India Plane Crash

Unfortunately it looks like we have some terrible news to report:

(CNN) -- A plane crash in western India early Saturday killed more than 160 passengers, an Indian official said.

V.S. Acharya, the home minister of India's Karnataka state, told CNN-IBN he thought about six or seven people had survived the crash.

The Air India plane was carrying 165 passengers and went down in Mangalore, CNN-IBN reported, citing an airline spokesman.

The crash occurred around 6:30 a.m. near the Mangalore airport.

The plane had departed from Dubai, United Arab Emirates and had overshot the runway while attempting to land at the airport, the spokesman said, according to CNN's sister network.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05/21/india.plane.crash/index.html?hpt=T1

Bookmark our site!

Consider advertising on our site!

Jumping in Pools: Top 10 Cool Countries

I've decided to start a new feature on the blog and all of our writers are encouraged to chime in with their own articles. This time I'll start it off with some of the cooler countries that I like and why. The US is, of course, number one, so we'll skip us for now.

1. Kurdistan: Having put up with 25 years of the rule of Saddam Hussein, the fascist government in Syria, repressive Turkey, and the theocrats in Iran, these people are resilient. While Muslim, they are surprisingly secular and definitely tolerant, sheltering Yezidis and Christians from al Qaeda terrorists. Iraqi Kurds are also the most pro-American people on the planet and fight side-by-side with our forces in Baghdad.

2., 3. Albania and Kosovo: Pro-American and democratic, these poor nations are eager to help spread democracy throughout the world. Albania just joined NATO and has sent troops to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Darfur to help stop the spread of Islamic extremism. Albania warmly welcomed President Bush during his visit there and is a secular Islamic nation.

4. India: The world's most populous democracy, this nation has moved closer to the United States in the last eight years. Friendly also with Israel, the nation is one of the few in the world with a slim history of anti-Semitism. Tolerant and on the forefront of the War on Terrorism, this nation is one that just screams awesome. India is also sending rockets into space now and may beat us back to the moon.

5. Israel: One of the most berated nations, Israel's democracy is tolerant, despite having hundreds of millions of people wanting to wipe it out. Israel proudly takes on fasicst and theocratic forces, like Saddam's Iraq, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. This nation is one of our closest allies and deserves much more credit than it gets.

6. Georgia: This small country is one of the most pro-America on the planet. Georgia is pushing to join NATO and sent 2,000 troops to Iraq. Georgia also offered 500 to Afghanistan. Unfortunately, Russia's brutal and unjustified attack last August has decimated the nation's infrastructure and military and Russia's dictatorship is actively seeking to topple the Western-backed democracy.

7. Colombia: A democracy that has fought off narco-terrorism, Colombia is the United States' cheif ally in South America. A hedge against Venezuela, this nation is planning to send over 100 troops to Afghanistan. Thanks in large part to President Bush's dedication, Colombia ended much of its fighting with drug traffickers and communist guerrillas.

8. Poland: One of America's top allies in Europe, this nation suffered at the hands of Hitler and Stalin. From the ashes of the Cold War, this former Warsaw Pact nation is a leader in the fight against terrorism. Sending 2,500 troops to Iraq and over 1,000 to Afghanistan, Poland is looking to avoid the mistakes of the past. Poland is also integral to American interests in Eastern Europe, especially when dealing with Russia.

9. The Ukraine: The breadbasket of Europe, this populous democracy has shone as a US ally. Although Russia is pressing on the democratic government, the people have not conceded. Despite Russia poisoning presidential candidate Victor Yushenko in 2004 and rigging the elections, the people rose up and demanded a new vote.

10. Mongolia: Yes, the former home of Genghis Khan, this remote nation between Russia and China has positioned itself in the US bloc. Sending troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, Mongolia is looking to rebuild after about 70 years of Communist rule. Mongolia warmly welcomed President Bush's visit several years ago.

Bonus Country: Yes, Britain should be on this list, but it's too obvious. Australia is America's tough brother who always seems to be there for us. The Aussies sent troops to Korea and 'Nam, as well as to Iraq and Afghanistan, where they served with distinction. Australia's a venerable democracy who's looking to help its neighbors, especially with its intervention in East Timor.

Consider advertising on our site!
Also, if you need to search anything on Google, please use the bar below:

India Preparing Manned Space Mission

India, in many ways, symbolizes the future of the entire world. Like the United States, it is a populous, diverse democracy, taking on the responsibilities of an emerging superpower. Similarly, the Subcontinent has decided that it will begin to lead in the space race, and will send a man into space.

India's second unmanned lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2, is already scheduled to be launched in 2011.

ISRO has also been lobbying for years to secure government funding for its plans to send an astronaut into space by 2014 - eleven years after China - and to the Moon by 2020, four years ahead of China's target date.

Good for India. Hopefully they are able to make it and land a man on the Moon before China. And hopefully we can get our space program back on track!

Also, if you need to search anything on Google, please use the bar below:

Why Albania is So Great, Part Four-- Mother Teresa

Now, I know that the whole of the Albanian nation did not create Mother Teresa, but the way she is revered by the population shows that in Albania, kindness and decency go a long way. This is especially pertinent, considering that most of the people in that country are Muslim and Orthodox and Mother Teresa was Catholic. Still, her good deeds are recognized and used as an example by the giving people of Albania and Kosovo.The person we know as Mother Teresa was born Agnesë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in what is today the capital of the republic of Macedonia. She went on to a life of good works, helping the sick and the poor in India.

Today, Mother Teresa is known for her charity throughout the world. She is revered by Catholics, Muslims, and Hindus alike, and she showed us how we should act towards another. Albania should be proud of their native born, and we should all act to help those less fortunate.

Part Five: http://jumpinginpools.blogspot.com/2009/02/why-albania-is-so-great-part-5.html


Also, if you need to search anything on Google, please use the bar below:

Obama's Already Pissed Off India

President Obama campaigned to bring about a change to American foreign policy. This is a campaign promise that he has kept thus far. Over the last eight years, the United States has become closer to the world's most populous democracy. And within less than a month, the President appears to be reversing the trend.

An alliance with India would be very beneficial to the United States. Not only is India an expanding market, but shares a common enemy in Islamist terrorism. India has one of the world's largest militaries and would be able to assist in future endeavors. India is an up-and-coming partner in many fields: space, economy, and military. And this is not the time to go endangering that. Doesn't mean that we can't try.

MK Narayanan, India’s national security advisor, said that the new US administration was in danger of dredging up out of date Clinton administration-era strategies in a bid to bring about improved ties between the two nuclear armed neighbours.

“I do think that we could make President Obama understand, if he does nurse any such view, that he is barking up the wrong tree. I think Kashmir today has become one of the quieter and safer places in this part of the world,” Mr Narayanan said in an interview with CNBC TV18.

“It’s possible that at this time there are elements, perhaps in the administration who are harking back to the pre-2000 era.”

And When You Thought India Couldn't Get Any Cooler

I had a few minutes to look over the Times today and was reading about the horrific massacre in Mumbai. However, I was able to glean something I didn't know about India, the world's largest democracy:

India has never persecuted Jews. Of all of the countries on the planet, how many have not oppressed or repressed their Jewish community. And Jews have been on the Subcontinent for over two thousand years.

What a good record:

“This is the first time when a Jew has been targeted in India because he is a Jew,” said Jonathon Solomon, a Mumbai lawyer and president of the Indian Jewish Federation. “The tradition of the last thousand years has been breached."

So God bless India again. We're pulling for you.

Pakistan Offers "Joint Investigation"

Today, Pakistan offered a "joint investigation" into the Mumbai attacks. However, Pakistan is demanding that India show proof that the terrorists that struck Mumbai "were Pakistanis" before he would "arrest and extradite the list of terror suspects."

For India and Pakistan, it is a start. India must show it's resolve in hunting down terrorist scum by showing Pakistan proof that the terrorists were Pakistani. Pakistan, in turn, must help India track them down and send them to India.

It seems like progress is being made between the two countries, and I pray that progress continues.

War Between India and Pakistan Must Be Avoided

Disgusting terror attacks have been committed on India's soil. For India, they can never look back to a time before they were hit by unwarranted and revolting terrorist attacks. But there is a chance to change the future.

Because of the attacks, tension between India and Pakistan have skyrocketed. India has accused "elements in Pakistan" for the attacks, and Pakistan has warned India that if it feels threatened, it will amass troops on its border with India. Pakistan has promised India action, but says it will not stand for knee-jerk reactions from India. Another problem is that both countries are nuclear powers.

This statement may be obvious, but in a time like this, it must be said: A war between Pakistan and India must be avoided. India may wish to send its troops into Pakistan to search for terroristic elements, which Pakistan will problably not allow. India will demand that terrorists be brought to justice, though.

There is a clear answer that must be adressed, but will almost definately not take place. Pakistan can show India its intention of bringing the terrorists to justice by allowing the Indian military into their country. In conjunction with Pakistan's military, India would bring the Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group to bear responsibility. This should be done under the supervision of other nations, and possibly the UN. This would keep both India and Pakistan in-line. Should this take place, and India and Pakistan were successful in destroying Lashkar-e-Taiba, their relations would be strengthened, India would get justice, and war would be avoided.

The problem is the former difficulties between India and Pakistan, and their dispute over Kashmir. I don't think that Pakistan would trust India enough and vice versa. But a great and proud nation like India should be able to put problems aside for justice, Pakistan should do the same, and they should work together for freedom and peace.

May God bless India and watch over them and the nation of Pakistan.

India Needs to Send Troops to Afghanistan

Days after the horrific attacks in Mumbai, new evidence is coming to light. There is proof now that elements of the Pakistani government were involved in the attacks. However, it appears very unlikely that the civilian government had a hand in the attack. These troubling signs may be pointing towards war. Instead, India should work to assault the terrorists by joining forces with ISAF in Afghanistan.

The terrorist group that carried out the assault cooperates with al Qaeda against U.S. and Allied forces in Afghanistan. If India were able to join the upcoming surge of forces in Afghanistan, many jihadists will pay the price. India has cooperated with the U.S. in the War on Terror and this action would further solidify unity against terror.

Indians, and the people of the free world are calling for actions against the terrorists. A war against a nuclear-armed Pakistan would be a catastrophe, even if India won. Thousands would die and even if Pakistani Kashmir is taken, Waziristan will not be. By placing 5,000 to 25,000 troops in Helmand and surrounding provinces, the terrorists will know that they will not get away with cowardly attacks like the one in Mumbai.

The United States Stands with India

Today, disgusting acts of terror shook the great city of Mumbai, known once as Bombay. At least 78 are dead in the carnage and more deaths may come. In this time of national tragedy, we cannot look at political borders or boundaries; there should be little distinction between the United States and our ally India. We are all members of the same international community, and we must stand together for justice.

Seven years ago, India was one of the first nations on Earth to offer support and assistance to the United States after September 11th. The United States should do the same. Although I cannot speak for the higher-ups in my country, I offer my condolences to India. But no matter what, terrorists will never be able to take away from India's greatness, terrorists will never shake India's morals, and India will never back down from terrorists.

God bless you, India. We stand with you.

Our Prayers are With India

Our prayers are with the people of India, who have suffered a tragic terrorist assault. It is our hope that people are able to come together and wish well for the victims. Hopefully the terrorist bastards who could carry out such atrocities are caught and punished.

India has stood with us in the War on Terror and is one of the most pro-American nations on the planet. For such a decent country to suffer such an awful atrocity is outrageous. It is time that the people of the world, and not just the United States, India, and our allies, stand up for freedom and against actions like this.

So India, the United States is with you. Find the bastards who did this.

Savage Terrorist Attack in India

From World Threats:

http://www.worldthreats.com/?p=324

I hope that the free world can stand up and defend India, the world's largest democracy. We cannot stand for things like this.

India Blows Up Pirates

Today, an India warship left a "pirate mother vessel" in flames off the Horn of Africa.

Two quick things about this news: one, once again India does something cool. Two: who knew there were still pirates running around the world.

There is no word yet if Captain Hook was killed in the mayhem.

India to the Moon

India has landed a probe on the moon. Let me be one of the first to say: awesome, India. There is always more room for Democracies on the moon. In regards to the US, this is a clear signal that we need to step up production on space endeavors. As great as India is, we are the United States, which means we are the best in technology regarding space, amongst other things. Let's get a move on it.


If you need to search anything on Google, please use the bar below: