International Newsletter #16

Chinese Campaign to Block Japan from the U.N.

Japan's campaign for a permanent U.N. Security Council seat which carries the right to veto U.N. actions has received widespread opposition by a Chinese Internet petition, according to the Associated Press on Tuesday.

Organizers of the petition claim to have collected more than 24 million names. However, this number may be inaccurate because a user can easily click the signature button thousands of times. The petition reflects an anti-Japanese sentiment pervasive in China, caused by Japan’s alleged failure to apologize for wartime aggression against China. Gory photos and engraved stone tablets at the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall exhort visitors to remember past Japanese atrocities.

Tong Zeng, a leader among China's anti-Japan activists, insists China must veto Security Council membership for Japan. "How can a nation that has never apologized for its barbaric behavior gain the trust of the international community to be a Security Council member," he said. "A country like this in the Security Council would be a huge threat to world peace."

On the other hand, some speculate the true driving force behind the petition is China’s reluctance to lose its position as the only permanent Asian member. While China's government has never clearly expressed itself on the issue, the petition at www.china918.net could make it harder for Beijing to accept a compromise without provoking public anger, forcing it to oppose the entire reform package.

-Christine
http://story.news.yahoo.com

Racial Tension in Holland

Dutch youth attacked a mosque in Venray, a southern town in Holland on Saturday. When the youth smashed windows of the mosque they set off a street fight with young Turkish immigrants. The fight on Saturday involved 20 Dutchmen and 60 Turkish immigrants.

There’s been a large increase of racial tension between Dutch youth and immigrant groups since an Islamic fundamentalist allegedly killed a Dutch artist. The violence has included attacks on Islamic schools as well as mosques. The attacks have been carried out through bombings and arsons.

No one has been killed in any of the attacks, but the Dutch police states that several people have been arrested, and that more arrests will follow.

-Emma
www.turkishdailynews.com


NPR to Rebroadcast Edward R. Murrow Series ‘This I Believe’

In 1951, radio pioneer Edward R. Murrow asked Americans from all walks of life to share their most fundamental and closely held beliefs. It was an extraordinarily successful series. Half a century later, NPR, Atlantic Public Media and This I Believe, Inc. are partnering to recreate “This I Believe” on the air and on line. Jay Allison hosts an updated version of the 1950s radio project, designed to encourage listeners to develop respect for beliefs different from their own. Go to the link below to submit your own essay and tune in to WNYC AM 820 or FM 93.9 to listen to others. “This I Believe” will be broadcast during Morning Edition (AM 6-9am; FM 5-9am) and All Things Considered (AM & FM 4-6:30pm).

-Jane
www.npr.org




Big Brother is Publishing

South Korea criticized Japan for approving new school textbooks that downplay Japan’s history of warmongering, violence and aggression.

Protesters, burning Japanese flags, are calling for Japan to immediately rectify this egregious act.

Japan held South Korea in colonial rule from 1910 to 1945, and the neighboring nations relationship is still strained after Japan recently reiterated claims of ownership of South Korean islets in the East Sea.

-Robert
story.news.yahoo.com


Egypt Students Rally for Reform

Islamic students in Cairo, Egypt protested on university campuses last Monday, demanding accelerated reforms in government and an end to Egypt’s 24-year state of emergency. Altogether, thousands of students rallied in five universities against conditions of authority and security issues preventing students from voting for multiple candidates. The enforcement of the emergency law resulted in the arrest of hundreds of Muslim Brotherhood associates who tried to take their protest to the streets. Pressure from democratic nations is helping Egypt reform to move toward multiple candidate elections. In the past decades, the National Democratic Party, headed by Egypt’s leader Mr. Mubarak, chose only one candidate, who could either be elected or rejected by voters.

-Pavel
news.bbc.co.uk


Kashmir Peace Bus

History was made as bus service was restored between the Pakistani and Indian portions of Kashmir this week. As the first bus crossed a bridge spanning the border between the two war-torn areas, passengers looked forward to seeing family members long lost during decades of violence and bloodshed.

Most of the region's militant groups oppose the bus service, which they see as a gimmick rather than a step toward a peace deal they would accept. The passengers, however, said they were excited and would not be intimidated.

Indian officials offered the visitors from the Pakistaini side marigold garlands and bouquets of flowers.

-Kristin
news.independent.co.uk