SUCCESS COMES AT A PRICE
On Sunday, May 24, 2009, the United Nations Security Council sent a coalition of military squads from various nations to take action against the Taliban at the nuclear weapons facility in Pakistan. The UN forces secured the facility and its weapons, managing to kill all Taliban members in the area. However, they were too late to stop the Taliban from releasing a large amount of radiation into the atmosphere. According to the associated press, one UN official explained, “Fifty miles in any direction around this plant is going to be devastated for years, but other countries will be safe as our Special Forces team shut down the Taliban before massive amounts of radiation could enter the atmosphere and make its way towards other nations.” Fortunately, other countries do not expect to be as severely affected by the nuclear fallout as Pakistan. However, Pakistani residents are fleeing the radiation zone for safety. The Red Cross, along with other Non-Governmental Organizations, has started providing food and shelter for the survivors. At the same time, UN officials are monitoring the checkpoints set up by the Pakistani intelligence service “to search for terrorists and make sure they are put away.”
Germany criticized the UN’s plan, expressing their opinion that the radiation could have been contained had they played a role in the strike. However, UN officials note that “there will be no nuclear war and only a minimal amount of radiation can be expected to harm surrounding countries.” In other news, President Zadari of Pakistan has yet to speak to the public about the current situation. When he does, he will have to ask other members of the UN for help with the food, shelter, medical care, and financial aid his country will need in order to recover from the radiation and its ongoing effects. President Zadari’s political future remains in question and will be affected by how he handles his country’s hardships.
Written by: Corey Parks
Edited by: Ashley Barlow
Monday, May 25, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The Taliban (Once Again) Urge For Negotiation
On Thursday, May 21, the Countries of the UN Security Council met to decide upon a plan to end the crisis in Pakistan. So far, the Taliban urges the countries to negotiate with them, however, the Taliban say that the countries are far too unorganized to reach a concrete decision to end the crisis.
Based on what the Taliban say, it appears that the countries seem that they are unable to come up with a solution, “because all of the countries have different needs and agendas.” So far, the countries have not been able to create an accepted strategy because each country feels differently about the situation. What the countries fail to realize is that in order to develop a strategy, they must be willing to compromise with each other. Some country is going to have to sacrifice their beliefs in order to agree on a viable strategy. However, the countries of the UN Security Council have shown their stubbornness as most countries will only try and solve the crisis in one way.
Also, many countries have been so focused on their own safety that they have forgotten about the big picture. The fact is that the Taliban are in possession of four nuclear weapons but India stationed troops on the border in order to prevent the Taliban from moving into India.
With this current mindset, the countries will not be able to agree upon terms with the Taliban. Most likely, their will be no agreements between the countries and the Taliban will create a nuclear meltdown.
By Jeffrey Albrecht
Edited by Ashley Barlow
Based on what the Taliban say, it appears that the countries seem that they are unable to come up with a solution, “because all of the countries have different needs and agendas.” So far, the countries have not been able to create an accepted strategy because each country feels differently about the situation. What the countries fail to realize is that in order to develop a strategy, they must be willing to compromise with each other. Some country is going to have to sacrifice their beliefs in order to agree on a viable strategy. However, the countries of the UN Security Council have shown their stubbornness as most countries will only try and solve the crisis in one way.
Also, many countries have been so focused on their own safety that they have forgotten about the big picture. The fact is that the Taliban are in possession of four nuclear weapons but India stationed troops on the border in order to prevent the Taliban from moving into India.
With this current mindset, the countries will not be able to agree upon terms with the Taliban. Most likely, their will be no agreements between the countries and the Taliban will create a nuclear meltdown.
By Jeffrey Albrecht
Edited by Ashley Barlow
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Taliban Nukes Ineffective
Recently, a video was released that depicted the Taliban fueling a missile with a nuclear warhead attached. This however, is yet to be confirmed by the nations of the UN Security Council. Analysts speculate that the Taliban released this video in order to show the world that they are in fact capable of firing their nuclear weapons.
However, recent news given to CNN analysts by an unnamed and accurate source suggests that the weapons are rendered useless. According to the source, Pakistan allowed the US to install “unbreakable safety codes in Pakistan’s nukes.” The US did this by “infiltrating weapons-making front companies and inserted parts or software that can render weapons inoperable.” Although it seems as the Taliban have been bluffing this whole time, there is still a crisis at hand. The Taliban are still able to cause a nuclear meltdown which would send radiation into the air above Pakistan. The radiation will be swept south-western by the winds and it will leave long-term environmental effects.
Not only does this question the Taliban’s nuclear weaponry, but it shows that Pakistan’s government is stronger than what other countries think. Many countries have viewed Pakistani’s government and military as corrupt and weak because the of the Taliban’s unsuspected take over of the Swat Valley. Charlie Montgomery, the representative of Pakistan stated that “We decided to allow the U.S. to install the safety devices because we were unsettled by unfounded rumors of deep corruption within the ISI and the Taliban's increasing power in the region. Although we did not want to do this we reasoned that it is better to be safe than sorry, the unimaginable events of the past two weeks have proven this.” This information hints that the Pakistani government is not as weak or foolish as it seems because the Pakistani government was smart enough to safeguard their nukes in case a crisis like this occurred.
By Jeffrey Albrecht
Edited By Ashley Barlow
However, recent news given to CNN analysts by an unnamed and accurate source suggests that the weapons are rendered useless. According to the source, Pakistan allowed the US to install “unbreakable safety codes in Pakistan’s nukes.” The US did this by “infiltrating weapons-making front companies and inserted parts or software that can render weapons inoperable.” Although it seems as the Taliban have been bluffing this whole time, there is still a crisis at hand. The Taliban are still able to cause a nuclear meltdown which would send radiation into the air above Pakistan. The radiation will be swept south-western by the winds and it will leave long-term environmental effects.
Not only does this question the Taliban’s nuclear weaponry, but it shows that Pakistan’s government is stronger than what other countries think. Many countries have viewed Pakistani’s government and military as corrupt and weak because the of the Taliban’s unsuspected take over of the Swat Valley. Charlie Montgomery, the representative of Pakistan stated that “We decided to allow the U.S. to install the safety devices because we were unsettled by unfounded rumors of deep corruption within the ISI and the Taliban's increasing power in the region. Although we did not want to do this we reasoned that it is better to be safe than sorry, the unimaginable events of the past two weeks have proven this.” This information hints that the Pakistani government is not as weak or foolish as it seems because the Pakistani government was smart enough to safeguard their nukes in case a crisis like this occurred.
By Jeffrey Albrecht
Edited By Ashley Barlow
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Taliban Urges Negotiation
On Tuesday May 19, 2009, CNN had the chance to meet with various countries and ask questions dealing with numerous topics. Many of the countries seemed to possess the same ideas and concerns as they had since the beginning of the Taliban’s first attack.
The countries are not concerned about the fact that the Taliban possess weapons to bomb Israel and farther because many of the countries feel that Israel is not one of the Taliban’s targets. The countries are leaning more towards protecting and aiding India rather than Israel, although Israel completely feels differently on this topic. Although many of the countries are saying Israel is not in danger, Israel is still making sure that it protects its people.
One main topic that was brought up during an interview consisted of an update on the Taliban’s demands. He stated that his “demands and requests still stand,” and many countries have not tried to approach him, except for a selective, unnamed few. “The clock is ticking for the country’s to come talk to me,” is what the Taliban stated today. Although many countries seem to be taking action in regards to the Taliban’s demands by securing borders and putting out temporary plans, it seems as though the countries have made little progress.
The Taliban urges the countries to negotiate with him because the clock is ticking. Hopefully, a decision will be made by the UN Security Council before nuclear war breaks out.
By Ashley Barlow
Edited by Jeffrey Albrecht
The countries are not concerned about the fact that the Taliban possess weapons to bomb Israel and farther because many of the countries feel that Israel is not one of the Taliban’s targets. The countries are leaning more towards protecting and aiding India rather than Israel, although Israel completely feels differently on this topic. Although many of the countries are saying Israel is not in danger, Israel is still making sure that it protects its people.
One main topic that was brought up during an interview consisted of an update on the Taliban’s demands. He stated that his “demands and requests still stand,” and many countries have not tried to approach him, except for a selective, unnamed few. “The clock is ticking for the country’s to come talk to me,” is what the Taliban stated today. Although many countries seem to be taking action in regards to the Taliban’s demands by securing borders and putting out temporary plans, it seems as though the countries have made little progress.
The Taliban urges the countries to negotiate with him because the clock is ticking. Hopefully, a decision will be made by the UN Security Council before nuclear war breaks out.
By Ashley Barlow
Edited by Jeffrey Albrecht
Taliban Plan to Keep WMD
The CNN network received important information from the Taliban about their plans. The Taliban said that they would willing to negotiate with the countries of the world on the UN’s terms. Unfortunately, no nation appears to have made any attempt to negotiate with the Taliban to attempt to convince them to change their demands. However, the Taliban are willing to modify their demands because they do not want a nuclear conflict to emerge from the situation, nor do they want a nuclear war to occur. The Taliban is, however, willing to use force to get what they want.
The countries of the world think they have a chance at ending the crisis by forcing the Taliban to disarm and remove their nuclear weapons. The countries refuse to move towards meeting any of the Taliban’s demands because the UN views the Taliban’s demands as unjust and unfair. The Taliban representative allowed the CNN reporters to ask a few questions. The Taliban stated that, “If the Taliban get what they want, there will remain no reason to launch the nuclear weapons. We are not imperialists. All we want is a safe, stable environment in the Middle East as well as what we asked for in our other demands. However, we will NOT disarm, destroy, or remove our nuclear weapons. We will keep our nuclear weaponry to use as a defensive line.”
We see no problem in doing this considering almost every other country throughout the world does the same with their nuclear weaponry today.” The Taliban also noted that the rest of the world views the Taliban as Muslim terrorists who only wish to kill innocent civilians. They believe the problem lies there. The nations of the world have the idea that the Taliban want to conquer the world. According to the Taliban, this is not so and that the Taliban is merely trying to make a point and willing to use violence to do so.
By Cory Parks
Edited by Jeffrey Albrecht
The countries of the world think they have a chance at ending the crisis by forcing the Taliban to disarm and remove their nuclear weapons. The countries refuse to move towards meeting any of the Taliban’s demands because the UN views the Taliban’s demands as unjust and unfair. The Taliban representative allowed the CNN reporters to ask a few questions. The Taliban stated that, “If the Taliban get what they want, there will remain no reason to launch the nuclear weapons. We are not imperialists. All we want is a safe, stable environment in the Middle East as well as what we asked for in our other demands. However, we will NOT disarm, destroy, or remove our nuclear weapons. We will keep our nuclear weaponry to use as a defensive line.”
We see no problem in doing this considering almost every other country throughout the world does the same with their nuclear weaponry today.” The Taliban also noted that the rest of the world views the Taliban as Muslim terrorists who only wish to kill innocent civilians. They believe the problem lies there. The nations of the world have the idea that the Taliban want to conquer the world. According to the Taliban, this is not so and that the Taliban is merely trying to make a point and willing to use violence to do so.
By Cory Parks
Edited by Jeffrey Albrecht
Monday, May 18, 2009
India's Response
In a recent article, CNN reporter Jeffrey Albrecht wrote the following:
"If India is in the most danger, then wouldn’t India be doing everything they can to put an end to this? Countries are relying too heavily on the Pakistani military which has recently shown their incompetence when trying to stop the Taliban in the past. It seems as though many countries are taking this matter too lightly."
First of all India is is no way taking this matter lightly- India borders Pakistan and just recently experienced a terrorist attack, therefore we are very alert and taking this matter very seriously. Second, India has it's own reasons for it's choice not to enter Pakistan and for India's decision to allow the Pakistani military to directly deal with the Taliban. India and the other countries of the United Nations will be guiding Pakistan, however if the Taliban is bombarded by all other countries in the United Nations, that may lead them to launch the missiles. So, in fact, India is putting in full effort. I suggest that in the future, CNN analyzes the events of this situation more carefully and contacts the necessary representatives of the United Nations' countries before jumping to conclusions and judging the choices made by not only India but other countries as well.
"If India is in the most danger, then wouldn’t India be doing everything they can to put an end to this? Countries are relying too heavily on the Pakistani military which has recently shown their incompetence when trying to stop the Taliban in the past. It seems as though many countries are taking this matter too lightly."
First of all India is is no way taking this matter lightly- India borders Pakistan and just recently experienced a terrorist attack, therefore we are very alert and taking this matter very seriously. Second, India has it's own reasons for it's choice not to enter Pakistan and for India's decision to allow the Pakistani military to directly deal with the Taliban. India and the other countries of the United Nations will be guiding Pakistan, however if the Taliban is bombarded by all other countries in the United Nations, that may lead them to launch the missiles. So, in fact, India is putting in full effort. I suggest that in the future, CNN analyzes the events of this situation more carefully and contacts the necessary representatives of the United Nations' countries before jumping to conclusions and judging the choices made by not only India but other countries as well.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Countries’ Mindset Questionable
On May 15th, a UN Security Council meeting was held in order to find a solution to the current crisis in Pakistan. No solution was found. Instead, countries were still arguing over how to negotiate with the seemingly nonnegotiable Taliban. Some countries tried to negotiate with the Taliban by exchanging their freedom for the nuclear weapons. Alex Sale representing France suggested we (the countries) “give the Taliban our demands instead of negotiating around theirs.” However, the countries of the UN Security Council are not in a good position to negotiate as they still have yet to put the Taliban under military pressure.
Even though countries must start putting pressure on the Taliban, Sabrina Bral of India said that “Indian troops will be deployed on the Indian-Pakistan border.” Along with India, Israel and Great Britain both were deploying troops on the border while the other countries except for Russia wish to prevent military intervention. Russia suggested that the UN force should support the Pakistani army throughout this crisis.
In addition, countries are trying to stay indirectly involved by using Pakistan as a mouthpiece. In a statement recently sent to the media, Sabrina Bral of India said that “we would all be supervising and guiding Pakistan, but that Pakistan would be the only one directly negotiating.” If India is in the most danger, then wouldn’t India be doing everything they can to put an end to this? Countries are relying too heavily on the Pakistani military which has recently shown their incompetence when trying to stop the Taliban in the past. It seems as though many countries are taking this matter too lightly.
At the end of the meeting the Taliban gave assurance that they had the actual launch codes and they said that “an unnamed entity has provided us nuclear technologies which allow us to hit Israel and farther.” This fact still remains unconfirmed and if true, the Taliban may be able to fire nuclear weapons at any country they choose. After that statement, the Taliban said that “the threat is very real, do not take it lightly.” But will this statement by the Taliban make countries take this threat more seriously? The members of the UN Security Council need to start making the hard but necessary decisions to end this crisis for good.
By Jeffrey Albrecht
Edited by Corey Parks
Even though countries must start putting pressure on the Taliban, Sabrina Bral of India said that “Indian troops will be deployed on the Indian-Pakistan border.” Along with India, Israel and Great Britain both were deploying troops on the border while the other countries except for Russia wish to prevent military intervention. Russia suggested that the UN force should support the Pakistani army throughout this crisis.
In addition, countries are trying to stay indirectly involved by using Pakistan as a mouthpiece. In a statement recently sent to the media, Sabrina Bral of India said that “we would all be supervising and guiding Pakistan, but that Pakistan would be the only one directly negotiating.” If India is in the most danger, then wouldn’t India be doing everything they can to put an end to this? Countries are relying too heavily on the Pakistani military which has recently shown their incompetence when trying to stop the Taliban in the past. It seems as though many countries are taking this matter too lightly.
At the end of the meeting the Taliban gave assurance that they had the actual launch codes and they said that “an unnamed entity has provided us nuclear technologies which allow us to hit Israel and farther.” This fact still remains unconfirmed and if true, the Taliban may be able to fire nuclear weapons at any country they choose. After that statement, the Taliban said that “the threat is very real, do not take it lightly.” But will this statement by the Taliban make countries take this threat more seriously? The members of the UN Security Council need to start making the hard but necessary decisions to end this crisis for good.
By Jeffrey Albrecht
Edited by Corey Parks
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