The Beginning

So, after several months of campaigning, conflicts, and debates the time has finally come.  Today was the 2008 Presidential Election.  It was an intense couple of hours but the winner became clear early in the election.  So here it is.  With around 338 electorial votes the winner is:

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States

The course of our country's future now lies in the four years he will serve.  It will be long and difficult, but when has being a President been easy?  Many issues and challenges lie ahead for him wheither he likes it or not.  This is the end of my blog Fighting the "Enemy" yet a new beginning for our country.  Time for change.  So long.

The Class Project

My blog is one of several from my English course and I am going to share a few:

1. Middle East Politics in 2008 - This blog is very informative to the historical and religious background of the Middle East we know today.  I found his blog interesting, especially since my blog was on the War in Iraq.  It helps understand future of our country's foreign policy as a new President will be coming into office.
2. Gun Rights - This blog is about gun rights.  I find this blog interesting because gun rights have not been mentioned that much throughout this election, but is still a major concern for most people.  This right sets the difference between life or death.  It even explains some of the history of gun rights.
3. Renewable Fuels: Search and Transition - This blog deals with alternative sources of fuel that can end the dependence on foreign oil.  I find this blog interesting because of the different types of energy sources it talks about.  I feel that foreign oil is a major concern, especially when the prices of that oil rise.  Lots of Americans drive and when oil prices rise, so does gas prices.  Many people cannot afford such increases in fuel which makes it so important to start relying on other energy sources.

The Deadline

So in one of my previous blogs, I have stated severval times about the negoiations between Iraq and the U.S. and Britain about keeping their forces in Iraq after the end of the year.  Iraq has responded by agreeing if they were allowed certain actions.  One of them would be to restrict all U.S. attacks on countries surrounding Iraq (most likely a result of the Syria incident).  I feel that this is a very bold move made by the Iraqi government.  It shows that they do not want to be used by the U.S. for any kind of conflict that will draw more attention to themselves.  I feel that Iraq is starting to stand on its own two feet once more.  Do not mistake what I just said.  I do not feel Iraq can "walk on its own" just yet.

I found video to encourage you to vote (if you haven't already).  Don't worry if you cannot understand the rap.  The lyrics are to the left of the video (click on more info).  Enjoy.

In the Mirror: The Self Analysis

At the start of this blog project, I didn't really care that much for the Presidential Election.  "Why," you say?  I guess I felt that no matter what my opinions or values were, I would not be able to make any difference.  Now you might be saying, "Voting is a difference."  That is where my dreams are throw off the cliff because I CANNOT VOTE (bummer).  

So I felt, at first, that this project was some sort of ironic punishment.  However, the more I began to read about Iraq, the more I wanted to write about it.  Out of all the writing assignment I have had, I must honestly say that I enjoyed myself.  This assignment made me understand the importance of not just having a side but to be albe to evauate all sides and not use random assumptions that you have heard.  It allowed me to study my issue indepth so that i would be able to share with me classmates and answer their questions.  In a way, I started to actually become interested in the Presidential Election.  Even though I cannot vote, I can express my knowledge to people who like to assume things about the candidates rather than having evidence to support it.

At the start, I had strong feeling about us not entering Iraq, partially because of one of my relatives was sent there.  As I began to read more and write these blogs, my position began to sway a bit.  However I relized that I was focusing too much on the past and began to write about what our future holds with Iraq.  Instead judging the issue like I did at the start, I learned to take in different opinions in order to understand what the real issue was about.

And so with that, I encourage everyone who reads this blog to keep imformed with both sides of the issues that our country faces.  It may not seem that they affect you, however, our current economic status can tell you otherwise.  AND VOTE.  If not for yourself, then for the people in our country.

The Crossroads

Daniel,

Britain hasn't given up on Iraq.  At the end of this year, the UN mandate that allowed the U.S. and Britain to be in Iraq will end.  In order to stay in Iraq, we have to negotiate with the Iraqi government.  I feel that this withdraw of troops is Britain's way to ensure Iraq that they do not plan to stay for much longer.

It seems our nation finds itself on both sides of the road.  In this article (similar to the one in my Implications post), it talks about how we entered Syria to kill person associating with Al-Qaeda.  However, Syria believes the story to be false and therefore, a violation of international law.  So in this case, we are the anti-terrorists and the terrorists (really great for our involvement with the Middle East).  The longer we continue with our occupation in Iraq (as well as the War against Terrorism), the closer we are viewed as terrorists by the people in the Middle East.  

Course of Time: The Implications

For five (almost six) years, we have invaded and given Iraq back to its people.  However, our "results" have been small in comparison to what we have put into Iraq these past years.  We are at the point where our next move in Iraq is very critical to us and to the welfare of the "new" Iraq.  On thing is certain, we must start to see more positive results if we are going to be able to "leave".

Our current situation in Iraq is at a stand still.  We cannot withdraw all of our troops but we cannot remain there for much longer.  I feel that if we stay in Iraq any longer, we will start to lose the faith other countries had for us going to Iraq in the first place (if we haven't lost it already).  Iraq will serve as a constant reminder to many nations for future generations.  We may lose allies or support just because of our stay in Iraq which has been longer than any of the World Wars.  Then there is the military funding as well.  We simply cannot afford to spend money on this war like we have these last few years.  Our economy is in shambles.  The Rescue Plan is only prolonging the situation long enough for the next President to come into office.  Every single cent that our government spends is needed to help our economy.  Staying in Iraq only uses valuable funds that our country needs back home.

Now, for those who want to pack up our troops and send them back home, hit the brakes.  Our involvement with Iraq is so deep, we CANNOT do that.  With all the money we have spent, we simply just cannot walk away.  We have to finish what we have started, one way or another.  I feel that to leave Iraq will draw more countries to despise us.  We went in and completely changed their whole government structure and wiped out their former armed forces.  Now in order to leave, we must re-arm them, build up their forces, and stabilize their government.  If not, they will be helpless and defenseless against Al-Qaeda or the countries surrounding them, especially Iran.  However, our prolonged stay could prove different to Iraq.

Time is a valuable source.  But we have wasted too much of it in Iraq.  Whether we like it or not, our time in Iraq is coming to an end.  But how will our new President be able to use it to our advantage?  Only time will tell...

The Extension

I read in an article from CNN that Britain and the United States must negotiate with the Iraqi government in order to let their forces remain in Iraq after the end of this year.  Britain stated that they plan to take some of their troops out of Iraq early next year.  However, the U. S. still has no plan for leaving Iraq yet.  This has somewhat to do with the Presidential Election in the next couple of weeks.  Our exit plan will solely rely on who our next President is (see earlier posts for candidates' views on Iraq).  Until next time...