The World Bank is an international financial organization created to fight poverty by providing assistance to developing countries. It analyzes each country’s financial and economic situation and offers a unique approach to improving the country’s livelihood. The World Bank Group consists of five international organizations that finance economic and social programs in the poorest countries. The funds are provided by the governments and international banks that are members of the Group. (more…)

In 1689, John Locke wrote a treatise titled “A letter Concerning Toleration,” where he espoused that fundamental and inalienable rights included Life, Liberty, and Property. Less than a century later, Thomas Jefferson expanded on these rights in the Declaration of Independence where he stated Live, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. These two documents establish America’s value on human rights. (more…)

United Nations envoy Kofi Annan met twice this week with Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in Damascus as well as with opposition leaders in an effort to negotiate a ceasefire in the year-old uprising in Syria that has claimed upwards of 7,500 lives. The former Secretary General of the UN said that the talks were candid and comprehensive, and included discussions about releasing some detainees and allowing humanitarian organizations access to the beleaguered country. (more…)

SOPA, or the Stop Online Piracy Act, is a bill currently being considered by the United States government for the reason that the title suggests, to stop online piracy. The intention of the bill was to give organizations such as the RIAA the ability to shut down any site that had any information protected by copyright laws. Giving this kind of power to companies and organizations has caused much fear and anger in the US internet user base, as well as around the world. (more…)

Kim Jong-il, dictator of North Korea, ascended to power following the death of his father, Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea. With Kim Jong il’s death, his son, Kim-Jong-un, is poised to perpetuate the Kim family rule. (more…)