"Oops, I attacked the neighbor"

Wow, the US sure knows how to make enemies! As though it didn't have enough. It has committed its first illegal attack on Syrian grounds, 8 kilometers (about 5 miles) from the Iraqi border. There still hasn't been a decent explanation for the attack, but it is assumed that the US government has targeted the area for suspicion of an Al Qaeda connection. Syria has been accused of harboring "terrorists" and insurgents within its borders, but does this justify an illegal attack on civilians? After all, Syria isn't the only country suspected of harboring terrorists and it had been improving its relations with the US somewhat compared to other countries on the "black list". Syria was recently commended by US officials for strengthening efforts in diminishing the flow of foreign fighters. It has initiated plans for a peace deal with Israel and has recently made the big step of recognizing an international border with Lebanon.

Nevertheless, four US helicopters violated Syrian airspace as they flew into Abou Kamal on the eastern border of the country. Soldiers came out and attacked civilians in a construction site, killing eight people, including four children and severely injuring two others (who are not expected to survive). What has the US gained from this attack? Not sure, but at a time when they should be trying to make friends with their enemies it seems the Bush administration has decided to flex its muscles again instead. One last big show of might before they are to leave the office for good?

What implications does this hold for the coming administration? Whether its Obama or McCain who will lead next, they will now have to deal with a rather upset Syrian government. Could it be that Bush and his friends are a bit scared of Syria's recent diplomatic moves with its neighbors? The current administration just doesn't cease to disappoint me. Just more proof that they have completely thrown diplomacy out the window.

Modern-day slavery, worse than ever

We're living in a high-tech world with no need for slavery anymore. Slavery is now a thing of the past, something we study about in our history books. Those dreadful days when humans were sold, used and treated as animals to perform physical labor are now a thing of the past. Today, this only MAY happen in remote parts of the world where they barely have any technological advances. Where they still have a "primitive" mentality. Humanity has generally learned from its past mistakes. We have learned from our history. We have apologized to each other and moved on to a path where slavery is no longer an issue..... or is it?

Unfortunately, I wish this were all true. Instead, we are living in an era where the rate of slavery is at its highest ever! Surprising, isn't it?

Human sex trafficking is now the largest form of slavery. It has become a major problem lately that has been overshadowed by other world problems such as the war in Iraq. Because of this is has been festering. Sex trafficking is not the only thing humans are enslaved for, there is also the example of small children being used as camel jockeys in the Middle East, those working in rich company's sweatshops, or laborers from neighboring countries working to build up Dubai and living in extremely poor conditions- just to name a few. All this adds up to what Professor Ethan Kapstein calls the "New Global Slave Trade". There have been a few pockets of people and organizations trying to eliminate this crime, but as most things go- when there are such huge profits being made somewhere, it becomes that much harder to wipe out the crime. It is now a big business and many of the world's governments seem to be condoning it.

Lately, celebrities have also started to become active . Call + Response is a new documentary that has come out addressing this issue. The title alludes to the African American 'call and response' that inspired slaves to pull through their suppression. The documentary is meant to use music again as a social movement to help liberate our modern day slaves. It is meant to be the "Call" that will receive a "Response" from its viewers. Below are links to a short history and a trailer of the documentary.

History: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7NsSQlBa4Y

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-zaBMOdCoo

And after a small lapse... I'm back

Yes, I've somehow not signed onto my blog in a couple months!!! Have I become a victim of the problem that I created my blog to prevent??? Unfortunately, I think I may have a little. I guess that just goes to show how easy it is.....

I have to admit that I have barely even dedicated half an hour a day to what's going on in the world. Since I have no TV at home, I don't get the quick fix of taking in the news thats fed to us either. Internet is my only outlet to the world, but I barely spend time doing personal work whenever I'm online. I sometimes go days without even responding to emails. I've become too occupied with my work and social life- Yes, that's everyones excuse, I know- pathetic. But I'm back!!! And I'm happy to be back. :-)