North Korean Nuclearisation

Introduction Nuclearisation has in reality become a significant political matter in the world for the past ten years. This has concurrently been marked by the nuclearisation of North Korea, United States, South Asia, Iran, India, Libya and many other states.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on North Korean Nuclearisation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More North Korea’s interest in nuclear weapons capacity has long aggravated heated arguments between policy makers and researchers. Such arguments are mostly about the reasons for engagement and repeated dissatisfaction in attempts to confer to Korean denuclearization. These debates widely reveal divergent opinions of the North Korean government and its sustainability as an independent political, financial and martial system. They also reflect the likely consequences of prolonged nuclear development in this secluded and highly eccentric state (Sidney, 2007). Efforts to hold back North Korea’s interest in nuclear weapons is among the topmost running and least victorious sagas in global security. It is however highly unfortunate that North Korea keeps on deceiving the international community through its open attitudes and mischief. This is in contrast to the advancement in international nuclear disbarment and non- proliferation. The subject of North Korean nuclearisation has been deteriorating over time. This essay will assess North Korea’s venerable quest for nuclear weapons and its potential insinuations for national security. It will establish whether North Korea is a responsible nuclear weapon state in comparison with other states. Discussion North Korea is not a responsible nuclear weapons state. Its irresponsibility is seen especially when US and Russia, which are the largest nuclear powers globally put their signature on the New Start Treaty promising to lower the number of planned nuclear warheads.Advertising Looking f or essay on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Consequently, the Nuclear Security Summit met to build up a shared agreement on the gravity of the menace of nuclear terrorism. North Korea’s irresponsibility in this case is seen when it continues working against international laws and requirements while at the same time declining to abandon its nuclear drives. Not only did it not take part in these encouraging developments but also acted as a key impediment to the global community’s efforts to create a world that is nuclear weapons free. North Korea’s irresponsibility as a nuclear weapons state is also seen when it goes against the individual rights of people. It is one of the countries whose people are mistreated by denying the citizens rights to choose their own ways of living. Although North Korea claims that their nuclear weapons are not instruments for assaulting and threatening others, they use them to offset aggression and attacks from the other countries. For instance, North Korea states that their nuclear deterrents can in no way be abandoned and should further be made stronger. United States further asserts that it would at no point recognize North Korea as a nuclear weapon country. It argues that North Korea present path is a â€Å"dead end â€Å". It has developed nuclear weapons for its own benefits, safeguarding its sovereignty and existence rights. The irresponsibility of North Korea as a nuclear weapons state has further been confirmed. It is irresponsible and ethically repugnant for any nation to produce and own weapons for arbitrarily killing billions of people. For instance, on March 2010, North Koreas torpedo led to the sinking of the ROK naval craft Cheonan. This assailment claimed 46 blameless lives (Nathan Daniel, 2009).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on North Korean Nuclearisation specifically for you for only $ 16.05 $11/page Learn More India is the most responsible nuclear weapons state compared to North Korea, Pakistan, Iran and other nuclear weapons. It has taken significant efforts to establish the export legislations for nuclear weapons. This has been taken as unexpected progress to lessen war threats in these country something North Korea has not even thought of. North Korea keeps proclaiming that it would make reliable efforts for denuclearization which has so far remained doubtful among other states. Conclusion The Possession of nuclear weapons by North Korea has augmented the stakes in disagreements. It has also threatened victims on an incredible scale. North Korea should thus discard its nuclear weapons programme and pursue the example of other countries such as India and Libya. The present trends in worldwide politics towards conflicts and wars must be abandoned in preference for dialogue and conformity with international law. Engaging in dialogue just for the sa ke is North Korea’s long preferred approach for holding up denuclerisation.This must not be contemplated any longer. North Korea must demonstrate honesty of its words by taking actual and irreversible steps towards denuclearization. The Korean government is however taking some approaches to minimize the use of nuclear weapons. These approaches include a no nuclear North Korea, two track approach and the approach of grand bargain. The two track approach emphasizes that North Korea should not be simply rewarded for going back to dialogue after performing provocative deeds. It first needs to demonstrate a strong commitment to denuclearization and take tangible steps regarding that end (Alagappa, 2009).Advertising Looking for essay on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In the grand bargain approach, The North Korean government is seeking a broad and elemental resolution to the North Korean nuclear weapon matter. This aims to take in all the steps associated with North Koreas irrevocable denuclearization. It is therefore clear that while the accountability for nuclear security lies with individual states, international attempts are required to sustain national standards at an acceptable level. References Alagappa, M. (2009). The long shadow: nuclear weapons and security in 21st century.  DC: US Press. Nathan, E.B Daniel, J. (2009). Combating weapons of mass destruction: the future of  international nonproliferation policy. Georgia: University of Georgia Press. Sidney, D.D. (2007). Nuclear weapons, scientists, and the post-Cold War challenge.  NY: World Scientific Press. This essay on North Korean Nuclearisation was written and submitted by user Fallen One to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Chicken Basketball and Jamal Essay

Chicken Basketball and Jamal Essay Chicken: Basketball and Jamal Essay Born to Run Jamal King was born to run. All he ever did was run track. When he didn't a have track meet he would go to his favorite place to run, Jamal's favorite place was a 300 yd field and run five laps around the whole thing. One morning Jamal woke up and went to the field and there was a fence around the whole thing and the fence said NO TRESPASSING. Jamal went home balling out tears. Jamal found his first dog Sparky and would sometimes go there and run and play with his dog Sparky. That's also where Jamal first heard about track. So Jamal quit track and said "I should play a different sport." Jamal tried soccer and said no I can't play this. Then he went to football tryouts at his Middle school and didn't make the team. So he went to Basketball tryouts and made 6 out of 8 three pointers and he said I can still run. Jamal made the cut and he was so happy that he could run again. Jamal started out at Point Guard and was already a star. He led his District in assists, points, rebo unds, and steals. He led his team to a undefeated season going 10-0. But in the first game of the playoffs he struggled but he still had 6 assists and 21 points. In the second game the game before the championship, Jamal made a huge comeback down by 13 points then his teammates got 4 points and then Jamal got 2 three pointers to tie the game. It was 65-65 then the opponents got a three pointer which made the game 68-65. Jamal ran as hard as he could down the court he shot a three pointer and he missed but he got fouled. Jamal went up to the line, he shot his first shot and made it. He shot his second shot and made it. He shot his third shot and missed, but he got the rebound and threw the ball up and the ball went in. The crowd went wild Jamal was going to the Championship, which was played in Miami at the Heat stadium. In the Championship Jamal had 33 points, 10 assists, 4 steals, 6 rebounds and was still losing 67-56. But Jamal didn't give up he stole the ball ran down the court and dunked the ball nobody could do that in his league but he had the hops to get up there he really wanted to win the game. So the score is now 67-59.The opponents name was the Hokies and Jamal's team was the Cyclones. The Hokies shot a 3 pointer and missed Jamal got the rebound and passed it to his teammate and his teammate scored a 3 pointer then the score was then 67-62.Jamal's teamate got fouled and shot his free-throw

Elephant Toothpaste Chemistry Demonstration

Elephant Toothpaste Chemistry Demonstration The elephant toothpaste chemistry demonstration is a dramatic demo which produces copious amounts of steaming foam that sort of looks like the toothpaste an elephant might use. Heres how to set up this demonstration and a look at the reaction behind it. Elephant Toothpaste Materials The chemical reaction in this demonstration is between the hydrogen peroxide and the potassium iodide solution. The detergent captures the gases to make bubbles. Note the hydrogen peroxide solution is much more concentrated than the kind you can buy at a pharmacy. You can find 30 percent peroxide at a beauty supply store, science supply store, or online. 50-100 ml of 30% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solutionSaturated potassium iodide (KI) solutionLiquid dishwashing detergentFood coloring500 mL graduated cylinderSplint (optional) Safety Wear disposable gloves and safety glasses. Oxygen is evolved in this reaction, so do not perform this demonstration near an open flame. Also, the reaction is exothermic, producing a fair amount of heat, so do not lean over the graduated cylinder when the solutions are mixed. Leave your gloves on following the demonstration to aid with cleanup. The solution and foam may be rinsed down the drain with water. Elephant Toothpaste Procedure Put on gloves and safety glasses. The iodine from the reaction may stain surfaces so you might want to cover your workspace with an open garbage bag or a layer of paper towels.Pour ~50 mL of 30% hydrogen peroxide solution into the graduated cylinder.Squirt in a little dishwashing detergent and swirl it around.You can place 5-10 drops of food coloring along the wall of the cylinder to make the foam resemble striped toothpaste.Add ~10 mL of potassium iodide solution. Do not lean over the cylinder when you do this, as the reaction is very vigorous and you may get splashed or possibly burned by steam.You may touch a glowing splint to the foam to relight it, indicating the presence of oxygen. Variations of the Elephant Toothpaste Demonstration You can add 5 grams of starch to the hydrogen peroxide. When the potassium iodide is added, the resulting foam will have light and dark patches from the reaction of some of the starch to form triiodide.You can use yeast instead of potassium iodide. Foam is produced more slowly, but you can add a fluorescent dye to this reaction to produce elephant toothpaste that will glow very brightly under a black light.You can color the demonstration and make it into an Elephant Toothpaste Christmas Tree for the holidays.There is also a kid-friendly version of the elephant toothpaste demo that is safe for hands. Elephant Toothpaste Chemistry The overall equation for this reaction is: 2 H2O2(aq) → 2 H2O(l) O2(g) However, the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen is catalyzed by the iodide ion. H2O2(aq) I-(aq) → OI-(aq) H2O(l) H2O2(aq) OI-(aq) → I-(aq) H2O(l) O2(g) The dishwashing detergent captures the oxygen as bubbles. Food coloring can color the foam. The heat from this exothermic reaction is such that the foam may steam. If the demonstration is performed using a plastic bottle, you can expect slight distortion of the bottle from the heat. Elephant Toothpaste Experiment Fast Facts Materials 30% Hydrogen PeroxideConcentrated potassium iodide solution OR packet of dry yeastLiquid dishwashing detergentFood coloring (optional)Starch (optional) Concepts Illustrated This demonstration illustrates exothermic reactions, chemical changes, catalysis, and decomposition reactions. Usually the demo is performed less to discuss the chemistry and more to raise interest in chemistry. It is one of the easiest and most dramatic chemistry demonstrations available. Time Required The reaction is instantaneous. Set-up can be completed in under half an hour. Level The demonstration is suitable for all age groups, particularly to raise interest in science and chemical reactions. Because the hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizer and because heat is generated by the reaction, the demonstration is best performed by a science teacher with chemical experience. It should not be performed by unsupervised children.

It is going to be report format Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

It is going to be report format - Essay Example In Joe’s case, a partnership relationship usually existed between him and his sister: they used to buy tickets together and discuss the possibility of using their shares of the ticket. According to Beyer G.W. and Petrini J. â€Å"If a taxpayer purchased a lottery ticket with the intent and understanding that the proceeds would be shared with others, the courts have treated the proceeds of the ticket as income to all the recipients rather than as income to just the purchaser.†1 However, on that particular week, Joe’s stepsister did not contribute to the purchase of the ticket and the partnership relationship between the two of them stopped at that moment. It is possible to talk about an intention of sharing the profit in the past weeks, when Joe’s stepsister contributed to the lottery ticket’s purchase, which explains Joe’s intention to share the prize. Joe was the only person who bought the ticket and it is clear that under these circumstance s the intention of sharing the possible profit did not exist. ... on that particular week, Joe was the only buyer of the lottery ticket 3. the fact that his stepsister did not contribute to the purchase of the winning lottery ticket may serve as proof in Joe’s favour to show that on that week he did not buy the ticket with the intention of sharing the prize with his stepsister I would advise Joe not to worry about having to share the prize with his stepsister. Word count: 481 words b) I believe that Lawrence & Co can be held liable for inducing Joe to conclude the contract by creating a false representation on the capacity of the premises. According to Richards P. (217) â€Å"A misrepresentation may be defined†¦ as a false statement of fact that induces another to enter into a contract.†2 It is obvious that Lawrence & Co has made a false statement regarding its premises in order to induce Joe to enter into a contract with it. Even though at the beginning of the negotiations Tim actually believed that the premises were big enough to fit 25 of Joe’s courier vans, the fact that the premises were actually smaller than believed was discovered by Tim during the negotiation process. The disclosure of this discovery at that moment would have stopped the negotiation process and lead to a lost deal for Tim’s business. Therefore, Tim voluntarily hid the discovered fact, believing that there will be no legal consequences against him. Moreover, the belief that all 25 courier vans will fit into the premises was practically the reason that convinced Joe to sign the contract. In the case of Derry v Peek3 the House of Lords concluded that â€Å"Fraud is established where it is proved that a false statement is made: (a)

Human Aanatomy and Physiology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Human Aanatomy and Physiology - Essay Example Human males are capable of producing sperm throughout their lives that numbers in the millions. In females however, eggs are produced only in the hundreds. In fact, when females are still in utero, they produce all of the eggs that they will produce in a lifetime. These eggs then enter into Prophase I and stay dormant in this state until such time that the female begins puberty. At this time, eggs may continue undergoing meiosis to completion. This takes place with each egg one by one until menopause, resulting in monthly cycles until then. It is also important to note that not all of a female’s eggs will ever resume meiosis. Some will simply be reabsorbed by her body. In addition, at time of menstruation, the female will release one egg from the ovaries into the uterus to await fertilization. Males on the other hand have millions of sperm that can be released in mass proportion upon each ejaculation. The pathway taken by sperm as they leave the testes and travel through the body is as follows: sperm originate in the seminal vesicles which are located at the bladder’s base. Each seminal vesicle is joined with a vas deferens in order to form an ejaculatory duct. These ducts are fused with the urethra. During the path taken from the vasa deferentia into the urethra, the sperm acquire a thick, alkaline liquid. This liquid id provided by the prostate and is a nutrient rich solution for the health and motility of the traveling sperm. Upon ejaculation, the bulbourethral glands emit a mucous like secretion, followed by expulsion of sperm from the male body. The structure and function of male accessory glands are as follows: male accessory glands are composed of the ductus deferens, the epididymis, the urethra and the ejaculatory duct. This is a network of ducts in which the sperm travels to get from inside the body (the testes) to the outer portion of the body (the penis). The

The US Policy of Marshall Aid Essay Example for Free

The US Policy of Marshall Aid Essay Assess the view that the US Policy of Marshall Aid was motivated mainly by the altruistic desire to help the economic recovery of Europe. Following advice from U.S General Marshall, Marshall Aid was introduced to Europe in 1947. Some argue this policy was motivated mainly through altruistic desire to help the economic reconstruction of Europe; however the four interpretations dismiss this argument, focusing on the need to boost capitalism, preventing communism. The main reasons for Marshall Aids introduction were political and economic, not altruistic. The theory that Marshall Aid was mainly motivated through altruism isnt credibly acknowledged in any interpretation. Judt acknowledges altruism in his interpretation by stating aid was offered to all European countries, without distinction and Enthusiastic American New Dealers had urged upon European colleagues virtues of freer trade, international collaboration and inter-state integration, however he dismisses altruism and argues other influences had great significance, aid was part of a program to reform the European economy as a whole; Europe would need to collaborate in planning and confer.with each other. Enthusiastic American New Dealers supported aid through their own self-interests, not altruistic desire. Balfour, McCauley and Gaddis fail to acknowledge altruism in their arguments, supporting Judts dismissal. However Europe was devastated following the war and Marshall Aid had reduced the problem, so altruism was not completely absent. America lacked any altruistic desire to help Russia. Fear of Soviet domination and the spread of communism was key to the introduction of aid in the first place, this is argued in each interpretation, adding credibility to each view. Gaddis argues the immediate psychological benefits produced by economic assistance would halt the spread of communism. However in contrast to Gaddis, Judt draws focus to productivity missions funded by the Marshall Plan in his interpretation, which brought thousands of managers, technicians and trade unionists the U.S to study the American way of business. There is evidence to make this a credible argument as it ties in with revisionist theory that America intended to use Marshall Aid as a form of economic imperialism to asset their authority over Europe. Gaddis concedes Russia refusing aid would strain relationships, enabling the U.S to seize the geopolitical and moral initiative in the emerging Cold War, thus strengthening Judts argument that aid favou red American interests as well as containing communism. Balfour suggests a main objective of the Marshall Plan was to win the mouths and minds of the West European peoples so as to prevent them from turning Communist, again focusing on Americas fear of communism. This meant boosting capitalism, which was being resuscitated and given a prosperity highly alluring to countries on the fringes of the USSR, to encourage Cominform nations to denounce communism, a fairly forceful argument acknowledged by each interpretation. Judt implies aid was part of a programme to reform the European economy and is correct when stating Stalin and Molotovs suspicions of the terms Marshall was proposing being quite incompatible with the closed Soviet economy. Neither the US or USSR were prepared to accept each others economic system, Judt again references the differing ideologies and argues that as well as reducing Soviet influence, boosting capitalism and encouraging free trade would have the desired effect of containing communism. Further evidence to make thi s a credible argument is within Balfours interpretation, Molotov viewed aid as an attempt by American capitalists to capture additional markets. In contrast to Balfour and Judt who focus on differing ideologies as a key motivation, the counter revisionist argument that Marshall Aid was motivated by U.S self-interest re-emerges in McCauleys interpretation, an expanding European market would take more U.S goods. Nations accepting aid would be open to U.S markets, the incentive of viable trading partners which would in turn avoid depression, as Molotov believed. Americas need for a viable trade partner is expressed further by Gaddis, arguing that economic assistance would provide immediate psychological benefits and material ones that would reduce this trend where goods and capital could move freely, boosting capitalism. Introducing Marshall Aid would solve two problems by containing communism and providing a badly needed trade partner for America, adding credibility to the two arguments. Balfours interpretation also focuses on economic factors as the main motivation behind Marshall Aid, which could be used to turn countries to capitalism and recover the position which had been lost between 1944 and 1947, despite the fact Balfour implies that Eastern Europe was not a market for the West, Molotovs belief supports Balfours argument. McCauleys interpretation also focuses on economic recovery; containing a speech by John Foster Dulles, putting the future of Germany in the context of the economic unity of Europe rather than the Potsdam view of Germany as an economic entity. German recovery would lead to production of industrial and capital goods so vital to Europes earnings, and would open up the German market for other European manufacturers, hence the link to re-establishing inter-European trade1. McCauleys argument that small economic units in a divided Europe could not prosper and Europe had to unite.to provide a market large enough to justify modern mass-production techniques, suggests that in order for the European economy to strengthen, and win the mouths and minds of the West European peoples as Balfour argues, Europe must collaborate. This posed serious problems European political ideologies varied, some countries would have problems working together. European collapse would be a disaster for America too, and revival in Germany was key to re-establishing European economies, further validating McCauleys argument on the importance of economic recovery. Opportunities would open up for other European manufacturers as a result of industrial revival in Germany. Washington believed that reestablishment of multilateral trade was key to boosting the economy, the protective device of aid intended European countries to switch from the bilateral to the multilateral as soon as possible. McCauley references the benefits of multilateral collaboration throughout his interpretation, strengthening Judts argument that economic reasons were the main motivation behind Marshall Aid. The subsequent boom led to an economic divide as obvious as the political one, with the rich West and poor East. European markets had exceeded pre-war levels of production and income by the 1950s, reducing the influence of the communists and verifying Ryans argument that Marshall Aid would negate the appeal of communism. The West had no incentive to turn communist now it was booming. All four interpretations agree Marshall Aid would gain popularity if it would have a negative impact on communism. Gaddis outlines the greatest threat to the West wasnt military intervention, rather the risk that hunger, poverty and despair might cause Europeans to vote their own communists into office, who would obediently serve Moscows wishes, this is a credible argument because communism was benefitting with many European economies bankrupt Soviet domination was a real danger. Gaddis further acknowledges the U.S knew they had to intervene as the communists were an electoral threat throughout Europe especially France and Italy. Ryan agrees, arguing that Communism was perceived to thrive on fear, desperation and chaos, summing up the state of Europe in 1945, and aid would in part negate the appeal of the left.2 McCauley furthers the anti-communism view; by linking it to anti-Communism the concept would be very popular in the USA and Balfour backs this up, stating funds required for aid would never have been approved by Congress unless a considerable amount of emphasis had been laid on the danger of communism in Europe, and on the significance of US aid as a protective device. He also suggests the threat would have to be exaggerated to gain enough support, however Soviet domination was already a serious threat to the West, there was no need to exaggerate its severity. Judt agrees with Balfour, arguing that because aid would be confined to the West, with Greece and Turkey being honorary West Europeans, it undoubtedly made it easier for Truman to secure passage of the ERP through Congress. Judt has acknowledged aid was offered without distinction and Ryan implies Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Ukraine were willing participants, but ultimately, Stalin pressured them into withdrawing3,.Gaddis also acknowledges Russia would not accept such aid or allow its satellites to, which is a credible argument because Stalin feared U.S economic domination, believing economic integration with the West would threaten Soviet control over Eastern Europe. Judt also focuses on the fact Stalin and Molotov were of course suspicious. Stalin had felt betrayed by the West during the war and he lacked trust, which is justifiable. Gaddis further acknowledges this, even though the Marshall Plan didnt yet distinguish the areas of Europe under Soviet control, the thinking behind it certainly did. Deputy Minister Vyshinsky argued the US was attempting to impose its will on other independent states, doing little to reduce Soviet tension. Despite several Cominform states being willing participants in desperate need of help and Judts argument that Russian sentiments were not widely shared elsewhere, aid was refused with Stalins persuasion, which strained relationships according to Gaddis. The four interpretations agree the U.S aimed to use European desperation for aid to boost capitalism. Judts view that aid was offered without distinction is challenged by Kunz, arguing that the State Department knew that Congress would never approve aid for Russia fear of Soviet domination was a key motivation for aid in the first place which validates Kunzs argument who adds that fortunately Stalin never called the bluff4. Russian acceptance would have caused problems as the Marshall Plan was based on the assumption that Russia would decline aid. McCauley implies European Governments were required to plan ahead and calculate future investment needs and to negotiate and confer with each other to aid economic reconstruction. There are numerous examples to validate McCauleys argument. By cooperating, economies would benefit. During the years of aid, countries in receipt experienced economic growth of between 15-25%. Without cooperation, this would not have been possible. McCauley further argues the German economy would improve as Frances desperate need for German reparations would be replaced by U.S credits, solving the French problem. Versailles had previously crippled Germany, and with German recovery important to revitalising Europe, it was vital to avoid a repeat despite Stalins wishes. The marrying of French and German economies would reduce French fears of German economic power. France would know if German expansionism posed a threat as the two were cooperating; they feared a future offensive due to geographical location. Judt focuses on the Americans whod blocked any return to the temptations of the interwar economy, and by encouraging Europe to cooperate, prevented future European conflict and promoted trust and reacceptance of Germany. American desire for a peaceful, united Europe expresses a degree of altruism. Balfour in his interpretation draws focus to an underlying military reason for the Marshall Plan; it later came to be given a more military significance, intending to recreate the military power of Western Europe. Britain and France could resume their roles as Great Powers allowing them to provide armies which would be strong enough, and backed by American atomic weapons in order to recover the position which had been lost by force. However the other arguments do not acknowledge militarism which severely undermines the credibility of this view. Britain and France received significant aid, revitalizing their economies, however no further military action took place in Europe. However Balfour goes on to concede that other events had greater significance, such as differing ideologies and fear of communism. Since Truman didnt want war in election year, these two factors combined dismiss this view. Several motivational factors were involved in implementing the Marshall Plan. A plan to boost capitalism, argued by Balfour, the economic concerns argued by Judt, and argued by McCauley and Gaddis to be interlinked with political concerns, along with hints of militarism and altruism. However, Gaddis argument that the US was following a political grand strategy through economic means, and the interlinking economic concerns established by McCauley reference the greatest motivational theory, along with the differing ideologies between U.S and USSR, implied by Judt and Balfour. The Marshall Plan wasnt motivated through altruistic desire to help Europe, despite Churchills statement that it was the most unsordid act in history5 1 How successful was the Marshall Plan? Scott Newton, History Today (2000) 2 David Ryan, The United States and Europe in the Twentieth Century (2003) 3 David Ryan, The United States and Europe in the Twentieth Century (2003) 4 The Marshall Plan reconsidered: A complex of Motives Diane Kunz (1997) p162, 9pgs 5 The American Past, A Study of American History. Joseph Conlin (2009) p. 724

Western Views of Women in Islam Essay example -- Essays Papers

Before venturing into the ideals and movements of Islamic feminism, it is important to recognize some of the biased views Westerners often take when it comes to women in Islam. Because of the portrayal of women in the Arab world through pop-culture and the media, some Westerners may believe that Islam creates a society in need of modernity. The concepts of religious government are also foreign to the Western world. Feminists often focus on the practice of veiling women in Islamic tradition as a law made to minimize the importance of women as citizens. It is important for us to recognize where our biased views exist, and what sorts of root assumptions we make about women in Islam. The truth is, Islamic culture is highly misunderstood, and the customs within Islam are often misinterpreted by Westerners. Often we point to the Arab world as an example of poor treatment of women, without evaluating our own laws and practices. In an article in the Start Tribune published in 1989, Dr. Fatma Reda, a scholar from Egypt who came to the U.S. with her husband the year before, experienced some of the Western stumbling blocks for women and longed for her Islamic country. She decided to buy a parcel of land for herself, but in the U.S., she needed a co-signature of her husband. She had been used to more equality in Egypt between men and women. â€Å"Under Islamic law, women can own property independently of their husbands†¦ in Islamic teaching, women are entirely equal to men†¦ many times Muslim women make choices that look on the surface like we don’t have as much freedom, but it is just different† (p. 1). Many Islamic cultures do in fact see women as secondary citizens, but Islamic women are becoming much... ... It is time they realized they have much common ground† by Arzu Merali, the author points out what feminists have assumed of Muslim women. â€Å"The Islamic Human Rights Commission receives case after case of employers and educators using this image of the downtrodden Muslim woman to excuse discrimination. Muslim women are denied many opportunities on the assumption that they will- if not on a whim then by force- get married, or have many children. Or they face the horrendous dilemma of having to choose between employment and their Islamic garb.† We are not prepared to enter a discussion on Muslim women if we do not understand that our stereotypical images are not accurate. The purpose of this project is to bring light to the facts of Islam, of women, and of the Qur'an. After obtaining these facts, only then can we interact for the common goal of feminism.