Iceland closes airports for first time due to volcanic ash cloud

The volcano in Iceland has caused two airports for the first time, although it has been a week since the eruption. Having this cloud of ash not disappearing effects the business of airports and their travelers. This cloud of ash will not go away because it is extremely large and effects more than just Iceland's airport situation.

This is an important topic because the volcano continues to distribute ash into the air. Which causes disruptions for thousands of people or more. Also it is dangerous for anyone to try to fix the problem because planes cannot handle that amount of ash. With airports closed, countries/places that were effected need to work together to figure out which areas have little pollution to solve this issue.

Iran reportedly tests five new missiles

Iran tests 5 new missiles in its "Great Prophet 5" plan. These missiles are intended for coast-to-sea, sea-to-sea. Testing these missiles is extremely important for Iran. Although there were U.S. Navy ships in this region. Also this exercise fell on the date of the 31st anniversary of the elite force. They were mainly created for testing new types of weapon systems.

Iran testing new missiles is globally important because it demonstrates to the world have Iran is constantly creating new missiles. Also that they might be doing something shady because of the date that this exercise fell on. These testings should also worry multiple surrounding countries because the types tested were not long-range. Also I believe this is important because any type of missile testing by Iran is unpredictable.

Muslim swimsuits bare little on Turkish catwalks

A fashion show modeling the conservative Buketex and swimwear for those who practice Islam is increasing greatly. Although this was a small fashion show, it was a huge step in the growing industry of clothing for modern day Islamic women. In the past there used to be only black or grey ,but now multiple designers are making multiple colored Buketex/bathing suits. Most of the models were not muslim, but they got to experience a different culture in fashion. Having fashionable modest clothing makes life easier for muslim women to do more activities without being too revealing. There are still some flaws in this growing industry,but if there is little improvement future generations to come will have an easier time adjusting to life with trendy,moderate clothing.

Usually in the United States muslim women are judge based on their conservative clothing. Going through a daily schedule also being looked at strangely is not easy for any one. Being dressed differently does not change the person under the clothing. Around the world most people cannot accept this type of conservative belief. But, with new colors,patterns,designs for muslim women's clothing , those women will not have to be stereotyped as often. Also having these modest outfits being improved makes muslim women feel more accepted. I believe everyone should be accepted for who they are and not their beliefs. Having this industry increase improves the statistic of muslim women being judged.

Wonders of Africa

There are endless wonders that are spread throughout Africa. While searching through all of Africa has to offer I realize I have not hear of any of them. The first one that caught my eye was the Great Mosque of Djenne. This mosque is extremely detailed in every corner and the architecture is something that I have never seen before. I found out not only is it a beautiful site, it served as the center of town between the 13th and 19th century. The second new thing I learned about Africa is the city of Gondar. This city consisted of multiple castles for the wealthy and was the capital for Ethiopia in the 17th-19th century. Before I found out about this city, I never knew that castles existed in Africa. Lastly, I learned about the pyramids of Giza. Once again I have no knowledge of deserts/pyramids being associated with Africa. The 2 million blocks used for these pyramids shocks me because that is an unbelievable amount.

I believe that I have never heard of these wonders in Africa before because the world does not focus on Africa that much. If Africa does become a matter of focus, then usually it is about the poverty that occurs in poor areas. Also I believe other countries do not take time to acknowledge the importance of what Africa has to offer the world.

Africa

When I think about Africa, the first thing that comes to my mind is usually the wildlife and the climate of the region. Also I think of the tribes that are spread throughout Africa. I have no other knowledge of their type of government,economy,politics, and or their lifestyle. When I hear Africa, at first I do not picture the type of life that I have because I have not seen or been exposed to the multiple sides of Africa. Although I do acknowledge that those who live in Africa are extremely different from other people who live in Africa. I know that not everyone in Africa lives the same lifestyle because it is not possible with all the different climates,regions,mountains,or rivers. Usually, I think about the land itself and not the development of the other aspects that form Africa.

Obsession

Section 1. In the first scene terrorists were portrayed as an extremely powerful and organized group. They take their beliefs so seriously that they are willing to kill themselves. In the United States not many people are willing to give up their life to just a belief. In my opinion I just do not understand/see clearly how people do this because this is not my lifestyle. It is more then frightening to know that there is such a big support for these groups in the world somewhere.

Section 2. I see Jihad as people being brainwashed into certain beliefs. These radical goals of Jihad effect every religion in the world. They make their people believe that the Unites States is the one forcing other countries to become exactly like them. To people who belong to Jihad, they think that their actions are positive and that they will create a better world. To me it is surreal that this many people can be so violent for having a religion fuel their actions.

Section 3. United States is portrayed as a devil or the evil one. Many people are confused why Americans are so hated. To terrorists full filling their duty to their god is not seen like a war but charity in a way. They do also use propaganda with their violent acts to make others understand their religion/ways. Also that videos involving these acts are shown to people to create false beliefs about the west.

Section 4. Radical Islam is not only confined in the Middle East, it occurs in London etc. Therefore terrorism is international. That there are multiple groups that support terrorist actions and that stereotypes of terrorists are not always correct. I believe having terrorist groups all over the world, it will be harder to protect people from this kind of violence. It is repeated many times that they do this for Allah but internationally this reason is not excepted. I agree with that because it does not make sense to kill innocent people for a belief. This type of terrorism is also compared to Hitler and his way of murdering one race.

Section 7. History is repeating itself with events such as the war between the United States and Iraq. To many the issue of terrorism did not seem important. But, pictures of children with guns and video of children being taught to become suicide bomber. It is unbelievable to think that children are similar to mini soldiers. If new generations are being "brainwashed" then the outcome/future of this issue is going to be full of greater violence. Also causing this issue not to have the ability to have a solution. Which can cause a negative effect on the world economically,politically, and socially.

Can the United States win the war in Afghanistan?

In my opinion I believe that the war between the United States and Afghanistan is extremely difficult. But, if I had to choose which country has the greatest possibility I would pick the United State. Although the U.S. basically built up their own enemy by training soldiers in Afghanistan. I believe with new technology,strategies, and strength the U.S. can defeat Afghanistan soldiers. But, it will take the United States an enormous amount of energy and power to win this war. Personally, I believe if the U.S. created this issue than they have the ability to overcome any obstacle Afghanistan throws in their path.

Why President Bush went to War in Iraq

Reading the article ,Why Bush Went to War , Doherty does state reasonable ideas from his own perspective. Although, it is difficult to decide on the main reason for entering Iraq, I believe that oil was the cause. I chose oil as the leading reason of entering Iraq because it is an international problem. Also the United States could not survive daily life without it. Oil is also connected to the economy, which is why I believe the United States went into Iraq.

Global Importance of the Middle East

1. I believe that America depending on oil from foreign countries and the use of energy depend on each other. Which means that if the U.S. changes the form of the energy used then oil dependency will greatly decrease. The most effective use of energy is the electric cars with the ability to use gasoline. I believe this will be the easiest way to transition the entire United States to be able to conserve gas. Which is already slowly happening throughout the country and this could change how dependent the U.S. is on OPEC. Therefore, I know it is possible to have alternative energy and the oil dependency issues will /can be solved.

2. The United States should be concerned about a water issue in the Middle East because if they need to use more water to produce their oil than prices of water will increase. Although some Americans believe that if the Middle East is having water problems then it does not pertain to the U.S. Which is wrong, because water is the center of life for everyone. If this basic need becomes scarce then prices for mostly everything will rise greatly.

True Life: I live in a Terror Zone

The one person who seemed the most unique to me was Hiba. She made a lasting impression on my because of her daily life. She is a Palestinian student without an I.D. The reason she does not have an I.D. is because she is a Palestinian. Therefore when she wants to travel she has to lie about her age. Her traveling was very courageous because most people do not dare to travel. What I mean by traveling is her visiting her family for a holiday in a town that is only about only 40 minutes away. For her is it a major struggle to get from checkpoint to checkpoint. To me, I could not imagine experiencing this difficulty every day. The reason I do not have this same type of problem is because our worlds are completely different.

Hiba is only 20 years old. Throughout the True Life video it was obvious the rights she had and the ones she did not. An extremely important right was to own an I.D. Without this I.D. she cannot get a job after she graduates. Compared to me its the opposite because it is not necessary for me to have an I.D. to do this simple things. But, I only consider going to college and having a career simple because of my daily life and the world that I live in. Also Hiba was not allowed out in public because of the curfews. Which makes no sense to me because I do not live with such strict restrictions day to day. Overall I do not feel that people should be living in this type of lifestyle just because of their beliefs.