraging'
cooperation had been established with Greece on the issue, but that it may not be
enough.
"Shifting responsibility from one border to the next is clearly not the solution," Poposki
told the UN Human Rights Council.
On Monday, a crush developed along the frontier after rumours spread that Macedonian
authorities had opened the border. Crowds who gathered at the razor wire fence
proceeded to use a heavy metal pole to bring down a gate. At least two people collapsed
in the crush and ensuing use of tear gas, Reuters television images showed.
Aid agencies said the border was opening with Macedonia intermittently, with about
7,000 gathered in the area.
People were also being sent back for apparent discrepancies between registration
documents they received from Greek authorities and their own travel documents,
witnesses said.
"There are people who have been here for as long as 10 days," said Gemma Gillie Of aid
agency Medicins Sans Frontieres. "Things are really stretched to the limit.
In Calais, clashes with police broke out on Monday as work got underway to clear part of
the shanty town outside the port city in northern France where migrants are trying to
reach Britain.
Police fired tear gas around midday, about 150-200 migrants and activists threw stones
and three makeshift shelters were set ablaze, said a Reuters photographer at the site.
(Reporting By Alexandros Avramidis in Idomeni, Lefteris Karagiannopoulos in Athens,
Stephanie Nebehay in Geneva, Kirsti Knolle in Vienna; Writing by Michele Kambas;

Response:

The purpose of this article is to show that the migrant influx in Europe has become so overwhelming that the police and government officials are going to extremes to protect their country. It is sad to see that there are so many fleeing the terrors of their home country or land. It is also depressing that we do not have any place to put them. These people are desperate to find a new home, but there is no space or countries willing to take in more people. These countries do have a right in saying no to these asylum seekers, but there must be some place that they can stay temporarily until a final resolution can be achieved. There is bias towards the migrants, and that they deserve better than what they are deserving. They are portrayed as innocent people desperately searching for protection from their despicable background of war and conflict. These people are in dire need of help, and the world should step up to find them a home. This should not just be Europe's issue, but the worlds. 

Avramidis, Alexandros, and Lefteris Karagiannopoulos. "As Europe Bickers, Police Fire Tear Gas on Migrants Storming Border." Reuters India. Reuters, 29 Feb. 2016. Web. 29 Feb. 2016. <http://in.reuters.com/article/europe-migrants-greece-macedonia-idINKCN0W218G>.

Uganda Opposition Candidate Taken From Home

KAMPAIA, Uganda — Kizza Besigye, the runner-up in the Ugandan presidential election

last week who was under house arrest, was taken from his home Monday morning by the

police near Kampala, the capital, to a remote station, two days after the United States

called for his release.

Mr. Besigye was planning to head to the country's electoral commission to receive

detailing polling data about his campaign against the incumbent, President Yoweri

Museveni, who was declared the winner of a vote on Thursday that was marred by

irregularities. The headquarters of his party, the Forum for Democratic Change, was

blockaded by the police.

A police spokesman would not say when Mr. Besigye would be released, adding that the

police had evidence that his supporters were planning to engage in violence and that

they would continue to monitor his movements.

Mr. Besigye was taken to a police station in Naggalama, more than 20 miles northeast of

Kampala, where many Of his supporters awaited his release.

A military presence remained in the capital on Monday after Mr. Museveni, who has led

Uganda since 1986, was elected to a fifth term. Election observers from the European

Union cited "an atmosphere of intimidation," and many polling stations in Kampala

received ballots late or not at all on Thursday.

Response:

Kizza Besigye was stripped from his house by the police then taken to a "remote station" after the United States called for his house arrest release two days before. The latest elections in Uganda are "marred by irregularities" raising suspensions, and with this arrest adding to the asymmetry of the whole event. It seems to me that the police were arresting Besigye for the violence his supporters were going to fulfill. Although this article is strictly focused on the arrest, the police could have had ulterior motives to distract his supporters from fulfilling their violent plans and even save Besigye. This article is quite short, so the author has assumed that those reading it have some background information on the topic of elections in Uganda, and also assume that the reader is almost ignorant. This post is short and informative, and many will take it for what it is without researching anymore. One can see, when a little more research is done, that the main issue is not the arrest, but rather searching for peace in the country. This election has been unorderly and vague. The people and other countries believe they deserve better. This article is speaking on a specific issue with in this recent election, but refers to the overall issue through its repetitive topic of irregularities in the voting process. I do not know enough information to claim whether Besigye is guilty or innocent, but the main point that should be discovered is that this voting process was not orderly or fair. Both parties are involved in these affairs and therefore should both be held accountable. If they are going to run the country they should look for the best interest of the people. 

Kron, Josh. "Uganda Opposition Candidate Taken From Home." 

The New York Times. The New York Times, 22 Feb. 2016. Web. 22 Feb. 2016. <http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/23/world/africa/uganda-opposition-leader-taken-from-home-kizza-besigye.html>.

Taliban Bombing Kills at Least 20 at Kabul Police Station

KABUL, Afghanistan — A guicide bomber Struck near a Kabul police complex on Monday, killing at least 20 police Officers and wounding 29 people, Afghan Officials said, in the latest Of a rapid-fire series Of militant attacks on the capital this year _

The attack Came as the American military issued a grim Confirmation of the war'S toll on the Afghan Security forces, Saying that Casualties among Afghan soldiers and police officers had risen by almost a third in 2015, Compared with a record casualty rate in 2014 that some officials then
considered unsustainable.

Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesman for rhe Afghan Interior Ministry, said the attack on Monday happened near the gate of the National Civil Order Police.

Witnesses said the bomber had walked up to a line ofvisitors waiting for a security check and detonated his explosives.

A statement from a Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Muiahid, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the bomber had targetexl the complex as a large group Of police officers Was leaving.

A police officer who witnessed the suicide bombing near a police complex in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Monday talks about the Taliban attack, which killed at least 20 officers.

Dozens of police officers cordoned off the sidewalk at the site of the bombing. But the main road, one of the busiest in Kabul, stayed open to traffic. Human remains were still visible even after firefighters hosed down the area.

"You see that tree? The branches are covered in flesh and blood," said Ahmad Parwiz, who sells fried dough across the street from the National

Civil Order Police. "There Were a lot Of Visitors queued up to go inside When the explosion happened. Thank Cod We weren't hurt on this Side Of the road."

Intense Taliban Offensives this Winter, including the String Of in Kabul, have Afghan and Western Officials increasingly worried about the pressure on the Afghan security forces.

Col. Michael T, Lawhorn, a spokesman for NATO and United States forces in Afghanistan, said the casualties of Afghan forces through 2015 were 28 percent higher than in the previous year. Colonel Lawhorn, who would not go into details about the new casualty report, said a difficult year for
Afghan forces had long been expected because they were carrying responsibility for a "significantly increased operational tempo" last year, after the end of the NATO combat mission.
An Afghan official briefed on the matter put the number of casualties last year at close to 16,011) soldiers and police officers, With more than 5,000 killed. Even those numbers seemed low, considering that 4,100 "ere killed in the first six months141 of 2015, and the righting greatly intensified in the last six months of the year.

Gen_ Daw at Vv'aziri, a spokesman for the Afghan Defense Ministry, declined to specify the number Of soldiers killed. He referred to the ministry's dai y news releases, which Often include reports Of the days casualties.

"All I can say is that compared to 2014, the casualties in 2015 were more," General Waziri said.
In the district of Deh Rawoad in southern Oruzgan Province, where the police have long complained of a lack of equipmentlSl and ammunition while practically under siege, four security checkpcnnts were abandoned by the police and later burned down by the Taliban, according to
Mohammad Karim Khadimzai, head of the Oruzgan provincial council. Around SO police officers deserted their posts in Deh and arrived in Tirin Kot, the provincial capital.

xThe reason for deserting their WStS, the police said, is a lack Of ammunition despite frequently asking headquarters for supplies," Mr. Khadimzai But the provincial police Chief has rejected that Claim, saying the reason for the officers' desertion was that the FOSt'S had been fired
recently Over complaints from loca residents that he had mistreated them. Chief said the police Officers who had deserted their posts were under investigation.

Dost Mohammad Nayab, a spokesman for the provincial governor, denied that the posts had been burned down by the Taliban, and said new forces had arrived to fill the vacuum.

The recent increase in urban attacks by the Taliban, in addition to a territory-gobbling offensive across the country, has coincided with international efforts to restart peace talks between the insurgents and the Afghan gmernment. After a brief surge of progress last year, the effort stalled in July after it was revealed that the Taliban's leader, Mullah Muhammad Omar, had die-CIF I in 2013.
Officials from Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and the United States are expected to meet for a third time soon to discuss a plan to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.

Response:

This article is reporting the Taliban attack that occurred in Afghanistan, near a part of this city that was bulk police departments. It seems that this attack was to remind the Afghanistan officials that they are still active and willing to do whatever they see fit  in fight of their own beliefs. This article is bias towards the US since it is written, published and broadcasted there, and is not only giving the Taliban a negative connotation but also Afghanistan in general. They seem to be deteriorating the police force and government there. I believe that this article gives good information of this attack, but I do not find it necessary to negatively speak of Afghanistan as a whole. 

Mashal, Mujib. "Taliban Bombing Kills at Least 20 at Kabul Police Station." New York Times. N.p., 1 Feb. 2016. Web. 2 Feb. 2016. <http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/02/world/asia/afghanistan-kabul-suicide-bombing-taliban.html?_r=1>.

US to Increase aid to clear unexploded bombs in Laos

Secretary Of State John F. Kerry said Monday that the United States is considering increasing financial aid to help Laos clear the countryside of unexploded ordnance left over from the Vietnam War more than four decades ago.
Speaking with reporters at the end of a one-day stop in the impoverished, Communist-
run country, Kerry said no final figure has been determined, but discussions are
underway to increase it.


The United States has been helping find and clear unexploded ordnance for more than
half a decade, starting with $5 million a year and gradually rising to $15 million last year
and $19.5 this year. The efforts have resulted in a significant decline in the number of
Laotians killed and seriously wounded, which was averaging 300 a year. 

"We're now down to about 50 a year," Kerry said, adding, "And 50 a year is still too
many." 

Kerry said he expected a final aid package to be completed by the time President Obama
comes to Laos this summer to attend a meeting Of the Association Of South East Asian
Nations (ASEAN). Kerry said the United States will continue or establish a number of
programs, including one focusing on child nutrition and another to strengthen dams
along on the Mekong River, a vital tributary that runs through six countries. 

Kerry arrived Sunday night in Laos, a country he first visited in the 1990s as a senator
when he helicoptered to jungle sites trying to locate the remains of POWs or MIAs from
the Vietnam War, which he famously served in on a swift boat patrolling the Mekong
River. 

His visit to this tiny nation that rarely makes international news is a rare one for
American diplomats. He is only the third secretary of state to ever visit Laos, after John
Foster Dulles in 1955 and Hillary Clinton in 2012. 

Relations have been standoffish for decades between Washington and the Commumst
rulers of the Lao People's Republic, who only last week chose a new leader for the single-
party government. But in recent years, the two countries have worked to establish
warmer ties. Kerry laid a bouquet Of closed lotus blossoms at a Third Century B.C.
Buddhist monument where the Communist red flag with a hammer and sickle flew from
shrine roofs alongside the Laotian national flag 

Kerry came to Vientiane to lay the groundwork for a summit President Obama will host
in February for the 10 countries in ASEAN, a group that Laos chairs this year. Obama's
attendance at an ASEAN meeting in Vientiane will mark the first time U.S. president ever
has visited the landlocked country. 

All the high-level visiting to Laos is part of the administration's efforts to pay more
attention to Asia, an area that is expected to be the engine for future economic growth.
Kerry goes on Tuesday to Cambodia, boasting one of Asia's fastest growing economies.


Response:

This article is primarily addressing the topic of American diplomats, specifically, John F. Kerry, going to Laos, a communist country, to help clear unexploded bombs from the country side. There is also an underlying topic, that American diplomats are giving this financial aid and help to Asian countries, because they have the most economical resources. As normal, the government is not helping this country/countries out of the kindness of their hearts, but rather are looking for a way to improve the USAs standing. The USA desires to have the upper hand, and from this article, they are willing to support communist countries to do so. (This was not the case a few years ago) Personally, I am not against the government supporting these countries and partnering with them, but it seems that the government is going against their morals in doing so, which I do disagree with. The author seems to feel similarly, as it speaks on the way in which the government is partnering with Laos, and includes that the reason behind their interest in Asia, is because it is "the engine for future economic growth." 

Morello, Carol. "U.S. to Increase Aid to Clear Unexploded Bombs in Laos." Washington Post. The Washington Post, 25 Jan. 2016. Web. 25 Jan. 2016. <https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/us-to-increase-aid-to-clear-unexploded-bombs-in-laos/2016/01/25/d5462bd2-bfcb-11e5-98c8-7fab78677d51_story.html>.

Obama. GOP Congress near end of long, ugly relationship

Neither side is even pretending that much Of anything can get done in 2016.

By Burgess Everettlll and Jake ShermanPl
01/11/16 05:17 AM EST

It's happened over and over again since 2011. A deadline quickly approaches.
Congressional Republicans and President Barack Obama are locked in a stare-down for
weeks. Then, just before calamity hits, a deal is struck — usually.

But as Obama comes to Capitol Hill for his final State of the Union address on Tuesday,
the political dynamics have shifted dramatically. Both sides have lost their most powerful
tool to get stuff done — leverage.

The government is funded until a month before the election. The debt ceiling won't be
hit until 2017. And that means the spurt of bipartisan deal making that Congress and
White House managed in 2()15 will probably come to a screeching halt until Obama's
successor takes office.

"There isn't the sense Of urgency on a lot Of these issues that there was last year," said
John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 3 Senate Republican. "Needing the president as a
partner to do things? A lot Of the stuff we needed to get done, got done last year."

Indeed, there are precious few pressure points for the GOP majorities in the House and
Senate to extract much at all out Of the White House — and vice versa. There will be likely
be no hostage-taking in the face of a government shutdown and, in turn, few viable
places for Republicans to try to force fights over foreign policy, the environment or the
president's unilateral actions on guns.

Republicans Say whatever the president is doing now is temporary because he will be out
the door in January 2017. It's a full reversal from a year ago, when former House Speaker
John Boehner (R-Ohi0) had set up a brutal confrontation between Obama and the House
GOP majority over his immigration executive actions and funding the Department of
Homeland Security.

That's just fine for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), whose mantra of
protecting his majority is built on stability and governance. But it doesn't sit well with
hard-liners itching for more confrontation with the White House as Obama makes his
way toward the exit.

The House and Senate GOP majorities have lost their "leverage in the power of the purse
on everything through September," said Rep. Dave Brat (R-Va.), a vocal member Of the
conservative House Freedom Caucus. "And so that is a leadership strategic-planning
failure."

The legislative landscape, however, fits House Speaker Paul Ryan's plans to lay out a
detailed Republican agenda without the threat Of disaster. "It cuts both ways," said Rep. Mick Mulvaney, a South Carolina Republican who is a leading voice in the HFC. "There's not something staring us in the face that could blow up in our face, but, at the same time, there's not a must-pass piece of legislation."

He said Republicans could potentially exert leverage through the budget process and said
welfare reform is also possible. A deal on criminal justice reform is another major effort
that could come together this year.

But after years of frustration since the GOP's 2011 House takeover and — with a few
exceptions — paralysis in his dealings with Congress, the president has decided to go it
alone to advance his agenda. Of course, that means nips and tucks instead of full-fledged
reforms. Obama is planning to ditch the traditional policy laundry list in favor Of a
higher-altitude speech, the White House has signaled in the lead-up to the State of the
Union.

Obama has relied on unilateral actions, and the next time he might need Congress is
during a lame-duck session next winter. Aside from the executive action on guns, he's
bypassing confirmation battles by signaling to Republican leaders that he's perfectly fine
avoiding a vote on Arne Duncan's successor as education secretary.

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and
Pensions Committee, recounted buttonholing the president over acting Secretary John
King's status at an education-reform bill signing in December.

"'I strongly recommend that you appoint an education secretary and nominate one. And
if you do we'll have an immediate hearing in January, and I will work to get the secretary
confirmed by the end Of the month,'" Alexander said he told the president then. "I still
hope that's what he does."

The president's go-it-alone approach means Obama is sure to encounter stiff resistance
to almost anything that does require attention from Capitol Hill. Republicans have called
his executive initiatives an abuse Of power and an end run around Congress, and they're
searching for ways to water down his latest move on guns.

One option is to refuse to allocate money to implement it during the appropriations
process, since the plan relies on funding to conduct background checks and provide
mental health services.

The House GOP chairman overseeing the Department of Justice's budget said he will
extract pain out of the White House as it moves to implement the president's guns
proposal.

"You're missing the most powerful tool appropriators have: month-to-month, week-to-
week oversight over spending of these agencies," Rep. John Culberson (R-Texas),
chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and
Related Agencies, said in an interview. "I don't need an amendment, I don't need
another bill, I don't need the permission of leadership.. I'm going to box them in, I'm going to build an electric fence around the Department Of Justice."

Republicans could also take a shot in court and hope they draw a conservative judge.
But Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-lll.), a close Obama ally, said the president has
"much more latitude" to act unilaterally than the GOP would like to admit. Obama
intentionally rolled out the plan before the State of the Union to make sure that
Americans realize the focus the White House is putting on the issue.

"The president told us he wanted to move this before the State of the Union to highlight
it," Durbin said. ' 'The timing Of it was planned so it could have separate impact."

The strategy worked, as Republicans are now searching for a rebuttal to the idea that
they are powerless to slow down Obama's actions. But in contrast to a year ago, when
Boehner vowed to fight Obama's immigration actions "tooth and nail,"
leaders now say voters just need to wait a year to undo the president's work. That's assuming, Of course, a
Republican wins the presidency.

"His power and authority will be increasingly marginalized, because anything he does on
the executive or regulatory side will last less than a year," Thune said.

Response:

This article is informing the public of the news of Obama's actions with the GOP and the new gun proposal. The writers are obviously bias towards the GOP and against Obama. This is shown through  the repetition that in less than a year the new president or voters will "fix" or change what Obama is doing now. They are obviously against Obama's recent and even past actions. The writers say that he is trying to handle all the issues and proposals by himself and they see this as abusing the power he possesses. I, personally, do not consistently follow politics, but it seems that these demeaning articles towards the president are to be expected by this time. Everyone is ready for something new, but they are still "stuck" with the old. At this time, everyone is against Obama and ready for him to be finished, since they would say that he has been in power long enough. Although the authors write on the topic of Obama's response to the GOP, they seem to have an underlying meaning to bash the president and show their support for the Republican party and desire of someone new to be in power.

Everett, Burgess, and Jake Sherman. "Obama, GOP Congress near End of Long, Ugly Relationship." POLITICO. N.p., 11 Jan. 2016. Web. 11 Jan. 2016. <http://www.politico.com/story/2016/01/obama-gop-congress-ugly-relationship-217550>.

Major earthquake hits northeast India

This picture taken from Instagram shows damage from a strong 6.7 magnitude earthquake which
struck northeast India near the country's borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh in the city of
Imphal, capital of Manipur state early on January 4, 2016. The early morning tremor was strongly felt
across northeast India and in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka, where television reports said at least 24
people were taken to hospital after being injured in the scramble that ensued. 

An earthquake measuring 6.7 magnitude hit northeast India near its border with Myanmar and
Bangladesh early Monday, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed. At least eight people were
killed and 100 injured by falling debris in Imphal and elsewhere in Manipur state, police said.
The quake struck at 4:35 a.m. local time (6:05 p.m. ET on Sunday), about 20 mi es northwest of
Imphal, the capital of Manipur.

An intensity shake map released by the US Geological Survey (USGS) on 03 January
2016 shows the location where a preliminary 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck 33km WNW Of
Imphal, India, 04 January 2016 (local time). EPA/USGS / HANDOUT (Photo: EPA)
Media reports said five people were killed by the earthquake in neighboring Bangladesh, but there
was no immediate confirmation from authorities. 

Strong tremors were felt across the region, the BBC reported. Witness accounts reported a quake
that was unlike anything they had felt before, NBC News reported with residents awakened by
shouting relatives and an intense shaking that lasted from 35 seconds to two minutes. 

Bob Swaggerty, who felt the quake in Dimapur, about 125 miles north of Imphal, told USA TODA Y
that it lasted about 45 seconds. "We felt the Nepal earthquake last year, this was the strongest I have
ever felt,- he said. 

Swaggerty and his family were awakened after feeling and hearing the quake. -I ran out to our
balcony where it was shaking so violently I was just waiting for it to come down," he said. "Many
screams in the distance. 

He added, - My son said he doesn't want to live in this house anymore." 

@timesofindialSl Strong tremors felt in Kolkata too, though everyone is sleeping and hardly I see
anyone on the road.
— Naveen Kumar Singh (@Na7vs) lanuary 3, 2016/61 

Nearly 200 miles south of the quake's epicenter, in Siaha, India, one account described a building
that sounded as if it was crumbling, NBC reported. 

In Imphal, there were initial reports Of damage to a popular market, The Associated Press reported.
The tremor left large cracks in several walls and a portion of the building collapsed, police said.

India's Meteorological Department said the epicenter of the quake was in Tamenglong region of
Manipur state. It struck at a depth of 17 kilometers (about 10 miles) in the India-Myanmar border region. USGS said the depth was 55 kilometers (about 34 miles).
People panicked and rushed out of their homes in Guwahati, the capital of neighboring Assam state,
as they felt massive shaking at least twice within 60 seconds, AP reported.
Patients are told to stay outside as Imphal Hospital suffered huge cracks in the building.


Imphal quake jolts Assam reports @afrida78d101 Cracks Surface at Guwahati
Medical College Hospital @NewsMl llpic.twitter.com/XjybxTjqbK1121
— Sourav Sanyal (@SSanyal) January 4, 2016/131 

"The ground swayed for almost a minute, jolting people awake in their homes," said one Imphal
resident, Apem Arthur. The area is dotted with small houses. There are few tall buildings in the
region, she said. 

@timesofindia1141 tremors felt in Eastern and Central Nepal too.
— (@Rascalgk) January 3, 2014151 

The tremors were also felt in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal state. 

USGS initially reported a 6.8 magnitude before revising the assessment to 6.7 about an hour later. 

USGS map shows major 6.7 earthquake west of#lmpha11161 India in #ManipuÅ171 State.


CARE is monitoring this emergency.
— CARE (care.org) (@CARE) January 4, 20161191 

Contributing: The Associated press


Response:

This article uses many sources of social media to gain information of this recent earth quake in India and others in South East Asia. This is because it is coming from a US news source which does not have any direct affiliation with the countries being affected. The writer has a few statements from the authorities which could be because there are very few statements, or that they have more bias towards the people directly in the quake who were tweeting/posting on social media. Every source they use seems to be directly from the media. The facts are most likely not interesting enough for this report, so it is being dramatized by the media posts. This article does provide information on the event, but it is not substantial facts from authorities.

Toppo, Greg. "Major Earthquake Hits Northeast India." USA Today. USA Today, 4 Jan. 2016. Web. 4 Jan. 2016. <http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/01/03/india-earthquake-myanmar-border/78241542/>.