The Mass Migration Crisis in the Mediterranean

Europe is currently confronting a mass migration crisis. People from Libya, Somalia, Eritrea, Syria, and other African including Middle Eastern countries are seeking refuge. The root of this refugee crisis is because of Western military intervention. The Arab Spring was not a freedom struggle, but a series of regime changes that did not alter the structure of authoritarian governments. NATO's attack on Libya caused much chaos and disorder. The AU mission in Somalia has induced more instability. The US assists with counter terrorism measures in Somalia only adding to human suffering. Syria is a target for western military intervention, while simultaneously confronting a civil war. The people living in war zones have no choice but to flee. The West which is responsible for exacerbating these conflicts, now chooses not to take responsibility. At this point the EU countries have to act with the thousands of deaths of migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea. Their solution is not a humanitarian one, but this is going to result in sending migrants back to war zones. 

      The deterioration of stable governments started in Tunisia. This was the birth place of the Arab Spring. These uprisings induced instability and western military intervention. Qaddafi's Libya was a major target for removal, because of its long opposition to western imperialism. The US, UK, and France armed Islamist rebels, even though they did not have direct control of them. The Gulf monarchies did the same. Subsequently, Libya descended into ethnic strife and chaos. From 2011  to present Libyans en mass were crossing the Mediterranean  and reaching Lampadusa Island. Others were making their way to Sicily and from there to the Italian mainland. These crossings were receiving  little press coverage. Italy had to bear the burden holding refugees escaping Islamist militia violence. 

These are the migration routes taken from North Africa 

When Qaddafi was in power his government was stopping the flow of immigration. Libya was providing jobs and economic assistance to other African nations. Sudan was for example a major trade partner with Libya. Libya was now in ruins and could not contribute economically to other African nations, due to internal struggles. There are now two rival power struggles in the country.One is based in Benghazi and other in Tripoli. Libya was once a stable country, but now it is no longer a suitable place to live. 

        Syrians are leaving their native land also due to war. The refugees are heading to Italy, France, and the UK. The initial phases of the civil war  saw Turkey opening its borders to fleeing Syrians. Turkey has been a pathway for migrants to make their way to Europe through Bulgaria. The West intends to remove Bashir Al-Assad from power by arming "moderate opposition" to the regime. Arming multiple factions in the conflict will only create more migration. What was done to Libya will soon be done to Syria. The country is facing balkanization  which means violence will continue. Then there are the complications in regards to ISIS activity in both Syria and Iraq. ISIS is active in the northern part of Syria, forcing people to flee. This push factor of military conflict cannot be ignored. The EU countries and the United States are using humanitarian intervention to advance particular foreign policy objectives. The main goal is to make Arab governments compliant with European and American interests. Syria refuses to do so and is now under pressure from major world powers. 

       Somalia and Eritrea have similar issues in regards to populations fleeing conflict. Since the fall of Said Barre in 1991, Somalia has not had a stable government. The country like Syria has gone through a balkanization process. Internal strife attracted military intervention by the US in 1993. The US continues involvement on the basis that it is fighting the War on Terror. Al-Shabab has been used as a justification  for long term military action. The African Union has attempted to command most of the military missions, but this has been met with criticism. Kenyan and Ethiopian troops have been accused of various abuses within Somalia. It has been postulated that the attack on the Westgate Mall in Kenya was retaliation for the country's involvement in Somalia. Not only does Somalia have to confront foreign occupying forces, but food insecurity. Around 2008, Somalia faced its worse famine . It still remains insecure in terms of food production.  

The migration routes are extremely dangerous. Migrants must cross the Sahara Desert  and then make their way across the Mediterranean Sea. The boats that are constructed are not strong enough for sea travel. Many have either drowned  or died in the Sahara.

Eritrea has relatively poor relations with its Ethiopian neighbor. The country has been ruled since 1993 by one man known as Isaias Afewerki. He has been the first and only president of Eritrea. The political atmosphere of the country is oppressive, making many Eritreans leave. Theses East African states are developing countries and their is little economic  opportunity. Recently there were border clashes between Ethiopia and Somalia. It is unknown how Eritrea will alter certain outcomes in the Horn of Africa. Besides wars being waged in East Africa, other migrants are leaving from other regions of Sub-Saharan Africa. Ghana, Nigeria, Mali and Niger are major  routes to the journey to Europe. This crisis developed from both regional conflicts that were simultaneously exacerbated by military intervention by the West. 

       The EU countries are now trying to deny responsibility for the deaths. The new excuse is that this is the work of human traffickers. The sudden spike in migration EU officials claim is due to this criminal activity. While there is an truth to this statement, it ignores the effects of NATO involvement in North Africa. Arming various groups to advance political agendas has created waves of  migrant populations forced to flee. Italy and Greece will have to rescue most of the migrant populations, due to its geographic proximity. The EU has devised a solution . This is not a solution, but another geopolitical maneuver. The EU will target human traffickers by means of military force. That means there will be increased naval presence in the Mediterranean Sea. This is not designed to save refugees, but turn them back to their country of origin. This will also prevent any North African nation from having control of the Mediterranean Sea. Establishing naval supremacy in the region guarantees western supremacy over the African continent. The root of the problem is based on the fact the West wants to impose hegemony over African and Asian countries. The result will be more mass immigration and refugee migration than Europe can handle. It is clear that this will not stop anytime soon. 

The Atom

Atoms are infinitesimal units that form matter. The term is derived from Greek word atomos, which means indivisible.They are everywhere combining with each other to form more complex molecules. Atoms are the material that form the elements. When two or multiple atoms conjoin this creates a compound. Seeing as the universe is immense the number of atoms is also enormous. The actual size of the atom is estimated to be one angstrom in total diameter. That is one-ten-billionth meter. Understanding matter at a ultramicroscopic level is the goal of particle physics. Existence is physical matter at large scales and small scales. 

      The atom contains a certain structure. The internal structure of the atom contains a nucleus. The nucleus is constructed by two different particles. The neutrons and protons are the foundation of  the nucleus. The proton has a positive charge and the neutron has no charge at all. Electrons have a negative charge and are concentrated in orbitals outside the nucleus. The electrons do give a particular material its chemical and physical properties. Neutrons, protons, and electrons are classified as elementary particles. Normally, these particles are referred to as subatomic. Elementary particles are made of quarks. These strange particles merge to make charges that are equal to zero or whole number multiples of an electron charge. They come in six varieties which include strange, top, up,bottom, charm, and down quarks. There could be more particles that have not been detected. The standard model will one day be expanded when physicists explore the full dynamics of string theory. Since ancient history there has been a theory of atoms. Due to the lack of technology and experimental limitations it could not be confirmed. With the rise of chemistry and physics evidence became available. Ernest Rutherford a physicist from New Zealand discovered that atoms have a nucleus by means of  a particle beam experiment (1911).He noticed peculiar behavior of  alpha particles.  

The modern day model of the stricture of the atom .

A sheet of metal was placed in front of the particle detector. Rutherford noticed particles were being deflected. He deduced that there was a positively charged nucleus in the atoms of the metal which caused the repulsion. Scientist had developed numerous models of atomic structure. Prior to Ernest Rutherford's  model there was the Dalton model. John Dalton believed that the atom was just one single particle with no extra structure. John Joseph Thompson confirmed the existence of the electron in 1897.  the model was revised again, this time being replaced with the plum pudding model. Rutherford's discovery discredited that view of atomic structure. Niels Bohr felt the Rutherford model was not accurate and proposed the planetary model.  The particles of the atom functioned like the Solar System in terms of motion. The nucleus was like the Sun using it gravitation to hold electrons in place. Bohr a Danish physicist, proposed this in 1913 before the rise of quantum mechanics. 

Atomic models through the century. 

By the 1950s quantum mechanics explained the kinematic nature of particles. This required another update. The modern day model displays a nucleus with neutrons and protons. Electrons still occupy orbitals, but are in an electron cloud. The orbital model is influenced by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. According to that theory, it is impossible to know the position and velocity of any given electron in the orbital cloud. They can be located by probability clouds and be approximated. If the cloud happens to be dense, then it seems more likely to determine the position of the electrons. While precision is preferable, this provides the best explanation for atomic structure. Since 1803, when John Dalton proposed the indivisible model of the atom there have been significant advances. Humanity now the understanding of nuclear fusion and fission. As particle accelerators become more powerful humankind will be able to see what was thought to be invisible.   

Further Reading 

Binder, Julee. Ultimate Visual Dictionary. London: DK Publishing, 1994. 

Barnes-Svarney, Patricia. Science Desk Reference. New York: Macmillan Company,1995.

Burundi Clashes

Burundi is now experiencing various uprisings against President Pierre Nkurunziza. He wants a revision to the constitution, which would allow him to run for a third term. The public sees this as unconstitutional and would prefer to have term limits. The situation in Burundi almost parallels the fall of Blaise Campore in Burkina Faso. A president attempts to extend and simultaneously increase power to the executive  power beyond legal limitations. African politics seem to have reached a crisis point. Authoritarian rulers, who are supported by the West are gradually being overthrown. One is left to wonder if France will intervene to expand its neocolonial domination of Francophone Africa. Nkurunziza has been in power since 2005 and it appears he is firmly entrenched. There is also a concern of  renewed hostility and civil war. 

Yuri Kochiyama (1921-2014)

Yuri Kochiyama was a Japanese American human rights activist. She was involved in numerous social justice movements ranging from civil rights, the anti-war movement, and nuclear disarmament. Yuri Kochiyama was a close friend and ally of Malcolm X. She was born in  San Pedro. At the time California was notoriously anti-Asian. White farmers were vexed with the presence of Japanese farmers whom they considered a threat. Anti-Japanese sentiment reached an apex when the US and the Japanese Empire went to war. Yuri Kochiyama was put into the Jerome Relocation Center in Arkansas. After being released she married and moved to New York City. There she began a life of activism.  

      Yuri Kochiyama met Malcolm X in 1963 and this changed her ideological direction. She became interested in black nationalism and devoted her efforts in the civil rights struggle. During this time she was involved with the Harlem Parents Committee. This organization fought for the integration of New York's public schools and reducing crime in the community. Her residence in Harlem became an organizing point for various activists. Yuri Kochiyama worked with the Freedom Riders. She also was active in the anti-war movement denouncing US war crimes in Vietnam. She was determined to fight racism in American society and got involved with Latino, Asian, and Native American causes. Yuri Kochiyama also was responsible for forcing the US government to compensate former Japanese  American internees.  The American Civil Liberties Act was singed into law in 1988. This allowed for a path way for compensation for Japanese Americans who had their constitutional rights violated in the 1940s. Kochiyama inspired generations of activists of various backgrounds, proving change is possible if you are willing to fight for it.  

Further Reading

Wang, Hansi. "Yuri Kochiyama,  "Activist and Former World War II Internee, Dies At 93." NPR.

          2014.  15 May.2015 < http://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/24/06/02/318072652/japanese-

           american-activist-and-malcolm-x-ally-dies-at-93>.

Kazuyo, Tsuchiya. "Kochiyama, Yuri (1921-2014)." www.blackpast.org. University of Washington, Seattle, 8 Sept. 2014. Web. 5 May 2015. <http://www.blackpast.org/aah/kochiyama-yuri-1921>.

Chinese Americans: Political, Social, Economic, and Cultural History - Iris Chang (2003)

Iris Chang (1968-2004) was a journalist and author. Her books chronicled Chinese American history and Chinese History. Her notable monographs include The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II and The Chinese in America ; A Narrative History. The Chinese in America a Narrative History reveals a forgotten history of the US. The Chinese when they emigrated to the United States faced racism, discrimination, and violence. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was legislation designed specifically to stop Chinese from entering the country. The Chinese worked on railroads, owned their own businesses, and were involved in mining in the 19th century. Whites both hateful and jealous organized themselves to inflict terrorism against the Chinese population. The West of the country was notoriously anti-Asian. During World War II the US allied with China against the Japanese Empire. The Chinese Exclusion Act was repealed in 1943, but real change did not come until the Immigration Act of 1965. The Chinese experience demonstrates that the US will never accept non-white people in its society. 

Omar al-Bashir's Sudan

Omar al-Bashir has been reelected president of Sudan. The opposition boycotted the election citing extreme irregularities. The fact that a country has elections is not evidence of democracy. Bashir is a divisive and controversial figure, but the West has an ulterior motives in criticizing the regime. Sudan and South Sudan have an immense amount of oil reserves, which oil companies want to exploit. The West is certain that it would be easier to do if  Bashir was removed from power. There is no question that Omar al-Bashir was responsible for atrocities in the Second Sudanese Civil War. However, the ICC indictment has a clear political motivation. Isolating and threatening Sudan  has nothing to do with human rights. It is another attempt to control valuable natural resources, while simultaneously challenging China. Since 1989 Omar al-Bashir's  regime has remained stalwart, despite external pressures and geopolitical confrontation. 

        Sudan's  diplomatic isolation started in 1997. Around this time all US aid was ended and relations declined rapidly. Sudan's relations with Arab nations were not any better. Internally, the nation was struggling with civil war that started in 1983. Omar al-Bashir when he came to power attempted a settlement with John Garang  of the SPLA.  The Sudan People's Liberation Army had been fighting for national self-determination and independence from the North Sudan. Another peace agreement was attempted in 1993. Meetings were held in  Abuja,Nigeria and Nairobi, Kenya. These  meetings did not produce any results. The Revolutionary Command Council disbanded and there was a return to civilian rule. Bashir was still in control and the military still had major influence on government. Omar al-Bashir was now facing developing tension with Uganda. Yoweri Museveni accused Sudan of arming the Lord's Resistance Army. Omar al-Bashir accused Uganda of assisting the SPLA. During all this complication rebel factions were fighting each other in South Sudan. 

The current political boundaries 

There were a multitude of armed groups in the South of  Sudan.  This included the South Sudan Independence Movement,  Bahr el-Ghazal,  the Equatoria Defense Force,  Bor group, United Sudanese African Parties,  and the Independence Movement. Ethiopia was getting involved in Sudan to stop the flow of refugees into their territory. Through out the 1990s it appeared as if Sudan was crumbling. 

         While internal balkanization continued, the US found this as a perfect opportunity to reassert its presence in the region. The United States gave the SPLA $10,000,000 in 2001. Sudan was already under US sanctions and this provocative move raised suspicion. The only reason that US would support the SPLA was the hope that it would weaken the Omar al-Bashir regime. The goal was to see a divided and fragile Sudan that was simple to manipulate. The SPLA was known to commit atrocities just like the government in Kharthoum. As the 2000s progressed Omar al-Bashir was remolded by the international mass media to seem solely responsible for conflict in Sudan. The conflict started before he came to power, but that fact did not matter. The western public was fed images of an autocratic leader doing heinous acts. The Neur and Dinka ethnic tension was either down played or ignored completely by the western media. The janjaweed militia's atrocities were well documented, but the actions of  the Darfur Liberation Front were absolved. Omar al-Bashir was unable and unwilling to address the grievances of the non-Arab population of Darfur. The Sudan Liberation Movement  and Justice and Equality Movement declared war  and hostilities erupted in 2003. Omar al-Bashir now found himself with an International Crimes Court indictment and a civil war expanding in the west and south of Sudan.

         President Bashir had very few allies regionally, but China provided economic and diplomatic assistance.  Relations with Chad deteriorated due to border issues around the Darfur region. Libya did remain a trading partner with Sudan, but was not willing to engage in military interventions on Bashir's behalf. Ethiopia was still frustrated with the influx of refugees. Uganda was still suspicious of Sudanese intentions. China began oil exploration in Sudan around 2001. The Talisman Oil Corporation  transformed the Sudanese economy. Revenue was being raised rapidly, allowing the government in Khartoum to continue other projects. The negative repercussion was that it was also financing the war. China's policy is not to influence internal policy, but to recognize the government and collaborate on certain matters. When South Sudan became independent  China chose to recognize it. It still has positive relations with Sudan. It tries not to involve itself in internal matters. EU countries and the US support South Sudan even when Salva Kiir  has authoritarian tendencies. Omar al-Bashir's regime came under more scrutiny after the 2001 terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center. Osama Bin Laden was in the country in the 1990s. The US accused Omar al-Bashir of supporting international terrorism. He attempted to reconcile with the United States and cooperate on counter-terrorism measures. The US rejected this and continued sanctions. The Bush administration even hinted of possible military intervention in Sudan.  It is clear that at some point the West wants regime change.

          Omar al-Bashir currently remains firmly in power. His removal is sought by the West. There have been points in which there was internal opposition. When the government announced cuts to food and fuel subsidies it induced a wave of protests. Since the year 2000, the Bashir regime abandoned strict sharia law as the sole basis of its legal system. Hassan Turabi objected to this vociferously. This was a major challenge, because he is considered one of the most important religious and political figures in the country. Turabi is now imprisoned for fear that he might lead a rebellion. Although a political prisoner, he still is a potential threat. For the past two decades Bashir has held on to power under conditions of disorder and dissent. Sudan from an international affairs context represents another growing conflict. The US and EU countries are trying to stop China's economic and diplomatic advance in Africa. China uses methods of negotiation to promote its interests. The US and EU block uses military force and sanctions to conquer sovereign nations. Libya was a target and it is likely that Sudan will be next. The region has already been weakened by decades of war, ethnic conflict, and poverty. Omar al-Bashir is not capable in terms of leadership to improve his country or find a solution to a stable regional framework. If Sudan collapses, the rest of Africa is vulnerable to western aggression. 

Further Reading 

Arnold, Guy. Africa: A Modern History. London: Atlantic Books, 2005.    

      

The Problems of a Prosperous Society

It is assumed that material and financial  wealth can solve all problems. After all, much misery is created when there is a lack of resources. Developing nations struggle to feed and care for their citizens. The average income is lower. Healthcare may not be adequate and education out of reach of the population. This is true hardship. Yet, there are problems that arise when there is an alleviation of particular societal ills. The West does have major political and social issues, but economic power reduces some of damaging effects. There is access to food, education, housing, and basic comforts. There is poverty in western societies, but it is smaller compared to the rest of the globe. The difference is the presence of middle class. People can improve their financial situation and possibly move up to a higher social class. This model sounds flawless, but the reality proves otherwise. When basic needs are met, people begin to engage in behaviors that are negative. Western society promotes hyper-consumerism to the public, seeing as they have disposable income. Individualism gradually becomes a mask for selfishness and entitlement. Philosophical value systems are discarded in favor of a nihilistic worldview. A philistine attitude develops among the population simultaneously with boredom. The result is a society in a state of metaphysical and ontological turmoil. 

         Hyper-consumerism is the product of a neoliberal capitalist society. Corporations encourage over-consumption of certain products for the sake of profit maximization. The idea is to have people constantly buy products, even when there is no need for them. Corporations are involved in all aspects of society including the production of electronics, medicines, food, automobiles, construction , and popular entertainment. Their reach has become global, influencing governments. There is also another group they influence and that is the public. Advertising is a twenty-four hour assault on one's perception. Constantly, on the television, radio, and internet the public is bombarded with messages to purchase products. These are possessions that are not critical. Apple for example is able to get consumers excited over the latest phone. Samsung encourages people to update their televisions to the latest HD model. While it it fun to enjoy modern products and comforts, there is a negative aspect . People start to value material possessions more than other human beings. All of a sudden "keeping up with the Jones's" becomes a compulsive obsession. The only way people feel worth is by what they have. This is a horrible mindset and damaging to a person with limited financial security. Even more tragic is how some are murdered for certain items. There are cases in which people were robbed or murdered for Air Jordan shoes. This is not only evidence of criminality, but a society that values products rather than people. The message that your worth comes from what you own, instead of what you do in life has negative psychological effects.  Not only does hyper-consumerism  cause distress,  it allows for poor money management skills. Living beyond your means can create economic challenges.
         Individualism can be seen as a major attribute to freedom. However, the West has molded this concept into a mask for selfishness and entitlement. While personal freedom must be protected, it does not mean you renounce responsibility for your community. The United States has the biggest problem with this. The Republican Party and its conservative coalitions speak of promoting  personal liberty against the federal government. They then contradict themselves by allowing government power to increase in terms of national security and legislation designed to  alienate certain  ethnic groups. Citizens become more focused on personal well being, rather that the condition of their country, society, and community. This conviction is not really individualism at all, but Objectivism. This philosophy developed by Ann Rand which believed that the only goal in life is one's personal happiness. Altruism should be discarded in favor of a rugged individualism. It justifies selfishness as a way to pursue happiness. What has formed is a culture of entitlement. The entitlement paradigm began in the 1980s  when US President Reagan was promoting supply-side  economic policy. To gain wealth by any means was considered acceptable and it did not matter who you trampled on to achieve it.The children born in the West believe that they deserve everything. Their parents have the same attitude.Such convictions do not prepare young people for the challenges of life. Society to some extent requires a level of cooperation between its members. This version of individualism is nothing more than a new version of social darwinism. Prime minister Margaret Thatcher once stated "there is no society, only individuals and their families." This quote was coded language for vicious enmity toward your fellow citizen. Helping one another is discouraged, because it is more important to serve yourself. Basic human bonds are turned into hostile competition  between individuals and groups. The hostility is a product of avarice, entitlement, and a government that does not want to serve the public.
      Nihilism has become a major issue of post-industrial societies. Citizens that reside in prosperous society no longer value higher ideas. Common conversations and discourse focus on celebrity culture or sports. If politics are discussed, it is reduced to simplistic commentary and ad hominem attacks. It is not a thoughtful debate about philosophical implications of governance. There are people who claim that organized religion can counter this nihilistic attitude. This is just another trap, because the main purpose of organized religion is to control people. Having no belief in anything creates mental dilemmas. There is an emptiness that cannot be filled with material possession. People who have the maximum amount may not find happiness.  A personal perspective and worldview is the most helpful tool to help one navigate the turbulence of life. Having some frame of reference  is critical to rational decision making.  This is one element that absent from society. Rationality and critical thinking skills are pivotal in a rapidly changing world. A nihilistic view of events can lead to negative behaviors. Addiction, following extremist movements, and a excessive  hedonistic activity are the results of not having a belief system. The desire to fill a void cannot be stopped. This will lead to boredom causing more erratic behaviors. People begin to engage in acts that lack common sense. Extreme cases would be flash mobs in which members of  the group steal immense amounts of items from stores. Another example is doing something dangerous for the sake of it. Many westerners attempt to climb Mount Everest not out of necessity, but for a longing for adventure and thrill. Some people are struggling to survive and these individuals voluntarily go into peril. Nihilism does cause strange behavior.    
       There is a point in a prosperous society in which philistine attitudes become common. The desire for knowledge is replaced by frivolous and superficial concerns. Celebrity gossip becomes more important than the condition of the world. People show limited interest in science. Generally, there is a wave of anti-intellectualism. Facts are no longer relevant, just as long as the propaganda has a simple message. Discovery and finding new knowledge can be exciting. Yet, society does not promote such ideas. The public no longer seems fascinated by space exploration. There are religious fundamentalists who seek to restrict the teaching of human evolution. The desire to keep people in a state of ignorance ultimately will destroy civilization. Having no interest in learning or knowledge hinders social and political progress. An educated population is necessary for a functioning society. Merely getting an education should not be the goal, but instills values of life long learning. One must continue to learn about people, the world, and their surroundings.Civilizations did not grow by shunning curiosity. The devotion to science and the arts allowed it to flourish.  The Songhai  Empire, Egypt,  Rome, Mali Empire,  and Han Dynasty are few ancient models of how society used knowledge to its advantage. When a civilization stops aiming for higher accomplishments, that is when it will die.
         Societies that seem prosperous still have certain difficulties. The nature of these tribulations are different from developing nations. The truth is that "First World problems" may not be issues at all. They are self induced afflictions. Avarice and desire have distorted rational judgement. People wonder aimlessly for fulfillment, but will not be satisfied. The materials amassed do not provide the person much needed answers. Questions regarding existence and the state of human condition become unpleasant to contemplate. The need to know is still there. Rather than engage in introspective thought it easier to be delusional. The society of the West has become ideologically, politically, and culturally bankrupt. The odd behavior and dysfunction present in the West is just evidence of that. The only solution is to find an alternative to hyper-consumerism. Higher ideas and philosophy must be valued again. Nihilism must be challenged, because it can have negative effects.  The type of person it produces is a selfish, mindless, and egotistical consumer.When this is done, only then can some form of balance be restored to civilization.   
   

A Quote More Relevant Today Than in the Past