Chin,+Stuart

//Mortars fired at Somali president//

On Wednesday, October 28, an attack lead by Al-Shabab fighters were aimed at the capital’s main air port of Mogadishu. Coincidentally, the president of Somali had just arrived at the airport. It was assumed that the Al-Shabab was indeed projecting their mortars; a rocket propelled type gun at the president. Police has stated that although the president was not harmed, 5 innocent people were killed and 11 injured. Prime minister of Somalia said that Somalia is being used to train and regroup Al- Qaeda to plan further attacks across the region. Al-Qaeda's desires to take over Somalia will be made difficult but is possible, insisted Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke the prime minister. It was also stated that it is important not only to his country but the whole world that they maintain control.

Sources: //Al Jazeera English// - http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/10/20091028174834514565.html //Radio Netherlands Worldwide// - http://www.rnw.nl/node/35921

The two sources provide similar information, but Al Jazeera had the incident of the attack against the airport, which Radio Netherlands Worldwide did not. Both used same quotes such as "Somalia is serving as an ideal place for them to re-group and redeploy." and "We cannot be certain of the precise size of their presence in our country, but al-Qaeda are here, they are training and planning in our land." Both do explain the same ideas and stay on topic.

I think that the subject of these two articles, are very important and should be informed of to all. I never thought of other countries in the way that I now do. Especially with the fact that the various societies in Africa can be as corrupt and violent as explained. It must be terrifying to the innocent that populate the land in Africa.

//Africa trial for malaria vaccine// A study lead by scientist in Africa on a vaccine for malaria, also known as RTS,S which began in 2003 has finally found a breakthrough in its affect and is under going tests to be available to all in Africa. Mosquirex is one of the vaccines in its final stages, and according to the World Health Organization, it is 50 to 55 percent affective. Dr Salim Abdullah, malaria expert with the Tanzania-based Ifakara Health Institute claimed that the very first release will show promising results within the next 5 years. It is estimated that approximately 1 million people die yearly from malaria and the majority of these deaths are consisted of children under the age of 5 in Africa. Dr Samuel Kariuki, the deputy chief researcher in the vaccine trials had stated that "We expect that this vaccine will have a tremendous effect in the reduction of the number of admissions we see in the hospital and the number of deaths that occur due to malaria, especially in young children." The vaccine is believed to make amazing changes in the population of malaria infected.

Sources: //Al Jazeera English - http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/11/200911341029993119.html Latimes Blogs - http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2009/11/massive-malaria-vaccine-trial-has-begun-in-africa.html//

Both articles have a main idea and stick to that idea. Although Al Jazeera is not as long and well descripted as Latimes Blogs, both keep to the idea. Latimes is much longer and not only has a separate story to add to severities oh malaria but also has more quotes and statistics than Aljazeera.

These articles are both a very important point to show to the public. Just because we are not living in Africa, does not mean we cannot care for those who inhabit the country. It will be a major change in the life of the people of Africa knowing that one of many serious illnesses can be protected from and possibly dropped to a mere rare occurrence.

//Youth lured to fight in Somalia//

In northern Kenya, the samali's haev accused the Nairobi's government of secretly training youths to become soldiers to fight against the al-Shabab fighters. Some leaders of which stated that "in last three weeks alone, at least 200 Kenyans of Somali origin have been recruited in the town of Garissa". One of the many parents of the captured children by the name of Habiba Kosar had been asked of her experiences, "My son was picked in the middle of the night. He is being trained for Somalia. We have never seen Somalia and have no connection with the country. I just want my son back" stated the angered parent. Mohammed Gabow, the mayor of Garissa town, said "It's very sad for the Kenyan government to take advantage of the joblessness of our youth and recruit them to fight in a conflict in another country" Even with this said, the Kenyan and Somali government are denying any accusations of the imvolvement. It was said by Mohammed Adow, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Garissa claimed that the recuitants are being lured in by being promised 600 dollars for their military training and a monthly salery after deployment.

Sources: Aljazeera English - [] Halgan - []

Looking at both articles, i had found that they are very similar and show almost identical stories of which from actual occurances from families who have suffered. Although Aljazeera does provide a video clip and is nice to have actual footage and audio, they both are similar in information. Halgan's article descripts the occurance alot more simple but at the same time keeps on topic. Aljazeera on the other hand describes it in a slightly more fluffed and complicated way. Overall both are very good sources but Halgan is prefered.

Child soldiers are real as learned in class. I've never heard of an actual occurance till now but it so happening. Its horrible that soldiers would actually forcfully take minors out of their own homes to turn into soldiers with out anyone knowing. Although it is horrible that they do this, it is a great strategy to cover come in wars and battles. I wonder if America has ever used a child soldier?!

//Judge shot dead in Somalia//

On Thursday, Judge Mohamed Abdi Aware also a member of Puntland's supreme judicial council, which supervises the judiciary and nominates senior judicial officials was shot several times in the head and chest by two unknown masked men at a port in Puntland. This had happen just days after jailing four al-Shabaab members. Aware was known for sentencing and jailing many gangs, militants and pirates who terrorized international shipping off the coast of Somalia. Puntland's port is a common place where pirates, criminal gangs and human traffickers roamed and grouped. A large powerful group of al-Qaeda are suspected to have part in this incident and so far four men have been jailed and are thought to be closely linked to Aware's death. Since the start of the fight in 2007, nearly 19,000 civilians have been kill and 1.5 million forced out of theur homes.

Sources: Aljazeera English - http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/11/20091112125358501502.html Earthtimes - http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/294362,judge-shot-dead-in-somalia-after-sentencing-insurgents.html

When i had found the second article, i noticed that Aljazeera English had a somewhat longer article,while Earthtimes was really short. After reading both, the two articles contained the same information with one acception, Aljazeera English had addition information on another killing that had thought to be linked to judge Mohamed Abdi Aware's death. Both articles were well explained, althought none had any quotes, just facts and statements on the occurance.

I hadnt realized how serious the pirates were. I never heard of "pirates" till this year, i didnt know what to think untill it was explained to me that they were basically terrorist who traveled and roamed in the waters. It sounds reasonable for why the anonymous killers decided to take action and rebel against the judge because he did put a a stop to many. The articles should have used quotes from people to show varification and importance to the statements. Overall, these are very informing articles, and.... Catch the killers!!!

//Aid groups suspend work in Chad//

Aid groups being abducted or killed? Sounds really inhuman to me. 6 different Aid organizations in Chad are being stopped because of the danger their workers are at. They are being abducted and killed. Aid groups such as the international Red Cross and French group Doctors are being attacked, said Elisabeth Byrs, a UN spokeswoman. Many have been taken, kept and threatened for huge amounts of ransom money. Its thought that crooks from Sudan are at fault for the kidnappings, said General Oki Dagache, who heads co-ordination with the international force in eastern Chad. Byrs said "the suspension leaves at least 37,000 people without aid and that attacks on aid workers in eastern Chad have doubled to about 190 compared with last year "

Sources: Aljazeera English - http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/11/2009111315253767306.html Wiki News - http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Six_aid_groups_suspend_work_in_Chad_after_killing

Analyzing both articles, i found that they are similar. The two are not identical but i have noticed that both contain the same ideas and information. The one difference is Wiki News had stated that the killing of 1 aid lead to the findings of the many abductions. Both had statistics of how many people were and will be impacted by the aid groups who will be missing.

I think that these assumed crooks from Sudan are doing what they do to over power Chad. Knowing that with out aid to their soldiers, they are vulnerable to little injuries that easily prevent soldiers from defending. This is a great strategy. i dont understand how how some of the aid group being abducted with out anyone noticing. If i were them, i would definitely keep all the aid groups but have them under gaurd. With out them, the defence of Chad would go down dramaticly. I wonder how they will handle the abductions and the ransome money.

//Deadly blast hits Somali graduation//

At the Shamo Hotel in Mogadishu, the Somali capital, a deadly blast had hit. A graduation ceremony for medical students from Banadir University, was held and the blast caused 19 innocent deaths and 50 injuries. Two journalists and two professors died along with three government ministers, by the names of Qamar Aden Ali, the health minister, Ibrahim Hassan Adow, the minister for higher education, and Ahmed Abdullahi Wayel, the minister for education. This is the second happening of bombings to attack members of government this year. No-one yet has been claimed responsible for this, but it is thought that the Al-Shabab have some relations to the explosion.

Sources: Aljazeera English - http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/12/2009123144030943277.html Terror Free Somilia Foundation - http://terrorfreesomalia.blogspot.com/2009/12/deadly-hotel-blast-in-somalia-somalia.html

I had read both articles and found that some information are the same and some statistics show a difference. Aljazeera states that a total of 22 people were killed and three were government workers. TFSF(Terror Free Somilia Foundation) did not state that 22 were killed, but only that three worked for the government. Both articles said something about the number of people injured, but Aljazeera had the statistic of 50 injuried, while TFST claimed that at least 56 people were injuried. Both also stated that two journalist were killed and that the Al-Shabab may have some relationship tying them to the bombing.

This is such a serious matter, just because there were government workersr involved, 19 others were killed and 50 were injuried and all were innocent due to a notorious bombing. The medical students merely wanted to learn and create a future for themselves but in the result of their celebration ended and inferfered with innocent lives. It seems like there is always someone or some people aiming to cause trouble with no point to it. I dont think that the people responsible for the explosion will ever be found, but there is always hope for justice!

//Somali pirates hijack oil tanker//

Unfortunately, the Somali pirates have struck again. This time, the second only ever occurrence of a successful oil tanker hijack off the coast of Somalia. 28-members of the Greek-owned 300,000-tonne Maran Centaurus, which was carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia to the United States were brought under danger. Luckily no one was stated injured, harmed or taken as hostage, but it was known that oil had been taken. Its unsure yet how much was gone, but was estimated value of at least in the millions. "This is a jackpot to the pirates," claimed Andrew Mwangura, from the East African Seafarers Assistance organisation in Nairobi. Luckily this was not as much as the first oil hijacking wich summed up to a value of $100m in barrels.

Sources: Aljazeera English - http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/11/20091130102539550387.html BBC news - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8385845.stm

After reading and sumarizing both articles, i noticed few differences. BBC had more detailed information over Aljazeera. For instance, in its summary of the hijacking, it was stated more of the boats whereabouts and quotes from important individials which aljazeera did not include much of; "As it was fully laden, it was moving quite slowly - between 11 and 15 knots (20-27km/h) - when attacked, a Navfor spokesman told the BBC." and "This incident clearly shows the pirates are becoming more bolder, so I don't think the solution is in building the naval deployment there, or increasing the naval deployment. The problem is actually in dealing with the governance crisis which feeds the problem of piracy." BBC not only this, but inludes more information on past hijacking of oil tanks which included in aljazeera, only with less information.

These article explains alot. There will be lots of loses due to the shortage of oil. It was only estimated that the value of the barrels taken were atleast in the millions, which will cause lots changes. Over time, ive noticed that BBC's news articles have always included more detailed information over aljazeera's. I ponder upon where the pirates go to settle on land and will put the oil to use for? Will the pirates ever be put to justice?

//Congo boat sinking leaves 73 dead//

Mai-Ndombe lake in the western Bandundu province, a boat about 400km northeast of Kinshasa had sunk guessing dues to overcrowding, poor vessel maintenance and bad weather. After searching through the water and shorelines, about 73 people were found dead and possibly more in the ship. A fortunately, about 272 made it off the ship alive. Dominic Lutula, president of the Congolese Red Cross stated that "There are still some people missing. But we don't know how many because there was no ship's manifest". It was also found that the boat was not authorised to carry along passengers.

Sources: BBC - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8384441.stm Aljazeera English - http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/11/200911281659264336.html

Both articles sound similar. Aljazeera and BBC contain just about the asme information of the where abouts of the ship, where it sank, lives lost and saved, etc. Both had quotes from Dominic Lutula, president of the Congolese Red Cross on his responses to the sunk ship. Although both articles are fairly identical in lenght, aljazeera included a bit more about past happenings and information of what the boat carried; transportation of logs and past September a previous boat sank killing 14.

I think that the boat sinking is just an unfortunate event and can happen to anyone at anytime. It just shows that the boats that are used are poor quality because of the recent boat sunk just in September. Lots of lives have already been lost. Imagine how many future lives can be saved from boat deaths if the boats were inspected and fixed to proper regulations. If money were invested to do so, there could be dramatic changes in deaths from sunk ships.