3 May Current Events

1. Pakistan lifts Facebook ban
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The nation of Pakistan removed its countrywide ban of the social networking site Facebook after it was discovered that someone created a page urging members to post pictures of the prophet Mohammed. Muslims believe it is blasphemous to depict Mohammed in photos or drawings, and Pakistan, being a Muslim nation, was so offended that its government blocked the web site throughout the whole country.

This is important worldwide because it displays how many countries still have immense amounts of censorship and are deep down theocracies. I could not imagine how the United States would respond to having Facebook blocked from our access, as it has become intertwined with our daily functioning.

2. Tropical storm Agatha
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In the first major weather scare of the season, Tropical Storm Agatha has caused flooding and landslides in Central America, leading to 142 deaths. Over 110,000 people were evacuated from Guatemala.

This is globally important because it shows that there are other problems in the world besides war. Natural disasters prove time and time again to be some of the most deadly and cataclysmic events in history, yet are often overlooked. I would have never heard of this particular storm if I had not seen the article, since many people will shrug it off because it pales in comparison to other travesties. But somewhere the point is lost that a life is a life, and whether ten million people died or ten perished, the number is irrelevant to those who lose somebody.

3. Australia to sue Japan
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The country of Australia is taking legal action against Japanese researchers who have slain hundreds of whales in what is said to be "scientific research". Many speculate that the Japanese are actually selling the whales for huge amounts of money, although that cannot be confirmed. Australia is extremely upset that these killings have been occurring in a mutual ocean of Japan and Australia, and feel like it is their responsibility to stop it.

This is important globally because this shows conflict between two countries, which is never a good sign. Also, many people in America are aware of these acts because of the popular TV show Whale Wars, where an American animal rights ship tries to take on the Japanese wailers.