Education Program September 9, 2013
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Teacher’s copy Education Program September 9, 2013 C L A S S R O O M E D I T I O N READING & UNDERSTANDING Read each article and answer the questions that follow. Across the Red Line: Michael Crowley looks at Obama’s responses to the crisis in Syria. 1. Why is the alleged nerve gas attack in Syria described as a “defining test” for Obama? Answer: p22 – It was a large-scale attack and it took place despite Obama’s warning that the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime constituted a ‘red line” that, if crossed, would have “enormous consequences.” Therefore, it is perceived to be an implicit challenge to America power and authority, and Obama (like presidents before him) faces the prospect of military action in the Middle East over WMDs. Given that he has allowed multiple chemical weapons attacks to come and go without taking a hardliner approach, the world is also watching to see whether Obama would flinch from assuming the role of global police cop. p23 – Syria’s defiance, if left unpunished, might set off a domino effect of further defiance around the globe. 2. Other than the Syria crisis, what other foreign policy “tests” does Obama face? Answer: p22 – Iran moving ahead with its nuclear programme in defiance of Obama’s warnings of military retribution, Egypt’s US-backed military regime ignoring his calls for peace after recent carnage, Afghanistan’s shaky government having to warily prepares for the prospect of civil war happening after the U.S troops’ final pull-out next year, continued terrorist attacks on Iraqi cities, and Al-Qaeda continuing to operate in Yemen and North Africa. At home, only 40% of Americans approve of Obama’s foreign policy performance. 3. What foreign policy “missteps” did Obama make? Answer: p23 – Obama’s decision to merely “bear witness to the extraordinary events” (the Arab Spring) made him appear timid. As protests ignited across the Middle East, he continued to tread lightly, choosing stability over the risk of the unknown. p24 – He took no action or was slow to react to situations in Egypt, Bahrain and Libya. His belated and limited “leading from behind” intervention in Libya was criticised as an abdication of real leadership and created am opportunity for rouge militants and radicalism to flourish. Missteps in Syria: The uprising began about the same time as his Libyan operation (interpretation –surely he can imagine how it might develop) but he took no action, possibly because it was a more complex situation to intervene in and supporting the rebels might inadvertently empower Al-Qaeda-affiliated ones who could threaten U.S. interests more than Assad can. He imposed no consequences on Assad when the later ignored his advice. p25 – the “red line” statement allowed Assad to taunt him with small-scale attacks before the massive one on 21 August. The U.S. might not have actualised its promise to arm the Syrian rebels who could have challenged Assad. 4. From the point of view of the writer and Obama’s defenders, what challenges does Obama face when he tries to underwrite global security? Answer: p25 – His defenders: Obama has done his best with a poisoned inheritance (anti-Americanism abroad and rising isolationism at home) that weakens American power overseas and makes the American public unsupportive of more attempts to solve seemingly unsolvable problems in faraway places. The writer: the blunt instrument of military power may be especially useless when it comes to untangling the Arab Spring’s social upheavals. American might not have the “tools” with which to deal with the implosion in Syria. 5. Explain why “Syria matters a lot to its neighbours”. Answer: p26 – the civil war creates repercussions for them: the exodus of millions of refugees escaping the civil war can destabilise Jordan and Turkey and heighten Shi-ite-Sunni tensions in Lebanon and Iraq to the point of inflaming a sectarian conflict stretching from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean. The civil war is supported by Assad’s allies (Iran and Lebanon) and is shaping up into a proxy war between Iran and its Sunni rivals (e.g. Saudi Arabia). There is also the matter of Israel’s security when a chemically-armed state such as Syria collapses. Lastly, there is the obvious moral imperative with regard to a conflict that is causing massive deaths and casualties. Permission is granted to individual teacher to reproduce this Student Worksheet for classroom use only. Reproduction by an entire school system or any other organization is strictly prohibited. Copyright © 2013 Time Asia (Hong Kong) Limited. All rights reserved. 2 C L A S S R O O M E D I T I O N 6. In addition to his confrontation with Assad, what other confrontation lies in wait for Obama and why it is imperative that he handles both well? Answer: Should another round of negotiations with Tehran fail, Obama may have to make good his vow to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. It is imperative that he manages both crises well to silence critics who disparage him for allowing his hesitant approach to foreign policy to cause more trouble. With three years left to this presidency, he has limited time with which to vindicate himself and leave behind a successful legacy. READING & UNDERSTANDING Read each article and answer the questions that follow. Egypt: Bobby Ghosh argues that Egypt no longer matters, while Ayman Mohyeldin insists that Egypt has never been more important. 1. Bobby Ghosh contends that “Egypt’s main relevance … is as a potential source of trouble” and the U.S should “stop pretending that Egypt is an important player in Arab affairs and pay more attention to countries that are”. Ayman Mohyeldin argues that while it might not be as apparent now as it was in the past, “what in Egypt at this crucial and tumultuous point in its history … will help to shape the region for decades to come”. The U.S should not lose its access. Read both articles carefully before you come to a decision. Are you more persuaded by Ghosh or Mohyeldin? Points from the articles: Ghosh Mohyeldin Back in the 1950s, 60s and 70s … Egypt was the fulcrum of While Egypt is a shadow of its former self … while it might the Arab world, unarguably its most important country … not be as apparent now as it was in the past, “what in Egypt Egypt today is none of these things and for two reasons: the at this crucial and tumultuous point in its history … will help Middle East has changed a lot, and Egypt, not enough. to shape the region for decades to come. - No longer the region’s cultural heart - still inflames emotions of people across the region - Most of its universities are now laughably bad Economic recovery possible - Gulf states no only prefer to hire its citizens - Arab world’s most populous country. Has vast and largely - Its media scene is a regional joke untapped economic potential. Can be to the region what - an economic basket case Brazil is to South America today As ally or threat - its youthful population is an asset that can transform the - Several other regional players have grown stronger and economy more ambitious. Some of them are US allies which means - the Internet can play a critical role in revitalising its tourism Egypt’s utility to the US as interlocutor to Arab world is industry greatly diminished It has long been the region’s most vibrant incubator for - An Egypt run by brute generals hardly a credible partner for political ideas and movements … the Arab world has U.S. efforts in Syria followed Egypt’s lead … Now is no different - Egypt not longer a serious threat to Israel: balance of military power entirely lopsided in Israel’s favour Egypt’s geography cements its importance - Nor is there a great risk that Egypt would endanger Israel - Suez Canal one of the world’s most strategic waterways by arming, or allowing others to arm, Hamas in Gaza. - shares a bloodstained border with Israel and other unstable Egyptians fear and distrust Hamas. Israel capable of choking countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Depending on off Hamas’ supply lines the course it takes, it has great potential for good or ill in the region. That’s why so many different regional players are Economic implications watching the struggle within Egypt today with great interest Egypt dependent on Suez Canal as economic lifeline and not and intensity. Saudi Arabia … UAE … Qatar … Turkey about to shut it off and endanger global trade - the U.S. deeply invested in the fate of Egypt. Remains most Regional importance generous backer of its military and yet to cut off that aid or Failure of democratic experiment means that Egypt is not censure it for its violent post-Morsi transition. Does not want able to reclaim its old place as fulcrum of Arab world to lose its access Therefore, In conclusion, - U.S. should stop paying the Egyptian generals. The money - U.S should not cut its ties to the leader of Egypt because to is better spent on countries where democratic experiments lead Egypt, even a wounded Egypt, is to lead the Arab world. might succeed - U.S. should prepare for humanitarian crises that inevitably accompany continued military brutality and economic misery - U.S should be alert to rise of new al-Qaeda franchise on the Nile. Permission is granted to individual teacher to reproduce this Student Worksheet for classroom use only. Reproduction by an entire school system or any other organization is strictly prohibited.