The Cyber Age

This article provides details and commentary on the most recent developments between the U.S. and China over the issue of cyber warfare, and takes a relatively positive tone about the issue. The cyber world has grown rapidly, and is a relatively new frontier that is now being tested as a battle ground. This deal may very well be the first of its kind and could pave the way for further such deals between other countries.

As technology advances international relations adapts and expands, and the threat of cyber attacks has become real and troubling and must certainly be addressed. The article expresses concerns over the integrity of the Chinese government in adhering to the deal, but that is not the sole concern, nor the biggest one. How do we define this new international border?

Republicans vs. Democrats

In an article published on the New York Times the hesitancy of the Republicans to accept the Iran Nuclear deal and possible outcomes is addressed, albeit a somewhat critical perspective. The Republicans believe the deal will threaten Israel and other countries and will be counter-beneficial to the United States and do not place much confidence in the Iranian leadership and are thus doing all they can to post-pone and hopefully stop the deal.

The Democrats view this strategy as detrimental to the whole of the United States and distracting to other important issues. Many Democrats believe the deal will ultimately aid in the problems of the Middle East.

Ultimately this divisions over the Iran Deal lies in differing world views and opinions of what it is important. The Republicans and Democrats have very differing ideas of how the United States should act, and in this case the battle between ideologies is being waged in Congress.

Pope Francis and President Obama

What President Obama expects to discuss with Pope Francis is laid out in this article published by the Washington Post. Pope Francis has quickly proven that he is an advocate not only for the Catholic Church but for the global community and is deeply concerned about the wars in the Middle East and global warning. However, while he is expected to discuss such topics with the president of the United States the extent to which his words will affect the president or any other political leaders pre-existing ideas I believe will be minimal. He is still a foreign religious leader, whose only hold upon such topics is in his position and not on any real knowledge or authority. Though I personally believe he has optimistic ideas of how to deal with these problems, I fear that despite the weight his words have garnered they will effect very little change within the leaders of the United States. President Obama's meeting with the Catholic leader is at base, a simple pleasantry.

Iran-U.S. Relations

Despite the recent discussions between the United States and Iran, hope of further talks has been quickly bashed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While Americans are divided over the nuclear deal struck between the two nations, Iran seems little confused over the objective of the deal. Iran seeks economic openness and the nuclear deal will remove the sanctions the United States had formerly imposed upon the country. However, while the United States was hopeful that talks would continue to other realms, Iran refused.

Iran, its leaders and people continue to view the United States as a great evil and are unwilling to work further with the country. Iran is using this deal to achieve its own ends, economic freedom, but is completely unwilling to sacrifice much in return. Does the United States truly want to make any deals with a country who loathes it and refuses to even discuss other topics of interest?

Read the article from the Wall Street Journal here.

Refugee Crisis and the United States

The plight of the Syrian refugees fleeing to Europe was dramatically brought to center attention of the world by the tragic photo of a three year old child's drowned body washed upon the shores of Turkey. The world was dumb-founded and cries for action have been ringing through the press in response to such devastating stories. Europe has been attempting to cope with this influx of refugees, but many have criticized their response and claim that more needs to be done and welcome and aid these displaced people.

 This article from the New York Times, article here, details the story of the poor drowned child and addresses the issues surrounding how he his life had been ended. For the United States this humanitarian crisis may seem distant, but as a nation, as humans, it is crucial that even we step up to take our part in aiding these people. Offer asylum, pressure Europe to open their doors, stand against the regimes that are forcing these people to such extreme measures, in such times as these everyone is obligated to help as much as they can.