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thegeneration

Mexico’s Interior Minister Francisco Blake Mora dies in helicopter crash

By Brad Rowe

Interior Minister Francisco Blake Mora, 45, died November 11, 2011 in a helicopter crash outside Temamatla, Mexico. He was known as a strong law and order politician who had dedicated his career to fighting the country’s notorious drug cartels and government corruption.

Here are some press accounts of the event from around the web:

Christian Science Monitor

The chopper went down in the southern part of Mexico City on its way to a prosecutors meeting in the neighboring state of Morelos. It is unclear what caused the crash. “We are investigating all possible causes of this unfortunate incident,” Alejandra Sota, the government’s national security spokeswoman, said at a news conference Friday.

Associated Press (via Huffington Post)

He made his name cracking down on drug cartel violence in his home state of Baja California by forging close cooperation between military and civilian law-enforcement officials. He tirelessly promoted the same strategy as President Felipe Calderon’s No. 2, the top policy official in Mexico’s all-out push against drug traffickers and corruption. Blake Mora also led the push to clean up Mexico’s notoriously corrupt state and local police forces. “We’re trying to establish a justice system that both prevents criminal impunity and responds to the needs of society and its demands for social justice,” he said at a meeting of government officials this year.

The Guardian

Despite some tendencies to suspect a hit on the top officials leading Calderon’s offensive against organized crime, the crash that killed Blake Mora and seven others may have had to do with bad weather. A Learjet that slammed into a Mexico City street in 2008, killing former interior secretary Juan Camilo Mourino and 15 others, was blamed on pilot error. One of Blake Mora’s last postings on his Twitter account commemorated the loss of Mourino. “Today we remember Juan Camilo Mourino three years after his death, a person who was working to build a better Mexico,” he tweeted on Nov. 4.

…

Calderon, visibly emotional over the loss, said the Super Puma helicopter was flying in fog when it went down in a remote area southeast of Mexico City. Still, he said all possible causes were under investigation. He said the pilot had sufficient expertise. “Mexico has lost a great patriot … and I lost a dear friend,” said Calderon, who struggled to maintain composure at one point during an address to the country. “He was not only an exemplary minister, he was an exemplary Mexican.”

November 12, 2011 1 comment

Security and Conflict

Accidental Slip-up or Political Strategy? The “Bunker-Busting Leak” Debunked

written by thegeneration

By Jennifer Ching

The media has whipped itself into a speculative frenzy after a recent “leak” from the Obama administration. A Newsweek exclusive story, released on September 25th, revealed that President Obama secretly authorized the sale of bunker busting bombs to Israel. These bombs are an important asset in the strategy of nuclear deterrence, because they are able to penetrate targets buried underground (hence their name “bunker busters”). This news isn’t particularly surprising given the United States’ close relations with Israel. What is odd is that the U.S. has been transferring these bombs to Israel since 2009. In light of recent events, was this secret information really just an unauthorized tip-off by some insider? Or was it strategically “released” to the public but made to look like a leak? The timing of the affair seems to suggest the latter.

One explanation for the sudden acknowledgement of the bombs sale is the recent news about Iran’s nuclear facilities. The U.S. boasts a long history of deterring Iran’s nuclear capacity. In 2010 the U.S. used a computer worm named Stuxnet to cripple one-fifth of the Iran’s working centrifuges and briefly halted the country’s nuclear expansion plans. Western nations widely believe that Iran’s pursuit of fission-based energy is a guise to hide its development of nuclear weapons.

Given these suspicions, just imagine the Obama administration’s reaction when the New York Times wrote on September 1, 2011 that Iran “is moving its most critical nuclear fuel production to a heavily defended underground military facility outside the holy city of Qum.” In addition, Iran also announced its first nuclear plant is going into operation. In fact, Iran’s state-controlled TV station Al Alam announced that the $1 billion Bushehr plant was officially inaugurated on Sept. 12, 2011. Whether Iran is secretly hiding a nuclear-weapons agenda or not, these developments certainly do nothing to deter worldwide suspicion.

In light of these events, it is perfectly reasonable for the Obama administration to remind Iran that any ventures into a nuclear buildup will be closely shadowed. Additionally, instead of publicly admitting the sale, it makes sense to release it as a “leak”. Iran could perceive an outright declaration as too hostile, which would lead to a further strain in its already tense relationship with the United States.

A second plausible reason for this timely announcement is U.S. domestic politics. President Obama’s approval among the Jewish American community is declining. This is due in part to a feeling that Obama is less supportive of Israel than his predecessors. Critics point toward Obama’s urging of Israel to make huge concessions to the Palestinians based on the 1967 borders as evidence of this. A recent Gallup poll conducted from September showed a drop in Obama’s approval ratings from 60 percent in June to 55 percent. His disapproval ratings also increased from 32 to 40 percent, resulting in a net 11 point drop in approval from the Jewish population.

The Jewish community plays an integral role in voting, especially in swing states such as Pennsylvania and Florida. With the upcoming elections looming ahead, it only makes sense that Obama would attempt to increase his approval ratings in this community. What better way to do this than “announce” that he’s been secretly boosting Israel’s military since 2009? In theory this information, coupled with his vehement refusal of Palestine’s entry into the United Nations, should be more than enough to persuade any disconsolate Jewish American that Obama has Israel’s best interests at heart.

Given these two crucial and timely reasons, the “leak” was surely no accident. It was a strategic maneuver on Obama’s part. Not only did he subtly warn Iran of his watchful eye, but he also released it before the upcoming elections to enhance his image among an important group of voters. Talk about killing two birds with one stone! Sure, it’s possible that this could have all just been a slip-of-the-tongue accident. According to recent happenings, however, it seems like this mouth was ready to talk in the first place.

Photograph taken from Wikimedia Commons

November 3, 2011 1 comment

Society and Culture UCLA and the World

Oh the places you’ll go…

written by thegeneration

By Tom Dziadkowiec and Meghan Casey

On Thursday, January 28, 2010 the UCLA Burkle Center for International Relations hosted its annual international career panel. Four highly respected individuals came together to share their experiences in international affairs with the UCLA community. From the rural regions of Uganda, government offices abroad, to Washington D.C. and Santa Monica, each individual brought stories of accomplishment and instilled feelings of aspiration to the packed 6^th floor room in Bunche Hall.

Richard Walden is CEO of Operation USA, a Nobel Prize Winning Relief Organization based locally in Culver City, CA. Walden earned a B.A. in economics from the University of Pennysylvania and and attended the Wharton School of Finance. Later Walden went on to earn a J.D. from the University of Pennyslvania Law School. He began his career as a human rights lawyer and worked for California’s Health Facilities Comission. In 1979 Walden organized relief efforts in war-torn Vietnam and was responsible for sending one of the first cargo planes carrying aid supplies to the region. During the Panel, Walden was critical of “umbrella funds”, such as the recently established Clinton-Bush Haiti Relief Fund. He argued that these funds create an unncecessary middle-man and delay aid from reaching receipitants. While Operation USA maintains a relatively small budget, it effectively delivers relief aid to communities affected by disasters and poverty.

William Davis is the current Director of the UN Information Center in Washington DC. Davis discussed the tools aspiring students need in order to pursue a career in international relations. After earning his BA in Political Science from Duke University, Davis went on to earn a Master’s in Public Policy. Davis emphasized the importance of earning a Master’s degree because it allows students to narrow career goals and develop marketable skills. Davis used his experience as a Presidential Management Fellow to emphasize the importance of networking, which he argues is key to obtaining desirable positions when competing with more qualified applicants. He added that overseas experience can go a long way in bolstering marketable skills, which are imperative in today’s job market.

Robert Banks is an experienced Foreign Service Officer and Professor of Public Diplomacy at the University of Southern California. He is also USC’s current U.S. Diplomat in Residence. Banks earned his B.A. and M.A. from Boston College and later received his doctorate from Oklahoma State University. He has nearly thirty years of experience working in various countries, including Korea, Nicaragua and Germany. When Banks discussed his own experience with the Foreign Service Examination, he noted that it required a lot of studying and knowledge of current international affairs. Banks spoke in detail about the skills needed to be successful at the State Department. Students who are interested in working for the State Department need to possess strong writing skills because Foreign Service Officers spend most of their day writing. Just as William Davis mentioned, international experience improves a job applicant’s marketability.

Last but not least, Nicholas Smith, who is a current graduate student in the African Studies Program, discussed his microfinance loan program in the Kibale District of Uganda. Smith began his microfinance program, The Buseesa Community Development Center (BCDC), with help from a few small grants and a group of nuns in Uganda. BCDC is helping nearly 45 families through loan assistance (primarily to women). The program is already succesful and is enabling families to send their children to private schools. BCDC’s microloans also help families purchase valuable resources like cows, which are important status symbols in the community. Smith advised students to learn languages and to travel to the regions in which they are interested. These skills and experiences will allow students to focus their career paths. Smith added that these experiences will give students the initiative to achieve their own goals.

Below are several resources discussed by the panelists. The Burkle Center for International Relations would like to thank the speakers and those who attended for helping make this panel a success.

Other websites of interest:

www.interaction.org NGOs and their role abroad

www.careers.state.gov Employment directory for the state department

http://careers.state.gov/students/

www.kiva.org Site for those interested in providing loans to developing regions

kulakowski@spa.ucla.edu Ed Kulakowski, UCLA School of Public Affairs Diplomat-in-Residence

February 18, 2010 0 comment

Security and Conflict

Egypt and Israel: A New Era of Protests

written by thegeneration

By Holly Dagres

September 9th marked a new series of protests in Cairo’s Tahrir Square. Organizers labeled these demonstrations as “correcting the path”. The protestors gathered to express frustration over several aspects of Egyptian society, including the military’s handling of the Mubarak trial.

A translation of the demands states:

Egyptians will protest on Friday, September 9th to ensure their revolution is on the right path.
– Permanent end of military trials of civilians.
– A clear timeline with exact dates of when the military council will hand over power to an ELECTED CIVIL authority (The initially promised 6 months have now finished).
– Canceling the new law issued by military council that prohibits sit-ins and strikes.
– Change the new elections law that helps the same old corrupt businessmen win the elections.
– Ensure the Egyptian police focus on ending crime and criminality rather than attacking law-abiding citizens.
– Implement the minimum pay for public sector workers and maximum salaries for senior officials.
– Implement Egyptian laws that will ensure the corrupt heads and symbols of Mubarak’s ruling national party, and who have been proved to have rigged Egyptian elections for years, can no longer stand elections again.

Thousands of Egyptians showed up to the protests, but attention was cut short when the Israeli embassy in Giza became the target of the demonstrators’ frustration. Using sledgehammers and other objects, protestors hacked at the recently erected 3-meter cement walls and climbed over it, heading into the first floor of the Nile-side high-rise housing the embassy. The demonstrators made it far enough to grab embassy documents from the foyer and scatter them around. Someone even tore down the Israeli flag. Meanwhile cars were set ablaze and tear gas engulfed the area, as protesters clashed with the police and the military.

A similar incident happened on August 21, 2011 after five Egyptian security officers were killed during an Israel Defense Forces’ mission that targeted militants in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. The mission was in retaliation for a bus attack in Eilat, Israel. The Sinai security officer casualties sparked protests in front of the Israeli embassy. During the demonstration, one protester climbed to the embassy’s 21st floor and tore down the Israeli flag, replacing it with an Egyptian one. The individual, an Egyptian carpenter, was instantly regarded as a hero and nicknamed “Flagman”. As a result of the incident, the aforementioned 3-meter cement wall was built in an effort to ward off future attacks on the embassy.

Egyptian-Israel relations for the past thirty years were never warm given the countries’ history of warfare with one another. Yet when conflict erupted in the past President Hosni Mubarak managed to calm tensions. Strife has escalated between the two countries in his absence. Egyptians clamored for the expulsion of the Israel ambassador after he refused to apologize for the Sinai incident. In addition, some have called for a revision of the U.S.-brokered 1979 Camp David Accord that established peace between Egypt and Israel. In this time of conflict, sympathy for the Palestinian cause has grown to play an even greater role in the demonstrations.

The incident is a setback for Egyptian-Israeli relations, but not an entire loss, as the embassy still has Ambassador Levanon’s deputy as representative in Cairo. Israel stayed calm throughout the demonstrations for it does not want to replicate the recent deterioration of Israel and Turkey’s relations after the Gaza flotilla incident last year.

In all, the embassy incident was a setback for “correcting the path” protesters, as it distracted the people from domestic reforms and shifted the focus to Israel. This was actually benefited the Egyptian military and its control over the country. There was no point in raiding the Israeli embassy, as it only proved to many that Egypt might not be ready for democratic elections.

Israel is in a complex position and it will be interesting to see how it reacts to these events. With the relationship tarnished with its two allies, Turkey and Egypt, it must keep a low profile and make some compromises. Coupled with the Palestinian bid for U.N. recognition coming in late September, Israel may soon find itself be backed into a corner. It remains unclear how these conflicts will ultimately shape the political landscape of the Middle East.

September 28, 2011 0 comment

Security and Conflict

Iran: The Supreme Leader and Growing Social Rifts

written by thegeneration

By Holly Dagres

A few weeks ago proved interesting for Iranian politics as internet rumors circulated that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad would be resigning from his post as President of the Islamic Republic. Although this was not the case – for the time being – an apparent change in Iran’s political terrain has become eminent.

Since the 2009 Green Revolution, the political climate of Iran is full of chasms. Publicly recognized disputes between the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei and President Ahmadinejad have raised many questions about Iran’s uncertain future. Recent allegations of sorcery seem to point towards a more profound history of tension between two groups: the President and his inner circle versus the Supreme Leader and the hard-liners surrounding him.

On Sunday, Ahmadinejad returned to his duties after an eleven-day, self-imposed walkout over Khamenei’s decision to reinstate the intelligence minister, Heidar Moslehi, who the President had initially asked to step down.

Around the same time, allies of President Ahmadinejad, including his Chief of Staff, Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei, were placed in custody and accused of being “magicians” and invoking djinns. This allegation was partially developed because of an Iranian documentary, The Reappearance is Near. The storyline is based on the Hidden Imam Mahdi who went into occultation and is said to return before the apocalypse; an ideology similar to Christian fundamentalists’ anticipation of the second coming of Christ. The documentary makes an overt declaration that the Ahmadinejad is an embodiment of Shu’ayb bin Salih, one of the figures who will accompany the Hidden Imam upon his revisit. This statement puts Ahmadinejad, well known for his obsession with the Hidden Imam, on a spiritually higher level than the clerics in the Guardian Council as well as the Supreme Leader. Hard-liners share a belief that Mahdi’s return is unpredictable and accuse Mashaei and other followers of the President of iconoclasm and spreading superstition.

This long forming rift between the Supreme Leader and President became apparent right around the endorsement of President Ahmadinejad’s second term. After the controversial elections in 2009, Ahamdinejad was permitted only to give Khamenei a shoulder kiss rather than an embrace as has been done in the past. This unusual body language became a precursor to public displays of tension.

What can be understood is the façade of unity put up by the two was merely a show in a country divided because of the post-election protests and decisions made by Ahmadinejad in his new cabinet. Right before his endorsement, President Ahmadinejad defied the Supreme leader with his choice for Vice President, Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei. This became a major blow to conservatives, especially due to Mashaei’s comments in 2008 when he claimed, “No nation in the world is our enemy. Today, Iran is friends with the people of America and Israel and this is an honor.” At the time, he was also in charge of tourism and cultural heritage in Iran. Despite the controversy, Mashaei would become President Ahmadinejad’s Chief of Staff.

The Islamic Republic’s first President, Abulhassan Banisadr went through similar clashes that eventually lead to his impeachment by the ‘majles’ or Iranian parliament. His condemnation of censorship, human rights violations, torture, as well as Khomeini’s leadership – albeit different in ideologies – eventually lead to his exile. It is unlikely this will be the case for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who is revered for being Khamenei’s boy, and to not show an obvious loss of strength in the Iranian regime. Making President Ahmadinejad a scapegoat for Iran’s problems could prove to be fatal, as the small sign of weakness in the regime could potentially invoke protests in the street.

What remains clear is that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has one of three choices: he could step down as President of the Islamic Republic, he could swallow his pride and remain in office, or he could go head to head with the Supreme Leader and face the consequences. Either way, this is an interesting time for Iran. Tehran will be watched closely to see what happens next, especially in a region experiencing such instability.

Holly Dagres is a Foreign Policy Analyst with a degree in Political Science and French from UCLA. Originally from Los Angeles, California, she spent her teen years in Tehran, Iran. Holly is a frequent contributor to The Professional Express among other publications.

Above Picture Used with Permission:
by Daniella Zalcman

May 25, 2011 0 comment

UCLA and the World

The Revolution Unveiled

written by thegeneration

By Laila Afifi

The unremitting sounds of gunfire shatter the silence of the night, followed by the thud of heavy footsteps as my neighbors in the apartment above run toward their balcony. My first instinct is to do the same, yet as I pull open the balcony door the smell of burnt tree branches and smoke coming from the fire at the corner of the street flood my nostrils. For a mere minute I am taken to another continent, to a different country, where the smell of a burning fire brings back memories of roasting marshmallows for s’mores during my Girl Scout campouts. Yet the husky voices of men yelling and metal chains scraping against the pavement shake me out of my entranced state. Welcome to my nightmare, round one.

Just as I thought things were moving on, I was proven wrong. It was February, a month well past the Egyptian revolution, and so I had put back the kitchen scissors and knives that had, for weeks, lay on the dining table, moved the broom stick away from the apartment door, and finally turned off the night-light in the hall. And as I sat watching TV on a Thursday evening, absorbed in my own world of happy thoughts, it was as though time had chosen to go backwards and I was pulled into a nightmare that I had hoped to never experience.

Over the loud movie that was playing rose the deep shouts of men; so loud you could hear sounds but couldn’t comprehend the words. They clustered together in two large groups clearly one against the other, for what reason or cause remains unknown. They were armed with knives, large metal poles, and chains. Sudden gunfire shattered what, minutes before, had been a silent night. My heart started to pound as I ran back inside the apartment and shut the balcony door. Minutes later as more rounds of gunfire were heard. As people from the neighborhood started to make their way towards these rebellious groups, I ran for the phone. I dialed number after number of emergency hotlines and landlines that I had taken down during the revolution yet they were either busy or disconnected. I rushed back to the window, worried not for my safety as much as for my car. There it stood, less than a year old, in the middle of the two quarreling groups. What if they broke the glass while fighting? What if they decided to steal it? Would I ever find my car again? It might seem ridiculous to be fretting over the car, but the thought persisted. At the same time, however, I started to feel a sense of anger and frustration boiling within me. I started jumping up and down and yelling. I was frustrated and stressed. Why should a handful of armed thugs who were fighting for a cause far from justifiable, have the capability to disrupt a neighborhood? Did they have the right to create panic and fear for those residing in the street? And where was the police to stop them and put an end to all this unrest?

Yet, I guess this is the aftermath of overthrowing a thirty year regime that ruled with an iron fist and put people far past their state of comfort under the emergency laws. These are just some of the aftershocks as thugs desperately attempt to latch on to the last bits of anarchy as the country tries to regain its stability and security. Petty disputes that will momentarily blow out of proportion, violence, and chaos are sure to plague the nation for quite some time.

So where does the solution lie? Given, of course, that I am no social or political expert, it seems logical however to assume that when and only when all the convicts who have fled their fate are put back where they belong and until all those who believe they can run away from the law face it head on, will anarchy finally end and the country slowly regain a sense of safety and security.

With all the social and economic unrest that currently grips the nation, are we a step closer to the freedom and democracy that we resiliently fought for? Today, Egypt lies in a state of blunder; high-schools and colleges have gotten more “vacation” time than they bargained for, hundreds who used to make a decent earning, fed their families, and kept a roof over their heads now find themselves unemployed and unable to make ends meet. Convicts wander the streets of Egypt, police presence is limited, and the stock market has entered into another month of hibernation. This hardly seems close to the ideal state of democracy that 80 million people envisioned. And yet, we are currently treading between two worlds, the past and the present–treading in what many have deemed as a state of transition.

Egypt is desperately trying to keep its head above water. The massive sea of Egyptians, once united in the millions to oust the old regime, are now factionalized with different demands. While the upper strata yearn for a transparent government, the lower classes hope for a rise in the minimum wages and the provision of their basic needs, needs. And so I wonder, what does a democratic Egypt mean to you? To me?

The reality is that democracy even in the most “free” of nations has limits and that the pillars and values on which it is founded are violated behind closed doors as their people remain oblivious. That is why it is imperative that Egyptians remain united, to bring together their ideas for a democratic nation and to ensure that these ideals are the building blocks with which the state is to be recreated. Yet, some might argue that people are doing just that as they continue to swarm into Tahrir Square to protest, and call on the army and transitional government. Others see these continued protests as a barricade holding the nation back and preventing the army from beginning reforms. So what are we to do? Demonstrate regardless? Give the army the necessary time to sift through thirty years of corruption and injustice? I wish I knew the answer or had the necessary political and social academic expertise to provide one. But, speaking simply as an Egyptian national, I conclude that finding a balance between the two options seems to be the most logical and reasonable solution.

Out of the many text messages that the army has sent, their latest one held a considerable amount of truth and value. Loosely translated, it read, “We’ve waited thirty years, so what’s the harm in waiting a little longer for us to provide you with the better.”

Patience always seems to be the key, but in our case I don’t believe patience means sitting along the sidelines, allowing the army to take matters into its own hands while the population loses its drive, momentum, and patriotism. I believe that patience is the ability to realize when we need to leave the army to do what is has to do and when the people need to mobilize themselves for a million man march that has a justifiable and noteworthy purpose. This is not to say that those still gathering in Tahrir Square have petty demands. On the contrary, it’s about realizing that at some point in time, despite the hurt, anger, and mistrust that three decades of a flawed regime have engraved in its people, we must once again learn to have faith, hope, and put our trust in the government. We must understand that doing so, at least for now, is the most feasible and enduring solution for moving forward. The people of Egypt have let their voices be heard and shown the world their determination and iron wills. This leads me believe that the coming government will think twice before doing something that is deemed unjust or flawed. If Egyptians continue to recognize their power and strength, the coming government will too.

Democracy isn’t simple. It isn’t a math equation that can be memorized, nor is it a science experiment that can be recreated in a lab. Rather, transitioning to democracy and the process of laying down its foundations is like an earthquake. It unexpectedly shakes the nation. Destruction and devastation is the aftermath as people, infrastructure, and the ruling regime crumble. Sifting through the rubble, we come face to face with pain, loss, anxiety, and violence, which become just a handful of the repercussions as we attempt to overcome the shock of the quake. In an effort to move forward, we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and start rebuilding. Yet, after an earthquake people undeniably hope to see something brighter. While 80 million Egyptians hope to see a brighter path, each in their own way, I hope to see us rising from the rubble once again – stronger , fearless, and empowered like never before.

Laila Afifi is a senior studying at the American University in Cairo.

May 11, 2011 3 comments

Security and Conflict Society and Culture UCLA and the World

A New Era for the Muslim World

written by thegeneration

by Abeer Gaber

I felt an extreme sense of relief, along with my fellow Americans, when I heard the news that Osama Bin Laden had finally been brought to justice for his horrendous crimes. Islam advocates accountability and justice, and they have been delivered. I feel strange celebrating the death of a person, even if that person is one of the most evil and cowardly people who ever lived. However, I understand the need of those who lost someone on 9/11 to celebrate the retribution of the person responsible for their death.

On September 11, 2001, I was in my first week at an all-Catholic high school, Bishop Alemany in Mission Hills. High school, as one can imagine, is a place where one struggles to find his or her identity. This was made difficult as the only Muslim in an all-Catholic high school, and even more so when an ‘adherent’ of the religion I practice has just committed one of the worst atrocities of the 21st century and besmirched the name of Islam within a matter of hours. This is not to take away from the horrible losses people suffered on 9/11, but just to preface the guilt-by-association I felt afterward.

The attack happened in the morning as my brother and I were getting ready for school and my mother was getting ready for work. We had a couple of televisions on at the same time in different rooms. One was turned to the ABC7 news network, and the other Al-Jazeera Arabic. I saw Al-Jazeera first and, as a result, I initially thought when I was seeing the Twin Towers disintegrate that it was in some Arab country. I had never heard of the Twin Towers before, so I had no idea they were in New York until I saw them on the ABC7 network. I also had no concept of what a real terrorist attack was, especially on that scale. I had heard about small suicide bombings in Palestine and Israel, but their significance never resonated with me until I witnessed this attack on American soil. Although I was still able to make friends and succeed in high school, I have worked ever since to combat misconceptions about Islam. This is a mission that every Muslim has for the rest of their lives.

I am a practicing Muslim who was raised with the basic tenets of Islam. The horrific attack and the hatred of the participants was nothing like the Islam I was familiar with. All my life, either through my family or my Islamic center, I learned about community service and giving back and helping others. When my family and I immigrated here, we had very little and my parents worked their way up and were able to achieve the “American dream”. I was constantly reminded to be appreciative of what I had. In my opinion, this is the essence of Islam – to appreciate everyone and everything that you have because it could be taken away from you at any moment. There is also an emphasis on constantly striving to be the best person that you can be, even if those around you are tempting you to be something else. We are taught as Muslims to respect one another and to respect the sanctity of life. In Islam, the most precious thing is a life.

Before September 11, 2001, there was little knowledge of Islam in American mainstream media. This is despite the fact that Muslims of all nationalities and races have been living here for a long time. Many of the Africans who were forced into slavery when they were brought to America were originally Muslim. Thus Islam has been a part of our nation from the very beginning. There are Muslims who were born into the religion, who converted, or who were ‘born again’ later in life. There is no one categorization of a Muslim man or woman.

Osama Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda have tried to cultivate an idea of Islam in which Muslims are called to violence to reach their aims. It is ironic that his death came around the same time as non-violent protests in Egypt, Tunisia, and Yemen. I think this juxtaposition will be helpful in clearing up misconceptions about Islam. Whenever someone thinks of Osama Bin Laden or Al-Qaeda as the face of Islam, they can be reminded of these non-violent protests in which people gave their lives trying to achieve the same freedoms that Americans fought for during the Revolutionary War.

Abeer Gaber is a Master of Public Policy candidate at the University of California, Los Angeles.

May 8, 2011 1 comment

UCLA and the World

Osama Bin Laden’s Death: Relief While Looking Toward the Future

written by thegeneration

On September 11, 2001, the entire world shook when the World Trade Center and Pentagon were attacked by Al Qaeda. Not only was Osama Bin Laden responsible for the terrorist attacks on 9-11, but for attacks on two American embassies in East Africa, the U.S.S. Cole in Yemen, and countless others. On May 1st, 2011, Osama Bin Laden — the mastermind behind the worst attack on American soil — was declared dead. Bin Laden was said to be killed in a secret operation in Abbottabad, Pakistan, which was carried out after a secret executive order was issued last week by President Barack Obama, in conjunction with U.S. intelligence. Confirmation was not made until his body was identified. Ironically this occurred on the eighth anniversary of President Bush’s ‘Mission Accomplished’ speech.

So now that the world’s foremost terrorist is dead, what happens?

The most obvious is a sigh of relief. Relief for the American people and particularly for the families who lost loved ones on September 11^th and the men and women in uniform who lost their lives overseas. This sigh of relief was demonstrated as a large crowd congregated in front of the White House and at Ground Zero chanting, “USA! USA! USA!” and singing the National Anthem. This comes as a feeling of relief to other people in the world as well, especially those in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

We will likely see a continued metamorphosis of Al Qaeda. As President Obama mentioned in his speech, “Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must –- and we will — remain vigilant at home and abroad.”

Al Qaeda could possibly retaliate or dismember at this point in time. The latter is less likely since there are still many who could take Bin Laden’s place. One such person is a man who has been emulating Bin Laden; Sheikh Abu Yahya Al Libi.

Al Libi initially was a member of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (linked with Al Qaeda) and was on its Shari’a Council. His religious training took place in the North African country of Mauritania. In 2005, he escaped the Bagram U.S. military prison in Afghanistan, and since has made a more obvious international presence.

Al Libi’s chief contender is Bin Laden’s right-hand and deputy Dr. Ayman Al Zawahiri – who seems more or less the likely candidate. This could potentially cause a rift in Al Qaeda. Much cannot be said right now on what will happen next. Nevertheless, a sense of hope and further value has been embedded to our relentless effort for the past decade in the Middle East, especially in Afghanistan.

In all this, the upcoming 2012 presidential elections is starting to become brighter for President Obama just as he seemed to be at a breaking point. A common belief is that President Obama did in three years what President Bush could not do in eight. The upcoming days will be a crucial time for the American government and the rest of the world. As long as the world remembers, the 44th President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama, will go down in history as the man who killed Osama Bin Laden. This historic moment will forever be remembered.

Above Picture Used with Permission:
by theqspeaks

May 3, 2011 1 comment

Society and Culture

Royal Wedding, Royal Expenses: Why Monarchies Still Exist and Still Should

written by thegeneration

By Frida Alim

For the fashion-interested like myself, the array of hats, Louboutin heels, and, of course, the lace-accented Alexander Queen wedding dress provided a feast for the eyes. For the non-royals, the union of Kate Middleton and Prince William gave us the opportunity to live vicariously with a backdrop of royalty from around the world.

But in the months leading up to the wedding, the expenses involved were being relentlessly researched and the royal family was under pressure to put forth a sophisticated but relatively modest wedding. Those who believe the existence of a powerless monarchy is frivolous delighted in the opportunity to criticize lavish spending on the wedding in the context of England’s, and indeed the world’s, economic status. In fact, the royal family fronted a large portion of the wedding tab, with Queen Elizabeth II hosting the reception for 650 guests and Prince Charles hosting the dinner for 300 guests. In addition, those staffing the reception and dinner were already employed by the monarchy.

As for the wedding venue, the use of Westminster Abbey was free of charge, and the short distance between the abbey and the palace made security costs considerably less than the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. The declaration of the day as a national holiday, however, cost England approximately £6 billion in productivity, only offset by an approximate economic boost of £1.6 billion from the local activity surrounding the wedding.

This economic cost naturally begs the question of whether a state-funded monarchy, the recipient of approximately $60 million per year from taxpayers, should still exist and continue to be funded. With 3 billion viewers worldwide, the wedding certainly indicated a degree of both domestic and international interest in the royal family. Perhaps this stems from interest in a relic of the past, the glory of old, and vicariously living through the luxury of a royal lifestyle. A monarchy also provides a stable factor in the context of incoming and exiting politicians, a ceremonial figurehead and a common and unifying national symbol. But amid the anti-royalist tendency to dismiss the monarchy as “powerless,” many forget the profound power inherent in the spotlight constantly cast on the royals.

While there are those whom have either hidden in the shadows or emerged onto the scene in scandal, there are also those who have publicly come out in favor of very important causes. Notably, Princess Diana did considerable charity work, being among the first high-profile individuals to work with victims of AIDS, while also working to ban landmines, for which she later won a Nobel Prize. Preceding the wedding, Prince William set up a charitable gift fund, and has asked that all gifts for the wedding to either go towards the fund or towards any of 26 selected charities. In addition, he currently works closely with Centrepoint, a homeless charity in London, and the Royal Marsden Hospital.

In Sweden, Swedish Crown Princess Victoria started a fund in 1997, which works toward establishing recreational activities for children with disabilities. This fund is the focus of her annually televised birthday celebration, which garners millions in donations each year. In addition, she plays a key role in promoting Swedish businesses internationally.

Using relentless media attention, these individuals often make good use of the spotlight to draw pubic attention to under-funded issues that lack the necessary public awareness. While the funding of monarchies should perhaps be revised, the preservation of monarchies serves to maintain a unique culture and history, while also continuing to grant the authority essential to the work done by many high-profile royals in bringing awareness to various charitable and humanitarian works.

May 1, 2011 0 comment

UCLA and the World

US Involvement in Libya

written by thegeneration

By Rujuta Gandhi

The recent protests throughout the Middle East and North Africa are both fascinating and alarming due to the vastness and rapid escalation of the situation, specifically in Libya where Gaddafi’s leadership has repressed civilians who today fight for an end to his 41-year dictatorship. His harsh response to what began as peaceful protests has developed into a strategy of scorched earth.

Furthermore, Gaddafi is suspected of shifting allies. According to government officials, he has undoubtedly called on aid from al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups. The goal to replace Gaddafi should hence be a priority in the region. But such allegations have not been confirmed. In fact, Admiral James Stavridis, Commander of NATO’s forces, believes that only insufficient details insinuate significant terrorist presence in Libya.

Out of this conflict in Libya and other recent revolutions has risen the question of what role the U.S. should play in the region as a global superpower. A plan to oust leader Muammar Gaddafi while preventing a potential coup by terrorist organizations seems a step in the right direction. While arranging anti-Gaddafi plans, the Obama administration should discontinue arming rebel groups as weapons may be used against the US, its allies, and bystanders. With over 140 groups, 30 of which are politically active, it is difficult to determine which groups should be given arms.

CIA agents are said to be on-ground in Libya to assess which rebels to arm, what their needs are, and what their leadership structure resembles. However, the CIA has allegedly supplied weapons to rebel groups with Obama’s consent. Both the White House and the CIA have not commented on the matter.

Observing history allows one to draw parallels between arming opposition groups and negative, unintended consequences. When the U.S. armed the mujahedeen against the Soviet Union, they were unaware that several of these rebels would later join al-Qaeda. Similarly, U.S. armed support of Chile’s Augusto Pinochet resulted in his arrest for mass murder and torture, in which many were innocent civilians.

Thus far, the U.S. has only taken diplomatic measures to ameliorate the situation and form a credible stance; it has provided nonlethal humanitarian aid and closed the U.S. embassy in Tripoli. While the US observes the situation, France, Italy, and Qatar have already announced support for rebels. The Obama administration needs to declare a solid policy.

Although Obama does not want to lead countries in Libya, he must utilize the U.S.’s soft power and announce support for the rebel factions. In doing so, the U.S. can provide logistical support to the rebels today, rather than arming them.

If the administration supports the rebels while allowing NATO or various countries to engage in hard power, the U.S. may be seen in a more positive light in the region’s new future.

April 29, 2011 0 comment

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