1. Choose two of the research topics (culture, geography, politics, history, and American involvement) and write a paragraph for each describing what you learned about them. Include in your answer personal reactions to this research.
2. Name and explore one new fact you learned from Commander Fitzpatrick, whether it be about America's strategic plan for Afghanistan, problems with counterinsurgency strategies, or modern military weapons. Include in your answer personal reactions to this research.
13 comments:
I learned that the geography in Afghanistan is a lot different than I thought. Like terrains. I though it was just a flat, dessert place (or so how I pictured it). I had no idea that there were a lot of landmasses, and how much of a struggle it would be for soldiers to get around in that area.
The history I also found interesting. I never knew that Afghanistan had a lot of issues with the different cultures in the 70's and so on. I understand how it could cause a lot of conflict, but what I don't is how they had to affect America in the future. Plus, I didn't know that there were different cultures. I mean, they all kind of look the same.
Rebecca,
You are right. It may be hard to understand the conflict and hatred between the Hazaras and Pashtuns. While Hazaras tend to be Shia and Pashtuns tend to be Sunni, both groups are still Muslim, so we may ask, "What's the big deal?" But remember our own history, where we enslaved and segregated people based on a superficial difference: skin color. Prejudices and racism are not based on rational reasons...
Class,
Rebecca asked a poignant question and I wonder if anyone can help.
How and why are the futures of America and Afghanistan intertwined?
1. Geography : The geography in Afghanistan I've learned is much more complex then first anticipated. Afghanistan is a mix of deserts and mountains. Im sure we all pictured it as one big wasteland but studying about Afghanistan showed me that its not just some big desert.
American Involvement : Our involvement with Afghanistan is much more complicated then I had expected. I thought we were there just to reek havoc and keep it in check but now i know that its much more complex then that. We are there to keep the people from relying on radical groups such as the taliban and establish a government system for the people so they can live a "normal life."
2. The military technology that the we are available to is baffling. I had no idea that we could have pilot helmets that will show the terrain below and show heat sensors of targets and even how far away they are. I also did not know that we have missile warheads that are able to detect heat and automatically guide themselves to their target.
Im topic is american involment in afgan. Our campaign started earler then most people think, it started back in 79 when the soviets movin in. The CIA was sending millions of dollars and weapons to the rebel fighters. However when it was all over we left them high an dry. It doesnt surprise me that there pissed. Those kids have seen nothing but war there whole lives, an we complain if we dont get our way. No surprise its there way of life. Sean welsh
Im topic is american involment in afgan. Our campaign started earler then most people think, it started back in 79 when the soviets movin in. The CIA was sending millions of dollars and weapons to the rebel fighters. However when it was all over we left them high an dry. It doesnt surprise me that there pissed. Those kids have seen nothing but war there whole lives, an we complain if we dont get our way. No surprise its there way of life. Sean welsh
the problem with counterinsurgency ops. is that we dont know who is who friend or foe? Our troops do not have enough exposure to these tacties an ops. Our Marines an army soldiers still train in conventnal ways like id who the enemy is. WE need to reform the way we train our marines an soldiers. If we dont we (my generation) will be in americas next vietnam.
the problem with counterinsurgency ops. is that we dont know who is who friend or foe? Our troops do not have enough exposure to these tacties an ops. Our Marines an army soldiers still train in conventnal ways like id who the enemy is. WE need to reform the way we train our marines an soldiers. If we dont we (my generation) will be in americas next vietnam. sean welsh
Sean,
Again, your knowledge about Afganistan and American involvement is impressive.
I have realized that there is a lot to learn about afghanistan. Especially the groups of people that live there. Pashtuns live in east Afghanistan and north Pakistan. Hazaras are the third largest ethnic group of afghanistan. There is conflict between Pashtun and Hazra people in several ways. For example the way the Pashtun treat the Hazara.
A new fact that i have learned from comander Fitzpatrick is that the technology that is used in the Navy is completely advanced and very interesting. To me if i could have the chance to fly a plane like several planes he flew it woul be a very exciting experience. I give a lot of rspect to commander Fitzpatrick for doing what he has done.
Aislinn,
Good job on the definition.
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