D11HW2 Intros and Conclusions

My two intro's:

1. Based on the current situation with Iran, what are the likely outcomes and what steps can we take to ensure the best outcome for the American people. Evidence and rumors of Iran's support of terrorist groups worldwide as well as concern over their fledgling nuclear program has combined to create an international situation which could, if not handled carefully, spin out of control. Adding this to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan and it could become a crisis which could prove disasterous for American's at home and in the international community. Could the United States be headed for the same fate as previous great nations? Could we be the next Rome, Byzantium, or Troy? In a present which is wrought with uncertainty particular care should be taken so that we can secure the best possible future.

2. For many years the Middle East has been a dangerous part of the world. For the most part American’s ignored it. The Middle East was the Middle East’s problem. We were safe over here so who cared what happened in a ragged patch of dirt across the ocean. September 11 was a wake up call. In one horrible day we were made aware of the threat posed by fanatics based in the Middle East. The American people called out for action and the government obliged them. Thus, today we find ourselves embroiled in a conflict in the Middle East. Though our focus is on Iraq there are more threats looming just over the horizon waiting to complicate an already complicated situation. Iran is one of those threats. Not only are there wide spread reports from our military that Iranian weapons and training are being used to support insurgents in Iraq and around the world but Iran has also begun a nuclear development program which many fear is aimed at the creation of nuclear weapons. The question which needs to asked is, based on the current situation in Iran, what are the likely outcomes and what steps can we take to ensure the best outcome for the American people.

My two conclusions:

1. Based on the current situation in Iran, what are the likely outcomes and what steps can we take to ensure the best outcome for the American people. We have looked at the two possible methods of resolution to the situation with Iran; military conflict and peaceful resolution. We’ve looked at the factors involved with these two possibilities and some suggestions have been made as to how to secure the preferable resolution; peaceful. The situation with Iran is an extremely complex situation, as is any international crisis. When responding to it one needs to work from a wide variety of angles in order achieve success. In addition to this wide range of approaches it is also important to keep in mind the other side, Iran. We can’t allow ourselves to be one-sided in our efforts and negotiations, as no peaceful resolution will be reached if we alienate the Iranian people. The key to a peaceful resolution is open, meaningful negotiations backed by a threat of violence.

2. We have discussed likely outcomes and occurences of the Iranian sittuation as well as made some suggestions as to what needs to be done based off the current situation. This is a key phrase, the situation as it is could change drastically in the blink of an eye. International situations such as these envelope a wide range of factors of which just one has the potential to majorly impact all the others. What does the future hold for America. Amidst social reforms, conflict around the world, and presidential elections the future is on the brink. Whether it is the brink of disaster or of victory will soon be decided. We must take care to play an active role in working to secure our nations, and our world's, security