Abstract
This paper discusses the diplomatic tug-of-war that followed the January 2000 cyanide spill that began in Romania and entered the Tisza River in Hungary through the greater Danube River system. The paper shows that throughout the affair, both Romania and Hungary emphasized the need for clear, defined international legal agreements that would govern responsibility in the case of a trans-boundary environmental catastrophe. It also shows how, Romania used the absence of such an agreement to defend its position that it was free of liability in the matter.

From the Paper
"The Tisza River catastrophe, aside from yielding irreversible ecological damage to the river basin area, has had severe repercussions for Romanian-Hungarian relations. While Romania and Hungary, both with designs on joining the European Union and attracting increased foreign investment, attempted to create an image of cooperation in dealing with the disaster, relations between the two countries became strained over issues of blame. The Hungarian government was vague in its demand for compensation, noting that it might not be able to hold the Austrian firm involved in the spill directly responsible. Even Hungary's position on whether to sue Romania was initially uncertain. A desire to promote an international image of stability led both countries to downplay the disaster and cloak the international dispute, but at the same time the Hungarian government had to contend with an outraged Hungarian population."

Tags:eastern, europe, Esmeralda, Exploration, AURUL, Baia, Mare

Abstract
This paper examines the history of Christianity in the county of Romania, beginning with the arrival of St. Andrew around the 1st century AD, who left a colorful legacy of Christian belief, doctrine, and even mythos in his wake. The paper discusses how Christianity is embedded in Romanian national identity and how the religion withstood years of Communist oppression.

From the Paper
"Despite the overwhelming fears and destructiveness of the icon-breaking Communist governments, and the despotic rulers of other times the faith and the strength of the nation, as a self-defined Christian country is unflagging, and the new generations, unlike many other post-colonial populations, see Christianity in their future, rather than simply as a quaint part of their cultural past."

Tags:Dacia, Jesus, Danube

Abstract
This paper briefly looks at the history of Ottoman rule from the 15th to the 17th century and examines why the Ottomans were able to wield such power. The paper then looks at the threat the Ottoman empire posed to Vienna and how the Siege of Vienna preceded the Battle of Vienna, which ultimately marked the beginning of Ottoman decline in Europe.

From the Paper
"During the height of their power the Ottoman threat was so prominent that the worry of their effect in the Christian world appeared even in writings such as those by Martin Luther (Martin 26). The reason for the prodigious power held by the Ottomans was the paramilitary force known as the Janissaries, and weapons such as handguns and other advanced artillery. This enabled sultans to wield power over large territories, while minimizing the number of their forces. Another reason for the ease of Ottoman invasion was the weakness of Christian conviction at the time (Lunt 109). The Church was losing its power rapidly, while at the same time the new faith, Islam, began to take hold of previously faithful Christian states. Indeed, as the Christian faith waned in favor of Islam, some former Christians went so far as joining the Moslem army."

Tags:constantinople, military, power, instanbul, janissary, coprs, muslim, europe, danube