In class we will be learning about US foreign policy during the oughts of the 20th century. For the web log you shall study US foreign policy during the oughts of the 21th century.
In the packet I have given you, read the excerpts from the statement by President Bush and some of the supporters and critics of U.S. policy. President Bush makes a number of assertions in this speech that have been questioned by critics. As you read the speech, underline points that might be disputed and discuss them with classmates and your family. Then, working individually, answer the questions that follow each quote, and complete the activity that follows all of the quotes.
Based on these quotes, your responses to the questions, and your knowledge about the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq, write a letter to either your congressional representative or one of your U.S. senators explaining your view on what is taking place there and what the United States should do now and in the future. Your letter should be a minimum of two hundred and fifty words. Post it onto the web log, as it will be questioned by your classmates; print a hard copy, as it will be discussed in class. It will be your decision whether you want to send it to your representatives.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
21 comments:
Dear Daniel,
In September 2007, President Bush spoke to the American people about the U.S. military occupation of Iraq and its efforts to make a modern,democratic,nation. In one of his statements, he calls Iraq "an ally." how can u call Iraq an ally, if we're at war with them? Bush is saying in this statement that everyone is attacking Iraq and the next target is the U.S., but if we stay strong, the middle east will be more secure. THe U.S. will never be secure enough for terrorists to stop bombing towns,cities,etc.
In the "Congress," Rudolph Giuliani (republican) says "General Petraeus provided the first look at a strategy this is getting results and an Iraq that is making progress." Iraq isn't making any good progess. Homes are still torn apart, people are still crying about the loses in war,etc. Petraeus and his toops just want us to cooperate with his straategy, and to help them with their mission. Petraeus must have those two things or the plan will fail. Burack Obama is the only person to me that seems right at this point. Obama knows that what Petraeus has done is wrong, and he wants all of this to end. Obama wants to end the fighting, try to maake peace, and end it. Everyone else is demanding war because they just want to rely on themselves.
So daniel, I ask you this question. Do you think bush is right or wrong?
Dear Eric Ma,
On September 14, 2007 president Bush had a conference with America about the U.S. occupation of Iraq. President Bush said that they are making a huge effort to make a modern democratic nation.
President Bush also said that the U.S. is the next target because Iraq keeps getting attacked from the U.S. In President Bush's opinion if the U.S. stays strong the middle east will become more secure.
President Bush has a strategy that may or may not help out the war. President Bush thinks the surge is helping out the war because more troops are going to Iraq. This idea is just making more solders die. In my opinion this is a very selfish war. President Bush went into this war to finish his father's battle, but he made things worse.
These are my questions to you Eric, Do you think President Bush's strategy is working or making things worse? My second question is do you think this war is helping Iraq become a better place or making it a huge war zone?
Dear Eric Ma,
In September 2007,President Bush had given a speech about what is happening in Iraq.I strongly disagree with him.The reason for my act is because if he wants Iraq to improve in securing it's country then why go to war with them?It makes no sense how he will improve Iraq by going to war with them.I do agree with President Bush on how if they show them some strategies maybe Iraq will learn some as well.Yet in President Bush's speech he says " The success of a free Iraq is critical to the security of the United States."What does President Bush mean by that?Does he want Iraq to improve just so America could be safer,or does he mean that it will be safer for America to become partners with Iraq?
This strategy might not work for President Bush.I say this because if Iraq wants to spread itself.It could use those strategies over any country.So based on President Bush's speech and what he thinks I think he should re-think his plans.It could back fire on him if he makes it obvious that he wants the United States to be safer.President Bush's strategies are good and where he brings his points are also very good.One thing is if he wants Iraq to become "an ally " with Iraq then he should have chosen a meeting instead of war.It would be better for both countries and no terrorists,suicide bombers or anything like that would invade the United States.
Dear Nancy,
On september 2007 preseident bush had spoked to Americans about the United States occupation of Iraq. President Bush also mentioned its efforts to make a modern democratic nation. President Bush mentioned that U.S. will be the next target because Iraq is being attacked by U.S.
President Bush also mentioned that "The success of a free Iraq is critical to the security of the United States." In my opinion I don't think United States wouldn't be any safer if Iraq was to be free. If President Bush expects other contries make U.S a safer country, Why don't President Bush think about why do other countries want to make U.S a dangerous place? I think President Bush should think about the reason why other countries decides to bomb U.S, then looking for ideas to solve problems.
President Bush's ideas and solutions are useful. President Bush's ideas in making United States a safer home for everyone may work but theres also possibilities and chances The United States could be unsafe. I think that President Bush should go over his plan's before asking requirements to other countries.
Dear Lenine,
On September 14, 2007, President George W. Bush spoke about the occupation of the Iraq and about a new strategy for it. He said "In Iraq, an ally of the United States is fighting for its survival." General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker testified before Congress about how the strategy is progressing. They say the condition in Iraq is improving. Also the premise of the strategy is for the securing the Iraqi population is foundation for other progress. The president also said that the enemy's are trying to take over Iraq and target the U.S. once they do.
Rudolph Giuliani(Republican) said that "Gerneral Petraeus provided the first look at a strategy that is getting results and an Iraq that is making progress." I agree with this statement because if this strategy works out fine, they will kill or capture all the enemy and the United States would not be in great danger. Also Iraq is making progress making it hard for the enemy to take over. In the future we will still continue with the strategy till it is complete.
Dear Senator Jean Lebrun,
There are troops in Iraq and they are helping Iraqi soldiers fight Al Qaeda. They are helping them because if they don't then Al Qaeda will take over Iraq. If Al Qaeda takes over Iraq, they will harm America. President Bush says we should send more troops because we want to demolish Al Qaeda.
What I think is that he should be sending more troops to Iraq,so that they will help protect the US from bombs and protect the US from any harm. Another reason i agree with this statement is because I think America is a great country. The thing that we should do in the future is that we should get Iraqi soldiers to fight with American troops. So then Al Qaeda will be finished. We need to demolish Al Qaeda as soon as we can before Iraq is destroyed . If we can destroy Al Qaeda then we can make a democracy in Iraq and we could probably get some of their oil.
Dear Lenine Thevenin,
On September 14, 2007, President George Bush spoke about the occupation of the Iraq. Also about a new strategy for it. President Bush said "In Iraq, an ally of the United States is fighting for its survival." General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker declared before Congress about how the strategy is working out. They say the circumstances in Iraq is getting better. Also the premise of the strategy is for the securing the Iraq population is foundation for other progress. The president also said that the enemy's are trying to take over Iraq and target the U.S. once they do.
Rudolph Giuliani(Republican) said that "Gerneral Petraeus given the first look at a strategy that is getting results and an Iraq that is making progress." I agree with this statement because if this strategy works out, they will kill or capture all the enemies and the United States would not be in great worries. Also Iraq is making progress, making it difficult for the enemy to take over. In the future we will still go on with the strategy till it is complete.
Dear Senators,
President Bush made a speech on how the troop surge is improving more and more and that we should keep on sending troops to Iraq. The war in Iraq has clearly been a disaster. Countless innocent lives have been killed everyday and there is still no improvement at all. This troop surge will only bring grief to the families of the troops and the families in Iraq. Iraq does not need a war, it needs help, food, education, and restoring their country is what we should be doing. Not training their army or police of Iraq. The Americans never voted for a war to occur, and we should take their vote into consideration by evacuating all American troops from Iraq. And if we should keep some troops in Iraq it should be only to help citizens and continue to rebuild their country again after countless bombs and terrorist attacks. Although U.S troops capture or kill more then 1500 terrorists a month, with all the money that has been given to train the Iraqi troops, they should already know how to control their own country and defend themselves from any terrorist groups, which makes it the more reason to bring back all American troops.
Dear Senator Hilary Rodham Clinton,
Aware of the war in Iraq, there have been different perspectives that have come to my attention. My view on this subject as well as many others; questions President Bush’s decisions. We all heard many reasons for the war, but what do you think is the real reason? Is it true that the reason for this war is to diminish the threat of international terrorism, and to promote democracy in Iraq and surrounding areas?
There are thousands of troops sent out at war, and many of their families broken, worried, and praying that their loved ones would come home alright. Breaking these families sounds dreadful, and killing these innocent troops at war is even worse. In his speech, President Bush stated that “A free Iraq will be our partner in the fight against terror, and will make us safer here at home.” My argument states that; if we are in war with Iraq right now, why would Iraq want to become our partner to fight against terror when we are fighting against them at the moment, and for the past five years?
Through my eyes, killing 1500 Iraqis per month is absurd. We should be helping them, not destroying them. President Bush said that he wants Iraq to be a democracy, then why not talk to them and compromise? His strategy for a chance of success is to increase the amount of troops, but that is worse for American families and the Americans going out to war. And in addition, the percentage of Americans that are not at war is rising against the amount supporting the war. I do not agree with President Bush’s decisions, and hope for all the troops the best , and a safe coming home.
Dear Viviana Valladares,
On September 14th, 2007 President Bush proposed a speech to the American people about the war in Iraq that has been going on for years. President Bush said: "We must help Iraq defeat those who threaten its future and also ours.” Why would he say that if we have been at war with them for some name years? Through all the bombings and shootings there, he says that have suddenly turned to their side? Why did he start the war with them in the first place? So many questions to be answered. Many people have been killed through the past couple years. He has also been saying that our country, the United States of America, might also be in danger, through all the terrorists and extremists who have been at war with us. President Bush has formed a new plan for us. There is a troop surge right now in Iraq that is working well.
According to President Bush the troops have been doing a good job in Iraq fighting with our countries enemies. Through all the terrorism this country has handled we are doing pretty good. President Bush said: “The goal of the surge is to provide that security and to help prepare Iraqi forces to maintain it...Our troops in Iraq are performing brilliantly.” He says that if Iraq is safe than our country is safe, but how would we now the enemies will not turn back on us? That’s right, we don’t. I think that this war is not helping us do anything. If we never started anything in the first place then our country would be fine. As the last words of President Bush were I agree with them, “We must succeed.”
Dear Gabby,
On September 24th, President Bush has spoken to America about the United States Military. He Called Iraq an Ally. He thinks since we are attacking Iraq The United States is the Next Target. He also said that If we work together we can make the United States a better and Stronger Country. Also Iraq isnt doing to good. People can't get over the fact that they are losing the war. They are sending out sucidal bomber to take there life but all they are doing is killing there own people. There Even killing there innocent people by bombing their cars etc. President Bush is spending more then one billion dollars on United States Troops to go to Iraq
Do You Think that this is a right thing to do?
Dear Brian M,
What do you think are the pros and cons of the war in Iraq? Do you think this war is helping the United States to be safe and more protected or more likely to have another September 11th incodent?
Dear Emily,
In September 2007 President George Bush said that we have to help Iraq defeat those that are threatning them and us. If so why didn't we help them earlier? Why do we have to help them now? Also we have been at war with Iraq many years ago. Then all of a sudden we stop and help them. Iraq now, is a disaster many people lost their lives because of the war and everything is in a mess.
Although this is true maybe we should help them. Even though we did have a war with them in this condition we should be giving them money to rebuild their buildings, give them food, clothing, shelter, and education. Also if we help them America wouldn't be in a lot of danger because if other countries take over Iraq then America would probably be taken over too. So right now George Bush is paying a lot of money to help Iraq. Should President George Bush do this?
Senator Clinton,
On September 14, 2007 President Bush addressed the American people on the progress of our military effort in Iraq.
Defending the troop surge he said that, “The goal of the surge is to provide that security and to help prepare Iraqi forces to maintain it...Our troops in Iraq are performing brilliantly.”
I agree with this plan. I think that it would be a terrible thing to not finish the job in Iraq now that we've come so far.
You have been an outspoken critic of the war in Iraq although you did vote to invade. I cannot understand how you can change your position. How do you think the people of Iraq would feel if we suddenly left their country before finishing the work we began there.
Helping Iraq become a democratic and free country can only help them as well as us.
War is not an easy thing, it is a hard time but the results will be worth it. The President said that "The success of a free Iraq is critical to the security of the United States." This means that Iraq being a free country, free of terrorism will help us maintain our countries safety. If we rid Iraq of the terrorists we are less suseptible to being attacked by them. This will also make the Middle East in general more secure. One of the goals of this military action is to make Iraq safer for the people that live there, and that also helps make our country as well safer.
Pulling out too soon would be more harmful than if we hadn't gone at all. We should not be leaving until the country is stable and secure. As the President said our troops are performing brilliantly. They are doing an amazing job training the Iraq military and teaching them how to get it done once we leave. I think that once Iraq is a free country and able to stand up on it's own, the people who didn't support this effort will feel differently. No matter what anyones opinions are we should all support our troops. We should also respect and support our leaders decision. This was not an easy decision to make but it has very good reasons behind it. I think that we should all reserve our final opionions until we are done doing our job in Iraq, and then see.
Leaving the country of Iraq hanging right in the middle, would just be a disaster.
Please give the President and our military the time and support it needs and deserves to help build a free Iraq.
Dear Jean Lebrun,
In september President Bush was discussing the topic of the U.S military in Iraq and how they are trying to get Iraq to become a democratic nation.President Bush is making odd remarks like Iraq is our ally and we need to support it even though were at war with Iraq.
He is also saying that alot of other nations are attracking Iraq and were next.I dont know what other nations are attacking Iraq cause i havent heard anything about that.
Dear Senator Clinton,
You say that the reports on the strategy cause you the have the willing suspension of disbelief . What is it about this strategy that caused you to think that because in my opinion I think it is a very good strategy to make peace and to have the troops take over the forces in Iraq. What president Bush is saying this is a hard, slow but doable process that will just take a bit of time. I think that it will be good for the future because to me it seems that that President Bush wants to slowly make peace between Iraq and America.
I also really think that this is something that the United States should do because this is actually making the United States stronger and connected with other countries. Many of the soldiers are afraid themselves of this new strategy or idea, and they are worried about their how this will all work out. I think this will also do good on the troops because what the president is trying to do is to have less and less troops coming in to Iraq and fighting the war. Also what the president said is that the way they are going now they are catching 1500 enemy fighters each month starting in January.
So basically what the president is trying to do is to have peace in Iraq, and to have the troops take over the forces in Iraq and also not to have many soldier dying in Iraq, and also to be connected with other governments such as Iraq.
Dear Brian M.
In September 2007,President Bush gave a speech about what is happening in Iraq. I strongly disagree with president bush. The reason that I disagree with bush is because if he wants Iraq to improve in securing its country then why goes to war with them? It don’t make any sense at all because we are going to war with Iraq and meanwhile bush is sending troops to fight Iraq. Yet in President Bush's speech he says " The success of a free Iraq is critical to the security of the United States. What does President Bush mean by that? Does he want Iraq to improve just so America could be safer, or does he mean that it will be safer for America to become partners with Iraq?
President Bush has a strategy that may or may not help out the war. President Bush thinks the surge is helping out the war because more troops are going to Iraq. This is just making more solders die. I think that this is a very selfish war. President Bush went into this war to finish his father's battle, but he made things worse.
The questions that I want to ask Brain is, This strategy that bush is talking about do you think that bush made a right decision in making this kind of strategy? Another question to Brian is, why is bush making America go to war with Iraq when is strategy was to help Iraq to become a more secure place?
Dear Senator Martin J. Golden;
I only have one question for you. What do you expect to do about Iraq? I know you have a lot of plans for it, but you and I know that soon it will be too late to do anything. There are too many people that are being taken away from their families to fight terrorism. Their families are worried, hoping that they would see them again. Please try to find a way to stop all terrorism before more soldiers get killed for a senseless battle.
I think we should give the soldiers that are fighting in this war some greater support when they come home. They need medical care, emotional care, and guaranteed job placements. They should be appreciated for putting their live at risk, and leaving their families to protect our country.
Thank you for talking time from your busy schedule to read my letter.
Dear Hillary Clinton,
In September 14 2007, George Bush once cites that we are still in war with Iraq as allies. I don't know how we are consider in war with Iraq if we are allies. George Bush said that we are going to improvise and buttress Iraq to prevent choas. I don't see any point in senting our U.S. troops to Iraq. All we are doing is making Iraq look like a big bloody war zone where there is soldiers all scouting the place. I think the Irans should take care of this problem themselves because President Bush is senting our U.S. troops there. Despite his showing of concern I dont see him going over there. Our U.S. soldiers have families, well most of them at least. Bush should stop senting our troops there. Just by thinking about this, I think maybe Bush is doing this for his health. Just like Congress Senate Rudolph Giuliani said "Republican says General Petraeus provided the first look at a strategy this is getting results and Iraq is a "Improving Progress". So I want to ask you if Bush's foolish and selfish idea creates peace by preventing more Irans to died, but from the same tokening by helping them we will have to give the lifes of our U.S. soldiers because when we try to stop choas, terrorists will have good chances at attack us and lives will be lost?"
Sincerely Albert,
Dear Senator Barack Obama,
Almost five years passed as the Iraqi's War has began.How maby debates about this war has been discussed?How many innocent lives the war has gone with?How many riots against this war all over the world occur?
Eventually,Iraq will be stabilized at a time and their democracy will be established.But what about the prices??...Thousands of innocent lives of all over the nation,and mostly Americans and Iraqis.
I have an idea about the Iraqi War.If I could,I would withdrawal our troops from Iraq.Of course,we can not leave them ubruptly after what we have done to them.The limited contingent of our troops should stay there to help them.The rest we should bring them home.And instead of that we have to increase security of our country at the land,at the oceans,
and in the air.I believe that increasing security wouldn't cost that much as the useless and endless war in Iraq.Morever,I think it would have cost much less and we will be more safer than we are now.It wouldn't look as an
"iron certain" like it was in Russia at a time at the "Cold War".
Quite opposite,we will be welcome everyone and even our enemies,but security will be so technically high and,where it's necessary,such delicate that no one could make a harm to our country.
And regarding to our civil rights.
I think that the increasing security will not violate the American people's civil rights.If i'm a patriot and I love America,even if i'm not a patriot,but just a regular person,I will not be afraid of this security,
because I will never even think about to make something against my country:terror,bombs,spies,and so on.These are nothing to do with private life of American people.
These are terrors against people,against the counrty and it has to prevent and only high penetrate security may do this job.
This is my point of view regarding the Iraqi's War.
Post a Comment