$20 Million for Refugees

The U.S. is currently contributing $20 million to the United Nations for reconstruction and emergency relief for the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. Here is an article from the U.S. Department of State website.

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2010/05/141863.htm

Do you think this will have any affect on the United States' relationship with Israel?

Rescue the Nuke Scientest

Read the following article about Iran's government-controlled video game industry.

http://www.strategicsocial.com/2010/01/iran%E2%80%99s-nascent-government-controlled-video-game-industry/

What do you think about a country with such strong censorship laws being so successful in their gaming industry? Do you think some of these games are being used as propaganda?

Think about some of the video games you play. Do you think any of your games are making a political statement?

Here is another article that takes a closer look at some Iranian games.

http://trueslant.com/nealungerleider/2009/12/10/inside-irans-video-game-industry/

With the Hope for Peace and Understanding

Last weekend Elvis Costello called off two concerts that he was scheduled to perform at in Israel this summer, mainly due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Below are the links to his statement regarding this decision, and the Agence France-Presse article reporting on it.

http://www.elviscostello.com/news/it-is-after-considerable-contemplation/44

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/afp/20100518/ten-mideast-conflict-music-costello-1dc2b55.html

Please read them and comment about whether or not you think this was a wise decision on his part. Do you think it was necessary to cancel these shows for his fans to be kept safe? Do you agree with what the news reporter wrote? Also, how do you think the people who had planned to attend these shows are reacting?