The Death of Osama Bin Laden

On May 2, 2011, United States President Barack Obama ordered Operation Neptune Spear to commence. That day the United States Navy SEALS raided Osama Bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan, where he was then killed.

This event will go down as a moment in history. This is the day that the iconic symbol of the al-Qaeda was shattered, the day where the victims of 9/11 were one step closer to recovering, and the day the al-Qaeda vowed to seek revenge. This day was a proud moment in the lives of the average American citizen. But were they too proud? There were numerous celebrations over this man’s death nationwide. Although this was a somewhat necessary action, shouldn’t we still show some level of respect? Celebrating over Osama’s death will only further instill hatred among the al-Qaeda. It is inevitable that the al-Qaeda will retaliate. As stated by this Islamist group: “We will continue to hunt the Americans and their operatives inside and outside their country. Soon by God’s help, their happiness will be turned to grief and their tears will be mixed with their blood.”

Since May 2, security has been intensified across the US. Although the al-Qaeda have been hindered by Bin Laden’s death, it is very likely that this group will continue to exist. Bin Laden was a charismatic leader and an important symbol for this group, however he was not their powerhouse. The al-Qaeda are largely independent of the main leadership. The al-Qaeda have called on Pakistanis to “cleanse” their country of Americans and have threatened that the reign of terror’ is not over.

Many Muslim countries are defying Osama’s original principles: that terror and violence is necessary to overthrow a dictatorship. The Muslim world is beginning to seek democracy through non-violent protests, and this is ultimately killing the al-Qaeda’s ideology.

Whether the al-Qaeda’s threats are real or not is unknown, but it is clear that the rivalry between both the United States and this Islamic group is growing immensely. This unresolved conflict is bound to lead to further retaliations or acts of violence, but only time will tell.

Central Theme

Over the course of this year I have developed an understanding of what “world issues” really means. Choosing one central theme for this course is difficult. Projects including the AIC Simulation, and the Seven Steps project were both interactive and invaluable experiences. I was able to become involved with these two issues and become a participant rather then a bystander. I believe that one major theme this course has taught me is the definition of a global citizen. The Seven Steps project or “Turning Passion into Action” was an experience that was particularly rewarding. I was able to see what exactly went into programs such as ECC and how it is possible for one person to make a difference, such as Mrs. Heidi Peragine for example. I also discovered that although these programs are time consuming and a lot of work, they provided such a positive outcome that it is completely worth it. In the future I hope to become more involved in such organizations. I want to do my part in society. I want to become a global citizen.

How World Issues Has Changed My View On the World.

World issues is a class that has forever changed my view on the world. I am used to the typical, straight sciences; it’s all I know. I must admit, before this class I was completely oblivious to what was happening in the world around me. I would only hear brief snippets of the news from my parents or peers. In other words, I was living in my own little bubble. At first I was a little unsure of taking this course. I’m interested in helping others, I love to volunteer, and I want to make a difference, but I did not know what to expect. I soon found world issues to be a valuable course to take. The in-class discussions piqued my curiosity and kept me updated on current affairs. I was able to stay connected to the world’s issues. Although I am not one to contribute much during these discussions, I still thoroughly enjoy listening to them and learning new things each class. Throughout the year this class has inspired to pick up a newspaper or browse the news online and then later discuss my findings with parents or friends. I hope to continue being knowledgeable and better yet curious about the world around me as an informed, global citizen.

Revolution in the Middle East and North Africa: Let Freedom Reign

The revolutionary wave in the Middle East and North Africa continues to push forth democracy but faces roadblocks. It all began on December 18 2010 when an uprising began. The revolution began in Tunisia, a small country run by a ruthless dictator. The demonstrations were caused by high unemployment, food inflation, corruption, poor living conditions and a restriction on freedom of speech. Seeing the outburst of democracy, a chain of unrest began across the nation. The next success story came out of Egypt, which after weeks of protest allowed their immoral dictator to be ousted from the country. However, 840 deaths were reported with over 6000 civilians injured and Cairo was declared a war zone. Currently, the situation is still tense in Egypt as the democracy is still struggling through its infancy. The current situation in Libya is perhaps the greatest story of struggle in the region. After 42 years of brutal dictation, the people of Libya have finally risen up to overtake their nation and turn it into a democratic haven. After weeks of protest the uprising has turned violent, causing NATO and other pro democratic nations to have to intervene. Currently, NATO forces control the airspace that lies above Libya, and continuously bombs government forces. The scene continues to be tense as rebels believe that NATO is not intervening enough and Gaddafi’s forces continue to push back on the rebels. With no clear end in sight, the Libyan crisis will continue to be at the forefront of the Arab uprising. Other crises in the North African region include: Syria, Yemen, Behran, Iran, Djibouti, Iraq, Jordan, Oman. As the crises continue, we continue to watch with heavy hearts and hopeful minds. Let freedom reign! By Sean, Jennie, Rosemary & Alex

China: Friend or Foe

China’s economy is growing at a remarkable rate. It is the world’s fastest growing major economy, the largest exporter, the second largest and the world's top manufacturer in 2011, surpassing the United States. In order to achieve this economic success the Chinese government encouraged the formation of rural enterprises and private businesses, liberalized foreign trade and investment, relaxed state control over some prices, and invested in industrial production and the education of its workforce. Another way in which this nation grew so quickly is through the manipulation of their currency, the Yuan. The intention of the Chinese government is to ensure that the American dollar is worth more than the Yuan. As their economy grew, they did not raise the value of the Yuan. The result is more cost efficient manufacturing in China. Many believe that this has cost Americans jobs, harmed small business and destroyed US manufacturing.

Evidently, the rise of this superpower is in close ties with the United States. So far things have been positive between these two powerful nations. However, there is an undermining fear that the relationship between China and America will deteriorate just as the friendship between Germany and Britain had in the decades before the First World War. China has been modernizing its missiles, submarines, radar, cyber-warfare and anti-satelline weapons in response to feeling threatened by American naval power. The US Navy had begun to deploy more forces to the Pacific. Both countries see each other as a growing threat.

However it is possible for two superpowers to coexist. In order for this to happen, mutual trust and openness in regards to their military powers is essential.

CARE

What is a global citizen? The Internet describes a global citizen as, “A person who applies the concept of citizenship to a global level, and is strongly connected with the concepts of globalization and cosmopolitanism.” But what does this mean? The CARE model, which is a set of guidelines developed by Me to We, attempts to help explain what it means to be a global citizen. The acronym CARE stands for compassion, action, responsibility and equality. All of these qualities are important in respects to becoming a global citizen and a respectable role model.

In ranking these qualities in order of importance, I would have to agree with the model established by Me to We: Compassion, action, responsibility and equality. To be a caring and compassionate person means you have the desire to be a good person. You do not volunteer to gain volunteer hours or create an image for yourself. You volunteer because you truly believe in helping others. To care about the feelings of others, for yourself, and for the world around you is a fundamental step in becoming a global leader.

Action is also a crucial step. To become a global citizen you must not only have good thoughts, but also act upon them. Personally, I find this to be one of the most difficult steps. Our lives are busy, filled with school, extracurriculars, and a social schedule. However, if everyone made time to volunteer or search for the nearest recycling bin, I believe the world would be a much better place.

To be responsible is to be a person who may be seen as a leader. To be responsible means to be a person who is reliable and honest. These characteristics are key to becoming a global citizen. In order to gain the respect and have a positive impact on the people around you it is important to be true to what you stand for, or in other words, ‘walk the walk’.

I ranked equality last, although this does not mean it is any less important. To have equality in society is to appreciate others differences. We are all people of different race, gender, and economic background. If we were to treat people with the respect they deserve, conflicts such as the Arab-Israeli conflict would be resolved and tension and hard feelings between groups of people would be relieved. In order to be a global citizen you must go into any situation with an open mind. I believe equality is encompassed with the qualities listen above, most specifically compassion.

Wikileaks Is a Go

Wikileaks is a non-profit website that posts classified information media from anonymous news sources and leaks. Wikileaks’ intentions were good. As they had originally stated: “our primary interest is in exposing oppressive regimes in Asia, the former Societ bloc, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle east, but we also expect to be of assistance to people of all regions who wish to reveal unethical behavior in their governments and corporations.” Wikileaks is designed to expose the truth. However, there have been instances where Wikileaks has threatened the relationships of many countries.

It has been declared that Wikileaks serves as a potential threat to the world’s security and especially the United States. As stated by White House press secretary Robert Gibbs: "[Wikileaks] could compromise private discussions with foreign governments and opposition leaders." He stated that this not only affects the United States safety, but also our allies around the world. However, legal spokesman Mark Stevens of Wikileaks argues that there is “no threat to either the security of individuals or ongoing operations”. They insist that they put serious thought into what is to be released and they make sure that the classified information they do release does not put lives at risk.

Overall, I feel that Wikileaks is a positive movement. It is keeping the citizens out of the dark and allowing them to fully understand their government and their motives. Maybe Wikileaks can reveal and prevent any corruption that is prevalent in our word. As long as the information being released is regulated and a line is not crossed, Wikileaks should continue to operate.

Globalization: Detrimental?

Globalization is the interaction and integration among people across the world. It involved the interaction between companies, governments, nations, societies, etc. This is a result of our modernizing world. Because we have the technology, the transportation, and the resources, we are able to communicate with people all over the world. Economoic globalization is a term that is commonly associated with globalization. This includes the integration of national economies into the international economy through trade, foreign direct investment, capital flows, migration, technology, and military presence.

Of course globalization has its pros. It allows countries to become involved in the global market like never before, giving them the opportunity to improve their economy and compete with more developed nations. It also makes our world a more connected place. We are also able to recognize when conflict is occurring in other countries, and deliver aid when needed. However, globalization also has serious detrimental effects on our world. Some, including myself, would argue that the cons might outweigh the pros in this situation. This process has effects on the environment, on culture, and on political systems and on human physical well-being. Deforestation, air pollution, and mineral depletion is occurring; It has also known that globalization has helped to spread some of the deadliest infectious diseases known to humans; and cultures are losing their uniqueness with McDonalds and Starbucks becoming widespread. Poorer countries are also losing their say in many situations, doing what the more powerful nations are telling them to do. I believe our “Americanizing” world is developing social and economic issues with Globalization as the root cause.

Holiday Blog Post: 9/11 Workers Health Bill

On December 22 the Congress Passes 9/11 Workers Health Bill was passed after years of debate and compromise. Congress passed a $4.3 billion health bill for the rescue workers involved in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York City. The bill will cover $1.8 billion in health-care costs for the 60,000 rescue workers registered for monitoring and treatment; the City of New York with pay 10% of the bill's overall costs. The bill will also reopen the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund for five years, which provides money to compensate for job loss. This is an important step in the slow recovery from the events of 9/11. This movement must provide a sense of reassurance to the victims of this tragedy that the world still cares and is here to support them.

Arab-Israeli Conflict (AIC)

The Arab-Israeli Conflict Simulation is run by the University of Michigan under the Interactive Communications & Simulations (CS) program. It is a fourteen-week simulation that includes 16 teams of 3 students, each representing different government official of political figure for a different country. In general, it is a political and diplomatic role-playing exercise

In this simulation, I am playing the part of Nicholas Clegg on team Britain. Nicholas is the leader of the Liberal Democrats, the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Lord President of the Council, and Minister for Constitutional and Political reform in the coalition government of conservative Prime Minister David Cameron. Britain’s Role in the Arab-Israeli conflict is typically the peacekeeper, offering support and criticism to both sides.

In this simulation I hope to gain a better understanding of this ongoing conflict. I hope to become aware of each country’s political goals and aspirations, and I also hope to learn the necessary steps it takes to attain peace. Finally, I hope to develop valuable skills such as communicating with other teams and taking action when necessary.