Bloodshed in Iraq

On April 25, 2013, Ned Parker of the Los Angeles Times wrote an article called "Iraq Fighting Leaves at Least 41 More People Dead". The article discusses about an event that occurred on Thursday, when Iraqi security forces fought against Sunni Arabs. Thirty one of the casualties were from the Sunni Arabs, but the rest were security forces. There are two ways of looking at this. The good way to look at it is that Iraq has the capability now to protect itself and has a force that can do so. The bad part of this is that the forces are not well trained, causing casualties, and also there is a rise of conflict again between the people. To start of with the casualties, it is crucial that a force that has been newly developed has as least casualties as possible because it begins to make the morale of the men go down, and their effectiveness on the battlefield can lower also. Next, rising conflicts in Iraq can cause international danger again also. Because the United States settled the country down, but did not clear the country completely from the fighters, problems like such can occur. Yes, the United States trained the forces and supplied them as much as they can, but the fighters gave so much trouble against the United States, so we can just imagine how much trouble they will give to the Iraqi security forces. Hopefully, nothing big begins again in Iraq.

Suspicion of Chemical Weapons in Syria

On April 25, 2013, David Cloud of the Los Angeles Times wrote an article called "White House Suspects Syria Used Chemical Weapons, Seeks Inquiry". The article discusses how the White House has a suspicion that the Syrian government is using chemical weapons. This, of course, is against international law, and it can not be done. But, during the time of war, Syria has seen it necessary to use. The White House is searching for clues and answers to see if there was such a use of weapons in Syria, and if there was and they have well enough proof to prove it, then they will take action. The chemical mainly being seen in Syria is sarin. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has made it obvious that he wants some steps to be taken for Syria. The United States is using what proof it has so far to push something to change in the United Nations. If the United States can get the United Nations to act, then it will be able to work much more easily and drive the actions down the road they want to go. If the United States intervenes into Syria, its the last of the Assad government as we know it. 

America Preparing for Intervention in Syra

On April 17, 2013, David Cloud of the Los Angeles Times wrote an article called "Step Toward Possible Military Intervention in Syria". The article discusses how America is taking steps which hints out a possible intervention into Syria. Syrian refugees have been fleeing to places such as Turkey and Jordan. America has decided to send troops and aid to both of these countries to support these citizens, and stop any violence from occurring if the Syrian conflict will spill over to those countries. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced that these measures are to ensure peace in the region and to help out these countries in any way possible. He also stated that if America would intervene into Syria, these forces will be the vanguard of the assault. Two hundred troops were deployed in Jordan, including a lot of aid. In my opinion, something may happen in the next couple of weeks, but anything is possible. If America does intervene into Syria, the main reason will be to stop the terrorist threat growing in Syria.

A Win for the Rights of All Americans

On April 17, 2013, Michael Memoli of the Los Angeles Times wrote an article called "Senate Rejects Gun Background Check Measure". The article discusses the news that the senate rejected the background check measure, also, rejecting bans on assault rifles and other types of weaponry. In general, I am very glad because at least the Senate has the sense of mind to reject some outrage of such, but also I am disappointed for only one part of the bill. That part of the bill is the background check part. This was the only sensible measure Liberals had offered, but the Senate declined. In my opinion, if liberals introduced different bills for each type of change they wanted, the background check measure would have passed, but they attached other absurd measures to it, such as banning assault rifles. The only change America needs in the gun debate is to add background checks and education before buying a firearm the first time, but 90% of America does not understand that, and therefore they keep demanding a ban. What people do not understand is that criminals will still get their hands on these weapons, even if the government bans them, but now they are lowering the chances of a civilian protecting him/herself from a criminal. It was a great victory for gun rights advocates, but there is still a huge hill to climb.

Stereotypes

The question "Discuss Adolf Hitler's reported statement, "who still tells nowadays of the extermination of the Armenians?" Does this statement have any validity?" is a very important question today. This statement has no validity today because the ten million Armenians living today proves the statement wrong. Turkey failed to wipe our nation out of this planet, and Hitler's statement is wrong. People all around the world remember the genocide, and are demanding Turkey to accept the genocide also. No matter what happens, the genocide will never be forgotten. The second question "Why do some people join groups such as the KKK?" discusses an issue which has been solved long time ago, but still exists today. People join these groups because the prejudice and hatred to a certain race has grown so much that they need to do something about it. These people have no sense of humanity left in them , and therefore conduct acts in these groups that are horrific. They feel superior over people, but in reality they are as weak as animals. Though groups such as the KKK have been banned, people still join covert groups, but cause no problems today because we have a functional police force and have laws protecting the rights of citizens.

CIA Gets Involved

On March 15, 2013, Ken Dilanian and Brian Bennet wrote an article in the Los Angeles Times called "CIA Begins Sizing Up Islamic Extremists in Syria for Drone Strikes". The article discusses how the CIA is getting involved in the turmoil in Syria. They have begun to do recon missions throughout the country to spot possible terrorists or extremists in the rebel group of Syria, to begin possible drone strikes on specified targets. This does not mean they are going against the rebellion in Syria, but they are stopping terrorists groups of getting involved in the freedom fighting in Syria. The CIA will be doing this job because they will be able to take out targets without having troops sent into Syria. Though there intentions are such, Obama has not issued any drone strikes in Syria yet. From what I see from this, the CIA will first give Obama the evidence on where to strike and if there is such terrorist groups in Syria, then Obama will make the decision. Also, I believe that America has to stay out of this because they stated before that  the Syrian conflict is for the Syrians, but yet again America has lied about their foreign policy.

Chuck Hagel's First Visit To Afghanistan

On March 9, 2013, Shashank Bengali of the Los Angeles Times wrote an article called "Afghan Suicide Attacks Mar U.S. Defense Secretary's Visit". The article discusses on the problems the United States is going to face in the future of Afghanistan, and how Chuck Hagel will respond. Unfortunately, the war in Afghanistan is not going to end when the United States pull out, but there is still ways of helping the Afghan government run. Coincidentally, while Chuck Hagel visited Afghanistan for the first time as Secretary of Defense, two bombs were exploded. Hagel was worried about the safety in the country from the start, and now the two bombs were a way to seal his opinion. Taliban officials said that the bombs were directed to him, to show him fear. With Hagel visiting Afghanistan, Obama is working out plans with President Karzai to assure that everything continues like the United States want it to continue, except without having the United States do most of the work. Obama wants Karzai to keep the law that terrorists do not need to be tried for any crime, and Karzai agreed with him. But in a speech on Wednesday, Karzai announced that he will release all prisoners, because they are the "innocent people" of the country of Afghanistan. As we know, pulling out of Afghanistan is going to be very troublesome, but it must be done.