Blog #10: Tide Of Syria War Favors Assad As The West Pushes For Peace

Summary:

As the war continues, more have become in Assad’s favor. Russia, Assad’s key ally as well as the U.S. is pushing for peace. They are currently negotiating in Geneva. Since the attacks on rebel territory, the U.S. and Russia has been put under pressure to attend the discussions. President Assad’s fear of losing power has caused a lot of unnecessary conflict due to his desire to stay in control. The deal that has been made between the U.S., Russia and Assad to dismantle the chemical weapons located in Syria has allowed the Assad administration to regain legitimacy. The goal has shifted from ‘toppling Assad’ to stopping the jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda who are now considered terrorists.

Analysis:

The U.S., who once made an attempt to stay neutral, is now fully involved in the civil war that has been brewing in Syria for over two years. It seems as if the U.S. went in as a mediator in order to solve the terrorist issue that could later affect the country. Although the rebels are trying to take their country back from the Assad administration, they are becoming a terrorist towards their own country as well as others surrounding them. The U.S. Russia deal to dismantle Syria’s weapons could soon back fire due to the alliance shift. As Assad’s military gains strength, the rebel groups will as well causing the war to become “a war that cannot be won.” The outside interference is not benefiting anyone, it is making the situation escalate more than it should be.

Gabrielle Hill

11/15/2013

4:46PM

Blog #9 Hamas: New Terror War ‘A Matter of Time’

Summary:

There is current conflict between the Jews and the Muslims; the Temple Mount and Al-Aqsa Mosque are both located in Jerusalem. Although The Jewish activists are protesting for equal rights, Hamas is attempting to declare a holy war on Israel’s Jewish population. There have been several raids on the mosque that could eventually instigate a terror war. The Hamas s making accusations that Israelis broke into the mosque to scope and speculate the area Wednesday morning. Jewish groups are not permitted to visit the mosque, therefore making the assumptions seem less plausible. This conflict has limited the Israeli Jews from commuting to the Temple Mount safely. Police have not only escorted the Jews, they also arrested a Muslim gang who initiated firebomb attacks at the holy site.

Analysis:

Religion has been in the center of almost all wars since the beginning of time. It is the current destruction of the Israeli nation. The media has stated that the war could possibly turn into a terror war, however, it has already begun. The destruction of the holy site has nonverbally declared war. Due to the improbable amount of Jews compared to Muslims, it may not be a war that they can afford to risk. The Hamas is continuously causing problems, but their motive is still rather unclear. I am aware that they are attempting to eliminate a group of people as well as enforce their power. However, the Hamas could evoke attention without instigating outside interference. Although their reasons may appear minuscule, their overall scheme could be disastrous.  

Gabrielle Hill

11/8/2013

3:38PM

Blog #8: Israeli war planes hit shipment of Russian missiles in Syria

Summary:

Since the civil war in Syria began, Israel has been attempting to stay neutral. Although they are trying to avoid choosing a side, they have struck missiles located in Syria twice this year. The first attack was in January, Israeli conducted an airstrike on a shipment of advanced anti-aircraft missiles. The second attack occurred in May destroying a shipment of Iranian made missiles. It is unclear whether or not the Syrian leader will choose to retaliate; they have not taken action so far.  The fear of embarrassing Assad has kept Israel from officially declaring their actions. President Assad goal is to avoid international military action. Meanwhile, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has to decide the best way to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapon supply by November 15.

Analysis:

This war has gotten to a level that could affect more than just those involved. Syria’s supply of weapons of mass destruction or WMD has changed the rules.  The civil war has progressed into a total war; if it continues it will soon escalate into a cold war. Due to the threat of chemical weapons, the U.S. may be forced to get more involved as well as other countries.  Although Israel has destroyed two shipments of weapons, there may be more out there that we are unaware of. Also, if they are supplied with chemical weapons, there is a strong possibility that they may have biological weapons as well. With innocent people at risk, it is becoming hard to continue being neutral.

Gabrielle Hill
11/1/2013
1:16PM

Blog #7: Abbas Talks Peace While Hamas Calls for War

Summary:

 Israel is currently attempting to settle the dispute between them and Hamas. As the U.S. continues to persuade Israel into peace, Hamas is preparing for a war against the Jews. Abbas, who believed that the time for a peace deal was running out less than a year ago, is now allowing more time in an attempt to solve the issue.  Israelis believe that the Abbas regime is exploiting the conflict in order to concede the citizens. While Abbas is constructing a plot, Hamas Prime Minister Ismael Haniyeh is preparing a terrorist attack against Israel. They have fabricated a terror tunnel that has been recently discovered by Israel. It runs over two miles under the Gaza border. The tunnel, filled with explosives, extended to a small Jewish village located in Southern Israel.

Analysis:

The war between Hamas and Israel has escalated despite the continuous attempts to solve the issue. A war that was once based on resources has turned into a possible genocide. Not long ago, Israel was prepared for war, but currently Hamas has the advantage.  Not long ago, Israel was prepared for war, but currently Hamas has the advantage.  While Abbas is trying to persuade the citizens to be more involved as well as stall for more time, Hamas is putting their plan into action. Unfortunately, Israelis are caught in the middle of what seems like a dispute between Hamas and Abbas. According to my observations, both Hamas and Abbas will create issues to continue the war. It is becoming a war without a plausible reason.

Gabrielle Hill

10/25/2013

1:55PM

http://www.israeltoday.co.il/NewsItem/tabid/178/nid/24196/Default.aspx?hp=more_news

Blog #6: Scattered by War, Syrian Family

Summary: Syria’s civil war has spread throughout the Middle East; it has also fallen into Europe. The number of refugees increase as the violence grows each day. It is becoming known as the worst humanitarian crisis since the Rwandan genocide. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the number of refugees from January has increased to 1,078,881 recently. While some refugees have fled to Jordan, many have settled in cities such as Mafraq causing the population to increase immensely. Families are being torn apart and scattered throughout Syria, Jordan and other cities that they have migrated to by the civil war. Due to the work ethic that is in many Syrians, they have either found jobs or started businesses. Syrian refugees are forced to reorganize their lives elsewhere, despite their desire to return to Syria.

Analysis: Comparing the civil war in Syria to the Rwandan genocide should increase everyone’s concern. Due to its migration into Europe, there is nothing stopping the war from spreading further throughout the world. Also, the weapons that are being used have increased in lethality as the war continues.  It is beginning to look as if the war is going to cause a state terror, if it has not already done so. Also, refugees will soon be unable to flee which will force them to fight for their home. The U.S. has yet to get really involve in the issue, surprisingly. If the civil war continues to escalate past Syrian borders, other countries will be obligated to get more involved.

Gabrielle Hill

10/18/2013

4:03PM

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/17/world/middleeast/scattered-by-war-syrian-family-struggles-to-start-over.html?_r=0

Blog #5 Syria inspections continue as war rages

Summary:

The violence in Syria continues even as the International inspectors are located at the 20 locations that are connected to the country’s chemical weapons. The UN is hoping to stop the violence between the rebels and the government before the inspectors goes any further. The council met to determine a solution on Thursday.  The French UN Ambassador and his counterpart wrote a letter to the council promoting a joint mission by the UN and the OPCW that could be very dangerous. As the inspectors work in the middle of Syria’s 30 month old civil war, more people have been injured and/or killed. Recently, 28 people have been reported killed in three different attacks as well as the 16 that were killed by a government warplane. Throughout the violence and terror some have been able to escape; Germany has temporarily accepted 106 Syrian refugees out of the 4000 that has been rescued.

Analysis:

The civil war in Syria is becoming similar to a cold war. The level of violence and advancement of the weapons has taken it to another level. The use of chemical weapons could cause more damage than what anyone is prepared for. If there are sites that have chemical weapons, then there soon may be biological weapons in certain locations, as well. The UN is doing their best to be an ‘international police,’ but there is only but so much they are able to handle on their own. If other countries do not step in, it may soon affect more than just the citizens and those who are in the surrounding areas. As I continue to say, this is a war that simply cannot be won.

Gabrielle Hill

10/12/2013

2:13PM

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/10/syria-inspections-continue-as-war-rages-201310111262522611.html

Blog #4 Syria: Refugees inside their own country

Summary:

4.25 million Syrians lack a home due to the ongoing violence. They targeted the citizens using bombs, forcing them to abandon their lives. With the conflict, Syria's medical system has suffered immensely. Also, many Syrian doctors has fled the country while aid agencies try to provide medical relief. 60% of public hospitals have been affected by the Syrian conflict. TheUnited Nations Security Council is doing thir best to ensure aid as well. Despite te danger several Non-governmental Organizations have tried to provide medical care. The 3 year conflict in Syria has taken a huge time on the citizens and those who are involved.

Analysis:
The issues in Syria has only gotten worse. By causing conflict in certain areas throughout Syria, it has limited their resources. The Syrian citizens can only survive with the help of other countries and those who choose to endure the danger. It is only a matter of time before the citizens decide to fight back. Due to the conflict they have limited help, but being forced out of their home is enough to begin a rebellion. The refugees know that they are left with only two options.

Gabrielle Hill
10/04/2013
4:19

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/03/world/meast/syria-civilians-displaced/index.html

Blog 3: Egypt warns of 'harsh' response against Hamas

Summary:

Egypt’s national security may be threatened by the Palestine branch of the Muslim Brotherhood in Hamas. Ties between Egypt and Hamas have been slowly disintegrating since last July. Due to the nationwide protest to get rid of President Mohamed Morsi through military force, there have been issues between the two countries. Hamas believes that the demolition of the tunnels was a strategy to tighten the “siege” and not security. Egypt’s militants have become stricter in the Sinai Peninsula. A Muslim Brotherhood leader was accused of stealing weapons from a police station; while three militants were found with a sniper rifle and ammunition. On Monday the court will make the decision to ban the brotherhood and their activities in Egypt. They have also shut down the headquarters of Al-Hurriya Wal Adala newspaper, which is the mouth of the organization

 

 

 

 

Analysis:

It seems as if most of the destruction and conflict has been caused by the Muslim Brotherhood. The issues have finally escalated to violence in both Hamas and Egypt. Due to the power within the Egyptian militant, it is clear that Egypt has the advantage. Through observations, Hamas has a better strategy than Egypt that may allow them to overcome in the end. The U.S. will possibly interfere in time. The war between the two countries is far from over, it has just begun. The question is, how far will it go? Is it a war that can be won?

Gabrielle Hill

09/27/2013

8:47pm

 

http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/15622163-egypt-warns-of-harsh-response-against-hamas

Blog #2: Under Egyptian siege, Hamas could try to strike at Israel

Summary:

 Hamas is unable to import a decent amount of fuel causing the citizens to suffer a shortage of gas supply and constant power outages. Due to the electricity supply there have been sewage failures causing it to travel to the Mediterranean Sea. The Gaza strip is taking a huge toll on their economy. Due to Egypt’s decision to close the tunnels, Hamas has been importing fuel from Israel. Hamas is not suffering as much as Gaza from the closing of the tunnels. Gaza’s economy has been “deteriorating.” Hamas leaders are worried that the rebellious social network movement will cause a widespread protest. In order to increase Egypt’s pressure to once again open the tunnels is to increase the threat of violence towards Israel. By doing so, it will cause attention to be placed upon Gaza again. The situation may escalate into a military clash by next month if things do not change.

 

Analysis:

The Conflict between Egypt and Hamas are quickly escalating. The Gaza strip is causing more issues than intended. Before, Hamas was deciding between two options, but recently they could not make their decision due to another conflict that has occurred. They are more than likely going to be forced to take military action as well as Gaza. The social network protests are the most affective because other countries will be aware of the situation as well. Between Gaza, Egypt, and Hamas it is unclear who will rise above the altercation. From what we know, Gaza and Hamas are suffering the most. Will they form an alliance or will they individually handle their own problems? They logical thing right now would be to confront Egypt and it’s government.  

 

 

Gabrielle Hill
09/20/2013
2:20

http://www.timesofisrael.com/under-egyptian-siege-hamas-could-try-to-strike-at-israel/

Blog 1: Egypt's War On Hamas

Summary: Until last June, Hamas was the main ally to Islamic countries. Due to the media controlled government that is run by President Mohamed Morsi it has turned into Egypt’s number one enemy.  Although they are outnumbered, it is a war that Hamas cannot afford to lose. It is believed that Egypt’s intelligence officials are a part of Tamarod Rebellion, which is a new group determined to overthrow the Hamas Regime. The war is not only affecting the country itself, it is also halting transportation of the Gaza Strip, therefore, creating a shortage of basic goods and fuel from both Hamas and Egypt. Although Egypt is denying a war between the two countries, it is clear that there is confrontation between the two.  Hamas is left with two options: to officially go to war or to create a new conflict that will force Egypt to halt its war.

 

Analysis: It is slightly obvious that Egypt’s government is the cause of the sudden uproar that has come between them and Hamas. It shows that media is a powerful instigator whether it is used for destructive or constructive purposes.  If it were not for the destruction of the Gaza Strip, the war would not be as severe. The best strategy that Hamas has is to creat a new conflict to distract from the current one. Due to certain facts, Hamas is not prepared to take on Egypt’s military therefore putting them at risk. The question is not how the war began; it is why did the war begin? What is President Mohamed Morsi’s plan for destroying their ally’s relationship with the country? Also, are the citizens aware of the manipulation?           

Gabrielle Hill
9/13/2013
12:24

http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/3973/egypt-war-hamas