Current Event #4: Nigeria

The Boko Haram, an Islamic militant group, claimed responsibility for the killings of hundreds of people against the Nigerian government. Since 2009, they've killed more than 900 people, specifically targeting those in uniform. The Boko Haram is the representation of the Nigerians' anger at the Nigerian state, seen by the poor as the "purveyor of inequality." The Nigerian state is seen typically as the enemy because of the enduring poverty putting pressures on the high population. Poverty has increased since 2004 (75% of the population is considered poor). 

Ever since it's independence from the UK after WWII, Nigeria has faced great instability. From the beginning of independence and the creation of a nation, Nigerians perceived corruption of the electoral and political process, which led to the back-to-back military coups begun in 1966. Nigeria only returned to democracy in 1999 with the 1999 election, although the 1999 and 2003 elections were deemed unfree and unfair. Ethnic violence over the oil producing Niger Delta region and inadequate infrastructures further add tension in Nigeria. Boko Haram came about because of Nigerians' dissatisfaction with the way the country was running. It seeks to abolish the secular system of government and establish Sharia law. 

"In Nigeria, a Deadly Group's Rage Has Local Roots"

Current Event #3: UK

British Prime Minister David Cameron traveled on Thursday to Edinburgh to meet with the First Minister Alex Solmond. The two discussed Scotland's desire to separate from the United Kingdom. This was the first meeting to discuss the controversial issue. Mr. Cameron pleaded with the Scottish people in a speech to remain in the union for economic and military support. Alex Solmond, leader of the Scottish National Party, hopes to secure a mandate to withdraw from the UK sometime in the next five years.

The United Kingdom acquired Scotland in the 16/17th century through intermarriage of the two royal families. When King James VI of Scotland inherited Ireland and England, he became the king of England. It wasn't until the Treaty of Union in 1706 that the UK was officially formed. 

Scotland has always been a distinctive ethnicity in the UK with it's Gaelic heritage and manufacturing based economy. Over the years, executive and legislative powers have been devolved to Scotland's parliament (unicameral legislature). The legislative body has legislative authority over everything concerning Scotland and has a limited power over taxation. The increased devolution (power given from central government to more regional lower level governments) has given Scotland more autonomy. With it's lack of representation in the Westminster Parliament, many Scottish people feel unrepresented and disconnected from the British majority. Talks may continue between the two party leaders to come to an agreement, but until Cameron breaks to Scotland's wish for more autonomy, Scotland soon may be a new state. 

"Cameron Details Argument Against Scottish Indpendence"

Current Event 2: Iran

Iran will host parliamentary elections on March 2nd. Tensions have been high as the Iran regime has suppressed and ended the Green Movement protests on Tuesday. The Green Movement is a group of protestors demanding the removal of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from office. Many saw the last election as fraudulent because Ahmadinejad claimed victory before the vote count was done, causing many to believe the elections were rigged by the government. After the election, there was massive protests which were put down by the government militia forces, leaving several killed. The Iran government also began to censor media and slow down internet access. 
Tuesday's protests were a sign of the Green Movement's strength and perseverance. Despite the obstacles the government has put into place, they managed to hold protests in numerous cities. It is expected that the election on March 2nd will have a huge turnout and more than likely will result in further protests, which the government claims it will be ready for.
Iran's transition into a parliamentary system when there was little to no democracy before, will be an awkward and difficult transition. The questionable election of Ahmadinejad is a clear example of the struggles many countries face when transitioning into a more democratic government. Furthermore, the Prime Minister's role and the Shah's role in government make the transition into a full fledged democracy all the more difficult as the government is strictly ruled by the more religious conservatives. The Green Movement appear to be very united, organized, and dedicated to their cause and if the government continues to poorly represent the people, a civil war may be on their hands and the protestors will forcibly remove Ahmadinejad out of power. 


Iran's Green Movement

Current Event I: China

The judiciary branch is one of the three branches of government in the People's Republic of China. In accordance with its constitution, it is intended to exercise judicial power independently from administrative organs, public organizations, and individuals. However, it's power to operate independently doesn't mean it's free from the Communist party influence. China has a hierarchical court system with the Supreme People's Court overseeing the lower courts and the implementation of the law. Higher People's Court exist at the provincial level. Intermediate and basic People's Courts serve the municipal and prefecture level. There are also several special People's courts which include military and maritime courts.
"Who goes to the gallows? Concern over a high-profile death penalty" is about the controversy over Wu Ying's sentence to death. Citizens see her sentence as a way to keep her quiet from revealing more information that led to other arrests of officials and bankers. This case highlights the change in China's death penalty policy, which requires the sentence to be reviewed by the supreme court since it's 2007 decision. The number of executions in China has fell from around to 8,000 (in 2007) to 4,000 last year. However, despite implications of reform, Wang Shenjun, a man with no legal training was made president of the supreme court in 2008. Furthermore, he is a strong supporter of President Hu Jintao's "three supremes" in judicial affairs: the supremacy of the Communist Party's interests, the public's interests, and thirdly the law.
The drop in executions suggest that China is beginning to fall to pressures from foreign influence to move towards improving legal rights in China. However, the president of the supreme court shows the truth- that the government is but a puppet to the Communist Party and no change will be made that threatens its security.