1) The Innocence of Muslims
“Every non-Muslim is an infidel. Their lands, their women, their children are our spoils.”
The last couple weeks saw the world witness numerous protests, the apex of which precipitated in the death of the US ambassador to Libya. Muslims everywhere were incensed by an anti-Islam video posted on Youtube entitled The Innocence of Muslims. The video targets Prophet Mohammad – insinuating that the revered religious figure was an illegitimate child who started a cult-like following to persecute non-Muslims, particularly Christians. Curiously, the video has garnered 34,757 likes, while the US government has rejected the video and condemned the violence stemming from it. When responding to why the US government has not proceeded to ban the video, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton cited a citizen’s right to free speech. But as always the law is layered and definitions murky. As such, while the First Amendment protects “abridging of freedom of Speech,” it is not binding providing for categorical exclusions such as “Fighting Words or Offensive Speech.” Add to the equation a federal election, and we begin to see why the government has taken steps in encouraging Google to review whether the video violates its content policies by disseminating hate speech.
2) Asian superpowers faceoff over territorial dispute.
Is this really about a quintet of islands?
Five minuscule uninhabited islands, located along subjective boundary lines, are on the verge of permanently severing the precarious relationship between China and Japan. The standoff is the latest manifestation of a long standing animosity that started with the Mukden or Manchurian Incident of September 18th, 1931. Imperial Japan invaded northern China under the pretext of retaliating to alleged Chinese insurgent led destruction of a Japanese-owned South Manchuria railway. The pervasive bitterness is owing to Japanese subsequent war time actions and Tokyo having never fully taken responsibility for its actions. The anniversary of the incident fuelled ongoing nationalist protests in several Chinese cities. The resulting political impasse has severed trade ties, which produced $345 billion (US) last year, as several Japanese brands such as Nissan, Honda and Panasonic have ceased manufacturing operations in China. This has an enormous impact on the global economy as it recovers from the recession. Tensions continue to mount as 1000 Chinese fishing boats are apparently headed to the islands which could potentially lead to an ill-advised military confrontation.
3) The Put Students First Act, Bill 115. Teachers and students react with protest.
The Ontario government passed Bill 115 before the school year which freezes teacher wages, cuts benefits, and bans strikes. This was done to reduce the deficit and ensure teachers went back to work in September. In addition to various protests in response to the bill, the Teachers’ Union has asked its members to pull out of extra-curricular and volunteer responsibilities. This means that many schools throughout Ontario won’t have sports, clubs, parent-teacher nights, tutoring, plays, concerts, dances and even a prom. There have been walkouts and protests made by students at many schools since the Union made the announcement. Many students need the extra-curricular activities to get into post-secondary education. Opinions seem to be mixed with some students supporting the Union and some the provincial government, but the one thing they all agree on is that they want the conflict to stop.
4) Canada closes embassy in Iran. Gives Iranian diplomats 5 days to leave.
Earlier in September, Canada closed its embassy in Iran and expelled all Iranian diplomats from Canada. The announcement came as a surprise after Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said that Canada was officially designating Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism. Baird said: “Canada views the government of Iran as the most significant threat to global peace and security in the world today.” Baird also cited safety concerns to embassy staff and referred to the attack on the British Embassy last November. Stephen Harper has been a supporter of Israel and critic of Iran, particularly Iran’s military support for the Syrian regime, its nuclear program, and its human right’s violations. Iran has called Canada’s actions “hasty and extreme” and that it “served Zionists”. Italy is currently representing Canada in Iran. It is hoped that they will assist in advocating for Canadians in Iranian prisons of which two are on death row.
5) Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney’s controversial 47% comment.
In yet another gaffe, Presidential candidate Mitt Romney recently wrote off 47 % of American voters as ”victims” who are ”dependent on government”, ”pay no income tax” and will vote for President Barack Obama ”no matter what”. This statement hurt the Romney cause because he is trying to appeal to the middle and lower classes of American society. Democrats have seized on the opportunity to lambaste Romney as an out-of-touch plutocrat who does not care or know how to help most Americans. Fellow Republicans, however, feel that this could be an opportunity for Romney to attract more voters to the cause and a chance for the former governor to distance himself from the President’s ideals. Whatever the fallout from Romney’s comments, the path to victory is narrowing as polls are showing that Romney’s overall support and voter support in key swing states is falling as current President Barack Obama increases his chance of securing another four year term.
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