Political Writing - Congress Divided: Syrian Plan in Question

After more than two years of fighting, Syrians have turned their conflict toward one another during the quest for territory and power. Civil war has erupted, and citizens are experiencing high unemployment rates, significantly declining currency values, decreasing human rights, detriment to the health care infrastructure, and impending vehement backlash from its government, which has led to over 100,000 deaths.

Foreign forces stand on high-alert, for the Syrian violence is spilling into neighboring lands. International administrations have been carefully monitoring Syria and even cautioned their populace on the dangers of traveling there. Western nations, among others, are considering intervening in the crisis due to its impact on innocent Syrians and potential effects on international affairs. Syrian officials responded to this notion with threats of chemical weapons attack.   

The U.S. notes that the Syrian government has already initiated a chemical assault in the Damascus suburbs, killing more than 1,429 people, including 426 children August 21. Additionally, Doctors Without Borders treated 3,600 patients with “neurotoxic symptoms” shortly after the attack. This strike further demonstrates the Syrian regime’s merciless intentions.

The Pakistani Taliban (TTP) plans to establish a command and control center in Syria, and August 31, President Obama announced that he will seek Congress approval to send in U.S. military forces as a preemptive measure for war. Thus far, plan supporters of the President’s plan believes it will send a message to Syria that chemical attacks will not be tolerated. Opponents feel more diplomatic methods should be set in motion to avoid further oversees conflict. Either way, trouble lies ahead.

Informational Map and related articles

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Fox News versus CNN Politics (political ticker) and Fourwinds10

Fox News states, “The president and his aides are sending out conflicting messages.” On the one hand, CNN Politics (political ticker) reports that President Obama indicates that he would not strike until Congress approves. However, Fourwinds10 writes about multiple signs indicating President Obama has already taken a stance on the matter.

Four U.S. warships with ballistic missiles are already moving into position in the eastern Mediterranean Sea in order to bring Tomahawk cruise missiles down inside Syria, if necessary. F-16 fighter jets were also placed in but not removed out of Jordan, per request of Jordanian government officials, earlier this year, with claims that this action was due largely to facilitate military exercises. (See Fourwinds10's 5 Signs That Obama has Already Made the Decision to go to War with Syria.) 

It appears U.S. citizens are receiving conflicting information from our government regarding the military's level of involvement, as well as overall intent. American citizens, such as myself, would likely rather be informed on the government's truthful status in the Syrian civil war, along with corresponding information from the news segments, to remain aware of potential effects on the enlisted, our economic affairs, resources and so forth. In this instance, TRUST is of high importance concerning the United State's position and media reporting to ensure citizens are educated appropriately on matters impacting our communities and our nation.

Please comment on this post and include insight on how U.S. interference may affect our nation as well as our communities. Also, please view the video on Obama's seeks military action in Syria and respond to the related poll below (the poll closes 09/12/2013 and will be deleted once votes are tallied).

 

Poll results are in:

 

Should the U.S. interfere with the Syrian conflict?

Yes = 33%

No = 33%

Undecided = 33%

Political Writing - This I Believe

Today we live in a world populated by approximately seven billion people, adhering to enforced rules of distinctive social constructs and forms of governmental and political bodies. At times, such regulations must be challenged to bring about long-term benefits for the betterment of an evolving mankind. Viewpoints from abroad influence happenings on domestic soil.

History has validated this perspective and our willingness to take stances regarding economic and civil modifications, as in cases of power, respect, and financial gains. While some citizens across the world remain unaware, disconnected, or even desensitized to struggles and triumphs, others recognize the need to protect the interests of individual social groups. Ancestors have protested, battled, and perished as martyrs to acquire certain alienated rights, liberties, and justice for future inhabitants.

All in all, these historical and future heroes maintain a common objective – the progression of humanity – and with this I believe that we are all connected. Every experience, situation, and outcome relate to and affect all others. We are united, bound together to represent the Spirit of Brotherhood.

Political Writing - From the Center to the World's Margins

Most American scholars are taught at an early age about the keys of reporting and writing by examining main ideas, as well as focusing on the Who, When, Where, What, and How. Often such students are required to present newspaper articles covering current events across geographical regions – domestically and abroad. They analyze behaviors, ideas, and actions and reactions of tragedies and achievements. They investigate struggles, policies, and relationships of interests groups. Students then must make inferences and draw connections to determine measures in which their individual environments are affected by each situation through logical reasoning.

Over the next six weeks, I plan to take a similar approach of evaluating events and activities around the globe, particularly the United States' involvement in the Syrian conflict, while building upon those basic reporting concepts. My goal is to justify the significance of political reformation in ways that affect my state of consciousness, community, and beyond – from my center to the margins of the world.

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Throughout American history, the U.S. has actively intervened in foreign conflicts for one reason or another. Such conditions for interference includes, but of course are not limited to, constraining the spread of Communism, defending democracy, acquiring financial power and territorial control, preventing biological and (in the case of Syria today) chemical warfare. However, is the U.S. presence and participation in abroad conflicts worth the risks to American resources? Is this action conducted in the best interest of national citizens? How had media coverage of these historical events shaped our knowledge and acceptance of America’s foreign intermediation?

Fox News versus CNN Politics (political ticker)

It is often recited within the public spectrum that Fox News takes a more conservative approach, while CNN practices a liberal reporting methodology. They are the most widely used news resources, especially in consideration of domestic and international political affairs. Each medium serves its own agenda, circulating bias, skewed information while censoring imperative facts from audiences.

Reporting accuracy is essential. I believe credibility, subject matter authority, and reputation hold significant ethical value, and audiences must be able to rely on news delivered objectively. Weekly, I will examine information conveyed by U.S. government officials, Fox News, and CNN concerning the Syrian conflict and our nation's involvement to separate fact from fiction, bias and impartiality, as proper reporting mandates.