Egypt http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2012-06-03/egypt-mubarak-verdicts/55359136/1 in Egypt, Long-Time

Egypt

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2012-06-03/egypt-mubarak-verdicts/55359136/1

In Egypt, long-time President Hosni Mubarak was convicted for failing to stop the killing of protestors fifteen months ago in connection with the popular uprising in Egypt that put an end to the Mubarak regime. Despite his life sentence, the outcome of the trial resulted in widespread demonstrations because Mubarak and his sons were acquitted of corruption charges and Mubarak received a life sentence instead of a death sentence. Many Egyptians believe that Mubarak should have been executed for his role in allowing so many Egyptian citizens to be killed by his security forces. In general, critics of the generals who took control of the government after Mubarak's overthrow are concerned that they have not been thorough or aggressive enough about bringing members of the former Mubarak regime to justice. In some respects, it is encouraging that the interim Egyptian authorities produced a criminal conviction against Mubarak, and a harsh sentence. While the fact that Mubarak will not be executed is disappointing to some Egyptian citizens who lived and suffered under his rule, a life sentence imposed on a former head of state is an important achievement because it puts other national leaders in the region on notice that they are likely to be held accountable for their actions while in office.

Article # 2 Summary and Comment - Russia

http://www.rt.com/news/putin-china-military-ties-139/

The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as an area of increasing international tension between East and West even two decades after the official end of the Cold War. Specifically, a recent announcement by the U.S. To increase its naval presence in Asia was met by increased military collaboration between China and Russia in the same region. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chairman Hu of China have coordinated joint military exercises in the Yellow Sea and have indicated an intention to counterbalance any increased U.S. military presence in the area. It is frustrating that even so long after the end of the Cold War, there still persists a level of distrust and antagonism on the part of the Russians toward the U.S. In many respects, post-Soviet Communist Russia still provides tacit support for other nations to oppose or undermine U.S. international interests. Another example would be the difficulty the Russians have caused by opposing U.S.-led sanctions against Iran in connection with international pressure to stop enriching uranium and even more recently in connection with the joint Chinese-Russian opposition to forcing a regime change in Syria.

Article # 3 Summary and Comment -- Syria

http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/06/world/meast/syria-unrest/index.html