Japanese citizens are getting caught in the crossfire on a regular basis because of the gangs use of firearms. Citizens are getting mistaken for gang members and are being executed. It has happened on multiple occasions to people as old as 66, and people as young as 19.
Obviously the Japanese government needs to find a way to control the arms trade between the Yakuza and gangs outside of Japan, although it presents a very difficult task, it would severely limit a huge intimidation factor posed by gangs. In the United States gangs are beginning to recruit kids as young as nine years old therefore education of the younger public is extremely important. The situation in Japan is considerably more complicated because they are not looking at children for recruits. Japanese gangs also make a lot of money through the businesses they own; pachinko for example is a hugely popular game that is thought to be controlled by the Yakuza. If the Japanese government can cut off all income to gangs, than they would fall apart and the Japanese economy which is already extremely strong might see a slight boost.
Jamaica has been having a lot of trouble with gangs over the last few decades because of its weak government and high rates of corrupt officials both in the government and in the police force. Most major Jamaican gangs have moved their buisnesses to the United States. Although the main parts of their operations are still focused in Jamaica, they are selling their product in the United States. Having found a new market in the United States, Jamaican gangs are getting richer and richer and are being able to buy more and more firearms. Having more power means that people will be recruited easier because they will be enticed by the prospect of making money.
This presents a big problem for both the Jamaican Government and the U.S government. If the Jamaican government can't take back control of it's island than there is the possibility that eventually there will be a coup and the government will be over thrown. This also presents a problem for the United States government because Jamaicans will be exported drugs to the United States. Recently there was an incident that could be an example of what could be in the future for the U.S in which a Jamaican gang "Shower Posse" shot up a Miami night club killing five and injuring eighteen. It presents a problem for Children there as well who may be afraid to attend school because of all the gang shootings that are occurring, that in turn would have a negative affect on the economy.
Sudan has been ravaged for war by years, and there is a huge population of Sudanese refugees around Africa. Living in Egypt I saw them on a daily basis and most of them were young. The problem in Sudan has arisen because there are different factions all about equally powerful vying for power. The innocent are getting caught between the fights and are paying the price. Some estimates are as high as 5,000 to 10,000 deaths per month.
The government has absolutely no control over the gangs who are extremely powerful and have control over a large percentage of the government. The conflict is even spilling over into other countries. At a refugee day in Egypt a number of Sudanese refugees were killed by their own countrymen. It would take an incredible amount of money and time to eliminate the gangs in Sudan.
A Sudanese Refugee after being attacked.
The current Sudanese government has neither the money nor the resources to combat the problem. A foerign aid force such as N.A.T.O is needed to take back control of the government. There are a number of agencies that people can donate to in order to help the cause. At Punahou students and teachers alike can buy the "Save Darfur" shirts whose money is going to help the cause.
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