Remembering: Operation Iraqi Freedom

On March 20, 2003 US and allied forces began an invasion of Iraq. Three main objectives were set for the war, the removal of Saddam Hussein from power, the confiscation of any and all biological and chemical weapons, and the installation of a free democratic society for the Iraqi people.

The invasion was highly unpopular throughout the world, and only a few countries actually helped the United States in the original fighting. Other countries would join in once the war was 'over', and help with the attempted pacification of the country. The war is estimated to have killed, or led to the deaths of over 150,000 people.

On December 18, 2011 the last US combat troops officially left Iraq. Leaving behind a nation still in pains, that hopefully will lead to growth and eventually peace.

Russian Troops May Be in Syria

Russian news agency, RIA Novosti, bragged for a short time today that Russian troops had arrived in Tartus, Syria. The statement was immediately denied by the Russian government, and was removed from the site shortly there after. But thanks, to the internet it was quickly picked up on by the world.

Syria, has seen deadly protests for over a year. Some areas of the country have simply been massacred by the government, whilst other areas are in a state of total civil war. The Syrian government has recently been caught placing land mines in areas frequented by refugees as escape routes. The death toll in Syria, is likely over 10,000, possibly even closer to 15,000.

Russia, a long time ally of the country, has blocked every UN resolution that involves sanctioning or finding ways to end the violence. Syria, also continues to receive military funding and resources, such as jets, from Russia. Russian ships have increased their numbers in and around Syria, as a continuation of Moscow's pledge to protect Syria from foreign powers.

If Russia has sent troops it would be an even clearer message that they stand ready to defend Syria. And it could be a sign that Russia is considering taking a more active role in ensuring the survival of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Starbucks Opens First Juice Bar

 In November, Starbucks expanded into the juice world, and began selling their own brand of juices in supermarkets, under the name Evolution Fresh.

The first Evolution Fresh juice bar opened today, in Bellevue, Washington. It is Starbucks first non coffee location, out of 17,000 in fifty countries.

Evolution Fresh juices are made using a technique called high pressure processing, which Starbucks says retains more of the flavors, vitamins and nutrients of raw fruits and vegetables.

The store also offer wraps, salads and soups, as well as vegetarian and vegan offerings.

It is unknown when expansion will begin, but expect it to happen by the summer. The cold crafted juice market is worth $3.4 billion. Jamba Juice, with 750 locations in more than twenty states, is the leader in the field.

Fabrice Muamba Improving

After suffering a heart attack, during a match, twenty-three year old Fabrice Muamba is starting to show signs of improvement. Muamba, plays for the Bolton Wanderers and has been being treated at London Chest Hospital.

A joint statement released by his team and the hospital stated: "Fabrice Muamba is continuing to show signs of improvement this evening. He is currently able to breathe independently without the aid of a ventilator. He has also been able to recognize family members and respond to questions appropriately. These are all positive signs of progress. However, his condition remains serious and the medical staff in intensive care will continue to monitor and treat him."

His family, coach, teammates, and other players from the Premier League have been regularly visiting him. Spanish club Real Madrid carried shirts that read "Get well soon Muamba", during a match Sunday.

Fabrice is far from the first player to collapse during a match, but is one of the youngest at that level of play. In recent years it seems that, in the US alone, at least one high school athlete a year collapses and dies of a heart attack, despite being in top physical shape.

4 Killed in School Shooting

In Toulouse, France Monday morning, a motorcycle pulled up to a school, a man got off, and pulled out two handguns, killing four and seriously injuring another. First, he killed a rabbi and his sons, who were three and six. He then chased a little eight year old girl down, and once he had her cornered, shot her in the head.

One of the guns, has been used in two other deadly shootings. Eight days ago, a paratrooper was shot down in Toulouse. Four days ago, in Montauban, two paratroopers were killed and a third was wounded.

France has raised it's terror alert to the highest level, throughout the south of the country. Whoever this man, who's identity has been concealed by his helmet's visor, is he has become France's most wanted, and all resources are being used to track him down. Fourteen special riot police units were being sent to hunt him down.

King George Tupou V; Dead at 63

Tonga's King George Tupou V has died at the age of 63. The lifelong bachelor took power after the death of his father in 2006. His brother, Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka, was at his side at the hospital in Hong Kong. Last year he had a kidney removed in the US.

Nearly immediately after taking the crown, Tupou V set about bringing democracy to the islands of Tonga. In November 2010, the first free elections took place for parliament. The day before that election he said "in future the sovereign shall act only on the advice of his prime minister", and he turned over executive powers to the cabinet and parliament.

Tupou's V weaknesses were fancy Victorian era military uniforms, and he only allowed himself to be driven around in a London cab.

His legacy will be that of the man who brought democracy to his people. Because of him they gained freedom for a feudal society.

Joachim Gauck Elected German President

With nearly ninety percent of the vote Joachim Gauck has been elected President of Germany. All of the major political parties supported him for the office. After scandals have led to the resigning or removal of the previous two presidents, there is much hope that Gauck can restore dignity to the office.

Gauck is a former Lutheran pastor from East Germany, and has been known for his human rights activism. He was one of the leaders of the peaceful protests that helped bring about the fall of the Berlin Wall.

There is some worry that he'll use the office as a stage to make the country more religious, but it is doubtful that even if he tried, he would be able to do so. The office of presidency, in Germany, is mostly ceremonial and an advisory position, with all the real power belonging to the Chancellor. And Angela Merkel, the Chancellor, is extremely popular and wields the power well.

Germany, the largest country of the European Union, has been forced into greater leadership, as more and more of the other EU countries are struggling with financial woes. Despite all the down trends around them, Germany has continued to grow economically. Merkel and Gauck will have to work together to maintain a untied German front as they fight off their neighbors troubles.

A Question About Obama's Executive Order, It's Not the Question You Think.

On Saturday President Obama signed the National Defense Resources Preparedness executive order.

Before becoming alarmed, it is important to remember that past Presidents have signed similar executive orders. Obama’s version is not that different. While everyone is aghast and focusing on what is in the order, in my research I have uncovered something that raises an important question.

Before I get to that, here's the previous versions for comparison:
Ronald Reagan signed executive order 12656 -- Assignment of Emergency Preparedness Responsibilities of November 18, 1988

President Clinton’s executive order 12919 National Defense Industrial Resources Preparedness of June 3, 1994.

President George W. Bush did not sign a national defense resources preparedness executive order because he signed the executive order creating the Department of Homeland Security which includes national defense resources preparedness and much more. This is important to note and is what raised some flags to me as to Obama's intention behind the signing of his executive order.

At first glance, Obama's signing of this order does not seem to be anything other than an attempt to update a previous version of an executive order. However, here's the question I raise: Why update the National Defense Resources Preparedness order and not the Homeland Security order which includes National Defense Resources Preparedness?

It seems as though Obama is taking a step backward and is ignoring or attempting to circumvent the Homeland Security order. What does this mean for Homeland Security and the safety of our Country?

It is an important question that needs to be raised.

Remembering: Irving Berlin and Alexander's Ragtime Band

March 18, 1911 Irving Berlin copyrights the sheet music for "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and American pop music begins to conquer the world. The song sold over one and a half million copies within it's first eighteen months.

Simple, yet extremely catchy, it was soon being played on pianos in homes around the world. It wouldn't be much longer that the words were added. Once musical recordings began to be common, it was recorded with and without the vocals. It would even spawn it's own movie in 1938.

The song also helped launch Irving Berlin into the spotlight. He would go on to write many many songs, some of which are extremely famous til this day. Three of which are: "White Christmas", "God Bless America", and "There's No Business Like Show Business".

Coptic Pope Shenouda III, Dead at 88

Pope Shenouda III has died at the age of 88. Shenouda was the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and had served as pope since 1971. It is yet unknown who his successor will be. After over forty years of his reign, many have known none but him as pope.

Known for preserving his church's place in Egypt and the Middle East, he also did much to spread it further into North and South America. He strongly believed in dialogue between the various Christian churches, and sought unity amongst them.

From 1981-1985 he spent his time in exile, as then Egyptian president Anwar Sadat had him kicked out of the country. In 1985 former president Hosni Mubarak allowed him to reenter, and he led the Christmas mass.

Recently he had been criticized for not standing up against the political leaders, as they allowed Muslims to violate Coptic rights. Throughout the revolution, last year, he asked the people to go home and be safe. And since the revolution had backed the military council, until soldiers fired upon a Coptic crowd, of who's dead he called martyrs.