Abstract This paper discusses the reasons behind Syria's interventions in Lebanon since 1976, its justifications therefore and the consequences of the Syrian presence there. It expands on Syria's interventions in Lebanon's civil wars and the subsequent role played by Syria. The paper offers background of the intervention.
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the industrial revolution and its effects on agriculture. The paper reviews the pre-industrial history of agriculture as well as the sweeping changes within the agricultural sector during the eventful period when the manufacturing sector was being transformed by a wave of technological innovation. The paper concludes by noting how inextricably linked are agricultural change and technological change.
Abstract This paper discusses the provincial government's Agricultural Land Commission and the policies it enforces on land use in British Columbia. It looks at how the scarcity of agricultural land and the importance of food self-sufficiency, combined with competing demands for farmland for non-farm uses, convinced the government that preserving farmland for agricultural purposes was a matter of provincial interest and importance.
From the Paper "Due to increased competition and the increasing demands of the contemporary consumer, the need for establishing sustainable industries that enhance quality of life is crucial when creating a thriving local business environment. However, in recent years business development has taken a back seat to environmental protectionism in part due to the lack of suitable land for agricultural and farm use. "
Abstract Perhaps no other industry is as dependent upon variables over which it has no control as the agricultural industry is. This paper produces a cross sectional comparison and contrast of three regions in British Columbia: Cariboo region, Peace River, and Kootenay. The paper highlights how climatic factors and soil composition factors impact upon the respective agricultural sectors of the aforementioned areas. In addition to illuminating how areas that are fairly close to one another geographically can still produce astonishing climatic and geological diversity the paper also reveals how primary industries like agriculture take on new shapes in different regions because of the physical feature of the land.
Abstract This paper deals with the issue of free trade in agricultural products versus protectionism that is one of the fiercest international economic debates. It discusses the arguments of the proponents of free trade who believe in opening the global market with as few restrictions on trade as possible and those of the proponents of protectionism who believe in concentrating on the welfare of the domestic farming community. The stage at which the talks over subsidies take place is the World Trade Organization ("WTO").
Paper Outline:
Introduction
The Economics of Agriculture Some Numbers
A Comparative Advantage of the Poor
The Reasons for Protectionism
The WTO and the Prisoner's Dilemma
From the Paper "However, why do the rich countries like those of the European Union as well as the US today still subsidize their farmers to the tune of billions of dollars a year? Beginning in the 1930s most industrialized countries developed agricultural price-support policies to reduce the volatility of prices for farm products and to increase, or at least stabilize, farm income. Subsequently, in food-exporting countries, such as the United States and France, agricultural subsidies have been designed primarily to increase farm income, either by raising the long-term level of prices above free-market levels or by providing direct payments to farmers."
Abstract This paper discusses the effect on agriculture on changes in fuel costs, the market economy, and technology. It notes how changes in the external environment have affected the way those in agriculture do business and so the prices charged at the market, adding to costs or reducing them, depending on the nature of the change and the way farmers are able to respond.
From the Paper "Agriculture is like any other sector of the economy and is affected by many of the same forces, including changes in fuel use and fuel prices, the market economy, and technology. The first of these forces is in the news now as agriculture has to raise its prices to cover higher fuel costs for farm machinery and for delivery costs. The nature of the economy affects agriculture by raising prices for other goods, which also can cause farmers to raise their prices to stay ahead of inflation. New technology can be both a capital expenditure to buy what is needed and a boon by increasing production and reducing costs over all. Such changes in the external environment have affected the way those in agriculture do business and so the prices charged at the market."
Abstract The agricultural industry represents a significant fraction of the overall Canadian economy in terms of both employment and most economic measures. However, as this essay shows, this is a sector of the economy that feels under considerable pressure and is in need of government assistance. The paper also demonstrates that government assistance can be supported by the ideology of capitalism and, in particular, the type of capitalism known as mercantilism that advocates government assistance to business to compete more strongly in the international marketplace.
Abstract While the Canadian agriculture industry may not have the prominence of other sectors of the Canadian economy, such as the automotive or aerospace industries, it remains a significant element of both the Canadian domestic and export sectors. This essay demonstrates that this industry is a not only a major employer, but its health and expansion are critical elements in Canada's global economic position.
Abstract This paper provides a history of agriculture in Syria from the beginning of the last century. It shows how agricultural trends have shifted and examines the outlook for the future.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
History of Agriculture Early 20th Century
Middle 20th Century
Latter 20th century
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Beginning in 1950, Syrian farmers expanded the use of fertilizers and new seeds, and began practicing new farming techniques. As a result, productivity in cotton, fruit and vegetable cultivation improved. In 1953, agriculture provided 40 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Changes in rainfall rates affected crops, with secondary effects on the rest of the economy: trade, transport, and food processing. The low rate of growth of transportation had an adverse effect on the development of important agricultural regions."
Abstract This paper examines the history of the conflict between Israel and Syria over the Golan Heights. Syria remains the one Arab neighbor that has never entered into formal negotiations with Israel. It looks at how Gaza and the West Bank have become subjects not only of negotiation but also of active peacemaking and how the Golan Heights alone has never been brought to the peace table, much less placed on it. It provides a brief description of the history and the geography of the Heights and the current situation and analyzes the prospects of any form of local peace in the near future.
From the Paper "Yet for all these similarities, there is one profound difference: Assad has always been a "player" in Middle Eastern politics, while Saddam Hussein has never been. To some degree this can be explained by geography: Syria has a border with Israel and therefore must be integral to any overall Arab-Israeli settlement, whereas Iraq does not. However, that cannot be the only explanation; Iraq is an important regional power, and the Arab-Israeli issue is not the only game in the Middle East; there is also (among others) the Persian Gulf. The more fundamental reason is the nature and skills of the two men themselves. Both have a gift for staying in power, but Assad also has shown great talent at making himself an indispensable man: without his support no general Arab-Israeli peace can be established, but also without him no anti-Israeli front was viable."
Abstract This paper contrasts and compares the effects of three different wars, on three different countries in the Middle East. The reasons for Egypt, Israel and Syria's decisions to go to war at different times in the last century are discussed, and then analysed to show how this decision affected the political and economic futures of the individual countries, and the region as a whole.
From the paper:
"The Yom Kippur War thus fundamentally changed Syrian society, militarizing its government, just as the Six-Day War divided and energized Israel and World War II wove the foundations of socialism into Egypt. That these changes depended upon the presence of war is not a definitive fact, but their essential contribution to the development of these nations cannot be ignored. This conclusion raises a troubling question, a sad and desperate query tinged with hope: must all change in the Middle East spring from the dark bosom of horrific war?"
Abstract This paper briefly discusses how visiting Syria and walking in the footsteps of Alexander the Great, the Apostle Paul and the Roman Emperors Alexander Severus, Elagabalus and Marcus Julius Philippus could only be described as an experience of a lifetime. The paper briefly describes the history of the country, the main tourist spots as well as cultural compromises that should be taken into consideration.
From the Paper "Travelers should also visit the historical city of Palmyra which has been mentioned in historical records as far back as the 19th century B.C. When asked of her experience at Palmyra world renowned novelist Agatha Christie remarked "It is lovely and fantastic and unbelievable" (qtd. in Shultz 412). The incomparable ruins spread across a 100-Acre site that mimicked Rome in grandeur. For those who enjoy a more chivalrous age and are fascinated by knightly tales the Krak des Chevaliers will certainly not disappoint. "In 1909, before he was Lawrence of Arabia, twenty-year-old T.E. Lawrence toured dozens of the Holy Land's Crusader castles and described Krak des Chevaliers as "the finest castle in the world. Certainly the most picturesque I have ever seen-quite marvelous" (qtd. in Shultz 411)."
A literature review explorin sustainable agriculture and food production and how applied geo-information science can be utilized to secure the future of agricultural production the world over.
Abstract This paper begins with a look at agricultural production systems, as well as methods in both developed and developing countries. The paper then explores some components of agriculture management and forecasting as well as food production, security, and early warning systems - and then looks at how geo-information science can improve upon the former by strengthening the latter two. Finally, the paper looks at some of the representative material available vis-a-vis applied geo-information science. A brief conclusion is then offered as to what the paper has ultimately uncovered.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Agricultural Production Systems/Method in both Developed and Developing Countries
Agriculture Management and Forecasting
Food Production and Early Warning Systems
Applied Geo-information Science and "Smart" Agriculture:
Food Security/Crop Yield
Improve Economy
Agricultural Planning using Soil Moisture Information
Precision Agriculture Overall Conclusion
From the Paper "Needless to say, precision agriculture may ultimately be the one thing standing between economic and social devastation and renewed hope for the future in many developing nations. Maohua reports that the Government of the People's Republic began aiming for precision agriculture shortly after Chairman Mao's death, and the results have been favorable. According to Maohua, the government's overarching aims are to develop a Chinese agricultural capacity able to feed 1.6 billion Chinese by the middle of the twenty-first century."
Abstract This paper explains that, in their haste to introduce market reforms and efficiencies into their antiquated agricultural systems, many emerging nations have sacrificed their environment and citizens' health in exchange for some well-intentioned but misguided short-term gains in productivity. The author points out that past agricultural practices were based on tradition and spiritual concepts; however, many emerging nations have succeeded in overcoming these constraints through innovative policies and initiatives. The paper stresses that modern western agricultural practices rely heavily on heavy and expensive equipment as well as industrial pesticides and fertilizers to wrench continued high yields from the soil are not readily transferable to many emerging nations.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Existing Agricultural Practices in China Today
Innovative and Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Current and Future Trends
What Can Be Done?
Conclusion
From the Paper "Within rural sociology, sustainable agriculture is frequently considered to be a mutually exclusive "competing paradigm" that challenges conventional agriculture on environmental, economic and ideological grounds. As a result, much of the research on identifying sustainable agricultural practices has been focused on understanding the characteristics which differentiate conventional and alternative farmers, as well as the conditions that serve to constrain or facilitate the development of alternative practices and ways of thinking among farmers and agriculture more generally. For example, researchers have examined a variety of farmer and farm attributes such as age, education, orientation to risk, perception of environmental problems, farm size, and profitability; the impact of agricultural markets and prices and state policies, programs and services have also been examined extensively."
Abstract This paper describes precision agriculture. The author feels that precision agriculture may be the greatest development since the agricultural revolution. The paper then discusses how precision agriculture became possible and the technologies behind it. The author concludes that precision agriculture enables small farmers to survive in a market dominated by huge corporate farms.
From the Paper "Precision agriculture became possible through the development of Global positioning systems technology and as such technology has increased in accuracy and decreased in cost, as technology tends to do there has been a far-reaching effect. Though the price tag may still seem high the promise of precision agriculture far outweighs the initial output. "Normal civilian GPS receivers have a precision of about 100 yards. A system called differential GPS, which requires a local base station, can provide meter-level accuracy. At these accuracy levels, the technology has found widespread use in the nation's farmland, as part of a movement called precision agriculture. ("Satellite System Can Control")"
