As automatic federal budget cuts known as sequestering begins, the U.S. Air Force plans to ground about a third of its combat aircraft. In addition, the U.S. Navy has cancelled all future flyovers of the popular Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron. General Mike Hostage, commander of Air Combat Control, said in a statement he believed the Air Force would have difficulties responding to new threats immediately as they occur. The cuts will affect aircraft stationed in the U.S., Europe and the Pacific.
Syrian militant group allies with al-Qaeda’s Iraq branch
In an effort to topple the regime of Bashar Assad, al-Qaeda’s branch in Iraq and Jabhat al-Nursa have forged an alliance. Now known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, this new entity has the U.S. and its European and Gulf allies concerned about increasing prominence of Islamists among the rebels. For rebels who favor a secular state in post-Assad Syria, however, the presence of Jihadist fighters could be detrimental to international support.
Knife attack at Texas college leaves 14 injured
A community college in Texas was the target of a unexpected knife attack on Wednesday, April 10. Dylan Quick, a 20 year-old student of the Lone Star Community College campus slashed 14 people in the neck and face with a razor utility knife. Authorities say Quick went from one floor to another choosing his targets at random. Neighbors and the grandmother of Quick were at a loss to explain this sudden outburst of violence. According to police, Quick had been planning this attack for some time.
Egyptian legislature approves revised election law
On Thursday, April 11, Egypt’s Islamist-dominated legislature approved a revised version of the law regulating the country’s parliamentary elections. The approval was made by Egypt’s Shura Council, the upper house of the Egyptian Parliament entrusted with legislation until new elections can be held. Morsi and his supporters see the parliamentary elections as a way to bring peace and stability to the country. The mostly liberal and secular opposition, however, have called for Morsi to first find some political census and ease the anger and the anxiety of the Egyptian population.
Ex-German president charged with corruption
On Friday, April 12, German prosecutors filed corruption charges against former German president Christian Wulff over allegations that favors prompted his resignation. Wulff resigned from the presidency in February 2012 amid a storm of allegations of him accepting inappropriate favors prior to being elected president in 2010. The charges specifically mention about 4,000 Euros in hotel and entertainment costs allegedly paid by German film producer David Groenewold for Wulff and his family during a visit to Munich in 2008 for Oktoberfest. This is the first time a former German president faces charges in court.
Boston Marathon bombing kills three, injures over 140
Two bombs exploded in the crowded streets of Boston on Monday, April 15 during the annual Boston Marathon. At least three people were killed and scores more injured when the twin detonations struck near the finish line. As many as two other unexploded bombs were discovered along the 26.2 mile course. A third bomb exploded at a nearby library. Although the investigation is on-going, White House officials believe the explosions to be part of well-coordinated terrorist attack. Investigators have urged police to be alert for a darker-skinned male with a foreign accent. The man, seen with a backpack and sweatshirt, was attempting to enter a restricted area five minutes prior to the explosions.
Compiled by David Hurtado, staff reporter, dhurtado@jccc.edu