Participation

My participation in World Issues class this year has shown me that the world needs some serious work. Not only do we have some serious problems in Canada such as elections, taxes, and crime, but we also have serious work to do in Africa and Asia. The Arab-Israeli conflict, the unrest in the Middle East, and the continued war in Afghanistan are all current pressing issues that need to be dealt with.  I already knew that the world had problems and that things are not getting much better. However, what this year’s world issues class really taught me was that there is a way out of this mess that doesn’t involve tanks and bullets. That there are people who actually care and that it’s not over yet. There is something called peaceful conflict resolution and it needs to be implemented throughout the world. This class taught me that the world isn’t full of Ghadafi’s and George W. Bush’s, but people who actually care about equality and justice. Philanthropists like Colin B. Glassco, Musicians like Anti-Flag, and global citizens within not only HSC but my very class. I used to think the world was going to end in some violent fashion because nobody cares anymore, and there is no hope. I still am not convinced that the world is going to be pretty place, but I do see a little bit of hope now. I have learned that people are no longer going to stand for injustice; the uprisings in the Middle East are proof. However, one thing that was made particularly clear as the year went on was that as long as we see each other as countries, religions, races, sexes, and sexual orientations, there will never be peace. We are all humans, and until unity is achieved the world will continue to fight. Dividing and labelling ourselves is stupid.  

A theme for World Issues

A common theme in nearly every issue we have examined this year is religion. No matter what incident is occurring in the world today, chances are religion has made its way into the problem. It is quite ironic when nearly all of the religions in the world preach peace, and unity. Nevertheless we continue to find ourselves in conflicts and dilemmas, and religion is not helping to solve any of them that is for sure. Several notable examples that we have studied include the Arab-Israeli conflict, the attempted Quran burning by a Florida pastor, and the death of Osama bin Laden.

In the case of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Muslim based Palestinians were colliding inn a war over holy land against the Israelis. Of course, through the study of the conflict we have learned that the conflict is based on an age old land dispute, with both sides firmly believing they have the right to the land. Nevertheless, religion is a major component in the battle and continues to be. Most of the countries surrounding Israel are pro-Palestine because all of the countries are linked through their strong ties with Islam. Furthermore, one of the main pieces of land neither side is willing to forfeit is Jerusalem, a city considered holy by both parties.

Religion is most prominent in the case of the Florida pastor, who claimed he would burn the Quran, if the mosque in New York was not re-located. It is sad thing when the burning of a book causes death and violence. It was completely irresponsible and irrational for the Florida pastor to even suggest such a thing, and it was equally irresponsible and irrational for the Muslim community to lash out in such a way. I have not read the bible or any religious book but I doubt they preach violence and hatred. This case has taught us that there are people in the world who are twisting the words in the bible to justify their actions.  They are using religion as a tool to release their anger, and frustrations out on other people. Furthermore, this case brings the media into question. Why would they give the Florida Pastor any attention at all? It seems like they were looking to ignite conflicts. There was absolutely no need to put him on the air, and the role of the media should really be put to question at this point.

Finally, there is the death of Osama bin Laden. bin Laden was the leader and founder of al –Qaeda, an extremist militant group that killed in the name of Islam. He saw Western society as a threat to Islam and sought to destroy it. He was able to achieve such a cult following because of the promises and rewards associated with martyrdom in his form of the Islam religion. Many people in the Middle-East are enduring atrocious conditions so it only makes sense to follow bin Laden’s orders and either a) return to the Middle-East a hero in the eyes of many or b) die and go to heaven and reap the rewards and infinite happiness offered there. The death of bin Laden has caused a surge of animosity in the rest of al-Qaeda, and there is no doubt that they will retaliate. In my opinion religion is one of the scariest things in the world. Mainly because of the way people have twisted it. If people believe in an afterlife, they are more willing to engage in dangerous and reckless behaviour because the know that even if they die it isn’t the end. That’s why, in my opinion peace will never be achievable. People don’t care about making this life the best it can be, because there is no need to. Once they die they will go to a place that’s the best it can be. So it makes sense to fight for what you think is right instead of finding peace and unity in this life because there will always be peace and unity in heaven. If religion was eliminated and people believed that when they died they’d rot underground forever and nothing would happen, then I’d bet they wouldn’t fight, or risk their lives, and peace would be much more achievable.

This year religion has showed me that not everyone is as fortunate as myself to live in a place where no religion is forced upon you, and where you’re free to practice any religion you choose. It also has shown me the morality of some people and how quickly power corrupts. Religious power is a dangerous thing and it was tested this year in the Quran burning incident. If there is one thing I could truly take away it is that with great power comes great responsibility, thank-you Stan Lee. We have the capabilities to do great good, but also great evil. Just because you’re hurt or angered by something doesn’t give you the right to retaliate in any way you choose. Just because you can do something (like burning a Quran) doesn’t make it right. The Middle-Eastern and North African dictators are learning this the hard way, with great power, comes great responsibility.

Middle East Revolution

Summary:

One of the most monumental events of the 21^st century is occurring as we speak. The revolution in the Middle East is changing the way most of the world has been operating for the last century.

The widespread Middle East and North African Revolution was sparked by the initial protests in Tunisia, on December 18^th, 2010, following Mohamed Bouazizi`s self-immolation. Bouazizi was protesting the Tunisian government`s corruption and ill treatment of citizens. Following the success of the protests in Tunisia, uprisings were ignited in several Middle-Eastern and African countries including Algeria, Jordan, Yemen, and Egypt. Protestors took a variety of measures including self-immolations, road blocks, riots, occupying public buildings, burning police stations, burning government buildings, and armed revolt.

Results thus far:

Thus far, the protests have resulted in the removal of two heads of state. One being Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali who left for Saudi Arabia on January 14^th,  and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak who resigned on February 11, after 18 days of protests. In addition, many heads of state and politicians in the affected countries have announced their intentions of not running for political office next term, including the Sudanese president, and Iraqi Prime Minister.

Conclusion:

It is clear that things will never be the same again in the Middle-East and North Africa. Uncontrollable uprisings everywhere are causing corrupt leaders to flee, and in turn creating a more peaceful, and fair state. There are a number of factors that have led to these uprisings. Globalization and education have predominant roles in this widespread occurrence. Citizens of these corrupt countries are seeing and learning about fair and just countries like Canada and the United States. Furthermore, citizens are becoming more educated in these regions and are realizing things do not have to be the way they are. After all, their living conditions must be horrible based on their actions. Protestors are literally lighting themselves on fire because they cannot deal with the oppression. They have learned about democracy and are tired of the oppression their totalitarian states have been giving them. Moreover, the economic decline and global famine rates have left people miserable, and impatient. Dictators are not dealing with the same blind and conforming citizens they were dealing with twenty years ago. Their veil has been removed thanks to globalization and their days in office are numbered.

Obviously, the uprisings are a great thing for the world. People in these countries will receive better treatment, and the world will come to understand that totalitarian states are a thing of the past. The only fear is that that the newly elected governments will become as corrupt as their predecessors, or turn into military juntas. However, it is clear that even if this does happen, the population will not conform, and more protests will ensue. The dictators can no longer win. They are no longer backed by the people.