Middle East Studies

Link: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/05/17/iraq.quran/index.html

This article is about a recent apology issued by the United States Military for the actions of an American soldier. The soldier was witnessed using a Quran as a target for shooting practice in Radhwaniya, causing an upset among Iraqi citizens who are deeply offended by the event. On Saturday, Major General Jeffery Hammond issued a public apology for the behavior of the soldier. The event took place on May 9 and was officially confirmed by investigators on May 11. The soldier’s name has not been released, but he wrote a letter of apology that Major General Hammond read to the public. The soldier has been removed from operations in Iraq. The event has sparked new much controversy not only in Iraq but also among Muslims around the world. They are upset by both the disrespect shown to their holy book and by the length of time it took the military to recognize that the event occurred and apologize for it. Although the military refused to back claims that the soldier did not realize that he was shooting the Quran, Islamic leaders throughout Iraq, especially the tribal leaders of Radhwaniya, are still extremely upset by what they have called a “heinous crime.”

This event carries many implications for the United States, Iraq, and the entire world. This instance of disrespect by the military towards the religion of Islam has already greatly increased the tension between the United States military and the military leaders of Iraq that the United States is supposedly working with to bring stability to the region. Relations with the Sunni militiamen that are backed by the United States have especially been hurt and tested by this event; our offensive actions will make it that much harder to successfully work with Iraqi forces and to gain trust from the Iraqi people. It is very damaging to our efforts in Iraq for irresponsible soldiers to cause a new uproar among the Iraqi people, who are now protesting American presence even more. The situation in Iraq is one that affects not only the United States and Iraq but also the entire world, and this new event has added to the instability of the entire Middle East and to our foreign relations with all Islamic nations.

Source: BBC.com

Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7407489.stm

Since 2003 Sunni and Shia attacks on Chaldean Christians has increased dramatically. Churches, clerics, and Christian owned business have been made victims of these attacks. Kidnapped in February, the archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho of Mosul was found dead after two weeks in a shallow grave outside Mosul. His car was attacked by gunmen, who killed his driver and two bodyguards. Rahho’s killer is claimed to be al Qaeda leader Ahmed Ali Ahmed (also known as Abu Omar). The Iraqi government has just recently reached the verdict that he shall receive the death penalty. The Christian community in Iraq and the US embassy in Baghdad are pleased with the verdict. Many people criticize the previous government of Prime Minister Nouri Maliki for not doing enough to protect the Christians from prosecution.

This court decision is one that will affect many people. The Iraqi Christians, 800,000 and counting, will view this as a step towards their protection and security. They will like that action is being taken to denounce and punish the violent acts against them. It may also stir up greater tension between the Christians and Muslims in Iraq because the Muslims may feel that the Christians are being overly protected. Because of this, and the issue of the severity of the verdict, retaliation may occur. Although justice is being served for a crime, many people will probably view it as unjust.

Title: “Iraq”

Artist: Daryl Cagle
Date of Publication: May 14, 2008
Link: http://www.cagle.com/news/Iraq5Years/6.asp

What issue, event or idea does the cartoon address?
The issue that is being addressed in this cartoon is clearly the War in Iraq. Both Uncle Sam and President Bush are depicted, as well as everyday civilians and an American soldier. It is addressing the fact that we have been at War with and occupying Iraq for five years now.

What key people or groups is part of the cartoon’s message?
As I stated before, President Bush, Uncle Sam, everyday civilians, and an American soldier are all depicted. All of these figures represent the different groups in America, both military, political, and general citizens. This variety of people is used to show that the war is affecting everyone, and every group, not just one in particular.

Choose one technique (symbolism, exaggeration, labeling, humor/irony, or stereotype) and briefly explain how the artist used it in the cartoon.
I think symbolism plays a major role in this cartoon. The fact that the maze spells out the word “Iraq” states that the situation in Iraq is just how it is depicted; a confusing maze with no exit. President Bush as well as Uncle Sam, the civilians, and the solider have no clue where to go next, some of them are depicted at dead ends in the maze, while the others are just confused and have no idea where to turn to next.

What is the message of the cartoon? What do you think is the cartoonist’s opinion or point of view on this issue?
I believe that the cartoonist is trying to emphasize that currently, the war in Iraq is just a mess, after five years, we are still aimlessly wandering around with no ideas of how to improve things, or find an end in sight. I think by making Iraq a maze with no clear exit is also addressing the issue that after five years, we still have not come up with an exit strategy. His opinion is probably ridiculing Bush and his approach on the War in Iraq.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Source: BBC News

As of Wednesday, May 14, Sunni Insurgents were still actively taking part in small uprisings in Mosul, Iraq. “Mosul is seen as the last urban stronghold of al-Qaeda in Iraq.” It was reported that at least five people had been killed on Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning. Security officials in Mosul have stated that they have upgraded from what was known as “Operation Lion’s Roar” to a “full-scale offensive” aimed toward al-Qaeda fighters. A spokesman from the Iraqi Defense Ministry stated, “The main aim of this operation is to purge and clean Nineveh province of all militants and their weapons and declare it a safe area.”
This directly affects security efforts in Iraq. It is bad enough that there is already enormous ethnic tension between groups such as Shia and Sunnis; this only adds to the difficulty of trying to unite all Iraqis under one country. In addition, the al-Qaeda insurgents are setting examples for other terrorist groups in other Middle Eastern countries, which in turn may lead to similar uprisings in countries surrounding the area, Iraq. Furthermore, U.S. officials have intervened, providing both air cover and intelligence support to Iraqi troops in Mosul. This comes at a time when many Iraqis are already bitter toward Americans, by expanding American presence and influence; it is only making matters worse for the already declining situation in Iraq.

In Sadr City, a Cease-Fire Is Put to the Test, and Fails
Link:http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/12/world/middleeast/12sadr.html?_r=1&ref=middleeast&oref=slogin

Summary: An Iraqi armored motorcade sent through the Sadr City area of Baghdad to test the recent truce between militias and the Iraqi government was immediately attacked by three IEDs before even traveling ten meters, fortunately, only three soldiers were injured and no one was killed. Negotiators had struggled on both sides to agree to fair terms, namely the government would stop arresting militia members and raiding strongholds, and the militias would in turn stop the violence. There is some evidence most of the violence now is from Iranian backed groups that have no interest in a truce or peace, or that Sadrist members of pariliament have trouble bringing their armed members on board with their ideas. Other signs of violence and not following the truce were shown as RPGs were fired at soldiers and numerous roadside bombs were deactivated. It appears that the violence will continue until Moqtada al-Sadr issues a public statement condemning the violence and urging his followers to abide by the truce.

Analysis: This incidence was a blatant slap in the face for efforts for a truce. It also shows that sentiments against the new Iraqi government and army continue to run high in Sadr city and militia members completely disregard political polices. Sadr has a strong, violent following that may or may not directly take orders. This incidence highlights the difficulty achieving a peaceful Iraq because the source of these attacks is not known, so whether it was a lone fighter or high up Shiite militamen with Moqtada al-Sadr’s go-ahead who set the IED’s, it casts a pall of future negotiation with Sadrists. While attempts at a successful truce are ongoing, and civilians leave the area in search of a more peaceful life as the violence continues.

Source: BBC News
Link

Israel has stated their willingness to remove around fifty roadblocks in the West Bank in return for a promise made by the Palestinians to increase their efforts in preventing terrorism. The compromise came about after US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, met with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Jerusalem to “reenergize peace negotiations.” After talking with Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, both “agreed on concrete steps to implement the road map.” In addition to removing the roadblocks, Israel has also agreed to reduce the waiting time at checkpoints, without compromising security. The roadblocks to be removed were not specified; however, it was made clear that they would be “points of special immediate emphasis.” Furthermore, six hundred Jordanian-trained security members (loyal to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas) will be granted the right to deploy to the northern West Bank city of Jenin in order to work toward the prevention of Palestinian terrorism. There are also plans for new Palestinian housing settlements in twenty-five villages of the area. Israeli Foreign Minister, Tzipi Livni, also stated that, “her government was prepared to act ‘to ease the lives of the Palestinians’ in the West Bank.” She also supported the idea of offering compensation to those Palestinians who choose to leave the West Bank voluntarily.
This agreement between Palestinian and Israeli officials further supports the ongoing peace process between the two groups. By removing the roadblocks, the Israelis are acknowledging the fact that Palestinians deserve to be treated fairly, and should be granted the right to travel through their homeland easily and freely. In return, the Palestinians are stating that they will do everything they can to cut back on terror attacks, signifying that violence is not the way to negotiate a pace process. This affects many of the Middle Eastern countries, especially the ones housing Palestinian refugees. By removing roadblocks and taking steps towards a more peaceful Israel and West Bank, many refugees may be interested in returning home, and those that wish to leave the West Bank may now be compensated. Jordan is being recognized for their country’s aid to the Palestinians, and the US is slowly, but surely, attempting to accelerate the peace process between the two groups. Most importantly, however, this negotiation gives Palestinians living in the West Bank hope that they will be able to travel without daily hassles and time-occupying roadblocks and checkpoints.

Source: New York Times
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/28/world/middleeast/28road.html?ref=middleeast

The Supreme Court of Israel recently handed down a ruling that allowed the army to restrict Palestinians from using Highway 443, a major road into Jerusalem from Palestinian territory in the West Bank. Over 40,000 Israeli cars use the road daily, but access from local Palestinian villages is blocked. Palestinians are crying foul and declaring that this decision supports legal apartheid in the West Bank. They recall how in the early 1980’s the Supreme Court allowed the road to be built on Palestinian land because it was to serve them and to be for their benefit and now they cannot use it. Israelis, on the other hand, are insisting that this is again a safety measure. They cite five Israelis murders from drive bys in 2001 and numerous other injuries from stone throwing. They also insist that different roads will be built nearby to accommodate Palestinians.

This road is one of a number of “segregated” roads around Jerusalem and this decision by the Supreme Court, and although it does not address the legality of separate roads, it encourages their development. It marks a new form of restriction of movement around the West Bank that Palestinians have to deal with, along with checkpoints, whose numbers are growing by the year. Palestinians are rightfully declaring this an apartheid policy, which is illegal under international law, and that it is only more unjust separation into inferior conditions. If this policy of separation becomes more widespread, Palestinians’ lives will become even more difficult, but perhaps more pressure will be put on Israel from the International Community as it can be interpreted that they are breaking a UN declaration. Nevertheless, this policy may protect the lives of a few Israeli motorists from flying rocks and bullets.

Link: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/03/31/iraq.main/index.html

This article is about Iran’s involvement in the cease-fire that occurred in Iraq over the weekend. Negotiators from Iraq representing Shiite tribes, most notably Muqtada al-Sadr’s, traveled to Iran to discuss the possibility of a cease-fire. The clashes were between Shiite outlaws in Basra and supporters of the Iraqi prime minister, Nuri al-Maliki. The Iraqi lawmakers were able to persuade Iran to cut off their aid to Shiite militias and to pressure al-Sadr into ending the fighting. Although some Iraqi government officials deny that Iran was involved in ending the violence, other sources confirm that Iran was able to convince al-Sadr to end the Shiite violence. In Basra alone, 200 were killed and 500 were wounded in the violent clashes. Efforts to find the remaining outlaws by security forces have continued in regions such as Basra since the negotiations, and the United States continues to support these police forces. Although the violence in Basra has decreased significantly, other nearby towns have experience similar rises in conflict, and it will likely continue to spread.

This event has many implications for Iraq itself and for the rest of the world. Although immediately Iraq is safer and more peaceful in one region, it is extremely dangerous for Iraq to be appealing to a nation like Iran for help. With the involvement of the United States in Iraq and the difficult tensions between Iran and the United States, including Iran in the internal affairs of the sectarian violence in Iraq will only increase the instability of the region and complicate matters more. Thus, although in the short-term having a cease-fire in a dangerous conflict is helpful, if the habit of asking Iran to use its influence on factions of Iraqi leaders continues, the United States will have an even harder time achieving its goals in Iraq. Also, allowing Iran’s influence to spread anywhere in the Middle East is dangerous because of its open hostility towards Israel.

BBC News:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7307525.stm

Recently, Israel has expressed interest in increasing its medical tourism field. The country hopes to expand this area of tourism as a way to increase its medical branches as well as attract different types of tourists. This industry has become increasingly popular as private healthcare has become more expensive and more difficult to deal with. In places like India and Singapore, this type of industry has already bloomed. Tourists go to these areas for quick, cheap treatment. Most of the tourists traveling to Israel for medical reasons are either Jews from the diaspora, or from Arab countries with no connection to Israel. This small country hopes to focus on their high-quality medical facilities, and bring more western tourists to the area. Already, the Health and Tourism Ministries in Israel has put out a brochure advertising the health system in the area. They promote the country as a “land of milk, honey, and fertility.” One of the biggest problems Israel is facing as their plans to increase medical tourism go forward is the ever-present violence that goes on in the area. Most people associate hospitals and ambulances with bombings. Nonetheless, Israel is still hoping to take advantage of medical tourism as a national industry.
An increase in the medical tourism industry would greatly affect the people in the area. It could be an economic break for other industries outside of medical tourism. People traveling to the area would need places to stay and to eat; this would help the hotel and restaurant businesses. On a different note, this could increase the tension between Israel and Palestine, or other Arab countries. If a bomb or other violent act were to affect tourists in Israel trying to receive medical help, then Israel could be blamed or held responsible for their deaths. All in all, this may only end up elevating the tension and insecurity in the area. The pros and cons of this endeavor will be weighed heavily in Israel’s decision on increasing its medical tourism.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7293498.stm

This article discusses the latest attacks on the Israel/Palestine conflict. First, four Palestinian militants were shot by Israeli jihadists. Then Palestinian militants fired twelve rockets into Israel to get revenge. Finally, Israeli aircraft attacked the northern Gaza Strip.  Before all this fighting started there had been attempts at making a peace agreement. Those killed were Muhammad SHahada, a senior leader of Islamic Jihad, and Ahmed al-Balbul, who was leader of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. Two other Israeli Jihadists were also killed.
This small area of the world hasn’t had many peaceful days since the end of WWII there has been nothing but continuous fighting. The people of both territories have suffered immensely, but there is no easy answer to solve this. Both sides refuse to make a solution though both governments have tried to make a solution. The people of these two territories go out and take their own actions and nothing will seem to work. These attacks in this article happen very often in this area and are a crisis that the world has reported on daily basis yet not much seems to change. Change needs to come from the people within these territories to settle their differences and decide what’s best for the majority of people, though it’s a statement easier said than done.