http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/obama-levies-tech-sanctions-syria-iran-16201086#.T58dM6uJcrU

This article covers the Obama Administrations crackdown on the interference of government on technology in repressed regimes that block citizens from expression and information. The sanctions push forth access powers to syrian people to use american controlled servers to circumvent the governments restrictions thus allowing a freer flow of information within and without the country.

Syria crisis: Damascus 'suicide bombing' kills 10

Syria crisis: Damascus 'suicide bombing' kills 10

An estimated toll of 9,000 people have now died in Syria and with the ceasefire in affect but seldom being applied, both protesters and President Bashar al-Assad's forces don't seem to be letting up. This most recent incident has now taken the lives of 10 people and injured 20. Coming from BBC News Middle East, this story shows the continued violence near the capital of Syria where a terrorist suicide bomber caused this blast in the Midan area. The bomber hit after civilians were leaving their Friday prayers in the Zain al-Abidin mosque. The UN has about 15 observers in Syria but the Security Council has approved the deployment of 300 in total. This talk of having 300 observes in Syria has now been going on for a few weeks. Some articles I have skimmed through mentioned wanting the observers there by the end of the month; however, there have been some international issues getting a few particular observers to Syria. Peace is of the utmost importance and the west wants to create that but they are pushing for an arms embargo and UN sanctions. China and Russia have declared that they will argue any authorized of military action.

The Globe and Mail

Protester "Killed by birdshot" Video

This video comes from The Globe and Mail, a Canadian news source. Although there is supposed to be a ceasefire in place between President al-Assad's forces and the protesters, the violence continues on, especially where this video takes place, in Douma, Syria. The report in this video concerns the death of a man by "birdshot" whose body was found badly bruised atop a building where a lot of gun shots had been fired in the air. 15,000 people came out to mourn his death and clashes continued between protesters and police after the funeral took place. The video concludes with a message that the violence is only projected to get worse unless the government intervenes.

In Cold Blood: Human Rights Watch Reports on Executions in Syria

This is Human Rights Watch's attempt to document, in detail, the executions that have been going on in Syria. They have based their outline and summarization of the executions on 30 interviews with those in Syria. They are only reporting verifiable accounts but the number of actual executions in the country is higher. 3 of the executions have eyewitness or video accounts. The regime has no boundaries and is murdering opposition  fighters, dissenting fighters, men, women, and children. These murders come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes shoulders round up men in a neighborhood and execute them while other times the military simply opens fire on neighborhoods, no one is safe.
This is another glimpse into the state of this country that the Assad regime is trying, and failing to hide. These first hand accounts show the brutality and the indifference of the regime. While many newspapers can easily report and sell papers by revealing the brutality of Assad, I think this is a very good source to learn about it because of its neutrality and its use of first hand sources.

Blush is off Syria's 'Rose of the Desert'

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2012/04/19/blush-syrias-rose-desert?utm_content=blogs&utm_campaign=Trial4&utm_source=twitter&utm_term=socialflow&utm_medium=tweet

This blog post from Al-Jazeera is about the Syrian First Lady, Asma al-Assad and the influence she can have on Syria.  A petition and a video have been going around urging her to use her political influence to stop her husband from killing the Syrian people.  As of now, the petition has nearly 20,000 signatures.  The closing lines of the petition state: "No one cares about your image. We care about your action. Right now.” 


From this, it is clear that the image of the Syrian first lady is a major part of her influence on the Syrian people.  She is a 36 year old, ex-London investment banker who married Assad in 2000.  She is nicknamed the "Rose of the Desert" and is a picture of Westernization to the Syrian people.  But, ever since the uprising began, she, along with her husband, have been placed on a list of Syrian officials whom are banned from certain countries, and her assets have been frozen.

UN To Send 300 Ceasefire Observers To Syria

This video posted by Russia Today details the UN agreement to send 300 observers into Syria. The vote to send more observers into Syria was aimed to enforce a truce that was signed last week.  The truce, which was to ceasefire in Syria has been broken many times since it was put into effect last week. The video questions if this second agreement will finally bring peace to Syria. The final six point piece plan was a compromise between two rival drafts proposed by Russia and the EU. The French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe was quoted saying the plan is “’the last chance before civil war.’”

China’s Position on Syria

http://carnegieendowment.org/2012/02/08/china-s-position-on-syria

After the Arab League tried to secure United Nations Security Council backing of its action plan for a political transition in Syria,” Russia and China vetoed it. Regardless, the violence in Syria is increasing and Assad is becoming more stubborn. As the situation in Syria becomes more problematic, China finds it difficult to remain neutral. Acoording to the article, “The core of Chinese policy is to pursue cooperation in the management of global affairs.” They have been opposed to military intervention and understand what it is like to have “Western intervention.” Even though, they want to be neutral, it is becoming more and more difficult. They vetoed the UN Security Council’ proposition to prevent western military intervention.

Posting Coming to an End-- What's Next?

This is a post to remind you that the END of the posting period is quickly coming! So get your posts in!!! 3 original posts and 3 comments. That's the basics- do them well, contribute to the conversation, and be willing to go outside your comfort zone (in the media or your analysis of them) and the points will rack up. There IS one more piece to this however, THE WRITE UP!

So what to do?

The write up is intended to be a place where you can reflect on the blog as a whole (not just your piece of it) in an essay 3-5 pages long (double spaced)and consists of:

1.  an intro,
2.  a discussion of 2-3 'themes' you identified across the posts (use examples from the blog!)
   
3. a summary/conclusion. 

see you in class!

Syria Violence Reportedly Kills Dozens

The image shown above was taken from a video uploaded to YouTube on April 19, 2012. It depicts fire rising from the district of Khalidiya. This district is the flashpoint center in the city of Homs. The fire billowing over the building is reportedly from shelling by the Syrian government.

Syria violence reportedly kills dozens

The article that accompanies this image details the ongoing violence in Syria. After 13 months of bloodshed the latest efforts to end the violence has failed. Activists reported on Friday that after thousands of protesters exited the mosques at noon, Syrian troops fired tear gas and bullets into the crowds. It is reported that at least 11 were killed during the attack. This article alludes that a “truce is seen as the most viable way to end the bloodshed, simply for a lack of other options.” What do you think must be done in order to end the violence?

The story of Taftanaz

Despite claiming to agree with the UN brokered ceasefire on April 1st, Syrian government forces still pressed and attacked small towns and villages. The following link is to the story of a town called Taftanaz, and the events that occurred since the beginning of April.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17794554

The ceasefire may have reduced violence, but the violence has by no means stopped. The situation on the ground is just as perlious for the people of Syria as it was before.

Supporters of the Assad Regime

Most Syrians back President Assad, but you'd never know from western media

The article linked above is from a UK newspaper. The author claims that the media coverage has been biased. Although, in the title of the article it states that there are many Syrians in support of Assad it also reports that most Arabs outside of Syria would like to see him resign. Fifty-five percent of Syrians support Assad because they fear a civil war. This is a very different picture from what we are shown in the West. From our news broadcasts it appears as though the whole country is protesting against a corrupt government. Is this how Assad stays in power? If free elections aren't held, will the supporters join the revolution?

Pressure Mounts for Syria

Pressure Mounts for Syria
The UN is proposing to increase their military observers in Syria in order to try and get a better sense of what's going on inside the country, as well as, try to keep the peace there. The UN wants to send 300 military observers to 10 different cities and give them the freedom to roam about the country to view the violence firsthand. The U.S. has also had meetings to discuss possible peace plans and draw up a military response should peace not be attained through diplomacy. At the Friends of Syria Conference in Paris, the U.S. also proposed using sanctions as a way to lift the violence in the country. China and Russia were missing from this conference, as they are opposed to any type of sanctions being weighed on Syria.

Fears Syria crisis could spread across region

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np-lvMXxGCI

With the number of deaths in Syria rising, the international view on what should be done is not like that of what was done in Libya. The Sunni, the majority population in the country, uprising has the support of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states. Because the country is made up of Druze, Kurds, Christians, Sunni, and Shia the man in the video claims that a civil war may break out over the borders due to the different ethnicities regional partner groups. This would also affect Israel, which would in turn cause U.S. concern because of its interests in the region. The U.S wants Assad out but does not want to create an Israeli-Arab war.

The fighting continues...

The following video is a self filmed video from the resistance forces showing an attack on a Syrian Army tank by the rebel forces in the city of Homs.

http://leaksfree.com/2012/04/18-free-syria-army-destroys-tank-9-april-dictator-loses-another-t-72-in-homs-city/

As you watch the video, look at the surrounding terrain, the condition of the buildings, the street itself. It is an absolute war zone, something that we don't understand just from reading news reports. And to think that there are still thousands of people living in a city that looks like this? Homs is (was?) a city with a population of 650,000. That's higher than the population of Baltimore. Imagine a city like Baltimore looking like this...

President Assad volunteers in Homs

Assad at Homs Aid Center

This video clip is from a Syrian television broadcast. It shows President Assad and his wife being greeted as they arrive at an aid distribution center in Homs. This report is clearly trying to paint Assad as 'good' to the people of his country. Because of the censorship that is going on this is what is what the state chooses to air. I could see these broadcasts angering the people of the revolution. The state controls the media and chooses not to air any of the brutality that the regime enforces.

Britain considers blocking Syria’s Olympic head, an Assad aide, from attending London Olympics

According to the Washington Post, Britain is considering barring Syria's Olympic head, General Mowaffak Joumaa from attending the upcoming Olympic games that will take place this summer in London.  They are making this consideration due to his association as an aide to Syrian President, Bashar Assad.  While the Olympic officials can review individual cases and determine whether or not to allow the people in question to attend the games, Joumaa is not on the list of those who are banned from traveling, as Assad is.  As of now, Joumaa has stated that he still has plans to attend the Games.

Turkey's Dilemma

UN Observers see Difficult Syria Job

This article from a newspaper in Turkey describes the task that lay before the UN observers. Six days in to the cease-fire, there are still people being killed by Syrian forces. Turkey's shared border with Syria has become a safe-zone for refugees fleeing the regime (Turkey weighs military presence in Syria). Their relationship has not been on the best of terms and Turkey has publicly criticized the Assad regime. If the cease-fire is not upheld, other countries that have interests will have to step in. Unless, sanctions or an alternative resolution is proposed an intervention seems quite possible. With the continuing violence, I don't know if the UN has come up with a plan other than report what is happening on the ground. Turkey's growing number of refugees pose a threat to their own security (Turkey's Dilemma). If the cease-fire falls through, I think there will be a number of countries that will act to defend their interests.


Below is a great interactive timeline of protests in the Arab spring. Syria is to the right and you can scroll through the months dating back to December of 2010.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2011/mar/22/middle-east-protest-interactive-timeline

Syria Crisis: U.S. 'Outraged' By Assad Regime Attacks

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/09/syria-crisis-us-_n_1412801.html

Regardless of the U.N’s plan to end the violence, Syrian troops bombarded a refugee camp in Turkey. This incident angered the U.S and the Obama administration. Prior to this occurrence, the U.S and U.N. chief, Kofi Annan negotiated a deal that gave a “deadline for Syrian forces to withdraw from cities.” Unfortunately, the Assad regime is not following the agreement. The problems are becoming increasingly worse, and a cease-fire was called for. Syrian Soldiers opened fire on escapees and left some wounded and 2 killed. Countless people have fled Syria in hope of escaping the rebellion. According to the article, “The U.N. estimates some 9,000 people have been killed in Syria since the uprising began in March 2011” (Huffington Post 1). Although many want to act quickly, some say they are not confident this will end soon.

New Zealand and Syria

I was trying to find a country that for sure would have very limited connection to Syria. I figured New Zealand, practically on the other side of the world with a population of only 4.3 million, would have few ties with Syria. What a misconception. 

I knew that in their newspaper there would be a lot of up to date information about Syria and as I read through some of the articles on one of their leading newspaper's websites, The New Zealand Herald, I was surprised to find a group, Syrian Solidity New Zealand (SSNZ), kept reappearing. 

This group even has a Facebook page and compared to other (must log in to see search) peace pages for Syria on a Facebook group search, they have a decent amount of likes at 252 (As of 4/16/2012). 

On the home page, their website offers live up to date twitter feeds on what is going on in Syria. A link on their website is a timeline that is through BBC News Middle East and offers "a chronology of key events" dating back to 1918. 

Pictures on their Facebook page say a lot about their feelings towards freedom. The feelings that I identified as what they might be feeling through their photos are anger and determination. What are your interpretations of these photos? I chose these photos at random but you can also see these photos and express your opinion as a post (must log in to see photos). 

U.N. Calls for Security Council to Act

International Pressure on Syria Mounts
This link above is to a video which is reporting that members of the U.N. have pleaded with the security council to refer cases of torture to the International Criminal Court. U.N. attache Juan Mendez went before the Security Council and shared with them that torture was taking place in medical centers by the forces of al- Assad. This accusation further compels that Syria is committing major human rights violations. The video also reports that Turkey has stopped support for their former ally in light of the turmoil going on in the country.

Canadian software helps Syrian activists avoid web censors

As the events in Syria continue the government has sought to further limit the peoples access to the internet in an attempt to control the amount of information getting into the country from international sources about the current conflicts. The government has in actuality proceeded in censorship efforts to block any dissemination of information by the people to the outside world and because of this members of the international community are funding and creating ways to circumvent the censorship. Thanks to the previous efforts to avoid censorship in China and other countries, a Canadian software group managed to provide a program called Psiphon 3, which avoids and overcomes attempts to block internet traffic to banned or censored sites. This program has become a growing power for the Syrian people since its introduction and has seen upwards of 30,000 different users in the past months.

Ramy Essam, who many call the voice of the Egyptian Uprising, after turning protest chants into song wrote one about Syria titled "Breaking News". The video has english subtitles and cuts between Essam and images of those who have been made victims by al-Assad. In the song he demands that al-Assad step down and stop brutalizing his people. While the google translation is somewhat crude, you can still gather what Arab speaking people have to say about Syria and Essam.

U.S. Considers Arming Syrian Rebels

U.S. Considers Arming Syrian Rebels

The link above is of a Youtube video reporting that the U.S. is considering sending weapons to the rebels of Syria. The extremists are believed to be connected to al- Qaeda, the same terrorists group responsible for the September 11th attacks. The fighters are also believed to be moving out of neighboring Iraq and supporting the Syrian uprising against Asad. Opponents to the move say that supporting the Syrian rebels would help them overthrow the government, thereby creating a safe haven for al- Qaeda members to plan attacks against their enemies. While the U.S. hasn't committed to a decision, a move to arm these rebels would no doubt create more bloodshed and help bring down the regime.

"Syrian forces 'shell districts of Homs' "

April 14, 2012

“'Syrianforces 'shell districts of Homs'”

This article found on Al Jazeera online details the violence that is understood to be continuing in Syria. Activists say Syrian forces have shelled the city’s Jurat al-Shayah and al-Qarabis neighborhoods wounding several people. This report comes three days after the UN-backed ceasefire in Syria. A resident activist was reported saying, " 'I have heard eight shells fall in the past hour.' " The UN Security Council is expected to vote on a revised Western-drafted resolution later on Saturday allowing a ceasefire observer mission in Syria even though Russia's support remains uncertain.

Russia, as well as China have used their veto rights twice to prevent taking a tougher stance against the Syrian government. The UN draft is demanding a "full, unimpeded, and immediate freedom of movement" for an observer mission. Upon distributing this draft Russia has since distributed a different version of the draft. Their draft differs in that  the demand for "unimpeded” access and any reference to measures that could be taken if the Syrian government did not comply with the resolution was not included.

Resolution pushed in UN to send observers to monitor Syrian ceasefire

West pushes UN Syria vote, despite Russian... JPost - Middle East


A resolution in the UN, supported by the U.S., France, Germany, Britain, Portugal and Morocco, has been proposed that would deploy unarmed UN observers to monitor the ceasefire in Syria. This is a resolution passed after Assad failed to comply with the ceasefire drafted on Thursday. Russia initially expressed interest in supporting the resolution until they saw the depth and detail the U.S. put into it. Supporters hope that the outside presence will put an otherwise absent pressure on the regime given it has blocked out any outside observers since mobilization. Russia fears this will lead to a complete regime change paralleling the happenings in Libya. It would be problematic for Russia to lose the anti-western Assad regime. The level of violence that Assad has continued to inflict upon his people has stripped him of any remaining legitimacy. His inability to comply with a ceasefire has left the western actors no choice but to intervene. Of all the outcomes discussed in the Hussein article, Russia would probably hope for a shift in leadership. If observers are dispatched into Syria everyone will gain further insight and a bigger picture of what has been happening in the country for roughly the past year.

How to make your posts connect to outside media

hey everybody, it's best to embed your media in the post. Often in a youtube or blog post on the right hand side will be the 'embed' web address. If that isn't there you need to make the link in your post, here on blogger. How you do that is (I'm using a Daily show clip I think is funny and wholly inappropriate) you write the text you want to be what everyone clicks on, highlight that text, then you look at the bar on top of where you are typing and the third icon in is a 'link'. Click on that and paste your links address into it.

then you get http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-january-10-2012/pricks-of-persia

instead of....

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-january-10-2012/pricks-of-persia

Possible Outcomes of Syria Uprising and it's Impact on Iraq

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Opinion/Commentary/2012/Apr-06/169390-five-possible-scenarios-for-syria-and-their-impact-on-iraq.ashx#axzz1rkcQS0cc

This article is from a Lebanese newspaper and written by a former general in the Iraqi Air Force. Hussein offers five different scenarios for the continuing violence in Syria. Whatever the outcome, Iraq is concerned for it's own national security. The author supports a peaceful solution to the conflict without arming the opposition. This will keep the already weakened Iraqi army from a Jihadist movement. It appears that this may be possible with Syria's agreement to the UN ceasefire plan for April 12th.

Although, a peace agreement has been accepted the violence has not ended. Assad's regime does not want to step down or lose any power. It seems as though the government is taking steps to lessen the amount of violence and conflict. But, I think going from the rule of the Ba'ath Party to having elections in May is a transition that will need more time. It makes me question if Assad and his regime are trying to create a certain appearance of giving protestors what they want.

Views of the Neighbors

Our media outlets have flooded the news with daily articles and reports from Syria, detailing the atrocities of the conflict. But what of the countries that are directly feeling the consequences of the conflict? Turkey, Lebanon and Iraq share the the three largest borders with Syria, and their views on the situation are all across the spectrum.

In the following article, a Turkish Op-Ed writer essentially states how Turkey should stay out of the whole Syrian conflict, a far cry from what most of the world is saying. http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/syria-intervention-would-import-trouble-.aspx?pageID=449&nID=17925&NewsCatID=425

A Lebanese Op-Ed writer, on the opposite end of the spectrum, calls for a universal intervention to end the crisis, saying that the current UN resolution is inadequate to deal with the situation.

http://www.yalibnan.com/2012/04/09/op-ed-the-world-must-unite-to-save-syria/

And lastly, Iraq has mixed views. Iraq's government is refusing to support the rebels, while many of the people support the revolution. In the following article, an Iraqi sheikh admits he sent dozens of weapons and hundreds of fighters to help the rebel forces in Syria.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9137115/Iraqi-Sunni-tribal-sheikh-admits-sending-men-to-fight-against-Bashar-al-Assad-in-Syria.html

The question is, why do these neighboring countries have different views of the situation in Syria? All are subject to the same concerns such as violent spillover, refugee influxes, and international criticism for whatever action they take. But I believe that these countries are just acting in their own national interests. The leadership of Turkey and Iraq have more to lose in a regime change in Syria than the Lebanese leadership does, and as rational actors in the world system, these countries will do whatever it takes to secure their interests, whether it be by choosing to support the current brutal regime of their neighbor, or by aiding and supporting the rebels fighting against it.

Project Outline and Timeline

In this online blog project you are being asked to search the web for information related to the continuing crisis in Syria. I would like you to look at sources of media surrounding the conflict from all over the world to see how Syria, 'the Middle East', democracy, etc are/were being portrayed. What can we learn about Syria from this coverage? What can we learn about those who are writing about Syria from this coverage? In other words, how is media-even global media-place based? You will need to do 3 posts over 3 weeks. If it makes sense to you you can structure your posts to look at the lead up to the election as your first original post, the election itself (including the alleged irregularities, counting of ballots and candidate responses) as your second post, and the protests and aftermath of the election as your third post. You can also just jump into whatever aspect excites you the most--this is YOUR blog.

Timeline
3/26-4/1 peruse other blogs to get a sense of what is expected
4/2-4/21 post to the blog (original posts and responses)
by 4/23 all posting and replies end
4/30 turn in write-up in class

The Directions

One of the theme of this course is how do we learn about other places, and particularly places in the Middle East. In a healthy democracy citizens engage with each other on common (and differing) values, perspectives and interests mainly through media sources. I expect each of you to respond to your own sources of material on the elections in Iran and its aftermath as a civic dialog and learning exercise. What can we learn about Iran? About democracy? About the rest of the world’s relationship to this place through what is said about it in the wide world of media.

Here is what I will be looking for in your online participation:
Regular participation!– I expect you to contribute your thoughts to your groups’ blog regularly throughout the 9 days of the project. Don’t just drop in once or twice and expect a good grade. You are expected at a minimum to upload 3 items (with a discussion of what you see) and respond to at least 3 posts by your groupmates. This level of participation, if done well, can earn you a B, but more is needed for that coveted A.
Interesting and diverse postings—are you only looking at CNN? Not that CNN is wrong, their articles should be on the blog too, but try also looking farther afield. This could be news sources from around the world, or different types of media (cartoons, Youtube, mashups, flickr, etc)
Depth of reflection and analysis– once you have found an item to share with the group, don't just state an opinion and stop, develop your ideas, show why you view the item the way you do. Don’t be afraid to share experiences where relevant, but always keep your tone and content respectful;
A willingness to examine your own assumptions –the best way for YOU to get credit for examining your assumptions is if others (graciously and respectfully) point out the assumptions you are making. Thus don’t be afraid to disagree with each other. Or even if you do agree, can you find a source that wouldn’t? What are the assumptions that separate the two?
Direct references to reading material when called for.

Here is what to avoid:

Attacking another point of view or person; disagreeing is fine, but be respectful and give your reasons, simple yes or no responses;
long winded responses in most cases a few well developed paragraphs should do, late responses be sure to participate in the dialogs during the time period in which the topic is up for discussion.

What to do

For every post, you will need to complete one of two following types of tasks keeping in mind the directions above.

TASK ONE - ORIGINAL THOUGHTS, ORIGINAL POSTS
The first task is to create at least three new threads (starting messages) over the project timeframe that pose significantly different points than those already offered. This is where you upload or post your media source and your original analysis of it. These must be completed by April 15th in order for your peers to have an opportunity to reply back to your ideas. It will be to your benefit to contribute your first thought early (to avoid having to read all other messages in order to see what points have not yet been made).

TASK TWO - CARRYING AN IDEA FARTHER
The second task is to make at least three new replies to blog threads started by other members of your group. The responses to others can answer questions posed, amplify and support points (with evidence and observations), or question and pose counter-arguments to points made by others (with evidence and observations). You can make your replies in text alone or add media your replies. These responses can diverge, reflect or support other statements already offered. However, each contribution must offer significant additional information (i.e. -- an "I Agree!" message will not earn points).

When you are presenting any media, fact, or statements that state a conclusion, you are responsible for properly citing your sources so that the statements can be verified or clarified. This is particularly important with the media—let us see it, even if you just upload a picture from a news story include the link so that we can follow it back and see the image in its original context. You can link this information to the title of your post and/or list it in the "List of our Sources" widget at the bottom of the page.

If you are using yourself and your personal experience as the source, then you must make this obvious, such as "based upon what (Iranian) friend's father told me, the city of Tehran is full of coffee shops where people talk about politics. This helps explain this sentence in my article_________." Or "After my mom explained how she felt when the American hostages were taken, this __________ sentiment made more sense to me." You are encouraged to bring your personal experiences into the discussions. The purpose of discussions within the course is to share experiences and backgrounds, as well as perceptions and ideas, so that we can learn in a peer-to-peer manner.
Please realize that my role as the instructor is to monitor the discussions but I will generally refrain from participating unless the conversation needs guidance into another direction. Comments to the class will reflect the entirety of the discussions observed and your grade will be based on your successful completion of the requirements (specified above).

Questions to consider as you look at media sources

Some questions that you may wish to consider as you look at the various texts include:

a) What are the primary concerns of each author as revealed in the representation/text?
b) Who or what are the author’s sources? How did he/she obtain the information?
c) For whom is the author writing and how does this affect the themes discussed and the overall presentation?
d) What is the general impression given? Can you identify a master metaphor?
e) What kinds of details are given, what details are excluded, and why?
f) Are the various representations consistent with one another? If not, why not?
g) How has the representation of this place evolved over time?

Code of Conduct: The Rules

You are expected to treat your instructor and all other participants on the blog with courtesy and respect. Your comments to others should be factual, constructive, and free from harassing statements. You are encouraged to disagree with other students, but such disagreements need to be based upon facts and documentation (rather than prejudices and personalities).


Students will need to contribute in intelligent, positive, and constructive manners within the activity. Unprofessional or disrespectful conduct will result in a lower grade for this assignment. Behaviors that are abusive, disruptive, or harassing will result in being denied further access to the blog and may result in further disciplinary actions. Warnings will not be given; part of the learning process in this course is respectful engagement of ideas with others.

Think Tanks you could look at

Think Tanks that might have Policy Papers to look at:

Stanley Foundation
Media Think Tanks
Poynter Institute
World Journalism Institute
Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism
Thompson-Reuters Foundation
International Institute for Journalism
World Press Institute (right in your own backyard!)
Center for Public Media

Non-Press Think Tanks
Council on Foreign Relations
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Middle East Institute
International Crisis Group
Center for American Progress
World Affairs Councils
ISIS
Woodrow Wilson
International Institute for Strategic Studies