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Current Event #4 - Globalization Blue Curry 3/8/11

Summary: The Iran Nuclear program has been a constant threat to the fragile serenity of the world. With recent research, there is still no confirmation that Iran is building the bomb. Although, there is a good amount of evidence that states they are. Including the enriching of Uranium in the country, a vital ingredient. If Iran was to acquire this great weapon, Israel would be the first target. So, the small but sacred country calls upon America as an ally. With this partnership comes quite the responsibility. President Obama has set up economic sanctions to prevent Iran from reaching its goal, while withholding military action as a last resort. This limited action has really stirred up an uproar in the states. Israel supporters and Republicans have clearly stated that America (mostly President Obama) is not doing enough to either oppose their long-time enemy or to protect a loyal ally. Most officials call for a thorough examination of Iran to ensure there are no weapons of mass destruction, but President Obama denies that request. He states that if we were to propose such an immediate action, negotiations would be dead in the water. So, the Obama administration will stick to the original plan of economic sanctions (Landler). But, President Obama does ensure, to Israel, that he "has Israel's back," and will foil any Iran attempt at acquiring a nuclear weapon (Goldberg). Further debate will continue about this very imperative issue. Israel supporters state that this is not just a problem for Israel, but for the world. If Iran was to get this weapon, who would be there number two target?

Relevance: This is not the only time in history where America has attempted to avoid military action. In the Cold War with Russia, there was absolutely no military action. The Cold War was accurately defined as “A world living in the shadow of the threat of nuclear warfare.” The Cold War also consisted of America and Russia fighting politically and also through other countries’ wars (Cold War). America did its best to maintain peace for as long as possible, and planned to use military as a last resort. Luckily, military force was never called upon. Just like how President Obama is also reserving military for last resort. Also, in World War II, America practiced isolationism where they tried to avoid entering the war at all. With Germany’s quick invasion and takeover of many European countries, America began preparing for war. And only when 2,000 American people were killed in Pearl Harbor, did America officially enter the war (Kelly). So, President Obama is trying to avoid such devastating events and a possibly another world war, by keeping negotiations up and peaceful prevention strategies going. But, Israel may not be so peaceful and could follow a distinct pattern from their past. In 1981, Israel bombed an Iraq owned nuclear reactor. While being criticized around the world, Israel justified their actions by claiming their own safety was in jeopardy (Operation Opera). Called Operation Opera, it would prove that Israel doesn’t have any intentions of waiting for a possible nuclear attack. So with all of that in mind, can America really prevent the start of a nuclear war?

Explanation: Globalization typically involves the social element of countries. throughout the entire world. I thought this current event indirectly influences all social things like culture and markets. In the past, wars have been started because of market changes and restrictions. So, America’s sanctions on Iran may just be angering Iran and influencing them to attack. Also, if a war could break out, everything could change. The globe’s countries could quickly pick sides and start World War III. That could immediately change many countries culture and lifestyles due to constant warfare. In the next few months, anything minor that could happen in Israel or Iran could quickly get magnified into a global affair. War will directly influence globalization.

Questions: What military action could America take without starting a war? Is it fair to have nuclear weapons but not allow other countries the same? What are Iran’s current goals? Who would Iran target with weapons? How would we react if Iran did acquire the weapon? How would we react if Israel executed a preemptive strike?

Works Cited: <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> "Cold War." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 03 Aug. 2012. Web. 08 Mar. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_War>.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Goldberg, Jeffrey. "Obama to Iran and Israel: 'As President of the United States, I Don't Bluff'" The Atlantic. 2 Mar. 2012. Web. 08 Mar. 2012. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/03/obama-to-iran-and-israel-as-president-of-the-united-states-i-dont-bluff/253875/>.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Kelly, Martin. "Overview of World War II." About.com. Web. 08 Mar. 2012. <http://americanhistory.about.com/od/worldwarii/a/wwiioverview.htm>.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Landler, Mark. "U.S. Backers of Israel Pressure Obama Over Policy on Iran." The New York Times. 3 Mar. 2012. Web. 8 Mar. 2012. <http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/world/middleeast/israels-backers-in-aipac-press-obama-to-harden-iran-policy.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=internationaltradeandworldmarket>.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> "Operation Opera." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 03 June 2012. Web. 08 Mar. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Opera>.