The Association of Young Americans provides non-partisan public policy information through this website, along with public forums, to foster debate among young Americans.
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The Latest
7-2-09: N. Korea Launches 4 Missiles
With tenstions high between North Korea has reported test fired 4 short range missiles today. Yahoo News reports, "[t]he launches came as North Korea's relations with the United States, South Korea and other countries were already severely strained after its May 25 underground nuclear test and a series of missile firings. The U.N. Security Council adopted a tough sanctions resolution last month to punish the communist regime." The Christian Science Monitor reports that "Last month, Japanese media reported that Pyongyang might shoot a long-range ICBM in the direction of Hawaii around the July 4 holiday. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates ordered the deployment in the region of US antimissile interceptors and a sea-based tracking radar. President Obama thought the situation serious enough to address in an interview broadcast on June 22. 'Our military is fully prepared for any contingencies' regarding North Korea, Mr. Obama said. But despite Thursday's ripple of short-range test shots, there is little physical evidence North Korea is readying another long-range test, at least in the foreseeable future."
How do you think the Unites States should handle relations with North Korea? Share your views in the Open Forum.
6-29-09: Generation Gap
A new study by Pew Research Center shows a significant values gap between older and younger generations. "Almost eight in 10 people believe there is a major difference in the point of view of younger people and older people today, according to the independent public opinion research group. That is the highest spread since 1969, when about 74 percent reported major differences in an era of generational conflicts over the Vietnam War and civil and women's rights. In contrast, just 60 percent in 1979 saw a generation gap. Asked to identify where older and younger people differ most, 47 percent said social values and morality. People age 18 to 29 were more likely to report disagreements over lifestyle, views on family, relationships and dating, while older people cited differences in a sense of entitlement. Those in the middle-age groups also often pointed to a difference in manners," reported Fox News regarding the study.
Do you find this gap exists between you and your parents and other older Americans? Share your thoughts in the Open Forum.
6-22-09: Protesting in Iran
Unrest and uncertainty continues in Iran following their presidential election and claims of fraud in the reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. "[M]ore details emerged of election irregularities and the government stepped up accusations against the West and the media for fomenting violence. Until now, the government has employed police and ideological militia to quell protests. But now Iran's Revolutionary Guard have vowed to weigh in. It ordered protesters to "end the sabotage and rioting activities" and warned them to be ready for a 'revolutionary confrontation with the Guards, Basij, and other security ... and disciplinary forces' if they dared to gather in public again," reports the Christian Science Monitor.
Share your thoughts on the situation in Iran and teh broader Middle East in our Forums.
5-25-09: Iraq Attacks decline
As U.S. troops begin to draw down in Iraq, the number of attacks has dropped. The Wall Street Journal reports that "U.S. military spokesman Maj. Gen. David Perkins said there had been 13 significant attacks in Iraq this month as of May 23 compared with 28 during the whole of April. He also said the number of mass casualties this month as of May 23 is down 58% from the equivalent period through May 23 last year. Gen. Perkins also said that as American combat forces prepare to withdraw from Iraqi cities by a June 30 deadline, the transition period will mean a period of vulnerability. But both the Iraqi and American security forces are working to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible, so that the country doesn't see a severe spike in violence."
As noted on the White House website, President Obama has set out that "By August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end and Iraqi Security Forces will have full responsibility for major combat missions. After August 31, 2010, the mission of United States forces in Iraq will fundamentally change. Our forces will have three tasks: train, equip, and advise the Iraqi Security Forces; conduct targeted counterterrorism operations; and provide force protection for military and civilian personnel. The President intends to keep our commitment under the Status of Forces Agreement to remove all of our troops from Iraq by the end of 2011."
On this memorial day we at the Association of Young Americans remember and honor the memory of our fellow Americans who gave what Abraham Lincoln called "the last full measure of devotion" to our country.
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