-World-wide recession caused by EuroZone.
-More North-African countries rioting.
-Hopefully some big changes around the US and their debt problems after the election.
-North and South Korea remain separate.
-RIM will be bought out by another company (hopefully Apple or Google).
Should be an exciting year.
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
NSA Response
"Prince Saud al-Faisal, I have seen you really evolve over the course of this simulation. Most recently, I was very impressed by your ability to leverage your oil production in your favor. You really developed the idea and expressed it in a very formal professional matter. I was impressed that you took such a complex idea and sythesized it into something that everyone in the simulation could understand. Additionally, it made a very powerful impact on the situation at hand."
I honestly feel as though this reflection is quite off. Yes, I played a major role in *trying* to use leverage on the US, however, they were the most adamant team in the simulation. I also don't agree that I "evolved" throughout the last few months. My activity in the press was only near the end because there was no need to bring large issues public before the US and Israel attacked us. My actions were true to what a reasonable diplomat would have done. I was also not noted for the large array of press releases and action forms that I had worked on. My actions behind the scenes there and in comments on other newsflashes and updates were a large part of what I spent my time doing.
To my dissatisfaction, our NSAs and Game Mentor did not help our case. As an Arab country, we were quickly deemed as untrustworthy by many larger, more powerful countries such as the US and France. It is too bad that these countries did not understand their relationship with us, as if they had it would have lead to a much more meaningful simulation. On top of that, our NSA and Game Mentor response on action forms and press releases were very, very slow and our activity was stalled because of it. What really bothered me was that our master plan to invade Jerusalem, that took much collaboration with other Arab countries on our side, was completely disregarded on the last day therefore leaving the simulation with no climatic ending. At one point, I asked the NSA to talk to the US for me to remind them that we are strong allies, the NSA said that I had to remind them of that, though the US only thought we were scheming against them. I also asked the Game Mentor to allow us to have private communications with Marwin Barghouti as we heard he was in Saudi Arabia. They simply told us that we could do that by creating an email-- he was not on our lists. After informing them of this dilemma, they did not reply.
Though a very enjoyable experience, I feel as though some of the other countries needed to know more about their countries ties with Arab nations and that our NSAs and Game Mentor should have been more helpful. I honestly feel as though they signed in to do something maybe once every four or five days.
I honestly feel as though this reflection is quite off. Yes, I played a major role in *trying* to use leverage on the US, however, they were the most adamant team in the simulation. I also don't agree that I "evolved" throughout the last few months. My activity in the press was only near the end because there was no need to bring large issues public before the US and Israel attacked us. My actions were true to what a reasonable diplomat would have done. I was also not noted for the large array of press releases and action forms that I had worked on. My actions behind the scenes there and in comments on other newsflashes and updates were a large part of what I spent my time doing.
To my dissatisfaction, our NSAs and Game Mentor did not help our case. As an Arab country, we were quickly deemed as untrustworthy by many larger, more powerful countries such as the US and France. It is too bad that these countries did not understand their relationship with us, as if they had it would have lead to a much more meaningful simulation. On top of that, our NSA and Game Mentor response on action forms and press releases were very, very slow and our activity was stalled because of it. What really bothered me was that our master plan to invade Jerusalem, that took much collaboration with other Arab countries on our side, was completely disregarded on the last day therefore leaving the simulation with no climatic ending. At one point, I asked the NSA to talk to the US for me to remind them that we are strong allies, the NSA said that I had to remind them of that, though the US only thought we were scheming against them. I also asked the Game Mentor to allow us to have private communications with Marwin Barghouti as we heard he was in Saudi Arabia. They simply told us that we could do that by creating an email-- he was not on our lists. After informing them of this dilemma, they did not reply.
Though a very enjoyable experience, I feel as though some of the other countries needed to know more about their countries ties with Arab nations and that our NSAs and Game Mentor should have been more helpful. I honestly feel as though they signed in to do something maybe once every four or five days.
Monday, 12 December 2011
Lyrical Quote
"Security has left you treading water." Idols and Anchors- Parkway Drive.
This song is a very strong metaphor for global warming. Security for many people is considered a job, a car, heating, running water, etc. However, these "securities" are, ultimately, what are causing the burning of fossil fuels. "Treading water" is referring to the fact that global warming is causing sea levels to rise and eventually leave peoples homes and securities quite literally underwater. This leads to the question of: can we really call ourselves good people? In a world where our "necessities" lead to our own destruction can we really consider ourselves "the future?"
This song is a very strong metaphor for global warming. Security for many people is considered a job, a car, heating, running water, etc. However, these "securities" are, ultimately, what are causing the burning of fossil fuels. "Treading water" is referring to the fact that global warming is causing sea levels to rise and eventually leave peoples homes and securities quite literally underwater. This leads to the question of: can we really call ourselves good people? In a world where our "necessities" lead to our own destruction can we really consider ourselves "the future?"
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Belarus
After reading this article, do you think that creating a democracy in countries such as Iraq and Libya would prove successful? Will these "democracies" still be run by dictators?
I believe that democracy will always have a positive effect on countries. Even if there is a corrupt leader, there will always be room for UN intervention. We've seen more good done in democracy than in any dictatorship.
This being said, this article becomes more disturbing the more I think about it. Why hasn't the UN intervened at this point? It almost seems as though labelling the government as democratic has put Belarus off of the corruption radar. It's sad to think that the UN needs to keep their eyes on countries who have had power-thirsty and corrupt leaders elected.
At least a democracy is a start. If moving from dictatorship to democracy could lead to a true democratic government, it is better than having a straight dictatorship. It is better to have a dictator in a democracy than a dictator in a dictatorship. At least in a democracy there is hope.
I believe that democracy will always have a positive effect on countries. Even if there is a corrupt leader, there will always be room for UN intervention. We've seen more good done in democracy than in any dictatorship.
This being said, this article becomes more disturbing the more I think about it. Why hasn't the UN intervened at this point? It almost seems as though labelling the government as democratic has put Belarus off of the corruption radar. It's sad to think that the UN needs to keep their eyes on countries who have had power-thirsty and corrupt leaders elected.
At least a democracy is a start. If moving from dictatorship to democracy could lead to a true democratic government, it is better than having a straight dictatorship. It is better to have a dictator in a democracy than a dictator in a dictatorship. At least in a democracy there is hope.
Friday, 2 December 2011
Iranian Discussion.
What is worse: the bomb or the bombing?
Is it our place to stop this? What makes countries such as the USA eligible to make and hold nuclear weapons yet stop countries such as Iran from making them?
Do you think Israel will go along with an attack on these nuclear plants despite the warnings they have been given?
Casus Belli- Justification for an act of war.
Is it our place to stop this? What makes countries such as the USA eligible to make and hold nuclear weapons yet stop countries such as Iran from making them?
Do you think Israel will go along with an attack on these nuclear plants despite the warnings they have been given?
Casus Belli- Justification for an act of war.
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Bystander Effect
When have you experienced an opportunity to act, but not done it (or maybe you did act)? If you have never experienced this sort of opportunity, try to envision a hypothetical situation where it might happen. In this situation why did you fail to act? Or, if it was a hypothetical situation, what might prevent you from acting?
Though I havn't experienced ny sort of situation in which breaking up a fight or helping someone would have been necessary, I honestly don't see myself acting in certain situations. If I was walking alone in the streets of New York at night and saw some people having a violent argument down a back alley, I probably would keep to myself. Not because I'm self centered, but because I want to keep myself safe.
Yes- there are some instances in which acting is a good idea: when you're in a group, know the people who are involved, or can be sure that the "assaulter" isn't dangerous. It is human nature to act in our best interest, we can't help that, and we don't want to but ourselves in harm's way for a stranger. In order to 'make up' for this behaviour we volunteer, give to charity, and start fundraisers to help people so that we can fulfill our needs to help others in a safe way.
Another reason that this effect could be possible is because of what we believe is the "social standard." If other people don't want to help, we may not think it our business to help either. Too often we'd rather blend into the crowd than stand out and do something good for someone.
It's too bad that this is how we think; however, we can't change human nature, but we have the ability to take risks ourselves to help people in need.
Though I havn't experienced ny sort of situation in which breaking up a fight or helping someone would have been necessary, I honestly don't see myself acting in certain situations. If I was walking alone in the streets of New York at night and saw some people having a violent argument down a back alley, I probably would keep to myself. Not because I'm self centered, but because I want to keep myself safe.
Yes- there are some instances in which acting is a good idea: when you're in a group, know the people who are involved, or can be sure that the "assaulter" isn't dangerous. It is human nature to act in our best interest, we can't help that, and we don't want to but ourselves in harm's way for a stranger. In order to 'make up' for this behaviour we volunteer, give to charity, and start fundraisers to help people so that we can fulfill our needs to help others in a safe way.
Another reason that this effect could be possible is because of what we believe is the "social standard." If other people don't want to help, we may not think it our business to help either. Too often we'd rather blend into the crowd than stand out and do something good for someone.
It's too bad that this is how we think; however, we can't change human nature, but we have the ability to take risks ourselves to help people in need.
Monday, 7 November 2011
Interdependance
" We have learned that we cannot live alone, at peace; that our own well-being is dependent on the well-being of other nations, far away.... We have learned to be citizens of the world, members of the human community."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt, Former US President, 1945.
I agree with this quote. In the last sixty-five years the world has become increasingly globalized, making this quote more true now that it was when it came from Roosevelt's mouth. We live in a world where the rest of the world fears an economic failure in the Eurozone because of the global implications it would have; 200 years ago this wouldn't have been something to worry about. Our world has become a place where individuals have to worry about how single corporations are doing simply because of how interdependent we are with our money. Companies that manage pensions rely on the population's money to grow and people depend on these organizations to manage that money well so that they can have an enjoyable retirement. Yes, there are problems to interdependence... what happens when a huge company fails? Do we have a repeat of 2008? Are the risks worth the benefits? I think so, though I haven't experienced the problems first hand.
Monday, 24 October 2011
AIC
so far the AIC has been a very enjoyable experience. Working as Saudi Arabia gives us an opportunity to be a leader among Arab countries and achieve our goals. So far we have stepped up as a leader and are already negotiating with Israel, trying to work out a peace treaty assuming that they leave Jerusalem.
I enjoy the excitement that the AIC brings, I'm on it almost every day checking emails and trying to work out a plan to claim Jerusalem. However, I would like a better news feed for updates. Some of the news articles are left out and I completely miss them for a couple days which can be counteractive. Perhaps my views will change as I become fluent with the site, though for now that is my only "complaint."
Using other Arab countries we are already pressuring Israel out of Jerusalem, it seems as though our goals may be achieved a lot sooner than we thought. I will keep this blog up to date with any major advanced in our reasonings.
I enjoy the excitement that the AIC brings, I'm on it almost every day checking emails and trying to work out a plan to claim Jerusalem. However, I would like a better news feed for updates. Some of the news articles are left out and I completely miss them for a couple days which can be counteractive. Perhaps my views will change as I become fluent with the site, though for now that is my only "complaint."
Using other Arab countries we are already pressuring Israel out of Jerusalem, it seems as though our goals may be achieved a lot sooner than we thought. I will keep this blog up to date with any major advanced in our reasonings.
Debt Crisis
Current issues in Europe, especially Greece, have really sparked my interests this year. Because tax payers around the world are already protesting - occupy wall and bay street are good examples of this - I personally believe that Europe should be left to sort out their own problems. I share the same views as many German tax payers who's money will be used to help Greece. Why should the hard working, tax paying citizens of Europe help the fraudulent, lazy majority of the population in Greece? In Germany, the average retirement age is into the what is classified as senior (70s), the people are known to be honest tax payers, and the nation has paid off a huge debt from the two world wars. Greece, on the other hand, has an average retirement age of 52, and 85% of the population doesn't pay taxes. They should be working out their own problems before even thinking about asking the IMF or other countries for money.
I predict a double dip recession, as much as it pains me to say, Greece will almost definitely default on its debt causing a domino effect with countries such as Italy and Portugal. Due to globalization- which we all should know about now- this will affect trade routes and hurt the markets. I doubt that the recession will be as bad as what we experienced in 2008 though, as a lot of people aren't borrowing money (leveraging) to buy securities.
Another relevant issue to the debt crisis is what's happening on wall street. I understand where the protesters are coming from, though I honestly believe that a large majority of them don't know what they're talking about. Big players in the banking industry are paid huge bonuses for a reason... they're some of the smartest people alive right now and are valuable assets to these banks. A lot the complaining done by the democrats is both arrogant and ridiculous in my opinion. Republics now are starting the "I am the 53%" movement, complaining about the democrats saying that it's people like them who feed these problems, and it is the hard working people who don't normally complain who end up paying most of the taxes anyway. The bulge brackets banks pay 40-50% of the taxes in the states anyways... why should they be paying more? Protesters are also asking that the government change a lot of laws which have nothing to do with wall street, and a lot of them are, in my opinion, very important laws. For example, they wish to end the war on drugs simply because $40bn was spent fighting these issues last year. These people voted Obama to power, they should realize that the needs of the country are more important than the needs of the individual and stop complaining. A lot of them didn't even vote...
I hope to see the media stop focusing on wall street and let the buzz die out. I am, however, excited to see what changes will be made, if any.
I predict a double dip recession, as much as it pains me to say, Greece will almost definitely default on its debt causing a domino effect with countries such as Italy and Portugal. Due to globalization- which we all should know about now- this will affect trade routes and hurt the markets. I doubt that the recession will be as bad as what we experienced in 2008 though, as a lot of people aren't borrowing money (leveraging) to buy securities.
Another relevant issue to the debt crisis is what's happening on wall street. I understand where the protesters are coming from, though I honestly believe that a large majority of them don't know what they're talking about. Big players in the banking industry are paid huge bonuses for a reason... they're some of the smartest people alive right now and are valuable assets to these banks. A lot the complaining done by the democrats is both arrogant and ridiculous in my opinion. Republics now are starting the "I am the 53%" movement, complaining about the democrats saying that it's people like them who feed these problems, and it is the hard working people who don't normally complain who end up paying most of the taxes anyway. The bulge brackets banks pay 40-50% of the taxes in the states anyways... why should they be paying more? Protesters are also asking that the government change a lot of laws which have nothing to do with wall street, and a lot of them are, in my opinion, very important laws. For example, they wish to end the war on drugs simply because $40bn was spent fighting these issues last year. These people voted Obama to power, they should realize that the needs of the country are more important than the needs of the individual and stop complaining. A lot of them didn't even vote...
I hope to see the media stop focusing on wall street and let the buzz die out. I am, however, excited to see what changes will be made, if any.
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
post#1
Over the summer, I spent a lot of my free time organizing a new club for the school this year... The Investment Club. As a leader in this activity, much research on stocks, global markets, and economic problems was done. With the market drop in August, I became a keen learner about the debt problems in the US and would now say that I have a fairly knowledgeable understanding of their economy. With this enriched knowledge in economic problems, I believe I will factor a powerful addition to class discussions on economic issues.
I also, as a fairly new recruit of Model UN, spent a fair bit of time on the news, learning more about the world we live in and what problems we face. Though I decided to take this class before joining MUN, I now see how they relate and how together they will enlighten my understanding of world issues. The majority of my research so far has been on issues between North and South Korea, as well as the problems in Libya, though I read any article which sparks my interest. This early start to learning about the world and reading the news will hopefully show, and bring new, interesting topics to class.
I also, as a fairly new recruit of Model UN, spent a fair bit of time on the news, learning more about the world we live in and what problems we face. Though I decided to take this class before joining MUN, I now see how they relate and how together they will enlighten my understanding of world issues. The majority of my research so far has been on issues between North and South Korea, as well as the problems in Libya, though I read any article which sparks my interest. This early start to learning about the world and reading the news will hopefully show, and bring new, interesting topics to class.
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