October 2008
news features
the stentorian | ncssm
South Ossetia Claims Independence After Russian Withdrawal
By Carey Averbook and April Pullium
Several months after intense fighting broke
out between Russia and Georgia, Russia has finally
completed the process of withdrawing troops from
Georgia.
Russian troops had remained in Georgia since
the conflict between the two countries escalated to
brief warfare in August.
As of October 8, the
Russian troops are only
present in South Ossetia
and Abkhazia, two regions
that recently declared
their independence from
Georgia.
In the 1920s, South
Ossetia was formed in
Georgia while North
Ossetia became a part of
Russia. In 1989, violence
flared between Georgians
and Ossetians. A year later,
violence surrounded South
Ossetia’s declaration of
its intent to secede from
Georgia and become
independent.
Since this time, the
, Georgian government
has remained strongly
independent from Russia
while the provincial
government of South
Ossetia, which many
people still consider a part
of Georgia, has maintained
close relations with
Russia.
This past summer.
this history and more modem conflicts led to a climax
of violence and tension to arise.
Fighting between Georgia and Russia began
in August when Georgia sent troops to the separatist
region of South Ossetia in an attempt to maintain
control over the region.
Russia then proceeded to invade South Ossetia
in response; almost 70,000 people in South Ossetia
have Russian passports. However, Russia’s strong
support of the region’s separatist movement was also
directly stated as additional motivation.
The most intense violence lasted only a week;
however, it took several months for Russia to fulfill
their obligations under a cease-fire agreement signed
with Georgia.
The terms of the cease fire were negotiated
by French president Nicolas
Sarkozy with the support of the
European Union.
Many Western countries,
including the United States, sup
ported Georgia’s claims of sov
ereignty over the disputed terri
tory.
Though the US avoided
military involvement. President
Bush and Condoleezza Rice
cautioned Russian authorities,
saying that Russia should not
attempt to undermine the sover
eignty of Georgia’s government.
Despite the U.S. govern
ment’s admonishment, Russian
president Dmitri A. Medvedev
formally recognized the inde
pendence of both South Ossetia
and Abkhazia, another separatist
region.
Medvedev has claimed
that Russia’s actions are, “the
only way to save the lives of the
people,” but has also stated that
Russian support of the separatist
movements is an act of retaliation
against the West for the earlier
Russia-opposed separation of
Kosovo from Serbia.
Picture from: http://alex.pp.ru/log/South_Ossetia_recognition_2.jpg
Young South Ossetian men celebrate Russia’s recognition and military confirmation of their independence.
Study Guide on
At-A-Glance
Proves Helpful
By William Condon
Did you know that there’s “A SIMPLE GUIDE TO BEING A
SUCCESSFUL STUDENT AT NCSSM”?
Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Two-thirds of students asked in a
recent survey didn’t know it, either. “It would be a nice idea,” said senior
Justin Huang.
Surprise! It’s there - right down at the bottom of At-A-Glance. This
curious document promises to “Improve your grades” and “build your
confidence” so that learning can be “a successful experience rather than a
stressful chore [!]”
The author of this purportedly wonderful guide prefers to remain
anonymous - I needed to dig into the source code to find that Dr. Warshaw
was the original author, and that Dr. Alston had last revised it. It was only
when I happened by Dr. Morrison’s website that I found he’d actually
written the last section, on math.
When I first read this article (I was being a good, conscientious rising
junior), I thought it was overkill. It says to look over the textbook before
reading, outline as you read, review and reorganize your notes after every
class session, do extra problems besides those the teacher assigned, and
schedule your whole week in advance.
As I proceeded through first trimester, doing well without doing any
of these things, I persisted in that opinion.
However, when classes got tough, I ended up following the study
guide without realizing it! As I look back over this guide, I realize how
other sources have repeated what it says.
“Do practice problems!” said senior Kavya Seker when asked for
advice.
“Most students, when they get a test back, just forget about it,” and
so they fail, said the late Dr. Houpe.
Adler and Van Dooren’s How To Read a Book_ goes over much
of what the Study Guide says: skim beforehand for major points, outline
as you read, and go back over afterward. This “will increase your
understanding and retention of the material,” says the Study Guide.
In short, everyone should look at the Study Guide. They might not
need it now - but it’ll prove valuable advice when the going gets tough.
MSA Hosts Fast-a-Thon
During Ramadan
By Avani Uppalapati
Students participating in Fast-A-Thon broke fast together at sunset on
September 23rd in the Student Center. The Muslim Student Association (MSA)
hosted the event to promote Muslim awareness.
MSA is designed to bring Muslims on campus together and educate the
public about Islam by hosting publicized events that all students may participate
in. The club hosted Fast-A-Thon during Ramadan to help students understand
what millions in poverty go through every day. After taking part in the event, Alex
Williams, a senior, said “I feel culturally literate.”
After a whole day of fasting, those involved came together at 7:11 p.m. to
break the fast with Middle Eastern cuisines provided by members of MSA, the Pasta
Appreciation Club, and catering from Baba Ganoush and International Delights.
Before breaking the fast, Ali Aslam, a graduate student at Duke University,
informed students on the importance of fasting and other practices during Ramadan.
Fasting is the fifth pillar of Islam, and it gives Muslims an opportunity to renew
relations with God, the Qur’an, family, and friends. Junior Danbi Yi explained
“Seventy-five percent of the reason I did this [fasted] was that I wanted to pray, and
twenty-five percent was to understand what it means to have no food.”
Muslims prepare for each day of Ramadan by waking before dawn, praying,
and eating an early breakfast. During daylight hours, one may rinse the mouth with
water, but may not swallow. At the end of the day, Muslims break the fast together
and perform maghrim, the prayer after sunset.
Undergoing this ordeal for a month compels individuals to think about how
fortunate they are. Ali Aslam informed us that “We [those who fast] experience ...
togetherness that is comforting ... and also electrifying.” Yi concurs by saying “The
Fast-A-Thon is nice experience to share with the people” and is also glad that she
had this intimate connection with God. During Ramadan, followers of Islam should
be generous and conscious of their actions. Aslam explained that during this month
of fasting, “Everyone is trying to be the best person we can be.”
Many students appeared famished and were relieved to partake of the
various rice and chicken dishes along with lentils, pasta, pita bread and baklava.
Students had various motivations and sentiments regarding their involvement in the
event. Williams also said, “It [fasting] is respectable, but I don’t think it’s necessarily
that crucial.” He believes simply observing other cultures is enough if one seeks to
understand the opportunities that one has.
MSA hopes to host more such events throughout the year. It may collaborate
with other religious clubs on campus to host discussions or debates in order to
promote religious awareness and tolerance.