Classmates' Blogs!

I've always been interesting in learning about other countries' culture. Today I had the opportunity to overview some of the shockking conflicts other countries are facing. I'll tell you  the ones that inspired me the most, and that were really interesting!

Adriana: Tibet
I chose these blog because it is so interesting to know about Sudan. Also Adriana clearly states wh they need help. She also says how Tibet should be free from Chinese have their own culture, language etc.

Alberto: China
I chose these blog, because it really interesting how we think China is a properous and problem free country. But really it is facing lots of problems that we usually din't know about. I really liked how he said that they are very cultural!

Gustavo: Italy
This blog I just love! It is so fresh, interesting and informative. It is not just the color, that attracts me to read and to love it, it is the information, it just awesome. Italy is the best country ever, I would really want to lern more abou this country!

John: India
I chose John's blog because he talks about women human rights. Of course we women have to stand up for what we believe in.

Juan Carlos: Cuba
Cuba's blog is really interesting and shocking. This one, until now has been the one that shocks me the most and that makes me realize there are many people out there suffering and we do nothing about it. Cuba has many coflicts, arguments and suffeing but I'm sure Cubans are willing to move forward and overcome this problems.


Lizbedy: Indonesia
I really like this blog, because everything is so clear. Lizbedy really makes the "reader" understand what she's talking aboout, what the country needs, and what should be done about it.

Miguel C: Somalia
Miguel's blog I really liked because, it was really brief but also very informative. It's clear that Somalia has had a rough government, over many years.

Natalia O: Syria
This blog, I chose beacuse it is so intersting to hear about how many protests are going on in Syria. Also even childrens along with their parents are part of this protests, which is really shocking but interesting.

Karolina: Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast is claerly facing many challenges due to disagreements between presidents. I chose this blog because she also said what can happen if YOU don't help. For example more violence, human rights abuse, etc.

Sarah: Honduras
Honduras, as stated  in Sarah's blog, is facing some though challenges. The conflicts in this country are very similar to those peple in other countries are facing right now. Racism, unequalness, and also judging people because of their sex prefferences. This conflicts concern us all, because this is also happening to us in Puerto Rico.

The Proposal

My fellow neighbors, Nations, friends, allies and anyone else who is concerned about Human Rights Issues, please take 3 minutes to read this. My country, Sudann, is facing a really hard time right now. As you know we, like every country have had our ups and of course our downs. Sudanese people, are very happy, optimistic people that always try to make the best of every situation. But everyone and  eveything reaches its limits. And you all have th right to know what's happening in Sudan,.

Sudanese people are tired of racism, unequalness, abuse, invasion of property etc. We need your help! We need any kind of help you can give us. It can be emotianal help, to help us go through every obstacle that might come in our ways. We need army assistance, to stop the government from taking people to jail, to provide the people with safety, because "everyone has the right to feel safe". We will all be gald to receive any kind of help you can give us. We'll be happy to know that atleast this issue concerns you and that you are willing to help us.

The United Nations should come immediately! We need them do that they can make things right in a peceful way, because the last thing Sudan needs is another civil war. The United Nations should come and stop the government. We need to let the government know that everyone has the right to express themselves, peacefully! They must stop the torture, the cruel and unhuman punishments that the government has settled! The most important thing they should do, is to make the people feel safe, in their own country! Because if the people can not have a happy and peaceful life without feeling safe in their own homes.

As you know, or as the Universal Declaration of Rights states, "every human is born free and equal in dignity and rights". But some nations seem to violate the rights this human have. In Sudan the Sudanes People's Liberation Movement's US ambassador says that the security law allows that human rights can be violated. How so? He, told the BCC's Network  Africa programme that anybody that is against Bashir, and also says things about him, will be detained, or prisoned until the elections are over. In the article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it clearly states that "everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association". Meaning that the Sudanese governemnt is violating the right of people to protest and to take part in their government.

The International Comission of Inquiry reported that there has been violations of humanitarian laws in /darfur. The governtment forces and amry have done discriminative attacks, in which they have killed civilians, torture them, made them disappear, destructed their villages and homes, raped and other forms of sexual violence! The Darfur Government has violated lots of rights, much of them stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In the artcle of of the declaration of /huma rights it clearly states that "no ne shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman treatmnt or punishment."

http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2005/03/10/sudan-human-rights-concerns-61st-session-un-commission-human-rights  

NEWS BBC

Sudan's Background History!

               Sudan was a collection of small, independent kingdoms, until Egypt conquered and unified the northern part fo the country. But the Egyptians didn't have control over the southern region, that;s why Southern Sudan remained ans area of tribes. In 1881, a religious leader Muhammad Abdalla proclaimed himself as the Mahdi, or "expected one".As a youth he moved from orthodox religious study to a mystical interpretation of Islam. He began a religious crusade to unify the tribes in western and central Sudan. His followers called themselves, “Ansars”, which today are the single largest political grouping, the Umma Party. Al-Mahdi’s biggest victory was the capture of Khartoum, on January 1885. The people were unsatisfied with the bad administration of the country, so Mahdi saw this advantage and took it, leading a nationalist revolt, the led to the fall of the Khartoum. Mahdi died later on, his state was overwhelmed by and Anglo-Egyptian invasion force under Lord Kitchener. It was administered by Egyptian and Britain, but Britain took most control, formed policies and of course had the top administrators.

              In February 1953, the UK and Egypt made an agreement with Sudan, providing self-government and self-determination.  The difficult period toward independence began with the inauguration of the first parliament in 1954. With the consent of British and Egyptian Governments, Sudan  reached independence on January 1, 1956, under a provisional constitution. Khartoum’s government led by the Arabs, reversed promises to the southern people to create a federal system. This led to a rebellion by the southern army officers that began 17 years of civil war (1995-19972).

               Sudan has been at war with itself for more than three-quarters of its existence. Since independence, lots of conflict grew in the cultural and religious differences of the people, that have slowed Sudan’s economic and political development, it has also made a displacement of its people. Northerners, who have controlled the country, have tried to unify the country along lines of Arabism and Islam. In 1958, General Ibrahim Abboud seized power and pursued a policy of Arabization and Islamization, for both North and South Sudan, which only mad Southerners angrier. Later on, he was overthrown. Southern leaders were divided into two factions, those who tried to reach a federal solution and those who wanted self-determination.

               In May 1969, a group of communist and socialist officers led by Colonel Gaafar Nimeiri seized power. Nimeiri declared socialism, instead of Islamism, for the country granting political independence to the South. Nimeiri was a target of a coup attempt (communists), it failed and Nimeiri ordered a removal of communists. Since Nimeiri didn’t have the support of the communists, he turned to the south; he pursued peace initiatives with Ethiopia and Uganda. He started negotiations with southern rebels, sigend an agreement in Addis Ababa in 1972, that granted political independence to the South. This southern support helped him put down two take over attempts by officers of other regions. Later Nimeiri announced a policy of national reconciliation with all religious forces. In 1983, Nimeiri declared Arabic the official language and transferred the control from the Southern armed forces to the central government. This led to the Second Sudan civil war in January 1983, when southern soilders rebelled instead of following orders.

              In April 1985, Nimeiri was overthrown by a popular rebellion in Khartoum. General Swar al-Dahab took control of the government. One of his first acts was to break up Nimeiri’s Socialist Union. On April 1986, elections were held and a civilian government took over. In 1989, an Islamic army led by General Umar al-Bashir, installed the National Islamic Front. The new government intensified the North-South conflict.  The Bashir government supported radical Islamist groups and Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. Khartoum was now a base from militant Islamist groups: radical movements and terrorist organizations, like Osama Bin Laden’s al Qaida were provided a safe and logistical aid in return of financial support. In the 1990s there was a growing sense of alteration in the western and eastern regions of Sudan from the Arab center. Alienation from the Arab center caused various groups to feel similar to the southern rebels. The policy of the ruling regime toward the South resulted in rebels uniting under the leadership of Colonel John Garang. The rebels were also supported by neighboring countries including Ethiopia, Eritrea and Uganda.

               The intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) passed the 1994 Declaration of Principles (DOP) that proposed to have the essential elements necessary to have a just and comprehensive peace settlement; which included a relationship between religion and state, power sharing, wealth sharing, and the right of self-determination for the south. The Sudanese government did not sign the DOP until three years later, after some major losses to the SPLA. That same year (1997) Khartoum government signed a series of agreements, that included the Khartoum, Nuba Mountains, and Fashoda Agreements, that ended military conflict between the government and rebel factions.

                In July 2002, the Government of Sudan and the SPL/a reached a historic agreement on the role of state and religion and the right of southern Sudan to self-determination. This agreement known as the Machakos Protocol, concluded the first peace talks. Peace talks resumed and continued during 2003, with discussions that focused on wealth sharing and three contested areas. On December 19, 2004, the Government of Sudan and the SPLM/A signed a declaration committing themselves to conclude a final comprehensive peace agreement by December 31, 2004.

             

 

  In May 2006, the Darfur Peace Agreement is signed by the Sudanese government and the Sudan Liberation Army; a smaller rebel group rejected the deal, and violence continues. In March 31, at least 65 people are killed and 8,000 driven from their homes when the Sudanese militia launched a cross-border raid in Chad. In May 29, 2007 George W. Bush imposed new sanctions on Sudan and asks for international arms to end the genocide. In January 1, 2008 the UNAMID officially takes over the African Union force. Despite the crisis and tension between the north and south, the Sudanese economy is rising, because of oil wealth.

PBS

US Department of State

History.com 

Sudan's Uniqueness!

Sudan is a very interesting country.One of the characteristics that makes Sudan so unique is it's humungous number of languages spoken there.The total number of languages used or spoken in Sudan is 142. Only 133 of those are currently spoken and 9 languages are not used anymore.The most used languages are Arabic, Tribal languages and educated people also speak English!

70% of Sudan's population follow believes of Sunni Islam, 25% Animist and Indigenous beliefs, and 5% follow Christianity!

Sudan's Daily Food:

Sudan's day usually begins' with a cup of tea. Breakfast is usually eaten at late morning, and it consists of beans, salad, liver, and bread.  Millet one of Sudan's most common food  is the staple food, and is prepared as a flat bread called kisra. Vegetables are prepared in stews or salads. Ful, a famous dish, consists of broad beans cooked in oil, cassavas and sweet potatoes are also very common. Nomads in the north mostly eat dairy products and meat from camels.  Sheeps are usually killed for feasts or to honor a special guest. The intestines, lungs, and liver of the animal are prepared with chili pepper in a special dish called marara. At the Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Great Sacrifice, it is a custom to kill a sheep, and to give part of the meat to people who cannot afford it themselves. The Eid al-Fitr, or Breaking of the Ramadan Fast, is another joyous occasion, and involves a large family meal. The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, another important holiday is primarily a children holiday, celebrated with special desserts: pink sugar dolls and sticky sweets made from nuts and sesame seed. 

Sudan's Arts

This is the National Theater in Khartoum, in which plays and other performances are hosted. The College of Fined arts, also in the Capital, has produced a number of well-regarded graphic artists.

  Literature
The indigenous Sudanese literary tradition is oral, instead of written and it includes a variery of stories, myths and proverbs. the written tradition is based in the Arab north. Sudanese writers of these tradition are known throughout the Arab world. Tayeb Salih, is the country's most popular writer. Contemporary Sudanese poetry is a mixture of African and Arab influences.



This picture was painted by Rahsid Diam, a Sudanese famous artist. 



Graphic Arts. 

Northern Sudan, and Omdurman are mostly known for ilver work, ivory carvings, and leather work. In the southern region, artisans produce carved wooden figures. In the desert regions of the country, most of the art is functional;  such as swords and spears. Among contemporary artist, the most popular media are printmaking, calligraphy, and photography.

Performance Arts.

Music and dance are central to Sudanese culture plus it serves different and important purposes, both recreational and also religious. In the north, music reveals strong Arabic influence, and often involves dramatic recitations of verses from the Quran; which of course influences religion. In the south, the indigenous music relies heavily on drums and complex rhythms,  expressing happiness & also enjoyment. 

One ritual that plays an important role is the Zar, which is a ceremony intended to cure a women of possesion by spirits; it can last up to seven days.

Guinea African Dance traveled extensively throughout West Africa, Japan, Bangladesh, India, Holland, Hungary, Russia, Korea, Libya, Saudi Arabia and the United States. The Dance expresses inner feelings, such as joy or of sorrow. While the dancing is spontaneous and voluntary, the drumbeat provides the rhythm that holds the dancers together.

Puppetry:

Puppetry is another Art the is really important in Sudan. The puppetry troupe, composed of 14 men and women aged 22-24, was formed through the Recovery and Rehabilitation Programmeme. On the streets as you walk by you can listen and hear to this fine Art!

Tourist Attractions:

Among the tourist attractions in Sudan are the Omdurman, which i a camel market and the Arab Souk.Another historical tourist attraction is the National Museum that contains archaeological treasures found from as much as 4000 BC. The main areas of archaeological interest in Sudan are found beside the Nile north of Khartoum. They include Bajrawiya, Naga and Meroe. The Dinder National Park is found in the  southeast of Khartoum, and of course is one of the largest in the world. There you can find many species of wild animals, including lion, leopard, kudu, bushbuck and antelope.

 Every Culture

 Travel Island  

http://www.sd.undp.org/story%20pupetry.htm 

You Are About to Discoveeer: SUDAN! :P

Before getting in to the History stuff, let's start with some basics. As you can see, this is the Map/ Flag of Sudan. The colors and design on this flag are based on the Arab Revolt flag of World War I, red represents the struggle for freedom, white is the color the of peace, light, and love, black represents Sudan itself (in Arabic 'Sudan' means black), green is the color of Islam, agriculture, and prosperity

Sudan is one of the largest and geographycally diverse countries of Africa. Sudan is a country located in Northern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Egypt and   Eritrea.It's largest and capital city is Khartoum! Sudan is divided in 25 states. It's area is of 2,505,813 km² and 6% water. Sudan borders Central African Republic , Chad , Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya , Libya , Uganda.

It's climate is tropical in south; arid desert in north; rainy season varies by region
These are the Pyramids of the Kushite rulers at Meroe., in which you can aprecciate a deserted climate.

 In 2011, it's population estimated 45,047,502. Sudan's birthrate is 36.12 births/1,000 population (estimated on 2011). Since 2002, Sudan's Unemployement rate estimated 18.7% of the population! Sudan's population below poverty line include 40%.

Sudan's government is a Federal Presidential Democratic Republic. The Government of National Unity (GNU), the National Congress Party (NCP) and Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) formed a power-sharing government under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA); the NCP, which came to power by military coup in 1989, is the majority partner. Sudan gained independence from UK and Egypt on January 1 1956! Revolutionary Command Council imposed an Islamic law that applies to all residents of the northern states regardless of their religion. Sudan's suffrage is 17 years & older. Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR is Sudan's current President, since 1993;  head of state, head of government and commander-in-chief of the Sudan People's Armed Forces.

Agricultural product in Sudan include:
cotton, groundnuts (peanuts), sorghum, millet, wheat, gum arabic, sugarcane, cassava (tapioca), mangos, papaya, bananas, sweet potatoes, sesame; sheep, livestock.

Most of Sudan's industries produce a varierty of stuff we also use today. Sudan's industrial production growth rate is 3.5%. Some of those products include: oil, cotton ginning, textiles, cement, edible oils, sugar, soap distilling, shoes, petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals, armaments, automobile/light truck assembly.
Sudan's ethnic Groups include: 
Black: 52%, Arabs 39%, Beja 6%, foreigners 2%, other 1%.

CIA World Factbook