A Word On Syria-

 "So in the interest of innocent victims everywhere, 
we as journalists need to work harder to find out who they were, to paint a picture of the lives they had and the people who grieve for them. 

May they all rest in peace -- and be counted." 

(Sara Sidner, CNN)*

*the quote above was take from an article discussing the recent 17 victims in Afghanistan, however it applies to this platform

In Syria, an estimated 9000+ people have been declared dead. And as numbers continue to increase, so does the discourse about what will come next and if the Syrian regime doesn't accept a plan presented by Kofi Annan to end the conflict peacefully, which thus far has not been done. Of course, the debate also rages on as to whether or not Annan's "cease-fire" and negotiation "plan" will even be effective as the Opposition groups struggle to come to terms in Istanbul. 

The Western educated Syrian leaders, with their iTunes lists, flirty emails and general dismissal of the pain they inflict on their own people has certainly been nothing but disturbing. In recent days, President Bashar Al-Assad visited the city of Homs where much of the shelling occurred and from where residents fled...those that did not die on the way out, for the past year. But it seems his visit was only that of a political ploy. According to activists, shelling continued after he left and others say security forces gathered a "pro-Assad" crowd to make his visit seem welcome. Even humanitarian groups have had difficulty getting in and out of the country to rescue those with dire medical needs. The situation, frankly, is a mess.

Ironically, the "Friends of Syria," seem to be looking less like friends and more like the political leaders debating how to handle the ravaged country, that is, idly sitting by and "talking." There are those among the Arab nations who might readily arm the opposition and but Western powers hesitate when there is a wide variety of opposition groups that have yet to come together. At the end of the day, the International Community is frustrating the people who are suffering the most. Even Annan's 6-point plan seems like steps right out of a self-help book in the dusty corner at Barnes & Noble bookstore. 

While the world's leaders have encouraged the opposition to create a clear vision of what they hope for the future of Syria, most are just trying to survive. Women, Children, Old Men - are lost, are dead, are barely hanging on. At the end of the day, the politics are meaningless and the talk is just that -- babble achieving nothing, at least not until the last gun shot is fired, not until the last explosive reduces to ashes. If the international community doesn't, there are those with ill intentions, and theirs will be the help Syria receives because they have no one else.  Even then, the repair will take years and the mourning will have only just begun. 

The tears, anger and suffering press on, and ironically, the journalists seem to be the only hope for the Syrian people. Perhaps, just maybe, if we keep showing their stories, chasing the aftermath, showing the blood and sweat and screams -- the world will finally wake up. 

Year In Review: The Stories

As the year draws to a close, we gather with family and friends for the holidays and a time of reflection. To date, this has been one of the most adventurous years of my life and I know 2012 will carry it over.

Over the next couple of weeks, I will add my thoughts to the end of 2011 - but to begin, this video put out by Google really hit chord with me. As a journalist, I have touched most, if not all of these stories this year - and I can say with confidence, they resonated deeply with me. People of the world - I celebrate you....

from Africa to America - learning is peace

learning is peace, he said. in fact it was one of the greatest things Atef said he hoped would help him change the world. 

i went for a late night work out at the gym this weekend. and while i was taking a moment between weight-lifting sets, a gentleman on the bench near by commented on the tattoo on my left shoulder in Arabic. 

interestingly enough, he told me he was from Tunisia and that he had come to the U.S. to study. he'd always been interested in literature and languages but, he noted, he was experimenting - so he tried his hand at computer science for awhile and now wanted to go back to political science. he had been in the United States for 3 years and worked as a bartender while he studied. 

the impact his country has-had among the African and Middle East revolutions has been on his mind because to Atef, it would be only a matter of time before the people would put another dictator in place and the cycle would start all over again. even with a good ruler - unless a new set of standards was adopted by many of his countrymen, it wouldn't really change. but then again, with the right education, maybe it could. 

he noted that he loved being in the US for now, and really Tunisia was just as diverse as the US. Atef said that people don't realize here that Tunisia is Africa and that there are just as many blends of ethnicity as anywhere else in the world - that being a majority Muslim country in the religious sense was really meaningless. 

his eyes were intense and he told me that if countries and cultures would take a moment to learn about one another, and understand that humans were really all the same, there would be more peace in the world. 

Atef hopes that by studying political science, he can better understand how to take new ideas back to his country - to influence laws and government and social change. 

but, he said, i don't know, people don't read in Tunisia. they play cards in coffee shops. i don't know how i'll get them to read. i laughed thinking of how many Americans play cards in coffee shops and how many of them don't read. 

of course - what it really proves - is that we all are the just same. 

Captive in North Korea

haiti's disaster

the pictures from haiti are heart breaking and i'm sure by now, that many of you have seen the devastation in a the little island country. death and destruction are not a pretty site. my heart breaks for the families that are still hunting for friends and lost ones. in a country of third world proportions, the earth's massive force is an unwelcome state. without any real estimate of how many dead and injured, where does one even begin to help? nevertheless, organizations and people are gathering together for an incredible effort to aid the people in haiti. as you take a look at the pictures today, don't forget to pray.

photo credit: lisandro suero/agence france-presse -- getty images

Overwhelming Boyle

Susan Boyle rose to fame. We all loved her and cheered her on. But why oh why does the media keep beating the story into the ground? Yes, she graciously lost. Yes, the pressure of international stardom got to her. And what should we do about it? I say, leave her be.

The media continues to analyze her "situation" and in truth they're continuing to bombard her with attention in some capacity.

Dr. Drew noted on Larry King last night that certainly Boyle will do well, with a career and will grow accustomed to the stresses of being in the spotlight. But it's important to remember, he continued- that everyone who goes on reality TV shows should be able to have access to care or treatment or council to get through the stress that a sudden stardom puts on you.

I do think that Miss Boyle is beautiful woman. She brought tears to my eyes. She dreamed all her life of doing something that no one thought she could do. She fulfilled her mother's wish of singing in front of thousands (and in this case millions). She will do well. But she was overwhelmed.

I wish her all the best. Recently Elaine Page (Boyle's icon) said she had invited the BGT singer on her radio show. I'm sure that once she's ready, Susan Boyle will gladly accept.

Prague, Nuclear and the Prez

President Barack Obama gave a speech early Sunday morning in Prague. It is a city that 20 years ago revolted against its mother government. Through peaceful protest; the Velvet Revolution became a grand stand against communism and birthed a new and free nation.

So, seemingly appropriate it was the first stop of the President's official European tour and in light of the North Korean rocket launch; he proceeded to introduce an anti-nuclear world. (If you missed it, you can view it HERE) But is a world without nuclear weapons and usage possible?

Noble idea, right? He even used his ol' campaign slogan to support his hope, "yes we can." Obama mentioned that countries without the tools to build a nuclear program will not receive them, countries with them will be told to begin disarmament, and all will have ability to access nuclear energy. He said that there would be rules- and that there would be "consequences" for those that broke the rules. He talked about North Korea fatal mistake in launching a rocket amid warnings from the international community. Obama mentioned that the "Cold War mindset" needed to change. He talked about talks and sanctions. Yes, it's true that he said he's not naive to think such a thing could happen quickly, however. But he still thinks "we can."

I don't think it's as possible as we'd like it to be. Why? Because a country w/ nuclear capabilities takes pride in it's sovereignty. And can you really allow a country to have nuclear capability for all use but weapons? North Korea is a prime example of countries that will ignore any international rules laid out for nuclear usage. And Obama did not propose what those punishments would be for ignoring sanctions and resolutions.

Then again, it's not impossible. Of course the question I have for Mr. President is: when will the U.S. start using nuclear energy? France runs it's country on 76% nuclear energy and the research has been shown that it's plausible.

What's your take on all this?

Humanity's Difference

You may or may not have heard of a website called TED, but it is quite useful. I often learn a little bit more about the world around me with short lectures that TED offers- in technical fields as well as the liberal arts. The following I wanted to share with you. Chris Abani grew up in Nigeria. He has something to say about being the compassion of humanity through simple actions, things that can make a difference in the world...Enjoy.

Plugging In

Creativity is an fantastic thing. The dictionary describes it as the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ones. It is originality, progressiveness, or imagination. Certainly this weekend, I walked away from my traveling with a little taste for creativity. But now it's time to work. And I want to share with you a bit of the innovation I see around me.

*Recommended Read-
--Dr. Ron Paul, Texas Congressman has written a book called The Revolution. In it he discusses logical solutions to various foreign policy, constitutional and domestic problems that face the United States. I have written two blogs (Worldly Manners I & II) concerning his chapter on foreign policy. I recommend checking the book out in this season of dire politics.

*Blogs-

--Marianne Elliot recently posted a great blog on some great ways to learn a new language in her blog, Zen and the Art of Peacekeeping. And a few days ago; she posted her most recent lessons in how to be a peacemaker in your world. Elliot has been human rights activist and humanitarian aid servant in the Middle East and other parts of the world. Her blog speaks volumes of her compassion.

--Google Blog has an interesting piece and perspective on giving technology and knowledge to the world without. They advocated a Blog Action Day, and their contribution discussed Information Poverty.

--Daily Writing Tips is a daily blog that offers nuggets about how to make your writing effective. Whether you're a blogger, a novel writer or a poet; Daily Writing has something to grasp onto and make you think more creatively about writing. I like this because it reminds me of the little things I often don't think about when I write any sort of exerpt. It is the first of its kind I've seen, even though I 'm sure there are others, this is a just a quick hit everyday to learn a little something about the market and business of writing out there.

*Photography-

--Leah Tan has finally set up a website, The Girl Documentary, to advertise her fantastic photos. She is promoting it as her professional work and wants all of YOU to check it out. The site is beautiful. She features her favorite shots, has a guest book for you to sign and even a bio for you to find out more about her. All of her photos- whether they be weddings, portraits or the like- are available to view. Should you ever need a fabulous photographer in the U.S. or Canada, help her out and give her some biz. 

**Coming Soon!

--In the spirit of October, I will be telling you a ghost tale. Some of you may know that I have spent the summer working hard on a short story, one that is being submitted for publication. But for your viewing pleasure- between now and Halloween- I will be posting a little of the story at a time. It will come in 9 installments with the last one on October 31st. The name of the story is White Shadows. SO- stay tuned in for the complete work!

Worldly Manners --Part I

In light of the election season, I have decided to pick and read Dr. Ron Paul's, Revolution. His theories and ideas have appealed to me, as of late. His book starts out just as interesting.

He begins with Foreign Policy in the United States. While he agrees the 9/11 was a great tragedy, and that the perpetrators need to be hunted and punished; he states that it is important to understand the motivation of the terrorist group.

Paul believes that it goes beyond religious extremism. He states that, more significantly, it has to do the occupation and the attitude of the American foreign affairs. Paul noted that not a single terrorist involved in 2001 came from countries like Iraq or Iran. Rather, some were home to Saudi Arabia and others- where the U.S. Military keeps a close watch with armed soldiers on a daily basis and has done so for decades. The collaboration of the Al Queda group has more to do with personal and political grievances than with Islam, though extremists use it as a substantial backing for their murderous mission.

Paul sites Michael Sheuer, chief of the Counter Terrorist Center for the CIA during the 1990s. Shuer was known to vote Republican but made a very unpopular statement staking that the Middle East frustration on the meddling of the US government. Shuer was also known to believe that sheer hatred and ideological disdain for Western thinking is not enough for a group to join forces and terrorize a nation. Rather, once again, it stems from understandable reactions from people who may have been affected by forced democratic freedom.

Ron Paul criticized both the Clinton administration and the Bush administration for failure to recognize that policing other nations, rather than simply offering humanitarian aid or free trade, only causes strife among foreign relationships- in the Middle East, Africa and others.

Two of the most extremist Islamic governments in the world, he noted, are not responsible for the crisis of terrorism- Sudan and Iran- thus again proving the religious motivation is only secondary to the complaint against American foreign policies.

None of these things are to say that the U.S. is a horrible nation, not at all, BUT the swing in political attitude toward the world has made an enormous difference in our standing in the world.

Along the line of presidents in the 20th Century, it was Democrat associated leaders, such as Woodrow Wilson, FDR, Lyndon B. Johnson, that aimed to stretch the wings of American military and political strength. Oddly the tables have turned.

More to come...

Being Cultured

Here I am again. It's certainly has been a busy couple of weeks- but I've also been straining to find a topic that I wanted to tackle and the news, certainly, always seems to give me just that.

One of the stories that fell into the shadows this week was a story from New York, where a new public Jr. High School opened up. What made it so unique? It will be offering Arabic classes as well as classes to introduce Middle Eastern Culture. And ironically, that is what makes up the entire news story- well that and the fact that there are an uprising of people protesting and claiming that it will be a school breeching future terrorists!

My initial reaction was simply, "are you kidding me?!" No; I am not appalled by the classes the school is offering. In fact; I think that it's a splendid idea! I am appalled by the fact that people are protesting. Deborah Howard, one of the curriculum founders happens to be Jewish and stated that she would be far from endorsing a program that gave kids the gateway to terrorism and extreme islamic beliefs. The school itself, the Khalil Gibran International Academy, was named after a Christian Lebonese poet and will be offering classes that will teach skills in technology and multi-cultural appreciation.

One woman stated that she thought it would be a great opportunity for her son, that he would do well in a career, making a good living and be open minded by going to the school, but she soon pulled her son from the school not wanting him to be in the middle of the politics. A woman opposing the school declared it was a "madrassa" being paid with public tax dollars. A madrassa, as I understand it- is the word used to refer to an Islamic Religious School. I am perplexed at the utter ignorance and rejection in a community who would rather hold on to their fears of extreme Islam, and not embrace the simplicity of opening their minds to language and culture.

Granted, New York is the ground zero of 9/11 and Radical Islamists have threatened destruction to the United States, but the religion of Islam itself rejects harm to those that are innocent. In correspondence this past week, I was reminded that leaders of Islam should speak louder to remind the world they are against the terrorism so predominantly featured. But then again, those who have spoken out, I don't think have been heard loud enough. People would rather attach themselves to fear and preconcieved notions. It is sad that my fellow Americans, who live in the freest country in the world, would rather reject a multi-cultural society and refuse to become better educated about the world they often forget is out there.

There are so many misconceptions about the world we live in. I find it interesting that the United States does not truly encourage a multi-lingual society. In European and Asian countries it is expected to know more than one language. Most know anywhere from 2-5 languages. A close friend of mine, who grew up in a Asian based home, in the U.S., is fluent in 4 languages. Another friend from Turkmenistan knows 5 languages. I have another from Guatemala who knows 3 fluently and studies a 4th and 5th. I myself hope to become tri-lingual. Arabic is spoken by much of the Middle East, whether secular or religious. And it is not even the primary language in some our top "enemy" countries.

For example; did you know that in Iran, Arabic is NOT the official language- it is Pharsi, which has eastern influence. In Afghanistan, Dari is a predominant languange. And, Afghanistan along with Pakistan are not "middle eastern countries," but rather more part of the Asian continent. As I continue to educated myself, I am learning that many of these countries are really, just as diverse as the western front. Russian, Mongolian, Chinese, European influence all exist in these Middle Eastern Countries. Is it really that bad to culture our selves as well?

As far as the Arabic Language is concerned- I have learned that "jihad" does not mean "holy war"- as the Al Queda network would have us believe. But rather the word means "to struggle." I heard one American Islamic woman say in an interview that it is her "jihad," her "struggle" to maintain her faith in Allah in a world that rejects her. She means no harm to anyone who disagrees with her. The truth is, in Christianity, there is phrase that follows a similar suite- "carrying our cross" or "my cross to bear." Christianity hasn't always beens shiny either. I wouldn't consider the Inquisition or the Crusades its "glory days." Every religion has nasty extremists. But learning about the cultures those religions exist in does not garuntee a generation raised to impliment terrorism.

In returning the orginally mentioned school- I don't think it's a bad idea for it's curriculum to include Arabic and I don't think it's a bad idea at all for Americans to educate themselves on the cultural differences of "the world out there."