The Attacks On Saudi Embassy - 1859 Words

The meeting discussed the brutal attacks on the Saudi embassy in Tehran where Al-Jubeir noted that the attacks were clear violations of the international conventions, laws, and treaties. According to the sanctity of these international agreements, the Iranian government has a responsibility to protect the diplomatic missions on their soil. Further, he confirmed that the attacks on Saudi diplomats were highly condemned by other countries, as well as regional and international organizations such as UN Security Council, the Arab League, and Gulf Cooperation Council. He asserted that OIC needed to issue a strict stance to Iran from its principles and other international conventions and laws. Additionally, he concluded that Saudi Arabia was more concerned with better relations, mutual respect, non- interference and good principles of neighborliness with Iran but the latter failed to adhere to these basic rules. As noted before, the Iranian aggressive policies date back to the 1979 revolution, after which the country has continued to instigate cases of sedition, unrest, and chaos among the countries in the Gulf region. This is thought to have been a long-term effort by Iran to undermine security and spread instability in the region completely disregarding the moral principles, international conventions, and treaties. However, despite the numerous consequences caused by continued Iranian interference, Saudi has maintained a policy of restraint to prevent any major outburst. TheShow MoreRelatedThe Roots of the Terrorist Attacks of 9/111175 Words   |  5 Pagesthe 9/11 terrorist attacks are rooted deeper than most Americans realize. The trail of historical events that led to this catastrophe are widely unknown. Many Americans believe that the war on terror began with the tragedy of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and ended with the death of Osama Bin Laden, but in real ity, the war on terror has a long and complicated history. This paper will explore the historical events that culminated in the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001Read MoreTerrorism : The Threat Of Terrorism Essay701 Words   |  3 Pagesalso has different motives. The most common motives for terrorist attacks in the United States are different political and religious views. The United States is also a targeted country because they are very involved in other nations. As the terrorist threat continues to rise, the United States must have tactics to prevent attacks and the deaths of thousands of innocent people. Al Qaeda was responsible for the biggest terrorist attack that occurred in the U.S. on September 11th, 2001. Al Qaeda wasRead MoreThe Following Reading Will Contain Background Information923 Words   |  4 PagesJuly 7th, 2005 attacks on the London Transit System. It will include the background of the Al-Qaeda organization that influenced the attack, as well as the history of the major attacks the organization has committed in its short twenty-nine year history. It will also mention how the region help influence the organization and then subsequently influence cells to commit attacks. â€Æ' Introduction The attacks on the London Transit system on July 7th, 2005 were the worst terrorist attacks the United KingdomRead MoreAl Qaeda Terrorist Group1239 Words   |  5 Pageswas established around 1990 by a Saudi millionaire, Osama Bin Laden, to bring together Arabs who fought in Afghanistan against the Soviet invasion. The goal of the organization is to reestablish the Muslim state throughout the world. Al Qaeda works with allied Islamic extremist groups to overthrow regimes it deems non-Islamic and remove Westerners from Muslin countries. Groups affiliated with Al Qaeda have conducted numerous bombings and other violent attacks throughout the world that have resultedRead MoreYemen : The Original Land Of Birth Of Osama Bin Laden751 Words   |  4 PagesYemen is the original land of birth of Osama bin Laden. Bin Laden s family were emigrating from Wadi Dawan, a valley in the Hadramaut, to Saudi Arabia in the early nineteenth century. Al –Qaeda strengthen in Yemen for many rea sons, first, it incubator environment represented by the tribes, besides a number of its members involved in the Afghan war. Therefore, it became base under protection of some religious fanatics in Yemen. In 1998, Al –Qaeda killed, four out of six of the ten hostagesRead MoreEssay on Attacks on the US Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania913 Words   |  4 Pages1998, two U.S. embassies were attacked almost simultaneously. One was in Nairobi, Kenya and the other in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The attack in Kenya involved both a truck bomb and at least two suicide bombers. The truck was at the back entrance of the embassy when the bomb went off, and the damage was critical. This attack had more casualties than the bombing in Tanzania because the truck that contained the bomb was able to get into the inner embassy compound. Also, the Nairobi embassy was close toRead MoreTerrorism : The Threat Of Terrorism Essay1098 Words   |  5 Pagesterrorist attack in the future. September 11, 2001 is known today as the darkest day in aviation history because the attacks resulted in extensive death and destruction which led to significant U.S. initiates to combat terrorism globally. The Islamic extremist group Al-Qaeda are terrorists from Saudi Arabia and several other Arab nations who are responsible for such a horrific day in history. To better understand what led to 9/11, we must first analyze the history of Al-Qaeda’s past attacks. The significanceRead MoreArticle: Terror Attacks against the United States1555 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿ Terror Attacks against the United States Date Submitted 1998 United States Embassy Bombings in East Africa: The bombings on the United States embassies in East Africa were several attacks that happened on August 7, 1998 in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. These attacks occurred simultaneously and involved truck bomb explosions at the American embassies in these countries resulting in the death of hundreds of people and destruction of property. Moreover, these attacks happened onRead MoreTerrorism Between Saudi Arabia And Iran1270 Words   |  6 PagesOn January 2nd, 2016, Saudi Arabia executed 47 people on terrorism charges, including prominent Shiite Saudi cleric Nimr al-Nimr . Protestors in predominantly Shiite Iran promptly set fire to the Saudi embassy in Tehran, while the Iranian foreign minister denounced Saudi Arabia’s actions. Saudi Arabia then severed all diplomatic ties with Iran, and many of their Sunni monarchist allies have done the same. Over the past week and a half, the Gulf has rapidly become a battleground, with countries beingRead MoreEssay on Muslim Terrorism in the United States1716 Words   |  7 Pagesspurt in the building of mosques with the support of the Muslim Brotherhood and funding by Saudi Arabia (Vidino, 2009). The funding of Saudi Arabia focused on propaganda which in turn influenced the conversion of black separatists or black particularism activists such as Malcolm X, to an adoption of traditional Sunni Islam found in Saudi Arabia (Emerson, 2002). Vidino (2009) stated this influence of Saudi Arabia initiated thousands of Americans to travel to Mecca which propelled a significant growth

The Problem Of Drug Rehab - 793 Words

rehabcenter.net - Can I keep working while in drug rehab Too many people try to keep their addiction a secret for a wide variety of reasons. Many are worried about legal problems, others are concerned about family reaction, while an even larger number don t want to lose their job. That s why so many people are concerned about whether or not they can keep working while in drug rehab. Thankfully, the answer is mostly positive, though maintaining that balance may be a challenge. The Short Answer Simply put, you can keep working while you are in rehab. Treatment centers want to improve your life and help you achieve success and they understand that keeping you away from your career is only going to hinder your progress. Outpatient programs†¦show more content†¦Thankfully, that is no longer possible thanks to The Americans With Disabilities Act. This law classified drug addiction as a disability and helped protect people from being discriminated against due to their addiction. As a result, you are protected from being fired if your employer finds out you are in recovery solely for the reason of your addiction. However, if your performance had declined or you had been disciplined in the past, you may still be fired on those grounds. However, if you have no record of problems, your boss cannot fire you simply because you have an addiction. With that in mind, it is important to remember that people who are actively using drugs are not protected by the ADA, because their drug use and behavior may actually put the people they work with at risk. So that s why it s especially crucial for you to get into rehab: it can actually help save your career, not end it. Staying In Touch Online The great thing about many inpatient rehab centers is that an increasing number of them are now allowing electronic and Internet access for their residents. As a result, you may be able to set something up with work that allows you to work remotely while in recovery. This is perfect for people with an office job or for those who can t fit their treatment schedule into that of a work release program. A few ways that

Focus Essay Example For Students

Focus Essay Adair KuhstosContentApril 1 2004StylePeriod 3DialougeI ll Always Love YouGood night mom and dad; Ill see you in the morning, and Im reallysorry. Tiffany said as she trudged up the stairs. It was just a coupledays before Christmas, and ever since Tiffany and Megan had goten out ofschool for Christmas break, Megan had spent every night with her boyfriend,Derrick. I always have to be home by 10:00 no matter what. Its not fair;Im 15 years old, Im not a child anymore and I think I can take care ofmyself. Just because Megan is seventeen she thinks she can do anything. Whyare things so unfair, Tiffany thought to herself as she got ready for bed. We will write a custom essay on Focus specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now As she laid in bed that night so many thoughts went through her mind. It didnt seem like I had as many gifts under the tree as Megan didtonight, Tiffany thought, she gets to do everything, and I dont get to doanything, ever. Tiffany could not get any sleep that night because shecould not stop thinking about how awful her life was. It seemed that shehad nothing that she could call her own. As Tiffany dwelt on how herparents must love Megan more, her feelings of self-pity slowly turned intohatred for her sister. Tiffany finally fell asleep. She had an awful dream that night. Shehad dreamt that it was Christmas morning. She was so excited as she jumpedout of bed and ran downstairs excitedly, but when she reached the bottom ofthe stairs, her entire family was sitting in the kitchen crying. Her mom,dad, grandparents, and aunts and uncles were all sitting around the diningtable crying. Tiffany also saw herself just sitting there. She was notcrying; she seemed to be staring at something no one else could see. Tiffany tried to get her own attention, but failed. She didnt know whatwas wrong, and it seemed as if no one could even see her. In her dream,Tiffany started walking towards her mother when she suddenly felt someoneshaking her. Tiffany immediately bolted out of bed. Her dad was staring herstraight in the face, and his eyes were filled with terror. Dad, what areyou doing? Do you realize what time it is? Tiffany groggily said to him. Her father sat on Tiffanys bed and tried to explain that Megan had been ina horrible car accident. Tiffany quickly got out of bed and put some clothes on. She could notsee what she was putting on; all she could think about was getting to thehospital. When Tiffany and her dad arrived at the hospital, she saw her momalready in the waiting room. Tiffany could tell that she mom had beencrying because her face was swollen and red. Tiffany had not cried theentire way to the hospital, but when she saw her mom and dad sitting infront of her sobbing, tears flowed uncontrollably. Tiffanys mother explained to her that Megan and Derrick had been hitby a drunk driver, and Derrick had been flown to another hospital. Meganwas in surgery, and the doctor did not know if she would make it. Tiffanysmother tried her best to tell her that as Megan and Derrick were goingthrough a stop sign another car did not stop and hit them on the passengersside, Megans side. Tiffany sat with her parents in the waiting room for what seemed likeforever, however, it was only three hours. Tiffany thought she was going togo crazy just sitting there. She wanted to know what was happening toMegan. She was ashamed of what she had thought that night, but all shewanted to do was tell Megan how much she loved her. She would never takeher sister for granted again. I love my sister, and I never wanted this tohappen to her, Tiffany thought. Tiffany felt awful; her guilt had overcomeher, and it made her so sick that she could not stand sitting next to herparents a moment longer. As she walked around the small, confining room shethought to herself, What if I can never say I am sorry? What if she isnever the same again? What if she dies? She also thought about how Derrickwas doing, and she was praying that he was fine. As she was pacing thewaiting room, a doctor came in and headed straight towards Tiffanysparents so Tiffany started walking towards the three of them. She could nothear what the doctor had said, but she did not have to. The look on hermothers face said everything. .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc , .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc .postImageUrl , .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc , .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc:hover , .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc:visited , .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc:active { border:0!important; } .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc:active , .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ucc91e88b5f36f756a8e6769e1ac010bc:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Reaction The Jackie Robinson Story EssayI nervously walked through the brightly lit hallway. As the doctorlead my parents and I to room 312 I was more anxious than I had ever beenin my entire life. The doctor slowly opened the door to the dark room, andI took my steps as if I were walking on glass. I didnt want to wake upMegan.When Tiffany went home that night, all she could think about wasMegan. She never realized how valuable her sisters life was. Tiffanywalked up the stairs to her room, but on the way to her room she passedMegans room. She went inside, and laid on Megans bed. There were so manythings that reminded her of Megan. As she laid curled up on her oldersisters bed she looked around the room and everything looked and smelledlike her sister. She looked at all the pictures, all the awards, andeverything else that belonged to Megan, and she thanked God for Meganslife. Two days later was Christmas. Tiffany and her mom and dad went to thehospital early in the morning hoping they would be able to talk to Meganfor longer than ten minutes. They packed up all the gifts under the treeand headed up to the hospital. When they got to Megans room, a nurse was there helping her eat. Itwas a miracle; she was not supposed to be able to eat yet. Minus a fewscratches and bruises, Megan looked like her old self again. Tiffany wentto her sisters bed to give Megan her gift. I didnt have a lot of money,but I hope you like it, Tiffany shyly told her sister. Megan opened theenvelope and unfolded the tiny piece of paper. It said:My life is not complete without you. Who would I share my secretswith; Who would I run to? Who would pick me up when I fall? When I need afriend, Who would I call? You know I love you That I always will. I give mylove to you; A love which no one can steal. Megan, I love you so much,TiffanyMegan folded the poem and put it back into the envelope. Tiffanylooked up at her older sister and as Megan looked at her they both startedcrying. While the two girls sat there crying and hugging each other,Tiffany realized how special Megan was to her. She never wanted anything toseparate them again.

Panera Company free essay sample

In the following paper we are establishing the foundations of a company audit on Panera Bread Company based on their performance, decision making, and strategies applied during the years, and internal analysis (till 2010). Panera Bread Company is a corporation, which started small. They were doing business in a field that people were accepting as commodity in 1976(providing with bread). Later on in the 1980s started selling sandwiches on a go as a fast food company. Nowadays, the industry has a ready negative image and the Panera Bread Company was willing to avoid negative association even then. The companies which constantly change its strategic decisions in order to improve the quality of operations, expand the business, and build long-term customers relationship. Strategic View and Decision Making Panera Bread Company`s concept changed during the years. They tried to build a stable image and reputation establishing the fast casual restaurants. Panera Bread Company even from its beginning has involved in series of strategic and innovation growth projects. We will write a custom essay sample on Panera Company or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The following part of the report examines more of the strategies implied by Panera Bread during its business operations. If we have to look at the big picture we can easily say that the Strategy that the company is implementing from years since its beginning is growth strategy. Their insights and â€Å"catch the moment† attitude helped them to establish a strong connection with their customers. There were several moment during the company history when Panera Bread Company was able to find the strategic window and go further in its development. Their continuous innovation and eagerness to be better than the average food chain provider get them to the top position on customer satisfaction chart (p. 11). Growth Strategy The company experienced expansion through many franchises. These franchises helped Panera to grow more rapidly, since they contributed resources and staff capabilities to strategies created by the firm originator. The franchise element in Panera’s operations was strategically implemented, because in order to sign a franchise contract, the franchisee was required to open 15 bakery-cafes in the next four to six years. This franchise contract was called Area Development Agreement. Furthermore, the franchisee was required to have strong capital performance and almost minimal liquidity considerations. Through all of these agreements, Panera was able to increase market share and experience moderate expansion opportunities. The company has chosen to concentrate in particular areas of operations, where enough bakery cafes were developed, so that a sufficient distribution system could be implemented. Market development Panera expanded its offerings into the Canadian market by mainly establishing new franchise cafes. This strategic decision has its considerable implication as well. The company had to consider the exchange rate, since operations in Canada were conducted with Canadian dollars. Furthermore, attention must be paid to elements like taxes, inflation, economic situation, tariffs and quotas, government restrictions, etc. These facts could have a direct influence on company’s financial situation and operational decisions as well. Market penetration Panera is constantly trying to enhance customer’s experience, when purchasing company’s products. Management believes that they are able to deliver a quality service, which is hardly provided by the competition. Going forward, Panera is implementing a marketing strategy targeting a strong customer relationship. These customers are seen as ‘’a tool’’ to promote the brand. Many marketing methods of advertising like radio, television, newspaper, magazines, etc. are used by the company to attract this specific group of customers. Panera focusing on marketing campaigns, because it increases brand awareness and builds strong relationship with sound customers. Product development As stated earlier in this report, Panera Bread is constantly offering new products, so that consumer preferences and tastes are being served appropriately. This continuous innovation helps the company to keep sound customer relationship and to enhance the value of the products offered. When there is some new product added, there is high probability that regular customers will return to company’s cafes and restaurants to taste this product. Keeping track of current and prospective industry developments, Panera is actually achieving a competitive advantage, since constant innovation is hard to achieve by some of its competitors. Differentiation (according to Porter) Differentiation strategy is used by various companies to experience market growth, enter new markets, expand product portfolio for existent and prospective markets, etc. The aim of this strategy is to offer unique products for various customer segments. This strategy is usually used, when the company actually implemented it, has a competitive advantage over its rivals and can allow high advertising expenses. As indicated in the case, Panera’s bread products are prepared with high quality fresh ingredients as well as new recipes and flavors are constantly added. The entity often upgrades its menu by offering new products in order to satisfy the change in customers’ preferences and interests, and to develop existing products. All of the changes and menu improvements were designed to strengthen the value of the products and to consequently gain competitive advantage. The company itself describes value as providing its customer with more than average experience. â€Å"Panera zigged while others zagged. † The interesting fact is that the company could be seen as a first mover. They not only wanted to provide the market with their product and create a connection with the customer, but on top of them they were also game changer. They created a niche market between fast food and restaurants dining and called it fast casual. To add more to this in the hard times for the industry they were clever enough to be one of the few who were not going with the flow and waiting for the bad times to past but they were eager and innovated driven. They are aiming broad target and have the unique selling point and characteristics. The investment decisions that they took drove them to the current momentum of branch leader. Good example appears in the text proving the success of the differentiation strategy implemented by Panera Bread. The breakfast made by bakers, a competitive alternative to microwave sandwiches offered by Panera. A market research conducted by the company proved that majority of its customers prefers fresh products. Vertical Integration As theoretically defined, vertical integration appears when companies in the same industry and at different stages of production merge or when one company acquires another. In the latter, there are two types of integration: backward and forward. When a particular company acquires some of its suppliers individually, there is a backward integration. On the other hand, when a company acquires another company from its distribution chain, there is a situation of forward integration. In the beginning of the story when Panera did not even exist; there was the merge of The Cookie Jar bakery in Massachusetts and the Au Bon Pain bakery that formed Au Bon Pain Co. Inc. A couple of years later on, they also acquired Saint Louis Bread Company known as Panera (known as â€Å"time for bread†). The good thing was that they did not demolish the Panera Brand at that point but the opposite developed its better features and build on the image and the selling experience that they are managing nowadays. Having in mind that Panera Bread acquired some of its competitors in the cafe restaurant sector; it could be considered as a forward integration. Concentration Strategy (Focus Strategy) Concentration strategy is used by many companies in the business world. This approach involves companies in choosing to focus their capital and resources in developing a specific product or a basket of products that matches customer needs and preferences. The singular objective of a concentration strategy is to provide focus on particular product line and the market associated with it. Panera bread focuses its cafes and restaurants in urban and suburban areas, where people can gather together with friends and relatives. These cafes are designed in such a way that in provides customers with a comfortable and enjoyable environment. Additionally, in terms of operations, Panera Bread is focusing on constantly providing high-quality products to its customers. Panera Bread makes it clear to its customer that high quality bread is its main product. Furthermore, the company provides extraordinary experience in its cafes, allowing its clients to have a friendly environment. Panera believes this environment is what differentiates the company from its competitors. Competitive advantage Panera Bread Company has experienced an increase of revenue as well as an increase of share price from 2000 until 2009, with Ronald Shaich as CEO. During that period the company has outperformed the shares of its restaurant competitors. The key to success had to do with the differentiation strategy that the company has been applying; being able to offer the best quality products to their customers. The company believed that the ability to create ong-term dining concept differentiation was the main key to its big success, in the 10 years they were operating under Shaich as CEO. As mentioned, the differentiation strategy of the company is what makes them so special. By focussing on their production, customer service and quality standards the company are enabled to offer the best possible experience to its customers. The production of Panera’s products is different comp ared to its competitors, because of its unique supply chain. Its products like dough are brought in on a daily basis, while they bake the loaves later in the morning to ensure freshness. Next to that the company also uses antibiotic-free chicken as well as organic food products; this enabled the company to stay ahead of the competition, but also showed the society on how important those implementations are. While Panera Bread has a competitive advantage with its differentiation strategy, they also have an advantage regarding customer service. Their focus is to deliver high customer service by hiring performing employees; those employees are hired and trained during programs to ensure high performance, but also maintain its quality of service. The skills that those employees have are essential for the company, as it helps them to deliver the best possible service to customers and come up with ideas that could help the cafe to go forward. While other companies in the industry decided to fire employees, during the crisis in order to save money, Panera Bread did the opposite. Instead, the company decided to invest more on their employees, the reason why they did this is to avoid longer waiting times, slower service and employees that are getting tired. A concept that Panera Bread uses is; we are zigging while others were zagging. Another advantage that is linked to customer service is the decoration of their cafes; they are designed in an enhanced way that it is different to their competitors. The company found that business people were not satisfied with the working environment of other cafes, which they used to create a relaxing, clean working space with free Wi-Fi connection. Finally, the quality standards that the company has set ensure that the products that are sold do have a high quality level. The company is continuously improving its value; things they did to do so is, improve the freshness of lettuce, but also include fresh ingredients. The improvement of value and unique recipes that were used for their products gave them a competitive advantage. Core Competencies The core competencies of the company are linked to their high quality products. The foundation of this quality comes from their bread baking expertise; the employees of the company understand what is important and respond to food. They are also open to any demands customers have, in which they can adapt for the future. Anytime the company was about to update their offerings, they would first look at what the customer preferences are. In that way they would be able to know what they want and try to offer it to the customers, in this way they want to keep customer interest and involvement high. This also helps them to come up with different ideas and improve their products or even baking process. The Artisan Crafted bread could be seen as a signature product of the company. The production of it includes; water, natural yeast, flour and salt, while no other ingredients like, preservatives or chemicals are added. Next to that the company also uses the highest quality ingredients and the most unique recipes to make the products even more unique and special. Instead of testing new products in a test kitchen, they would do the testing in the cafes and introduce it to customer if they think that the food is perfect enough. They are fully focused on having the most fresh and highest quality bread. The bakers that are involved in the baking process are professionally trained; the company trains them how the baking process works and how it looks like from the beginning till the end. The preparation of fresh dough and bread is a unique capability of the company that gives them a competitive advantage; it is baked in the morning which would be offered freshly to customers when the cafes open. In short it can be stated that the combination of baking expertise as well as fresh bread preparation and delivery makes the process so unique. The continuously improving of products, quality and baking process is essential for the company. This core competency drives Panera Bread’s operations and allows them to earn capital. In their case it is not about offering bread, but about the experience the customers have. Business portfolio By gradually developing, the company also acquired many shops, bakery cafes, restaurants and broadened the lines of the products from fresh baked breads o fresh sandwiches, soups, salads and all different food items for fulfilling customer’s needs at different time slots. Panera operated in three business segments: Company owned bakery- cafe operations Franchise operations Fresh dough operations The table is given below for more reference: *This is quite a big menu list and some menu is still in planning phase to be launched in the market. All the three categories of products are contributing to sales highly. The sales growth rate for the three categories is 0. 7%, 0. 5% and 0. 5 % respectively compared to past years. Business development Panera Bread Company is making a very high profit out of the product lines it is offering and according to the overall business overview, company is making rapid growth in terms of acquiring more market share. The company is providing the best service facilities, best quality with healthy life style and quick service which has positioned the company image on the top in consumer minds. This is why consumers are responding to the company strategy and the products are getting more part in bringing revenues inside. The products are overall playing positive role in the company growth. This overall illustrates that products are still in their growth stage and company is growing rapidly on the regional level of USA mostly as well as Canada. Being in a competitive environment the growth is still expected and more revenues are easily brought in. The mix of healthy ingredients and customized services with great time factor is working out effectively which has been set up as a source of diversification for the consumers. Since the company began when it was simply providing starters to the customers, it set up a uniqueness determining the needs of customers. This trend continued on and year by year the development in the company took a new shape with segmenting for more extensive products lines and creating more business opportunities for the company. Company and franchisee revenues from 2000-2009 rose from $350 million to $1353. 5 million consisting $1153. 3 million from company owned bakery-cafe sales, $78. 4 million from franchisee royalties and fees,$121. 9 million from fresh dough sales to franchisees, franchisee operated bakery-cafe brought in revenues of $1640 million. The shares of the company rose from $3. 8 in 1999 to $67. 95 in 2009, which is an increase of over 1600%. Abell type model: Panera operated in three business segments for serving all different types of customers coming across the segments. Customer Groups: Fast food eaters Fresh amp; healthy food and diet conscious people Office workers Suburban market Business people Children Technologies: The simple technology used behind bringing success in the company and satisf ying the customers was hand -made fresh breads, made to order grilled sandwiches, various products instead of using microwave technologies. Panera Company also tried to reduce the time of bringing in fresh vegetables to customers in shorter time than ever before. Determining the need of customers and providing very fresh bread, Panera was baking all day long for strengthening value of the products. Panera provided nutritional calculator on its website for many years in order to make customers aware of the nutritional products they could buy form the company. For satisfying customers and bringing more in the market company also brought in e-learning facility for employees to learn more recipes and add best flavors and brings best tastes. Needs of customers: The needs of customers were really perceived by the company and competitors were also trying to capture some market opportunities by providing healthy food. The need of people were getting extended In terms of fresh, quick, with full nutrition and very customized products for breakfast, lunch and a casual food. Customer’s needs also one of the core competencies of this company and that is the best quality product for which they even were willing to pay more. The customer needs on all basis was completely followed by the company for making even better attachment with the customers. On all levels Panera Company always tried different techniques for receiving more responses and customer feedbacks to strive for more improvements and bring in the desired outcome. Panera provides breads and all its products as the actual products whereas the services and all its competitive advantages are used to provide best quality services in proper time. The most important thing is that they perceive the value of their products and they believe that people also believe in their product commitments.

Cretaceous-Tertiary Mass Extinction

Cretaceous-Tertiary Mass Extinction Scientists across several disciplines, including geology, biology, and evolutionary biology, have determined that there have been five major mass extinction events throughout the history of life on Earth. For an event to be considered a major mass extinction, more than half of all known life forms in that time period must have been wiped out. Cretaceous-Tertiary Mass Extinction Probably the best-known mass extinction event took out all the dinosaurs on Earth. This was the fifth mass extinction event, called the Cretaceous-Tertiary Mass Extinction, or K-T Extinction for short. Although the Permian Mass Extinction, also known as the Great Dying, was much larger in the number of species that went extinct, the K-T Extinction is the one most people remember because of public fascination with dinosaurs. The K-T Extinction divides the Cretaceous Period, which ended the Mesozoic Era, and the Tertiary Period at the start of the Cenozoic Era, which we currently live in. The K-T Extinction happened around 65 million years ago, taking out an estimated 75% of all living species on Earth at the time. Many people know that land dinosaurs were casualties of this major mass extinction event, but numerous other species of birds, mammals, fish, mollusks, pterosaurs, and plesiosaurs, among other groups of animals, also went extinct. Asteroid Impacts The main cause of the K-T Extinction is well documented: an unusually high number of extremely large asteroid impacts. Evidence can be seen in various parts of the world in layers of rock that can be dated to this time period. These rock layers have unusually high levels of iridium, an element not found in large amounts in the Earths crust but is very common in space debris such as asteroids, comets, and meteors. This universal layer of rock has come to be known as the K-T boundary. By the Cretaceous Period, the continents had drifted apart from when they were one supercontinent called Pangaea in the early Mesozoic Era. The fact that the K-T boundary can be found on different continents indicates the K-T Mass Extinction was global and happened quickly. Impact Winter The impacts werent directly responsible for the extinction of three-quarters of the Earths species, but their residual effects were devastating. Perhaps the biggest issue caused by the asteroids hitting Earth is termed impact winter. The extreme size of the space debris vaulted ash, dust, and other matter into the atmosphere, essentially blocking out the Sun for long periods of time. Plants, no longer able to undergo photosynthesis, began to die off, leaving animals with no food, so they starved to death. Its also thought that oxygen levels declined due to the lack of photosynthesis. The disappearance of food and oxygen affected the largest animals, including land dinosaurs, the most. Smaller animals could store food and needed less oxygen; they survived and thrived once the danger passed. Other major catastrophes caused by the impacts included tsunamis, earthquakes, and possibly increased volcanic activity, yielding the devastating results of the Cretaceous-Tertiary Mass Extinction event. Silver Lining?   As horrific as they must have been, mass extinction events were not all bad news for those that survived. The extinction of the large, dominant land dinosaurs allowed smaller animals to survive and thrive. New species emerged and took on new niches, driving the evolution of life on Earth and shaping the future of natural selection on various populations. The end of the dinosaurs particularly benefited mammals, whose ascendance led to the rise of humans and other species on Earth today. Some scientists believe that in the early 21st century, we are in the middle of the sixth major mass extinction event. Because these events often span millions of years, its possible that the climate changes and Earth changes- physical changes to the planet- that we are experiencing will trigger the extinction of several species and in the future will be seen as a mass extinction event. Sources K-T Extinction: Mass Extinction. Encyclopaedia Britannica.Cretaceous-Tertiary Extinction Event. ScienceDaily.com.Why Did the Dinosaurs Go Extinct? National Geographic.

How to Grow Ammonium Phosphate Crystals

How to Grow Ammonium Phosphate Crystals Monoammonium phosphate is one of the chemicals included in commercial crystal growing kits because it is safe and practically foolproof for producing a mass of crystals quickly. The pure chemical yields clear crystals, but you can add food coloring to get any color you desire. The crystal shape is perfect for green emerald crystals. Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 1 day What You Need Monoammonium phosphateHot waterClear container Growing Monoammonium Phosphate Crystals Stir six tablespoons of monoammonium phosphate into 1/2 cup of very hot water in a clear container. I use water heated from an electric drip coffee maker and a drinking glass (which I wash before using it again for beverages).Add food coloring, if desired.Stir until the powder is completely dissolved. Set the container in a location where it wont be disturbed.Within a day, youll have a bed of long, thin crystals blanketing the bottom of the glass, or perhaps a few large, single crystals. Which type of crystals you get depend on the rate at which the solution cools. For large, single crystals, try to cool the solution slowly from very hot down to room temperature.If you get a mass of crystals and wanted one big crystal, you can take a small single crystal and place it in the growing solution (either new solution or the old solution that has been cleared of crystals) and use this seed crystal to grow a large, single crystal. Tips If your powder doesnt completely dissolve, it means your water probably should have been hotter. Its not the end of the world to have undissolved material with these crystals, but if it concerns you, heat the solution in a microwave or on the stove, stirring occasionally, until its clear. Monoammonium phosphate, NH4H2PO4, crystallizes in quadratic prisms. The chemical is used in animal feed, plant fertilizers, and is found in some dry chemical fire extinguishers. This chemical may cause irritation and itching. If you spill it on your skin, wash it off with water. Inhaling the powder may lead to coughing and a sore throat. Monoammomium phosphate is not toxic, but its not exactly edible.

Torture and Ethics Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Torture and Ethics - Research Paper Example The paper further examines if torturing violates the basic human rights provided in the First Amendment and the Bill of Rights. Eventually, it determines if the act of torture is justifiable under any ethical theory. Torturing Enemy Combatants or High-value Targets and Standards of Morality in America Torturing of enemies or criminals has been contrary to the values and morals of the Americans for long time. The Bill of Rights under the American Constitution prohibited bizarre and cruel punishments (Greenberg, 2006). Furthermore, the United States’ government, besides Americans, has condemned countries across the world that practices any act of torture. This is exemplified by the country granting asylum to individuals fleeing their countries for fear of acts of torture (Wijze, 2006). In the history of criminology and jurisprudence, the act of torture always has been distinctive. Torture forms part of the ancient techniques of punishment, which are severe. Torture is regarded a s capital punishment in which the captors apply force and brutality to obtain compliance from the criminal suspect (Ginbar, 2008). A section of the society has argued always that people who torture suspects are sadists, deriving pleasure from agony and pain of other persons. Any form of physical or psychological coercion is unacceptable for use on terrorist criminals or suspects because it amounts to inhuman and undignified treatment, diminishing the mental abilities of the targets. Depriving fellow humans of their rights and liberties of which individuals should be custodians to is morally unacceptable. Acts of torture remain evil practices to be detested and avoided (Wijze, 2006). A majority of the civilized societies across the world perceive torture as an inhuman and savage act that should not be practiced on humans. Consequently, the use of torture has received massive criticism and condemnation as well as protests (Wendel, 2005). The emergence of increased terrorist attacks af ter the 9/11 attacks, which led to the American government to adopt the policy of torture, has witnessed mixed reactions from the society over torture of suspected terror attack criminals or war prisoners (Ginbar, 2008). The international community prohibits torture through the conventional legal agreements, such as the Geneva Conventions, of which America is party to. Practicing acts of torture is a violation of the morality standards set out by the international agreements, which embody universally true and indefeasible human dignity values. Treating terrorist criminals and suspects in an inhumane way is morally irrelevant. All humans are equal and entitled to some incontrovertible rights of which dignity, found within life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, is among them (Greenberg, 2006). The United States breaches the principle of standards of morality that it advocates for and loses its moral authority when it practices acts of torture in any circumstances (Davis, 2005). The totalitarian states find a loophole in resisting the changes demanded of them by the international community. The application of coercion is morally repugnant because it exposes America to allegations of hypocrisy, undermining its efficacy. Act of Torture: Violation of Basic Human Rights and Global Implications The use of torture to obtain crucial and critical information from criminal suspects,

(Ethics and Communication) Illinois among states to settle with Article

(Ethics and Communication) Illinois among states to settle with GlaxoSmithKline - Article Example Although the two main ingredients: Kytril and Bactroban were not fully contaminated, the tablets possessed not a full dose of an active ingredient which did not satisfy the appropriate percentage of the substance listed in the bottle. Although the company denied of fraud, the head attorney confirmed that the accusation was legit and the attempt to earn revenue through illegal practices were exercised. Without a doubt, this article depicted the controversy related to a company who was charged of fraud because of varied content of substance in their capsules. Although the company has an excellent reputation for following compliances implemented by the government; these type of instances should still be taken into account. Ethically speaking, the company should have made some attempt to at least inquire with the FDA to discuss the gravity of this situation. However, the company instead is denying the charges that it made to benefit itself in the long-run. Clearly, this type of hostile a ttitude does not only poses a risk for corporate ethics; it also serves as a reminder of these type of scenarios can be detrimental to society itself. Corporations must make it their obligation to take responsibility in any sort of moral dilemmas so they lives of many can be saved.

Why drugs should remain illegal in America Essay Example for Free

Why drugs should remain illegal in America Essay Why drugs should remain illegal in America Introduction            Over the years, there has been a raging debate on whether drugs should be legalized in the United States or not. There are those who believe that drugs should be made legal and accessible to all Americans and those who argue that they should not be legalized. Proponents of drug realization argue that the current drug laws are harmful to the society and violate the personal freedoms. Moreover, they argue that enforcing drug laws is a wastage of public resources that could be used in more meaningful public projects. Despite these seemingly convincing arguments, I believe that drugs should remain illegal in the United States (David Edward,2013 ).            To begin with, research has established that there is link between drugs and increased crime rates. Many of the crimes that happen in America are related to drug abuse. This means that drug legalization in America will result in increased crime rates in the country. Secondly, drugs should remain illegal in the United States because they have very negative effects on the health of the users. As people continue to abuse drugs, their bodies become over dependent on them resulting in health complications. Other than health, drugs also have a negative effect on the economy and the general quality of life of Americans. Currently, the American health care industry is already overburdened and would be brought to its knees if drugs were legalized (David Edward,2013 ). Although proponents of drug legalization argue that public money spent on enforcing drug would be saved through legalization, this money would be spent on treating drug related matters. The money from drugs w ould not compensate for things like for fetal defects, loss of jobs, industrial accidents, road accidents and high rates of domestic violence. Reference David Simon, Edward Burns. (2013). The Corner: A Year in the Life of an Inner-City Neighborhood.Crown Publishing Group Source document

Gender Essay -- essays research papers fc

â€Å"A businessman is aggressive; a businesswoman is pushy. A businessman is good on details; she is picky. He follows through; she doesn’t know when to quit. He stands firm; she is hard. His judgements are her prejudices. He is a man of the world; she’s been around. He isn’t afraid to say what is on his mind; she is mouthy. He exercises authority diligently; she’s power mad. He’s closemouthed; she’s secretive. He climbed the ladder of success; she slept her way to the top. From the first moment a child begins to understand the spoken word, they begin to receive messages about societies view of the different sexes. Language itself can not be deemed good or bad, but it does reflect individual or societal values. The above example displays the way in which language can be used to stereotype gender. Both sexes in the example are behaving in the same way but the language used has separated them, praising the male while disparaging the female. In order to explore the differences between males and females regarding language we must look at whether or not language is sexist, whether it is used differently by different genders and how language has changed, if at all, in relation to these points. Women’s roles in society have changed considerably over time, and they are now valued more than ever in society. It has been claimed that this has largely arisen due to the media. It has been said that newspapers and magazines now largely avoid sexist language, and even advertisers have changed their depiction of both genders to some degree. Universities have expanded their curricula to include courses for women, even hospital’s have changed their policies pertaining to childbirth in directions originally propounded by women’s movement activities; i.e. developing birthing centers etc. These examples are merely a few of the multitudes of changes that have occurred. It has been pointed out that the utilization of language differs with gender. For instance, women have more of a tendency to use finer discriminations than men do in some areas such as color terms. Women would be more at ease using the labels ‘Crimson’, ‘ecru’, or ‘beige’, more than men and men would be found to use the simpler version: â€Å"It’s blue, not cornflower.† It’s also been noted that men have a tendency to drop more expletives into a conversation than women, although some women do swear, especially younger fem... ...ten exploited as sexual objects. Women are described by their appearance while men normally are not, the implied message being that looks are more important for women and also the cause of their circumstance. In drawing an overall conclusion we have found that language itself is not sexist, but has been used by a male dominated society to oppress and denigrate females. Slowly but surely through a wave of feminist movements, this fact is being recognized. Steps are being taken to try and correct this and to give females a chance at being equal and not second class citizens. The more I became engrossed in this assignment the more I realized (being female) that we are being belittled by men’s use of language. It is true that many women apologize for their existence when conversing in general but more especially when interacting with men. This appears to be due to a general feeling of inferiority or lack of confidence. When society itself institutionalizes such attitudes, the language reflects the bias. When everyone in society is truly created equal and treated as such there will be little concern for the asymmetries that exist in the language. Bibliography: CrossCultural Psychology

Lessons learnt from failure

Failure, it comes to everyone in different measures but only a handful of them gain from it. I also experienced a heart breaking failure which had a great impact on my life. At the age of seven I was introduced to chess. Though I did not have any Inclination towards the game my parents wanting me to stay occupied enrolled me in a chess academy where I learnt to play chess. I took to chess very quickly and surprisingly In a week's time I started playing better than most of the guys my age. I started winning trophies and certificates and playing lots of tournaments and inning most of them.I gained recognition and became famous In my town as a chess champion. I even won the state level championship which proved I was better than thousands of players In my state. All this at the tender age of ten made me an overconfident boy with a â€Å"greater than thou attitude However as a child I did not realize the amount of hard work and practice that I would have to put In to reach the national levels. I started taking things for granted, those early wins had gone to my head and though my parents encouraged me to practice I was reluctant as there was to much challenge for me in my small town.Hence I started playing chess on the computer and soon I reached the level with the highest difficulty, but very soon I got bored of it. The happiness that I would get from defeating a real person eluded me when played in front of a machine, which resulted in me getting disinterested in practicing chess, failing to realize that without practice I would never reach my goal of becoming a national champion. My parents persuaded me a lot but I was stubborn and did not realize that I would soon lose the mastery I developed with so much effort.Though I had stopped playing chess I never lost my overconfident attitude. Ultimately the time came for me to play the qualifying rounds for the national level tournament, as expected I went there overconfident of victory and played such an important t ournament without any practice. The results were obvious, I was defeated in the very first round and at that moment I experienced the worst failure in my life. At that time I realized my game had degraded and my skills as a chess player had deteriorated.I lost my confidence and became utterly dejected and devastated and eve up on chess. This was the biggest mistake of my life as I let depression get the better of me. I was deeply hurt and ashamed and withdrew into my shell for quite some time. After a couple of years one of my female competitor went on to become a grand master in chess , lots was being written about her In the news papers along with displays of photographs, making me feel all the more ashamed of myself. That ‘s when learnt the most valuable lessons which will stay with me for the rest of my life.First one was that never ever give up on your dream come what may, In other words resistance Is paramount and second one was that nothing can be gained without hard wo rk. Now as my academics also require attention I have resumed playing chess just as my hobby, at the same time I have firmly resolved to give my best to whatever I decide to do in life and steer the ship of my life to the shores of success. I am a totally different person after tasting failure and I feel I am more mature and more committed as an individual and am sure that I will bring value as a person to which ever institution I get admission to. Seasons learnt from failure By Garn-Ideas inclination towards the game my parents wanting me to stay occupied enrolled me in surprisingly in a weeks time I started playing better than most of the guys my age. I winning most of them. I gained recognition and became famous in my town as a than thousands of players in my state. All this at the tender age often made me an overconfident boy with a â€Å"greater than thou attitude â€Å". However as a child I did not realize the amount of hard work and practice that I would have to put in to reach the when I played in front of a machine, which resulted in me getting disinterested inUltimately the time came for me to play the qualifying rounds for the national level grand master in chess , lots was being written about her in the news papers along with displays of photographs, making me feel all the more ashamed of myself. That's when I learnt the most valuable lessons which will stay with me for the rest of my life. First one was that never ever give up on your dream come what may, in other words persistence is paramount and second one was that nothing can be gained without chess Just as my hobby, at the same time I have firmly resolved to give my best to

Allelopathy Lab Essay

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this lab was to observe the effects of chemical warfare among plants. Plant seeds compete with other plants and seeds, for sunlight, and nutrients in order to germinate. In order to win dominance over other seeds, and reduce competition, plants produce and release a chemical in order to prevent other seeds from germination. This type of chemical warfare is referred to as allelopathy. Allelopathy exists in many parts of the plants such as leaves, roots, stems, or fruits, but not limited to just the plants. These toxic chemicals can also be found in the surrounding soil, to prevent other plants or seeds from absorbing proper nutrients to stimulate growth. Groups will test for the presence of allelopathic chemicals in plant shoots from the chaparral community. If the hollyhock exhibits allelopathy, then an extract will inhibit the germination, and or growth of the radish seeds. MATERIALS & METHODS The group prepared for this experiment in the lab of Professor Sadler at SBVC on the second floor of the HLS building. First, the groups set up for this lab by gathering leaves that Professor Sadler had already bagged and identified. Each sample was cleaned and striped of everything most importantly the stem, so that all was left was the leaf its self. Then each group weighed out Ten (10) grams of leaves, and then placed into a blender with One hundred (100) milliliters or water. The group then blended the leaves and water until the mixture was a very thin fluid. Three (3) folded cheesecloth’s were placed into a funnel in order to remove any solids from the fluid itself, then poured into a small beaker, to be used later on in the experiment. Then each group prepared two (2) Petri dishes, by placing three (3) filtered papers in the bottom of each Petri dish. After the filtered paper was placed into the bottom of each dish, twenty (20) radish seeds (Raphanus sativus) were then placed on top, and evenly distributed throughout both Petri dishes, as to make sure none of them were touching. A final filtered paper was placed on top of the seeds and ten (10) milliliters  were of distilled water was poured over the seeds of one Petri dish, the lid was then placed on the Petri dish and labeled â€Å"control†. In the other Petri dish, the ten (10) milliliters of the filtered and blended mixture was added to the second Petri dish to make sure the filter papers were evenly saturated. The second lid was then placed over the Petri dish and labeled â€Å" hollycock†. The Petri dishes will then sit for a week for germination and then evaluated. RESUTLS After one week of germination, the group removed the lids of each Petri dish, and removed each seed that had germinated and measured the length of the entire stem and leaves. Please notice the attached page for the data of each seed. In the Petri dish labeled â€Å"hollycock†, Experiment Group A. the group tested a total number of twenty (20) radish seeds (Raphanus sativus), out of the twenty (20) seeds, there was only a twenty-five (25) percent of germination, and only five (5) seeds had actually germinated. The length of each seed varied in lengths from the shortest, three (3) millimeters to the longest fourteen (14) millimeters. Each length of all twenty (20) seedlings were added up and divided by twenty (20) and the group averaged 2.7 millimeters in length of the germinated seedlings. In the second Petri dish labeled â€Å"control†, Experiment Group B, out of the twenty (20) radish seeds tested with just distilled water, a percentage of eighty-five (85) percent of successful germination, and the actual number was seventeen (17) actually germinated. The length of these seeds varied in sized from the shortest of seven (7) millimeters to the longest of ninety-two (92) millimeters. Each length of all germinated seeds from the controlled group were added up and then divided by twenty (20) and the average length of the germinated seedlings is 19.35 millimeters. DISSCUSSION As a result of this lab it has been prove that the hypothesis is in fact correct. In reference to the group’s data, the radish seeds exhibited allelopathy, but a majority of them not germinating. Allelopathy derives from two separate words, allelon which means â€Å"each other† and pathos means â€Å"to suffer.† It is a type of chemical warfare that is used between plants and against other plants. Oddly enough, experiment group B, the controlled group seeds, that received the distilled water, germinated more then the  experiment group A, the ones that received the blend of water and hollycock leaves. The only problem that the group faced was that it was difficult to completely blend the leaves of the hollycock plant to make it liquefiable enough to get just enough out to pour over the radish seeds. Other variables that could have possibly affected germination of the seeds, was but are not limited to, the amount of sunlight that was given to the seeds, and or if the liquid was evenly distributed. Although, the group measured out the exact amount of liquid needed for the seedlings, I can only wonder if some of the proteins or nourishments were left in the solid blending in the cheesecloths? In the end the hypothesis was supported by the groups data as the hollycock did exhibit signs of allelopathy.

Robinson Crusoe Essays - English-language Films, British Films

Robinson Crusoe Essays - English-language Films, British Films Robinson Crusoe Robinson Crusoe was written by Daniel Defoe. The novel was first published in 1719. It tells the story of a young explorer who becomes marooned on a deserted island. His experiences of the island change his outlook on life. Daniel Defoe was a short story writer that came from an poor family. Defoe was poor for most of his life and made his living as a butcher and a writer. Defoe mostly wrote short stories and political essays. Robinson Crusoe was a combination of two short stories. Many believe Defoe used Robinson Crusoe to portray himself in a certain ways. The description was almost identical to his own and after his wife left him, he felt as if he was marooned on a deserted island. The story takes place in the 1700s on a deserted island somewhere off the coast of Brazil. The island is fairly large in size and has a small shore. The interior of the island has many trees, wild pigs and other small animals and a small cave in which Crusoe stores food. I walked about the shore lifting up my hands. Look around, I see nothing but water, a forest, and the remains of my ship. At first, I was afraid of wild animals but after some exploration of the land, the only animals I had seen were wild pigs, squirrels, and some small birds. The only possessions that Crusoe retrieved from the remains of his ship were a small knife, a box of tabacco, a pipe, and a small book that would later become his journal. Robinson Crusoe was a young and stubborn explorer. He was extremely tall and strong. His stay on the island changed him from a mean, stubborn man to an open-minded protestant. Standing at six feet, two inches and having my long, thick brown hair back in a ponytail, I felt as if I was eight feet tall. Without the permission of my parents, I was still sailing away from the misery. I held the cargo box is my strong arms, waiting to board my beautiful ship. Crusoe became a skilled craftsman and was an extremely religious man due to his stay on the island. Being the only man on the entire island, he established a faith in God. He also became more articulate from writing in a journal daily. Overall, his stay on the island changed Crusoe's life greatly. As the story begins, Robinson Crusoe defies his parents and sets out to sea. Crusoe encounters a series of violent storms at sea and ends up in Africa. He sets out on another voyage and is captured by the Sallee, a group of pirates. Luckily, he manages to escape and board a Portuguese ship and sail to Brazil. While in Brazil, Crusoe purchases a large sugar plantation. After leaving Brazil, he encounters another storm in which his ship is destroyed and he is marooned on an island as the only survivor. On the island, Crusoe gathers food and builds a small shelter. He writes in a journal to keep account of his stay. Crusoe becomes a skilled craftsman and begins to feel a spiritual connection with God. He also builds a small boat that he uses to sail around the island. After living on the island for fifteen years, Crusoe discovers that savages had landed on the island and that they perform human sacrifices. Crusoe helps a prisoner escape from these savages. He names the prisoner Friday and teaches him english. Together, they build a new boat and attempt to leave the island. However, Friday learns his father is a prisoner of the savages. Crusoe and Friday return and rescue his father and a Spaniard. The four men board a passing boat and gain control of it. Crusoe sails back to his native land to learn his sugar plantation has made him rich. He sells the plantation and marries. As the novel closes, Crusoe is persuaded to take a final voyage, back to the island. Robinson Crusoe is written using an English dialect. The narration of the novel is simple, informal and extremely easy to understand. However, Defoe uses verbose descriptions for characters. He was a comely, handsome fellow, perfectly well made, with strong limbs, not too large, tall and well-shaped, and I reckon he was about twenty years of age. The color of his skin was not quite black, but very tawny; and yet not of an ugly, yellow, nauseous tawny, as the Brazilians and Virginians, and other natives are; but of a bright

Perdón I-212 por deportación de Estados Unidos

Perdà ³n I-212 por deportacià ³n de Estados Unidos Los extranjeros deportados o expulsados de Estados Unidos reciben una penalidad y no pueden ingresar legalmente por un tiempo de castigo, excepto si obtienen un perdà ³n conocido como waiver I-212. El tiempo de castigo puede ser de 5, 10, à ³ 20 aà ±os o incluso de por vida, dependiendo de la razà ³n de la deportacià ³n. En este artà ­culo se explica cundo no es necesario pedir este waiver, tambià ©n conocido en algunos paà ­ses como perdà ³n o permiso, cà ³mo se solicita cuando sà ­ es necesario, tarifa que debe pagarse con la solicitud, tiempo que se demora en resolverse, quà © hacer si se obtiene la aprobacià ³n de este perdà ³n y cundo es necesario adems presentar otro perdà ³n conjuntamente.  ¿Cundo NO es necesario solicitar este perdà ³n? No todos los extranjeros que han sido expulsados o deportados de Estados Unidos necesitan este perdà ³n como paso previo para solicitar una visa no inmigrante -como por ejemplo la de turista o trabajo temporal -  o una visa de inmigrante  para la tarjeta de residencia (green card). Por lo tanto, si no se necesita, no solicitarlo, porque serà ­a una pà ©rdida de tiempo y de dinero. Y es que no precisan pedir este perdà ³n las personas en cualquiera de las siguientes categorà ­as: 1. - Los extranjeros que llegaron a un puesto migratorio de Estados Unidos y se les permitià ³ retirar su solicitud de ingresar al paà ­s. 2.- Los extranjeros que al llegar a un puesto migratorio de Estados Unidos fueron parados y se les impidià ³ el ingreso al paà ­s pero no fueron objeto de una expulsià ³n inmediata oficial. Esto es muy importante, porque hay que distinguir cuando ha habido una expulsià ³n y cuando simplemente no se admite al extranjero y se le devuelve al paà ­s del que ha llegado. Esta diferencia es fundamental. Hay que mirar quà © papeles se firmaron o fueron entregados. 3.- Los extranjeros que fueron parados en la frontera intentando cruzar ilegalmente pero, por la razà ³n que sea, no recibieron una orden de expulsià ³n inmediata. Es muy importante saber si se recibià ³ una o no. 4- Los extranjeros que llegaron a un puesto migratorio sin visa por pertenecer a un paà ­s de Programa de Exencià ³n de Visados y no se les permitià ³ el ingreso. Esto es importante para los turistas y personas de negocio chilenos y espaà ±oles. 5.- Los casos de salida voluntaria, cuando se salià ³ de Estados Unidos dentro del plazo previsto. Esta es una excepcià ³n muy importante. 6. - Los solicitantes de visa U por và ­ctima de violencia que se encuentran en Estados Unidos y piden un ajuste de estatus. 7.- Y, por à ºltimo, aquellos expulsados o deportados de Estados Unidos que ya han cumplido el tiempo de la penalidad. Por lo tanto, es fundamental saber el monto de los aà ±os que aplican a cada caso. Y es que para algunos extranjeros la penalidad dura 5 aà ±os, para otros es de 10 y para otros, 20 y, finalmente, para otro grupo existe lo que se conoce como prohibicià ³n permanente (permanent  bar en inglà ©s). Para conocer con certeza por cunto tiempo es la penalidad y los cargos se deben consultar los rà ©cords de corte, en casos de deportacià ³n, incluyendo la orden del juez y el documento que se denomina Notice to Appear in Removal Procedeedings. En el caso de expulsià ³n inmediata, es aconsejable tener el rà ©cord de la CBP (Patrulla fronteriza) y del Notice of Expedited Removal. En los casos en los que la dicta un juez por ser un caso de arriving alien tambià ©n es importante ese documento. En otras palabras, solo es necesario solicitar este perdà ³n si todavà ­a no ha pasado el tiempo de la penalidad y se quiere solicitar una visa no inmigrante o una visa inmigrante para ingresar a Estados Unidos. En este punto puede surgir la duda de quà © pasa con aquellos extranjeros que tienen una penalidad de prohibicià ³n permanente,  ¿pueden pedir un perdà ³n? La respuesta es que sà ­ en las siguientes condiciones: En primer lugar, si la prohibicià ³n permanente es porque se estuvo ilegalmente en Estados Unidos por ms de un aà ±o (no tiene que ser corrido), despuà ©s se salià ³ del paà ­s y se ingresà ³ o se intentà ³ ingresar posteriormente de forma ilegal y se desea pedir una visa no inmigrante, en este caso se puede pedir el perdà ³n en cualquier momento. Tener en cuenta que para la visa de inmigrante las reglas son distintas y es lo que se explica ms abajo. En segundo lugar, lo mismo sucede para los migrantes que fueron removidos de Estados Unidos y que despuà ©s ingresaron ilegalmente o fueron agarrados cuando lo intentaban. En este caso tambià ©n aplica una prohibicià ³n permanente pero se puede pedir el perdà ³n en cualquier momento si lo que se desea solicitar a continuacià ³n es una visa no inmigrante. Un caso distinto es cuando se quiere solicitar la visa de inmigrante en los 2 supuestos anteriores y tambià ©n todos los dems casos de prohibicià ³n permanente ya es necesario poder demostrar ausencia de Estados Unidos por al menos 10 aà ±os antes de poder solicitar el perdà ³n.  ¿Cà ³mo se pide el perdà ³n I-212 para ingresar a EE.UU. despuà ©s de deportacià ³n? Por regla general el perdà ³n se pide llenando el formulario I-212, si bien hay unas pocas excepciones cuando se solicita una visa no inmigrante en determinados consulados de los Estados Unidos. Tambià ©n puede haber variaciones segà ºn el caso en lo referente a la cuota por aplicar y a la necesidad de aportar datos biomà ©tricos (huellas digitales y fotografà ­as). El formulario debe ir acompaà ±ado de documentos que se piden en las instrucciones del formulario y adems de aquellos  que sirvan de apoyo a la razà ³n por la que se solicita el perdà ³n. Entre ellos, destacan: Certificados de hijos, matrimonio, etc para probar existencia de familiares inmediatos en Estados UnidosDeclaraciones juradas de personas que afirmen que la persona que pide el perdà ³n es de buena moralreportes mà ©dicos o psicolà ³gicos para probar la dureza por la que pasan los familiares en Estados Unidos debido a la separacià ³n causada por la deportacià ³n.Reporte policial para demostrar un rà ©cord limpioEvidencia de rehabilitacià ³n si en el pasado se ha cometido algà ºn delitoCertificados de estudios o profesionales para probar capacidades de empleoReporte sobre la situacià ³n del paà ­s en la que se tiene que vivir si no se permite el regreso a Estados Unidos, etc. Si alguno de estos documentos est en un idioma distinto al inglà ©s, debe traducirse. Este listado debe entenderse como una sugerencia y deben incluirse todo lo que sirva para merecer el perdà ³n. El oficial de migracià ³n tiene libertad para decidir si aprueba la solicitud de perdà ³n. No existen reglas absolutas pero se considera que son factores a favor de su aprobacià ³n los siguientes: La existencia de familiares inmediatos en Estados Unidosla situacià ³n de dureza que puede ser causada al familiar en Estados Unidos, siempre que sea un ciudadano o un residente permanente legal. Incluso se puede considerar la dureza que se causa al empleador que se tenà ­a.El tiempo que se vivià ³ en Estados Unidos. Cuanto ms, mejor.El estatus migratorio que se tenà ­a antes de ser removido. Por ejemplo, si se tenà ­a la green card o una visa.La falta de rà ©cord delictivo o si se ha cometido uno, que no sea grave.En el caso de las expulsiones, cuenta a favor tener sà ³lo 1. Ms de una expulsià ³n aumenta las posibilidades de negacià ³n del perdà ³n.El ser considerado persona con buena moral. Aquà ­ podrà ­a ser un problema situaciones de falta de pago de pensià ³n alimenticia, etc.Si ya ha transcurrido mucho tiempo desde la expulsià ³n o deportacià ³n.La probabilidad de convertirse en residente permanente legal en el futuro. Es decir, se tiene una peticià ³n de resid encia realizada por un empleador o un familiar. Por el contrario, se consideran factores en contra a la hora de decidir sobre la aprobacià ³n del perdà ³n los siguientes: Ausencia de familiares en Estados Unidos o que los familiares no dependan de ningà ºn modo de la persona deportada.Historial delictivo, particularmente cuando se trata de un delito grave o agravado.Mal carcter moralVarias violaciones migratoriasMs de 1 intento de ingreso ilegal a Estado UnidosProbabilidad de convertirse en una carga pà ºblica o se es un peligro para la seguridad de Estados UnidosEnfermedad fà ­sica o mental, excepto si el à ºnico lugar donde puede recibir tratamiento es en Estados Unidos.  Si pasà ³ poco tiempo desde la deportacià ³n o expulsià ³n.Si en el pasado se trabajà ³ ilegalmente en los Estados Unidos. Tiempo de demora del perdà ³n I-212 y cuota por la peticià ³n En la actualidad, la totalidad de las solicitudes de perdà ³n I-212 se resuelven en menos de 180 dà ­as, es decir, seis meses.   En el momento en el que se escribe este artà ­culo, la cuota por aplicar es de $930, que debe pagarse al Servicio de Inmigracià ³n y Ciudadanà ­a (USCIS, por sus siglas en inglà ©s).  ¿Quà © pasa si se obtiene la aprobacià ³n del perdà ³n I-212? Ese perdà ³n es vlido de por vida, a menos que la agencia que lo concedià ³ lo revoque o que la persona cometa algà ºn delito o infraccià ³n migratoria que dà © lugar a una nueva deportacià ³n o expulsià ³n. Sin embargo, el perdà ³n no restaura nunca a la situacià ³n anterior al problema que dio lugar a la deportacià ³n o a la expulsià ³n. Por ejemplo, si se tuvo una visa de turista, no se recupera, o una tarjeta de residencia, etc. Adems, el tener el perdà ³n aprobado por sà ­ mismo no es suficiente para poder ingresar a Estados Unidos. Es decir, hay que solicitar una visa no inmigrante o tener una peticià ³n de visa inmigrante. Cualquiera de estas visas puede ser denegada si no se cumplen todos los requisitos para su aprobacià ³n. En el caso de las visas no inmigrante el problema puede surgir por no ser elegible o por no ser admisible. En el caso de las visas de inmigrante, sà ³lo por causa de inadmisibilidad. Precisamente para muchas causas de inadmisibilidad es posible pedir un perdà ³n. Para las causas que convierten a una persona en inelegible no es posible. Teniendo en cuenta esto, es importante leer el siguiente apartado.  ¿Es necesario pedir otros perdones conjuntamente con  I-212? Dependiendo del caso de cada uno, puede ser imprescindible presentar 1 o ms perdones conjuntamente con el I-212, ya que à ©ste solo sirve para la penalidad de la deportacià ³n o expulsià ³n. Por ejemplo, si se quiere es obtener una visa de inmigrante y hay otros problemas de inadmisibilidad como el castigo de los 3 à ³ 10 aà ±os, fraude de ley, comisià ³n de delito,enfermedad etc. entonces se necesita tambià ©n pedir el perdà ³n I-601, que tiene requisitos muy exigentes. Pero si se desea pedir una visa no inmigrante y hay ms causas de inadmisibilidad adems de la remocià ³n, tambià ©n se debe pedir otro tipo de perdà ³n.    Adems, es posible que el problema sea una causa de inadmisibilidad contra la cual no es posible pedir jams un perdà ³n, como por ejemplo tener en contra una declaracià ³n de haber solicitado previamente de forma frà ­vola la condicià ³n de asilo. Otro ejemplo es haber declarado falsamente ser ciudadano estadounidense para obtener un beneficio. Asimismo, no hay perdà ³n en los casos de delito de drogas cometidos despuà ©s de cumplir los 18 aà ±os, con la à ºnica excepcià ³n de posesià ³n de mariguana para uso propio o en los casos de matrimonio de conveniencia para obtener los papeles. Debido a que los casos de perdones son muy complicados es altamente aconsejable asesorarse por un buen abogado especialista en estos asuntos.  ¿Cul es la penalidad si se ingresa a Estados Unidos sin el perdà ³n I-212? Si se ingresa ilegalmente cuando est pendiente de cumplir el castigo por la expulsià ³n o la deportacià ³n automticamente se reinstaura la orden de deportacià ³n, de tal manera que si se es detenido o arrestado se proceder a su deportacià ³n sin pasar por Corte. Adems, es posible que apliquen multas y que se den cargos penales por los que puede haber pena de prisià ³n.Finalmente, cae sobre esa persona la prohibicià ³n permanente para regresar a Estados Unidos. Consejos legales Es muy importante entender las dificultades de obtener un perdà ³n y, honestamente, que la mayorà ­a que son aprobados han sido preparados por abogados migratorios reputados con experiencia en este tipo de casos. En esta pgina no se recomienda a ningà ºn letrado en particular, pero sà ­ se aconseja verificar con AILA, la asociacià ³n de abogados migratorios, para consultar sobre este tipo de casos. Este es un artà ­culo informativo. No es asesorà ­a legal.

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Hamas: History, Funding and Interventions

Hamas: History, Funding and Interventions Hamas Hamas is a Palestinian terrorist organization which mainly consists of Islamic paramilitary forces. The name Hamas , means Islamic Resistance Movement. This Palestinian Islamic group was formed way back in 1987 as a result of the Israeli taking up most of the West Bank or Gaza strip. The militant group was founded by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. He was of Egypt origin and was strongly supported by many charitable organizations and other social institutions. The Palestinian militants who are mostly Islamic affiliates, was therefore formed with the main aim of driving Israelis out of the West Bank. This was hence achieved through massive rocket attacks launched by the Hamas on the Israeli civilians as well as those who occupied the Gaza strip on the West Bank to get the Israeli moving back to Israel. The long-term goal of the Hamas has therefore been to establish strong Islamic states on all Palestinian territories that predominantly belonged to Palestine. The Hamas mainly fight for the restoration of Palestinians historic rights. The groups leader was at one time quoted for stating that the military operations of the group would cease once Palestinian historic rights were restored (Levitt Ross, 2007). Most scholars believe that Hamas is a socio-political organization. Hamas mainly occupy the Gaza side of Palestine. Therefore, the Hamas are mainly located in the Gaza strip on the Palestinian side where they won a majority of the parliamentary seats. Hamas is found on a solid document which by all means mimics terrorist tactics and lifestyle. The original document that binds the Hamas strongly condemns the Israeli and declares war on them. The group is however not poised towards the destruction of Israelites alone. It is also concerned with the social wellbeing of the Palestinians. Prior to the formation of the Hamas group, the Israeli government subjected the group to thorough economic sanctions. Diplomatic sanctions were also rife in the new organization. This almost grounded most of their operations at the initial stages before they gained foot and became independent. There are two main branches within the group. The first is concerned with the social programs which have seen the construction of many schools, mosques and hospitals. Many of the schools within the Palestinian territories are built by the Hamas. The Hamas work in cohorts with the Muslims governments to provide the social amenities to its people. Many suggest that this has indeed impacted on the image of the organization and presented it as a positive organization, save for the destruction of Israel that it commits its members to. The second branch of the Hamas organization is concerned with the military operations. This is carried out below the surface and is led by Izz al-Din Qassam Brigades. This second branch was created in 1992. In addition, the militant group of Hamas operates independently and at times contradicts their own Hamas policies. The military faction of the Hamas at most times gives the group a dark image since many researchers have associated the group with destruction and murder. It is important that we understand the many faces of Hamas to appreciate their role in the Muslim world. Hamas is thus against any Israeli invasion of historically Palestinian territories. They are however the main cause of conflict in the Gaza strip. Understanding the genesis of the conflict is key to knowing how the Hamas operate and coordinate. Who funds the Hamas ? The Hamas obtains most of its cash from its supporters, who are mainly Palestinians and Arabs in different countries. They send money to support the military and social programs of the group. According to Milton-Edwards and Farrell (2010), the Hamas also get financial aids from the Muslim states who are enemies of the Israelis. These states buy arms and send the shipment to the Gaza strip to sustain the military operations of Hamas within the area. There have been efforts to try and block the accounts of the Hamas group, but all have been futile. Researchers confess that as long as Hamas receives support from the Muslim world, it is highly unlikely for the group to cease its operations within the West Bank. Although many of their supporters deny having any links with the terrorist group, it is evident that the Hamas have more friends and supporters than enemies. If anything, it is only the Israelis who are enemies of this militant group and this is the reason for their existence. The biggest supporter of the Hamas group is Saudi Arabia which contributes up to 50% of the groups finances (Hroub, 2006). Mishal and Sela (2000) estimate that the annual budget of the militant terrorist group is approximately, 70 million US dollars; this is a large budget which requires the support of several outside fronts to be able to meet it. Most of This money goes towards supporting schools, hospitals and religious organizations that are predominantly Muslim based. Moreover, many of the Islamic charity organizations support the Hamas and contribute immensely towards their large budget. Iran is also known to fund the Hamas budget though only to a small proportion. There are also several other Arab states that fund the groups operations since most if not all the Arab states are anti-Israel. Private charities continuously support the groups operations in the West Bank. These social institutions have supported Hamas for decades as a result of the groups affiliation to construction and development projects such as building schools, hospitals and religious organizations and institutions. Are they a threat to the U.S? The US supports Israel with massive proportions. The US support for Israel has never been concealed. On the other hand, the Hamas are enemies of the Israelis. This makes the circle complete; the US is therefore at threat of the Hamas. A keen look at the policies of the Hamas reveals that the Hamas group mainly fights Israeli forces that have occupied sites that are historically Palestine territory. According to Rosaler (2003), recent attacks on the US, including the 9/11 terrorist attacks were mainly propagated by forced believed to be of Hamas origin, the Al-Qaeda. The Hamas are closely linked to the Al-Qaeda, the main terrorist cell which makes the US shiver. The US directive to ban Hamas from accessing Jordan in 1999 sparked enmity and brutal underground war within the West Bank region. This action put US on the spot as a potential target. Furthermore, it is also evident that the US supports 100% of all Israeli military operations against the Hamas terrorist cell. The US often fights such distant war in the guise of ending terrorism. As such, the US invasion of Iraq had a hidden agenda. One of the reasons was to fight terrorist cells within the region which extended to the Hamas territories. The other reason which has often been largely contradicted is that the US has vested interests in the oil deposits within the region. Critics argue that the US is indeed putting its head into a bee hole by supporting the Israelis. The amount of support that Hamas has amassed from the Arab world is astonishing. It is only a matter of time before the group grows into other major branches and wedges continuous terrorist attacks on the Israelis and their formidable allies, the US. Tactics employed by the Hamas The Hamas has adopted several tactics that it uses to fight their wars. One of these tactics is through using children as human shields. This has been condemned by the Human Rights organizations worldwide. Israel claims to be in possession of a video footage showing the Hamas using children as human shield. In a country where there is no law, this kind of action cannot be effectively punished. Hamas continue to use this tactic to date while fighting their wars against the Israeli and its allies within the West Bank. Young children are often taught at an early age to hate the Israelites and declare war against them. These children are later used to fight in wars with Israeli forces. Most of the children who are used are normally given specific targets which they would walk to and blow up. For instance, in 2002, a child walked into a convoy of Israeli soldiers and blew himself up killing the entire group of soldiers. This sparked a series of attacks on the Hamas within the Gaza Strip. Moreover, the Hamas also use children combatants during war. This has also been largely condemned owing to the fact that children are not to be used at war. The children combatants are recruited through the Hamas website for children, the Al Fateh (Tamimi, 2007). Children combatants are revered for their skill and innocence at war, making them unsuspecting soldiers who kill with impunity. The children combatants are often trained by the Hamas groups in institutions established for this purpose. They are viewed as patriots and are hence given specific targets where they would launch attacks on civilians on a regular basis. Tamimi (2007) insinuates that Israeli forces within the West Bank have learnt their lessons not to trust children walking into their convoy. As such, any child approaching them is usually taken out immediately. The Hamas also wedge attacks on civilians of Israeli origin. This is a tactic that the group has used for many years now. It is mainly carried out by bombarding civilian dwellings in Israeli territories believed to be historically Palestinian territory. The Human Rights Watch has faulted Hamas for crimes against humans, by using children combatants and human shield and also for launching civilian attacks. This tactic has left Hamas with more enemies than friends. Attacks on civilians include car bombs, roadside bombs in areas or roads frequented by the civilians of Israeli origin, among other terrorist-like attacks. Rockets are often sent at targeted Israeli buildings and civilian territories, a fact that has often sparked enmity between the Israeli allies and the Palestinian Hamas affiliates. Guerilla warfare is perhaps the oldest tactic that Hamas continues to employ against Israeli forces within the West Bank. The Gaza Strip has been described as the home of guerilla tactics by the Hamas militant groups. It is here that many of the Israeli forces have died as a result of the guerilla warfare. How dangerous is the group today? Hamas is closely linked with major terrorists and pose a great security risk in the airspace and Israeli allied countries, such as the US. The group is also dangerous since it teaches children of Muslim origin to hate Israelis and the United States. The increasing number of suicide attacks within the Gaza Strip threatens to kill more innocent civilian in the coming future, hence the Hamas are dangerous. It is not clear when and where they will strike next. Their guerilla tactics makes them very dangerous. The terrorist attacks advanced by the Hamas threaten to stall economic developments within the West Bank region. Their proximity to civilians makes the group to be extremely dangerous as most of the casualty during wars wedged by them is innocent civilians. The group threatens regional peace at the Gaza Strip as well as the West Bank, hence making human life in these areas to be a challenge. The Hamas militant activities often leave many displaced away from their homes as they seek a safe haven. The group threatens international peace since its supporters offer a strong force against its enemies. The result may be two fronts facing each other, that is, the Israeli being supported by the United States and the Hamas being supported by the Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia. A World War may be brewing and waiting to happen. If left undeterred, the Hamas are likely to fight and displace the Israeli who have lived in the West Bank for years. This threatens the well being of the Israelis as they are exposed to being refugees. The Hamas group continues to develop underground cells which are a threat to the international security from the past terrorist activities witnessed. Conclusion The Hamas is an Islamic Resistance Movement which fights to restore the historic Palestine territories. This group has been a formidable force within the West Bank and Gaza Strip for years. Its main activities have been military organization against the Israelites as well as building schools, clinics, religious institutions among other social institutions. The Hamas group was formed way back in 1987 under the leadership of the Egyptian brother, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. It derives its financing from Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran. Private charity institutions also support and finance the activities of the Hamas. The Hamas have a policy book which they follow, although this is beginning to be sidelined as the group advances. The militant branch of the group is mainly independent, managing its own affairs under Izz al-Din Qassam. Hamas therefore poses a serious threat to the security of the United States following several threats that the group has made against the United States for supporting the Israelis. The US on the other hand has remained vigil in its support of the Israeli forces in the West Bank region. Hamas use several dirty tactics to fight their wars including the use of children combatants. Children are also used as human shields during war, a fact that has been largely condemned by the Human Rights Watch dogs. Hamas also uses guerilla war tactics to effectively fight within the West Bank region against Israeli forces. Perhaps the worst tactic used by the Hamas is civilian attacks and suicide bombings which are rampant in densely populated districts in the West Bank region. This has often led to the killings of hundreds of innocent civilians. The Hamas thus pose a great security risk owing to the groups affiliation to terrorist activities such as suicide attacks, roadside bombs among other terrorist characterized attacks. The Hamas has thus grown into a fully fledged terrorist group and no longer merely advocates for the restoration of the Palestine historic rights. Recommendations Stopping the activities of the Hamas group will indeed be an uphill task owing to the large support that the group has amassed in the recent past. The Hamas group receives most of its support from the Arab nations which are foes with Israelis. It would be impossible to suggest that the Hamas military operations would be stopped through convincing the Arab countries not to support the groups activities. What about the private charity organizations? The best way therefore to stop the Hamas from advancing would be to place international sanctions on countries that support Hamas. These sanctions should be aimed at crippling the countrys economy such that there is very little that the countries can do in terms of foreign trade. International sanctions would work perfectly against the supporters and allies of the Hamas by denying them trade opportunities. The other recommendation would be to perhaps get to the root of the groups leadership using intelligence and eliminating them one by one. This would cripple the groups organization and thus they cannot be able to wedge any war. References Hroub, K. (2006). A New Hamas : The Politics of a Resistance Movement. Washington: Pluto Press. Levitt, M., Ross, D. (2007). Hamas : Politics, Charity, and Terrorism in the Service of Jihad. Edinburgh: Yale University Press. Milton-Edwards, B., Farrell, S. (2010). Hamas : The Islamic Resistance Movement. New York: Polity. Mishal, S., Sela, A. (2000). The Palestinian Hamas : vision, violence, and coexistence. Columbia: Columbia University Press. Rosaler, M. (2003). Hamas : Palestinian terrorists. Berlin: The Rosen Publishing Group. Tamimi, A. (2007). Hamas : a history from within. Sydney: Olive Branch Press.