WARSAW- Poland recently suffered what some are calling a “JFK Moment” over the death of President Lech Kaczyński. Mr. Kaczyński, his wife, and numerous staff were killed in a plane crash in western Russia about a week ago. After controversies regarding his final-resting-place-to-be, he and his wife were interred in Wawel Cathedral, the traditional resting place of Polish kings, saints, and heroes (this was the nature of the controversy, as many felt Mr. Kaczyński was unworthy of the honor). With elections expected to be held in June, ICTPT reporters have compiled a brief glimpse of Polish politics:
Platforma Obywatelska
• English Translation: Civic Platform
• Leader: Donald Tusk
• Political Position: Center/Right
• Founded: July 1st, 2001
• Ideology: Conservative liberalism, Christian democracy
• Currently the leading party in Poland, it was formed when three members of other parties split off from their original parties and joined together. At first, Andrzej Olechowski, Maciej Płażyński and Donald Tusk were jokingly called “the Three Tenors” by Polish media. Later, Andrzej Olechowski and Maciej Płażyński left the party in Donald Tusk’s care.
• Official Colors: Blue and Orange
• Motto: Co to za dziwne imię Donald?
• Theme Song: “Jesteśmy Niebieski, Zielony, Gdybyśmy To My Umieramy” by Eiffelski 65
Prawo i Sprawiedliwość
• English Translation: Law and Justice
• Leader: Jarosław Kaczyński
• Political Position: Right
• Founded: June 13th, 2001
• Ideology: National Conservatism, Christian Democracy
• Founded by identical twins Lech and Jarosław Kaczyński, the party has been a force of controversy. Among other issues, it has been branded as homophobic (Lech, who was mayor of Warsaw for several years before becoming president, banned several gay pride parades and Jarosław once said that homosexuality would bring about the collapse of civilization) and when the British Conservative Party joined them in the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, former British Minister for Europe Denis MacShane remarked that “Tory isolationism is now creating a network of unpleasant, ugly, anti-European parties grouped around Cameron and Hague, but surely they should draw the line at links with gay-bashing homophobes.”
• Official Color: Blue
• Motto: Hej, pamiętaj, że niesamowite, że facet po prostu umarł?
• Theme Song: “Żegnaj, Panie Pie Polski” by Doń Mcłeanski
Sojusz Lewicy Demokratycznej
• English Translation: Democratic Left Alliance
• Leader: Grzegorz Napieralski
• Political Position: Center/Left
• Founded: April 15th, 1999
• Ideology: Democratic Socialism, Anti-clerical
• The SLD has its roots in the communist regime. It arose from a coalition during Poland’s first free elections in 1991 which included the post-communist Social Democracy of the Republic of Poland. The party’s popularity has been on the decline ever since the “Rywin-gate” scandal that began in 2002.
• Official Color: Red
• Motto: Tak możemy
• Theme Song: “Poborcą” by Chrząszcze
Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe
• English Translation: Polish People’s Party
• Leader: Waldemar Pawlak
• Political Position: Center
• Founded: May 5th, 1990
• Ideology: Agrarianism,
• The party was originally founded among several other people’s parties, which worked together to form a postwar, noncommunist government and eventually the parties all merged. During the early years it had leftist tendencies and occasionally formed coalitions with Sojusz Lewicy Demokratycznej, though in recent years it has become more centrist and has even adopted some conservative policies. In recent years, it has been losing popularity.
• Official Color: Green
• Motto: Nie musisz się do Irlandii, jak koniczyna.
• Theme Song: “Ludzi Partii” by Nzełłii feat. Fergski
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civic_Platform
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_and_Justice
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Left_Alliance
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_People%27s_Party
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/5418173/European-elections-Polands-controversial-Law-and-Justice-Party.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/19/world/europe/19poland.html?ref=europe
Monday, April 19, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Militants Issue New Demands On Somali Towns
MOGADISHU– The Islamic militant group Shabaab (shortened from Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen, Arabic for “Movement of Warrior Youth”) have made themselves generally unpopular in the eyes of the Somali public. One shop keeper describes them as being “like rabid dogs,” and points to circular scars on his face where he was bitten by militants. Their efforts to turn Somalia into strict Islamic state means they have issued a variety of interesting laws over their area of control (mostly southern Somalia).
Recently, in Jowhar, school bells were outlawed, because they were reminiscent of church bells. Students and teachers have been forced to find new ways to signal the beginnings and endings of classes. “Some teachers were hitting the doors as the period finished. It is really confusing,” one student told reporters. “It’s just a matter of time before they ban books, which look like the Bible,” another student said. In other edicts, Shabaab has outlawed such mundane-seeming things as soccer and internationally recognized holidays.
Just this week, in Mogadishu, radio stations were told to stop playing any form of music. “If music be the food of love, then we will have none of it,” one militant was known to have said.
In one edict, Shabaab outlawed bras. Last October, the movement forced women in the streets to shake their breasts at gunpoint, to see if the woman was wearing a bra. Those who were caught in possession of the undergarment were publicly whipped. In a rare interview, one of the militants explained to ICTPT reporters that they considered bras to be “un-Islamic.”
“Bras are deceptive, and they violate the Sharia law,” the militant, who wished to remain anonymous, told ICTPT reporters. Sharia law, which also grants women the right to challenge any laws declared by a Caliph (the ruler of an area that lives under Sharia law), defines the way of life for Muslims. When question further, however, the militant admitted, “We really just want to see ladies shaking their breasts at us. Bras don’t actually have anything to do with Sharia law.”
In January of 2010, Shabaab also outlawed bananas and toast, saying that any foods that showed the faces of Mary and Jesus rather than Muhammad had no place in proper society. They went on to outlaw pictures of kittens and puppies on the internet, saying that they were not Halal.
Earlier this month, they outlawed satirical news on the grounds that it may one day be used against them.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/24/world/africa/24somalia.html?ref=africa
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/16/world/africa/16somalia.html?ref=africa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharia_law
Recently, in Jowhar, school bells were outlawed, because they were reminiscent of church bells. Students and teachers have been forced to find new ways to signal the beginnings and endings of classes. “Some teachers were hitting the doors as the period finished. It is really confusing,” one student told reporters. “It’s just a matter of time before they ban books, which look like the Bible,” another student said. In other edicts, Shabaab has outlawed such mundane-seeming things as soccer and internationally recognized holidays.
Just this week, in Mogadishu, radio stations were told to stop playing any form of music. “If music be the food of love, then we will have none of it,” one militant was known to have said.
In one edict, Shabaab outlawed bras. Last October, the movement forced women in the streets to shake their breasts at gunpoint, to see if the woman was wearing a bra. Those who were caught in possession of the undergarment were publicly whipped. In a rare interview, one of the militants explained to ICTPT reporters that they considered bras to be “un-Islamic.”
“Bras are deceptive, and they violate the Sharia law,” the militant, who wished to remain anonymous, told ICTPT reporters. Sharia law, which also grants women the right to challenge any laws declared by a Caliph (the ruler of an area that lives under Sharia law), defines the way of life for Muslims. When question further, however, the militant admitted, “We really just want to see ladies shaking their breasts at us. Bras don’t actually have anything to do with Sharia law.”
In January of 2010, Shabaab also outlawed bananas and toast, saying that any foods that showed the faces of Mary and Jesus rather than Muhammad had no place in proper society. They went on to outlaw pictures of kittens and puppies on the internet, saying that they were not Halal.
Earlier this month, they outlawed satirical news on the grounds that it may one day be used against them.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/24/world/africa/24somalia.html?ref=africa
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/16/world/africa/16somalia.html?ref=africa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharia_law
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
A Brief Overview of British Political Parties
4/6/2010
LONDON–Earlier today, Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced that the nation election would be held on May 6. After a final meeting of his Cabinet, Prime Minister Brown asked Queen Elizabeth II to dissolve Parliament, the traditional beginning to a month-long political bloodbath. This particular election looks to be particularly unpredictable.
Major Parties:
Labour Party
• Leader: Gordon Brown
• Founded: 1900
• Center/Left; Party had socialist platform for much of its life. In the late 1980’s, the party began to move away from socialism. The party is currently enduring a slump in popularity stemming from financial issues, the “Cash for Peerages” scandal, and Tony Blair’s controversial support of the Iraq War. Between January and March of 2008, the party found itself £17 million in debt.
• Official Color: Red
• Theme song: Brother Can You Spare A Pound?
• Motto: “Screw the rules, we need money.”
• Famous Members: Tony Blair
Conservative Party:
• Leader: David Cameron
• Founded: 1678
• Center/Right; Original founding name was the Tory party, and it is still affectionately or otherwise referred to by that name. The party is trying to distance itself from the public impression that it is made up of old noblemen with lots of money, an effort made difficult by members such as Sir Nicholas Winterton, an old nobleman with lots of money who recently implied that common folk were inferior.
• Official Color: Blue
• Theme Song: Bippity Boppity Boo
• Motto: “Would you care for a spot of teaold young sport?”
• Famous Members: Arthur Balfour, Winston Churchill
Liberal Democrats
• Leader: Nick Clegg
• Founded: 1988, through a merger of the Liberal and Social Democratic parties.
• Center/Center-left; The Liberal Democrats have long supported welfare state ideology and European integration. The party also has strong environmental values. There have been several pacts between the Liberal Democrats and the Labour Party, and the Labour Party is hoping to accomplish this again this year, to bolster its failing popularity.
• Official Color(s): Black and Gold
• Theme Song:
To your call once more we rally;
Alma Mater hear our praise;
Where the Wabash spreads its valley;
Filled with joy our voices raise.
Form the skies in swelling echoes
Come the cheers that tell the tale
Of your vict'ries and your heroes,
Hail Liberal Democrats! We sing all hail!
• Motto: “We’re here for you, Labour.”
• Famous Members:Lee Roy Jenkins
Scottish National Party
• Leader: Nicola Sturgeon
• Founded: 1934
• Center/Left; Party’s platform is based around Scottish independence. The party has thus drawn much criticism for being “Anti-English.” British comedian Billy Connolly has been quoted with saying that the “Scottish Parliament is a joke.” He has also claimed that “this new racism in Scotland, this anti-Englishness” was “entirely their [the SNP's] fault.” Incidentally, SNP has supported English and English-born candidates in the past.
• Official Colors: Heather
• Theme Song: We’re so vain
• Motto: “AW SNP!”
Sinn Féin
• Leader: Gerry Adams
• Founded: 1905, current political party slit away from original organization in 1970
• Left; Party’s platform is based around the unification of Ireland. The original organization, founded in 1905, was very popular until 1910, when it suffered a sharp decline in attendance and had trouble finding members willing to run for offices. In 1970, during a dispute as to whether taking seats in Parliament was ideologically sound, the party split. The party is closely linked to the IRA.
• Official Colors: Green
• Theme Song: Brand New Day from “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog”
• Motto: “The road will rise up to meet England, and we hope there are sharp stones in it when it does.”
Plaid Cymru
• Leader: Ieuan Wyn Jones
• Founded: 1925
• Center/Left Party’s platform is based around Welsh independence. Despite supposedly being bitter rivals, Plaid Cymru is well known for allying itself with Labour. The party has called this election the party’s “coming of age,” and, as such, several party members have begun to learn a party “Haftarah” and are hiring orchestras to play a party “Pomp and Circumstance.” Their “Think Different” campaign slogan was hailed as one of the most unused and creative slogans to grace a campaign.
• Official Color: Yellow
• Theme Song: Anything from “Forever Plaid”
• Motto: “Think Different. ThinkApple Plaid.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom_political_parties
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/8536029.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/8536227.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/8536985.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/scotland/8583067.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/northern_ireland/8585612.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/wales/8589099.stm
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/07/world/europe/07britain.html?ref=europe
LONDON–Earlier today, Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced that the nation election would be held on May 6. After a final meeting of his Cabinet, Prime Minister Brown asked Queen Elizabeth II to dissolve Parliament, the traditional beginning to a month-long political bloodbath. This particular election looks to be particularly unpredictable.
Major Parties:
Labour Party
• Leader: Gordon Brown
• Founded: 1900
• Center/Left; Party had socialist platform for much of its life. In the late 1980’s, the party began to move away from socialism. The party is currently enduring a slump in popularity stemming from financial issues, the “Cash for Peerages” scandal, and Tony Blair’s controversial support of the Iraq War. Between January and March of 2008, the party found itself £17 million in debt.
• Official Color: Red
• Theme song: Brother Can You Spare A Pound?
• Motto: “Screw the rules, we need money.”
• Famous Members: Tony Blair
Conservative Party:
• Leader: David Cameron
• Founded: 1678
• Center/Right; Original founding name was the Tory party, and it is still affectionately or otherwise referred to by that name. The party is trying to distance itself from the public impression that it is made up of old noblemen with lots of money, an effort made difficult by members such as Sir Nicholas Winterton, an old nobleman with lots of money who recently implied that common folk were inferior.
• Official Color: Blue
• Theme Song: Bippity Boppity Boo
• Motto: “Would you care for a spot of tea
• Famous Members: Arthur Balfour, Winston Churchill
Liberal Democrats
• Leader: Nick Clegg
• Founded: 1988, through a merger of the Liberal and Social Democratic parties.
• Center/Center-left; The Liberal Democrats have long supported welfare state ideology and European integration. The party also has strong environmental values. There have been several pacts between the Liberal Democrats and the Labour Party, and the Labour Party is hoping to accomplish this again this year, to bolster its failing popularity.
• Official Color(s): Black and Gold
• Theme Song:
To your call once more we rally;
Alma Mater hear our praise;
Where the Wabash spreads its valley;
Filled with joy our voices raise.
Form the skies in swelling echoes
Come the cheers that tell the tale
Of your vict'ries and your heroes,
Hail Liberal Democrats! We sing all hail!
• Motto: “We’re here for you, Labour.”
• Famous Members:
Scottish National Party
• Leader: Nicola Sturgeon
• Founded: 1934
• Center/Left; Party’s platform is based around Scottish independence. The party has thus drawn much criticism for being “Anti-English.” British comedian Billy Connolly has been quoted with saying that the “Scottish Parliament is a joke.” He has also claimed that “this new racism in Scotland, this anti-Englishness” was “entirely their [the SNP's] fault.” Incidentally, SNP has supported English and English-born candidates in the past.
• Official Colors: Heather
• Theme Song: We’re so vain
• Motto: “AW SNP!”
Sinn Féin
• Leader: Gerry Adams
• Founded: 1905, current political party slit away from original organization in 1970
• Left; Party’s platform is based around the unification of Ireland. The original organization, founded in 1905, was very popular until 1910, when it suffered a sharp decline in attendance and had trouble finding members willing to run for offices. In 1970, during a dispute as to whether taking seats in Parliament was ideologically sound, the party split. The party is closely linked to the IRA.
• Official Colors: Green
• Theme Song: Brand New Day from “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog”
• Motto: “The road will rise up to meet England, and we hope there are sharp stones in it when it does.”
Plaid Cymru
• Leader: Ieuan Wyn Jones
• Founded: 1925
• Center/Left Party’s platform is based around Welsh independence. Despite supposedly being bitter rivals, Plaid Cymru is well known for allying itself with Labour. The party has called this election the party’s “coming of age,” and, as such, several party members have begun to learn a party “Haftarah” and are hiring orchestras to play a party “Pomp and Circumstance.” Their “Think Different” campaign slogan was hailed as one of the most unused and creative slogans to grace a campaign.
• Official Color: Yellow
• Theme Song: Anything from “Forever Plaid”
• Motto: “Think Different. Think
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom_political_parties
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/8536029.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/8536227.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/8536985.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/scotland/8583067.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/northern_ireland/8585612.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/wales/8589099.stm
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/07/world/europe/07britain.html?ref=europe
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