Benvenuto! You’re reading Weekly Newsmakers – a review of national and global topics to keep you in the know.

Split Decision on Debate – CNN (Editor’s Pick)

According to a poll conducted by CNN/ORC International, of the voters who watched the second Presidential debate on Tuesday, 46% of voters thought President Obama won the debate (versus the 39% who thought that Gov. Romney won). Moreover, 73% of surveyed voters believed that Obama performed better than expected during this round of debate. 457 registered voters, a sample population that was slightly more Republican than the general public, who watched the debate were surveyed by telephone after the end of the televised debate. Did you have a chance to catch the debate? If so, who do you think was the winner? Voice your opinion in our comments section below! If you didn’t get to hear the debate, here’s a New York Times article that recaps some of the more sensational topics discussed that round.

Clinton Accepts Blame for Benghazi – Wall Street Journal

President Obama on Benghazi: “I am Always Responsible” – CNN

On Monday, Secretary of State Clinton announced that she takes responsibility for the Benghazi attack in Libya where Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans died in an attack in September. Clinton noted that America’s diplomatic missions in other countries was under her jurisdiction and the White House should not be involved in the blame. However, that did not stop President Obama from stepping and with his two cents, and assuming ultimate responsibility for the terrorist act on the American embassy on Tuesday.

Colombia Tries Again to End Drug-Fed War – New York Times

The government of Colombia and Colombian rebels convened for formal peace talks on Wednesday in Norway, with the goal of ending the longest-running war in the Western Hemisphere — one totaling over 50 years of continuing conflict. Despite three rounds of unsuccessful negotiations since the 1980s, many observers are hopeful that this year’s discussion will see better results towards peace.

Bringing you important topics with an international focus – Weekly Newsmakers: a recap of stories making headlines around the world.

This Election, a Stark Choice in Health Care – New York Times (Editor’s Pick)

With the Presidential election rolling around again, we should have a look at the candidates’ proposals for Medicare, Medicaid and health care coverage for the uninsured. Should President Obama retake office, ObamaCare will remain in tact and his health care law requiring that most Americans secure health insurance or risk tax-related consequences will see enforcement. Should Gov. Romney take office, ObamaCare will certainly see financing cuts and Pres. Obama’s plan for universal coverage would play second fiddle (if any fiddle at all) to Romney’s intended goal to control medical costs. Where do you stand on the health care issue? Do you like ObamaCare? Weigh in your thoughts in our comments section below.

TSA Screeners Put Inspection Notices in Bags They Didn’t Inspect – CNN (Editor’s Pick)
Frequent fliers may have been victim to another odd TSA practice. This time around, some travelers found an inspection notice in their luggage, but learned that no one had searched the contents inside. This news comes after the Department of Homeland Security’s independent inspector general announced Tuesday that video footage was discovered showing a number of TSA officers skirting procedures for luggage screening. Would finding a TSA search notice in your luggage annoy you if you realized that the TSA did not actually screen the contents of your luggage? Voice your opinion in our comments section!

Deaths Rise to 12, with nearly 120 Sickened in Rare Meningitis Outbreak – CNN

Contaminated steroid injections is linked to the recent outbreak in meningitis related deaths. Florida recorded it’s first death connected to the outbreak this Tuesday. The public was assured by officials that the outbreak is not contagious.

The Taliban’s Latest Target: a 14-Year-Old Girl – Wall Street Journal
Pakistan’s 14-year-old Malala Yousafzai was the Taliban’s latest target, leaving the teen unconscious after gunmen attacked her school bus and shot her in the head and neck. Mr. Obama found the attack to be “reprehensible and disgusting and tragic.” Many Pakistanis reacted to the shooting with similar sentiments. Ms. Yousafzai’s attack was due to her status as a spokesperson for girls’ rights to education. As of Thursday, Yousafzai’s condition was stable.

Just a reminder – if you would like more information about the Colin Powell Undergraduate Fellowship, please drop by our information session tomorrow.

Event Details:
Date: October 11, 2012
Time: 1 -2 PM
Location: Vertical Campus, Room B8-262

The Colin Powell Fellowship is available through a generous grant from the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences and the Weissman Center for International Business. Students with a strong interest in international relations, diplomacy, history, economics, finance, management, and other countries and cultures are all welcome to apply. The fellowship funds stipends for two students every year to intern at an international relations department of the United States government.

In the past, recipients of the fellowship have used the grant to intern at the United Nations, the State Department in Washington DC, and at embassies overseas. All recipients tell us that their experience interning was invaluable for their personal growth and future careers. As such, we highly encourage you to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity!

The application deadline for the fellowship is November 1, 2012 at 5 PM.

Welcome to another exciting edition of Weekly Newsmakers, stories making headlines around the world.

Obama Accuses Romney of Dishonesty in Debate – CNN (Editor’s Pick)
According to the CNN/ORC International poll of 430 people who watched the presidential debate yesterday, 67% thought Governor Romney won vs. 25% who thought President Obama won. President Obama believes that Romney was dishonest about tax policy and other issues. Did you watch the debate? If so, who do you think won?

Google Deal Gives Publishers a Choice: Digitize or Not – New York Times (Editor’s Pick)

Google is one step closer to realizing its dream of digitizing every book on earth. After seven years of red tape, Google has reached a settlement that allows publishers to choose whether Google may digitize their books and journals, both current and out-of-print. Tech experts believe that Google’s tactics are to compete with rival e-book companies like Amazon.com. However, this new development does not resolve the much bigger issue standing in Google’s way — litigation between Google and authors, namely whether digitizing content is infringing copyright. How do you feel about the recent developments – seemingly in favor of Google? Weigh in via our Comments Feature below.

Heading out of the Storm: A Second Recession is at Last Coming to an End. Don’t Choke Off Britain’s Slow Recovery – The Economist

Hopes for the British economy are bright, as new data indicates that the U.K.’s job market is strengthening. Economists also point to increased consumer spending and slowly increasing wages as positive signs, but emphasize that these signs do not mask the increasing deficit for this year.

India Eases Limits on Investment – Wall Street Journal
With India’s economy slowing, the nation is considering the prospect of allowing foreign investors to have a larger influence on insurance and pension corporations. The plans aim to raise the cap on foreign ownership of Indian insurance companies to 49% (from 26%) and allow foreign companies to invest in pension firms – an opportunity that has historically been denied to overseas investors. However, the plans must first be approved by the Indian Parliament, where passage is not guaranteed.

What does it take to be a Colin Powell Fellow?  Samson Peng, a Baruch scholar and a recipient of the 2012 Colin Powell Fellowship in International Diplomacy tells us more about his summer at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

Please tell us more about the Colin Powell Fellowship and what the experience has meant for you.

The Colin Powell Fellowship Program, funded by the Weissman Center for International Business, annually places students with internship opportunities at the U.S. Department of State.  For me, it was a wonderful opportunity to experience diplomacy, explore public service and develop a better understanding of how the United States interacts with countries worldwide.

How has your education at Baruch prepared you for this fellowship?

At Baruch, some of my favorite courses were focused on international economics. Equipped with foundational knowledge gained at Baruch, I loved seeing classroom theories come alive in offices and conference rooms. From observing dozens of diplomats engage in multilateral trade discussions and participating in interagency meetings focused on improving policy to reporting on international efforts to find solutions to economic interests, I had a wonderful time applying a backdrop of classroom education to everyday work activities.

What did your role at the State Department entail?

Tasks and projects which were assigned to me were those that would normally be completed by officers themselves.  Projects were always meaningful, and interns had the opportunity to be involved in real issues affecting people worldwide. By the end of my summer, I had worked on different projects ranging from analyzing country trade statistics and compiling reports for trade negotiations to researching international environmental regulations. Opportunities to dabble in different areas of diplomacy/public service were constantly within reach.

What was one highlight working for the State Department?

This summer I was fortunate to have the opportunity to see that skillsets of a business background and growing up surrounded in New York’s unique culture go hand in hand not only in private sector careers but also in public service.  My internship at the State Department exceeded my expectations in every way.  I find it challenging to highlight aspects of an internship which offers such a unique experience.

Could you leave us with your closing thoughts about your fellowship experience?

The Colin Powell Fellowship led to one of the most intellectually stimulating, rewarding and laughter-filled opportunities I’ve had during my college experience (including riding the DC Metro System!) I am thankful to have had the pleasure of receiving it and hope that I can give prospective students insight on what potentially awaits them upon applying.

______________________________

Note from the Editor: The Colin Powell fellowship is an annual fellowship available to Baruch students who have an interest in public affairs and policy.  This year’s application deadline is November 1st.  For more information about the fellowship, please drop by the Weissman Center; we’re located at 137 E. 25 St. 8th Fl. (across the street from the Vertical Campus.)

I’m pleased to once again present a new Weekly Newsmakers – stories making headlines around the world.

Obama Blocks Chinese Firm’s U.S. Wind-Farm Bid – Wall Street Journal (Editor’s Pick)

For the first time in 22 years, a US President will invoke the law to prevent foreign acquisition of U.S. companies.  Obama blocked the sale of four wind-farm-project companies to a Chinese firm, citing domestic-security concerns.  In reply, the Chinese firm, Ralls Corp. has sued the American government in an effort to continue acquisition efforts.

Foxconn and Apple supply: What are the effects? – Washington Post

Due to escalating tensions at Apple’s production facility in Taiyuan, China, overseas affiliate Foxconn halted iPhone production temporarily on Monday 9/24 due to worker riots.  Production resumed almost immediately on 9/25.  The event brought Foxconn under further scrutiny, as the ill-fated production halt added to the Chinese company’s already vivid history of rash of employee suicides, a plant explosion and several reports of dangerous and as some media sources describe – inequitable working conditions.  Interestingly, Foxconn’s recent Taiyuan incident seems to be the result of worker disputes of working hours/conditions, but other factors may also be involved.  In a recent update from the Washington Post, some experts forecast that this type of riot will likely not be the last.

Spain Recoils as Its Hungry Forage Trash Bins for a Next Meal – New York Times
In the New York Time’s continuing reports on the Euro crisis, Spain was recently highlighted in regards to how Spanish nationals are coping with poverty.  The tanking Spanish economy has led to an unemployment rate of over 50% among young people and increasing numbers of households where there are jobless adults in various parts of Spain.  Despite the adversity, the Spanish have remained resourceful and hopeful for change.

Lost: The Criticism Heaped on Apple Shows the Growing Importance of Cartography – The Economist
Apple’s chief executive, Tim Cook, was forced to show his hand today, admitting to the world that the iPhone’s new map service was riddled with errors.  For the iPhone 5, Apple decided to implement its own map feature instead of partnering with Google Maps. Unfortunately, Apple’s map feature was met with anguish and negative criticism from its iPhone clientele. As a result, Apple had no choice but to recommended that users download competitor’s apps, such as Nokia’s map app or Google Maps. Experts remark that it would take time (one critic predicted three years) for Apple to develop it’s map feature to a reliable level.