• 5 More Arrested in French Terror Raids

    The massacre at "Charlie Hebdo's" French offices two weeks ago have been the catalyst for terror raids across Europe like nothing we have ever seen before. Terrorism seems to be a topic at the front of nearly everyone's mind. Suspected sleeper cell members have been captured in Belgium and Germany with officials believing that they stopped a major attack with only a few hours to spare. French SWAT teams have also been scrambling to track down and round up potential suspects, and this morning, Jan. 20, they arrested five people of Russian decent who were accused of plotting an attack.

  • New 'Charlie Hebdo' Issue Features Muhammad on Cover Holding 'Je Suis Charlie' Sign

    After two Muslim extremist gunmen killed 12 people last week in a massacre at "Charlie Hebdo's" French offices, it vowed that it would not be the end of the satirical publication. Various members of the French media worked together to help the surviving staffers put out this weeks' issue on time, and the new cover just dropped this morning, Jan. 13, and it is as button-pushing as ever. On a bright green background, the Prophet Muhammad is depicted crying and holding up a "Je Suis Charlie" sign under the words: "All is forgiven." The world has literally united after this terrorist attack, and last weekend a million people marched in Paris for peace and unity, plus the refusal to walk in fear. Obviously, it is important for "Charlie Hebdo" not to be silenced because freedom of speech is its right. The newest newspaper will be available Wednesday, Jan. 14, and there are 3 million copies of this special "survivor's issue" being produced.

  • State Secretary John Kerry Defends Not Traveling to France Until Later This Week

    The U.S. has found itself under heavy criticism for not sending any senior officials to Paris for its Unity March and Rally that had more than 1 million supporters Sunday, Jan. 11. The relationship between French and U.S. officials is thought to be solid, so it came as a surprise to many that while 40 world leaders were on hand to support the French people after last week's terrorist attack, no one was there to represent the States. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry happens to speak fluent French and visits the country often — in fact he will be heading there later this week to meet with leaders and pay tribute to the 17 victims of last week's attacks. When asked why the U.S. did not send a senior official as a show of support, Kerry insisted that our country has been in constant contact with the French government from the moment it became clear it was under attack. Kerry himself has also been criticized for delaying his trip to France, and he addressed the issue this morning. "As everybody knows, I have been here in India for a prior planned event. I would have personally very much wanted to have been there but couldn't do so because of the commitment that I had here and it is important to keep these kinds of commitments. That is why I am going there on the way home and to make it crystal clear how passionately we feel about the events that have taken place there. I don't think the people of France have any doubt about America's understanding about what happened, about our personal sense of loss and our deep commitment to the people of France in this moment of trial. I want to emphasize that the relationship with France is not about one day or one particular moment. It is an ongoing, longtime relationship that is deeply, deeply based in the shared values, and particularly the commitment that we share to freedom of expression," explained Kerry.

  • 12 Dead in Terrorist Attack at Satirical Newspaper 'Charlie Hebdo' Offices in Paris

    What an awful story to begin the day, as we have learned that two gunmen stormed the offices of "Charlie Hebdo," a French satirical newspaper, and opened fire during an editorial meeting. As of now, 12 people are confirmed dead and at least 10 more are injured. The shooting reportedly went on for five minutes and, in spite of having a shootout with police, both gunmen are still on the loose. The publication has been vilified for years because of its portrayal of the Prophet Muhammad and its offices were actually fire bombed once before. The publication had been seen as so much of a target that up until recently there was a strong police presence outside of the offices. Sources have said that it was only recently that the building became less protected. According to Chris Parsons of Yahoo News UK, French President Francois Hollande visited the site of the attack and has since called an emergency meeting. "Charlie Hebdo" has a history of causing controversy with cartoons of Islam's prophet Muhammad. Speaking to the BBC after its office was firebombed in November 2011, the paper's editor-in-chief, Stephane Charbonnier — who is said to be among the dead today — said the incident had only confirmed that it was right to take the stance it did.
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