With Administration Change Comes Abortion Approval From Obama
Washington- 1/23/2009 10:49 A.M.
Democratic President Obama has lifted a ban on federal funding support of organization which back abortions. In contrast, conservatives have claimed "This will enable abortions" in reference to alleged funneling of money towards the UN Population Fund.
Mr. Obama has said "It's time to stop making this a political issue. We will have a frank debate over family planning, coming to a point of a agreement for the sake of the women of the world.
Conservatives criticise the move saying that "This is an order to export torture to fetuses worldwide".
http://www.asahi.com/international/update/0124/TKY200901240042.html
Friday, January 23, 2009
妊娠中絶容認
With Regime Change, Obama Administration Lifts Abortion Ban
Washington-1/24/2009 11:56 A.M.
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/world/news/20090124-OYT1T00352.htm?from=main2
According to the White House, President Obama has issued an Executive Order lifting a ban on federal abortion funding from the budget.
Due to the changeover from Republican to Democratic rule, this is a stark change from Bush policy which aligned itself with anti abortion groups for the past 8 years.
Regarding the measure, the President said "controlling abortion has sent the wrong message to family planning aims in developing countries". He announced his signature of the law publicly today.
In 1984, President Reagan took a stand against abortion by restricting federal tax dollars from aiding foreign organizations that perform or help plan abortions. Former President Clinton repealed the measure in 1993 but Religious Right backed Bush reenacted the practice in 2001 amid great debate over the measure.
The Supreme Court legalized abortions in 1973 but this has created a large conflict between pro-life conservatives and pro-choice liberals, becoming a hot button issue at election time. Mr. Obama has taken the stance of respecting a woman's right to choose on one hand. However, he has also called for sexual education to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Yomiuri Shinbun
Washington-1/24/2009 11:56 A.M.
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/world/news/20090124-OYT1T00352.htm?from=main2
According to the White House, President Obama has issued an Executive Order lifting a ban on federal abortion funding from the budget.
Due to the changeover from Republican to Democratic rule, this is a stark change from Bush policy which aligned itself with anti abortion groups for the past 8 years.
Regarding the measure, the President said "controlling abortion has sent the wrong message to family planning aims in developing countries". He announced his signature of the law publicly today.
In 1984, President Reagan took a stand against abortion by restricting federal tax dollars from aiding foreign organizations that perform or help plan abortions. Former President Clinton repealed the measure in 1993 but Religious Right backed Bush reenacted the practice in 2001 amid great debate over the measure.
The Supreme Court legalized abortions in 1973 but this has created a large conflict between pro-life conservatives and pro-choice liberals, becoming a hot button issue at election time. Mr. Obama has taken the stance of respecting a woman's right to choose on one hand. However, he has also called for sexual education to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Yomiuri Shinbun
中東外交特使
Obama Names Afganistan-Pakistan Special Envoys
Washington-1/23/2009 10:18 A.M.
http://www.asahi.com/international/update/0123/TKY200901230037.html
On the 22nd, President Obama designated special envoys to address the Afghanistan and Pakistan dilemmas in the Middle East. He then delivered a lecture at the newly remanned State Department, announcing his new designates and outlining diplomacy as a major theme.
He announced the designation of newly appointed Secretary of State Clinton. Former Senator George Mitchell was named Middle East Peace Envoy and Former UN Ambassador Richard Holbrooke was put in charge of U.S. Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Both are established leaders in Foreign Diplomacy, Mitchell assisted with the North Ireland Peace Accords and Holbrooke brokering the Bosnian Peace Deal.
In his lecture at the State Department, Mr. Obama emphasized the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. "A complete withdrawal is definite." He said. "Hamas must end it's rocket fire. Israel will complete it's withdrawal." He called for self control on both parties. He also revealed that he wishes to end the weapons smuggling into Gaza that was performed under the Bush Administration in cooperation with Israel.
He also said "Just as Israel is fearful of rockets aimed at them, Palestinians should not have to endure such a hopeless future", underscoring the importance of Middle Eastern peace. We will persue heartily the realization of an Israeli and Palestinian 2 two state solution."
On the other hand, he identified Afghanistan and Pakistan as the "center of the battle against terror and radical ideology. They together are a problem confronting the world of peace and security. If we don't deal with the Al Qaeda Base at the Pakistani-Afghan border, we cannot resolve the troubles in Afghanistan." Saying that a resolution to the problem involves Pakistan as well, a representative for BOTH countries was chosen.
Mr. Mitchell made notice of his experience with the Northern Ireland Peace Talks saying; "I am very confident that there is no conflict that cannot be stopped." Mr. Obama intends to dispatch Mr. Mitchell to the Middle East as soon as possible.
Furthermore, Mr. Holbrooke who would be overseeing Afghanistan policy coordination via The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development said this; "If we properly use the resources at hand, efficiency can be raised ten-fold."
Asahi Shinbun
Washington-1/23/2009 10:18 A.M.
http://www.asahi.com/international/update/0123/TKY200901230037.html
On the 22nd, President Obama designated special envoys to address the Afghanistan and Pakistan dilemmas in the Middle East. He then delivered a lecture at the newly remanned State Department, announcing his new designates and outlining diplomacy as a major theme.
He announced the designation of newly appointed Secretary of State Clinton. Former Senator George Mitchell was named Middle East Peace Envoy and Former UN Ambassador Richard Holbrooke was put in charge of U.S. Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Both are established leaders in Foreign Diplomacy, Mitchell assisted with the North Ireland Peace Accords and Holbrooke brokering the Bosnian Peace Deal.
In his lecture at the State Department, Mr. Obama emphasized the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. "A complete withdrawal is definite." He said. "Hamas must end it's rocket fire. Israel will complete it's withdrawal." He called for self control on both parties. He also revealed that he wishes to end the weapons smuggling into Gaza that was performed under the Bush Administration in cooperation with Israel.
He also said "Just as Israel is fearful of rockets aimed at them, Palestinians should not have to endure such a hopeless future", underscoring the importance of Middle Eastern peace. We will persue heartily the realization of an Israeli and Palestinian 2 two state solution."
On the other hand, he identified Afghanistan and Pakistan as the "center of the battle against terror and radical ideology. They together are a problem confronting the world of peace and security. If we don't deal with the Al Qaeda Base at the Pakistani-Afghan border, we cannot resolve the troubles in Afghanistan." Saying that a resolution to the problem involves Pakistan as well, a representative for BOTH countries was chosen.
Mr. Mitchell made notice of his experience with the Northern Ireland Peace Talks saying; "I am very confident that there is no conflict that cannot be stopped." Mr. Obama intends to dispatch Mr. Mitchell to the Middle East as soon as possible.
Furthermore, Mr. Holbrooke who would be overseeing Afghanistan policy coordination via The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development said this; "If we properly use the resources at hand, efficiency can be raised ten-fold."
Asahi Shinbun
Thursday, January 22, 2009
メリル ストリープ来日、皇后と合い
Empress and Meryl Streep Line Up For Film Charity
(1/22/2009)
http://www.asahi.com/showbiz/movie/TKY200901220273.html
The Empress attended a charity screening of Mamma Mia! in Tokyo's Roppongi district on the 22nd. Said Film Actress Meryl Streep greeted the Empress outside the theatre hall and viewed the movie along side her. This private showing was organized by the Youth Public Welfare Center, a public corporation. Donations would be delivered to a facility responsible for welfare grants.
Asahi Shinbun
(1/22/2009)
http://www.asahi.com/showbiz/movie/TKY200901220273.html
The Empress attended a charity screening of Mamma Mia! in Tokyo's Roppongi district on the 22nd. Said Film Actress Meryl Streep greeted the Empress outside the theatre hall and viewed the movie along side her. This private showing was organized by the Youth Public Welfare Center, a public corporation. Donations would be delivered to a facility responsible for welfare grants.
Asahi Shinbun
オバマ親チェム
Clinton Begins State Secretary Tenure, "It's A New American Age"
(Washington-1/23/2009 3 A.M.)
http://www.asahi.com/international/update/0123/TKY200901220291.html
The Obama Administration's Secretary of State Hilary Clinton made her first appearance in the State Department today. She proclaimed in front of several hundred personnel; "From the bottom of my heart, I am truly ecstatic and honored. This is a new age for America."
Asahi Shinbun
(Washington-1/23/2009 3 A.M.)
http://www.asahi.com/international/update/0123/TKY200901220291.html
The Obama Administration's Secretary of State Hilary Clinton made her first appearance in the State Department today. She proclaimed in front of several hundred personnel; "From the bottom of my heart, I am truly ecstatic and honored. This is a new age for America."
Asahi Shinbun
カストロとオバマ
Former Cuban President "Saw Obama Inauguration on TV"
1/22/2009 9:54 P.M.
http://www.asahi.com/international/update/0122/TKY200901220260.html
Former Cuban President Fidel Castro who has had the world's attention since being determined ill met with Argentinian President Christina Fernandez who visited Cuba on the 20th. The last time he met with a foreign head of state was last November with Dmitry Medvedev.
After her meeting, the Argentinian President said that Mr. Castro "looked well. He was always looking at the Inauguration of Barack Obama on TV, saying that Obama is a man who understands his words and actions." This as reported by the press corps.
Mr. Castro also reopened his column which hadn't been updated since December 15th of last year. After the 21st, A Cuban news site which had been carrying Mr. Castro's previous comments added the most recent one which regarded the inauguration.
"I don't doubt Mr. Obama's honesty", he said. "But many questions remain".
Asahi Shinbun
1/22/2009 9:54 P.M.
http://www.asahi.com/international/update/0122/TKY200901220260.html
Former Cuban President Fidel Castro who has had the world's attention since being determined ill met with Argentinian President Christina Fernandez who visited Cuba on the 20th. The last time he met with a foreign head of state was last November with Dmitry Medvedev.
After her meeting, the Argentinian President said that Mr. Castro "looked well. He was always looking at the Inauguration of Barack Obama on TV, saying that Obama is a man who understands his words and actions." This as reported by the press corps.
Mr. Castro also reopened his column which hadn't been updated since December 15th of last year. After the 21st, A Cuban news site which had been carrying Mr. Castro's previous comments added the most recent one which regarded the inauguration.
"I don't doubt Mr. Obama's honesty", he said. "But many questions remain".
Asahi Shinbun
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
欧州ガス契約
Russia and Ukraine Sign Agreement For European Gas Supply
(Moscow-1/20/2009 1:30 A.M.)
http://www.asahi.com/international/update/0120/TKY200901190359.html
In the dillema over Ukraine routed Russian Natural Gas, Russian and Ukrainian State Organizations Gazprom and Naftogaz agreed to and signed a contract related to gas provisions on the 19th. With the aim of reopening gas provisions, action looks to be undertaken soon.
According to Interfax News Agency. the long term 10 year contract contains stipulations on the Gas prices and linkage and transport costs. Ukraine would begin to pay for gas at the European Market Price next year. This is a price rise twice what the country pays this year as contracts in previous years had the priced halved from the market rate. It would continue the discounted rate for this year and the current linkage and transport costs would remain as is untill next year as well.
Prime Minister Putin of Russia and Prime Minster Tymoshenko of Ukraine met to sign the contract. Ms. Tymonshenko said "With this agreement, the gas supply issue is no more", underscoring that gas supplies would soon reopen to Europe.
However, the price rise that went along with the agreement has some detractors in Ukraine. Pro-Russian oppostion Party of Regions Leader Viktor Yanukovych seemed to persue accountablity of the government by proclaiming "Ukraine will be bankrupt".
Asahi Shinbun
(Moscow-1/20/2009 1:30 A.M.)
http://www.asahi.com/international/update/0120/TKY200901190359.html
In the dillema over Ukraine routed Russian Natural Gas, Russian and Ukrainian State Organizations Gazprom and Naftogaz agreed to and signed a contract related to gas provisions on the 19th. With the aim of reopening gas provisions, action looks to be undertaken soon.
According to Interfax News Agency. the long term 10 year contract contains stipulations on the Gas prices and linkage and transport costs. Ukraine would begin to pay for gas at the European Market Price next year. This is a price rise twice what the country pays this year as contracts in previous years had the priced halved from the market rate. It would continue the discounted rate for this year and the current linkage and transport costs would remain as is untill next year as well.
Prime Minister Putin of Russia and Prime Minster Tymoshenko of Ukraine met to sign the contract. Ms. Tymonshenko said "With this agreement, the gas supply issue is no more", underscoring that gas supplies would soon reopen to Europe.
However, the price rise that went along with the agreement has some detractors in Ukraine. Pro-Russian oppostion Party of Regions Leader Viktor Yanukovych seemed to persue accountablity of the government by proclaiming "Ukraine will be bankrupt".
Asahi Shinbun
ガザ避難民の苦しみ
Friends Taken By A "Hideous Attack", A Report From A Gazan U.N. School
(Jabalian Refugee Camp in North Gaza-1/21/2009)
http://www.asahi.com/international/update/0120/TKY200901200374.html
On the 6th in the Palestinian city of Gaza, The Israeli Army attacked a U.N. organized school and neighborhood, 46 lives were lost. I visited that spot on the 20th. Israel claims it was a counterattack against Hamas firing mortars from inside the school building. The school staff and refugees however, maintain that it was "an cruel attack without discrimination."
In the north Gaza city of Jabala, there is a refugee camp which contains Alfoahola School. It has many refugees whose friends were lost in Israeli attacks, they number at around 1,920.
"We thought because it is a UN School it would be safe". Yasser Malfou (35 years old) escaped with his family from Beit Lahia (3 Kilometers to the North) on the 5th. Around 3:45 a.m., the Israeli Army's F16 Fighters were flying at low altitude around the school. As soon as they believed more unmanned fighter jets were flying, areas around the school were successively bombed. Israel was conducting an aerial attack.
The blast sent many fragments flying, one of them tearing the leg of Malfou's 16 year old daughter, Maha. She was instantly killed with her 11 year old brother Haidal, who's whole body was covered by flying fragments.
43 year old Basam Salha along with the rest of the panicked group were new to such experiences. On the school side road which was bombed, scores of corpses were found including those of students. Salha said with indignation, "I've been at this school for 8 years but it has adehered by the U.N. rules of no combatants and weaponry. And at any rate, this was a school housing refugees so how could they fire mortars at us?".
On the same day around 6 a.m., other bombings in the vicinity occurred. 27 year old refugee Sami Gabun said; "I thought I heard large booms and saw bright flashes." There were countless streams of white smoke and shining fragments falling from the sky. Many felt sick from all the white smoke and couldn't breathe. The refugees went running, some they had huge burns, others couldn't see. Refugees suspect it could be the internationally criticized White Phosphorus.
Two bombs also made a direct hit on nearby homes. It ripped huge holes in walls, killing 19 year old Fedal Deibu and his 38 year old mother. On the rooftop flew a yellow flag, signifying opposition to Hamas and affiliation or support of moderate faction Fatah. Deib cynically states; "The Hamas base is over three kilometers from here. With the accuracy of Israeli guided missiles, it was definitely an evil act".
According to the school personnel, a total of 46 people (3 in the school and 43 around it) were killed. With 863 people left in the school, no plans have been made to resume instruction.
Asahi Shinbun
(Jabalian Refugee Camp in North Gaza-1/21/2009)
http://www.asahi.com/international/update/0120/TKY200901200374.html
On the 6th in the Palestinian city of Gaza, The Israeli Army attacked a U.N. organized school and neighborhood, 46 lives were lost. I visited that spot on the 20th. Israel claims it was a counterattack against Hamas firing mortars from inside the school building. The school staff and refugees however, maintain that it was "an cruel attack without discrimination."
In the north Gaza city of Jabala, there is a refugee camp which contains Alfoahola School. It has many refugees whose friends were lost in Israeli attacks, they number at around 1,920.
"We thought because it is a UN School it would be safe". Yasser Malfou (35 years old) escaped with his family from Beit Lahia (3 Kilometers to the North) on the 5th. Around 3:45 a.m., the Israeli Army's F16 Fighters were flying at low altitude around the school. As soon as they believed more unmanned fighter jets were flying, areas around the school were successively bombed. Israel was conducting an aerial attack.
The blast sent many fragments flying, one of them tearing the leg of Malfou's 16 year old daughter, Maha. She was instantly killed with her 11 year old brother Haidal, who's whole body was covered by flying fragments.
43 year old Basam Salha along with the rest of the panicked group were new to such experiences. On the school side road which was bombed, scores of corpses were found including those of students. Salha said with indignation, "I've been at this school for 8 years but it has adehered by the U.N. rules of no combatants and weaponry. And at any rate, this was a school housing refugees so how could they fire mortars at us?".
On the same day around 6 a.m., other bombings in the vicinity occurred. 27 year old refugee Sami Gabun said; "I thought I heard large booms and saw bright flashes." There were countless streams of white smoke and shining fragments falling from the sky. Many felt sick from all the white smoke and couldn't breathe. The refugees went running, some they had huge burns, others couldn't see. Refugees suspect it could be the internationally criticized White Phosphorus.
Two bombs also made a direct hit on nearby homes. It ripped huge holes in walls, killing 19 year old Fedal Deibu and his 38 year old mother. On the rooftop flew a yellow flag, signifying opposition to Hamas and affiliation or support of moderate faction Fatah. Deib cynically states; "The Hamas base is over three kilometers from here. With the accuracy of Israeli guided missiles, it was definitely an evil act".
According to the school personnel, a total of 46 people (3 in the school and 43 around it) were killed. With 863 people left in the school, no plans have been made to resume instruction.
Asahi Shinbun
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
さよなら
Bushes Part With Capital, Return To Texas
http://www.asahi.com/international/update/0121/TKY200901210075.html
After the Inauguration Festivities at the Congressional Building, the Bushes saw the Obamas off and climbed into a helicopter in the East Plaza of the Capital Building. Then the couple transferred to a government authorized plane, parted with the capital city headed home towards their native Texas.
http://www.asahi.com/international/update/0121/TKY200901210075.html
After the Inauguration Festivities at the Congressional Building, the Bushes saw the Obamas off and climbed into a helicopter in the East Plaza of the Capital Building. Then the couple transferred to a government authorized plane, parted with the capital city headed home towards their native Texas.
オバマ！
An Administration of Change, A Steady Team, Obama's New Administration Begins
(Washington-1/20/2009 7:43 A.M.)
http://www.asahi.com/international/update/0121/TKY200901200399.html
WIth the exception of would be Commerce Secretary Bill Richardson of New Mexico who made suspicious business contributions, Obama's soon to be helmed new administration came together on the 20th. Characteristic was the steady team which assembled that day. Diplomacy, National Security, Economic Crisises, Energy and the Environment were the subjects. Experience and Capability were emphasized. A "Smart Government" (As said by Mr. Obama) to birth change was the aim.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates remained at work dealing with diplomacy and security regarding the two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Advising the President would be Marine Corps Chief James L. Jones. Hilary Clinton would take the Secretary of State position, Diplomatic Expert Vice President Joe Biden was also tapped. All have great experience but whether they would be a great team remains to be seen.
A stance of experience regarding economic matters was also taken. As chair of the National Economic Council and overseeing it from the White House, Influential Economic figure Lawrence H. Summers of the Clinton Administration will serve as Director of the NEC. Young 40-something Timothy Geithner will become Secretary of the Treasury and one of Mr. Summers close confidants.
Mixed up with the economy was the no less important energy and environment situation. The administration aims to create new jobs by investing in renewable energy such as wind and solar power generation. A Nobel Prize winning "poster child" by the name of Steven Chu was named Energy Secretary. A Professional Environment Administrator in the vein of Former Vice President Al Gore, Carol M. Browner was appointed to the newly created post of White House Energy and Climate Policy Coordinator. Maintaining a fine balance of minorities, the aim of the American "Union" was shown. With five women, four blacks, two Hispanics, 2 Asians (one Japanese, the other Chinese) and one Arab, the Washington Post called it the most "diverse" cabinet seen.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood were appointed from the Republican Party. Senators, House Representatives and Governors, the people chosen are from many backgrounds and experiences. While Mr. Obama originally earned support from the Democratic Party's Liberal Wing, he was faced with tough decisions during the election cycle resulting in his move to the center (Moderate as per the Washington Post).
However, by taking in many sides, it's hard to see any ideological bents in his administration. NYU Professor Paul Reid said of the administration, "The team is multi-faceted yet exists in a prism where each individual can identify an aim and pursue it." With the beginning with the administrations duties, even if it is heralded from all sides; It looks to be that "sooner or later, Mr. Obama is going to be faced with some very tough decisions."
Asahi Shinbun
(Washington-1/20/2009 7:43 A.M.)
http://www.asahi.com/international/update/0121/TKY200901200399.html
WIth the exception of would be Commerce Secretary Bill Richardson of New Mexico who made suspicious business contributions, Obama's soon to be helmed new administration came together on the 20th. Characteristic was the steady team which assembled that day. Diplomacy, National Security, Economic Crisises, Energy and the Environment were the subjects. Experience and Capability were emphasized. A "Smart Government" (As said by Mr. Obama) to birth change was the aim.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates remained at work dealing with diplomacy and security regarding the two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Advising the President would be Marine Corps Chief James L. Jones. Hilary Clinton would take the Secretary of State position, Diplomatic Expert Vice President Joe Biden was also tapped. All have great experience but whether they would be a great team remains to be seen.
A stance of experience regarding economic matters was also taken. As chair of the National Economic Council and overseeing it from the White House, Influential Economic figure Lawrence H. Summers of the Clinton Administration will serve as Director of the NEC. Young 40-something Timothy Geithner will become Secretary of the Treasury and one of Mr. Summers close confidants.
Mixed up with the economy was the no less important energy and environment situation. The administration aims to create new jobs by investing in renewable energy such as wind and solar power generation. A Nobel Prize winning "poster child" by the name of Steven Chu was named Energy Secretary. A Professional Environment Administrator in the vein of Former Vice President Al Gore, Carol M. Browner was appointed to the newly created post of White House Energy and Climate Policy Coordinator. Maintaining a fine balance of minorities, the aim of the American "Union" was shown. With five women, four blacks, two Hispanics, 2 Asians (one Japanese, the other Chinese) and one Arab, the Washington Post called it the most "diverse" cabinet seen.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood were appointed from the Republican Party. Senators, House Representatives and Governors, the people chosen are from many backgrounds and experiences. While Mr. Obama originally earned support from the Democratic Party's Liberal Wing, he was faced with tough decisions during the election cycle resulting in his move to the center (Moderate as per the Washington Post).
However, by taking in many sides, it's hard to see any ideological bents in his administration. NYU Professor Paul Reid said of the administration, "The team is multi-faceted yet exists in a prism where each individual can identify an aim and pursue it." With the beginning with the administrations duties, even if it is heralded from all sides; It looks to be that "sooner or later, Mr. Obama is going to be faced with some very tough decisions."
Asahi Shinbun
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