Is Democracy Best For Everyone?

By: Jessica Lerner

Due to the downfall of the Tunisian and Egyptian governments and the protests in Iran, Israel fears for its stability. Many citizens are glad of the step towards democracy in Tunisia, but if other Arab countries follow suit and rebel against their oppressors, it may cause future problems down the line for Israel.

Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Silvan Shalom said, “If the current Tunisian regime collapses, it will not affect Israel’s present national security in a significant way. But we can, however, assume that these developments would set a precedent that could be repeated in other countries, possibly affecting directly the stability of our system.”

Shalom also added that if democracy was to replace the oppressive governments of Israel’s neighboring countries, the national security of Israel might be negatively affected and possibly threatened.

Separation of Darfur

By Jonathan Silva

Despite all of the countries helping Darfur, there is high death rate and rapes occurring as we speak. It is not fair for the citizens of Sudan to be suffering when they are so close to their independence. The country Darfur is trying to separate itself into two because of all the violence and The North where the government is will not have any supplies to maintain their part of country wealthy because they got nothing.

The Obama Administration tells the world that they are doing everything they can to engage with the citizens of Darfur and find more evidence to put Omar Al Bashir (President of Sudan) to jail.  “The referendum on independence for Southern Sudan has come off with minimal violence, and it seems that Sudan’s president Omar Hassan Al-Bashir will accept the inevitable outcome.”

The Unknown Best New Artist: Who is Esperanza Spalding?

By Rachel Lomot

Everyone in the audience was stunned when Esperanza Spalding beat out Justin Bieber for best new artist at the recent Grammy Awards. As an up-and-coming, immensely talented jazz bassist, among other things, it is only right that she won the award. The only problem is that mainstream music has not touched her, and a larger part of the audience watching the award show had no idea she even existed.  So, who is Esperanza Spalding?

Spalding is known for being a young and driven jazz artist.  She blends Brazilian and African-American influences into her music while still creating a contemporary sound.  With Spalding on acoustic or electric bass (sometimes violin) and singing in three different languages, it is outstanding to watch.  She usually surrounds herself with a jazz quartet, including a trumpet, drums, and another string instrument.