Debate: US Re-engage Military Against ISIS versus Let Middle East Countries Deal With It

This week our public speaking assignment will be about the debate behind whether or not the United States should militarily re-engage against an Islamic extremist group, ISIS / ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria / Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant). From the perspective of large conventional forces, the United States is now out of Iraq and Afghanistan with the exception of US military advisers training their military.  Some say that in order for Islamic Extremists to be successful they need Western infidels to remain in the Middle East as motivation for recruiting young Muslims to continue to fight against the West. Despite the immorality of the act, but was the beheading of the Western reporters a dramatic ploy to draw the US forces back into fighting in the Middle East? What do you think?  

Perspective on Why the US Should Not Get Directly Involved: 

ISIS is not the US's Fight

War on ISIS will backfire on West


Perspective on Why the US Should Get Directly Involved: 

Classroom Activity: The class will be divided into 2 groups assigned by the teacher. One group will debate for US intervention against ISIS and the other group will debate against US intervention. You will conduct your research today, complete your homework (see below) and you will form and prepare debating groups on Tuesday and then debate in class on Wednesday.  

Homework: Your homework tonight (Monday) is to read the two articles and watch the two videos to prepare for the debate. Tonight, you will add a comment and include your first name and the class period you are in with your homework comment. In your comment (short response) on the blog, tell me whether you agree or disagree with US's intervention in the Middle East against ISIS and why. 

NEW SCHOOL YEAR FOR BMHS NJROTC 2014

We started the year off by reacquainting ourselves with what occurred over the summer. Then you analyzed yourself in the form of a cadet autobiography where you were asked about your goals for JROTC, school, and after school. I want you to think about how you set goals and how come sometimes people don't achieve those goals. Lets watch this short video: 

The "why" of your goals is the purpose of the goal. Using what happens if you don't achieve that goal as a good filter for better understanding your goals. 

Classroom Activity: 

• Form into small groups, and discuss what your individual goals for JROTC are this year. 
• Designate someone in the group to take notes.
• Prior to the end of class the note-takers will share group inputs with the class. 
• SMART Goals:
• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Relevant
• Time Bound

PUBLIC SPEAKING: INVOLVEMENT IN THE CRISIS IN UKRAINE

We spent time last week in small groups reviewing the ongoing situation in the Ukraine where Russian troops have occupied key areas in Crimea and Ukrainian military bases. Is this an illegal intrusion by the Russian President Putin or his country merely providing security assistance? The people of Crimea apparently voted for annexation from the Ukraine and desire to be controlled by Russia. We discussed some of the US options (Diplomatic, Informational, Military, and Economic) that could be taken. Many question President Putin's motives and President Obama's leadership? Some say the "cold war has come back" as Russia was previously thought of as a former superpower in decline? It is a very fluid situation that is having a growing impact in the European (NATO) region. What will happen?

Russian Troops in Occupation

US Military Preserving Peace

 Your Individual Public Speaking Assignment is to develop a short speech expressing your individual opinion on:

"Why the United States Should (or Should Not) Get involved in the Crisis Between Russia and Ukraine?" 

TOPIC: Is the Question Above. Pick an opinion and develop your speech.

Time Standard for Speech: 1 minute and thirty seconds (Anything shorter will result in the reduction of your grade)
Contents: Introduction, 3 Main Points Supporting Your Opinion, Conclusion
Monday: Work on Speech in Class, Review and Time Rehearse for Homework. You will be allowed to have a written speech, but it will need to have been rehearsed as homework so you do not merely read it.
Tuesday: Give Speech in Class

Final Comment: A component of being a citizen is being informed by keeping yourself aware of what is going on locally, domestically, and globally. Once you are informed you are responsible to do something about it: talk with peers, let your elected official know what YOU think, vote for candidates that are well informed on the issues, participate in a protest or organize a protest if your government is taking action that you feel is counter to your national interests, etc.

What Does Courage Look Like?

You have heard of the Navy SEALs from SEAL Team 6. We look at athletes who play hurt and still perform as being courageous. These are people who make a choice to participate in the activities that put them in challenging situations. How about a 15 year old girl? Can she be courageous? How many of you heard of Malala?

She has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, listen to her message and attitude:

What Is The Message Malala teaches us? What do you think of her message...?

Small Group Discussion: Break up into small 3 person groups and discuss. Be prepared to discuss in class afterward. 

Jan 14: Small Group Reading & Draft US Policy on Countering Islamic Extremism

Is the quote above appropriate for our previous discussions, or would you consider it extreme? Think of the Sept 11th Module we conducted and the loss of innocents lives due to Al Qaeda...is it civilization (US / Western World and Islamic World / Allies) against terrorists or not.

Using the template of the National Elements of Power (DIME: Diplomacy, Information, Military/Security, and Economy) as you break into small groups and read the assigned curriculum, try to think of ways to use DIME to develop a draft US Policy to Counter global Islamic Extremism.

In Class Tasks:  After viewing the above information and the example of a religious extremist conduct the following in class tasks and homework posting assignment. 

1. Let’s take a look at our Cultural Studies Global Awareness book and review the following Vocabulary Words: terrorism, international terrorism, jihad, terrorist group, agenda, figurehead, proxy, sharia, Wahhabism, Caliphate, insurgency, transnational, reactionary, safe haven.

2. Break up into 2 or 3 groups and read this lesson from page 92 to 109. Take whatever notes or questions you deem appropriate to outline draft US Policy to Counter Islamic Extremism.

3. Participate in small group class discussions in developing a draft policy for countering Islamic Extremism using the national elements of power (Diplomacy, Information, Military / Security, and Economy). You will continue this work on Tuesday, and make a class presentation on your draft policy on Wednesday.

4. Homework Assignment: Post your individual thoughts on how the United States could counter Islamic Extremism. (Class Period and First name only)

Global Awareness: Islamic Extremism Small Group Discussion

The radicalization of people to commit extreme acts of violence against others in the name of religion  is the key element that needs to be addressed in our discussion about religious extremism. Take the case of US Army Major Nidal Hasan who attacked and killed and wounded fellow soldiers in Fort Hood Texas.

Major Nidal Hasan was a commissioned officer in the US Army and an Army psychologist who swore an oath of allegiance to the United States Constitution  and a Hippocratic oath as a doctor obligating him to help and not harm others. He is a Muslim like many others in our US Armed Forces, citizens from all  different races, creeds, and religions who voluntarily serve their nation in the military.

 Is there something other than mental illness, which would cause this soldier to attack other soldiers that he was sworn to lead and maintain their well being? How was he radicalized as a Muslim to commit terrorism in the name of Allah when it is counter to the teachings of Islam...?

Class Activity: We will conduct a class discussion on this phenomenon.