The Gaza Strip Conflict

A well pronounced war throughout the decades as it has served the world in always having news for the media’s eye. Life has been extremely harsh for fellow Israelis and Palestinians. The land of these people has had much unwanted bloodshed shrewn upon the earth. The U.S. has supported the war in arming the Israeli’s with weaponry, a result of former Presidents relations to the nation in defeating the Hamas. The Hamas is an Islamic Resistance Movement that was founded by Muslim Brotherhood members in 1987.

The Obama administration is looking to obtain global peace, on his convoy to Hamas & Israelis peace for the Middle East. A one year cease-fire is being discussed this week. It will allow the borders of Israel and Egypt to open for trade and ending of weapon smuggling. The Middle East has always been a place of conflict unfortunately. There is a lot of hope for President Obama, including relations to the Islamic world which the Bush Administration demolished. President Barack Obama is currently working to re-establish ties with the Islamaic world.

The main focus of this war has been fighting for control of the Gaza Strip. It is fundamental in trading with Northern Africa and smuggling of good to West Asia. The Mediterranean Sea is a gateway to import/export goods. The conflict does not allow free trading so there are underground tunnels being used for this, however are often made missile targets because of the illegal items being bought in. Even settlements are being fought over. Since the land is constantly being destroyed and rebuilt. About, 80% of the lands crops have been destroyed. This makes it even harder to survive during a war and hurts the economy.

As of this year there have been numerous attacks. An airstrike in late December lead to ground combat and missile attacks into the new year. On Tuesday during a interesting day of classes a roadside bomb was set off leading to a missile strike. This war lasted for 22 days killing 1,200 Palestinians and 13 Israelis. After negations the Israeli military withdrew from the Gaza Strip. However, Gaza residents have reported the sound of naval shells going off along the Mediterranean.

In Davos, Switzerland; Mr. Ban Ki-moon, who is the United Nations Secretary-General stressed an appeal to a $613 million humanitarian aid effort for the people of Gaza. This is due to an attack on the United Nations building in Gaza. It was containing food and supplies that were destroyed by Israelis believing the establishment had ties with the Hamas.Mr Ban of United Nations talks at the conference.

I feel that war is never a good way to solve things in life. Unfortunately when opposing sides do not see eye to eye it can happen. The control of the Gaza Strip is a gateway to connecting trade with its foreign neighbors. The smuggling of weapons in underground tunnel is frightening, not knowing who is trafficking or selling these items. Being that missiles are a normal combat utility for this war. I would not be surprised if one side tries to use a “dirty bomb” to destroy and infect the people. This conflict needs to be settled otherwise a mass catastrophe will result from violence. The Hamas has not always been favorable to the United States. Being an Islamic organization compiled of Jihads that fight for a cause. Others can label them as part of the Islamic world and terrorists. A war torn country were everyday your life is at risk. Perhaps if you were born in such a ravaged, bloody, graveyard you too would seek the sanctity of a weapon to protect yourself. Conditioning to endure the hardships of life in a militant land.

Personally I do not even know how long this peace agreement will last. Throughout the history of this conflict many peace agreements have been signed and broken by each side. It all depends who is leading the countries. Politics greatly influence any conflict, can resolute but do not always work. Hopefully the Hamas & Isrealis will finally seek out agreement amongst each other. Only time can tell.

A Historical Presidency Unfolds

The Presidential Inauguration this year is a legacy to begin on January 20th 2009. President Barack Obama is the newest executive branch member of the United States government. Preceding our 43^rd President George W. Bush as he leaves the scene, after a double run in office. Being that Barack is the nation’s first African American elected president had such a historical impression upon fellow Americans that day. This is a mass publicized event that will hold its threshold in time for the United States and the world. Following viewers would have the chance of a life time to witness the making of history. On a non-flea market day amongst the Washington Mall stood almost 2 million gathering the two mile long park of Washington’s District of Columbia. The live broadcast was conclusive with the event with much celebration. As President Obama was introduced, gave his speech, and sworn in under oath as the nation’s 44^th President of the United States of America it was a time of happiness, change and a new era.

“My Fellow Citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors” these were the first words spoken by the president on his day. Barack was compared in the papers to former Presidents Lincoln, Washington, Roosevelt, Hoover and a few other presidents in times of crisis. We are yet to see if the 44^th President will become a legend, only time can tell.

A day after Martin Luther King’s Birthday became a dream come true. No matter color, race, ethnicity we all knew what it is to be an American that day. The new presidency has a lot of hope for fellow Americans. “Change” is good, was the slogan used for Barack’s campaign. Being our economical status at the moment, everyone is hoping to change for the better in the constantly changing world. A greener earth, more peaceful world and stronger America is the focus for Obama.

An extremely long road with many trials and tribulations were put fourth along with rumors of Barack having terrorist relations in the tabloids. This being the most extreme case he endured during his campaign. The media can be very influential in assisting people for making a vote. Even the less visual media of radio listeners were forced to hear of Barack’s win, news updates and of course Change is good. News papers and periodicals have their own personal opinions. I feel writers or papers with republican viewpoints were jealous of letting a democrat into the White House. Even live broadcast news reporters made snide remarks knowing of the elephants defeat, allowing a donkey to shine. There have been only a handful of democratic presidents elected.

Everyone on Monday was waiting for Bush to finally leave the office. Especially, if you are against the war in Iraq. I thought it was humorous how protesters threw their sneakers at the capitol gate in an anti-war protest, copying the Baghdad journalist. Now being a president of our country is a huge task but your life is always on the line. I stumbled across this bullet proof clothing, by my surprise I did not even know existed. These pricey pieces can be found and bought from our fellow Colombian Designers. However it is only $7,500 for a polo shirt. The president has an entire bullet proof suite which he wore on commencement day. Found Here.

Inspiring writers were given an opportunity to see the commencement of our 44^th President. There was a essay writing competitions held for the winner to get a free ticket along with hotel accommodations for Tuesday, January 20^th 2009’s Inauguration. The question for one of the Essay’s was “what does this commencement mean to you?”

President Barack Obama main focus is the bailout plan of the United States. I feel there is a lot of good to unfold in his legacy. Being a member of the Democratic Party he has more liberal views that go along with the current times. Unlike the majority of republican presidents whom prefer to view American life in the old fashioned way. Americans shall wait and see what is to become of our nation in the four years to come. All that we can do is stand together as one to become a stronger country for the better of our future.