The Current US Foreign Policy In The Middle East

By Krystal Branch

Changing political environment has placed the current US foreign policy in the Middle East under test. Different governments over the years have shown disparity in their tackling of issues affecting the region. The sensitivity of this relationship reminds people that the region was strategically a European stronghold considering that they defeated the Ottoman rule.

America was regarded as non-partisan, respected and untainted before WWII. She brought the best education, medicine, professionals and especially oil engineers to the region. She acted in a mutual and friendly way and did not seem as selfish or acting with duplicity like the Europeans. The agreements entered regarding natural resources like oil made relations with countries in this area very important.

Oil prices are an important factor when dealing with Middle East countries. This makes the region strategically important to American interests. The allies that exist in this area include Jordan, Israel, Kuwait, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and Afghanistan. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar also fall among American allies. Their membership in Nato has always been questioned and led to cold relations with America.

Control of the area is exercised through aid, military support and hosting of major military bases. The nuclear weapons are also aimed at subduing rivalry with neighboring states so that total control can be exercised. The war in Iraq by the Bush administration was aimed at establishing a strong and supportive government that would safeguard American interests. The invasion shook the relationship with the world and called for an evaluation of policies regarding that region.

Escalating conflicts and the Arab spring have called for a rethinking of the handling of issues at the Persian Gulf. Russia is gaining a lot of influence in world issues and pulling some countries to its side. Syria presented a difficult test to America with the insufficiency of intervention by Obama administration highlighting loss of influence. The duration of the Syrian crisis has angered most countries allied to America.

Arab states are divided by the debate on nuclear technology as different countries in this area show their interest in developing such systems. Iraq signed a deal with America that has brought tension between states who consider the government as unstable. The never ending conflict between Palestine and Israel is a major test and determines relationships between any nation and the region.

Russian and Asian economic giants are gaining ground by offering better deals than America. Russia has been at the center of the Syrian crisis at the expense of America. The instability in Egypt is blamed on American indecisiveness which saw Mubarak forcibly removed despite his pro-west stand. The unstable policies guided by change in governance are causing concerns to Gulf States.

The threat posed by radical Iranian authority is affecting the current US foreign policy in the Middle East. Her interest in nuclear technology and involvement in terrorism are to blame. One of the most vocal nations in this regard is the Bahrain government that does not hide its displeasure. The ability of America to safeguard her interest and win new allies is being tested.

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Some Valid Arguments Against Evolution

By Krystal Branch

In the world of science, one of the theories that almost all scientists would back up would be the theory of evolution which states that all entities evolved from an ancestor that was living in the ancient times. This theory usually goes against the very common belief that there is a creator who made the earth. The problem with this theory is that there are so many gaps and missing things inside that many valid arguments against evolution can pop up.

The most common question that a lot of people would have in their mind with regard to this theory is why it is not happening now. If the evolving of beings happened in the past then it is only logical that people can still see these types of occurrences even until now. However, it is hard to accept the theory simply because humans cannot see it happening in front of their eyes.

One of the things that the scientific community has tried to do was to attempt to create a brand new species of a fruit fly by using mutation. Of course many scientists have made new varieties of animals all over the world but there was no one who could really make a brand new species. Of course the creation of a new species cannot even be seen naturally.

Of course there is no actual proof that it had even happened many years ago because no evidence can back it up. Fossils are said to be evidence as the fossils would show the transition between the evolution of certain entities into a new entity. The thing about fossils is that there are gaps in the transition.

Of course there is also the famous principle that humans actually descended from the monkey or primates in general. The thing about this principle is that no one can seem to prove that the being who evolved from the monkey actually exists. This being is known as the missing link and he is the one thing that would be able to prove that evolution is actually somewhat true.

Now of course everything has to have an origin no matter what anyone says simply because something cannot just appear out of the blue. So if humans did come from the monkeys, then another question that would be asked would be where the monkeys came from. The origins of all beings would lead back to the fact that they were created from nothing.

Of course evolutionists would state that everything started with a big bang hence the Big Bang Theory. Of course the big bang had to also have an origin as there must have been something that caused the big bang. Now the problem here is that no one can actually prove where this big bang actually came from.

As one can see, the theory of evolution has so many missing parts which cannot be proven up until today. That is why arguments against evolution are ever present. A lot of things in the world cannot be proven by the theory simply because it can never explain the origin of everything.

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Useful Thoughts On Democracy As A Concept

By Jerri Perry

Intellectuals have diverse thoughts on democracy. However, they can all come to an agreement on the fact that democracy is a rule with four major aspects. The facets include the rule of law, active involvement, free and fair elections and respect for basic human rights.

This regime permits people to opt for representatives they want. Dwellers pick persons to represent their interests in parliament and the head of government. These two crucial decisions are made at the polls where one makes a choice from among competing parties. The ones chosen are answerable to the people. They need to give an account of how they use their authority. The leaders ought to use power not for their own benefit but for the well being of the electorates.

Such a system holds the citizens sovereign. This simply means that they are the topmost form of political power. Authority flows from the people to those in office. Leaders stay in office for a limited time as provided for in the constitution of a given country. Before laws and policies are made, they must be supported by the majority in parliament. However, the interests of the minorities are still protected.

The main role of citizens in the system is active participation in public life. They are obligated to acquaint themselves on civic issues. It is their duty to carefully scrutinize how their representatives utilize authority. The people must always express their beliefs and interests. An important form of participation is manifested through dynamic membership in autonomous non governmental organizations commonly referred to as civil society.

Women ought to be involved in public issues too. For a while, they have somewhat been a minority group. They non governmental associations ought to raise awareness to the women concerning their rights and responsibilities. By so doing, ladies will feel like they are needed in both political and civil elements of their country. Similar to the male members of the society, they ought to be engaged in development schemes.

Involvement in the general public should not be something forced. Similarly, membership to political parties ought to be voluntary. A person should not feel forced to be registered in an association he does not want in a democratic country. Still, no one should interfere with beliefs of others even when he does not share their beliefs. Democratic nations respect the diversity of every individual.

Basic rights and freedoms of citizens need to be upheld in accordance with international laws. Each individual can have his own belief system and practice his religion without fear. A person has the freedom to relate with others without being interfered with. This is called freedom of association.

Under the rule of law, justice is delivered promptly by knowledgeable, principled and independent representatives. This group of people ought to be sufficient in number, have enough resources and mirror the structure of the group of people they serve. Laws ought to be enacted in a fair and proficient manner. All in all, the different thoughts on democracy summarize the concept as rule solely meant for the people.

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Watt Democracy [dot] com wants your honest thoughts on democracy. You can let your voice be heard when you visit the website today at http://www.wattdemocracy.com.

Bill De Blasio's Inaugural Chair, Gabrielle Fialkoff

By Charlie Hawker

Would it surprise you to know that Bill de Blasio is tied in to the world of fashion? Well don't be surprised. The new mayor's friendship with Gabrielle Fialkoff spans many years.

The mayor and Fialkoff have known each other for many years, which is why he turned to someone in the fashion and jewelry world to handle this role. A leading fashion publication had the chance to interview Fialkoff and brings us more details about the planning that went into the gala.

As a mayor whose aim is to be a man of the people and cater to all groups, she created and chaired an event that was all-inclusive in the same regard. One that accurately reflects his vision for the future of the city.



The event itself took place on January 1st, 2014. Tickets were available to all New Yorkers, a unique offering that hadn't been done in many years. All of this took place on the steps of City Hall.

Another 7,000 people visited Gracie Mansion that Sunday for an Open House event planned by Fialkoff. This hadn't been done in nearly 50 years, but the entire offering was well received since tickets sold out just several hours after they went on sale.

If the idea of someone in the jewelry industry planning these festivities seems weird, it shouldn't. Gabrielle Fialkoff worked in politics for many years before assuming her COO helm at Haskell. She helped the mayor campaign for a few races, including his run for City Council in 2001.

Fialkoff hasn't only worked with de Blasio though. She's also participated in campaign efforts for Hillary Clinton and other well known political figures. Eventually she made the move from politics to Haskell Jewels.

In her interview, Fialkoff spoke to the pleasure of planning something that she firmly believed in, not to mention the added perk of helping out an old friend.

It seems like New Yorkers agree too. The social media world was abuzz with praise about the unique opportunity to see everything in person.

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Read the full interview here.

Non-Partisan Political Information Is Hard To Find

By Serena Price

The dominant media used to be able to present non-partisan political information. These are called facts by the viewing, reading public. This type of information is designed to present knowledge about the issues being discussed so that the receivers of this can process it into a rational decision. That is not happening any more as the media has made their bed, so to speak, with one side of each debate.

The media does not look for this type of information as it does fit in their template for their world view. All of the facts interfere with their partners in political circles, so those must be left out of news coverage. The fourth estate has decided their allegiance does not reside in the people but in the masterminds they have helped create.

Even on the Internet, there is trouble finding this type of factual information. Some websites or blogs will suggest they offer balanced coverage. They will often be fairly straight forward, however, the larger portion of them have some ax to grind as far as which side they are rooting for. There are a few tests that can be conducted to determine the objectivity or truthfulness of these and other sources of data.

An easy test to conduct for the purpose of finding the elusive non partisan information would be to check on the emotional tugs it contains. The harsh rhetoric is also a clear indication this piece is not presenting facts. The effort, in the piece, to get the reader to allow something to be done, right now, is also a danger sign that you are not getting the information to make a rational, well considered decision.

Partisan talking points, about the gun control issue, will tell us that there are too many guns in the hands of people. They will not tell us that our second amendment rights are in the US Constitution. They will tell us that a law abiding citizen with a gun is just one more gun on the street. The emotional pull is for everyone to believe that a law abiding gun owner can become a criminal quite easily. That is why they want to do something, right now.

The facts that are rarely, if ever, published tend to show the difference between law abiding gun owners and what happens in the many shootings the media report on. Gun restriction laws do not curb crime as the harshest laws are in cities with the highest crime rates. Mental health issues are only marginally mentioned and nothing is proposed in the legislative items that purport to be fixes for this touchy problem.

One of the very reasons that the factual information is not found in the media is that they have their own agenda of distorting them. Their partners in legislative branches, around the country, need this cover as they grab the emotional strings of doing something now. The press wants their people to succeed and do not find it an unworthy mission to help them.

Many people would believe that the facts and non-partisan political information will come out in the political debates. They would be mislead about this as the media has their people installed as the moderators in most of these debates and coverage is one sided, as well. The participants, on both sides, will be paired off with one side and their emotion driven appeals for things people do not want against another side that might argue with them but not much.

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How To Open A Surplus Outlet

By Serena Price

People who are interested in starting their own surplus outlet have been showing up one after another these days. To these people, they have to make their business a success if they want to gain a stable income out of it. If they ever fail, there are some repercussions they have to face. To be able to make the business a stable source of income, here are the tips that might be useful in one's endeavor.

The first thing to do is to have a vision of what the business will be like in the future. When it comes to the business, plan out what kind of merchandise will be sold there. There are many lines of merchandise that can be sold for surpluses, after all. Pick the merchandise that one is comfortable selling.

Another thing to do is to conduct a market research. The market research is the kind of research that targets the market to see how they will accept the business that one is planning to start up. This research should provide the person with a positive result first before the latter proceeds with the business endeavor.

After doing the market research and receiving a positive result, then next thing that a person should do is to create a business plan. The business plan will contain a lot of business details that will put one's vision into words. It will make it easier for partners, financial supporters, and other business partners to see one's plans for the business' future.

There is a need to get a business license. The license is what makes it possible for the business to operate within the bounds of law. The person should make sure to get a license so that it will not have any altercations with the rules and regulations for business operations within the state. There are requirements to obtaining a license so comply them.

It is also important to pick out a nice location where the business will stand. This is the kind of store that will sell surpluses and will target people from all walks of life. Since this is the case, make sure that the store is in an easily accessible area. It should also be a safe place to go to.

The right staff members should be hired for this business. The business is not the kind that a person can easily operate all by himself or herself. There is a heavy workload when it comes to this kind of business, after all. By hiring capable of good staff, it should ease the burden on the shoulders of the owners.

There should be enough salespeople on the floor. When hiring salespeople, make sure that they have good personalities. They should also be capable of giving good customer service to the customers. When the customers receive good service, they will experience a shopping shopping trip to the store. This will reflect positively on the business.

Marketing is a very important tool for the business. This is where the surplus outlet advertises so that it can gain the interest of people who are considered to be the market. There are a number of marketing schemes to be used for this. Pick the ones that a person can do, especially simultaneously.

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At our online surplus outlet, you can find those Items you need for less. We have large stock at wholesale prices. Look for us at http://alleghenywholesale.com.