Reconstruction

I am an intern at the Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute (PKSOI) at the Army War College. It’s been really interesting so far, especially since I’ve been assigned to a really complex project. I’m working on a proposal for a new model for Reconstruction and Stability operations (basically trying to find a way for the military to help rebuild nations after conflict). In my research, I have come across quite a few case studies of operations in the Middle East. I am basing my recommendation on the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT) in Afghanistan. The PRTs aim to combine both civilian and military staff and to extend the authority of the government, promote and enhance security and facilitate humanitarian relief and reconstruction operations.  If you’d like to learn more about the PRTs, I suggest you look at this report: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADG252.pdf

            There is a lot of opposition to much of the United States' involvement in other countries but I feel like the United States has a responsibility as a world power to help democratize and stabilize volatile nations. By spreading democracy through nation-building, the US is helping to foster a new and improved world system. 

            

"Court in UAE says beating wife, child OK if no marks are left"

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/10/19/uae.court.ruling/index.html

This man from the UAE slapped and kicked his wife and 23-year-old daughter, injuring both, and was brought to court under charges of abuse. The court ruled that he punished them too severely, although “a man is permitted under Islamic law to physically discipline his wife and children as long as he leaves no marks and has tried other methods of punishment.” As discussed later in the article, violence against women goes against all of the teachings of Islam. Under shari'ah law, “it is ‘absolutely unlawful’ to abuse a wife, injure her, or insult her dignity.” While I suppose that they were trying to make strides against violence against women, the fact that this court ruled that it is acceptable for a husband to beat his wife and children, as long as he doesn’t leave marks, is completely outdated.

What do you think?