You might wonder why Iraq, one of the most oil-rich countries in the world, would want to invest in building up its biofuels sector. At first blush it seems like a stretch of resources for a country trying to recover after years of war.
However, In Iraq the agricultural sector has long been the dominant source of jobs. In fact, much of modern agriculture was developed in the Iraqi area over 7,000 years ago. With the recent devastation caused by the instability of war coupled with an extended drought, those jobs have disappeared. So, although Iraq does have the third largest oil reserves in the world, its agricultural sector is in many ways more important to its economic recovery.
We’ve all heard stories of how US soldiers in Iraq have been forced to travel in Humvees lacking armor protection; however, the shortage in military supplies includes basic necessities. Many soldiers stationed all over Iraq lack adequate supplies of drinking water. Commanders have been forced to steal water from the private contractors to meet the basic needs of their troops.
The US Department of Defense is the largest consumer of energy in the United States spending $18 billion a year. Coupled with economics, dwindling natural resources, and the dangers of transporting fuel in war zones, the military is looking towards alternative fuels.
With a history of geopolitical tensions, last week’s announcement by President Gul that Turkey would double the amount of water released to Iraq from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, was cautiously received in Iraq on the first visit by a Turkish head of state in over 30 years.
A key Iraqi concern, Iraq and Turkey have argued over upstream vs. downstream water rights on the Tigris and Euphrates many times in the past. This announcement and state visit may well strengthen ties between these two nations, recently under strain due to on-going tensions because of Turkish military operations in northern Iraq against Kurdish separatist groups.
Iraq’s marshlands are the largest wetland habitat in the Middle East, but years of damming, drainage, and pollution have rendered the area inadequate for the survival of the area’s plants, animals, and humans.
Untold numbers of people, many of whom living in extreme poverty, have been displaced by the drying marshlands. After initial improvements after the expulsion of Saddam Husein’s regime, water levels have shrunk down to below 2003 levels due to drought, causing many who returned to the area to leave.
Thanks to the Bush administration, the current US deficit is over $1 trillion (not including the economic stimulus package). Obama plans to cut this deficit in half by 2013. Obama will let Bush’s tax cuts for individuals who make $250,000 or more a year expire in 2010. As far as troop withdrawal from Iraq, Obama estimates this would save about $90 billion a year, although some of this savings may be deferred to increasing troops in Afghanistan.
Before we had a preschool/playgroup in our community, we used to take turns gathering in each other’s homes for “mommy/daddy and me” socialization gatherings. On one occasion, a mother brought a bag full of toy soldiers to the play date at my house. I was extremely uncomfortable as the shooting and killing of these little plastic guys ensued. As a child, I never played with toy soldiers or guns, as typically these toys are reserved for boys. As a parent, I have consciously chosen to avoid such toys for my son, as I believe “peace begins in the home”. Why would I want to promote violence in my child’s play time?
One example of La’Onf efforts to apply nonviolent principles in practical ways in the interests of children is the campaign against war toys.
In too many instances soldiers shot and killed children who were carrying toy guns that looked like real guns.
The campaign began with programs in which children could trade in their toy guns for soccer balls. It then expanded into lobbying efforts. La’Onf’s campaign has now resulted in legislation banning the sale of war toys in the province of Muthanna. La’Onf activists hope to see national legislation passed in the near future.
Sarah Palin quotes from across the spectrum: from man not causing global warming, to the war in Iraq being a task from God, and how offshore drilling will save us - she says it all.
1. Introduction
It’s obvious why Sarah Palin got the VP nod. And Saturday Night Live makes this point most brilliantly: Hillary Clinton.
