The role of congress in monitoring events in Iraq Essay Example for Free

The role of congress in monitoring events in Iraq Essay The war against Iraq was perpetrated by the US and the UK with the UN playing passive and reluctant role. The attack has provoked protests all over the globe including in the US and the UK with many groups as well as individual condemning the attack and terming it as unwarranted. Furthermore, the attack was carried out without the approval of the security council. The attack has earned the US more foes than friends especially in the Muslim world. It has also served to fuel animosity against Americas efforts to institute a democratic government in those who view these efforts as interferences in the affairs of the country as a denial of Iraq’s sovereignty . This has led to rebellion against the authorities in Iraq as well as increasing the threat of terrorist attack on America. The Bush presidency and administration seems to believe that the way towards peace is through war and violence especially returning fire with fire. This notion can be at best misguided and at worst catastrophic. It is therefore imperative that the congress recognizes its duty as an organ and act to check any excuses on the part of the government as well as developing solutions that will lead to the reduction of rebellion and consequently the terrorist attacks within Iraq. This section will look at the possible role of congress in ensuring that the tension between Iraq and the US/UK subsides and also allow the US to shed the image of a ‘big bully’ interfering with the affair of a sovereign state. It is worth noting that at this juncture that the congress ahs made some good moves like giving 97 million dollars to support a program pushing for change of regime. This was a step in the right direction, however, this need to be sustained and increased. This organization offers some suggestions for your consideration, ladies and gentlemen. Pursue the Truth. The congress has a responsibility of seeking to reveal the truth so that decisions are based purely on sound intelligence. One of the biggest mistakes that the congress and the media have made was allowing themselves to be fed on misinformation and to act upon that misinformation without making due effort to seek the confirmation of the relevant intelligence agencies. The 2003 invasion on Iraq was based upon unsubstantiated reports that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Other reports allegedly justifying the invasion include Saddam-Osama association and that the war was welcome by the Iraqi citizens. The general feeling is that the congress did not do enough to get to the truth of those reports by the Bush administration . With the benefit of hindsight we know that all these reports were false. The congress has an obligation to launch a full congressional inquiry in order to give the American people the truth because America is founded on truth which we believe will set us free . It follows then that the congress needs to be at the forefront of finding facts before endorsing sensitive decisions regarding the events in post Saddam Iraq. Support the Iraq liberation act- when the bill was signed into law by President Bill Clinton, there were some well intentioned proposals that included developing a program that would support a transition to democracy. Even though Saddam Hussein was to be the removed from power without the use of military force, all is not lost and the congress could pursue some of the proposals like financing activities that promote democracy in Iraq. By now it should be clear that the U. S cannot continue having soldiers in Iraq because it is not sustainable. The congress should support those measures aimed at recalling US soldiers out of Iraq and allowing the transition government to run the affairs of Iraq. Right now that sounds dangerous but in the end it will prove less costly than maintaining US soldiers in Iraq. The congress had earlier passed an act to give 97 million dollars for the purpose of supporting regime change. The Act also suggested that those suffering from Saddam’s regime’s brutalities be assisted. Emphasize on empowering the transition government’s capacity to deal with internal insurgence. This can be done through the training of military personnel as well as giving financial support to this government for reconstruction. This is sustainable because only Iraq will be able to fully end the problems it is facing. Much of the terrorist attacks within Iraq are just an extension of a rebellion against the Bush administration. This suggests that the perpetrators of the internal insurgence are still fighting the US by fighting against the US assisted governments. However the reduction of US occupation will shift the focus somehow. Play a more active role in holding the administration accountable. The congress has in the past been accused of being the puppets of President George Bush. A congressman has been named for his role in spreading hearsay that led to the congress’ endorsement of the invasion on Iraq. However the congress is still strategically placed to provide leadership and help check the excesses of the current administration. There are some obviously bad mistakes that the Bush administration has made in the entire affair. However the voice of the congress has not been heard as it should have in efforts to lead the country in the right direction. Now that Saddam is gone and Iraq more than ever requires level headed support which the US can provide, the congress ought to speak on matters regarding the nature of support and the quantity to be given. All in all the congress should be seen playing a more active role in providing checks and balances to the administration. Last but not least is a collective request for all the members of congress to act in accordance to pure conscience. There have been cases in the past especially before the invasion when the congress has been less than active in fulfilling its constitutional role. Instead of initiating a full congressional inquiry, many of the congressmen decided to shut up and not do anything to hold the administration accountable even when they new all was not well. Decisions regarding Iraq’s progress need to be made by exercising discretion and oversight as well. Holding open discussions is what allows for prudent decisions as well as bringing the truth to the surface. As leaders we have a solemn duty to ensure that all future decisions are never again to be based on false impressions. This organization that should the congress abide by the above suggestions, then it can begin to help shape the outcome of what has been an sensitive but costly issue to the whole of America. Thank you.

A Clockwork Orange - Calculated Captivity :: essays research papers

Calculated Captivation "Goodness comes from within, 6655321. Goodness is something to be chosen. When a man cannot choose he ceases to be a man." In Anthony Burgess’ A Clockwork Orange, a sadistic adolescent of the not-so-distant future is ‘rehabilitated’ of his violent nature by a special conditioning treatment. This fifteen year-old hoodlum Alex McDowell is ‘cured’ of his savage activities but when released back into a still violent society, he is a misfit. Anthony Burgess’ skillful art of manipulation is able to change the reader’s opinion from hating Alex for his malicious ways, to feeling captivated by him, as he becomes a ‘victim of a modern age’. To understand how this deception is accomplished it is important to examine the major turning points in Alex’s life, and how Burgess presents them. To begin, Burgess displays Alex’s villainous disposition, which causes the reader to hate and resent him. Through the aid of the State’s treatment Alex is reformed, at which point Burgess allows the reader to determine and develop an opinion of whether this treatment is morally acceptable or not. In the end however it is obvious that Alex has become a true "Clockwork Orange’ and despite the previous opinion of the reader, Burgess reveals the outcome in a way that causes a sense of relief and is pleased to see Alex back to ‘normal’. It is fascinating to consider that Burgess may have written A Clockwork Orange as a prophetic view of warning to future societies. He was a peaceful person who didn’t want the stark consequences of the fictional Alex to become a grim reality. Through the first of three parts in the novel Burgess displays Alex as the embodiment of all that society would like to ignore or eliminate - but can’t. This first person narrative is told by Alex a youth of fifteen, who spends his nights with his "droogs", terrorizing the public with their bits of "ultra violence" and engaging in the old "in-out in-out". He beats the elderly, fights other gangs with his "britva", robs stores, breaks into houses, rapes young girls, drinks milk laced with drugs (moloko) and is eventually convicted of murder. Burgess portrays the immature Alex, as a mixture of good and evil possibilities with evil taking the upper hand. As the reader is taken deeper into Al ex’s morbidly exciting world, he/she begins to feel complete hatred towards Alex. Not only does Burgess permit Alex to commit such heinous crimes, he describes them in a very disturbing manner.

Illustration Essay on Chelsea Football Club

The Blues and the Pensioners — both are names attributed to the London-based football club, because of obviously the color and the traditional name.The club is easily one of the best teams in the world, brushing shoulders with the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid. In the current season of 2008-2009, Chelsea is highly regarded by football experts as top contenders not only in the top flight football league in England, the Barclay’s Premiere League but also in Europe’s most prestigious competition, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League.With all trophies except for the Carling Cup still available, it seems that they are on the right track in winning at least one major trophy. Hence, Chelsea is one of the top teams in Europe because of its talent-laden squad from all around the world.World Class PlayersChelsea is arguably the most talented football club in the world. Most of the club’s first team players are also in thei r respective countries’ national team. For example, Petr Cech, the club’s goal keeper, earned the right to wear the number 1 kit for both his club and his homeland, Czech Republic. He has helped Chelsea win back to back Premiership titles in the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 seasons. (chelseafc.com) He has also helped Czech Republic in their World Cup and Euro campaigns, leading the team to pass their qualifying rounds. With his tall frame at 6 ft 5 inches and his good form, he is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world—a class belonging to Iker Cassilas of Spain and Gianluigi Buffon of Italy.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chelsea is also the home of England’s finest players—Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, and John Terry are key players for England’s manager Fabio Capello. If Shaun Wright-Philips and Wayne Bridge had not left the club, six players on the England side would have been from Chelsea. Of all these Englis h players, Frank Lampard is the best in the business of commanding the midfield. At 30 years old, he is playing like he was 25.He holds the English Premiere League record for having the most number of consecutive games (164). During the 2004-2005 season, only Thiery Henry was able to beat Frank Lampard in the individual awards of the Premiership in the same season.(chelseafc.com) He has been a regular on the Three Lions’ (England) squad, with regular caps on their Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006 campaign.He raised the bar in midfield scoring by touching net numerous times. Currently, only Ronaldo, the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) world player of the year from Manchester United, is better than Frank Lampard in the league. Lampard, along with John Terry, captains the club.John Terry, otherwise known as â€Å"Mr. Chelsea,† is the captain of not only Chelsea but also of the English Squad. Among the active central defenders in the world, he is on th e top of the list. Ashley Cole, on the other hand, is the very definition of an attacking defender.He has earned numerous caps as an England international and has sealed his position in the left back of the club. He does not score that often, but his threat on goal frees up space in the pitch. His most successful stint as an English player was during the Euro 2004 campaign where he was named as one of the all-star squad for the competition. (chelseafc.com). The other Cole, Joe Cole, is also a midfield player known for his pace and creativity.Joe Cole is the perennial wing man for both the club and country. It does not matter if he is on the left or the right; he is effective on either side. Last season, he has scored a total of 10 goals in all competitions in 45 appearances — more appearances than anyone in the club. (chelseafc.com). His presence at the England side is also constant as he has been capped regularly for the Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006.Portugal has the most num ber of internationals in the club who have proven their worth for previous clubs and country. Ricardo Carvalho, together with John Terry, is the most formidable partnership in defense in club football.The quintet of Carvalho, Bosingwa, Deco, Hilario, and recently signed on-loan Quaresma fills all positions in the pitch, with Paulo Fereira to spare. Only Hilario from the group does not have much international experience to boot. Nevertheless, he has proven his goal-saving prowess during the Champions League run last season where he stepped up during the absence of Cech and Cudicini. Deco, meanwhile, despite appearing mostly as a sub later this season, has done it all with Barcelona.

Essay The Political Ethos of the Civil Society - 2758 Words

The Political Ethos of the Civil Society ABSTRACT: Totalitarian political systems in the socialist countries of Eastern Europe destroyed and repressed the civil society that used to exist in them. The authoritarian and totalitarian ethos was formed under a powerful influence of ideologies of the communist parties and politocracy in these countries so that the political ethos of politicians dominated the political ethos of the citizen. The breakdown of the real socialism and its unsuccessful attempts to complete accelerated liberal modernization of these societies caused turbulence of social values in addition to the general moral chaos. The moral crisis has deepened; anomie increased as well as the society’s inclination to commit†¦show more content†¦In the seventies of the twentieth century the term civil society was used by the opposition and dissident groups in the socialist countries to denote the strategy of political fight against totalitarianism by forming autonomous institutions beyond the state cont rol and for the sake of establishing a democratic society as opposed to the total state. By redefining the modern concept of the civil society a new and contemporary concept of the civil society has been created as an alternative to authoritarian socialism. Thus, a new practical and theoretical political paradigm has been set up for explaining ways of the transition of socialist, authoritarian and stagnant societies into democratic and civil societies which are able for self-development and are willing to use the civilization achievements of the developed societies as well as the achievements of social and political philosophy and contemporary sciences. The civil society is most often determined as autonomous pluralism of private and public activities, beyond the state control, expressed in individual freedom, local and regional self rule, citizens’ participation in public affairs and social movements as well as in cultural autonomy and free trade unionism. In the former socialist countries the civil society was destroyed and repressed by state measures. 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