I'm Back!

Well, back in October I left the country on business. I was unable to find a suitable replacement writer to post during my absence. When I returned in November, it was only 1 week before my comprehensive examinations at Norwich University, in the Master of Arts in International Relations program. In addition, directly following completion of my exams, I began to work on opening a retial wireless store with my business partner.
So much has taken place politically and with current events it would be impossible to play catch up. I will say that it was both very gratifying and disappointing to be in another country on Election Day. I had already cast my absentee ballot. The time difference between the country that I was in and the US was dramatic. All of us were up during odd hours to follow the news. It was interesting that much of the hype about international criticism of the Bush administration simply did not play out in reality, not only among the locals in that country but other foreigners from all over.

Perhaps one of the most interesting stories that I have been interested in is the allegations of abuse, mistreatment, and illegal detention in the War on Terror and in Iraq as well. Needless to say, it is directly related to my areas of study and expertise, so I have had the pleasure to engage in a number of compelling debates on the issue.

My truthful opinion is two-fold. Primarily, I have no sympathy for enemy combatants or prisoners of war who allege such abuses as barking dogs, cold temperatures, old food, or a shaved head. Reminds me of when I was in Marine bootcamp, so cry me a river terrorists. Now, on the other hand, I think that the US has certainly violated a number of international laws, norms and principles. The most damning FACT of the campaign and the wars is the detention of individuals that are denied every right that should be afforded them by Divine, international, foreign, and US domestic law. The basic rights of every individual include being notified of the charges against them, access to a lawyer, religious counsel, and a (speedy) trial.

Those actions are misguided to reprehensible, depending on the circumstances that will eventually be revealed. It will certainly come back to visit the US in the form of increased hostility toward our state and people and encourage other states to devalue international agreements.