Close
Monday, 20 May 2013

WATCH VIDEOS

Here's an introduction to Mondokio.

 

Meet our International Relations Committee

 

Become a Mondokio:

Philippine Reef Damaged by US Ship

Nature is full of precious resources. When those resources are damaged by humans, someone ought to be held accountable. However, because nature does not operate on the budgets and time-tables of governments or corporations, it can be difficult to determine how best to repair damaged natural resources. Right now, a controversy is brewing in the south Pacific. The USS Guardian, a minesweeper ship under the flag of the United States Navy was conducting an operation near the Philippines. During the operation, the ship ran into a corral reef. This caused damaged to an estimated 25,000 square foot area. This is more than half the size of the entire reef. The underwater body, which is home to a diverse array of sea-life, is not supposed to be off-limits to any ship without special permission. Question are being raised, because it does not seem that the USS Guardian had such permission. Questions are also being raised about if and how compensation can be made for what has occurred. The United States has issued multiple apologies and paid for the removal of the ship from the reef. Of course, the damage is already done and money can only repair so much. Consider what the perspectives focus on- whether it is money or nature. Which is more important?

Guantanamo Bay Hunger Strike

Prisons are often far from the public eye. Most people do not consider what takes place in them. We think little of the stress and danger of the environment. However, sometimes issues arise so large that they cannot be kept in the confines of one of the world's most secretive prisons. Right now, a hunger strike at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp is dragging into its third month. The situation is complex and difficult to discern, as little information comes out of high-security prisons. The U.S. government considers all of the prisoners to be dangerous terrorists. The hunger strikers have expressed dismay that their Korans, their holy text, had been violated. This is not the first hunger strike, nor is it the prison's first brush with controversy. In 2005, prisoners went on hunger strike because U.S. authorities were not treating them humanely. It was revealed that the prison was violating Geneva Convention standards for treating prisoners. The current conflict has been worse. Military personnel and prisoners have clashed physically. The prisoners have been moved from communal living to individual cells. The Red Cross is concerned that the strikers may soon perish. The situation is a difficult one to understand. A long term solution is not ready, but as you read through the perspectives, consider this: How can the situation best be resolved? Through stricter action by the security forces or by showing more leniency to the detainees religious wishes?

The Legacy of The Iron Lady

What is the role of a leader? Perhaps you have some experience of your own. Can you imagine the responsibilities attached to being a leader on a global level? Undoubtedly, it would be as stressful as it could be rewarding. It is not easy, and may not be wise, to simplify the legacy of world leaders. Yet, one may still consider their actions overall, and determine if their administration was more positive or negative. Right now, many are considering the ultimate legacy of Margaret Thatcher. The former British Prime Minister passed away on April 8th. Thatcher holds the record for having been Britain's longest-serving prime minister in the 20th century. Having led the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990, her tenure saw a mixed bag of successes and failures. Just as many in the media are voicing admiration for her leadership as there are voicing discontent. Her domestic legacy saw both economic prosperity and downturn at various points. During her time, Thatcher received the nickname “The Iron Lady.” Some may argue that it was a positive sign of her uncompromising commitment, others may say it was a reflection of stubbornness. Many credit Thatcher for her role in the downfall of the Soviet Union. She also oversaw the Falklands War, which was popular in Britain, but unpopular abroad. To this day, Thatcher holds the distinction of having been the only woman to serve as the prime minister of the United Kingdom. As you read through the perspectives, you will see that different nations have different views of Thatcher. They touch on varied issues that they find to be significant. Based on those perspectives, consider this: Do the positive aspects of Thatcher's legacy outweigh the negative, or vice-versa?

Attack on teen consumes Pakistan

Have you ever been attacked for standing up for your right to go to school? In the U.S. – at least after the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s – this idea has become virtually extinct. But there are other parts of the world which are going through a similar struggle right now. One such place is a region of Pakistan called the Swat Valley. Malala Yousufzai, a 14-year-old girl from Pakistan, was shot twice on her way home from school by the Taliban -- a militant movement that is widely classified as a terrorist group. She survived and is now recovering. Ms. Yousufzai has been standing up for education and women's rights since she was 11. She even wrote for the BBC about her life under the Taliban regime and their attempts to take over in Pakistan. She was also awarded the Pakistan's first National Youth Peace Prize. After the attack, a Taliban spokesperson claimed, "This [her outspokenness] was a new chapter of obscenity, and we have to finish this chapter." In other words, should she return to school, she will remain a target. Here is how we will begin to discuss this particular topic: The willingness to take the life of someone who has convictions that differ from your own is to abandon faith in the communication process. The act is particularly despicable given the target was a 14-year-old child. But we can’t let this cloud our ability to first understand the attacker's perspective. It is only when the motivation behind this act is properly understood that it can be universally condemned. So what were the Taliban's motivations? The Taliban believe that children should only receive an “Islamic education,” rather than instruction in math, science and other subjects. They believe girls should only be educated up to the age of 8, in order to "secure environments where the chasteness and dignity of women may once again be sacrosanct". However, another spokesperson for the Taliban stated that, "If anyone belives we had chosen Malala as a topic of education as a goal, they are mistaken. She was chosen because she plays a pioneering role in the spread of secularism, and the so-called enlightened moderation.” The attack, and its justifications, have been universally condemned in the world press. Consider the perspectives from all over the world. What do you believe is the strongest argument for condemnation? ...one that could create a worldwide consensus leading to unified action against the Taliban?

Veil ban in France continually causing tension

Can you imagine being told that something you do or wear that was of great importance to you was illegal in your country? Whether it be for religious or personal reasons, just about everyone understands considering something to be sacred. Imagine that sacred part of you being banned where you live. In France, as of April 2011, full-face veils are banned. The veils are part of traditional Muslim culture for women, but Muslim women in France are forbidden from wearing them. The ban is viewed by supporters as a necessary step to preserve French culture and to fight what they see as separatist tendencies among Muslims. The ban's purpose was said to be “to eradicate this minority of (Muslim) fundamentalists,” including men who force their wives to wear the veils. As recently as September, women have been arrested for violating this law. Critics have also said that the law, in addition to depriving French Muslim women of their rights, might further aggravate tensions, create riots and fears of terrorism and accusations of racism. Do you think the reasons for this ban are valid, that France needs to preserve its culture and stop Muslims from separating themselves from non-Muslim citizens? Or should Muslim women be able to make a choice about whether they will wear veils? Discuss.