The Positive and Negative Factors Associated with the Middle East Region - Essay Example

CRITICAL THINKING There are several issues that contributed immensely to my knowledge acquisition in this geography With the course focusing primarily on the Middle East region, it was only natural to be drawn by the prevalent reports of conflicts with other nations, and particularly America; the interesting and controversial devotion to religion, as well as, the region’s vast oil reserves, among other significant contributions it has made to the world in the past. Despite the numerous fascinating aspects about the Middle East region, there are three that caught my attention and inspired me to learn about the region at a deeper level. The first is the Middle East’s rocky relationship with America, amid accusations of terrorism and possession of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), followed by a war characterized by constant debate and controversy. The second most important learning aspect for me was the region’s natural resources, especially oil and natural gas. The third was the cultural significance of the region, as discerned from its education, religion and overall civilization contribution. This combination of issues gave me insight into both the positive and negative factors associated with the region. Relations between the Middle East and America took first place in the learning phase, since this has been a predominant media subject, especially following the ill-famed 9/11 terror attacks on the US.1 It was interesting to learn that the strained relations between America and countries in the Middle East did not start following the attacks. For instance, some scholars and political analysts think that the conflict can be traced back to the unfriendly relationship between Israel and Iraq.2 Apparently, the latter had nuclear reactors capable of manufacturing weapons that posed a direct threat to Israel, prompting the country to bomb Baghdad in 1981.3 This animosity continued to grow and since Israel is considered to be America’s best ally in the Middle East, critics of the War on Terror believe that America took the 9/11 attacks as an opportunity to curb the threat posed by Iraq to Israel. Even though this seems farfetched, there could be some truth to it, because Israel enables America to retain some level of economic interactivity with the oil-rich Middle East.4 Nonetheless, the Bush administration maintained that it began the war on Iraq, to free the country’s citizens from the dictatorial rule of Saddam Hussein, to destroy its destructive weapons, and most importantly, to protect America and its citizens from possible future attacks. The war in Iraq and Afghanistan has, however, continued to increase America’s unpopularity in the primarily Arab and Muslim region. Also implicated in the debate on America’s War on Terror is the accusation that the country was looking to benefit from the Middle East’s vast reserves of natural resources, especially petroleum and natural gas. Even though these accusations are unconfirmed, America’s incremental dependence on oil from foreign sources is worrying.5 This is particularly in light of the 9/11 attacks, the consequent war on terror and on Iraq, showing that continued reliance on hostile nations may endanger the country’s position. On the other hand, most Middle East nations have immense reserves of oil and natural gas. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are globally renowned oil producers and their economies are largely oil driven. However, the constant conflict that characterizes this region, including that in Egypt and Iraq; that between Arabic countries and Israel; the tension between Israel and Iran, coupled with al Qaeda activities prevents the region from exploiting the full potential of its resources.6 Perhaps with enhanced peace and revived trade relations with countries like the US, and other developed nations, the Middle East would reap more benefits from its vast reserves of petroleum, natural gas, and other natural resources. It was fascinating to learn that the Middle East is considered the starting point of Western civilization. The region is also credited, as the birthplace of some of the world’s most predominant religions including Christianity, Islam and Judaism. This shows that, despite the immense political and economic turmoil that has affected the region over the past century, it has had huge cultural significance on the world at large. Just like any other modern civilization, the Middle East region, during the 7th to 13th century formed a broad-based civilization.7 This implies that the region was a huge unifying establishment that brought together people from North Africa, Spain, Mesopotamia, Syria and Egypt. The rapid growth and union was largely based on religion and it fostered opening of trade routes, as well as, interaction of people from diverse backgrounds. People were also brought together by the Arabic language, which was not viewed as a racial difference, but as a cultural mark, with which individuals could identify. It was also interesting to learn that this Arab civilization united Christians, Jews and Muslims. The civilization also brought together people of African, Arabic, and even Semitic origin. Even though this united civilization was not free from tensions and conflicts, it was dynamic and achieved remarkable advances before being disrupted by power and economic struggles. The Arabic civilization also contributed immensely to contemporary study subjects, ranging from mathematics to horticulture.8 This clearly shows that the Middle East and other regions can still come together and achieve cultural, political and economic success, by overcoming the petty differences that divide them. The course was not only interesting but also informative on diverse issues. For instance the top two examples which strongly motivated my critical thinking on the region’s opportunities and problems were its ability to produce oil while being constantly scrutinized and marginalized by the U.S and U.K. The region has diverse opportunities especially for investors. This means that the region has business opportune that cannot be offered by other regions. This is because it allows innovation and creativity for its people. For instance, Boeing and Airbus won huge orders from Dubai Aerospace Enterprises (DAE). This contributed highly to business from other regions into the developing Middle East. Boeing for instance has benefited immensely from these investments. This is because 100 planes that are worth $ 13.7bn have been ordered. This was inclusive of seventy units of the latest model of 737. It is also evident that approximately 30% of Airbus sales are from the Middle Eastern region (BBC 2007).9 The planes not only contribute to the growth in GDP in the region but also increase employment. Purchasing the planes is not only benefiting the country’s economic growth, but it is also contributing immensely to the employment rates in the region. Immense Resources have also been gotten from the Boeing and airbus deal. For instance, building of more airports was underway in order to accommodate more planes. This is a business opportunity for internal investors too. For instance, building roads and airports offered a huge opportunity for people to continue making money and eventually enhancing growth in the region. This is a major opportunity to the people in this region since the largest populace will get better employment opportunities10. Business is not only the major issue that forms a huge opportunity for the region, but also the fact that people in the area will benefit immensely from it. Therefore, the region has the opportunity to grow in terms of economical aspects and also benefit the citizens and visitors. This is because of the fact that the planes will increase the flow of tourists in the region. Many people like visiting the region because of its rich cultural values and environmental beauty. Therefore, it opens up an opportunity to promote tourism in the region which is extremely valuable for the region. The planes also gave the region immense recognition in international platform regarding business opportunities and the ability to grow and develop11. It is therefore imperative to note all the essential opportunities that were offered by the purchase of the planes. Having considerably and critically thought about this opportunity, it is clear that the region has contributed immensely into the international business world. Critical thinking in this case entails identifying the opportunities that have been offered by the region. Nevertheless, there are problems that affect the region and can be detrimental to its growth. This is because; it will not only reduce the amount of investment opportunities in the region, but also encourage other resourceful opportunities. An example of a principal problem being experience in this region is terrorism and marginalization by other countries. It is evident that the region is marred with immense issues regarding terrorism. This is has therefore, been taken as a major problem that is affecting the region. When a country is is affected by terrorism, the international fraternity is usually advised to keep off from any form of business transaction. Nevertheless, the region being the highest oil producers in the world, there is a chance that this can be salvaged. The country does not only produce oil, but its business aspects throughout the world are admirable. Having taken this matter into consideration, the region is known for its religion which is mainly “Muslim”. The Muslims are believed to be individuals who believe in Jihad. This is a serious issue because it enhances violence all over the world and many people are afraid of investing in the region because of the fear of being attacked. This is a problem that has extended beyond the regions boarders12. Terrorism has been one of the major problems in the region. Consequently the problem has caused issues with the Western counties who believe that terrorism should not be encouraged in any way all over the in the world. Therefore, supporting the Jihad has highly contributed to suspicions by the international community who have taken drastic measures in dealing with people from this region. For instance, America has resulted to using other forms of energy in order to reduce doing business with the Middle East people. Regardless of the fact that people in this region are focused towards creation of good relations with the Western countries, the people are focused towards reduction of oil consumption from Middle East nations. America is focused on using other forms of energy like solar energy and wind energy. The stereotype that people from Middle East are terrorists has managed to reduce a sizable amount of business opportunities for the region. The critical thinking aspect that is applicable for this issue is that terrorism has serious effects toward business and other public relation issues. Terrorism has substantially affected the GDP of this region. This is because, sectors like tourism has been affected immensely. People are afraid of going to visit the region because of insecurity. People are in constant fear of the terror attacks especially in regions like Iraq and Palestine. Iraq was attacked because it was believed to be producing weapons of mass destruction. Therefore, people from the other regions take advantage of the issue in order to gain control over the oil well fields. This is a huge problem because many people are afraid of conducting business taking advantage this fact to but oil at a low price. This is an issue that has really affected any critical thinking when referring to Middle East. Problems relating to terrorism have been taken seriously and that is why it is hard to have the people from this region formulate good policies that will ensure inventors of their safety in the country as well as outside the county13. Judging from lessons learnt about the conflicts that prevail in the Middle East, it is evident that they primarily emerge from illiteracy, poverty and radicalization of vulnerable youths. It is apparent that, just like other people, practicing Muslims are opposed to acts of violence and terror, thus showing that the conflict is not entirely driven by religion. For this reasons, there are several strategies that administrations both in America and in the Middle East should adopt, in order to revive their relations, enhance security, renew trade and enhance the overall welfare of their citizens. Key among these measures is to respect each other’s sovereignty. Governments will always differ in terms of ideology, and, therefore, they should respect each other, as long as they refrain from carrying out activities likely to threaten each other’s well-being. The other strategy would be to establish comprehensive education programs. This would prevent individuals from seeking knowledge in areas where they are likely to be radicalized and continue fuelling conflict. Enhancing literacy is also a way of increasing people’s freedom of choice and their ability to avoid being easily swayed by damaging political ideologies. The respective governments must strive to eradicate poverty, as this would ensure that citizens avoid fuelling conflict in a bid to satisfy their basic needs. In addition, it would be helpful to sensitize people on religious and cultural differences, while encouraging them to avoid fighting each other on the basis of religion or political beliefs. In addition to these empowerment measures, involved governments should put in place comprehensive foreign policies that reinforce cordial and productive relations. Notes American Jewish Committee (AJC). “Energy Security for America.” 2002. http://www.kintera.org/atf/cf/%7B42D75369-D582-4380-8395-D25925B85EAF%7D/EnergySecurityForAmerica.pdf (accessed 10 April 2014). American-Arab Anti Discrimination Committee (ADC). “Arab Contributions to Civilization.” 2014. http://www.adc.org/education/arab-contributions-to-civilization/ (accessed 10 April 2014). BBC News. Airbus and Boeing Win Giant Order. 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7090434.stm (accessed 10 April 2014). Emad Mekay, “Iraq: War Launched to Protect Israel – Bush Adviser”. 2004. http://www.ipsnews.net/2004/03/iraq-war-launched-to-protect-israel-bush-adviser/ (accessed 10 April 2014). John Mearsheimer and Stephen, Walt, “The Israel lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy.” 2006. http://electronicintifada.net/content/book-review-israel-lobby-and-us-foreign-policy/3525 (accessed 10 April 2014). Jonathan Lynn, “Conflict has cost Middle East $12 Trillion.” 2009. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE50M4OP20090123 (accessed 10 April 2014). Matthew Higgins, Thomas Klitgaard and Robert Lerman, “Recycling Petrodollars.” Current Issues in Economics and Finance 12, no.9 (2006): 1-7. (accessed 10 April 2014). National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the US (NCTAUU). “The 9/11 Commission Report.” 2005. http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report.pdf (accessed 10 April 2014). Saudi Aramco. “Powering Possibilities: Saudi Aramco at a Glance.” 2014. http://www.saudiaramco.com/en/home.html#our-company%257C%252Fen%252Fhome%252Four-company%252Fat-a-glance.baseajax.html (accessed 10 April 2014). Thomas Friedman, “Jews, Israel and America.” 2004. http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/24/opinion/24friedman.html?_r=1& (accessed 10 April 2014). Bibliography American Jewish Committee (AJC). “Energy Security for America.” 2002. http://www.kintera.org/atf/cf/%7B42D75369-D582-4380-8395-D25925B85EAF%7D/EnergySecurityForAmerica.pdf (accessed 10 April 2014) American-Arab Anti Discrimination Committee (ADC). “Arab Contributions to Civilization.” 2014. http://www.adc.org/education/arab-contributions-to-civilization/ (accessed 10 April 2014). BBC News. Airbus and Boeing Win Giant Order. 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7090434.stm (accessed 10 April 2014) Friedman, Thomas. “Jews, Israel and America.” 2004. http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/24/opinion/24friedman.html?_r=1& (accessed 10 April 2014). Higgins, Matthew, Klitgaard, Thomas and Lerman,Robert. “Recycling Petrodollars.” Current Issues in Economics and Finance 12, no.9 (2006): 1-7. (accessed 10 April 2014). Lynn, Jonathan. “Conflict has cost Middle East $12 Trillion.” 2009. Accessed 10 April 2014. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE50M4OP20090123 (accessed 10 April 2014). Mearsheimer, John and Walt, Stephen. “The Israel lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy.” 2006. http://electronicintifada.net/content/book-review-israel-lobby-and-us-foreign-policy/3525 (accessed 10 April 2014). Mekay, Emad. “Iraq: War Launched to Protect Israel – Bush Adviser”. 2004. http://www.ipsnews.net/2004/03/iraq-war-launched-to-protect-israel-bush-adviser/ (accessed 10 April 2014). National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the US (NCTAUU). “The 9/11 Commission Report.” 2005. http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report.pdf (accessed 10 April 2014). Saudi Aramco. “Powering Possibilities: Saudi Aramco at a Glance.” 2014. http://www.saudiaramco.com/en/home.html#our-company%257C%252Fen%252Fhome%252Four-company%252Fat-a-glance.baseajax.html (accessed 10 April 2014). Read More