Murphy James International Articles

1. Summary:
President Musharraf of Pakistan resigned his military authority yesterday, leaving General Kayani head of the army. Musharraf reluctantly gave into the pressure from his people to resign as head of the army. The United States is worried that this may cause added difficulty in the war against terrorism on the Pakistinian part, but many also rejoice at the separation.

Opinion:
I think it is a good thing that the President of a country shouldn't be the head of the army for many reasons. One, they can be killed in combat. Two, it is harder for them to raise standing armies and impose them on the people (in most cases). I think Musharraf did the right thing, and that Pakistan will benefit from this.

2. Summary:
More riots are occuring in France, as a three day suburbian nightmare rages on. What sparked these teen-riots? On Sunday, two teenagers were hit and killed on their mini-bike by a police car. The suburbian population, mostly extremely poor and extremely uneducated, retaliated with burning cars and libraries. But now, it appears that the rioters are using shot guns, buckshot and pellets raining through the air. One man states that "it is a real guerilla war" and that the policemen will not be fired upon indefinately without reaction.

Opinion:
I think that this is a terrible tragedy, and that when Sarkozy gets home Wednesday he should concern himself with finding a way to end the riots instead of visiting the police men, for that is only going to anger the people more. Clearly the French people are unsatisfied in their government if such a small spark can start such a big fire.