United States
China’s premier, Hu Jintao, visited leading American officials.
Importance: On an official state visit to Washington D.C., President Jintao met with President Obama and other politicians and business leaders. Claiming China had no interest in hegemony, both presidents made a sincere effort to restart American-Chinese relations. Some unresolved issues remain after the visit: Chinese human rights, sovereignty over Taiwan and Tibet, and Chinese currency manipulation. As expected after such a visit that is plagued with economic uncertainty, stocks slightly decreased.
Well over one hundred mobsters arrested in northeastern states.
Importance: Though FBI attention has focused on Islamic terrorism this past decade, organized crime is still powerful in many areas across the U.S. While the many arrests do in fact harm the Italian mafia, they will undoubtedly recover in a matter of time. This has been the largest bust in New York history.
American and United Airlines sue O’Hare International Airport.
Importance: The Chicago-based airport has plans to modernize substantially. The airport, which used to be the busiest in the world until it dropped to 4th place (behind Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles), has legal obligations to notify airlines of any building proposals. Litigation has begun because the companies were not notified and have fears of added costs (that would eventually mean added costs to travelers). The city says it will add jobs.
International
Algerian and Tunisian rioting creates ripple effect throughout the Arab world.
Importance: Unrest in Tunisia continues regardless of the President’s exile. Arab leaders, all oppressive to some extent (some more than others), met to try and solve the problem. Self-immolations have occurred elsewhere in the countries in a sign of solidarity with Tunisians. Small, yet important, protests even appeared in places like Jordan in defiance of the monarchial government. Events such as these have laid the groundwork for democracy in countries such as France in the 18th century and Eastern Europe at the end of the Cold War. We shall see whether the same holds true.
French government minister attacked in Gaza.
Importance: While visiting a hospital, Alliot-Marie found herself surrounded by Palestinian mobs gathered around her. The previous day she called for Red Cross representatives to see the captured Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit who has been in the hands of Hamas for over four years. Shalit, who was only 19 at the time, holds dual French-Israeli citizenship. Alliot-Marie only had her personal security guards to protect her because Hamas did not send police. She survived but was hurt on her head.
South Korean navy and commandos storm pirate ship.
Importance: The pirates captured a South Korean trading ship, one of eight, for a ransom. Instead, South Korea attacked. 21 pirates were killed and five others were captured. 21 sailors who were captured were released. The other ships were only released after ransom was paid. The South Korean government said it never negotiates with pirates. It is a reminder to the problems that still lay off the Horn of Africa.
Thought of the Day: "I know what I have given you. I do not know what you have received.” –Antonio Porchia
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