Evaluating the Threat of Terrorism

Without a doubt, terrorism plays a central role in American politics and well-being. By starting wars in response to terrorism, or even to prevent the threat of it, America has involved itself deeply in Arab affairs. These threats of terrorism obviously need to be taken very seriously. So seriously in fact, that I support American intervention in the Middle East and advocate for increased international participation to help regulate unstable countries or radical Muslim groups.

The need to protect ourselves, Americans, should be prioritized by our government, even at the cost of harsh condemnation by foreign or even domestic critics. Despite what USA Today editor writes, that America should relinquish its role as a world cop to European nations, the United States needs to protect our own interests at all costs. For the best results, we must enforce it ourselves. To that assertion, I support American military presence abroad and increased security measures at home.

However, violating our own ideals would be destructive to American morale, such as denying natural rights as noted by CNN writer, Ed Husain. Similarly, anti-terrorist programs in America should be lessened in favor of providing soldiers and aid to help Middle Eastern countries also under the threat of terroist groups.

Yet as an American, I have strong opinions to preserve my country's ideals. The war on terrorism, while definitely susceptible to corruption or injustice, is still wholly a necessary and just action to take. Especially with the foreboding presence of terrorism.

What to do in Libya

http://tucsoncitizen.com/usa-today-news/2011/10/20/editorial-gadhafis-death-just-the-beginning/

A USA Today author reports on the fragile state that Libya (and other revolutionized countries) face. The author is in support of the U.S.'s diplomatic policy of only sending money, not troops, to Libya during their revolution. The author also wants Europe to lead in the rebuilding and peacemaking in Libya, and urges America to play a politically correct role in support of the Arab Spring.

Fool-proof defense

 http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=83644
This editorial by an Indiana newspaper (unknown author) comments on a new Tennessee program that aims to combat highway terrorism by interstate checkpoints and "Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response." The latter calls for truck drivers to use their own discernment in identifying a terrorism, which resembles more as just racial profiling. This author is highly critical of the government's use of national budget in such a ridiculous way and calls for effective government spending.

Libya after the death of terrorism-sponsoring Gaddhafi

http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/10/2011102151443683876.html

Gaddhafi unified a tribal nation based off his political theories, mirroring Nasser of Egypt. Since he was killed by Libyan rebels, there is obvious celebration from the majority of Libya, but also from groups concerned over terrorism. Events, such as Lockerbie, showed the terrorist nature of Moammar Gaddhafi. Now that there is one less terrorism-advocator in the world, we should be happy, should we not?

War on Terrorism

http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/30/opinion/husain-awlaki-killing/index.html?hpt=op_t1

In response to the execution of American citizen, Al-Awlaki (who also supported Islamist extremism), Ed Husain criticizes the American government for its illogical and hypocritical decision to kill Americans that oppose their country. Husain makes the argument that the basis of Al-Awlaki's execution violates the "very same principles of human dignity" that America tries to live by.
Husain also points out the irony and counter-productivity of killing a Muslim with close ties to Al-Qaeda. In killing Al-Awlaki, America actually helped the Al-Qaeda cause by publicizing a Muslim martyr; a "Malcolm X" of Muslim culture.
Husain ends his editorial by noting that this war on terrorism cannot be fought with more terror, rather a nonviolent and intellectual approach should be used.

End of an Era in Catalonia

http://www.photographytips.com.au/images/dwarfs-bull-fighting-pictures-photography.jpg
In this picture, a matador is depicted with a bull. Because of animal rights activists, the Spanish region of Catalonia held its last bull fight Sunday.
1. The monochromatic and neutral color of the sandy ground creates contrast to highlight the bull, and especially the red/pink matador.
2. Because the bull's back end is faced towards the camera, it makes the bull seem vulnerable. To achieve this, the photographer chose the bull's most fearsome features to be hidden by its less-fearsome rear, thus making the viewer not intimidated by the animal.
3. The matador's face is intently focused on the bull, showing a sort of prey-predator complex. The irony that a healthy bull –which would usually be the predator– is being predated upon by a matador makes the photograph's tone in reverence of the dominant force a matador can have.

Monday Matters #1

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/19/islamic-center-near-ground-zero-bills-first-big-event-as-centers-grand-opening/?iref=allsearch

(Sorry Mr. Heller, this is the first Monday Matters)
In this article regarding the opening of Park51, issues are raised of the insensitivity of making an Islamic community center near Ground Zero. A blogger even raised a protest against the photographs of children that will be exhibited in Park51, stating it tries to divert attention away from the ties the center shares with Islamic extremism. Regardless of opinions, this community center is going to open soon.