Comparison of Characters in Aphra Behn’s The Fair Jilt and Samuel Richardson’s Clarissa :: Compare Contrast Richardson Behn Essays

Comparison of Characters in Aphra Behn’s The Fair Jilt and Samuel Richardson’s Clarissa Superficially the characters Clarissa Harlowe and Miranda seem, not only to be extremely different, but complete opposites. Clarissa is an exemplary model of virtue and goodness. Samuel Richardson presents her as a chaste and innocent daughter. She is forced from her duty by a conniving brother into the arms of a manipulative man. She is the victim. Miranda is the villain of The Fair Jilt. Aphra Behn portrays her as a woman who knows what she wants and will do anything to get it, including murder. Miranda has no regard for family and is driven only by her desire for quality. On first reading, it seems that Miranda is manipulative and Clarissa is being manipulated. However, if one looks closely at these two characters, it becomes clear that they have a great deal in common. Both women are strong, intelligent and independent. Lack of parental control influences both of them, as do the inheritances they both receive from deceased family members. The characters of Clarissa Harlowe and Mi randa, although strikingly different, are also revealingly similar. Miranda and Clarissa both lack parents. Miranda’s parents pass away, leaving her an orphan and completely alone in the world, except for her sister. Her lack of a guardian gives her a large amount of personal control. Miranda must decide what to do with her life. â€Å"†¦the fair Miranda, whose parents being dead†¦ put herself into this enclosed religious house† (Behn 32). The phrase â€Å"put herself† is very important to both the story and the character. Miranda now has power over herself and this is both new and dangerous. Her freedom from parental control also has a heavy influence on her courtships and eventual marriage. If her father were still alive, Miranda would not have chosen her own husband. Her match with Prince Tarquin probably would not have come to pass. Although Prince Tarquin has a great name and â€Å"quality,† he does not have a lot of money. Miranda’s obsession with Henrick also would never occur because she wou ld never have entered the convent. Likewise, Clarissa suffers much from the absence of her parents. Her father is weakened by the gout. In his absence, James Harlowe Junior takes control of the family. Throughout the novel, Clarissa is asking her father to take control and tell her what to do.

Summary of Autobiography of a Yogi

India, an ancient civilization is well known to be the cradle of a rich and perpetual heritage. The pristine land has always throbbed with the vibrancy of the originality, creativity and self motivated activities of its illumined souls. Their deep, original and sublime thoughts have presented to the world, distinctive gifts of knowledge, be it be in language, values, religion, philosophy, art, business, mathematics, astrology, medicine, surgery much more and beyond; a unique universal heritage, and an eternal formulae to a calm way of life.The masters have successfully sought to give answers to all the queries that are bound to pop up in the mind of every human being at some point of time in their life on earth. They have unraveled the ultimate mysteries that surround life, death and afterlife. The peerless Vedas, the Vedanta i. e. the Upanishads and the Puranas are a treasure trove of great learning and unveiled deep secrets. They have provided Godly guidance to human life at every moment in time and space ever since they were first recorded, centuries ago.These texts contain the essential summaries that form the doctrinal basis of Hindu religion. In the league of such a legacy, modern India continues to produce spiritual masters as was done so in every era. Their role on earth is to guide the not so enlightened souls who often loose their way in the mayhems of the day to day worldly activities. The spiritual vitality offered by their worshipful presence and golden words; the ever true messages expounded by illumined ‘Bhaagwat Gita', has eternally held the power to rejuvenate India century after century.One such celebrated and illumined soul is Paramahansa Yoganandji. His life-story is referred to as a modern spiritual classic. It is an inspiring chronicle of the life of a true yogi, a glimpse into the training years in the hermitage of his God realized guru, and his startling description of ‘cosmic consciousness' reached on the upper levels of yog ic practice. His teachings are interpreted and are now creatively applied to endeavors such as education, psychology, management, and business. Our conscious and subconscious being is crowned by superconsciousness,† Rabbi Israel H. Lavinthal pointed out in a lecture in New York. â€Å"Many years ago the English psychologist F. W. H Myers, suggested that ‘hidden in the deep of our beings is a rubbish heap as well as the treasure house. ‘ In contrast to the psychology that centers all its researches on the subconscious in the man's nature, the new psychology of the superconscious focuses its attention upon the treasure house – the region that alone can explain the great, unselfish, heroic deeds of men. It has been experienced that knowledge, skill or even any relationship that is not supported by the undercurrents of spirituality has found to ultimately go defunct, obsolete and sometimes lost. The active expression of intelligence by great men finds its basis on the foundations of genuine virtues. Softskill training programs entrusted to maintain the morale and vigor of employees in the complexities of work environment find much success when they are enriched with sublime religious and philosophical concepts.One can not expect lasting transformation in a person until and unless the concept has touched the chord of his soul and awakened his spirit. Work and workplace become blissful, and interrelationships become softened with accommodative patience, forbearance and wisdom when people acknowledge their inherent animal instincts of vanity, greed and jealousy as the ‘suicide bombs' that are the mother of stress and an eventual self destruction. The life story is also exemplary because of the comparative notes it has drawn from the divine Hindu texts and the holy Bible.The master has expounded the deathless essence of Christian Bible with beautiful clarity and the truth in Christ's assertion â€Å"Heaven and Earth shall pass away, bu t my words shall not pass away†-Matthew 24:35 (Bible) His Pearls of Wisdom and its easy application in ordinary human life †¢ Impartiality: The execution of the trait of impartiality i. e. the ability to perceive all men in striking similarity is rooted into wisdom. A self realized person does not subject to the likes and dislikes that confuse the judgment of unenlightened men. â€Å"Conserve your powers. Be like the capacious ocean, absorbing quietly all the tributaries of the senses. Daily renewed sense yearning sap the inner peace; they are like openings in the reservoirs that permit vital waters to be wasted in the desert of materialism. The forceful and activating impulse of the wrong desire is the greatest enemy to the happiness of man. Roam in the world as the lion of self-control; don't let the frogs of weak senses kick around you! † †¢ Man has the natural privilege of roaming secretly in his thoughts.Manage your thoughts judiciously; destroy the wrong thoughts as soon as possible. A thought is a force, as electricity and gravitation. †¢ Thoughts should be weighed in a delicate balance of discrimination before permitting them outward garb of speech. †¢ Indulge in Auto-suggestion and self dialogue for self correction from time to time. Be your best friend. As Lord Buddha remarked ‘Atm deepam bhawam' i. e. be your own light. †¢ Believe that and tell yourself what you need to accomplish and it shall be done.Your accomplishments often follow your subconscious expectations. The human mind is capable of accomplishing what ever it feels intensely. †¢ The world does not change for anyone. Leverage your accommodative capacity in accordance with the requirements of the world. †¢ Our behaviors are our introduction to the society. Good manners without sincerity are like beautiful dead lady. Straightforwardness without civility is like a surgeon's knife, effective but unpleasant.Candor with courtesy is helpful a nd admirable. †¢ The lives of all men are dark with many shames. Human conduct is ever unreliable until man is anchored in the divine. The only sure shot to ‘rosy' future is when we make spiritual efforts now. †¢ Keen intelligence is two edged. It can be used constructively and destructively, like a knife, either to cut the boil of ignorance or to decapitate oneself. Intelligence is rightly guided only after mind has acknowledged the inescapably of spiritual laws.The works of the yogi has helped the world understand that distinctions by race or nations are meaningless in the realm of truth, where the only qualification is the fitness to receive. Every saint who has penetrated to the core of Reality has testified that a divine universal plan exists and that it is beautiful and full of joy. The human entity composed of the tangible physical body and the invisible spirit secretly desires not only the nourishment of the body with healthy food but it also seeks nourishmen t of the spirit with soulful meditations and cosmic encounters.The purpose of each life is to meet God in his lifetime. The latter requires conscious effort on the part of the individual. Each of us is sent to earth to undertake a separate journey which is unique, and not a copy of another, even if it is a prophet or a saint, though to seek motivation from their lives is a much welcome step in the journey of stretching over cosmogonic abysses even while the body performs its daily duties. Article Source: http://EzineArticles. com/4946654

Payment of Gratuity Act

Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 Outline †¢ Applicability of the Act (Sec 1) & Definitions (Sec 2) – employee, superannuation, continuous service (Sec 2(A)), Wages Payment of gratuity (Sec 4) o Continuous service of not less than 5 yrs o Calculation of gratuity in case of seasonal employees, in case of employee employed after disablement, on ‘retrenchment’, for service beyond the age of superannuation, on resignation o Calculation of â€Å"15 days† wages in respect of mthly rated employee, piece-rated employee, daily wager for 26 days in a month o Entitlement to gratuity with better terms o Withholding & forfeiture of gratuity Power to exempt (Sec 5) – payment of gratuity vis-a-vis curtailment of benefits by management Determination of the amt. of gratuity (Sec 7) o Duty of an employer to determine gratuity amt. o Mode of payment of gratuity & pd. f limitation to Controlling authority o Rate of interest Recovery of gratuity (Sec 8) o Delay in payme nt of gratuity – effect o Default in payment of gratuity or wages on part of employer Act to override other enactments (Sec 14) †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ 1 Wages Sec 2(s) – B+DA + incentive wages * + Food Allowance (In case it is paid to Hotel Employees). Nomenclature of ‘honorarium’ to the remuneration for the services rendered by a person where employed for work. Not a part of wages under the Act, 1972 (bonus, commission, HRA, OT, & any other allowance like ‘teller’s allowance’ not even if it is vide bipartite settlements) * Bonus & incentive bonus paid separately – Bonus would include incentive wages (Not even in case of a piece rated employees) Continuous Service Read Sec 2(A) – in case of interruption of service due to illegal strike, the burden of proof lies upon the person who claims benefit under all circumstance. Where orders of Controlling / Appellate Authority put the onus on employee – HC held the normal rule by asking both the parties to lead evidence on the said issue. Other Issues Employee – if estopped from claiming gratuity after having once received a sum See if acceptance of gratuity estoppel against the statute [Sec 14] – Parry’s (Cal) Employees Union v. Union of India, 1980 Lab IC (Cal HC) Claim of gratuity for service beyond the age of superannuation, if also maintainable? Age of superannuation of an employee is not relevant for the purpose of payment of gratuity on his retirement / resignation. Cannot be refused gratuity in terms of Sec 4(1)(b) for the period of service rendered beyond the age of superannuation. Cannot be contended that gratuity is payable for the service rendered by him upto the age of his superannuation u/Sec 2(r). Break in service to be seen Calculation of â€Å"15 days’ wages† for mthly rated employee Daily wages – to be calculated for actual no. of working days which is 26 and not 30. Not to be calculated just by taking ? of his wages for a mth of 30 days. Not by fixing his daily wages dividing his mthly wages by 30 â€Å"15 days’ wages† – Cal & Guj HC & SC: 15 days’ wages should be taken as wages earned in 15 days and not wages earned during a pd. of 15 days including the days on which the employee is not entitled to payment of wages 2 Calculation of â€Å"15 days’ wages† for piece rated employee Avg. of total wages recd. by an empl for a pd. of 3 mths immediately preceding the termination of employment. Computed by dividing such total wages by the actual no. of days of work & not no. of days / no. of working days in the said pd. of 3 mths. (Wages payable for a day) x 15 Calculation of gratuity during pendency of disciplinary proceedings, & on dismissal for slowing down the work Gratuity cannot be withheld even if disciplinary proceeding is pending against an employee. Gratuity of an employee dismissed for willful slowing down of work cannot be withheld since there is no such bar in the Act. No deduction whatsoever, except as stipulated by Sec 4(6) pertaining to forfeiture on account of dismissal of an employee because of certain misconduct can be made from the payment of gratuity as payable to an employee. Kar HC Held: Non-payment of gratuity to an employee on his retirement on account of some lapses during his service is not tenable as his service has not been termination for any lapses. Retrenchment compensation whether can be set off against gratuity Statutory liability u/Act, 1972 is not in lieu of any other entitlement, but stands on its own. Entitlement under two diff. laws would depend upon the satisfaction of the essential requisites for claiming the sum due under the relevant provisions of these two enactments 3

Nintendo Strategy Case #20 Essays

Nintendo Strategy Case #20 Essays Nintendo Strategy Case #20 Essay Nintendo Strategy Case #20 Essay Nintendo’s Disruptive Strategy Case #20 Nintendo started out originally as a playing card company which then focused on electronic toys and video games. When Sony came to the United States Nintendo switched its focus to non-gamers in order to compete; the Wii was their ultimate success. Video games were initially targeted to teenagers however with the growth the target market became young adults in their 20s and 30s. In addition, video games evolved into blue-ray/HD home entertainment consoles able to hold data files and offer online libraries. Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo tend to competitively battle every 5 to 6 years; Sony with the PS, Nintendo with the Wii, and Microsoft with Xbox. When Nintendo came out with the Wii they focused on non-gamers which were almost a completely different target market. The Wii’s easy-to-use controller increased popularity particularly among female gamers and with the dance mats and physical fitness games families were able to enjoy it together. Nintendos’ revenues nearly tripled from 2006 to 2008. Nintendo was able to turn its low cost hardware into a competitive advantage because they focused on characters instead of special effects. The Wii was half the cost of Xbox and PS games. Wii also included five simple games at no additional cost which was an additional key marketing strategy. In the United States, the Wii sold 600,000 units in the first eight days making $190 million in sales. Nintendo also outsources almost all production of the Wii. Their strategy was to have more than one supplier for the same part so they could get the parts cheaper which in turn further increased production. Then the Wii balance board came along, encouraging health and entertainment focusing on the non-gamers including 40 different activities from yoga to push ups. I learned that like Nintendo you have to meet the technological demands of customers in the future, which Microsoft and Sony failed to do.

Inventions and Discoveries

Inventions and Discoveries Introduction Invention can be defined as a final result of imagination which could have originated from a mere conception or from experimental researches. Discovery on the other hand is initial or primary acquisition of a given idea or information by an individual.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Inventions and Discoveries specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As invention gives credit to the person who performed the act as the actual source of the conception, discovery is a credit to any other person who comes across an idea for the first time with respect to himself or herself. Invention is therefore a special primary discovery. This paper seeks to discuss some of the significant discoveries that were made as a result of the inventions of the telescope and the microscope. The paper will look into the history of the discoveries and their effects in the development of the human well beings as well as the enhancem ent of the human understanding of the surrounding nature in terms of changing the traditions and the society. Discoveries due to Invention of the Microscope The invention of microscope occurred in the sixteenth century. Believed to have been invented in Netherlands, the technology of the microscope was developed over time by the improvement on the lenses and other features of the microscope. Some of the significant discoveries made through the use of microscopes include the discovery of yeast fungus by Louis Pasteur and the discovery of cells that led to the cell theory (Microscopy, n.d). The Discovery of Yeast Fungus The discovery of yeast fungus is attributed to Louis Pasteur who was a French national. Born in the year 1822, Louis was schooled to advanced levels of education even though most of his teachers didn’t think of him as worth the higher levels of education. Louis Pasteur was the first personality to lay down the foundation of fermentation. He illustrated in his di scovery the process by which yeast aids the process in which alcohol can be obtained from sugar. In his discovery, Louis disapproved the initial perception that the process of brewing alcohol from sugar was a purely a chemical process rather than a biological process.Advertising Looking for research paper on biology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In the discovery, he demonstrated that yeast is living organisms that can undertake a process of anaerobic respiration that yields fermentation (Science, 2011). The discovery made by Louis that established yeast as the driving engine behind the brewing of alcohol changed the traditional perception that the brewing process was chemical. It had been previously assumed and believed that the process of brewing alcohol was primarily a chemical reaction. The assumption of the chemical process in the conversion of sugar into alcohol subsequently covered a lot of risks that alcoho l exposed people to as a result of its bacterial components. In the discovery, it was realized that the fermentation process was infested by a number of disease causing micro organisms that included bacteria, fungi and a number of yeast species. As a result of the presence of disease causing organism in the fermentation process, steps were taken by another scientist to eliminate these organisms from yeast. The success of this elimination strategy allowed for a brewing process that was free from the micro organisms apart from the yeast. There were further studies and successes in the refining of the fermentation process which was fueled by Louis’ discovery of the yeast as the basis of fermentation. The move saw the development of the brewing industry and the elimination of disease causing organisms as components of alcohol. By so doing, the discovery by Louis improved the welfare of people by setting a stage upon which their health was taken care of. The elimination of the bac teria and the other organisms from yeast and further developments of the brewing process had the positive effects of eliminating the diseases and medical complications that were caused by these micro organisms. The discovery of the yeast further led to development of the knowledge of the biological sector of micro organisms and the subject of anaerobic respiration (Khachatourians and Arora, 2002).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Inventions and Discoveries specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Discovery of Cells and the Cell Theory The discovery of cells was made by an English man called Robert Hook. Hook, after designing and upon using a microscope, made an observation in 1665 of substances whose composition he expressed as numerous little boxes. He named the little boxes as cells derived from the Latin meaning of â€Å"little room†. The discovery made by Hook broke the traditional belief that had exi sted among people that human body is one whole and uniform substance. Hook on the contrary brought people to the realization that a human body is made up of small tiny substances called cells. It has further been established that cells are the primary building elements of organisms (Crown, 2003). The discovery of cells, after a number of studies led to the establishment of the cell theory. The concept of the cell theory explained that â€Å"organisms are composed of similar units of organization called cells† (Meisler, 2006, p. 1). Having its history from as early as 1838, the theory described the cell as distinct element with its own features and as a component of a bigger structure which is the organism. The cell theory established the facts that living organisms are composed of these elementary cells, that the cells in the organisms are both structural elements and functional components of the organisms; cells are genetic with features that are transmitted during cell divi sion and that the cells have similar composition. The establishment of the cell theory, however, originates from the discovery of cells by Hook which was facilitated by the invention of the microscope. The discovery of cells refuted the earlier perception that the body organs were a uniform mass of substance. The discovery on the contrary illustrated that the structural organs of organisms are composed of small cells that together forms the organs or body parts. The discovery subsequently led the advancement of knowledge through further discoveries and studies about cells and the organs that they form. The extension of the discovery and the study of the cells to the discovery and study of the nucleus by Brown and the further exploration of the components of cell, types of cells such as the reproductive cells and the DNA cells have been explorations in the subject of biology. The study of the human anatomy which also originated from the discovery of cells has led to discoveries and i mprovement of human health through discovery of medicines that help in preserving human health. The cell discovery though a small ancient innovation, has developed to be the core of human health (Meisler, 2006).Advertising Looking for research paper on biology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Discoveries due to the Invention Telescope The invention of the telescope is, according Fowler (n.d.), officially attributed Galileo. The invention was formerly made by a man called Roger Bacon who failed to obtain a patent for his invention on the grounds that his innovation was too simple and could be easily reproduced. Galileo then later in his experiments discovered an improvement on the knowledge that pre existed. In his innovation, Galileo realized that the magnifying power highly depended on the ratio of the strengths of two lenses used in the system, the concave and the convex lenses. After his discovery and modifications, Galileo was granted tenure over the developments (Fowler, n.d.). The Dark Energy The invention of telescope opened the universe for study by astrologists. With a clearer and better view of the universe by aid of the telescope, many discoveries have since been made about the features of the universe and the changes that are taking place. One of the stunning discoveries made was the observation of the dark energy. Dark energy is a feature of the space. According to NASA (n.d.), the dark energy is exerting an effective force that is greatly accelerating the expansion of the universe. The discovery of the dark energy and the expansion of the universe posed a challenge to the previous theory of gravitational force. Under the theory of force of gravity, there would be no expansion of the universe as the force exerts an attraction towards the center. This discovery of the dark matter has further triggered the study into the universe by casting doubts on the centrifugal theory (NASA, n.d.). Walker (2010) expressed the fear that the extensiveness and totality of the dark energy in the universe which has a negative implication on the strength of the gravitational force yields a reason for worry. He recounted that scientists consider the dark energy to be a threat to the universe, though they estimate that the universe still has billions of yea rs of existence. The discovery is greatly developing the understanding of the state of the universe as more effort is being made to understand the effects of the dark energy. The dark energy is still more of a mystery but could turn out to be advantageous or dangerous to the welfare of people. More of its nature and effects are yet to be discovered (Walker, 2010). Planetary Nebulae The planetary nebulae have their history of discovery dating from the eighteenth century. The name nebula was accorded to these matters owing to their similarities to the color of Uranus and Neptune. The nebulae are gaseous substances with a fuzzy view and a recognized level of symmetry (Kwok, 2007). Their discovery added to the richness of the study of the universe. The ability to identify and view planetary nebulae was basically due to the existence of the telescope that has exposed the universe to exploration. Their discovery further led to advanced study that led to the revelation of how they are form ed, their properties and their distribution. The discovery can therefore be similarly credited with enhancement of human knowledge of the universe in general, and that about the planetary nebulae in particular. The knowledge of the formation of the planetary nebulae for example illustrates that evolution of a star leads to emission of a great wind. An instability created in the process leads to the breakage of the outer layer of the star. This results in hot substances that can then be seen as a glowing disc. An important idea noted about the planetary nebulae is the fact that they are reabsorbed into the â€Å"interstellar medium†. This means that the emissions in the process of the formation of the nebulae do not spread to the earth. This has a significant importance to the general inhabitants of the earth considering the fact that some of the foreign emissions into the earth’s atmosphere are normally dangerous with adverse side effects. An illustrative example is th e harmful ultra violet radiations into the atmosphere. The knowledge of the reabsorbing these emissions into their systems is a relief that builds confidence in people concerning their safety and welfare on earth. The discovery of the planetary nebulae has therefore promoted the development of knowledge through furthering studies and invention as well as stabilizing fears of external threats to the earth’s atmosphere (Darling, n.d.). Conclusion The world of discoveries and inventions has been in existence for over centuries. The inventions have been diverse covering both theories and instruments. The discoveries and inventions are on their merits spontaneous processes with one step leading to a chain of further discoveries and inventions. An illustration is seen in the invention of the telescope and the microscope that further led to discoveries of elements like the brewing process, the cell theory, the dark matter as well as the planetary nebulae of the space. These discover ies have in one way or the other developed the human knowledge by furthering studies and as well enhanced the well being of people either socially or in terms of health. References Crown. (2003). The discovery of cells. Strengthening Teaching and Learning of Cells. Retrieved from: https://www.google.com/url?sa=tsource=webcd=6ved=0CFUQFjAFurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.school-portal.co.uk%2FGroupDownloadFile.asp%3FGroupId%3D20629%26ResourceId%3D184101rct=jq=discovery%20of%20cellsei=OjiCTdelPI3W4gb8yvyACQusg=AFQjCNFNfuZDr4M94GIIv9XIXZxe2guWLgcad=rja Darling, D. ( n.d.). Planetary nebula. David darling Info. Retrieved from: daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/P/planneb.html Fowler, M. (n.d.). Galileo and the Telescope. University of Virginia. Retrieved from: http://galileoandeinstein.physics.virginia.edu/lectures/galtel.htm Khachatourians, G. and Arora, K. (2002). Agriculture and Food Production, Volume 2. Netherlands: Elsevier. Kwok, S. (2007). Planetary nebulae. ScholarPedia. Retrieved from: schola rpedia.org/article/Planetary_nebulae Meisler, C. (2006). Cell Theory and Cell Organelles. Bemidjistate. Retrieved from: bemidjistate.edu/academics/departments/science/k12-science-units/Celll-theoy-and-organelles-biology.pdf Microscopy. (n.d.). The history of the microscope. Microscopy. Retrieved from: microscopy-uk.org.uk/intro/histo.html NASA. (n.d.). Dark energy, dark matter. Science NASA. Retrieved from: http://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/focus-areas/what-is-dark-energy/ Science. (2011). Louis Pasteur. All About Science. Retrieved from: allaboutscience.org/louis-pasteur-faq.htm Walker, L. (2010). Will Dark Energy Destroy the Earth? Retrieved from: ucg.org/commentary/will-dark-energy-destroy-earth.htm

Issues of Our TimesInternational Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Issues of Our TimesInternational - Essay Example Information from the CQ Researcher online database, from Leda Hartman’s article shows that sectarian conflicts between the two groups are almost as old as the religion itself. Centuries ago, in most countries, the two groups co-existed in peace, but this soon changed into a full-scale violence during last year’s democracy movement in the Arab spring and when the U.S invaded Iraq. According to Cornell, there are up to 85-90% of Sunni Muslims in the world and 10-15% of Shiite Muslims.ii Most Shiites live in many parts of the world but majority of them can be found in countries such as Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and Iran among others. It is important to note that the Shiite Muslims in these countries are either the majority or a minority group with a lot of influence on powerful political positions, or none at all. The Sunnis, on the other hand are many, with large populations in countries such as India, North African states such as Libya, Egypt and Morocco. The situation between the Sunni and Shiite Muslims is not only about theology and history as previously mentioned in the introduction, but also about competition for power, a lot of privilege in some politicians from either of the group also intensifies the distrust and hostility. In page 114 of Cornell’s book, the sectarian division between the Sunnis and Shiites has taken very many centuries to develop. When Prophet Mohammad died, there was a problem among the young Muslims in regard to the one to succeed the Prophet.iii Disagreements emerged in the community eventually, resulting to these two groups. Additionally, the disagreement between the two groups soon developed into divisions related to politics, the ritual practices and theological doctrines. Hence, the two have always had different views leading to hostility, open conflicts and coexistence in other instances.iv In the

United State foreign policy towards Middle East Essay

United State foreign policy towards Middle East - Essay Example US has been accused of having inconsistent and incoherent foreign policy towards Middle East. The relation of United States government and the Middle East can be dated to a thousand years and since this period it has used various foreign policies in this region. Oren admits that the America’s failure to be clear and honest about its own motives, as much as its serial failure to interpret the Middle East as often befuddled relations with the region (Oren,pp.341). This paper explores the reasons for United States inconsistent foreign policy towards Middle East with a close reference to the text book power, faith, and fantasy: America in the Middle East 1776 to present. Combating Threat from Middle East and Adjacent Regions. The threat posed by Saddam Hussein in Iraq was fantastical and not real until the American forces hit the ground there. United states through its foreign policy seek to protect itself from Middle East threats while at the same time helping to safeguard the li ves of native people in the region. For example United States government has adopted different foreign policies in Iran and Iraq and also in Israel and Palestine. The United States foreign policy that is pegged on the pillars of deterrence, containment and preemptive strikes on terrorism and alleged terrorism attacks has been inconsistent and incoherent in Middle East.It has stressed force and sanctions and absence of nuclear weapons in Iraq and Iran while at the same employing diplomacy in Israel and Palestine and this has created a rather disparity and inconsistency in the foreign policy. (Parmar,pp.204). Pursuit of National Interest United States foreign policy is usually based on the national interest but in the Middle East, the pursuit encompasses overlapping, conflicting and inconsistent economic, political and strategic interest. Domestic influences usually determine the United States foreign policy and it is balanced by the interest of America and the greater good of mankind . Different political regimes in the United States also have their foreign policy blue prints and this has seriously led to the inconsistency of these policies towards Middle East. For example Democrats and Republicans have had different foreign policies towards Middle East once they are in power. There is usually more debate within the administration of United States government and the national security on foreign policy and it normally leads to contradictory, incoherent and inconsistent policy towards Middle East. Supply of Oil United States has depended on foreign crude oil for a long time and these imports are majorly from Middle East countries. Because of the massive petroleum reserves in the Middle East United States government has developed policies that are seen to be inconsistent and incoherent about the region. In view of this and the challenge posed by hostile domestic population, United States government has adopted an increasingly inconsistent policy in regard to the Mi ddle East region. The foreign policies are formulated in a careful strategy so as to wield acceptance from the Middle East masses and in the long run receive constant supply of crude oil. The need for secure flow of Middle Eastern oil into the United States economy has led to special relationship. The Middle Eastern countries especially Saudi Arabia has the largest deposit of oil reserves in the world but at the same time they are marred by instability. This instability is mainly caused by political regimes which are authoritarian. United States government through its foreign policy is supporting these political regimes in the Middle East in order to secure constant flow of oil (Rosati and Scott,pp.35). As a result, the United States government has preserved the status quo politics in the Middle East particularly in Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf sheikdoms. One of the major reasons for the inconsistent foreign policy in the Middle Eas