Hey guys,
The current revolutions taking place in the Middle East and North Africa are truly history altering events… events that are having and will continue to have global impacts. The revolutionaries, many of whom are not much older than you, have common desires and goals… to be able to have a say in their personal futures and that of their countries… not unreasonable desires.
The spark of revolution first ignited in December in Tunisia when a college graduate set himself on fire to protest government policies and massive unemployment… his story captivated his country; the ensuing revolution captivated the region and the world. Egypt, Yemen, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Baharain, and Libya… all have seen unprecedented protests and a few have begun outright revolutions.
Unlike in Egypt where President Mubarak refused to use deadly force against civilians, President Khadaffi in Libya has chosen to use violence against his people. Over a thousand protestors have been killed… students are literally being shot in the street by governmental forces. Khadaffi and his family have been quoted as saying “We will rule you, or we will kill you.” They also claim that the only way they will give up power is if they are killed.
Because of situation in Libya, gas prices here in the U.S. have gone up over 17 cents a gallon in the last week alone. Though the U.S. does not get much oil from Libya, China does, and if China cannot get its supply from Libya, they will compete with us for Saudi Arabian oil… experts say to expect gas prices over $4 a gallon very soon. If the revolutions spread to Saudi Arabia (unlikely but possible) gas prices could sky rocket over $6 or $7 a gallon!!
President Obama has said that he will not send in American troops to help the Libyan people. He does not want America to be seen as an imperial power. But what of the people being shot in the streets, and the fear that Khadaffi will use mustard gas against his people? Don’t we have a duty to help? I don’t know.
What do you thing?
- X
I think that President Obama has a point. The United States has been accused of sticking its nose where it doesn't belong before. As much as I hate saying this, it's a good idea to not send troops over. We thought that we were doing Iraq a favor when we sent our troops over to help them stop the violence. We've lost untold numbers of troops, the situation hasn't gotten any better, we show no signs of leaving. It's the same situation in Libya. This time, though, it would be more prudent to not send troops to help, as cold as that sounds.
ReplyDeleteIn a way I agree with Ellen. I think that it may be to drastic and irrational to send troops over now. If things continue to escalte then action may need to be taken. However, I do think that America needs to address that harmless people are being killed. They are being denied the right to life, which is morally wrong. It is really hard to voice an opinion that is 'correct' when we are not over there personally. It is hard to know EVERYTHING that is going on and WHY it is. I think that it is the personal stories and media which will lead to America taking action, if we do. When people share their stories of tragedy, people are moved and a sense of responcibility is developed.
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ReplyDeleteThis is a very difficult situation. Of course, we, as a country, want to help a country in immense turmoil. This is much like the Egypt situation, though. While there's no violence used against the people of Egypt, the United States still contemplated intervening and helping. In fact, an earlier blog post of mine discussed the idea of the U.S.A. quelling the Egyptians.
ReplyDeleteWhile the situations are alike, they are very different at the same time. Gadhafi seems to be absolutely ruthless as a ruler, and does not plan to cede power to anyone else. The mention of only being deposed if he is killed is horrifying. That only drives his people to murder even more. Eventually, if they kill enough soldiers and government officials, they will work their way up to the very top, and murder Gadhafi, as well. The result would be a ravaged Libya in a state of anarchy. This is what could occur if Gadhafi keeps making ridiculous statements such as the one mentioned above.
As far as American intervention, I am strongly against it. Let the revolutions take their course. Getting involved will only hurt our global image. If we decide to aid Libya, don't we have to help in all of the other revolutions? What if war breaks out in Morocco? Should we help there, too? What if we don't? Then, Moroccans can claim "Well, maybe we will become enemies of the United States for not helping us!" It is the whole concept of 'if you help one place, you better have enough to help them all." The United States cannot help everyone. Plain and simple. It is a lose-lose situation. Either we watch northern Africans tear their land apart, or we intervene and become involved in two different, heated conflicts at the same time. The United States should not meddle in the revolutions and conflicts of others.
Let's put it this way. We tried to "help" South Korea fight North Korea, we attempted to "assist" South Vietnam in their war against North Vietnam. How did those work out? A stalemate, and the longest, and, possibly, most harrowing war in American history (which ended in a virtual loss in the record books). A word to the wise, United States of America: Make like Robert Redford, and stay out of Africa.
-Jake M.
I agree with Ellen. Obama is right with not sending our troops in to Lyiba at the moment.Although the people in Libya are in great deal of help iI just dont think that the U.S should be responsible in providing the help to them through our troops at the moment. Sending our troops into areas where we dont really belong hasnt gone very well for us in the past. I feel horrible saying that we shouldnt send troops to help people who really need it, but as of right now i feel that the untied states should just worry about themselves.
ReplyDeleteI don't think we should send help to the people in Libya because we are already fighting two wars that have lasted longer then they should have and who knows how long American troops would have to stay if we sent them.
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