On the two-year anniversary of Five Minutes to Midnight, it is important to look back and take a moment to recognize the innumerable amount of volunteers who have worked hard to make this organization run smoothly. It is a wonderful experience to be part of a community of bright and globally minded individuals who spend their free time researching, writing, and conveying their opinions about topics ranging from development to health, along with many other important world issues.

Having stumbled upon Five Minutes to Midnight by accident, I was lucky to have had the opportunity to write one article, which started the ball rolling for a year of writing and eventually spun into a consistent editing gig. Just as I have been able to find a new voice in an area of great importance to me, Five Minutes to Midnight has offered many youth the opportunity for expression, one of the greatest gifts in a world where many are persecuted for their beliefs and convictions.

With two years behind us, and many more to come, I would like to thank Wojciech Gryc, whose inspiration and leadership has provided a safe haven for discussion, a springboard for action, and a forum for a society of compassionate and concerned individuals whose collaboration has cultivated many great achievements. Congratulations to all involved!

                Thanks for reading,
                                   Hannah Renglich
                                   Assistant Editor-in-Chief

	The G8 Summit Approaches (by Hannah Renglich) The G8 Summit this July brings together leaders of the richest nations and thousands of protestors. The United Kingdom, however, promises that this summit will be different, with a focus on development in Africa. How does this impact the MDGs? Read more...
	Iran: The Conservatives Return (by Arash Rowshanzamir) The recent Iranian election saw not only a crushing defeat for the reformists, but also bore witness to a return of the conservatives. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his hard-line followers now have an unshakable grip on all levels of power in the country. What is in store now for the Islamic republic? Read more...
	Terrorists in the Coalition of the Willing: The case of               Uzbekistan (by Kaley Kennedy) As a member of the Coalition of the Willing, Uzbekistan has been a close ally of the United States and supporter of its military endeavours. Many cry "foul", questioning the country's democracy and policy of state terror. Read more...
	Hugo Chavez: A new liberator in oil-rich Venezuela?               (by Émanučle Lapierre-Fortin) As Venezuela continues to make headlines in North America, Émanučle Lapierre-Fortin explores the country. She provides an in-depth look at Hugo Chavez, Venezeula's controversial president. Read more...
	China and the CCP (by Ian Duncombe) The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is the ruling party in China, and has been accused of many human rights violations. This has received new attention in recent months due to Chinese defections in Australia. Read more...
	Get Involved: Sending Affordable HIV/AIDS Medicines to               Ghana (by Melanie deWit and               Christian Charron) The Access to Drugs Initiative is a University of Toronto group using Canada's innovative patent laws to bring about affordable HIV/AIDS medicines to the people of Ghana and other countries affected by the pandemic. Read more...
	Comment: Media Literacy Through Experience               (by Wojciech Gryc) Wojciech Gryc shares his views on the importance of learning by experience, especially when working within media. The article is based on his interview with George Harris, founder of an innovative Canadian media camp. Read more...

[ issue contents ] [ fmm home ] [ send feedback ] [ tell a friend ]