Free Essays on West African

The West Africa Regional War For observers of the West Africa regional war, the recent calm in the war-torn Mano River Union (MRU) states Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea has given rise to optimism. Guarded, as this optimism might be, the decrease in violence in West Africa during the second half of 2001 is an important development given the scope and intensity of fighting that gripped these states earlier in the year. While observers agree that the current absence of widespread violent conflict in the MRU is a much-welcomed development, it must not mask the profound cleavages within these societies, the tenuous nature of the UN-imposed peace in Sierra Leone, and the continued serious threat of renewed warfare in the region. A brief overview of the horrendous and persistent conflicts that have engulfed the MRU over the past decade underscores the need for vigilance by the international community in its pursuit of lasting peace in West Africa. The past dozen years of violent conflict in West Africa have led to the death, injury, and mutilation of hundreds of thousands of people and the displacement of millions more. Conservative estimates place the total number of war-related deaths during the seven-year civil war in Liberia (1989 1996) at 150,000, more than 5 percent of Liberia's estimated population (SIPRI Yearbook, 1996). But this number only begins to tell the story of the horror that civil war brought to this small nation of 2.8 million [United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Human Development Report, 1995]. Hundreds of thousands more Liberians were injured, displaced, and terrorized by the conflict, and today the tiny state remains the hostage of its corrupt and brutal dictator, Charles Taylor. After the war spread into Sierra Leone in 1991, it had a similarly devastating effect. As in Liberia, armed insurgents preyed on the rural populations, raping, pillaging, and forcefully inducting children into their ranks. During t... Free Essays on West African Free Essays on West African The West Africa Regional War For observers of the West Africa regional war, the recent calm in the war-torn Mano River Union (MRU) states Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea has given rise to optimism. Guarded, as this optimism might be, the decrease in violence in West Africa during the second half of 2001 is an important development given the scope and intensity of fighting that gripped these states earlier in the year. While observers agree that the current absence of widespread violent conflict in the MRU is a much-welcomed development, it must not mask the profound cleavages within these societies, the tenuous nature of the UN-imposed peace in Sierra Leone, and the continued serious threat of renewed warfare in the region. A brief overview of the horrendous and persistent conflicts that have engulfed the MRU over the past decade underscores the need for vigilance by the international community in its pursuit of lasting peace in West Africa. The past dozen years of violent conflict in West Africa have led to the death, injury, and mutilation of hundreds of thousands of people and the displacement of millions more. Conservative estimates place the total number of war-related deaths during the seven-year civil war in Liberia (1989 1996) at 150,000, more than 5 percent of Liberia's estimated population (SIPRI Yearbook, 1996). But this number only begins to tell the story of the horror that civil war brought to this small nation of 2.8 million [United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Human Development Report, 1995]. Hundreds of thousands more Liberians were injured, displaced, and terrorized by the conflict, and today the tiny state remains the hostage of its corrupt and brutal dictator, Charles Taylor. After the war spread into Sierra Leone in 1991, it had a similarly devastating effect. As in Liberia, armed insurgents preyed on the rural populations, raping, pillaging, and forcefully inducting children into their ranks. During t...

Christian apologetics Essays

Christian apologetics Essays Christian apologetics Essay Christian apologetics Essay The whole question of whether Jesus was who he said he was or not in the minds of the people rests on one of the three conclusions thinking people could come to: Lord, Liar or Lunatic. Is there any other choice? Could Jesus be legend? Like a character out of science fiction or literature, Jesus could be a figment of someones imagination; rather than real life flesh and blood person. People in Jesus time most certainly had different understandings of who Jesus was, for example that He became the Son of God when God adopted Him at His baptism (Marks view perhaps? Or that He became the Son of God when He was born of a virgin (which is when He came into existence, according to Luke). Jesus as liar is harder to establish because if when Jesus made his claims he knew that he was not God, then he was lying and deliberately deceiving his followers. But, if he was a liar, then he was also a hypocrite because he taught others to be honest at whatever cost. 1 Reading the book has given me a new insight into his life and the way that he has affected the lives of the author, his son and the people who were utilize in the writing of this book. It is particularly interesting to me to consider HTH: question of whether Jesus was lord, liar or lunatic, because I had really nevi considered this question. I believe it is a suitable academic exercise that Lech me deeper into the Gospels than I had really ever ventured before and for that, this question is valuable to research. 1 Josh McDowell, Sean McDowell, More Than a Carpenter (Carol Stream, IL: Living Books, 2009) 3:30 2 Is it possible Jesus was deranged? Chapter 3, page 33 Can anyone come to the conclusion that Jesus was out of his mind? Deranged: insane, mad, disturbed, unbalanced, unhinged, unstable, irrational Certifiable. One thing is certain -? at Some point the lunacy Come: to the surface. The facade is cracked and the illness is clear. Had Jesus been insane, could he have endured the truly horrendous circumstances that took place in his life? If he was just a man, he certainly could have been afflicted with or susceptible to these human flaws and sure the insanity would have appeared at certain points in his life to throw his whole mission into question. However, the people in Jesus timer according the Gospels, seemed to accept his miracles and teachings as true at least the people who believed or wanted to believe. Had Jesus been merely a human without divine characteristics, his miracles over nature also cant be explained psychologically, and raising Lazarus from the dead after being in the tomb for a few days is not the stuff of trickery. Jesus wasnt crazy. According to Gary Collins, a psychologist with a doctorate in clinical psychology from Purdue and the author of numerous books and articles, Disturbed individuals often show signs of depression or anxiety and explosive anger. But Jesus never displays inappropriate emotions. Jesus dc get angry in the temple when he saw the misuse of the temple courtyard and the moneychangers taking advantage of the poor. In fact, Jesus seems his most composed when being challenged. All and all, I just dont see signs that Jesus was suffering from any known mental illness. 2 From a logical standpoint, it is my opinion that insanity is not a valid argument. In the boo the authors point to several psychiatrists who disagree that Jesus could hoax been insane based on knowledge we have in this day and age. In light of other things we know about Jesus, its hard to imagine that he was mentally disturbed, 3 according to psychiatrists Arthur Noses and Lawrence Kola from their textbook, Modern Clinical Psychiatry. Again, insanity is not a logical conclusion. It just does not make sense. Jesus spoke some of the most profound words ever spoken and they were recorded by numerous people during his time and after as well as the prophec ies before and all have endured for 2000+ years. 3 In this chapter about Jesus being Lord, Liar or Lunatic, it is interesting to me to think about these things. I have done some extra research while writing this paper and there are all different ideas about this subject, however most tend to agree that lunacy is not a really viable conclusion. 2 Gary Collins, quoted in Lee Strobes, The Case For Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Conserved, 1998) 147 Josh McDowell, Sean McDowell, More Than a Carpenter (Carol Stream, IL: 2009) 334 4 Josh McDowell, Sean McDowell, More Than a Carpenter (Carol Stream, IL: 2009) 3:34 4 I cannot personally conclude that Jesus as a liar or a lunatic. The only other alternative is that he was and is the Christ, the Son of God, as he claimed. But in spite of the logic and evidence, many people cannot seem to bring themselves to this conclusion. Chapter 3, page 36 Why is it that people, when confronted with the evidence, cannot admit to themselves or others, that Jesus is in fact Lord and God in one; even when hey admit they dont believe Him to be liar or lunatic? In researching their book, the McDowell asked numerous people this question, Jesus, Lord, Liar or Lunatic? The answers they received were interesting because they said that overwhelmingly the question of liar and lunatic came back with an astounding, No! The question Of Lord however, was met with a confusing, Absolutely not! My question is, how can the answer to Lord be Absolutely Not! when the question of Liar and Lunatic is definite No! ? It is illogical to make these two statements. Sean and Josh McDowell point out that it was not just rabble of Jesus time hat had the opinion that Jesus was indeed Lord. It was the educated people, the non-believers and the Council of Niece, as well as the anti-Nice members who considered Jesus as Divine. According to the book, it was common thought that Jesus was and is Divine. Igniting of Antioch was quote as saying God incarnate God himself appearing in the form of man. 5 And Urinates, the Father is God and the Son is God; for He who is born of God is God. 6 In an interview with DRP. D. A. Carson, research professor of the New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Terrified, Illinois, Lee Strobes asked Carson, What did Jesus say or do that convinces you that Jesus: is God? Carbons answer was surprising to Strobes, Jesus forgave sins. 7 When only God can forgive sins, Jesus specifically does so on a number of occasions. Jesus also considered himself sinless, another attribute of deity. After reading and re-reading this particular chapter in the book, and taking the authors at their word about the conclusions and quotes from other biblical scholars, apologists and medical professionals, it has successfully convinced me that Jesus is Lord -? not lunatic or liar. The e vidence is just too overwhelming. In my opinion, anyone with common sense has to conclude that Jesus is in fact, Lord. 5 Josh McDowell, Sean McDowell, More Than a Carpenter (Carol Stream, IL: 2009) 3:37 6 Josh McDowell, Sean McDowell, More Than a Carpenter (Carol Stream, IL: 2009) 3:38 7 Strobes, The Case for Christ, p. 157-158 6 Overall response to the book. I am always surprised when I read books like More than a Carpenter. I dont really read scholarly books to a large extent. Most of my readings are biographies, non-fiction novels and the news (which isnt necessarily truth hose days); but when read a book like More than a Carpenter, am struck by the questions these kinds of books raise with me.

Descriptive Statistics of a Data Source Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Descriptive Statistics of a Data Source - Essay Example The research reported in this journal article presents a non-parametrical assessment of data on global free trade agreements and their potential effects on the international trade flow based on a statistical assessment of the number and revenues generated from bilateral trade agreements established during the timeframe beginning in 1960 when few FTAs were negotiated, until 2000, when their existence began to dominate global trade policies. The authors concluded that this analysis of the correlation between these two parameters produced a useful and relevant estimate of the effects of FTSa on bilateral trade as a representative of a more generalised international profile. The data suggested that the absence of FTAs has become an increasingly negative economic burden on nations who lack such agreements in regard to their trading position on a bilateral basis. The variables chosen for evaluation are: 1. Log sum of revenues for nations with FTAs; 5 year interval calculations 1960-2000; 2. Log sum of revenues for nations without FTAs, 5 year interval calculations 1960-2000; 3. Difference in log sum values for nations with and without FTAs as a function of time; 4. total number of FTAs worldwide for 5 year intervals ranging from 1960-2000. The data represented in Figures 1-5 indicate that there was a positive correlation between the overall increase in the total number of FTAs globally and the disadvantage to nations not participating in FTAs in regard to the revenues generated by bilateral trade agreements. Overall, the results are suggestive that the increasing trend toward establishing FTAs affects other types of trade agreements, specifically, BTAs.

Analysis of Multiculturalism in a Global Society Article

Analysis of Multiculturalism in a Global Society - Article Example There many different aspects in which multiculturalism can affect the way people within a society behave. One of the factors that affect the behavior of people the most is the culture in which they are raised in. Culture refers to learned, shared, and integrated way of life (NesSmith, 1995). An example of the impact culture has on the behavior within a society is the different roles of women depending in which part of the world they live in. In the United States, women have equal life and they play an integral role in family life. Not only are the primary caretakers for the children, they also share the financial role with men. â€Å"Women compromise more than half the US workforce† (Missouricollege, 2009). In contrast to the Middle East women have very few rights and men dominate society and have power over most aspects of everyday life. In societies in which one of the gender lives in inequality progress is limited because there is a large opportunity cost associated with in hibiting the rights of women. There are other injustices that occur in foreign nations which in the perspective of the local is the normal activity. An example is the spread of child labor in many developing nations. Children should have the right to receive a proper childhood instead of being forced to work at an age in which neither their minds nor bodies are prepared for the task that should be performed by adults. Multiculturalism can also be utilized in an official manner as a type of policy guideline for governmental matters such as immigration. Three approaches to deal with immigrant groups and their cultures are monoculturalism, melting pots, and multiculturalism (Wordiq, 2009). In a monoculturalism, culture countries implement policies in which immigrants are accepted and assimilated. A melting pot occurs in  places where immigrant cultures are mixed and consolidated. The best example of a melting pot is the United States of America.  

Expansion On Authur Millers Death Of A salesman Essay

Expansion On Authur Millers Death Of A salesman - Essay Example man, such as an ancient version of Willy Loman from Arthur Miller’s play â€Å"Death of a Salesman,† would be no more shocking or dramatic than fish going bad. However, a modern audience has a much more difficult time relating to the sanctity of the mighty. It is much easier for them to expect downfalls of their leaders and more shocking to them when they see someone more like them, a common man, fail due to his own mistaken beliefs. Thus, in modern times, Miller’s ‘low man’ Willy is the quintessential classic tragic hero of the modern age. Although the tragic hero was a character in ancient Greek plays long before Aristotle codified the term, they all shared these same characteristics that Aristotle identified. As has been mentioned, in ancient times, these ideas were reserved for men who had the potential to reach greatness of some kind – usually men with a claim to nobility. Despite their greatness, they become destined to fail because of some tragic flaw in their character. This tragic flaw is typically, but not always, the flaw of excessive pride in one’s own abilities. No matter what the flaw is, it is always tied strongly to the reasons for their success and is therefore something the individual is justifiably proud to exercise (Aristotle, 1998). According to Zarro (2001), â€Å"the tragic effect will be stronger if the hero is ‘better than we are’, in that he is of higher than ordinary moral worth. Such a man is shown as suffering a change in fortune from happiness to misery because of a mistaken act, to which he is led by his hamartia (his ‘effort of judgment’) or, as it is often literally translated, his tragic flaw.† Society has shifted since then in such a way that today, we consider the common man as having a greater chance of higher than ordinary moral worth in his dedication to making an honest living for modest goals. Today’s tragic hero cycle focuses more on the three events than the noble status. The social

Childs needs vs needs of the economy in formal education Essay

Childs needs vs needs of the economy in formal education - Essay Example The economic status of the nation and its needs serves as a marker as to what the society will or will not enjoy. It is very sound that education is one of the key in order for the economy to bloom. First, intelligent citizens that could react and work well to the accelarating global trend will do much contributions to the economic uplifting. The skills and values that children will learn in school is a valuable asset that they can use up to their proceeding years of life. In this context, the government or even parents encouraged their children to go have their formal education at their young age. The intention of early formal education is good, which is to make the child prepared for the needs of the economy. There is nothing wrong that children will learn how to read and write, or for them to learn how they are going to be responsible citizens. It is also good that they will will excel in their academic performance which might be the main reason for sending them to school at their early age. However, concentrating too much with the requirment of the economy in early formal education, mainly to the academic development of the child with to much expectation on academic performance at very young age is a serious issue. Academic expectation might be a thing that is in conflict with the child’s needs. This might outweighed children’s early development most especially the social and the cognitive progress. Early development in the child is very crucial, therefore it is necessary that every steps of that early development should not be disregarded. The concepts of Montessori about early child development is not necessarily to put pressure on the child by means of filling his mind with informations where he might not be ready of, but to cultivate the natural desire of the children to learn by means of designing situations wherein the children could react and eventually learn. It is the

Explore Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Explore - Essay Example Each chapter contains seven to eight selections that present themes in different angles and different life experiences. This work is mainly focused on illustrating one of the chapters, Prejudice and discrimination. The main purpose of this article is to illustrate how different authors, in their essays, wrote about prejudice and discrimination. These essays originate from various sources such as books, newspapers, the internet and magazines. Due to this variation, these essays vary in style, purpose and tone. Therefore, the aim of this article is to relate different ideas of the authors concerning their opinion on the subject matter by comparing their varying styles, tone and purpose. In the analysis of the essay, â€Å"The Word Police† written by Michiko Kakutani, the author uses definitions, examples and illustrations to support argument that language is on the edge of absurdity because people hide their true personalities and inequalities with euphemisms. He also states tha t due to euphemism, people are likely to distract their concentration from the main problems of prejudice and discrimination or injustice in the community. ... Furthermore, she used sarcasm in renovating words like, Superman and Miss in order to show her aversion to politically correct movement. Kakutani defined Political Correctness as a revelation of a more just and inclusive community whereby sexism, racism and prejudice of all kinds have been erased (Katherine 367-368). She further claimed that Political Correctness had a good intent though the methods employed by its activists to accomplish their goals were too extreme. This essay of Kakutani, â€Å"The Word Police† is a refreshing observation of a literally world policed by the P.C. (Politically Correct). She mainly poked the efforts of the P.C. police such as Maggio Rosalie the author of s Dictionary of nondiscriminatory language and The Bias-Free World Finder. During her mock, she mainly emphasized that the P.C. police efforts were over exaggerated. According to her, the excessive exaggeration of the P.C. contributed in complicating words thus diluting the message. From this essay, we can learn that accountability can be considered a worthwhile tool for the individuals who make every effort to better themselves. For that reason, the P.C. police efforts should be criticized and applauded due to punishing of many citizens abiding by language and for their keenness and determination to improved language mainly for inclusiveness respectively. Lakota Woman is another essay written by Mary Crow Dog that talks about prejudice and discrimination. Lakota woman is an autobiographic book of Mary Crow who was an Indian American woman. In this book, she tells the story of her life as an Indian American in the community of the white Americans. Mary