Student News Action Network

Write it; Film it; Make it happen

Swiss Parliament Approves Purchase of Fighter Jets

Finn de Thomas Wagner, International School of Berne
October 10, 2011

NEWS

The Swiss Parliament voted on September 28th in favor of purchasing 22 new fighter jets for the Swiss Air Force. A day before, the Swiss Council of Cantons also voted for the purchase. Both of these votes overruled the previous vote of the Swiss Federal Council (the seven leaders of Switzerland).
However, there is also a large movement against new fighter jets and the military in general in Switzerland. The Social Democrats (SP) argue that new fighter jets are unnecessary, but also that the military is unnecessary in a country like Switzerland, as the country is not under any kind of realistic threat. The conservative party (SVP), however, sees this quite differently. Right after the parliament’s vote, SP announced that they will be starting a Volksinitiative, which is when a certain group with a political cause collects enough signatures from around the country to force a vote to take place of the matter. SP and GSOA, a group fighting for a Switzerland without an army, are currently planning this and will most probably allow the Swiss people to decide if new fighter jets should be bought.
There was already a vote in 1993 when the situation was identical to today. In 1993, 42.9% of the Swiss people voted against new fighter jets. Many experts in the area believe that the vote would end differently today, with the jets not being bought, because people generally feel safer and the perception of danger from the east (former Yugoslavia and the Cold War) is lower today.
Another of SP’s and GSOA’s arguments against the new jets, apart from the fact that they are completely unnecessary, is that they would cost billions to purchase. Why should money be spent on something unnecessary instead of on a solution to rising unemployment, better education or an improved transportation system? SVP counter this by saying that enough money was spent on everything except the military last year and that now the time has come for the military to receive money, which in their mind is essential as Switzerland must be able to defend itself from every type of threat.
The debate is definitely not over yet.

Article Rating:

You need to be logged in to rate an article.

Printable version

Comments

You must login or register for NewsAction's community partner, TakingITGlobal, to post a comment!

Mentions

If this article is referenced on web sites, blogs, or tweets, those "trackbacks" will automatically appear below.

News Roundup

Asia More | Less

North Korea ready to go to War
Feb 28, 2012 - North Korea has stated that they are ready to go to war with the United states and South Korea, saying, "Hundreds of thousands of troops are poised for a war carrying nuclear war equipment,".
Sinta Taylor, Washington International School

Eighteen Shiite males killed
Feb 28, 2012 - In Pakistan, on Tuesday morning, a bus transporting passengers from Rawalpindi to Gilgit was stopped by attackers. These assailants took 18 Shiite men, lined them up, and killed them.
United States Soraya Kyriakos-Saad, Washington International School

Attacks on Homs Continue
Feb 9, 2012 - Syrian Government forces continue to assault Homs. The siege has lasted for six days and protestors say that hundreds have been killed, and even more have been injured.
United States Caleb Diamond, Washington International School

Indian state ministers step down following accusations
Feb 9, 2012 - Three officials in the southern state of Karnataka agreed to resign their positions in the aftermath of accusations that they were watching "a pornographic video" during a meeting. The men have since denied the charges.
United States Nick Frazer, Washington International School

A close look at Afghanistan's frozen Kunar province as fighting rages on
Feb 9, 2012 - This film shows the ferocious clash of Allied troops with the Taliban. John D. McHugh's short film shows that, although Obama promises troops will be out of Afghanistan in 2012, little progress is being made.
United States Michael Abushacra

Mohamed Nasheed steps down as president of the Maldives
Feb 7, 2012 - The president of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed quit his position as president Tuesday following anti-government protests and a rise in the protesters' control throughout the country.
United States Nick Frazer, Washington International School

Khmer Rouge Official Sentenced
Feb 3, 2012 - Kain Guek Eav, a former Khmer Rouge jailer, was sentenced to life in prison. He supervised the death of nearly 15,000 people at the infamously brutal S-21 Prison and was an important advisor to Pol Pot in the 1970s.
United States Caleb Diamond, Washington International School

Attempted rescue of abandonned Fukushima animals
Jan 26, 2012 - As 78,000 people hastily evacuated the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant, countless pets and livestock were abandoned, as survivors believed they could quickly retrieve them. Nearly a year later, rescue attempts are being made to save the surviving animals
United States Caroline Smutny, Washington International School

100 dead due to tainted medicine
Jan 26, 2012 - 100 Pakistanis have died amid suspicion that the heart medicine contained high levels of metal.The factory that was distributing the medicine for free has since been shut down.
Italy Ilaria Schlitz

Tokyo to be hit with huge earthquake within four years, scientists predict
Jan 26, 2012 - Scientists say that there is a 70% chance that the city of Tokyo, Japan will be hit by a 7- magnitude earthquake sometime within the next four years. This has serious implications for the country, since just recently it was hit by a 9- magnitude earthquak
United States Julia Boldrick, Washington International School

Surprise Sextuplets
Jan 24, 2012 - An Afghan mother gave birth to six children in the city of Mazar-e-Sharif, however, she was unaware that she was carrying more than one child. --Amy Major
nataliag

Godzilla may revisit Tokyo, scientists warn
Jan 24, 2012 - Scientists have warned Tokyo that there will be a 70% chance of an earthquake with in 4 years and a 98% chance in 30. Tokyo denizens should not be worried, though, because building standards are usually high.
United States Edouard Asmar

Four French Soldiers Killed in Northern Afghanistan
Jan 20, 2012 - A soldier from the Afghan National army opened fire, killing 4 French soldiers, and leaving 16 injured in the Kapisa province
United States Federica Lombardi

Picture of China's first refitted warship 'emerges'
Dec 15, 2011 - A commercial US satellite company says it has managed to take a picture of China's first aircraft carrier during its sea trials in the Yellow Sea.
Peru Gonzalo Paz-Soldan, Washington International School

Filipino- American teenager kidnapped five months ago is free
Dec 12, 2011 - Kevin Lunsmann, a 14 year-old boy was kidnapped in July by supposed Islamic militants in the Philippines. He was finally reunited with his mother in the U.S. embassy in Manila after what he described as â��a tough five monthsâ��.
Brazil Esteban Martinez, Washington International School

Beijing's air pollution index reaches heavy polluted
Dec 12, 2011 - PM 2.5 pollution is getting worse
United States Rui Liu

Radioactive Water Leak Found at Fukushima Nuclear Plant
Dec 5, 2011 - A 45 metric ton leak of radioactive water was discovered at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility on Sunday. TEPCO claims it was able to stop the leak, yet the amount of radioactive water which has reached the Pacific Ocean is still uncertain.
Italy Eugenio Prati, Washington International School

Contaminated water leaks from Fukushima
Dec 5, 2011 - On Sunday, November 4th 2011, workers at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan discovered a crack in the concrete foundation. Some of the contaminated water leaked into a drainage ditch that flowed out to sea.
United States David, Washington International School

View More from Asia

Europe More | Less

Spanish Treasure Expedition Concludes after 300 years
Feb 28, 2012 - Seven years ago, a Floridian company, Odyssey Explorer, discovered shipwrecks off of Spain. The company claimed the 600,000 coins; however the Spanish government challenged them in court.
United States Trevor, WIS

Munch's "The Scream" to be sold in auction
Feb 23, 2012 - According to Sotheby's Auction House in Manhattan, one of the worlds most iconic works of art is expected to sell for millions of dollars. The painting will be displayed on April 27 and go up for sale on May 2.
United States martin

Tens of thousands gather at pro-Putin rally
Feb 23, 2012 - A pro-Putin rally drew many Russians to a football stadium in Moscow. His new campaign to assume the presidency seems to be succeeding in his rise to the Kremlin.
United States Michael Abushacra

Neutrino experiment may be flawed
Feb 23, 2012 - In the Gran Sasso lab in Italy, the recent discoveries may be incorrect due to bad wiring in the optical fibres. This has affected the speed of that the neutrinos collide at.
United States Brian Lottermann, Washington International School

Suarez and Evra clash continues in North West Derby at Manchester.
Feb 14, 2012 - Tensions continued as Liverpool's Luis Suarez refused to shake Patrice Evra's hand after coming back from an eight-match ban for racial abuse towards Evra. The match finished 2-1 Manchester and Evra was restrained for provoking the Liverpool striker.
United States santi musalem pinto, Washington Interantional School

Compromise found among Greek leaders about Bailout
Feb 9, 2012 - The three parties in the coalition have reached a deal to agree on the austerity measures for the 130 billion euro bailout. Unions have been on numerous strikes against the proposals while the IMF and the EU are negotiating about the bailout.
United States Joris de Mooij

Mars may have had oceans
Feb 7, 2012 - Scientists analyzed data from the European space agency and concluded that there might have been oceans on Mars. After excavating 80 meters into the surface they found evidence of sedimentary material and ice, indicating there was an ocean there.
United States martin

Greek unions prepare to strike over austerity demands
Feb 7, 2012 - Greek union members are expected to go on a strike against the new austerity measures set by foreign lenders. Greece is desperately trying to keep its economy afloat. The country is in need of a â�¬130 billion bailout.
United States Ariela Levy, Washington International School

Extreme freezes throughout Europe ravage the region
Feb 7, 2012 - Nearly 300 people have died throughout Europe due to the cold, in some cases dropping to -35 degrees Fahrenheit (-37C). New studies link this harsh, cold winter to melting polar ice caps in the Arctic. This is the coldest winter in fifty years in Europe.
United States Brian Lottermann, Washington International School

Harsh Winter in Eastern Europe
Feb 3, 2012 - Eastern Europe has registered record low temperatures throughout this 2012 winter. In several regions, temperatures have dropped to minus 30 C, causing power outages, traffic pandemonium and closure of numerous schools and airports.
Martin Guzman

Freed Aid Workers
Jan 26, 2012 - Freed hostages Jessica Buchanan and Poul Thisted arrived at a U.S. military base in Sicily, Italy on Thursday, which was a day after they had been rescued in a U.S. military raid in Somalia.
United States Maya Mallaby-Kay, Washington International School

Scots Begin Bid for Vote on Independence
Jan 26, 2012 - Scotlandâ��s first minister, Alex Salmond, took the first formal step on Wednesday toward an independence referendum that would allow Scotland to withdraw from the United Kingdom.
United States Sikander Khare

Death Toll Hits 16
Jan 24, 2012 - The 16 body was found aboard the Costa Concordia on Tuesday the 22. The captain of the ship, who deserted his crew and passengers, is under house arrest, and facing possible manslaughter charges.
United States Maya Mallaby-Kay, Washington International School

Cruise Ship Death Toll Rises
Jan 22, 2012 - Rescue workers are struggling to find bodies on the Italian cruise ship which sank on January 13. They have found 13 bodies, 8 of which have been identified, and are still searching for twenty more.
United States Maya Mallaby-Kay, Washington International School

Grenade attack in Liege, Belgium
Dec 14, 2011 - A man killed four people and wounded several others when he threw three grenades at a crowd and shot at a full bus stop on Tuesday. The attack caused a lot of chaos midday in the city center, and the shooter killed himself shortly after.
Netherlands Zoe van den Brink, Washington International School

Release of over 300 protests is requested during Russian elections
Dec 12, 2011 - Protestors were detained over the past weekend by Russian authorities against the manipulation of Vladmir Putin's political party.
Brazil Sophia Vallada, Washington International School

Cameron discusses veto on euro treaty
Dec 12, 2011 - Prime Minister, David Cameron addressed Parliament on Monday defending his reasons for his decision to veto the plans made at last week's summit to save the euro..
United States Catherine Tanner, Washington International School

Haemophilia gene therapy shows early success
Dec 12, 2011 - People with hemophilia B have an error in their genetic code which causes a lack of a protein called factor IX, critical for blood-clotting. A break through in virus mutation means their will be no need for the multiple factor IX injections hemophiliacs a
Italy Eugenio Prati, Washington International School

Billionaire and NBA Owner to run against Putin in next Russian presidential race
Dec 12, 2011 - Mikhail Prokhorov, a Russian billionaire and owner of the New Jersey Nets, announced his bid for the Russian presidency at a news conference on Monday.
United States Doug Tusing, Washington International School

Secretary Clinton's Speech in Geneva
Dec 12, 2011 - Secretary Clinton made a speech last week in Geneva to promote LGBT rights abroad. Her aim was to encourage foreign governments to stop discriminating against LGBT individuals and to respect their civil rights.
United States Connor McLaren, Washington International School

Julian Assange can make final appeal before extradition
Dec 5, 2011 - WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange, has been given a final chance to launch an appeal against extradition to Sweden. The High Court granted Assange this final appeal on Monday, December 5.
United States Catherine Tanner, Washington International School

Vladimir Putin projected to lose majority due to electoral violations
Dec 5, 2011 - In recent polls, Vladimir Putin, the Prime Minister of Russia, lost the majority vote for the first time in more than ten years. Problems arose this weekend over allegations that Putin and his party fixed recent voting numbers.
United States Doug Tusing, Washington International School

View More from Europe

Middle East & North Africa More | Less

Iran wants to ban nuclear weapons
Feb 28, 2012 - As tensions with Israel and the Western world grow, Iran has called for negotiations on a treaty that could potentially ban the production and possession of nuclear weapons. Foreign Minister, Ali Salehi says that the nuclear program is peaceful.
United States Luca Vallada

Two US troops killed by Ally In Koran Backlash
Feb 23, 2012 - An Afghan soldier turned his gun on two US soldiers after the burning of a Koran at US headquarters in Afghanistan.
United States Miles Malley

Barack Obama apologises for burning of Korans
Feb 23, 2012 - Protests have occurred by Afghans after members of the US army burned Korans in Kabul. President Obama told the President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzi, that he regrets the incident and appropriate steps will be taken to keep it from recurring.
United States Joris de Mooij

Tension rises in Syria as the death toll rises.
Feb 14, 2012 - Syrian citizens in the city of Homs braced themselves as snipers and tanks invaded the city. Groups of young rebels have banded together to fight back and defend their people.
United States Sinta Taylor, Washington International School

Bahrain Protest Anniversary Brings Fresh Demonstrations, Clashes
Feb 14, 2012 - Protesters in Bahrain are marking the first anniversary of anti-government protests there with a march on the now-demolished Pearl Roundabout monument. The monument was destroyed after it had become a gathering place for protesters last year.
United States Leonardo Mendez, Washington International School

Syrian Government continues to brutalize activists
Feb 14, 2012 - Not more than a day after the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pellay, offered an appraisal of the conflict, the Syrian military bombed activists. Some say the shelling continued as early as 6am today (February 14) in parts of Damascus.
United States Luca Vallada

Israel Tests Short Range Anti-Missile Systems as Tensions Heighten
Feb 14, 2012 - Israel tested the Arrow Anti-Missile system over the Mediterranean Sea on February 10. The system is a joint venture between the United States and Israel, and it is rumored that these missiles are being prepared to defend against attacks from Iran.
Trevor, WIS

Disagreement Between U.S. and Israel Arise Concerning Speed of Attack On Iran
Feb 9, 2012 - Amid tensions that Israel will initiate a military strike against Iran's nuclear program, the U.S. and Israel have disagreed on how fast Iran will become invulnerable to their attacks, and thus how soon Israel should attack.
United States Miles Malley

Salafi cleric clarifies statements claiming football is blasphemous
Feb 7, 2012 - Sheikh Abdul Moneim al-Shahat, spokesman for the extremist Salafi Preaching Movement failed to get voted into parliament after Egypt's January 25 revolution, and is widely known for making strong religious and anti-West statements.
United States Noor Sullivan

US still aiming for 2014 withdraw from Afghanistan
Feb 3, 2012 - After it was suggested by the US defense secretary, Leon Panetta, that the US might withdraw a year earlier than expected from Afghanistan, chief members of the US military said that this was in fact false, and that plans for a 2014 exit were still set.
United States Nick Frazer, Washington International School

Israel Planning to Attack Iran: US Weighs In
Feb 3, 2012 - According to experts, Israel is currently planning an attack on Iran. The United States weighs in, saying it's a bad idea and that it would ultimately weaken their situation in the Middle East.
Henry Bell, Washington International School

Kidnapped Americans released in Egypt
Feb 3, 2012 - Two kidnapped American tourists were released last Friday in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, after being abducted by a group of Bedouins. The Bedouins demanded that certain prisoners be released, though it is unsure whether or not these demands were met or not.
United States Brian Lottermann, Washington International School

Children not spared from the horrors of Syria's crackdown.
Feb 3, 2012 - Syrian army and security officers have recently been targeting children as often as adults. There have been countless reports of children being detained, tortured or killed in their homes, schools, or in the streets.
United States Caroline Smutny, Washington International School

Anger flares after 79 die from an uprising at soccer match in Egypt
Feb 3, 2012 - The uprisings rank as one of the worlds worst sports disasters. People desperately tried to flee from the stadium as uprisings continued. Egyptians angered at the inadequate security at the match.
United States Ariela Levy, Washington International School

Hezbollah refuses to hand over suspects in Rafik Hariri's assassination, refers to trial as a ploy by US and Israel to weaken organization's reputation.
Feb 3, 2012 - The former Lebanese Prime Minister's death in 2005 sparked years of political and civil strife in the country and surrounding region.
United States Noor Sullivan

Deadly Bomb Attacks in Iraq
Jan 26, 2012 - Thirteen persons have been killed after insurgents bombed a house in Musayyib, south of Baghdad. A rise in bomb attacks has been reported since the departure of US troops from the region.
United States Federica Lombardi

Six Al Qaeda militants killed and 10 injured
Jan 26, 2012 - In Zinjibar, the capital of the Abyan province in South Yemen, clashes broke out, leaving six Al Qaeda militants dead, along with 10 injured.
United States Nicholas Evangelista

Egypt Protestors Stay in Tahrir Square
Jan 26, 2012 - After the rally on the anniversary of the uprising of president Hosni Mubarak, Egyptians remained in Cairo's Tahrir Square overnight and some will continue to stay until another uprising on Friday.
United States Natalia Goldstein

Secessionists Make Progress in Yemen
Jan 26, 2012 - In Yemen, the Southern secessionists movement is seeking to nullify the 1990 pact between North and South Yemen. Diplomats from the U.S., U.K., and the U.N., urge the movement to join Yemen's political process.
United States JonathanTravers, Washington International School

Car bomb strikes in Baghdad leave 14 dead and more than 70 injured
Jan 24, 2012 - Suspected Sunni insurgents targeted Shiite civilians in Baghdad, unleashing a wave of car bomb strikes in the capital of Iraq. The strikes left over a dozen dead, and over 70 injured.
United States Nicholas Evangelista

"We want change, not uncertainty"
Jan 24, 2012 - CNN's Nic Roberts gets a rare look into Syria and its new restrictions on international journalists. While there, he follows Arab League monitors and speaks with residents.
United States Alessandra Zucchi

The Arab League Urges Formation of National Unity Government in Syria
Jan 22, 2012 - On Sunday, the Arab League agreed on a plan to delegate all powers to the Vice president of Syria, and begin dialogue with the opposition. The new government should form within two months.
United States Federica Lombardi

US Asks Iran to return captured drone
Dec 12, 2011 - Earlier this month, a US surveillance drone was captured in Iran. The Iranians claim that they used electronic warfare to take it down. The US government just recently announced that they have requested that the drone be returned to the US forces.
United States David, Washington International School

Further Uprisings Overshadow Syria Polls
Dec 12, 2011 - The Middle Eastern country of Syria is holding local elections despite continued uprisings and violence throughout the country. The turnout is expected to be low as people take to the streets to protest against the government.
Sweden Jacob Alex Ware, Washington International School

Withdrawal of US troops in Iraq by the end of the year
Dec 12, 2011 - Aiming at a "successful Iraq", President Obama promised economic and military support for the country after withdrawal.
Bulgaria Stefani Kostadinova, Washington International School

North America More | Less

Ten year old killed after what seemed to be a harmless fight
Feb 28, 2012 - Joanna Ramos, a student at Willard Elementary in Los Angeles, California, was killed due to head trauma six hours after fighting with a classmate. The two had fought after school. No weapons were involved and after being taken to the hospital, she died.
United States santi musalem pinto, Washington Interantional School

Shooting at an Ohio high school leaves two students dead, three wounded
Feb 28, 2012 - Five students were injured, two fatally, when a student opened fire on them in the school's cafeteria while they were waiting for a bus to take them to the nearby vocational school that they attended.
United States Leonardo Mendez, Washington International School

Thirty prisoners escape after riot in northern Mexico
Feb 23, 2012 - A prison riot in Monterrey, Mexico led to the escape of 30 prisoners and the death of many. The prison officials have been fired and are under investigation after being accused of helping the inmates escape.
United States Ariela Levy, Washington International School

Obamas host symbolic Blues concert to mark Black History Month.
Feb 23, 2012 - The latest event in the White House Concert Series, headed by First Lady Michelle Obama, featured legends such as BB King and Mick Jagger, as well as contemporary Blues musicians Derek Trucks and Trombone Shorty, among others.
United States Noor Sullivan

Allan Iverson faces bankruptcy?
Feb 16, 2012 - Former Georgetown Hoyas and NBA all-star Allan Iverson continues to struggle financially despite having made millions throughout his NBA career. Gambling, missed child support payments and free agency are some of the issues involved.
United States Luca Vallada

Inspiration leads to new track theme for Adele
Feb 16, 2012 - Adele is well-known for her mournful album "21" after being deceived in a relationship. However now that she has her new inspiration, Simon Konecki, she announced that she will be writing joyful and loving tracks.
United States Mia, Washington International School

Knicks marketing is heavily promoting 'Linsanity'
Feb 16, 2012 - There has recently been much talk about the New York Knicks' point guard, Jeremy Lin. He has led the team to seven straight wins and now sports merchandisers are using Lin to sell to Asians.
United States Soraya Kyriakos-Saad, Washington International School

Apple's Stock Rises
Feb 14, 2012 - On February 13th, 2012, Apple's stock rose to $500, hitting an all time high. Sixteen months ago Apple hit the $300 mark and about six months ago they reached the $400 level.
United States Soraya Kyriakos-Saad, Washington International School

Obama told to back down from birth control
Feb 9, 2012 - Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York recently told Obama to back down on birth control after the White Houase recently passed a law that people demanding birth control or other contraceptives cannot be discriminated against.
United States Henry Bell, Washington International School

Same-sex marriage approved in Washington State
Feb 9, 2012 - A group of bipartisan lawmakers voted to legalize same-sex marriage on Wednesday. The law will go into effect in June.
United States Ariela Levy, Washington International School

$200,000 donation to Obama's re-election campaign returned
Feb 7, 2012 - Obama received large donations from the family of Mexican casino magnet Juan Jose Rojas Cardona, who jumped bail in 1994 for drug and fraud charges. On Monday officials said they have returned the money.
United States Joris de Mooij

Just under 250,000 jobs created in January: U.S. unemployment falls to 8.3%
Feb 3, 2012 - The number of jobless in the US is back to 12.8 Million. The last time it was this low was when Obama completed his first month in office in February, 2009.
United States Joris de Mooij

Facebook files for IPO to raise net worth
Feb 3, 2012 - Mark Zuckerberg made another bold move to raise profit for the ever-expanding social media giant. Facebook plans to raise five billion in initial profit but investors are skeptical as to the solidity of investing money in the website.
United States Michael Abushacra

Ironic hacking of FBI to Scotland Yard conversation.
Feb 3, 2012 - In attempt to discuss ways of effectively suppressing hacking, the call between the American and English law enforcement bodies was hacked by hacking network "Anonymous." The FBI is trying to find those responsible, since the call was classified.
United States Theodros Alemu

Microsoft co-founder donates $750 million to fight disease
Jan 26, 2012 - Bill Gates donated the money to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.
United States Edouard Asmar

Obama gives State of the Union address.
Jan 26, 2012 - On January 24, US President Barack Obama gave what was his third State of the Union address during his first term as President. He spoke of the wealth gap and described it as "the defining issue of our time."
Peru Leandro Vargas-Llosa, Washington International School

US Republican hopeful Mitt Romney pays 13.9% tax
Jan 24, 2012 - US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney expects to pay about $6.2m (4m) in taxes on income of $42.5m in the last two years.
United States Sikander Khare

Joe Paterno Death Evokes Mixed Emotions
Jan 24, 2012 - The legendary Penn State coach passed away January 23 after a hard fight with lung cancer. His legacy was tainted with his firing after the controversy of his involvement in the Jerry Sandusky trial.
Peru Leandro Vargas-Llosa, Washington International School

Stem Cell Retinal Implants
Jan 24, 2012 - Stem cell retinal implants worked for two legally blind patients, their vision was vastly improved and the trial was safe.
nataliag

California man opens fire on Hollywood street
Dec 12, 2011 - Tyler Brehm injured three people before being killed by police. One man remains in critical condition after being shot multiple times in the face and torso.
United States Will May, Washington International School

Newt Gingrich's remarks on Palestinians spark controversy in Arab world
Dec 12, 2011 - Newt Gingrich, the US Presidential front runner candidate, was condemned by the Arab League for his comments against Palestinians, calling them an "invented" people and "terrorists".
United States Jake Miller, Washington International School

God's Quarterback
Dec 12, 2011 - Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos has been in scintillating form this American football season. He has won seven out of eight games as a starting quarterback, and has fans all over the United States divided on whether or not he is great and whether or not
Yonathan Dawit, Washington International School

Is Gingrich capable of leading the United States?
Dec 12, 2011 - Presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich has raised questions about whether or not he is in touch with current politics. At a debate Saturday evening, he was put in uncomfortable situations about issues such as his divorce or his comments about Palestine.
Germany Anton Baker, Washington International School

Bacteria - the light of the future?
Dec 5, 2011 - Scientists have created a light that is powered by glowing bacteria. This obscure source of light could reduce electricity usage by replacing standard lightbulbs in the future.
United States Scott Braaten, Washington International School

Occupy D.C. clashes with police
Dec 5, 2011 - A wooden structure donated to the group was the cause of a long standoff between protestors and police forces.
United States Will May, Washington International School

View More from North America

Africa More | Less

Senegal's 85 year old President is Forced to Face runoff
Feb 28, 2012 - President Aboulaye Wade announced Monday that he had fallen short in the national vote this weekend. During a news conference on Monday night, Wade offered words of respect to his 13 opponents who he had called "bad politicians, and bad losers."
United States Aidan, Washington International School

More than 50 killed in deadly Argentine train crash
Feb 23, 2012 - An Argentine commuter train smashed into a barrier early Wednesday, causing the death of at least 50 people and injuring 700 others. The rail line attributes the crash to brake problems.
United States Caleb Diamond, Washington International School

One of the smallest chameleons found in Madagascar
Feb 23, 2012 - The Brookesia Micra, measuring up tio 29 mm, has been discovered by German Scientists.
United States Theodros Alemu

Whitney Houston case still under investigation
Feb 14, 2012 - The Beverly Hills Police Department is putting much effort into discovering the details of the famous singer's death. Although the investigation is still operating, Houston's body was returned to her family in New Jersey
United States Mia, Washington International School

Explosion damages Nigerian military base
Feb 7, 2012 - A blast has damaged a Nigerian military barracks in Kaduna hours after eight members of the Boko Haram, a radical Islamic group, were killed. While the cause and the number of casualties are not clear, the Boko Haram is the main suspect.
United States Caleb Diamond, Washington International School

Blast targets Nigerian army haven
Feb 7, 2012 - The blasts in Kaduna came after eight people were killed for allegedly being Boko Haram members. The number of casualties and type of explosion are still unconfirmed
United States Theodros Alemu

Four Men Get 18 Years For Slaying Lesbian
Feb 3, 2012 - Judge sentences the men after concluding that 2006 stabbing and stoning of South African woman Zoliswa Nkonaya was a result of homophobic discrimination.
United States Miles Malley

Canada Deports Leon Mugesera, Rwanda Genocide Suspect
Jan 24, 2012 - For 16 years, Mugesera has been fighting deportation to Kigali, where he now faces charges of helping incite the genocide of 1994. He has says he fears torture or death is deported.
United States Federica Lombardi

Zulu king investigated for calling gay people "rotten"
Jan 24, 2012 - South African human rights activists have obtained transcripts of the speech that Goodwill Zwelithini gave over the weekend in order to verify claims that the king in fact made this remark. The royal household is denying these claims.
Italy Ilaria Schlitz

NATO misfires in Libya
May 12, 2011 - NATO conducted another wave of airstrikes on the Gaddafi compound in Libya, but their effectiveness is questionable. Gaddafi was, at the time, in Tripoli, which NATO also bombed, but they killed three innocent people near the Gaddafi Compound.
United States Yonathan Dawit, Washington International School

View More from Africa

Central America & Caribbean More | Less

Fire at Honduran prison kills 355 inmates
Feb 16, 2012 - A fire at Comayagua Prison in Honduras, which killed 355, has been called the world's worst prison fire in a century. The Honduran government has promised that there will be a "full and transparent" investigation.
United States Leonardo Mendez, Washington International School

South America More | Less

Over 700 treated for food poisoning in Mexico
Feb 9, 2012 - Authorities treated a crowd of over 700 persons for food poisoning after a successful political rally in Southern Mexico. While the cause of the food poisoning is unclear, authorities say that most of the victims were successfully treated and released.
United States Caroline Smutny, Washington International School

Oceania More | Less

Floods in Australia strand thousands
Feb 7, 2012 - Levees that were built all around Queensland failed to protect the town. The swollen Ballon River was expected to reach 14 meters by the end of Tuesday. Additionally, millions of dollars in property and crop damage was caused.
United States Michael Abushacra

View More
View Archive

Endorsements

"The Student News Action Network is just the type of initiative to which schools of the future will gravitate. It represents the best of current strategies to engage students in their schooling (project-based learning that addresses real-world, global problems and events), and at the same time demands the most polished and sophisticated 'demonstrations of learning' via 'publish-worthy' work from student reporters covering the world's news."

Patrick Bassett