Politics of contemporary Middle East & North African Essay

Politics of contemporary Middle East & North African - Essay Example A historical perspective The history of Egypt was changed after the Arab conquest of 641. The military commander Amr ibn al As initiated the processes of the Islamization and Arabization. From the ninth century Egypt was ruled by strong autonomous dynasties and the destiny of the country was in the hands of hereditary dynasties (History of Egypt). Adelson stated: The Middle East, if I may adopt a term which I have not seen, will some day need its Malta, as well as its Gibraltar; it does not follow that either will be in the Persian Gulf. Naval force has the quality of mobility which carries with it the privilege of temporary absences; but it needs to find on every scene of operation established bases of refit, of supply, and in case of disaster, of security. The British Navy should have the facility to concentrate in force if occasion arise, about Aden, India, and the Persian Gulf (Adelson, 1995). North Africa underwent substantial changes in the 5th century. Tunisia was invaded by E uropean tribes. Starting from 7th to 15th centuries Tunisian population experienced numerous migrations and Jews and Hispanics Muslims entered this country. Tunisia as Arab cultural center was known as the Turkish Ottoman Empire until it was protected by France in 1881. Starting from 1956 this country gained independence, but there is still a close connection with France on political, economic and cultural levels (History of Tunisia).   According to John Foster Dulles,  the Middle East is "the area lying between and including  Libya  on the west and  Pakistan  on the east,  Syria  and  Iraq  on the North and the Arabian peninsula to the south, plus the  Sudan  and  Ethiopia" (Davison, 1960). Sir Ignatius stated that  Middle East  means "those regions of Asia which extend to the borders of  India  or command the approaches to India" (Adelson, 1995). Current events The main common feature between Tunisia and Egypt is a repressive regime, which is appr opriate for other Middle Eastern autocracies (Egypt and the  Middle East:  revolution  or evolution?) In spite of a social turmoil, it is relevant to note that Tunisia is â€Å"an economically successful state† (Dunne 2010). In accordance with data of the World Economic Forum's  Global Competitiveness Index 2010  Tunisia  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœgained the lead’ in comparison with Poland,  Italy and  Spain. In 2010 Tunisia was â€Å"a country for tourism, not terrorism† (Burger 2010). Social support of the government enabled pregnant women to receive prenatal care; there were favorable conditions for businessmen to start their business in 11 days (Burger 2010). In spite of the mentioned data, an oppressive regime of President Zine el-Abidine Ben Alikept has been an issue of a great concern for Tunisian society. 90s were marked by imprisonment of more than 10,000 political opponents, Islamists, or ‘suspected enemies’ (Burger 2010).  There was no cha nce to criticize Tunisian government. Tunisia was known as the country with the most repressive regime. Among Middle Eastern dictatorships,  Tunisia  was considered one of the most repressive. Thus, a current protest of public in Tunisia is often compared to a ‘dog who barks in a desert’ (Burger 2010). Voiceless people are not afraid and finally express their ideas versus their government, their real

Americans with disabilities act Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Americans with disabilities act - Coursework Example The act identifies disabilities as the commonly known disabilities in addition to certain medical conditions. The disabilities include deafness, blindness, and an intellectual disability, previously known as mental retardation among others. The medical conditions include autism, cancer, and cerebral palsy among others with an emphasis on the fact that the conditions must not be severe or permanent for one to get inclusion in the act (Schall, 1998). Americans with Disability act has played a substantive role in the employment perspective where it states that no organization shall discriminate against a qualified person with a disability. Despite such an aspect, different many controversies have risen between many organizations and people with disability regarding the aspects of the Americans with Disability Act. Such elements include the firing or refusal to hire an individual based on a real or perceived disabilities, segregation, as well as harassment based on any disability (Schall, 1998), with some instances resulting into court cases. One of such cases is the one involving Crews v. Dow Chemical Co., from which Americans with Disability Act have had a significant impact in the workplace. In the case, a human resources employee sued the employer after the employer’s restriction from various tasks pending fitness-for-duty evaluation, which contributed to the cancellation of her promotion, and later termination. The pla intiff alleged that the considering the employers noticeable hand tremors (Schall, 1998). From the revelation of the plaintiff, she had earlier received bipolar treatments and depression requiring a full-time paid medical leave, which the employer offered. On the expiry, of the full-time paid medical leave, the employee later applied for Social Security benefits, and long-term disability, issues considered from a physicians

Food and your personal interest Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Food and your personal interest - Essay Example The alternative food movement firstly focuses on the freshness and purity of the farm products which is far superior to what we buy from the counters at the supermarkets. These products are not only safe but also come at prices that are lower than the market since no third party is in between the transaction. Organic pesticides are usage of natural pesticides such as herbs or trees which have some insect repellant properties.Next, there is also increased usage of bio-fertilizers and organic pesticides which are also known as green pesticides. These natural products can be used to render protection to the plants and are derived from natural substances. These pesticides unlike the chemical and synthetic fertilizers do not harm the soil or have any effect on the food products that are being produced in the fields. These fertilizers are made from biofriendly substances with natural procedures. The growing interest of good food, safe food, interest in healthy and fresh food and scientific endeavor in all this has successfully sparked my interest in the subject area since gardening has always been my passion. In today’s times when biological sciences is filled with new innovations and technological advancements with the help of genetic engineering and biotechnological advancements, organic methods provides us a sense of being far from the artificial world. Genetic modification and genetically modified crops are being introduced in the market shelves and this has not been accepted by many since many of us prefer nature over science. Yes, scientific advancement is necessary but where there is a choice like organic farming and naturally produced fresh food, the latter is preferred. Organic food particularly is something that I am very much interested in not only for the reason that it tastes much better than food grown for consumerism but also because they are safe for us as well as our surroundings. The methodologies employed in the procedure are ecosystem frien dly, highly adaptable and helps preserve biodiversity as well. I would love to take this innovation forward and spread it in the communities who can thereby have access to these farm fresh products and enjoy them straight from the farm without bearing extra costs or worrying about the

News Paper summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

News Paper summary - Essay Example In the case of the S&P 500, analysts predicted a modest and steady growth of around 4-5%. However, the case that has been realized is one that shows a continual growth rate of up to 7% year to date; with more than half of 2014 still left to unfold. This creates a situation in which analysts further indicate that a high likelihood for retraction and negative growth exists within the market; due in part to the fact that stocks have risen too quickly and the market will find it necessary to adjust itself to the new realities at hand. The article illustrates the relevant conflict of interest that exists for many large banking/investment organizations within the current global marketplace. Even as J.P. Morgan Chase indicates that it had no direct training or supervision by its staff members to lead clients towards J.P. Morgan Chase banking solutions as compared to those of their competitors, the potential for this to take place illustrates the danger that conflict of interest has in a market that is increasingly less saturated and increasingly less diverse. This article illustrates the way in which the rise of China is being reflected within the banking and investment sector. As investors seek to hedge their bets, the desire to hold foreign currency of a rising China has come to be a hallmark of hedge fund management and wealth integration. The case of Luxemburg serves as a perfect example of how globalization and the decreasing importance of the dollar is being exhibited on the global stage. Finally, the short article concerning Herbalife details the interesting dynamic that exists between negative publicity and publicity. As one of the initial investors of Herbalife has come to view the entire firm as nothing more than a pyramid scheme, his antics to discredit the company have in fact earned the company more revenue with each petulant episode that is illustrated within

Basic Concepts and Theories of Modern Architecture Research Paper

Basic Concepts and Theories of Modern Architecture - Research Paper Example As modern architecture is displayed in society, it is able to create an impact on the philosophies and understanding that is a part of every community. The beginning of modern architecture is one that was initially defined by the Greeks and Plato, with the belief that architecture that influenced or changed visual understanding and impact was considered modern. The most recent definition of modern architecture; however, began in the 1850s with the emergence of the industrial revolution and the movement into World War I. The concept that was used with modern architecture became influenced through the avant-garde movement, which began to create theories based on experimentation and influences through the breaking of boundaries and traditional forms of architecture. The theories that were created from the avant-garde included changes that directly impacted the technical, economic and social understanding through alternative philosophies. Moving outside of the mainstream and expected demands of popular culture then became the basis of modern architecture and the avant-garde movement. The movement was defined specifically by altering, c hanging or disregarding the expectations within architecture and the buildings that were a part of this. Instead, architecture was used as an expression of art and the society that surrounded this (Benevolo, 1977).   The concept of experimentation and the modern architecture that has followed this is further defined by the approach that many architects have used for contemporary methods of buildings.   An important aspect of this is the idea of sophisticated technology.   Combining this with the architecture that it is used for practicality, function, and design has become an important component in architecture.

United Steel Workers of America and Kaiser Aluminum Essay Example for Free

United Steel Workers of America and Kaiser Aluminum Essay The issue of discrimination has pervaded many aspects of social life. Women, minorities, and unwanted individuals usually suffered from either institutional or bigot discrimination. Because discrimination rests on the twin principles of racial superiority (or its equivalent, the so-called ‘white man’s burden’) and conservatism, it usually transcends beyond what is perceived and indicated. Discrimination, therefore, is sometimes not evident and consequential. Discrimination is the direct manifestation of behavior and psychological outlook of individuals, groups, and even institutions. Thus, discrimination can virtually be found in all aspects of social life – in the family, in the workplace, and in government – so long as the society in general promotes discrimination both on the individual and institutional levels. Case Summary In 1998, the Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corporation and the United Steelworkers of America engaged in bargaining which led to prolonged and almost intractable labor dispute. On September 18, 2000, the two-year strike ended, after a binding arbitration. About 3000 workers were involved in the strike. Five plants were affected. The major issues which lead to the dispute are as follows: 1) the company decided to allow budgetary cuts in bargaining unit jobs; 2) there was substantial elimination of supplemental and local agreements; and 3) there was a proposal which reserved 50% of the available jobs in the company to African-Americans. Kaiser argued that it needed to institute several productivity improvements because it was a medium-sized aluminum producer facing tight competitive issues. However what enraged the union is the proposal which reserved 50% of the available jobs in the company to minorities, especially African-Americans. The proposal was generally beneficial to the company because it could theoretically replace union-affiliated employees with employees of minority background. The union saw the move as a general alibi for budgetary cuts in bargaining job units. The Ethical Issue From a moral point of view, the proposal is justified. The proposal not only dispenses distributive justice (this is justice based on opportunity) but also allows affirmative action on the part of the employees. It can therefore be argued that the proposal is an extension of the equal opportunity clause of economic liberalism. By reserving 50% of available jobs to African-Americans, the proposal is essentially increasing the marginal opportunity of such group with respect to other groups. The counterargument which states that ‘the proposal induces discrimination on the part of whites (reverse discrimination)’ is wholly inaccurate. The proposal only decreases the opportunities available to whites; it does not impinge on the right of the whites to equal employment. Perhaps, it may be helpful to employ a historical point of view in analyzing the validity and soundness of the counter argument. For almost three centuries, the minorities (especially the African-Americans) suffered from economic inequities. Many of them were underemployed, underpaid, and to some extent overworked. It may be argued that the proposal is a good-to-fit move to decrease such economic marginality. It may be viewed as a move in improving both economic (opportunities) and social justice (overall standing in society). Deontological Point of View From a Kantian point of view, the proposal has moral universal standing. A proposal which dispenses distributive justice is a general universal ethos. Categorically speaking, the proposal does not in any way put groups into the same categorical ethos. Rather, the proposal is a general tool for evaluating justice of any type – it promotes justice which ought to be directed to particularities – groups, individuals, and institutions. Hence, from Kant’s view, the proposal is simply a manifestation of a universal value.

Theories of Development Essay Example for Free

Theories of Development Essay In my paper, on child development I will discuss three different points of view on cognitive, physical and emotional development. I will write about the three differences and similarities. I will discuss how they have an impact on the way they help in the development of children. I will explain how important child development is in regards to assisting in a child’s potential. I will show the relationship between the developmental domain and the developmental theory. I will focus on all three domains and how they influence each other. Child development is an ongoing process that goes through many complex changes. Children are in a constant state of change from the moment they are born all the way to being a young adult. They develop many characteristics and personalities such as, quantitative changes, and qualitative changes. They area key component in any childs development. There have been many scientific studies on early child development. Many theorists such as, Charles Darwin have studied and devoted a lot of time to the evolution of human development. Scientists, throughout many years have developed three separate domains. In our text, on page nine, they are listed as follows, physical development, cognitive development, and psychosocial development. Physical development is the growth of the body itself. Such as the brain, sensory capacity, and a childs motor skills. Cognitive development is the development of mental ability, learning, memory, language, thinking, moral reasoning, social and emotional growth. Psychosocial development is a pattern of changes in personality, emotions, and social relationships. Scientists categorize all of these different stages of development, but a child is constantly changing. The relationship of these developmental stages all has one common goal, and that is the development of a child into young adulthood. I prefer to use the analogy that a childs development is like a building being constructed. You start with the foundation and over time it grows into a tall, solid structure. As a parent you look at the finished product and you can be proud of the accomplishment. I don’t believe that there is one particular moment in a childs development where you can say it’s definable. It’s an ongoing process or a period of continuous development. Everything in life is a group of sequences and they are usually linked together. There are five major points of a childs development that was written in our texts on page ten. They are the prenatal period. This the period between conception and birth. Then there is the infancy to toddler hood (birth to 3yrs). Then early childhood (ages 3 to 6), middle childhood ages (6 to 11), and finally adolescence, (11 to 20 yrs). This is a very accurate process of the development and changes a child goes through. It really starts to get interesting around the middle childhood ages. This is where social construction comes in. Perceptions are created and assumptions are made by the childs peers. If the family is stable in the home, maintain a loving atmosphere and finances are stable then the child is usually well accepted. This brings me to the topic of the influences that this has on a childs development. Of course every child is an individual and has different family circumstances and environments. A childs maturation is a sequence of behavioral and physical changes. They say girls mature faster than boys. Measuring this process is a topic scientists have debated about for many years. Most believe genetics (heredity) have a lot to do with a childs maturation process. Heredity is basically inborn traits that influence the characteristics of just about every human being from conception to adulthood. Certainly the environment in which a child is brought up in has a considerable affect on a childs development. Socioeconomic status is an area we learned about in our text on pages 13 and 14; The focus was on certain factors such as, a families income, education and occupation. This part of the developmental process can be an advantage or devastating to a childs development. Many people believe if poverty is long lasting it can have a negative affect on a childs behavior and emotional state. In that aspect I agree to a certain extent. I have seen many children come from an impoverished back round and make something of themselves because there family life was strong. Parents can accept their situation or do something to make it better. If the parents are committed to the developmental process of their children it’s a matter of mental strength. Then you have children who come from an upper middle class or rich family and don’t appreciate what they have. Their parents lacked in parental skills and it showed in the way their kids developed. So I tend to think it has a lot to do with the commitment by the parents no matter what environment or socioeconomic status they are in on how their children grow up. I think it is a big mistake to assume or say it’s the norm for a child to develop properly or fail just because of their environment or parents financial status. Sigmund Freud, Erickson, Piaget, and many others have many theories on development. One thing that is perfectly clear is they a have a mutual interaction with each other. I believe the relationship is the evolution. They have many biological perspectives, theories and systems. In order to bring all of these theories together research, whether it is scientific or different perspectives must continue to be done. There are many research methods that are geared toward a childs development. We learned about two such methods and they are quantitative research, and qualitative research. One deals with measurable data and the other interprets nonnumerical data such as feelings and experiences. Research in both of these areas is widely used and provides great insight into a childs development. The difference between the two is that one is done in a controlled environment (quantitative), and the other is conducted in everyday settings, (qualitative). They both have the same common goal, which is to gather information, theorize and examine data. I personally feel like more than one mind is better. Hence the term collaborative research. This particular way of researching was talked about in our text on page fifty-one. Scientists put all their data into a pool and get different ideas and perspectives. This is a good idea and a good way to analyze and research on a broader scale. While going through this class we discussed the negative or positive affects of child care and if it was key in early childhood development. There seems to be a certain time between the ages of six and eleven where a child really starts to establish social skills. Being around other children and learning to implement their cognitive skills is essential to development. Watching how other kids react in certain situations and their behavior helps in the learning process. Piaget believes there are six stages of cognitive development and most environments a child is in all of these approaches can be implemented. Children use their brains to process information, they watch and store things in their memory for later use, and they learn from being stimulated. Processing and evaluating information is a skill they learn to hone as they continue to develop. Some say that even as an infant babies are born with an innate ability to casually reason. Infancy is a time where many emotions are being developed. Babies smile, frown, cry, laugh, and display certain temperaments. These are basic emotions, but these are the first real signs of development in a neurological sense. Infants show other signs of the way they are feeling from facial expressions motor activity and body language. In our text on pages 219 and 220 Carroll Izard wrote about these basic emotions and self conscious emotions. She and her colleagues believed facial expressions such as showing sadness, joy, fear, and interest went along way in understanding the emotional aspects of an infants development. I know as a parent that basic emotions from an infant are really a key component in understanding a babies needs and wants. Infancy is probably the time when development is a critical element. Infants need to be able to trust their caretaker. They have attachment issues and infants can easily become a little disorientated. They start to develop certain temperaments and it can have a direct impact on a parent or parents. Some of these effects can have long term results and lead to anxiety issues. Infants need to feel secure not only around his or her parents but they need the parents to maintain stability in their environment. Stability is important in the bonding process of an infants development. On page 228 and 229 of our text, stability, according to a study on 15 month old children conducted by (Jacobson Hoffman) stated that secure and less stressed toddlers were more varied and had a larger vocabulary. They also have more positive experiences with peers. On the other side of the coin the less secure toddlers showed more fear, anger, and stress. In a perfect world every parent would like the development of their children to go as smooth as possible and all of the researchers, scientists, and theorists will continue to do the best they can at giving parents the tools and knowledge to do the best they can in helping to develop their children. However, they cannot control the environment, social status, or financial status a child is born in to. Conditions change rapidly not only for children but parents as well. Sometimes there can even be internal problems that can affect the development and the relationships between all three domains of development. Yet, all or most of these potential problems can be fixed with one word and that word is stability. In this world we live in all we can ask for as parents is that our children always continue to grow and develop throughout their lifetime. Conclusion Conception all the way to adulthood is a period of great learning and development. Development is a never ending process. We are born, go through life, and then we die. It’s that simple. Life is a series of developments that never truly ends. It starts from infancy to early adolescence. Every stage is a journey, a learning experience, and a series of developments in the maturation of children. Developmental domains and developmental theories help scientists answer many questions in the development of children. As long as we keep making babies we will give theorists and scientists many more things to research and debate on, and as parents we can continue to help develop our children.