Abstract The paper discusses the origins and rise of Islam as well as the history of the glorious city of Baghdad in 800 CD. The paper explores why the rise of Islam is manifested through the actions of violent extremists like the Taliban and al-Qaeda. The paper seeks to determine how the concepts of war and killing are spawned by and driven from religious teachings.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Today's Radical Islamists Use Religion to Promote Terror
Interpretation of Facts and Research
From the Paper "The purpose of this paper is to explore and review the rise of Islam, which began many centuries before the emergence of today's most visible and tyrannical radical Islamic organizations, the Taliban and al Qaeda. But for many citizens who are interested in Islam, but also weary of the threat of terrorism - and who cringe with each new suicide bomber's bloodletting in Iraq, Pakistan, Israel, Lebanon and elsewhere - the Taliban and al Qaeda are the only words and images that come to mind when the word "Islam" or "Muslim" are mentioned. These same millions of people read and hear about the terrible violence, bloodshed and civil strife in Baghdad and they likely know little else about this once great city."
Abstract The paper discusses the Berlin-Baghdad railway and the arrival of the SMS Goeben battleship that caused the Turks to join the alliance that pulled them into World War I. The paper describes in detail the weeks before the actual declaration of war against the Allied powers.
From the Paper "In November of 1914, the once-mighty "sick man of Europe," the Ottoman Empire, joined the 'war to end all wars' as a Central Power. Having concluded a secret alliance with Germany against her long-time rival Russia, the conditions for war were met, and on 11 November, Sultan Mehmed V declared jihad. This would prove, as with so many other empires, to be the downfall of Turkey as a Mediterranean power, and, in fact as an empire at all. The terms of the alliance pulled the Ottomans into the war, but the real question remains; what led them to sign it? The answers can be found in two places: the Berlin-Baghdad Railway, and the arrival of the SMS Goeben."
This paper compares the approaches of two journalists to the war in Iraq: Stephen Biddle's "Seeing Baghdad, Thinking Saigon" and Matt Taibbi's "The Chicken Doves".
Abstract This paper focuses on the US involvement in the war in Iraq and, in particular, examines the viewpoints taken by journalists Stephen Biddle in "Seeing Baghdad, Thinking Saigon" and Matt Taibbi in "The Chicken Doves". The paper looks at how each author expresses his views on the war differently even though both agree that the war is a failed policy. The paper goes on to show how Biddle's approach is to professionally build a case that, while the Bush approach to winning the war is like the one used in Vietnam, it is not working and cannot work. The paper contrasts this to Matt Taibbi's article where he uses profanity and propaganda to show how angry he is that the Democrats were not able to stand up to Bush and cut off funds for the war.
Outline:
Facts
Stephen Biddle
Matt Taibbi
Outline
Summary of Rrticles
From the Paper "When a knowledgeable person hears the statement "the war in Iraq," most informed observers now see that there is a civil war in Iraq between the Sunni and Shiite Muslims. This is a bitter ethnic rivalry that has existed for centuries. The Kurds are another ethnic minority in this stew. It is also clear that there are numerous al Qaeda extremists in Iraq that have been recruited, trained, and sent to Iraq to kill Americans and conduct terrorist-style suicide bombing incidents that slaughter and maim scores of innocents.
"This paper is focused on the American's five-year involvement, during which the true cost of the war approaches $2 trillion (health care for injured; interest on money borrowed to finance the war), over 4,000 U.S. troops have died, and unknown tens of thousands of Iraqis have perished. An opinion poll by CBS News (March 15-18, 2008) (www.pollingreport.com) reflects that 65% of American adults "disapprove" of the way George W. Bush is handling the war. Some 59% say the U.S. "should have stayed out..." of Iraq in the first place."
Abstract In this essay, Iraq and the Kurdish people are discussed in great detail. The paper discusses the influence of the British in the region and the annexation of Kurdistan to become a part of Northern Iraq. The paper contains an in-depth account of the history of Iraq and the Kurds struggle for independence and the fight against Arab Nationalism.
From the paper:
"The Iraqis were to give due regard to the Kurds in regard to their culture and language. The settlement had considerable repercussions, however, for the future of Iraq. Vast oil revenues would accrue from the Mosul province, but the inclusion of a large number of well-armed and restless Kurds in Iraqi territory would continue to plague Iraqi governments".
A discussion of the economic, military, and political aspects of Iraq-U.S. relationship during the years immediately prior to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990.
2,600 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 6 sources, 2002, $ 78.95
Abstract The paper begins with a brief historical background of Iraqi government and policies. The development of U.S. policy supporting Iraq over Iran, including issues of economic and military aid, policies on the exportation of technology to Iraq and political relations are outlined. Iraq's role in the Arab-Israeli peace process is also discussed as it relates to US policy.
From the Paper "The emergence of the United States as the foremost Western power and the heir to British imperialism after the Second World War had made it almost inevitable that it would play a major role in the oil-rich Middle East region. Since that time the United States and Iraq have had a tumultuous and complex history, played out in the backdrop of the strategic importance of the Middle East and its vast oil resources, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the Iran-Iraq dispute. For most Americans, however, the history of their country's relationship with Iraq started with the Gulf War of 1991, UN sanctions, Saddam's defiance, periodic bombings, and the recent description of Iraq as part of an "Axis of Evil" by President Bush. The fact that the US-Iraq relations were not always so hostile-especially in the years immediately prior to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990?therefore, comes as a surprise to many. Although a veil of secrecy was kept over these relations at the time, subsequent congressional and media inquiries after the Gulf War have shed considerable light on the nature of these relations - the scandal having come to be known as Iraqgate."
From the Paper "President Clinton's decision to send cruise missiles to bomb an intelligence center in Baghdad won wide support from Congress, but it also reopened a long-running debate over White House consultations with Congress.. The operations raised questions about war-making authority because it was Clinton's first unilateral use of U.S. force in a time of multi-lateral operations from Somalia to Bosnia.
Clinton ordered the June 26, 1993 attack in response to what he called "compelling evidence" that Iraq had attempted to assassinate former President George Bush when he visited Kuwait in April. Sixteen suspects in the alleged attack, several of whom are said to have confessed to involvement in a plot to kill Bush, are facing charges in Kuwait.. In the five-minute attack, two Navy ships, the destroyer USS Peterson and the cruiser USS..."
Abstract Traces the rise of Muslim scholarship from the 8th & 9th Centuries. Syntheses of existing astronomical traditions--Persian, Indian & Greek texts. Arab knowlededge of celestial world. Importance of Ptolemaic model for the planets. Establlishment of House of Wisdom in Baghdad. Islamic impact on development of astronomy & mathematics. Contribution of astrologers.
From the Paper "The rise of Muslim science began after the life of the
prophet Mohammed and the beginning of Islam in the seventh century. The eighth and ninth centuries involved the period of consolidation of the Muslim people, and the real rise of Muslim scholarship occurred in the ninth and tenth centuries (Al-Daffa', 1977). The Muslims integrated the astronomical traditions of the Indians, Persians, the ancient near east, and especially the Greeks into a synthesis which began to chart a new chapter in the history of astronomy from the eighth century onward (IAL). The unification of the tribes of Arabia into a powerful nation, including Persia, Asia Minor, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, the whole North Africa, Gibraltar, and Spain created a vast intellectual empire (Ead). However, the Greek legacy did not immediately dominate without a struggle with native ..."
Abstract Discussion of the Middle East in the 1950s. Formation of the Baghdad Pact, a military alliance to defend the Middle East. U.S. response to the pact. The Eisenhower Doctrine & its concerns regarding Communist penetration into the Arab world. Details the major poiints of the Doctrine. Economic interests of the U.S. in the area.
From the Paper "The United States in the 1950s worked to draw the Middle Eastern countries into a broader military scheme that would encompass the region as a whole, but this proved impossible as the Arab world was reluctant to enter into such an arrangement. In some areas in the North, the Soviet menace was ever present, and the United States turned her attention in this direction. The Baghdad Pact of 1955 was part of this effort and united in a military alliance three non-Arab countries (Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan), one Arab country (Iraq), and one Western country (Britain). The U.S. did not formally adhere in part out of fear that it would alienate forever the revolutionary regime in Egypt and elsewhere in the Arab world, but American civil and military representatives were active on various committees of the Baghdad Pact organization."
Abstract This paper examines the argument that the current Iraq war involves important business ethics issues that take the gloss off the American military "victory", supposedly achieved for ?Iraqi freedom.? It looks at how the attack was justified for more than the need to destroy "Weapons of mass destruction", etc., and how one of the main reasons was an American desire to control a region with the second largest proven oil reserves in the world.
From the Paper "Certain events during the current war have also reinforced the belief that business interests are more important to the war planners than any "humanitarian" or "ethical" consideration. Take, for example, the fact that more than 1000 oil wells in Iraq were promptly "secured" and the only building in Baghdad considered worthy of protection by the US marines from the frenzied looting was the oil ministry building. They were silent spectators to the looting and pillaging of precious libraries, hospitals and even renowned Baghdad Museum containing priceless treasures?some dating back to 7000 years. The "excuse" offered by Rumsfeld for failing to prevent looting was: ?Freedom's untidy. And free people are free to make mistakes and commit crimes.? (Quoted by Scheer, April 15, 2003) Give us a break, Mr. Rumsfeld!"
Analysis of Nuha al-Radi's "Baghdad Diaries: A Woman's Chronicle of War and Exile" and Marjane Satrapi's illustrated story, "Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood".
Abstract This paper compares, contrasts, and analyzes these two novels about the impact of war and how Iraqis and Iranians cope with the profound uncertainty, political repression, deprivation, and violence that have impacted their homelands in recent years.
From the Paper "Baghdad Diaries reveals the different ways that different individuals cope with the events of the war. As the book begins, al-Radi notes that she is in profound denial over the war, writing "I couldn't believe that war had started (p. 10). Likely as a result of this denial, she refuses to take precautions against many of the potential dangers of the war. In contrast, many of al-Radi's neighbors are resigned to the inevitability of the war, and take extreme precautions. Writes al-Raid of one of her neighbors, "Shucha, being a fastidious and efficient person, had taped all her windows and doors against nuclear fallout, and organized the windowless room under the stairs as her shelter and stashed it with provisions" (p. 10)."
Tags: political, context, freedoms, ideology, average, citizen, western, embargo, necessities
Abstract The central point of the paper is the assumption that, after the war in Afghanistan, the U.S. motivated its military actions in Iraq by the existing breach of human rights conventions. Although there was a general belief that the people of Iraq were living under severe state oppression, there are arguments that the salvation of the Iraqi people was used as a mere pretext for the U.S.'s secret motives. The paper argues that the violent air attacks over Baghdad and the loss of civilian lives, the Abu Ghraib scandal and the results of the Commission for WMD revealing the lack of information regarding Iraqi weapons, all forced the international community to slowly withdraw military forces and political support.
From the Paper "On the other side of the Atlantic, the EU wants to become a leading force on the international arena, and therefore it is working on improving the coherence of policies within the communitarian members by agreeing on a European Security Strategy. This achievement represents in fact the first steps towards speaking in one voice in matters such as conflict intervention. According to Carl Bildt - former prime minister of Sweden- "we have started to demonstrate an element of capability when it comes to European crisis management operations" ; he supports his affirmation with examples such as the Concordia Mission in Macedonia and the Artemis Operation in Congo."
Tags: Saddam, Hussein, 911, Security, Council, Guantanamo, Bay, Bush
Abstract The paper imagines a future presentation about the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq. The paper discusses the graphic and disturbing images taken of prisoner abuse in the Abu Ghraib detention center in Baghdad and contends that there should be no censorship of these photos. The paper describes the hideously cruel and inhumane treatment being administered to Iraqi prisoners and Bush's allowance of illegal torture in contravention of the Geneva Convention. The paper also examines Congress' legislation against torture that was thwarted by Bush. The paper emphasizes the public's right to know and concludes that at a future exhibit, the photos of prisoners being abused at Abu Ghraib will speak for themselves - if they are allowed to be shown.
Outline:
Introduction
Thesis
Point 1
Point 2
Point 3
Point 4
From the Paper "One day not too many years from now there will likely be a high-visibility exhibition / exposition - featuring illustrations, graphs, charts, photography, audio and video clips along with timely printed information - about the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq. This presentation will cover the intelligence data and political arguments that were offered by the executive branch in order to justify the military venture. Under the scrutiny of post-invasion empirical analysis the exposition will reflect precisely how those previous justifications held up. And it will cover the military and political ramifications of the entire operation."
This paper analyzes the books "Baghdad Without A Map and Other Misadventures in Arabia" by Tony Horwitz and "Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women" by Geraldine Brooks.
Abstract The paper discusses how these two books indicate the great gap between Eastern and Western culture and beliefs. The paper portrays how the Middle East is still steeped in violence, ancient religious doctrine and old-world cities that seem to have stepped back in time. The paper looks at the authors' view that if the Middle East is going to be competitive in the modern world, it must modernize and throw off some of the ancient customs that bind it.
From the Paper "Women are viewed differently in the two books, and even more differently here in the west. In Horwitz' book, he makes little mention of the women because the people he deals with do not mention them at all. He sees few women and most of the ones he sees are covered in traditional dress from head to toe. Most of the encounters he has are with men because they do the business and run the countries. When his wife has to wear a chador, he writes, "Geraldine, have endured months of hoots and propositions from Arab males, welcomed her sexless disguise. I found it creepy. With one flick of the wrist, she'd transformed herself from the object of my desire into a forbidding black phantom, a foot soldier of the Islamic Republic" (Horwitz 235)."
Abstract This paper discusses the promising future for the Republic of Iraq. It explains that the newly constituted democratic Iraq may currently be in a state of turmoil, but has a promising future thanks to its valiant citizens and beautiful culture. The paper looks at the geographic beauty of Iraq, as well as its history. The paper then looks at the social and cultural differences throughout Iraq and points out that there is proof that Iraq is a stabilizing country, noting the U.N. report that violence has declined from the summer of 2007 and that the Iraqi Government claims that so far 46,000 refugees have returned to their homes safely. The writer believes that one day the nation of Iraq will come back to normality and its people will lead ordinary lives and the world will truly appreciate America and Iraq's sacrifice to make the world a better place.
From the Paper "There have been five different designs for the Iraqi flag since its establishment in 1921. The current flag was created in 2008 and is just an interim flag. Apparently, the creation of a flag is not at the top of their concerns right now. The script at the center of the flag means is pronounced Allahu Akbar, which literally means "God is Great". The script is on a bar of white, with a red bar on top and a black bar below ("Iraq"). Iraq's flag is similar to that of Syria's, Yemen's and Egypt's ("The World Fact Book: Iraq")."
Tags: culf, war, saddam, Hussein, culture, Baghdad
Abstract This paper discusses "The Travels of Ibn Battuta" which describes Ibn Battuta's descriptions of his travel experiences between 1325 and 1354. The paper discusses how, according to the book, Islamic culture dominated much of the 14th Century world because of the Baghdad Caliphate's widespread political and economic dominance. The paper also discusses the content of the book as well as the literary manner in which Battuta described his travels.
From the Paper "Because of the descriptive style of Battuta's writing, modern readers can better understand the significance and implications of Islamic economic dominance in the 14th Century, which inevitably produced cultural influences. Battuta's observations about the impact of trade and mercantile activities are especially incisive, for in land after land he traveled through, trade established relationships between Muslims and infidels which served as a unifying force and as a means of cultural assimilation.
"The analysis of shared Islamic culture that Battuta presented in his book was very methodical for his time and is still of great interest today, for it reveals the vast scope and influence of Muslim civilization in the 14th Century and bears comparison with the vast scope and influence of American culture in the modern world. The accomplished literary manner in which Battuta described how a shared Islamic culture was manifested in the countries he visited provides for fascinating reading and has made The Travels of Ibn Battuta a classic for more than seven centuries."
