Baghdad Bombing Aftermath

I have posted below on this blog a link to a video regarding a terrorist bombing that occurred this past Friday in Baghdad. The controversy over this latest bombing is whether Iraqi forces could sustain order and protection when U.S. troops leave Iraq which is scheduled for June 30th of this year. What is your take on this situation? Watch the video and let me know.


http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2009/04/27/perry.iraq.suicide.shrine.cnn

Israeli-Palestine Conflict

We have talked so much about the cause and effects of the on going Israeli-Palestine Conflict but never touched on the militant groups that were formed as a result of the years and years of fighting. Groups like Hamas and Fatah were born through the hatred Israeli's and Palestinian’s have developed for one another. Hamas is a religious group that controls the Gaza strip and Fatah the West Bank. The two groups began fighting in 2005. Hamas over the last few years has heavily been financially funded by Iran who supports the internal conflict between Israeli and Palestine. The groups have been more than just fighting renegades. Both groups have actually also been social philanthropists to the very people that support them. Due to the two groups international support, Hamas and Fatah have been able to financially contribute back to their respected areas of control by building schools, hospitals and other infrastructures. They have also provided military protection to the people of their communities.

April 13th Class Discussion

Today in class we were presented with the British, Palestinian and Israeli conflicts of the 1930's through 1950's. It is a clear fact that the on going violence occurring today in Israel is a result of the events of the 1930's and 40's. I personally feel that the reason for the long, violent, and ridiculous tension between the Israeli’s and Palestinians is in part due to British involvement. During the 30's and 40's, British policy's both politically, financially and militarily clearly aided the Palestinians. For example, British forces helped train and provide support to already existent Arab military forces. However, in May 1948, British forces began to gradually leave Israel. As a result, Arab forces couldn't with stand the Zionist opposition. Soon later, Zionist won out and declared Israel an independent nation which was also confirmed by the United Nations. British involvement including promises made to both the Palestinians and Israeli’s which only instigated and promoted further future violence between both nations. Have British forces left years prior to the 1930’s, maybe the conflicts seen today would not have lasted as long as it has.

Obama's Agenda for the Middle East

Earlier today, Obama met in front of representatives in Turkey. His agenda focused on the global financial situation, the creation of a Palestinian state and the outcome of Iraq. Obama made his first visit to a Muslim nation as president, declared Monday the United States "is not and will never be at war with Islam." Urging a greater partnership with the Islamic world in an address to the Turkish parliament, Obama called the country an important U.S. ally in many areas, including the fight against terrorism. Was this a significant step towards the fate of the Israeli and Palestine conflict?

Today's News

Today in the New York Times there was an article regarding the release of a Lebanese terrorist. A Lebanese man arrested three years ago on terrorism charges in connection with a plot to blow up New York City commuter tunnels was released on bail last year. Bail was set at a mere $600 U.S. dollars. Why so little for someone who had maps and bombing plans on his computer, and even confessed to the plot and swore allegiance to Al Qaeda? This all doesn’t make sense to me. Why is someone of this nature not in jail?

Response- "The Gulhane Proclamation"

After reading the forum "The Gulhane Proclamation," it reminds me of policies that are exercised here in the United States.  To me the forum is a democratic solution to the Ottoman Empire's decline.  Democracy is a logical solution.  Democracy promotes fairness and justification to all people no matter there social title.  These reforms would appeal to any country looking to get ride of any sort of autocracy or dictatorship.  In addition, these reforms are forward looking.  They look to re-establish the Ottoman Empire which is necessary during a time when other countries are economically excelling.  Democracy and capitalism is the right solution to the problem.

Reaction- To Die in Jerusalem

I sympathize for each mother and the families of the departed daughters.  I do not however sympathize for the governments of both nations.  I firmly believe that this terrible, horrific and sad situation should be an example to both governments about what is going on and what needs to be done.  The future of more lives, families, daughters and mothers are on the line.