Friday, June 10, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Due Date
This is due Thursday, June 16, 2011.
Finish off old sections and continue to MP IV work, which is summation and analysis.
Part I - Analysis on platform, understanding conflict
Part 2- Based on current events: projection
Part 3- Geography, best Resolution
Finish off old sections and continue to MP IV work, which is summation and analysis.
Part I - Analysis on platform, understanding conflict
Part 2- Based on current events: projection
Part 3- Geography, best Resolution
Monday, May 16, 2011
Outline Revisions- Notes from Meeting
Finish Diplomacy of MP III:
America's Standpoint
UN standpoint
Marking period Four: Reflection?
Notes:
Part I: Analyze Current Event in context of historical occurrence
Part II: Explain conflict
populas vs government
"Just Solution"
next blog: 5 most important things I have learned of changed my opinion about based on the research I have done. To help focus on the Reflection section.
America's Standpoint
UN standpoint
Marking period Four: Reflection?
Notes:
Part I: Analyze Current Event in context of historical occurrence
Part II: Explain conflict
populas vs government
"Just Solution"
next blog: 5 most important things I have learned of changed my opinion about based on the research I have done. To help focus on the Reflection section.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
CE: Ghost War Prt II
I retract my previous sentiment: the ghost war is unwinnable. I believe the Ghost war against Terror is largely set up to fail because of it’s vagueness and lack of direction, however with the White House’s new look into al-Qaeda, post Osama Bin Laden-assasitnation, I believe we can close this chapter of history on top. Let me elaborate- We have no direction, no means to an end in the War On Terror. I am disheartened, pained, to know of the American casualties fighting for an unsecured Democracy in the Middle East, that despite most efforts, will probably always be fill to the brim with corruption and may even collapse once the US leaves. Let’s cut our losses in the Middle East and retract to America. Let’s fight the remainder of this war with intelligence. We should aim to root out al-Qaeda and seek its complete demise. We cannot kill terrorism, but we can disband and disarm these terrorists that have wounded America and scarred it forever. So, this Ghost War may finally have some substantiality to it, but we first need to take a look at how we define terror. After all, there’s only so long we can hunt vapor.
Monday, May 2, 2011
CE: The Ghost of Terror
So, uhm yeah... Happy early 18th birthday Bek, Osama Bin Laden has finally been killed. But, I say this walking on egg shells, for what has any of this accomplished? Revenge? And what does his death mean on the front of the War on Terror? It's like you've killed the queen... too bad Britain has had a PM since, about, eh, the 1800s (extended metaphor, get it? Nu?). I am neither overjoyed nor jubilated. I suppose it's because Osama Bin Laden wasn't just the mastermind behind 9/11, he was the figure head for this whole "War on Terror."
Fundamentally (oh... maybe I shouldn't use that word...) Osama is notorious because he killed a bunch of Americans. But so has the war. My shtick with Osama (aka: why i'd slap him if I got the chance) is because he is the single embodiment of current hatred. My Persian friends (Jewish) were profiled and railed against in US airports because they looked Muslim. Is it just me, or is it getting a little racial in here? The Mosque in NYC? C'MON MAN! Home of the free! Not "home to the free if you look like an anglican brethren!" Osama Bin Laden didn't just take away our sense of security in the U. S. of A. when he attacked us, he literally striped us clean of our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness (or am I confusing that with the new full-body scanners in the airport?). My point is, he opened up the flood gates for racial profiling and an undercurrent of racial hatred that has been in our country for much longer than either you or I would like to admit. He opened up these flood gates. Did you know that racial violence against Arab-Muslim (or perceived to be Arab and or Muslims) has risen tremendously (Journal of applied Social Phychology found that the number of anti-Muslim attacks in America had risen, in 2001, from 354 to 1,501)?! That's horrendous. But there is one more point I'd like to capitalize on (haha, you see that Osama? I used the word CAPITALIZE as in the WEST and our "WESTERN WAYS," teehee). For the last ten years, we have been fighting a War on Terror. For the last ten years, we have been searching for a ghost. And don't be fooled my fellow people, that ghost is still haunting us.
When I was in third grade, my mom and dad weren't home one day. My mom, she was supposed to be at the world trade centre for some meeting. My dad... he was at work. So I mosied my way on over to my friend Alice's house. While doing homework and being silly little American children, I wandered over into the living room where her mom was watching a horror film. Being eight I was like, oh she is watching that movie with the huge Gurilla, as she was watching the tv in in chinese (now that I'm a bit more edumuhcated, I realize now it was more probably Taiwanese) and was zoomed in on a huge skyscraper. I asked my friend Alice, "HEY ALICE." "YEAH?" "WHAT'S YOUR MOM WATCHING?" As she peaked her head over the kitchen counter she said, oh, that's just the news. WAIT WHAAAA? I called up my brother and he was having a heart attack, he had no clue where I was. My mom, it turns out, didn't go to the towers because her meeting was canceled. My dad, coming back from the city, watched the two towers crumble. Me? Well, I was eight. I thought her mom was watching a horror film. Boy, was I not disappointed.
I was eight when I witnessed the crash and two days shy of 18 when Osama was finally caught. I grew up during the War on Terror, and the hunt for a ghost. I sit here writing this hoping to tell everyone that we can't kill a ghost!
Again, I grew up during this War on Terror. This is my childhood. When I was fifteen, I lived in Israel. The Middle East. The epicenter of this war. And here I am to tell you: it is a ghost war. Israel fights terrorist on a daily basis in order to protect, yet the US sends American troops to fight an ideology. Cold War anyone? I believe Osama Bin Laden has finally been killed. But he is still the figure head of this ghost war, and I ask you again, has anything really been accomplished?
Fundamentally (oh... maybe I shouldn't use that word...) Osama is notorious because he killed a bunch of Americans. But so has the war. My shtick with Osama (aka: why i'd slap him if I got the chance) is because he is the single embodiment of current hatred. My Persian friends (Jewish) were profiled and railed against in US airports because they looked Muslim. Is it just me, or is it getting a little racial in here? The Mosque in NYC? C'MON MAN! Home of the free! Not "home to the free if you look like an anglican brethren!" Osama Bin Laden didn't just take away our sense of security in the U. S. of A. when he attacked us, he literally striped us clean of our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness (or am I confusing that with the new full-body scanners in the airport?). My point is, he opened up the flood gates for racial profiling and an undercurrent of racial hatred that has been in our country for much longer than either you or I would like to admit. He opened up these flood gates. Did you know that racial violence against Arab-Muslim (or perceived to be Arab and or Muslims) has risen tremendously (Journal of applied Social Phychology found that the number of anti-Muslim attacks in America had risen, in 2001, from 354 to 1,501)?! That's horrendous. But there is one more point I'd like to capitalize on (haha, you see that Osama? I used the word CAPITALIZE as in the WEST and our "WESTERN WAYS," teehee). For the last ten years, we have been fighting a War on Terror. For the last ten years, we have been searching for a ghost. And don't be fooled my fellow people, that ghost is still haunting us.
When I was in third grade, my mom and dad weren't home one day. My mom, she was supposed to be at the world trade centre for some meeting. My dad... he was at work. So I mosied my way on over to my friend Alice's house. While doing homework and being silly little American children, I wandered over into the living room where her mom was watching a horror film. Being eight I was like, oh she is watching that movie with the huge Gurilla, as she was watching the tv in in chinese (now that I'm a bit more edumuhcated, I realize now it was more probably Taiwanese) and was zoomed in on a huge skyscraper. I asked my friend Alice, "HEY ALICE." "YEAH?" "WHAT'S YOUR MOM WATCHING?" As she peaked her head over the kitchen counter she said, oh, that's just the news. WAIT WHAAAA? I called up my brother and he was having a heart attack, he had no clue where I was. My mom, it turns out, didn't go to the towers because her meeting was canceled. My dad, coming back from the city, watched the two towers crumble. Me? Well, I was eight. I thought her mom was watching a horror film. Boy, was I not disappointed.
I was eight when I witnessed the crash and two days shy of 18 when Osama was finally caught. I grew up during the War on Terror, and the hunt for a ghost. I sit here writing this hoping to tell everyone that we can't kill a ghost!
Again, I grew up during this War on Terror. This is my childhood. When I was fifteen, I lived in Israel. The Middle East. The epicenter of this war. And here I am to tell you: it is a ghost war. Israel fights terrorist on a daily basis in order to protect, yet the US sends American troops to fight an ideology. Cold War anyone? I believe Osama Bin Laden has finally been killed. But he is still the figure head of this ghost war, and I ask you again, has anything really been accomplished?
Saturday, April 16, 2011
CE: Palestinian Activist Killed by....
....Palestinians.
(Re-posted from my tumblr:)
You're Kiddin' me Right!?
You know, I always felt slightly bad for the Palestinians and what-not, but this Italian dude on a mission to SAVE the Palestinians from oppression just got kidnapped and murdered for the Palestinian cause, by… the Palestinians. I want to scream irony, but my morality is keeping me from it. Hamas messed this up big time… but sadly I think no matter how much the Palestinians kill and murder people, Israel will always be the bad guy in world PR. I already feel someone screaming the Zionists are behind this.
(Re-posted from my tumblr:)
You're Kiddin' me Right!?
You know, I always felt slightly bad for the Palestinians and what-not, but this Italian dude on a mission to SAVE the Palestinians from oppression just got kidnapped and murdered for the Palestinian cause, by… the Palestinians. I want to scream irony, but my morality is keeping me from it. Hamas messed this up big time… but sadly I think no matter how much the Palestinians kill and murder people, Israel will always be the bad guy in world PR. I already feel someone screaming the Zionists are behind this.
Absent... Minded
I keep thinking I posted on here, because I keep a personal multi-media blog (tumblr) which is, of course, about the middle east. The link is www.bcmorris.tumblr.com
My personal tumblr is basically the same as this, except I post my views... which as you know, can be strong. OH and if you wanna see my middle eastern art-work, its there too =)
My personal tumblr is basically the same as this, except I post my views... which as you know, can be strong. OH and if you wanna see my middle eastern art-work, its there too =)
Friday, April 1, 2011
Terrorism Section
SO, I've got an awesome set of books in the school library "Encyclopedia of World Terrorism" Which is helping me out a bunch. I have about two pages written on terrorism, obviously not a large amount, because I've been following more current events. Even though this is the last day of the marking period, I will send you my thesis so far AFTER spring vacation so I can work on it some more.
OUTLINE:
Part Two: World
I. Terrorism
History of Terrorism
The [International] “War on Terror” in the Middle East
Terrorist Organizations
Al-Qaeda
Hamas
Palestinian Liberation Organization
(Hezbollah)
II. The West
United States Of America
European Nations
III. Diplomacy
The United Nations
I have covered
Terrorism intro, The History of Terrorism, The [International] “War on Terror” in the Middle East, Terrorist Organizations Intro, And Al-Qaeda
I have started researching the United States (Using Bush's original National Strategy for Combating Terrorism (2003) released by the Office of Press, and will update it using 2006 version), and will put an epilogue with Obama and Hilary Clinton's release documents on the end.
With the European nations, I'm going to focus on Britain and France, two countries that have huge investments in Israel, and maybe Russia because of their past connection during the Cold War to Afghanistan.
As far as "diplomacy" goes, I'm going to briefly explain some things like the Camp David Accords as well as movements passed in the UN. I won't go into detail of the UN because most of their movements have been laregly ignored and unbiasly Palestinian (not even really... just largely Arab.) So I'll mention them, and probably explain the pros and cons in each. (ESPECIALLY the original partition plan).
Well, hope this is thorough, get back to me soon =)
OUTLINE:
Part Two: World
I. Terrorism
History of Terrorism
The [International] “War on Terror” in the Middle East
Terrorist Organizations
Al-Qaeda
Hamas
Palestinian Liberation Organization
(Hezbollah)
II. The West
United States Of America
European Nations
III. Diplomacy
The United Nations
I have covered
Terrorism intro, The History of Terrorism, The [International] “War on Terror” in the Middle East, Terrorist Organizations Intro, And Al-Qaeda
I have started researching the United States (Using Bush's original National Strategy for Combating Terrorism (2003) released by the Office of Press, and will update it using 2006 version), and will put an epilogue with Obama and Hilary Clinton's release documents on the end.
With the European nations, I'm going to focus on Britain and France, two countries that have huge investments in Israel, and maybe Russia because of their past connection during the Cold War to Afghanistan.
As far as "diplomacy" goes, I'm going to briefly explain some things like the Camp David Accords as well as movements passed in the UN. I won't go into detail of the UN because most of their movements have been laregly ignored and unbiasly Palestinian (not even really... just largely Arab.) So I'll mention them, and probably explain the pros and cons in each. (ESPECIALLY the original partition plan).
Well, hope this is thorough, get back to me soon =)
CE: IDF Saves Bambi
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4050655,00.html
It's sort of an irrelevant story about anything conflict wise, going on in Israel, but I liked this one because it was a nice uplifting story about how much even a military force (IDF) can care about somethign so small as the creatures within its borders. So basically, an IDF soldier pulled over a Palestinian's car who happened to have a bleeding doe in the backseat (Additionally had bags of protected plants. WHY, i have no idea.) But, the IDF saw the doe and carried it to their army base, transferred it to a local zoo hospital, and saved it. =) Kindness.
It's sort of an irrelevant story about anything conflict wise, going on in Israel, but I liked this one because it was a nice uplifting story about how much even a military force (IDF) can care about somethign so small as the creatures within its borders. So basically, an IDF soldier pulled over a Palestinian's car who happened to have a bleeding doe in the backseat (Additionally had bags of protected plants. WHY, i have no idea.) But, the IDF saw the doe and carried it to their army base, transferred it to a local zoo hospital, and saved it. =) Kindness.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Why I believe this paper is a terrorist plot against me...
Just kidding, I'm just playing off the vague usage of terrorism. Anywho, after talking to the librarians, I have found a slew of resources about the historical emergence of Terrorism in general, and Terrorism in the Middle East. Did YOU know the first recorded terrorists were actually JEWS ca. 70 ad?! SO, this is coming along. I don't expect it to be done by the end of the marking period, however, I do expect to have an overwhelming amount of information that will be useful. So, I think I'll set up my goal to be complete done with portion of the paper in about two weeks. =)
Friday, March 18, 2011
CE: Libya Update
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4044205,00.html
"Security Council decision to authorize no-fly zone over Libya prompts FM Moussa Koussa to declare ceasefire to protect civilians. Earlier on Friday Britain said it will send fighter jets to prevent Gaddafi's forces from mounting air strikes against anti-government rebels."
SO, the UN Finally decided to have a no-fly zone over Libya almost a month after fighting broke out. I'm disappointed it took this long. I wonder if the UN is effective in this, and if Quadaffi will uphold his promise (I don't think he will.) I'm going to follow the UN and see what results.
"Security Council decision to authorize no-fly zone over Libya prompts FM Moussa Koussa to declare ceasefire to protect civilians. Earlier on Friday Britain said it will send fighter jets to prevent Gaddafi's forces from mounting air strikes against anti-government rebels."
SO, the UN Finally decided to have a no-fly zone over Libya almost a month after fighting broke out. I'm disappointed it took this long. I wonder if the UN is effective in this, and if Quadaffi will uphold his promise (I don't think he will.) I'm going to follow the UN and see what results.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
CE: Itamar Massacre's Halo
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4043536,00.html
"IDF forces and local paramedics helped save the life of a Palestinian woman and her newly born infant Wednesday, at the settlement where Fogel relatives are sitting Shiva for the five Israelis brutally murdered last week."
"IDF forces and local paramedics helped save the life of a Palestinian woman and her newly born infant Wednesday, at the settlement where Fogel relatives are sitting Shiva for the five Israelis brutally murdered last week."
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
CE: Flotilla For What?
May 31 of last year, there was an outrage when Israelis boarded ships from Turkey, providing aid to Gaza. Israel wanted to check the ships in order to prevent weapons from reaching Gaza. But, it turned fatal with 9 dead. International outcry resulted, raising a PR hell for Israel (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10203726). Now, today, Israelis boarded a German ship, Victoria, and uncovered Iranian missiles onboard (50 tons worth of weaponry). No international apology, no outcry against the extremists. Israel has a massive PR problem, but when we are justified... the international community still paints Israel as terrorists (http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4043392,00.html).
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
CE: Itamar Massacre
A family of eight is now down to a family of three. In a West Bank settlement, parents, a 12 year old, a 4 year old, and a newly born baby were stabbed. Some say it was because they were Jewish (anti-Semitism), some claim it's because their home was on stolen land (Palestinian conflict.) This is not a case of who is right or wrong... either way there are three horrified orphans... but, at what lengths are people willing to go for their cause.
Friday, March 4, 2011
CE: Charlie Sheen
Imagine my disgust! During work, I turned to a coworker to ask her her feelings on the Middle East revolts, attempting to get another teenager's point of view.
"What's going on in the Middle East? OH! You mean with Egypt?" Her boyfriend walked in. I asked him what he he thought. His reply? "Oh... yeah, I only know a little bit. Something with Egypt, and then, erm, right now they're trying to get him outta office."
(mind you, Mubarak was thrown out of office Feb 10/11 (disputed) and right now Libya's Gaddafi is the one trying to hold onto his 42-year old regime.)
I felt lost among the chaos, yet I realized I'm probably one of the only people who understand what's going on at the High School level. I feel blind, yet every one else looks to me for information. I flipped through a newspaper and counted... dismayed. Five pages on Charlie Sheen's drug-related issues and not a single clip on the Middle East uprising. Now, I was also flipping through an unreliable news source for just about anything... however, to flip on CNN and see more on Charlie Sheen than the Middle East made me quite uneasy. I'd like to ask your opinion, do you think you know what's going on in the Middle East? As a professional with a job and obviously the regular amount of tv-time... do you think the media has accurately portrayed the Middle East, and has given enough time to it? I think not... having to sift through Israel and Arab newspapers to just get basic information seems excessive.
Back to Charlie Sheen. I think that American news has failed me. YES this is a post on how absolutely pissed I am that it takes ALL THIS RESEARCH TO FIND THIS LITTLE with a CURRENT EVENT. I believe America has gotten a severe disease: apathy. Anytime America hears of Africa or the Middle East they immediately assume turmoil, avoid.
Well, my fuming rant is done... you see, the last thing America needs is another "article" with more mentioning of Charlie Sheen than Libya....
"What's going on in the Middle East? OH! You mean with Egypt?" Her boyfriend walked in. I asked him what he he thought. His reply? "Oh... yeah, I only know a little bit. Something with Egypt, and then, erm, right now they're trying to get him outta office."
(mind you, Mubarak was thrown out of office Feb 10/11 (disputed) and right now Libya's Gaddafi is the one trying to hold onto his 42-year old regime.)
I felt lost among the chaos, yet I realized I'm probably one of the only people who understand what's going on at the High School level. I feel blind, yet every one else looks to me for information. I flipped through a newspaper and counted... dismayed. Five pages on Charlie Sheen's drug-related issues and not a single clip on the Middle East uprising. Now, I was also flipping through an unreliable news source for just about anything... however, to flip on CNN and see more on Charlie Sheen than the Middle East made me quite uneasy. I'd like to ask your opinion, do you think you know what's going on in the Middle East? As a professional with a job and obviously the regular amount of tv-time... do you think the media has accurately portrayed the Middle East, and has given enough time to it? I think not... having to sift through Israel and Arab newspapers to just get basic information seems excessive.
Back to Charlie Sheen. I think that American news has failed me. YES this is a post on how absolutely pissed I am that it takes ALL THIS RESEARCH TO FIND THIS LITTLE with a CURRENT EVENT. I believe America has gotten a severe disease: apathy. Anytime America hears of Africa or the Middle East they immediately assume turmoil, avoid.
Well, my fuming rant is done... you see, the last thing America needs is another "article" with more mentioning of Charlie Sheen than Libya....
Friday, February 25, 2011
CE: Amidst the Confusion
Obviously I haven't blogged in a while regarding the current events in the Middle East. I have been overwhelmed by the riots and government overthrows that has been rapidly spreading like an unquenched forest fire. Mubarak has stepped down (as of February 10th) and now Libya has erupted. What can we make of all of this?
I have absolutely no idea. I am mystified by all these revolts, unsure what the results may be. I don't think anyone can accurately predict what will happen to the governments in the Middle East. However, I was curious where I could find an accurate depositary of all these stories. Then it hit me. They may be biased (as most media is), but looking at arabnews.com and other Arab-based newspapers, I realized I can get the perspective abandoned by the media: cause, reason, and plot.
In Libya, Colonial Muammar Qaddafi has reigned for 42-years and has been quenching revolts in his country for weeks now. Best mapped out by Hindustantimes.com (http://www.hindustantimes.com/Libya-revolt-timeline/Article1-666768.aspx) they have acurately unfolded the rebellion:
February 15-16: Protests erupt in Libya's second city of Benghazi, days after president Hosni Mubarak resigns in neighbouring Egypt; February 17: Calls go out on the Internet site Facebook for a "Day of Rage" against Moamer Gaddafi's regime; February 18: Clashes reported spreading outside Benghazi; February 19: At least 12 killed as the army fires on a crowd in Benghazi. Clashes spread closer to Tripoli; February 20: Protesters sack the headquarters of state television in Tripoli and set government buildings on fire. In Cairo, Libya's envoy to the Arab League resigns to "join the revolution."; February 21: Moamer Gaddafi's son Seif al-Islam goes on TV to warn that Libya faces "rivers of blood." Gunfire is heard in the capital for the first time; A series of diplomats, including Tripoli's ambassador to India and the deputy ambassador to the United Nations, renounce support for the regime; February 22: In a defiant TV appearance, Moamer Gaddafi orders his forces to crush the uprising; February 23: Moamer Gaddafi opponents appear firmly in control of Libya's coastal east with government soldiers defecting to join the uprising; Thousands of Libyans and foreign workers head for the borders with Egypt and Tunisia. Several oil groups suspend their activities in the country; US President Barack Obama says the repression is "outrageous.";February 24: Gaddafi says the revolt is being directed by Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network, which he says has fed young people with drugs to make them rebel; Witnesses say Gaddafi loyalists have deserted Zouara, 120 kilometres (75 miles) west of Tripoli; Some 23 people are reported killed and dozens wounded when pro-government forces attacked the strategic town of Az-Zawiyah, a newspaper says; More than 30,000 Tunisians and Egyptians have fled the country since Monday, according to the International Organisation for Migration; The EU seeks naval back-up in a bid to rescue up to 6,000 Europeans trapped in Libya; February 25: Forces loyal to Gaddafi open fire on protesters in several areas of the capital Tripoli, witnesses say. Gaddafi loyalists stage a bloody fightback in western towns near Tripoli; Libya's third city Misrata, 150 kilometres (100 miles) east of the capital, is deserted by regime loyalists, a resident says; The crackdown on protestors is 'escalating alarmingly' with thousands killed or injured, Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, says; Both the UN and NATO hold meetings to discuss the crisis; The UN's World Food Programme warns that Libya's food supply network risks collapse; Kadhaf al-Dam, a close aide and cousin of Gaddafi, has resigned from "all his official functions," Egypt's official MENA news agency reports.
In Iraq, "Iraq’s prime minister warned his people to boycott a planned anti-government protest scheduled for Friday, saying it was being organized by supporters of Saddam Hussein and Al-Qaeda" (http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article283710.ece)." "Omar Al-Mashhadani, an activist with the Al-Nahrian relief organization [said], 'Our aim is not to topple the regime but to make reforms and fight corruption.' In recent days, Iraqi officials have sounded a drumbeat of warnings that appeared designed to scare people off from taking part in the protest, and painting those who do in a bad light." This protest is held for today, Feb. 25.
Hopefully, I'll add to this and explicate other countries currently in revolt, and figure out what is going on in amidst the confusion.
I have absolutely no idea. I am mystified by all these revolts, unsure what the results may be. I don't think anyone can accurately predict what will happen to the governments in the Middle East. However, I was curious where I could find an accurate depositary of all these stories. Then it hit me. They may be biased (as most media is), but looking at arabnews.com and other Arab-based newspapers, I realized I can get the perspective abandoned by the media: cause, reason, and plot.
In Libya, Colonial Muammar Qaddafi has reigned for 42-years and has been quenching revolts in his country for weeks now. Best mapped out by Hindustantimes.com (http://www.hindustantimes.com/Libya-revolt-timeline/Article1-666768.aspx) they have acurately unfolded the rebellion:
February 15-16: Protests erupt in Libya's second city of Benghazi, days after president Hosni Mubarak resigns in neighbouring Egypt; February 17: Calls go out on the Internet site Facebook for a "Day of Rage" against Moamer Gaddafi's regime; February 18: Clashes reported spreading outside Benghazi; February 19: At least 12 killed as the army fires on a crowd in Benghazi. Clashes spread closer to Tripoli; February 20: Protesters sack the headquarters of state television in Tripoli and set government buildings on fire. In Cairo, Libya's envoy to the Arab League resigns to "join the revolution."; February 21: Moamer Gaddafi's son Seif al-Islam goes on TV to warn that Libya faces "rivers of blood." Gunfire is heard in the capital for the first time; A series of diplomats, including Tripoli's ambassador to India and the deputy ambassador to the United Nations, renounce support for the regime; February 22: In a defiant TV appearance, Moamer Gaddafi orders his forces to crush the uprising; February 23: Moamer Gaddafi opponents appear firmly in control of Libya's coastal east with government soldiers defecting to join the uprising; Thousands of Libyans and foreign workers head for the borders with Egypt and Tunisia. Several oil groups suspend their activities in the country; US President Barack Obama says the repression is "outrageous.";February 24: Gaddafi says the revolt is being directed by Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network, which he says has fed young people with drugs to make them rebel; Witnesses say Gaddafi loyalists have deserted Zouara, 120 kilometres (75 miles) west of Tripoli; Some 23 people are reported killed and dozens wounded when pro-government forces attacked the strategic town of Az-Zawiyah, a newspaper says; More than 30,000 Tunisians and Egyptians have fled the country since Monday, according to the International Organisation for Migration; The EU seeks naval back-up in a bid to rescue up to 6,000 Europeans trapped in Libya; February 25: Forces loyal to Gaddafi open fire on protesters in several areas of the capital Tripoli, witnesses say. Gaddafi loyalists stage a bloody fightback in western towns near Tripoli; Libya's third city Misrata, 150 kilometres (100 miles) east of the capital, is deserted by regime loyalists, a resident says; The crackdown on protestors is 'escalating alarmingly' with thousands killed or injured, Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, says; Both the UN and NATO hold meetings to discuss the crisis; The UN's World Food Programme warns that Libya's food supply network risks collapse; Kadhaf al-Dam, a close aide and cousin of Gaddafi, has resigned from "all his official functions," Egypt's official MENA news agency reports.
In Iraq, "Iraq’s prime minister warned his people to boycott a planned anti-government protest scheduled for Friday, saying it was being organized by supporters of Saddam Hussein and Al-Qaeda" (http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article283710.ece)." "Omar Al-Mashhadani, an activist with the Al-Nahrian relief organization [said], 'Our aim is not to topple the regime but to make reforms and fight corruption.' In recent days, Iraqi officials have sounded a drumbeat of warnings that appeared designed to scare people off from taking part in the protest, and painting those who do in a bad light." This protest is held for today, Feb. 25.
Hopefully, I'll add to this and explicate other countries currently in revolt, and figure out what is going on in amidst the confusion.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
CE: West Bank Ballots
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/09/world/middleeast/09briefs-Palestinian.html?ref=middleeast
So, to clarify... I made a previous mistake in my last post of the elections of the Territories. Only the WEST BANK will be holding them, to defer the conflicts and revolts that have been spreading across the Middle East. Hamas, on the other hand, will not allow elections. The territories last vote took place in 2006.
So, to clarify... I made a previous mistake in my last post of the elections of the Territories. Only the WEST BANK will be holding them, to defer the conflicts and revolts that have been spreading across the Middle East. Hamas, on the other hand, will not allow elections. The territories last vote took place in 2006.
CE: The Faces and Rhetoric of Egypt's Protests
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/09/world/middleeast/09ghonim.html?_r=1&ref=global-home
" Mona el-Shazly. “They said what the previous generations couldn’t do, we can do.”
Newly freed Google executive and activist Wael Ghonim. He is a tech-savvy organizer of the antigovernment protests, secretly detained by the authorities as demonstrations gathered force.
Mr. Ghonim, emotive and handsome, quickly became the movement’s reluctant icon, and Ms. Shazly, poised and defiant, its champion.
Professor Bahrawy quit his post in the ruling party and for the first time traveled to Tahrir Square to join in the protests.
Mr. Ghonim said, “I want to tell every mother and every father who lost a child, I am sorry, but this is not our mistake,” he said. “I swear to God, it’s not our mistake. It’s the mistake of every one of those in power who doesn’t want to let go of it.”"
" Mona el-Shazly. “They said what the previous generations couldn’t do, we can do.”
Newly freed Google executive and activist Wael Ghonim. He is a tech-savvy organizer of the antigovernment protests, secretly detained by the authorities as demonstrations gathered force.
Mr. Ghonim, emotive and handsome, quickly became the movement’s reluctant icon, and Ms. Shazly, poised and defiant, its champion.
Professor Bahrawy quit his post in the ruling party and for the first time traveled to Tahrir Square to join in the protests.
Mr. Ghonim said, “I want to tell every mother and every father who lost a child, I am sorry, but this is not our mistake,” he said. “I swear to God, it’s not our mistake. It’s the mistake of every one of those in power who doesn’t want to let go of it.”"
CE: Egypt Update!
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/02/world/middleeast/02jordan.html?_r=1
So, the Super Bowl is over, and America had turned it's eyes back on the Middle East! By the time I finish this paper, there will be new types of conflicts in the the Middle East, and my paper will be outdated! haha. But, back to the situtation....
From Tunisia to Egypt, now to the PLO in the territories and Yemen; from Yemen, to Jordan, finishing itself off in Syria; these riots challenge the governments of 4 countries and two territories. So, what's the point? I believe in five years... even less, the entire structure of the Arab world will have shifted to completed military-run states, or states of democracy and socialism. The Muslim Brotherhood is taking a stand in Egypt... with Hamas possibly, maybe, sort of, holding reelections in Gaza and the West Bank. Hmm... one could hope.
So, the Super Bowl is over, and America had turned it's eyes back on the Middle East! By the time I finish this paper, there will be new types of conflicts in the the Middle East, and my paper will be outdated! haha. But, back to the situtation....
From Tunisia to Egypt, now to the PLO in the territories and Yemen; from Yemen, to Jordan, finishing itself off in Syria; these riots challenge the governments of 4 countries and two territories. So, what's the point? I believe in five years... even less, the entire structure of the Arab world will have shifted to completed military-run states, or states of democracy and socialism. The Muslim Brotherhood is taking a stand in Egypt... with Hamas possibly, maybe, sort of, holding reelections in Gaza and the West Bank. Hmm... one could hope.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Egypt's Chaos
HAPPY ICE-DAY! My Final MPI Thesis paper will be in your inbox at the end of the day... (minus the "Jewish" segment.)
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Well, obviously there is a huge topic in our media now: Egypt. With the over throw of the Tunisian government, Egypt has been protesting trying to get rid of Pr. Mubarak who has been in power for the last thirty years. Do I support this revolution? What does this mean for Israel? How is this effecting America? I'll tell you...
My greatest fear is for Israel. Mubarak is the biggest supported of Israel in Egypt. The general population still sees Israel as an enemy country, and with the fall of Hosni Mubarak, the cold peace with Israel might crumble and fall. However, I am not sure who will most likely succeed Mubarak at this junction. But, if the new leader is in contempt of Israel, the border between Gaza and Egypt might be used for weapons, which can be deadly for Israelis.
Egypt is one of the U.S.'s biggest Arab allies in the Middle East! The U.S.'s role is once again shunned because of involvement with this. Obama is put in a difficult position because if Mubarak is overthrown, the American government has to worry about their strongest ally in the Middle East (Israel). And, if they are in open support of the demonstrations, America will loose egypt as an ally. However, if they DONT support the protesting, America will be passively letting Mubarak quench free speech in his nation, as well as other human rights violations.
My opinion on this is tricky. I feel that a new leader needs to be elected immediately and democratically... but also extremely carefully by the Egyptian people. Egypt is at the heart of the middle east, and with this political upheaval, more chaos can spread to other nearby Arab nations. I'm curious as to how the Palestinians feel about this. Especially their (un)democratically elected leaders like Hamas.
--------
Well, obviously there is a huge topic in our media now: Egypt. With the over throw of the Tunisian government, Egypt has been protesting trying to get rid of Pr. Mubarak who has been in power for the last thirty years. Do I support this revolution? What does this mean for Israel? How is this effecting America? I'll tell you...
My greatest fear is for Israel. Mubarak is the biggest supported of Israel in Egypt. The general population still sees Israel as an enemy country, and with the fall of Hosni Mubarak, the cold peace with Israel might crumble and fall. However, I am not sure who will most likely succeed Mubarak at this junction. But, if the new leader is in contempt of Israel, the border between Gaza and Egypt might be used for weapons, which can be deadly for Israelis.
Egypt is one of the U.S.'s biggest Arab allies in the Middle East! The U.S.'s role is once again shunned because of involvement with this. Obama is put in a difficult position because if Mubarak is overthrown, the American government has to worry about their strongest ally in the Middle East (Israel). And, if they are in open support of the demonstrations, America will loose egypt as an ally. However, if they DONT support the protesting, America will be passively letting Mubarak quench free speech in his nation, as well as other human rights violations.
My opinion on this is tricky. I feel that a new leader needs to be elected immediately and democratically... but also extremely carefully by the Egyptian people. Egypt is at the heart of the middle east, and with this political upheaval, more chaos can spread to other nearby Arab nations. I'm curious as to how the Palestinians feel about this. Especially their (un)democratically elected leaders like Hamas.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The Arab-Israeli Conflict and the Oil Weapon; Ali
My synopsis on oil in the Israeli-Arab conflict resides in this: oil has no bearing on the conflict itself, but rather the diplomatic strategy in providing support from major industrialized nations to either the arabs who have the oil (ex: russia) or the Israelis who don't have the oil (but can use bargaining chips to lower prices with peace agreements) (ex: America).
OIL IS A DIPLOMATIC WEAPON FOR OUTSIDERS- no baring to the conflict itself. SURPRISE!
Ali, Sheikh Rustum. "6: The Arab-Israeli Conflict and the Oil Weapon." Oil, Turmoil, and Islam in the Middle East . New York: Praeger, 1986. 106-136. Print.
His History of conflict
simultaneously while zionism was rising (20s,30s):
"At this time the Arab world was passing through some of its most difficult days. The French capture of Algiers in 1830 paved the way for Western domination of the Arab world. At the same time an Arab revival -- a renewed sense of language and cultural pride and a desire for self-government-was emerging. These sentiments found little sympathy with Ottoman authorities, with their predilection for centralism, and were adroitly exploited by their enemies." (pg.106-107)
OIL AS A WEAPON
"Except for the first, oil figured significantly in all Arab-Israeli wars. In 1948, Arab oil production was negligible. Iran was the major Middle East producer. Britain still had complete control of the oil supply passing through the Suez Canal. In 1956, oil shipments via the canal to Western countries were blocked. In 1967, the canal was closed indefinitely.
In 1973, Egypt and Syria launched full-scale military attacks against Israeli occupation forces. The Arab oil weapon fully came into play. There was a five-month embargo on oil shipments to the United States and the Netherlands. A partial embargo was in effect against other nations.
Although the decision would be much more serious than in 1973, most observers believe that a renewed Arab-Israeli war would precipitate a more severe oil embargo. It is also axiomatic that the United States would not permit Israel to be destroyed in a war. By the same token, Soviet support for the Arab cause cannot be assured. The Soviet Union backed out of its support of the Arab war effort in 1967. Again in 1973 it did not fulfill its announced intention to send volunteers to the Middle East as soon as the United States put its strategic forces on alert.
The two superpowers may come to terms in the new economic game now in progress in the Middle East. All nations are interested in securing oil supplies at affordable prices. By imposing an embargo the producing and exporting Arab nations turned the Middle East crisis into a global trauma. Even the communist nations and many Third World countries-the main supporters of the oil price increase -are feeling the pinch of the energy crisis.
Diplomacy has had a chance to settle the Middle East crisis, and its value is not completely lost. It can still succeed, provided the Palestinians refrain from calling for Israel's destruction and settle for a homeland on the West Bank of the Jordan River and the Gaza Strip. " (pg.110-111)
Industrial Weaknesses & Diplomacy
"The Arab-Israeli conflict has created a political climate in the Third World in support of oil price increases. Essentially, the price increases were a revolutionary attempt to seize control of the resource and radically redistribute the wealth. The political and strategic implications of the oil weapon must be seen in light of the role of the oil weapon in the struggle for political hegemony among various preindustrialized nations. The London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies examined this changing situation, concluding:
This was the first time that major industrial states had to bow to pressure from pre-industrial ones. . . . The victory upset the hierarchies of power long enjoyed, or resented, according to one's station, and opened up prospects of quite new political balances. By the same token, it was by far the biggest extension of the world's effective political arena since the Chinese Revolution. 6
The Middle East situation, with regard to the Arab-Israeli conflict, has changed little, except that under the Camp David agreement Egypt got back its land from Israel. The question now is whether the Arabs can use their petrodiplomacy bargaining power in the future. "
OIL IS A DIPLOMATIC WEAPON FOR OUTSIDERS- no baring to the conflict itself. SURPRISE!
Ali, Sheikh Rustum. "6: The Arab-Israeli Conflict and the Oil Weapon." Oil, Turmoil, and Islam in the Middle East . New York: Praeger, 1986. 106-136. Print.
His History of conflict
simultaneously while zionism was rising (20s,30s):
"At this time the Arab world was passing through some of its most difficult days. The French capture of Algiers in 1830 paved the way for Western domination of the Arab world. At the same time an Arab revival -- a renewed sense of language and cultural pride and a desire for self-government-was emerging. These sentiments found little sympathy with Ottoman authorities, with their predilection for centralism, and were adroitly exploited by their enemies." (pg.106-107)
OIL AS A WEAPON
"Except for the first, oil figured significantly in all Arab-Israeli wars. In 1948, Arab oil production was negligible. Iran was the major Middle East producer. Britain still had complete control of the oil supply passing through the Suez Canal. In 1956, oil shipments via the canal to Western countries were blocked. In 1967, the canal was closed indefinitely.
In 1973, Egypt and Syria launched full-scale military attacks against Israeli occupation forces. The Arab oil weapon fully came into play. There was a five-month embargo on oil shipments to the United States and the Netherlands. A partial embargo was in effect against other nations.
Although the decision would be much more serious than in 1973, most observers believe that a renewed Arab-Israeli war would precipitate a more severe oil embargo. It is also axiomatic that the United States would not permit Israel to be destroyed in a war. By the same token, Soviet support for the Arab cause cannot be assured. The Soviet Union backed out of its support of the Arab war effort in 1967. Again in 1973 it did not fulfill its announced intention to send volunteers to the Middle East as soon as the United States put its strategic forces on alert.
The two superpowers may come to terms in the new economic game now in progress in the Middle East. All nations are interested in securing oil supplies at affordable prices. By imposing an embargo the producing and exporting Arab nations turned the Middle East crisis into a global trauma. Even the communist nations and many Third World countries-the main supporters of the oil price increase -are feeling the pinch of the energy crisis.
Diplomacy has had a chance to settle the Middle East crisis, and its value is not completely lost. It can still succeed, provided the Palestinians refrain from calling for Israel's destruction and settle for a homeland on the West Bank of the Jordan River and the Gaza Strip. " (pg.110-111)
Industrial Weaknesses & Diplomacy
"The Arab-Israeli conflict has created a political climate in the Third World in support of oil price increases. Essentially, the price increases were a revolutionary attempt to seize control of the resource and radically redistribute the wealth. The political and strategic implications of the oil weapon must be seen in light of the role of the oil weapon in the struggle for political hegemony among various preindustrialized nations. The London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies examined this changing situation, concluding:
This was the first time that major industrial states had to bow to pressure from pre-industrial ones. . . . The victory upset the hierarchies of power long enjoyed, or resented, according to one's station, and opened up prospects of quite new political balances. By the same token, it was by far the biggest extension of the world's effective political arena since the Chinese Revolution. 6
The Middle East situation, with regard to the Arab-Israeli conflict, has changed little, except that under the Camp David agreement Egypt got back its land from Israel. The question now is whether the Arabs can use their petrodiplomacy bargaining power in the future. "
A Concise History of the Middle East; Goldschmidt
So I'm back to hitting the books (literal and virtual), looking for information on oil, water, nationalism, and a well-founded root for the Middle East disaster. So far I've gotten some good sources... My notes:
Goldschmidt, Arthur. "16: the Contest for Palestine." A Concise History of the Middle East . 6th ed. Boulder, Colo.: Westview Press, 1999. 230-248. Print.
SOLID HISTORY ON THE MODERN CONFLICT
"Palestine, the "twice-promised land" as British wags used to call it." (pg. 230)
Origins of conflict:
back to Abraham and Ishmael, or much more recent? Jews and Muslims lived side-by-side for centuries, it all started during WWI, and the rise of nationalism, anti-semitism, zionism, pan-arab nationalism, and revolt. HOWEVER, "Civil wars, hijackings, assassinations, kidnappings, revolutions, invasions, and refugee problems have occurred in many Middle Eastern countries" (pg. 230) long before the Arab-Israel conflict.
Had a GREAT portion on zionism... parphrased: not all jews are zionistic (eg:Nun-Kafs; my own refference) , not all zionists are jews (eg: messianic christians waiting for the apocalypse).
" Even some Gentiles who dislike Jews support Israel, perhaps because Zionism stresses the uniqueness of Jews, as do anti-Semites (opponents of Jews), and because it opposes the assimilation of Jews into Gentile society. Likewise, anti-Zionists are not necessarily anti-Semites. Some may be pro-Arab out of sincere conviction." (pg.231)
Nationalism=NATION
"Zionism is a nationalist movement similar to Arab nationalism and other Middle Eastern nationalisms we have already studied. It may seem odd to Americans that Jews should call themselves a "nation." We never speak of a Catholic or a Methodist nation in the United States. American Jews do not view themselves as Israelis, nor do Israelis so regard them. Nevertheless, a belief prevails among all Jews-Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Reform, and nonobservant--that they do constitute one people and that their collective survival depends on mutual support and cooperation. Even persons of Jewish ancestry who do not practice Judaism--indeed, even those who have converted to another faith--are still apt to be regarded as Jews unless they make strenuous efforts to prove they are not. Most Gentiles realize these facts, at least dimly."
Balfour Declaration
Britan, Balfour Declaration... yadaa, yadda, yadda, simultaneously gave arab support with the Muhammad correspondence letters...
Brittish Mandates (pg.239-240)
"Britain's Palestine policy seemed to go in two opposite directions. In the international arena, on the one hand, it tended to back Zionist aims because of Jewish political pressure on London and, indeed, on the League of Nations, headquartered in Geneva. In Palestine, on the other hand, British officials favored the Arabs, often influenced by concern for Muslim opinion in neighboring countries and in India. Remember that these were general tendencies, not hard-and-fast rules. When the League of Nations awarded the Palestine mandate in July 1922, it specifically charged Britain with carrying out the Balfour Declaration. In other words, Britain had to encourage Jews to migrate to Palestine and to settle there, help create the Jewish "national home," and even set up a "Jewish agency" to assist the British authorities in developing that national home, which none dared to call a "state."
The Palestine mandate could not be the same as the league's mandates for Syria and Iraq, which were to help them develop into independent states (thus requiring that they be given constitutions within a three-year period). In Syria and Iraq, everyone knew that the mandates were supposed to prepare their inhabitants to rule themselves. In Palestine, however, although most of the inhabitants at the time were Arabs, it was the Jewish national home that was to be created. The Palestine mandate called only for "self-governing institutions," with no definite deadline for their creation. The Arabs naturally suspected that the British mandate would hold them in colonial bondage until the Jews achieved a majority in Palestine and could set up their state."
Collaboration efforts with the Mufsti (Hajj Amin al-Husayni) and Britain's first civilian governor in Palestine, Sir Herbert Samuel (a prominent zionist) failed when Western wall civil war erupted over who gets to control holy site. (called the Western Wall Incident)
NAZZIIIISSSSS
"During the 1930s, Jewish-Arab relations worsened. The rise to power of Hitler and his Nazi party in Germany put the Jews in that country--numbering almost a million--in dire peril." pg.242
Arabs were angry because Jews were overflowing, America didn't want to accept the Jews, sent 'em to Palestine, again, arabs even LESS happy.. resistance broke out, British sent out political forms of action with the Peel Commission (inquiry into Arab's complaints) and White Papers (which reduced the number of Jews allowed to enter the Mandate which led to a growth in illegal immigration, and promised Arabs land) hence, further pissing off both Jews (limited their #s and somewhat folded on the Balfour Declaration) and the Arabs (postponing their independence, and STILL allowing some Jews in).
THE U,S, OF A
Well, like good 'ol America does, gets involved clamors supports for zionisim and the Jews, inconsiderate of the Arabs, because they want to make up for Hitler's sins (these are the Jews and Christian-American voters) WITHOUT raising the quota of Jews allowed into the US. So, basically making it up to the JEws without doing anything: dump them on the Arabs. Not helpful.
Civil War in Palestine
Zionist Terrorist organizations didn't help the cause by blowing british buildings up (Irgun Tzvei Le'umi (National Military Organization) and the Stern Gang).
"Anglo-American Committee of Inquiry went to Palestine in 1946 and interviewed both mandate officials and nationalist leaders. It called for a continuation of the mandate, but its most publicized recommendation was to admit 100,000 European Jewish refugees at once and to end all restrictions on Jewish land purchases. The new Labour government in Britain rejected this advice and advocated instead a federated Arab-Jewish Palestine. This satisfied no one, and the fighting worsened. Finally, Britain went before the UN General Assembly in February 1947 and admitted that it could no longer keep the mandate. Its Palestine policy was bankrupt." (pg. 245)
Goldschmidt, Arthur. "16: the Contest for Palestine." A Concise History of the Middle East . 6th ed. Boulder, Colo.: Westview Press, 1999. 230-248. Print.
SOLID HISTORY ON THE MODERN CONFLICT
"Palestine, the "twice-promised land" as British wags used to call it." (pg. 230)
Origins of conflict:
back to Abraham and Ishmael, or much more recent? Jews and Muslims lived side-by-side for centuries, it all started during WWI, and the rise of nationalism, anti-semitism, zionism, pan-arab nationalism, and revolt. HOWEVER, "Civil wars, hijackings, assassinations, kidnappings, revolutions, invasions, and refugee problems have occurred in many Middle Eastern countries" (pg. 230) long before the Arab-Israel conflict.
Had a GREAT portion on zionism... parphrased: not all jews are zionistic (eg:Nun-Kafs; my own refference) , not all zionists are jews (eg: messianic christians waiting for the apocalypse).
" Even some Gentiles who dislike Jews support Israel, perhaps because Zionism stresses the uniqueness of Jews, as do anti-Semites (opponents of Jews), and because it opposes the assimilation of Jews into Gentile society. Likewise, anti-Zionists are not necessarily anti-Semites. Some may be pro-Arab out of sincere conviction." (pg.231)
Nationalism=NATION
"Zionism is a nationalist movement similar to Arab nationalism and other Middle Eastern nationalisms we have already studied. It may seem odd to Americans that Jews should call themselves a "nation." We never speak of a Catholic or a Methodist nation in the United States. American Jews do not view themselves as Israelis, nor do Israelis so regard them. Nevertheless, a belief prevails among all Jews-Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Reform, and nonobservant--that they do constitute one people and that their collective survival depends on mutual support and cooperation. Even persons of Jewish ancestry who do not practice Judaism--indeed, even those who have converted to another faith--are still apt to be regarded as Jews unless they make strenuous efforts to prove they are not. Most Gentiles realize these facts, at least dimly."
Balfour Declaration
Britan, Balfour Declaration... yadaa, yadda, yadda, simultaneously gave arab support with the Muhammad correspondence letters...
Brittish Mandates (pg.239-240)
"Britain's Palestine policy seemed to go in two opposite directions. In the international arena, on the one hand, it tended to back Zionist aims because of Jewish political pressure on London and, indeed, on the League of Nations, headquartered in Geneva. In Palestine, on the other hand, British officials favored the Arabs, often influenced by concern for Muslim opinion in neighboring countries and in India. Remember that these were general tendencies, not hard-and-fast rules. When the League of Nations awarded the Palestine mandate in July 1922, it specifically charged Britain with carrying out the Balfour Declaration. In other words, Britain had to encourage Jews to migrate to Palestine and to settle there, help create the Jewish "national home," and even set up a "Jewish agency" to assist the British authorities in developing that national home, which none dared to call a "state."
The Palestine mandate could not be the same as the league's mandates for Syria and Iraq, which were to help them develop into independent states (thus requiring that they be given constitutions within a three-year period). In Syria and Iraq, everyone knew that the mandates were supposed to prepare their inhabitants to rule themselves. In Palestine, however, although most of the inhabitants at the time were Arabs, it was the Jewish national home that was to be created. The Palestine mandate called only for "self-governing institutions," with no definite deadline for their creation. The Arabs naturally suspected that the British mandate would hold them in colonial bondage until the Jews achieved a majority in Palestine and could set up their state."
Collaboration efforts with the Mufsti (Hajj Amin al-Husayni) and Britain's first civilian governor in Palestine, Sir Herbert Samuel (a prominent zionist) failed when Western wall civil war erupted over who gets to control holy site. (called the Western Wall Incident)
NAZZIIIISSSSS
"During the 1930s, Jewish-Arab relations worsened. The rise to power of Hitler and his Nazi party in Germany put the Jews in that country--numbering almost a million--in dire peril." pg.242
Arabs were angry because Jews were overflowing, America didn't want to accept the Jews, sent 'em to Palestine, again, arabs even LESS happy.. resistance broke out, British sent out political forms of action with the Peel Commission (inquiry into Arab's complaints) and White Papers (which reduced the number of Jews allowed to enter the Mandate which led to a growth in illegal immigration, and promised Arabs land) hence, further pissing off both Jews (limited their #s and somewhat folded on the Balfour Declaration) and the Arabs (postponing their independence, and STILL allowing some Jews in).
THE U,S, OF A
Well, like good 'ol America does, gets involved clamors supports for zionisim and the Jews, inconsiderate of the Arabs, because they want to make up for Hitler's sins (these are the Jews and Christian-American voters) WITHOUT raising the quota of Jews allowed into the US. So, basically making it up to the JEws without doing anything: dump them on the Arabs. Not helpful.
Civil War in Palestine
Zionist Terrorist organizations didn't help the cause by blowing british buildings up (Irgun Tzvei Le'umi (National Military Organization) and the Stern Gang).
"Anglo-American Committee of Inquiry went to Palestine in 1946 and interviewed both mandate officials and nationalist leaders. It called for a continuation of the mandate, but its most publicized recommendation was to admit 100,000 European Jewish refugees at once and to end all restrictions on Jewish land purchases. The new Labour government in Britain rejected this advice and advocated instead a federated Arab-Jewish Palestine. This satisfied no one, and the fighting worsened. Finally, Britain went before the UN General Assembly in February 1947 and admitted that it could no longer keep the mandate. Its Palestine policy was bankrupt." (pg. 245)
Monday, January 10, 2011
Economy for Peace
Like usual, I speak to my friends in Israel for first hand experiences and information. But with this, I may add, I get new ideas and so progresses my thesis for my paper. I want to address the topic of this marking period: Regional Conflicts. While the last mp is for a resolution on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, I can't but help jump from conflict to resolution. And I have narrowed down what I want to study.
Here I go, 1000 words or less:
I have come to believe the entire conflict is over land and Gd. Like all good hypothesis, I thought the conflict was over resources but proved wrong. However, to prove this I want to stop looking at oil and water, and make these just a blurb for my paper. I want to get in depth into Israel's technology sector (which is the backbone of Israel's economy) and discuss the economic factions in the Middle East. As my dear friend, Ben Crane said, "Jews got short end of stick... we were stuck with the Arabs who didn't get land." And with out land, and with Gd, the conflict will always persist, that is.. until Arabs get economical equality in Eretz Yisrael. Arabs already have all the rights Jews do, and MORE*, but their economic standing leaves them impoverished and set back. We give them technology and roads and houses and schools, land will not be an issue anymore. Their villages and farms will be self-sustaining, their way of life will be preserved and in contrast with extremist philosophies. 90% of terrorists fight because they have nothing to loose and little to gain. With a good standard of living they have everything to lose and nothing to gain.
Opinions?
* the arabs who live in Israel get more rights because they get everything an Israeli Jew does, but does not need to complete service in the Israeli army, which ever Jew (and Druze- on their own request) are required to do.
Here I go, 1000 words or less:
I have come to believe the entire conflict is over land and Gd. Like all good hypothesis, I thought the conflict was over resources but proved wrong. However, to prove this I want to stop looking at oil and water, and make these just a blurb for my paper. I want to get in depth into Israel's technology sector (which is the backbone of Israel's economy) and discuss the economic factions in the Middle East. As my dear friend, Ben Crane said, "Jews got short end of stick... we were stuck with the Arabs who didn't get land." And with out land, and with Gd, the conflict will always persist, that is.. until Arabs get economical equality in Eretz Yisrael. Arabs already have all the rights Jews do, and MORE*, but their economic standing leaves them impoverished and set back. We give them technology and roads and houses and schools, land will not be an issue anymore. Their villages and farms will be self-sustaining, their way of life will be preserved and in contrast with extremist philosophies. 90% of terrorists fight because they have nothing to loose and little to gain. With a good standard of living they have everything to lose and nothing to gain.
Opinions?
* the arabs who live in Israel get more rights because they get everything an Israeli Jew does, but does not need to complete service in the Israeli army, which ever Jew (and Druze- on their own request) are required to do.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
I Pray to Gd for Land
So, as we are discussing regional conflicts, I've decided to approach the Hebrew/Arab conflict first: The State of Israel. Why does each side want "Palestine?"
Europe Leaves the Middle East 1936-1954
By: Howard M. Sachar
Pg.530 "Isn't it beautiful that today, May 15, seven arab armies are going into Palestine to redeem it from the Zionists and the West." -Arab Legion Officer
^ I found it interesting that this quote from the 1948 War (OR Israel Ind. War OR The Nakba.) It doesn't say the Jews... it doesn't say anything about religion. It only says Zionists, the people settling the land in order to create a seperate Jewish DEMOCRATIC State and something about the West. I believe this is in tandum with the beliefe Israel is an extension of imperialism, run by America and Europe- The biggest enemy to Arabs because of the Treaty of Versailles in WWII. (Explained in Earlier posts. Basically, Arab countries don't like Israel because of europe... not because of JEws. ALSO, for religious purposes such as the levels of people (Non-Muslims should be ruled UNDER Islam in "Daar al Islam" lands.)
Abdullah (Jordan) unintrested in war with Israel.. he and Golda Meir had many secret conversations of peace. He didn't care about a Jewish state as long as he got Arab villages in Palestine (namely what is now calle dthe "West Bank"), and the Jews could have the rest.
Mufti wanted independence for PAlestinieans... his goal was to drive Jews out and rule the land.
Syrians wanted northern Palestine
Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia mostly deemed "Anttiintervinest" just helpin' out the Muslim "Cause." But they also wanted a cut of the land....
SO.. they all wanted land. But what is in the Palestiniean territory, aside from space?
Handbook of the Middle East
By: Michael G. Kort
pg.61 "Israel has virtually no Resources."
Golda Meir is quoted sayin a joke about how moses led us to the only place in the M.E. with out oil!
Minerals: bromides, potash, magnesium-> ALL from Dead Sea
Exports: 40% W. Europe, 30% N. America, 20% Far East
Major industries: Tourism, Technology (food production, medical, defense), agriculture (4% of tot. output... mostly for self-suffinciancy), Industry (plastics, petrochemicals, metal products)
pg 62- Israel suffers from pollution and over population, however it has planted 200 million trees (regenerate soil and absorbe rainwater), has 250 nature reserves, and animals have been naturally come back to the land or have been sucessfully reintroduced. Israel's efforts have renewed the land in ways that were unimaginable in 1940s.
pg.62/63- Population boom: 700,000 refugees from persectuation (Holocaust and Expulsion form Arab countries) had gotten into Israel between 1948 and 1951!
SUMMARY:
I tried to prove that the Middle East conflict was over resources (like oil, water, land, etc.) and not religion. However, like many good hypothesis, with further research it can still be proved wrong. After the resource quest, I've realized resources are the cause of incidents, but the umbrella cause is religion. Religious sites, religious rule... even withtin the State of Israel there are conflicts over the religious party (Shas) being in the Kenesset. I'll go furthur ito the incidents of resources... but it will mostly be arab-arab conflicts.
Europe Leaves the Middle East 1936-1954
By: Howard M. Sachar
Pg.530 "Isn't it beautiful that today, May 15, seven arab armies are going into Palestine to redeem it from the Zionists and the West." -Arab Legion Officer
^ I found it interesting that this quote from the 1948 War (OR Israel Ind. War OR The Nakba.) It doesn't say the Jews... it doesn't say anything about religion. It only says Zionists, the people settling the land in order to create a seperate Jewish DEMOCRATIC State and something about the West. I believe this is in tandum with the beliefe Israel is an extension of imperialism, run by America and Europe- The biggest enemy to Arabs because of the Treaty of Versailles in WWII. (Explained in Earlier posts. Basically, Arab countries don't like Israel because of europe... not because of JEws. ALSO, for religious purposes such as the levels of people (Non-Muslims should be ruled UNDER Islam in "Daar al Islam" lands.)
Abdullah (Jordan) unintrested in war with Israel.. he and Golda Meir had many secret conversations of peace. He didn't care about a Jewish state as long as he got Arab villages in Palestine (namely what is now calle dthe "West Bank"), and the Jews could have the rest.
Mufti wanted independence for PAlestinieans... his goal was to drive Jews out and rule the land.
Syrians wanted northern Palestine
Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia mostly deemed "Anttiintervinest" just helpin' out the Muslim "Cause." But they also wanted a cut of the land....
SO.. they all wanted land. But what is in the Palestiniean territory, aside from space?
Handbook of the Middle East
By: Michael G. Kort
pg.61 "Israel has virtually no Resources."
Golda Meir is quoted sayin a joke about how moses led us to the only place in the M.E. with out oil!
Minerals: bromides, potash, magnesium-> ALL from Dead Sea
Exports: 40% W. Europe, 30% N. America, 20% Far East
Major industries: Tourism, Technology (food production, medical, defense), agriculture (4% of tot. output... mostly for self-suffinciancy), Industry (plastics, petrochemicals, metal products)
pg 62- Israel suffers from pollution and over population, however it has planted 200 million trees (regenerate soil and absorbe rainwater), has 250 nature reserves, and animals have been naturally come back to the land or have been sucessfully reintroduced. Israel's efforts have renewed the land in ways that were unimaginable in 1940s.
pg.62/63- Population boom: 700,000 refugees from persectuation (Holocaust and Expulsion form Arab countries) had gotten into Israel between 1948 and 1951!
SUMMARY:
I tried to prove that the Middle East conflict was over resources (like oil, water, land, etc.) and not religion. However, like many good hypothesis, with further research it can still be proved wrong. After the resource quest, I've realized resources are the cause of incidents, but the umbrella cause is religion. Religious sites, religious rule... even withtin the State of Israel there are conflicts over the religious party (Shas) being in the Kenesset. I'll go furthur ito the incidents of resources... but it will mostly be arab-arab conflicts.
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Lebanon Adventurer
I like posting interesting things on here, useful or not, about the Middle East... especially personal accounts. This new year's eve I met a Jewish guy also from America. He told me his incredible tale. He used to be a pro-Israel (zionist) Jew. Never religious, never overtly anti-arab. He is majoring in International business, so he decided to do a year abroad in Lebanon. He was in Lebanon the same time I was in Israel, leading to a huge variation of the "war-stories" from Lebanon and Gaza (during 2008-10). Now, he is pretty anti-Israel... but then again, it's always more complicated than just a label.
During about mid-20010, Israel went over to Lebanon in order to cut down a tree that had fallen on Israeli soil, blocking a crucial visual into hostile territory. Now, it is disputed that Israel actually went over the border to cut away at the tree, but that didn't stop what happened next. Lebanese soldiers thought Israel was invading, and Lebanon opened fire. Israel returned fire in all this mess and in the end, three lebanese soldiers, a senior Israeli officer, and a reporter had been killed. This is a perfect example how a misunderstanding lead to international hay-wire. The media spun the stories, "Israel Invaded Lebanon," or, "Lebanon opened fire on Israel." This incident showed how varied the point of view was... especially for two Jewish teens across the border. I thought Israel was right in it's return of fire. My friend did not think this was the case. He thought Israel was to blame for all five deaths.
We also discussed other issues of "invasion." Mainly Gaza in 2008/2009. Operation Cast Lead, which extended into early 2009 (two/three weeks before my arrival), was an Israeli offensive operation in order to end Hamas's mortar shell, Qassam, and Katyusha rocket attacks after the six-month cease fire had ended. During the attacks, "only" one Israeli was killed, but the panic that had erupted was more explosive than even the physical damage. The rockets were now reaching as far as Ashkelon, Kerem Shalom, and Beersheba, the furthest these rockets have ever gotten, leading to national insecurity. In order to protect the borders, Israel invaded with this Operation Cast Lead, killing almost 200 and wounding around 350 Gazans on the first incident/return bombing. Israel reported that out of the 195 deaths, about 140 were Hamas militants, leaving the other 55 civilians. By the end of the operations, 1,300 (give or take 150) Gazans died, and only 13 Israelis. Why such the variance? It's all disputed. Hamas was threatening a third intifada and continued their Operation Oil Stain sending out 30 or so more rockets, and so Israel invaded by land (Jan. 3, '09), targeting Hamas weapon stockpiles, military stations, and rocket-launching pads. Israel targeted only Hamas stations and sent out leaflets of warning civilians of their invasion. Another huge area of opaqueness was the fact that Hamas kept hiding behind civilians. There was a huge, indisputable number of Gazan civilians killed, but as hard as Israel tried to warn them and keep them out of the cross-fire, I believe that it was absurd to think that civilians will leave their homes with no where to go. Even still, Hamas set up shop in the most heavily populated areas for protection, and that's including behind/under kindergartens. On Jan. 18, Israel declared a cease-fire and on the 19, so did Hamas. But the entire Gaza War had been one extreme international mess.
So, my friend's point of view on the Gaza War was that Israel had committed war crimes because of the civilian death-toll. I cannot say I do not see his point of view, but I believe it was no war crime to secure your borders and protect your citizens. I additionally explained to him, point-blank, that I believe war is a terrible, horrific thing that only kills human life (innocent or not). But I also made it extremely clear that if people (Hamas) is hiding behind their children and killing mine, you'll be sure as anything I will kill theirs to protect my own. It's a you or me situation, and I'm not going to watch my friends and children die. We discussed both our views and concluded that war sucks and death is inevitable in it. Whether we root for the red, green, black and white flag, or the blue and white, to have war is a terrible thing. But even there, our conversation did not stop.
He told me of his new-found respect for Hamas. I heard that and nearly fell out of my seat! He then told me a rather unbelievable narration. In Lebanon, after one of those two incidents, he was kidnapped by Hamas, accused of being an Israeli spy. Now the rest of the story became a personal trial, one I do not wish to publicly share with out his permission... but I was undoubtedly horrified to learn he walked out in peace with Hamas, with a new found respect for them. And I also know it was no Stockholm Syndrome, either. Imagine that.
By the end of that conversation, I would like to think we befriended one another. We both had the same goal (peace) with two very different spins on the whole Middle-East story. So, I guess this was a story of a Jewish-American boy becoming a Palestinian/Arab sympathizer and the Jewish-American girl becoming a passionate Zionist; but more than the labels, it was about two American Jews with the same background, who became opponents based on borders during war.
During about mid-20010, Israel went over to Lebanon in order to cut down a tree that had fallen on Israeli soil, blocking a crucial visual into hostile territory. Now, it is disputed that Israel actually went over the border to cut away at the tree, but that didn't stop what happened next. Lebanese soldiers thought Israel was invading, and Lebanon opened fire. Israel returned fire in all this mess and in the end, three lebanese soldiers, a senior Israeli officer, and a reporter had been killed. This is a perfect example how a misunderstanding lead to international hay-wire. The media spun the stories, "Israel Invaded Lebanon," or, "Lebanon opened fire on Israel." This incident showed how varied the point of view was... especially for two Jewish teens across the border. I thought Israel was right in it's return of fire. My friend did not think this was the case. He thought Israel was to blame for all five deaths.
We also discussed other issues of "invasion." Mainly Gaza in 2008/2009. Operation Cast Lead, which extended into early 2009 (two/three weeks before my arrival), was an Israeli offensive operation in order to end Hamas's mortar shell, Qassam, and Katyusha rocket attacks after the six-month cease fire had ended. During the attacks, "only" one Israeli was killed, but the panic that had erupted was more explosive than even the physical damage. The rockets were now reaching as far as Ashkelon, Kerem Shalom, and Beersheba, the furthest these rockets have ever gotten, leading to national insecurity. In order to protect the borders, Israel invaded with this Operation Cast Lead, killing almost 200 and wounding around 350 Gazans on the first incident/return bombing. Israel reported that out of the 195 deaths, about 140 were Hamas militants, leaving the other 55 civilians. By the end of the operations, 1,300 (give or take 150) Gazans died, and only 13 Israelis. Why such the variance? It's all disputed. Hamas was threatening a third intifada and continued their Operation Oil Stain sending out 30 or so more rockets, and so Israel invaded by land (Jan. 3, '09), targeting Hamas weapon stockpiles, military stations, and rocket-launching pads. Israel targeted only Hamas stations and sent out leaflets of warning civilians of their invasion. Another huge area of opaqueness was the fact that Hamas kept hiding behind civilians. There was a huge, indisputable number of Gazan civilians killed, but as hard as Israel tried to warn them and keep them out of the cross-fire, I believe that it was absurd to think that civilians will leave their homes with no where to go. Even still, Hamas set up shop in the most heavily populated areas for protection, and that's including behind/under kindergartens. On Jan. 18, Israel declared a cease-fire and on the 19, so did Hamas. But the entire Gaza War had been one extreme international mess.
So, my friend's point of view on the Gaza War was that Israel had committed war crimes because of the civilian death-toll. I cannot say I do not see his point of view, but I believe it was no war crime to secure your borders and protect your citizens. I additionally explained to him, point-blank, that I believe war is a terrible, horrific thing that only kills human life (innocent or not). But I also made it extremely clear that if people (Hamas) is hiding behind their children and killing mine, you'll be sure as anything I will kill theirs to protect my own. It's a you or me situation, and I'm not going to watch my friends and children die. We discussed both our views and concluded that war sucks and death is inevitable in it. Whether we root for the red, green, black and white flag, or the blue and white, to have war is a terrible thing. But even there, our conversation did not stop.
He told me of his new-found respect for Hamas. I heard that and nearly fell out of my seat! He then told me a rather unbelievable narration. In Lebanon, after one of those two incidents, he was kidnapped by Hamas, accused of being an Israeli spy. Now the rest of the story became a personal trial, one I do not wish to publicly share with out his permission... but I was undoubtedly horrified to learn he walked out in peace with Hamas, with a new found respect for them. And I also know it was no Stockholm Syndrome, either. Imagine that.
By the end of that conversation, I would like to think we befriended one another. We both had the same goal (peace) with two very different spins on the whole Middle-East story. So, I guess this was a story of a Jewish-American boy becoming a Palestinian/Arab sympathizer and the Jewish-American girl becoming a passionate Zionist; but more than the labels, it was about two American Jews with the same background, who became opponents based on borders during war.
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