North Korean Missile Launch

For a long time now North Korea has been experimenting with Nuclear weapons. Until recently most of their nuclear rockets have failed. Although, they have yet to master long-range, multi-stage missile technology, this December the Unha-3 rocket was launched from North Korea. Although, they have yet to master long-range, multi-stage missile technology.They have claimed that the missile was only a satellite.  Some consider the launch of this missile to be a publicity stunt or a commemoration to Kim Jong Il  as their missile testing does not usually happen in December. Others see this as a real threat. They believe that North Korea may have gotten external help in accomplishing this missile launch. In response to this launch, the U.N. condemned the rocket launch and increased the sanctions on North Korea. As of yesterday North Korea stated there may be "strong physical counter-measures" against South Korea due to these increased sanctions. In response to the safety of the U.S., Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said "They have the capability, frankly, to conduct these tests in a way that makes it very difficult to determine whether or not they are doing it," and the U.S. " is fully prepared" to deal with any attack. I am not really sure what to think about this. North Korea could simply be testing missiles, or they could be readying a threat. Both seem possible. As of now, we will have to wait for this story to develop to be sure.

Algerian Hostage Crisis

The crisis that started on Wednesday in Algeria was ended over this weekend. For those who do not know what happened in Algeria, a terrorist group consisting called Al-Mulatahemeen ("Masked") consisting of 11 Tunisians, two Canadians, and nationals from Egypt, Algeria, Niger, Mauritania and Mali seized a natural gas facility in the small desert town of Amneas and took a large number of hostages. The assault was believed to be organized carried out by militant leader Mokhtar Belmokhtar because of France being able to use Algerian airspace for an offensive against militants Mali. At least 37 hostages died in this ordeal and about 29 terrorists. One thing I find strange about this is that Mokhtar Belmokhtar was sentenced to death in 2008 for murdering 13 custom officers. I am unable to find any details as to why he has is still alive, but this interests me. This is in no way the Algerian government's fault as they have every right to give up their airspace to France in order to fight against militants in Mali.  I feel that there was no other way in dealing with this situation and guns and death had to be involved to save many more people.

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/21/world/africa/algeria-hostage-crisis/index.html?iref=allsearch

About Me

My name is Sean Tate and I have a twin brother name Ryan. I also have a little sister named Olivia, she's pretty cool. I am Irish and Belizean. My dad was born and lived in Belize his whole life until he married my mom and moved to the U.S. I am a competitive swimmer. Swimming is time consuming and hard and sometimes fun. I like turtles, cake, and America.