Sunday, November 13, 2016
GDBB 1 - Shifting Alliances in the Middle East
Use one of the current events sources linked at http://hwc-spring2017.blogspot.com/2016/11/approved-sources-for-hwc-current-events.htmlto find at least 2 recent news article that relate to, support, or refute Ryan's assertion about the shifting alliances in the Middle East. Your comment should include the titles of and links to the news article. Then, briefly summarize these articles with an explanation of how these sources relate to the arguments presented in the briefing book. Don't forget to check your rubric for evaluation criteria!
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Israel 'reducing ties' with nations over settlements
ReplyDeletehttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/12/israel-settlements-161227093330265.html
This article begins by stating that Israel's foreign ministry has proclaimed that they are reducing ties with the countries that voted in favor of a UN resolution ordered settlement building to be stopped in Palestinian territory. The foreign ministry spokesman said that Israel will be decreasing visits with embassies, which could cause them to miss important opportunities. Israel is trying to affect the countries that voted for the resolution by interacting with them as little as possible. Though Israel is upset by the resolution, President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine is hopeful that this resolution will clear the way for the peace conference. This article connects to the topic because it shows how Israel only uses other countries to benefit itself, and cuts off countries that are useless to its future.
Fall of Aleppo could tip Syria from civil war to insurgency
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2016/1214/Fall-of-Aleppo-could-tip-Syria-from-civil-war-to-insurgency
This article starts by disclosing that about 80,000 rebels do not have a specific plan in mind after the fall of Aleppo. They have three primary options: they could start a huge resistance, they could join the fight against ISIS, or they could join the jihadis, who are fighting the Assad regime. The US, Jordan, and Turkey want the Syrian rebels to evacuate the area and to help with anti-ISIS operations, but the rebels are unsure. An insurgency would be completely unpredictable, and increasing amounts of jihadis groups could be even worse. The Syrian government does not have control of the rebels, so it is up to them to decide. Many of them are inclined to join the insurgency to use bombings and ambushes to get what they want. The easy option would be to head to Turkey to help stop ISIS, but others may join the jihadis, who have close ties to Al-Qaeda. This article links to the topic because the Syrian rebels have a lack of options now that Aleppo has fallen, and who they choose to side with could affect the fight against ISIS.
'Sushi' children defy Sunni-Shia divide
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36528536
This article details the controversial topic of a satirical television show about Sunni and Shi'a children and how it was received in Islamic society. The plot is about two children are switched at birth into Sunni and Shi'a families, and when they are switched back, each set of parents tries to reeducate the children about their religion. The series presents an idealized reconciliation of the two religions, and the article explains the cultural significance this has. The article then explains what "Sushi" children are (children born from Sunni-Shi'a marriages), and how such ideas are slowly being accepted. The article concludes that if the two religions coexisted in the past, it can coexist peacefully now. The article connects to the topic because it expands on the Sunni-Shi'a divide that the author mentioned. While the author only stated why the divide came to be, this article shows the modern impact the event had.
US election 2016: What does 'Islam' think of America?
http://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-35782196
The article opens by addressing Trump's statements about Muslims and the anger it brought. Then the article explains how perceptions of the US by Muslim people had improved during Obama's presidency. It then states that the notion that most Muslims hate America is wrong. The article provides statistics to back up this claim. This article is relevant to the topic because it shows the effects that the US invasion of Iraq and other interactions between the two regions had on them. The first topic is about shifting alliances, and this article shows how the relationship between the two regions is not what it seemed in the past.
US offical on the “status quo” in the Middle East: http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2011/05/19/136461409/a-twitter-interview-with-a-white-house-national-security-advisor
ReplyDeleteSyria blaming Iran: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/12/syria-rebel-group-blames-iran-evacuation-suspension-161217195652352.html
These two articles perfectly support Ryan's theory that Middle Eastern Countries chase after safety from both ideological and actual threats. In the first article from NPR, two reporters from NPR conduct an interview with Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes over Twitter. He asks question about how the US conducts itself in the Middle East, especially why aid is provided to some countries and not to others. Rhode goes on to say, “The administration thought a massacre was ‘imminent;’ it had a call from Libyan people to intervene and an international coalition willing to act”. In essence, throughout the article, the Security Adviser makes the point that an issue can spread throughout the various Middle Eastern Countries but however there is no easy solution. In the other article, a evacuation of 800 civilians Aleppo was turned away and four evacuees were killed. Some innocent people even claim they were beaten and robbed. In the aftermath, a high-level Syrian rebel blamed Iran for causing the holdup. Together, these articles support Ryan’s assertion that the countries in the Middle East are hugely paranoid of being at a disadvantage and blame each other when they are.
Tomislav Nikolic: Serbia won't align with East or West
ReplyDeletehttp://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/talktojazeera/2016/11/tomislav-nikolic-serbia-won-align-east-west-161124105054362.html
Israel 'reducing ties' with nations over settlements
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/12/israel-settlements-161227093330265.html
The two articles that I chose relate to Ryan's theory about the shifting alliances in the Middle East and the countries that have major influence. In the first article it talks about Serbia not siding with a specific side of the war happening in the Middle East. This could divide countries or cause one side to lose some resources. Serbia will never have ties with NATO but would like to stay with the EU. The second article's main idea is that Israel is starting to cut ties with other nations in the Palestinian territory. As Israel does not respect the UN and is facing internal issue with illegal building in some areas. The ambassador stated that Israel will be making less visits to other embassy's. Both of these articles support Ryans claim of alliances in the Middle East.
Death of a Former Iranian President May Shape the Race for the Next One
ReplyDeleteKenyon, Peter. “Death Of A Former Iranian President May Shape The Race For The Next One.” NPR, NPR, 10 Jan. 2017, www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2017/01/10/509119921/death-of-a-former-iranian-president-may-shape-the-race-for-the-next-one.
This article talks about the death of former Iranian president Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who was an important advocate for negotiations with world powers. The current president, Hassan Rouhani, also holds these views, but he is not as vocal about it as Rafsanjani was. Those who want ties with other countries are now worried that Rouhani, in the next election, will lose to more hardline Iranians who don't want to rely on anyone. The article goes over what may happen to the strength of those in favor of peace, and why these things may happen. This is important because Iran's alliances could depend on who wins the next election.
Russia-Iran Alliance Complicates U.S. Role in Syrian Conflict
“Russia-Iran Alliance Complicates U.S. Role In Syrian Conflict.” NPR, NPR, 16 Dec. 2016, www.npr.org/2016/12/16/505892967/russia-iran-alliance-complicates-u-s-role-in-syrian-conflict.
This is an interview that discusses a possible alliance between Iran and Russia over Syria. Both of these countries have interests in Syria because of its location. However, this would force the US to make a decision: help Russia and Iran or get out of the way altogether. However, this also leaves the problem of ISIS and how they will be dealt with. This is a good example of how changing Middle East alliances also affect countries outside the Middle East.
Egypt and Turkey Soften Positions on Syria, Benefiting Assad
ReplyDeletehttps://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/02/world/middleeast/syria-assad-egypt-turkey.html
This article talks about how Egypt and Turkey are splitting even further apart, with Egypt now supporting Syria, and Turkey becoming better acquainted with Russia. However, even with opposing views, both have lightened up on their stance. Turkey now is under the protection and ideas of Russia because of Turkey drawing support from Syrian rebels. Egypt, on the other hand, has now been supporting Syria, even saying yes to send peacekeeping troops. With Egypt's position change, Saudi Arabia has pulled from Egypt, cutting off their oil supply at a discount, now leaving Egypt on a very fragile income. This pertains to the articles because it brings up the alliance between Egypt and Turkey again, but this time from a different standpoint. Also, the article mentions Egypt's alliance with Saudi Arabia, and how it is dismembered for the time being due to Egypt's shift in sides.
Syrian President Calls Donald Trump a ‘Natural Ally’ in Fight Against Terrorism
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/17/world/middleeast/assad-donald-trump-syria-natural-ally.html
This article focuses more on the United States' relationship with Syria. Specifically, the article goes into how the Syrian president, who President Obama denounced, is looking forward to Trump as an ally against Syrian rebels. Trump, instead of going against Syria as well as ISIS, wants to focus just on ISIS and have a similar relationship with Syria as Russia does. Trump plans more on just bombing ISIS active sites instead of also funding to fight against the Syrian government, because them too are fighting terrorists. This article relates to the articles in this section because it discusses some relationships between the U.S. and Syria, as well as how the relationship is changing with a new president coming into office.
Donald Trump’s Middle East Con
ReplyDeletehttp://theweek.com/articles/671368/donald-trumps-middle-east-con
This article is mainly about what Donald Trump plans to do about the problems and situations happening in the Middle East. During his campaign, he stated that he would find a better way to handle the battles, instead of just bombing ISIS and etc. This article is also a little biased towards trump’s decisions on who is helping him with Iran’s situations and what his actions are going to be. The author of this article thinks that the battle in the Middle East will get worse, and if things do get worse, Iran will open up their nuclear utilities.
Obama is Dooming the U.S. to Another Three years In Iraq. It’s a Mistake.
http://theweek.com/articles/443896/obama-dooming-another-three-years-iraq-mistake
This article is mainly about how Obama announced that the U.S. is launching a war campaign in Iraq that could last up to three years. The author of this article is uncertain that the U.S. will be able to put back this country to where it used to be, because of how long we have tried to do this already. The author also talks about how ISIS is a big problem for the United States, and that this military mission might cause more problems. This related to the article “Shifting Alliances in the Middle East,” because the author of that article states that the U.S. weary about helping the situation in alliance with Iraq. This article is just an example of the main point in writing the article in the Global Decisions book.
Iran 'wanted Egypt at Syria talks' as Middle Eastern alliances shift
ReplyDeletehttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/20/iran-egypt-syria-talks-middle-eastern-alliances-shift
This article starts by describing Iran's suggestion of including Egypt in the Lausanne talks. They did this because Egypt is the most populous Sunni Arab nation in the Middle East and Iran did not want to be outnumbered by all the Anti-Assad countries like Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. This new forming alliance was also emphasized by Egypt's (as well as Iran's) dispute with Saudi Arabia, their former financial and oil supporter, that started from Egypt voting with Russia instead of supporting the agreed Arab decision of Saudi Arabia that they usually do. Due to all of these events, Egypt seems to be shifting from allies of the U.S. and Saudi Arabia to those of Russia and Iran which is viewed as a tactical move on their part by some. This relates to the first topic in the great decisions book because it shows how alliances in the Middle East are constantly shifting because of frequent occurrences, such as Egypt's decision to vote with Russia, that change nations' perspectives.
Why the Turkey-KRG alliance works, for now
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2016/11/turkey-krg-alliance-161105141533661.html
Despite their rocky past, Turkey and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) are now starting to come together as allies. Even though there are conflicts within the alliance, such as the opposition from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Turkey has decided to continue moving in on the alliance in response to the instability in Iraq and as a buffer to the growing influence from Iran. This alliance might also prove to be beneficial after several conflicts like ISIL eventually pass over when Turkey will need support as geopolitics shift. This also benefits the Kurds because they hope to strengthen their own dominant party against the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). The Kurds have also lost reliability in the United States as an ally so Turkey seems to be their best option. Similarly, Iran is unreliable due to its allegiances elsewhere. Overall, partnering with Turkey, a major military power, will benefit the Kurds as an ally and will also be good for their development and possibly even restart the peace process with the PKK. This article relates to the first topic because it shows the importance of acquiring allies and how big of a factor they can be. This is evident by the advantages both Turkey and Kurdistan will experience as well as the potential future benefits.
“Trump urged to fix US failed policies in the Middle East” http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/11/trump-middle-east-161108070346956.html
ReplyDeleteThis article discusses how Donald Trump has many foreign policy challenges and gives the recommendation from four Arab scholars as to what he should do. Diana Buttu, former legal advisor to the Palestinian negotiating team and a human rights lawyer basically suggests that Trump should end Israel’s military ruling and encourage Palestinian elections for capable leaders. Bassam Haddad, director if the Middle East Program at George Mason says that the U.S. should focus on International law and human rights. Haddad also states that before the Middle East Policy changes, Trump needs to focus on reclaiming the democracy in the United States. Maha Yahya is involved with the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut and suggests that the United States should focus more on the Middle East and less on Isis. Lastly, Abdullah Al-Arian is a professor at Georgetown University and proposes that the Iran deal should influence Trump and his administration to come up with other ideas to solve the continued problems. All in all, this related to section one of GGBB because it talks about the relationship with the United States and Middle East.
“Recapture of Aleppo: What next for Syria?” http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38297511
This article is about how the anti-Assad rebels have come even closer to losing the war between them and the Syrians. Basically, President Bashar al-Assad annihilated eastern Aleppo and now has control over the highly populated portions of the country. Also, Assad and his military was collapsing, but Russia helped out immensely. Assad also claims that his army will continue with an offensive strategy, but even with his last victory, the military is still weak. In conclusion, Syria’s outcome will be heavily influenced on how Russia wants to act next.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2017/01/protests-erupt-gaza-electricity-crisis-deepens-170117105756091.html
ReplyDeleteProtests Erupt in Gaza as Electricity Crisis Deepens
This article begins by discussing the electricity crisis in the Gaza Strip which is angering many Palestinians. It then goes on to say that more than 10,000 Palestinians flooded the streets in Jabaliya, a refugee camp, after more than a week of power cuts which resulted in some resident receiving only three hours of electricity at a time. These protesters were furious with Israel’s blockade and demanded a solution for the power cuts. Many Palestinians have been dealing with this energy crisis since Israel’s 51-day war on Gaza in 2014 where the main power plant was damaged by the Israeli forces. Qatar has given Gaza a donation of $12 million that would allow for its residents to have an 8 hour period of electricity. The Prime minister has recently announced that Turkey would donate fuel to the territory in an agreement which is soon to come. This relates to the chapter because it shows that the Middle East has been shifting its powers with Qatar is an influence in the Middle East providing a hefty donation to Gaza.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/01/francois-hollande-state-solution-170115153830681.html
Francois Hollande: Two-state solution is the only way
The articles begins by discussing that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the way to bring peace and security to the Middle East. This was said by Francois Hollande, France’s president who proposes that they should bring this conflict to the negotiating table. This is the second time that Paris has called for both the Palestinians and the Israelis to end their conflict, but the prime minister of Israel and the Palestinian authority president both refused to show up. It then goes on to talk about how Palestine struggles to be recognized as an independent state. The article also says that if France wants to bring peace it would need to be harder with Israel because of the recent crisis in Gaza that the French did not assist in stopping. The Palestinian government has stated the French peace initiative was crucial to reaffirm the consensus about the Palestinian cause that the foreign military occupation must come to an end. This relates to the chapter because it reaffirms the author’s idea that the Middle East is in political unrest, and that they must return to a state of peace and security.
Arab journalists urge Egypt to free Al Jazeera reporter
ReplyDeletehttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/01/arab-journalists-urge-egypt-free-al-jazeera-reporter-170121204308480.html
This article is about the detention of an Al Jazeera reporter in Egypt for "incitement against state institutions and broadcasting false news with the aim of spreading chaos". The journalist is an Egyptian national and was visiting on December 20th, 2016 for a holiday. The Federation of Arab Journalists is calling for the journalist’s release and for Egypt to accept the freedoms of speech and of the press. A spokesperson for the UN secretary general said that they will try to appeal for this case to be resolved with Egypt's duties to protect freedom of expression and freedom of opinion. This relates to the chapter because due to its fears and insecurities about the security of its own regime, the Egyptian government detained a journalist and later accused him of spreading fake news.
Pakistan vegetable market bomb kills 20 and injures 40
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-38703375
There was an explosion in a market in Parachinar, a mostly Shia muslim area near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. A bomb was detonated, killing 20 people and injuring 40. A faction of the Pakistani Taliban claimed to be responsible for the bomb. A spokesperson said they wanted to teach a lesson to Shiites for their support for Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president. It is said that the city is used to Sunni-Shia attacks and the Pakistani Prime Minister recently spoke out about the tragedy. This relates to the chapter because it expands upon what the GDBB said about the divide between Sunni and Shia muslims.
As Yemen Descends Into Chaos, Key Questions and Answers
ReplyDeletehttp://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/03/150331-yemen-saudi-arabia-iran-houthis-asia-world/
This article gives more insight into the problems and causes of the violence that is taking place in Yemen. The problem deals with the Saudis, Houthis, and Iran. In 2004 the Houthis went against the Yemeni and they Yemeni beat them, the Houthis keep fighting. The US is also affected in this because Yemen has has some of the biggest terroristic groups including al Qaeda. Saudi Arabia is also trying to prevent the Yemeni from going farther down into the war because of its Isalmic terrorists their neighbors have. The US Is assisting Saudi Arabia with logistical and intelligence support because Saudi Arabia is our strongest and most vital Arab ally.
US lifts military aid freeze against Egypt
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-32139637
The article discusses the resumption of the US delivery of jets, missiles, and tank kits to Egypt. Obama originally halted the delivery until they saw Egypt begin advancements towards democracy. After he resumed the delivery he stated that we will continues to support them. The aid is to support military in Egypt so they can continue to fight terrorism which is ocurring in the Middle East.
Will Iran Deal Meet The Same Fate As A Past U.S.-North Korean Arms Deal?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2016/11/15/502061437/will-iran-deal-meet-the-same-fate-as-a-past-u-s-north-korean-arms-deal
In 1994 the Clinton Administration made a deal to stop North Koreas nuclear program in exchange for aid. Then soon in 2002 the Bush Administration confronted North Korea with evidence that Pyongyang was cheating on the deal. It appears a similar conflict is occuring with the United States and Iran regarding to nuclear arms deals. This relates specifically to text evidence how Iran and the United States since the Cold War had a lot in common regarding to control arms deals. These deals were not technically an alliance but held common ground between these two nations which will hopefuly and likely start an alliance with both regions regarding to arms deals and may not end up so wrong such as deals with North Korea.
The Arab Spring: A Year Of Revolution
http://www.npr.org/2011/12/17/143897126/the-arab-spring-a-year-of-revolution
"A year ago, 26-year-old Mohamed Bouazizi was getting ready to sell fruits and vegetables in the rural town of Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia. Bouazizi was the breadwinner for his widowed mother and six siblings, but he didn't have a permit to sell the goods. When the police asked Bouazizi to hand over his wooden cart, he refused and a policewoman allegedly slapped him. Angered after being publicly humiliated, Bouazizi marched in front of a government building and set himself on fire." This direct quote directly builds on a specific main idea on the GDBB. It relates back to Regime Security in Arabic regions. It talks how the main problems are not insurgenices, or terrorism, or civil wars, but rather than problems caused by their own external security. As seen from the article from the quote, a policewoman publicly embarassed a man and caused him to actually set himself in fire in front of the government. This soon led to a series of large scale protests over this one event.
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2016/11/election-affect-middle-east-policy-161105125945727.html "The Middle East that Obama left Behind"
ReplyDeleteThe article discusses the fact that Obama's presidency has left the Middle East in extreme turmoil. Stephen Walt, an international affairs professor at Harvard University, describes it as "...one of near-total failure," when reflecting on his foreign policies. Walt argues that repeated and unsatisfactory intervention from the United States, instead of helping the conditions of the already- tumultous Middle East, instead worsened them. He alludes to the United States trying to create a two-state solution between Palestine and Israel, and how that has pushed then farther away from a compromise, and how the US intervention of Yemen and Libya produced a "failed state."
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2016/07/29/the-emerging-monarchies-club-in-the-middle-east/?utm_term=.d813a7396247
"How Middle Eastern monarchies survived the Arab Spring"
This article begins by challenging the reader to define the word 'community.' Normally, it connotates a civil and righteous group of people, but the author reveals that dictators have communities, too. The article discusses the convergence of many Arab regimes after the 2011-2012 Arab Spring, most notably Morocco, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and the UAE. The author describes that after the turmoil and fighting for change that took place during the spring, Arab dictatorships became eager to work together to expand their political power as well as keep the people in check. They have developed cross policing laws, as well as laws against 'terrorism,' or uprisings in their communities. Though the GCC did not expand for fear of uprising from Jordan and Morocco, these countries remain more powerful due to this new teamwork
Arab Spring 'cost region $600bn' in lost growth, UN says
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37945757
The Arab Spring started when in 2010 a young man lit himself on fire because officials would not let him sell fruit. This cause protests to break out and eventually led to the president's resignation and exile. Several other Arab states broke out in protests and Libya, Yemen, and Syria still remain in civil wars. This relates to the chapter by further expanding on the Arab Springs which was mentioned only a few times throughout the chapter.
No going back on Iran nuclear deal, Rouhani warns Trump
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38653389
This article describes Donald Trump's views on the Iran Nuclear Deal as well as Hassan Rouhani's views on Trumps feelings. Rouhani believes that Trumps statements were just slogans and once in office he will not bother with the deal. Trump made statements such as, ""the worst deal ever" referring to the Iran Nuclear Deal. He also said that it would be his number one priority "to dismantle the disastrous deal". Rouhani says that "The Iran deal must be measured against the alternatives. A diplomatic resolution that prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is far preferable to an unconstrained Iranian nuclear programme or another war in the Middle East.". All in all, this article provides a new view on a deal made by a former U.S. President with Hassan Rouhani. This relates to the chapter in that way.
Bahrain is Still Hounding its Shia
ReplyDeletehttp://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21715023-protesters-are-cowed-repression-carries-bahrain-still-hounding-its
This article from economists.com was written on the 21st of January 2017 about recent issues between the Shia and other religions of the people of Bahrain. Bahrain used to be in a good state and has been attacked and bombed. By other countries in the Arab region and other communities in Bahrain. This Shia village was believed to be targeted because of the beliefs that Shias obtain. In Great Decisions, the author of this section talks about how strong countries target stronger countries, but based on this article, this small Shia village in Bahrain was targeted souly based on their beliefs and not economic status.
Iraqi ambassador to US: Ramadi liberation 'a few days away'
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35162343
The mentioned article is about the Iraqi military forces attempting to fight the Islamic State to gain back the city of Ramedi. In Great Decisions, it is stated that the United States seeks to fight against the Islamic State and that is technically what they are doing by supporting Iraqi military forces to take back a territory from the Islamic State.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to Reassess UN Ties
ReplyDeletehttp://www.euronews.com/2016/12/24/israeli-pm-netanyahu-to-re-asses
The article is about Israel's prime minister Netanyahu and the relationship between israel and the United States. The article claims that he said that he is anticipating Trumps administration as many believe Trump will be more pro Israel. The article also says that the Israeli government is reevaluating UN agreements. Finally it explains a brief history of how Israel gained its land. The article reinforces the GDBB as book explains how different countries in the region have different alliances and Israel is generally defended by the United States.
Syrian Government Rejects Qatari, Saudi Role in Talks: Report
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/01/18/world/middleeast/18reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-talks.html
The article explains that Syrian foreign minister does not accept the attendance of Qatar and Saudi Arabia at peace talks. The article relates to the GDBB because both explain the tensions in the Middle East and lack of foreign policy between countries.