Opinion

Is the sun rising again on the Middle East?

The stagnant political situation in the Middle East was given new life September 12th when Israel completed Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's disengagement plan. On that day, all Israeli security personnel completed the removal all the Israeli settlers living in the Gaza Strip, some of whom had been there for over 30 years.

Staff editorial: Loss of int'l students

Considering itself a "premier global university," AU never misses a chance to pat itself on the back for its high international enrollment. This year, however, the university has seen a drop in the number of students coming from overseas. There are 331 foreign students this year, as opposed to 369 last year.

Editorial cartoon

Corrections

Last Monday's article "Shofar, so good for horn blowers" wrongly referred to the shofar as a Yiddish term. It is a Biblical Hebrew term sometimes used in colloquial Yiddish.. Also, the organization covered is Pardes, not Pares, as was reported. Last Monday's article "Study says high school grads are unprepared" incorrectly attributed a quote in the last sentence to SOC Professor Danna Walker.

Staff editorial: Mr. Ladner, meet the FBI

We would like to congratulate Ben Ladner for not only having his own board investigating him, but now agencies of the federal government as well. The FBI and IRS have contacted the Board of Trustees, expressing interest in Ladner's supposed misdeeds. We would like to know why, if the investigation has reached the highest levels of the U.

Staff editorial: AU's Civitas week

The university will be sponsoring a week of activities it hopes will make the campus a more "civil" environment. While it is certainly a noble venture, whether or not it is necessary is another question. We feel the biggest impediment to active student participation in Civitas, is the lack of knowledge many students have of the program.

Editorial cartoon

All thumbs

Thumbs up Shofar Blowing... The Ampitheatre was home to many red-faced horn blowers last weekend. Maybe there'll be more partcipation if it's designated "BY0S." "Roots" sells out... WOW! Bender was filled for something other than basketball or a political rally.

On faith and politics

Since the 2004 election, Christian groups have been viewed as a political force. People are now encouraging Democrats to talk about their faith and not let Republicans have a monopoly on morals. I think we've lost the point. Throughout much of the country, conservatism is equated with Christianity.

Letters to the editor

Dear Editor, In one of the greatest tragedies in our history, we have seen some of the best and worst in America. While the white and upper/middle class Americans evacuated early, one third of the residents of New Orleans live below the poverty line. They had no way out, no cars, no money to buy a bus or train ticket or to pay for a taxi.

Staff editorial: Students are unprepared?

It is really no surprise that some students, mainly from wealthier public and private schools, are better prepared than some of their peers. That doens't mean, however, that they do not fall into the same habits as the rest of us. Professors across the country have been complaining as of late that students are unprepared for their classes.

All thumbs

Thumbs up D.C. Preparedness... We're glad that D.C. has a plan for any potential disasters. Being able to stay put is a plus as long as TDR is fully stocked. Chicken Tenders... They're selling like hotcakes in the Tavern. Too bad we can't get them every Saturday night in TDR.

Letters to the editor

Dear Editor, When I first moved to Bethesda it was in January 2004.ÿ I was returning to AU from taking a semester off and the Office of Housing and Dining informed me that there was no room in the dorms for me. ÿ And, since I was a sophomore, I could move into Park Bethesda.

Editorial cartoon

Kerwin meets students

In his second meeting with students as acting president, Cornelious Kerwin helped open the new Mud Box coffee stand in the library. While the event was badly publicized it was good to see Kerwin doing something not done by Ben Ladner, mingling and talking with students on a personal level.

Credit for conduct board

The university is now offering a one credit course to go along with student service on the school's Conduct Board. While it is unfortunate students have to be wooed with credit, it is good that some classroom education is included. Many students (thankfully) have likely never heard of the Conduct Board, but it is a very active part of Judicial Affairs and Mediation Services (JAMS).

Media-business complex

If one were to ask people what they thought were the most important news stories of this week, then they would probably point to Hurricane Katrina, the scandal over the federal response to Hurricane Katrina, or maybe the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court nominee Judge John G.