Abstract
An analysis of the current budget deficit and its causes--a slow economy, tremendous spending on the Iraq war and tax cuts. The paper also addresses the economic effect of a deficit on the economy and the desirable and adverse effects caused by a deficit. This essay concludes that spending would be more productive if directed to structural elements of the economy.

From the Paper
"Budget deficits occur when government expenditure is greater than revenue, forcing the government to borrow to meet its requirements. There are many potential economic effects of a deficit; the most apparent is an expansionary effect on the economy caused by injections of money being greater than withdrawals. Fiscal policy, among many other mechanisms is used to manipulate the economy. However, budget deficits should be used as to not adversely affect the economy. The federal budget deficit set the new record of $374 billion in 2003, doubling last year's efforts (Fram). The record deficit has been caused by the slow economy, tremendous spending on the Iraq war and tax cuts for the rich. This indicates that the great America does not know how to balance the checkbook, and certainly does not know how to spend wisely."

Tags:bush, debt, fiscal, iraq, monetary, spending, surplus, tax, tax, trade, war

Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that the war in Iraq and the Vietnam war hold very similar foreign policy agendas, which rely on falsified intelligence information to enact pre-emptive war. The writer explains that the lack of presidential action to halt the War in Iraq further reveals the growing problems of war powers that allow nations, such as the United States, to attack smaller countries without reliable proofs of a threat. Further the writer notes that both president Bush and President Johnson invoke similarities in how war is created and enacted through poor intelligence and aggressive policies toward lesser nations.

From the Paper
"In many ways, the instigation of war through fabricated intelligence was seen in the Gulf of Tonkin incident, which can also be seen in the false intelligence the United States used to launch a War in Iraq. In this manner, both of these wars offer examples of similar wars in that they were based on false intelligence and were preemptive in design. The historical background to the Vietnam conflict was brought on by the rise in anti-communist campaigns, such as those made by McCarthyism in the 50s."

Tags:iraq, vietnam, war

Abstract
This paper explains that no aspect of the U.S. economy has remained unchanged during any given war. The author points out that the current Iraq war has positioned itself to possibly be the longest in U.S. history and hence the most expensive. The paper relates that, with more than 1 million U.S. troops in Iraq, the cost of long-term medical care and disability benefits will continue for years after the war. The paper underscores that post-war occupation and reconstruction, an inevitable factor in this conflict adds an even higher cost to the war. The author concludes that, in addition to direct costs, the Iraq war is destabilizing the economy by causing increasing oil prices, uncertainty in the credit market, inflation created by a greater demand of economic goods and services, and an increasing need to pay for the war with borrowed dollars.

From the Paper
"With the increased costs of war comes a hefty interest payment on the national deficit. Joint Economic Committee (JEC) Chairman Sen. Charles E. Schumer, JEC Vice-Chair Rep. Carolyn Maloney , released a new report exposing the hidden costs of the war in Iraq. The Joint Economic Committee report entitled, "War at Any Price? The Total Economic Costs of the War" details the high hidden economic costs of the war in Iraq beyond the direct budgetary appropriations, including interest costs of borrowing these funds, lost investment, long term veteran's health care, and oil market disruptions."

Tags:world war ii, vietnam war, subprime oil uncertainty

From the Paper
"This research paper summarizes and analyzes the United States foreign policy decisions and military events which led to, perpetuated and ended American involvement in the Persian Gulf War, including the military strategy employed by Iraq and the United States during that war.


The Persian Gulf War was precipitated by the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in August 1990 and the determination by the United States that its vital interests were thereby threatened. American foreign policy, because it sought to maintain a balance between Iraqi and Iranian power in the region, sent Iraq mixed signals which failed to deter the invasion, but many other factors lay behind Saddam Hussein's decision to invade. Thereafter, the United States effectively built up its forces in..."

Abstract
This paper explains that over 500 detainees from countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan have been brought to the U.S. military base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba by the U.S. government under the assumption that they are dangerous terrorists and a threat to the United States. The author points out that (1) they were brought to Cuba because it is not U.S. soil thus the military can deny them the rights guaranteed under the United States Constitution, such as due process, independent counsel and a speedy trial, and (2) they do not even have rights under the Geneva Convention since the U.S. has not declared them prisoners of war, instead labeling them "enemy combatants". The paper contends that the fallout from this situation at Guantanamo Bay has been that the world now sees the U.S. as a hypocrite following constitutional rights only when it is in the country's best interests.

Table of Contents
Constitutional Amendments of the United States of America
Introduction
Justice for All
Convenience of the "Enemy Combatants" Label
What's Going on at Guantanamo Bay?
The Abused as Abusers
International Quagmire
Crusade for National Security
The End is Near?

From the Paper
"There are even conflicting reports from the same agency. The Red Cross released a report in 2002 stating that there was no torture going on at Guantanamo and then later did an about-face and condemned the treatment of those same prisoners (Cole). Some prisoners who were released talked about physical and mental torture, being isolated for months at a time, being led around with a dog collar, being attacked by dogs, having to wear women's clothing and of being subjected to the desecration of the Quran in front of them (having pages ripped out and flushed down the toilet). Many of these "tortures" have been confirmed by the US government, namely the FBI (Ardiente), with a shrug and grin, as if they are a practice so common (or relatively innocuous compared to what else they might do) that they are confused as to why anyone would be upset by them."

Tags:constitution, denial, enemy-combatants, hypocrite, muslim

Abstract
The paper argues for the United States to act in concert with other nations in containing the Iraqi dictator. It provides a history of the United Nations endorsed 1990 Gulf War. The author describes how the U.S. interest in Iraq is its oil and weapons of mass destruction. The author of the paper expresses fear that a unilateral U.S. war on Iraq would cause terrorism and anti-American sentiment worldwide.

From the Paper
"In 1991, the United States, with the endorsement of the United Nations Security Council, launched an offensive against Iraq shortly after the latter invaded Kuwait. The war's aims, according then president George Bush, were the expulsion of Iraqi forces from Kuwait, stabilization of the Gulf, and protection of Americans in Kuwait. (Ambrose & Brinkley) Two major reasons for the war not mentioned by Bush, it is widely acknowledged, were the protection of American oil interests in the region and the disarmament of Iraq's nuclear weapons program. After few days of bombings Iraq surrendered and withdrew its forces from Kuwait, thereby realizing the stated objectives of the war. As the war ended, and throughout the 1990's, the UN, under American leadership, enforced various sanctions on Iraq with the hope of preventing Hussein's regime from obtaining biological and nuclear weapons. Nowadays, particularly after Hussein expelled international arms inspectors from Iraq in 1998, and even more so after the relative success of the war in Afghanistan, many Americans are convinced that the US, with or without international backing, should invade Iraq with the goal of removing Hussein and inserting a regime that will be favorable to American interests. While reasonable arguments are being made about the dangers emanating from the Iraqi regime, the unilateralist military overthrow of the Iraqi government is likely to have negative ramifications on both American and universal interests for many years to come."

Tags:arab, council, international, law, security, terrorism, bush, president, saddam, hussein

Abstract
This work assesses whether the use of force is legitimised by UN Security Council approval, and alternatively, when such approval is not given, whether the use of force is delegitimized. The paper utilises the 2003 invasion of Iraq as its essential case study. The paper attempts to show that Security Council endorsement neither justifies nor delegitimizes the use of force in totality, although in terms of international law such is verification is provided for.

From the Paper
"The first issue of concern is the right of every country to engage in self defence. Such right is clearly and overtly outlined in international law through Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which asserts that "Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual and collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations". In relation to Iraq, some right wing commentators argued that as Sadam Hussein's regime supported terrorism, then military action against the country could be undertaken through the auspices of self defence. Indeed, such processes did provide legitimacy to the US led invasion of Afghanistan. Now naturally, very few agreed with the assessment that Iraq was complicit with the terrorist attacks of September 11th 2001. But the principle of self defence with regards to Iraq could at least in some measure be proposed. Thus, in the case of self defence, there is a clear possibility that prescribes for the use of force in total absence of direct Security Council approval. "

Tags:Iraq, Saddam, Hussein, invasion

Abstract
The paper examines whether, since its formation in 1981, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has ensured stability in the Gulf region itself and the wider Middle East. The paper details the reasons for the establishment of the GCC and how it has succeeded in ensuring stability. The paper then examines the roles played by Iraq and Iran in the political and economic processes of the region and how this affects the GCC's ability to act as a stabilising force. Finally, the paper assesses potential future developments in the GCC and the region as a whole and specifically, the impact of the continued presence of United States military forces in Iraq and the wider Gulf region will have on GCC.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Methodology
Theory
The GCC: Historical Background, Role and the Successes Achieved in Ensuring Stability in the Middle East
The Role of Iran and Iraq in Shaping Developments in the Middle East
The United States in Iraq and the Possible Affect on the Role of the GCC
Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Historically the Middle East has played an important role in the functioning of global processes. However, during the nineteenth and twentieth century's the extent of this importance grew considerably. Firstly, the region became an essential trading route between Europe and the Far East. Secondly, the discovery of massive oil reserves in the early decades of the twentieth century made the region a vital concern of global economic processes. Finally, the protracted nature of religious and political disagreements has propelled the Middle East to a position of unparalleled importance in terms of international political processes. Thus, at the outset we can certainly conclude that the Middle East is a vital issue of concern well beyond the confines of the region itself.
"Above all, the international political climate in the early years of the twenty first century has been one of uncertainty. Moreover, much of this uncertainty and instability in global political processes can be accounted for with reference to the Middle East. Thus, issues pertaining to dwindling global natural resources, international terrorism and religious extremism all assume a central place in the political discourse of the Middle East region. Furthermore, the increasing role of western powers in the region, most notably the United States has meant that the Middle East has gained ever greater levels of importance on the international stage."

Tags:Middle East, GCC, Stability

Abstract
The paper introduces the book, "America's Longest War: United States and Vietnam 1950-1975", by George C. Herring. Specifically, it discusses three topics from Chapter 6 and then explains each according to what the author writes. It also looks at how the Vietnam War is being compared increasingly to the current war with Iraq and how, as this chapter clearly shows, there are many reasons for the comparison. It shows how President Johnson began fighting an uphill battle as public opinion about the war began to swing against it, just as President Bush is facing growing opposition to the war with Iraq.

From the Paper
""The President's Decisions." President Johnson, partly on advice from such advisers as Clifford, Westmoreland, and Bunker, decided in late 1967 that new forces should not be sent to South Vietnam, and the country should be more prepared to fight on its own. The author writes, "Johnson's advisers agreed that from a long-range standpoint the key to achieving American objectives was south Vietnam's ability to stand on its own" (Herring 239). By early 1968, the President had informed South Vietnam that we would continue to send assistance and equipment, but "limited manpower." During this time, President Johnson also agreed, heavily leaning on the advice of Dean Rusk, that bombing in Vietnam should be cut back, and peace talks should open again with the North Vietnamese. It seems that many of the President's decisions were based on guidance from his closest advisors, and somewhat on public opinion."

Tags:iraq, president, johnson

Abstract
The United States sends Israel about $3 billion in financial and military aid every year. Most Americans--60 to 70 percent--approve of U.S. support of Israel. Others argue that this foreign aid intensifies the tension between the United States and Arab countries, who believe that Israel should withdraw from territories that rightfully belong to Palestinians. This paper debates to what extent the United States should get involved with problems in the Middle East, including whether or not U.S. aid to Israel should continue.
Outline
The United States Must Wage a War Against Middle Eastern Terrorism
The United States Should Continue to Support Israel
The United States Should Go to War with Iraq
The United States Should Promote Democracy in the Middle East
The U.S. War on Terrorism is Unethical
The United States Should Stop Supporting Israel
The United States Should Not Go to War with Iraq

From the Paper
"According to Zunes, since its inception in 1948, Israel has proven a useful ally to the United States, especially during the Cold War. For instance, Israel's powerful military, the strongest in the region, keeps potential enemies of the United States--such as Syria, a Soviet ally during the Cold War--under control. In addition, Israel's numerous wars provided battlefield testing of American arms, often against Soviet weapons. Furthermore, Israel's intelligence department has helped U.S. intelligence agencies gather information and plan covert operations in the Middle East. Finally, Israel possesses an enormous nuclear arsenal and has collaborated with the United States on weapons research and manufacture. Zunes states that "U.S. foreign policy is motivated primarily to advance its own perceived strategic interests." "

Tags:israel, iraq, terrorism, 9/11, democracy, osama, bin, laden, saddam, hussein