Abstract The paper provides a review of the relevant literature and identifies the conditions that allowed the Muslim Brotherhood to be successful in Egypt, the history of the organization and its founder, Hasan al Banna, and assesses whether the Muslim Brotherhood is in reality a terrorist organization. The paper discusses how the Muslim Brotherhood is foregoing terrorist activities in favor of working from within the legitimate political frameworks of Arab nations and this has allowed the group to acquire a significant amount of power. The paper concludes that only time will tell if the West possesses the wherewithal and resolve to withstand these assaults on its political, social and legal institutions.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
From the Paper "Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, many observers in the West were heard to lament the passing of the "good old days" of the Cold War when the enemy was clearly known and its geographic borders clearly delineated. By sharp contrast, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the threats against the United States from within and without are largely from non-state actors that can wreak havoc against America and its allies with apparently virtual impunity. One group that has received a growing amount of attention from policymakers and analysts in recent years is the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt which is suspected of sponsoring such terrorist activities."
Abstract This paper shows how, in both Plato's "Republic" and Sophocles? "Antigone", biological brotherhood plays a dangerous function, enough that for Plato it must be concealed and replaced by a universal brotherly relationship, while for Sophocles, brotherhood as a concept is accepted and plays a fundamental role in the unfolding of events.
From the Paper "In Republic, Plato illustrates that genetic brotherhood plays a suppressed role, while Antigone's fraternal bonds reveal it as a major element of society. Plato expresses through Socrates that "children, too, are to be possessed in common, so that no parent will know his own offspring or any child his parent" (Plato 457d). The Greek philosopher is clearly highlighting that family ties are not only weak, but virtually non-existent. Plato then declares that "those who were born at the same time as their mothers and fathers were having children they"ll call their brothers and sisters? (Plato 461e). Since all boys and girls of the same age group must consider each other siblings, although they rarely have any biological connection, fraternal ties are clearly not a prime concern in Republic when compared to the welfare of the state. In Antigone, however, brotherhood plays such a vital role in the heroine's life that she is not only willing to break the laws in order to have her brother, Polyneices, buried, but she is also willing to die, the ultimate danger. In fact, Antigone explains to Creon that ?[she] would not do it [defy the state] for a child, were [she] a mother,/ Not for a husband either? (Sophocles 39), but only for a brother. While brotherhood is nearly absent in Republic, it is an important element of life for Antigone."
Abstract This paper analyzes and summarizes "The Red Convertible", while picking apart the story to show how Erdrich uses key details to depict "brotherhood" between to two main characters. It discusses whether Erdrich truly provides an accurate description of brotherhood through the story, based on the fact she has no siblings.
From the Paper "There are many types of relationships. Husband and wife; Father and son; Mother and daughter; but the bond between brothers is one of true friendship like no other. Brotherhood is a unique and powerful bond that cannot be forged. It is hard to recreate a feeling or experience such as brotherhood without experiencing it yourself. This experience (of brotherhood) is clearly shown in Louise Erdrich?s, ?The Red Convertible.? Which brings me to the point. Can Louise Erdrich, being female, still create an accurate portrayal of brotherhood in her story?"
Abstract This paper examines the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood. It provides a brief historical background of the formation of the group and discusses its goals. The paper focuses on the future possibility of the Muslim Brotherhood, as opposed to its past. The paper presents the author's personal views on the past and the future of the group.
Table of Contents:
Preface
Historical Backdrop
Peace is the Way
Plan to Succeed
Interpreting the Future
Drawing Conclusions
From the Paper "Perhaps most interesting in the future would be the influential stance of the West. While the colonialism may be dead, imperialism certainly is not. As earlier stated, the West is strongly in favor of the current regime as it is viewed as non-threatening. Countries that have strong Islamic fundamentalist government's have tended to give a strong case of heartburn to Western leaders. However, I feel that it must be pointed out that most of those countries were run by hard-lined Islamic fundamentalists, while the Muslim Brotherhood is decidedly centrist in nature. It's my belief that when faced with other countries with more hard-lined leaders, the West would remain fairly neutral in it's stance towards the Muslim Brotherhood. In other words, I believe Western leaders would find it considerably easier to negotiate and ally the Muslim Brotherhood than it ever did with the Taliban or has been able to with the current Iranian regime."
Abstract This paper discusses the Aryan Brotherhood, a white supremacist group that believes in the ideology that white people (biologically European/ American in descent) are considered the supreme race, which is similar to Adolf Hitler?s, pro-Aryan, anti-Semitic ideologies during the World War II. They originated in California in 1967, particularly at the San Quentin prison and 'hate' any individual who has black skin or is Jewish in religion. It examines how they reinforce these ideologies over people (willing or unwilling) by means of violence, political, social and economic manipulation and how evidence of such violence occurred from killings and riots made during the early establishment of the group in the 1960s, and the prevalent occurrence of crime happened during the 1990s.
From the Paper "Their primary means of distinguishing their group from the others (apart from their physical appearance, of course) is identification through the Aryan Brotherhood tattoo, since its main origins came from the prison. It was said that any individual who is not a member of this group, and is found the members of AB would immediately subject sporting the said AB tattoo to murder. The Aryan Brotherhood Gang has increased alliance with other white supremacist groups, which includes the Aryan Nations, National Alliance, American Nazi Party, Nazi Low Riders, and Dirty White Boys."
Abstract This paper examines the correctional institution recruiting-grounds of both the Aryan Nations and the Black Guerrilla Family. It looks at how the Black Guerrilla Family is typically found in adult prisons, but has also been reported as active by local law enforcement in adult jails and in juvenile correctional institutions. It also examines the BGF's enemy, the Aryan Brotherhood, first formed in the early 1960s in San Quentin, which is composed predominately of outlaw bikers and the ranks of the American Nazi Party and other groups.
From the Paper "The potential danger posed to society by many of the extremist and terrorist groups and organizations that exist today can be directly assessed from their links to convicted criminals, and their associations with organized crime. There are two principle associations between domestic terrorist groups and the criminal subculture within the United States; the first and most obvious being the use of crimes such as robbery, theft and drug trafficking as a means to accumulate funding to achieve their higher goals, and secondly as a population and environment from which to recruit willing and able members."
Abstract John Donne's famous line from 'Meditations XVII', "No man is an island unto himself", reflects ideas about the brotherhood of humankind that have echoed throughout time. Originally, the lines reflected ideas popular in the Renaissance about the interconnectedness of human experience. As time elapsed, this definition of brotherhood grew increasingly broader and began to cross boundaries of nationhood, sex, color and race. This paper argues that one of the justifications used by the Bush administration for invading Iraq is especially telling about how far the modern notion of brotherhood has extended. In saying that the U.S. invaded Iraq in order to help the Iraqi people, George Bush was effectively showing that the modern notion of brotherhood, seen in Donne's poem, extended beyond borders. The paper concludes that Donne's words reflect the ideal of brotherhood that has been seen in many situations and plays an increasingly important role in our modern lives.
From the Paper "Given increasing globalization, it is more important than ever for citizens of the world to understand and adopt the themes of brotherhood contained within Donne's Meditations XVII. In fact, the future of my generation may depend on the ability of humankind to see itself as part of a greater whole. Today, the speed of air travel and communication, intertwined economies, and the threat of terrorism and warfare mean that the actions of any one country or group can be felt almost immediately by the whole. Today, more than ever before ""No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.""
Abstract This paper begins by defining the term treason and then asking which form of treason was committed in the poem. It explains that treason has many definitions that intertwine but the treason in "Athelston" lies primarily in the breaking in the bonds of sworn brotherhood, and it is from this act that all of the other treacheries arise. The writer presents the two main ideas in Athelston in the realm of treason. First there is the treason supposedly committed by Egeland against the State; the second is Wymound's treason against his oath of the sworn brotherhood.
From the Paper "In the mid-late 14th century, the time in which this poem was written, a transition was happening in society whereby the King was beginning to see himself as above those who surrounded him and was deciding to act that way. The King's elevation in society had an effect on what was considered to be wrong, especially with reference to the term treason. Instead of treason being seen as defaulting on an oath, any wrong committed against the interests of the King was seen as a greater wrong, and thusly, a greater treason. The Athelston poet writes in a mix of these two ideologies. Much of the
action in the poem revolves around the supposed traitor Egeland and the results of treason against the King. Wymound first accuses him of this action in line 139, with a rough translation working out to be: "For in thy land, sir, is a false traitor;/he will do thee prompt dishonour". Several stanzas later we see the King's reaction to these accusations, translated by this author:"
Abstract Examines the theme of brotherhood. in "Of Mice and Men" and "East of Eden". Considers Steinbeck's borrowing thematically and structurally from the Bible, Steinbeck's view of brotherhood as a source of obligation and an area of antagonism. Explores the tensions that separate rather than join together.
From the Paper Brotherhood and Obligation in Steinbeck Introduction and Purpose According to Rebecca L. Atkinson (1990, p. 2), many critics of the works of John Steinbeck contend that this author borrows thematically and structurally from the Old Testament. One of the...
Tags: novels steinbeck t literature, american: steinbeck literature, american: steinbeck religion: the bible
Abstract This paper analyzes the representation of children in John Everett Millais' paintings. It presents and analyzes 33 paintings, completed from 1840 to 1896, the year of the painter's death. Photographs of some of the paintings are included in the text. The paper points out that Millais was one of the founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood (PRB), a group of English painters, poets, and critics. The paper attempts to demonstrate that the Pre-Raphaelitism of Millais is very particular in the sense that it uses the PRB's techniques, but concentrates on a subject that was not explored as extensively by the other artists of the Brotherhood, namely, children and childhood. The first part of the paper seeks to demonstrate that Millais strove to blend the aesthetics of the PRB with subject-matter that he felt was closer to the everyday popular concerns of the times. In addition, his reiteration of the Pre-Raphaelite preoccupations, techniques and devices has the lightness of manner and properties of a musical leitmotif, rather than the urgency and insistence of an unconditional engagement. Secondly, the paper concentrates on the cleavage between the representation of children in distress and children within the family unit, and briefly comments on the spirituality of the child according to Millais. Finally, the paper examines the portrayal of girls throughout Millais' career. The paper concludes that, thematically, children and childhood seem to define Millais best.
From the Paper "The plot of The Rescue (1855) is mostly about protection and shelter, or rather, the lack of it. Millais plays with the colours and shades to create a general feeling of helplessness. The feeling of insecurity is heightened when we look at the figures of the three children trapped between the flames in the left-hand corner and the blackness and unhealthy mist of the London night in the right-hand corner of the painting. The figure of the fire-fighter as a temporary pillar of refuge echoes the blackness of the night outside, while the fragile whiteness of the figure of the mother is contrasted to the intense yellow-reddish flames, reflected on the face and feet of the boy. The painting stages a scene of distress and suggests future misery. Widely approved as celebrating "the bravery of the London Fire Brigade" (Adams 120), the painting contains the essence of the Pre-Raphaelite movement, which consists in a peculiar feeling of insecurity as to its real meaning. The spectator constantly hesitates between the two diverging interpretations. This is frequently due to the technical imperfections of many PRB paintings (a famous example is Lorenzo and Isabella but also Sir Isumbras at the Ford as we shall see further) but it has also become their special mark. It is difficult to say to what extent the instability generated is deliberate, especially in the case of Millais who was far from being a mediocre artist after all."
Abstract This paper provides a brief insight into the Islamist movement. It discusses how the Islamic movement in the Muslim world is today, as it has been for many centuries, a multifaceted transnational movement that is perpetually influenced and motivated by global issues, regional developments and individual Islamic intellectuals. It analyzes the influences on the Islamist movement over the years such as that of the Muslim Brotherhood(Al-Ikhwan Moslimoon) which was formed in Egypt in 1928 and the writer and leader Sayyid Qutb who provided a guideline for Muslim activists.
From the Paper "Indeed, Sayyid Qutb remains a cherished figure in Islamic thought; however, the Muslim Brotherhood has been criticized in recent times as being "no longer the movement that Sayyid Qutb had joined when he returned from the US" and that it has become "little more than a political party with an Islamic flag"(Islamic Gateway, 1999). The Brotherhood has, however, responded to political strife and the oppression of Muslims throughout the world(MBMH, 2000). An Egyptian phenomenon, the Ikhwan has volunteered members to the 1948 Palestine War and has more recently been involved in the liberation of Muslim lands from colonial powers in Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Kashmir(MBMH, 2000). "
Abstract This paper discusses the main storyline and the characters of Gain's fantastical legend set in 18th Century France. It looks at the symbolism of the movie and how the setting is of major importance to this symbolism. It explains that the battle within the movie is referring to the French Revolution and that the forces of "light and nature" overcome the evil extravagances of mankind the balance between logic and magic temper both the imbalances of fanaticism and the mechanization of an "age of reason".
From the Paper "The first half of the film is said to be true to historical happenings. Whether or not that is true, it follows a structure somewhat reminiscent of Beowulf as one might transpose it to provincial France. The naturalist Fronsac and his Iroquois warrior-companion come to Lozere to study (and preserve) the Beast that has been slaughtering its people. They are caught up in a gigantic wolf-hunt that kills hundreds of these noble creatures. The Indian, Mani, seems upset. The audience quickly links his upset with his respect for nature and the belief that all people have their own animal totem. (One gathers that his is the wolf, for through-out the movie a great white wolf helps him to discover the truth about reality). Eventually the king sends in a new hunter who kills a large wolf, and orders Fronsac to do a taxidermy job that will make it look like it could be this beast. He does so, but only hesitantly, for he has already learned that this beast is no wolf, and has jaws of flesh and steel. The case is ordered closed, but when the killings resume he returns to the land to hunt again. The two discover that the Beast is guided by a man, and eventually uncloak a society of people who have wrapped some alien creature in a strange armored suit and forced it to fight and learn to kill. They are attempting to discredit the king by bringing down the apparent wrath of God and evoking the great Beast of Revelations. Mani is killed upon finding their lair, and Fronsac learns who the culprit is, and takes his revenge. After a strange Juliet-esque faked death, Fronsac brings down the secret "Brotherhood of the Wolf" society responsible for this outrage. In the process of this story, Fronsac also woos two women (a prostitute/secret papal agent and an aristocratic woman), and wins one of them, but only after she has been raped by her brother, the trainer of the beast. The story sounds slightly absurd when transcribed in such a fashion, but of course unfolds in a fine fashion on the screen."
Abstract This paper discusses the attitude of Ellison towards his African-American roots in which rejects the idea that blacks are a separate society that must join the oppressed workers in a class struggle; his protagonist joins a ?brotherhood? only to turn against its members and most of its ideas. It compares his writing style to other African-American writers of his time.
From the Paper "The beginning of the novel depicts the protagonist's humiliation at the hands of rich southern whites, which prompts him to initially support radical black interests. He rather politely approaches whites for a scholarship to go to college and is abused by them; they embarrass him by making him watch an erotic dance and fight with other blacks and then make him give a speech of gratitude to his benefactors. Although he does well at college, he is eventually ejected because he gives sponsors a tour of a gin mill, although he doesn?t do this in order to elicit trouble."
Abstract This paper explains that, for generations, nearly every fire department especially in more rural areas in the United States was volunteer; however, within the last fifty years, coinciding with the advent of automobiles, fire departments were able to cover a wider radius and became paid, professional civil servants. The author points out that, with organization, centralized training and government involvement, firefighting changed from dowsing flames to covering a wide array of emergency situations, rescues, code enforcement and public education. The paper stresses that the fire departments across the nation form a very close brotherhood dedicated to saving lives and are committed to making use of whatever resources are available to accomplish their goals of providing for the public's safety in all types of emergency situations.
From the Paper "Congress established the United States Fire Administration in 1974 within the same bill that created the National Fire Academy, which is managed by the USFA. Facing a dismal record of fire related deaths both to the general public and to the firefighters themselves, lowering the death rate became a primary objective. Almost thirty years later, the number of fire deaths has been reduced by half. The mission of the USFA continues to be "reduce life and economic losses due to fire and related emergencies." This mission is accomplished by providing public education, training to fire personnel, technology development, and data initiatives. The USFA is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and works with other federal agencies and community fire protection and emergency services to protect the public. They maintain the National Fire Data Center and operate the National Fire Academy, which offers both residential and distance education classes."
Abstract This paper discusses Bullock's exploration of freemasonry entitled "Revolutionary Brotherhood: Freemasonry and the Transformation of the American Social Order, 1730-1840,". It explains that the author theorizes that the establishment of freemasonry is in large part parallel with the establishment of early American society. It assesses how Bullock proposes that freemasonry was constructed upon three traditions, each of which ran parallel to the evolution of the American social order during a critical time in its development.
From the Paper "In Steven C. Bullock's exploration of freemasonry entitled Revolutionary Brotherhood: Freemasonry and the Transformation of the American Social Order, 1730-1840, the author theorizes that the establishment of freemasonry is in large part parallel with the establishment of early American society. Bullock proposes that freemasonry was constructed upon "three traditions," each of which ran parallel to the evolution of the American social order during a critical time in its development (Bullock, 10). These three traditions consisted of the "antiquity" of freemasonry, in which the "histories, forms, and rituals" of ancient civilizations were believed key in shedding light on how modern social order should be constructed and thus reflect on the "inheritance" that modern society received from its predecessors (Ibid.). The second and third traditions were "sociability and science," thus suggesting that a social order and the engagement in science would help promote a ..."
