Under what circumstances should national security hold greater importance than human rights? In order to mitigate the direct threat of terrorist acts, what policies should democratic nations enact? Both civil society and political leaders seek to answer these philosophical questions – especially during times of war – in an effort to reach moral clarity. Issues surrounding torture are controversial and extremely emotional, therefore most individuals may avoid taking a position. American-born film director, Alex Gibney, utilizes his skill in the visual arts as a tool to engage auditors. Gibney has never held reservations in expressing his stance on taboo issues; his previous films include Enron: The Smartest Guys In The Room (2005), No End In
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At the time this was considered one of the deadliest terror attacks in Israel as it killed twenty-two civilians – one of which being my aunt Ayelet Langer Alkobi. On October 19, 1994 Bus Route 5 was the target of Hamas’ indiscriminate campaign of hatred. President of the United States Bill Clinton commented on the suicide bombing, stating it “is an outrage against the conscience of the world” as the “attack comes at the moment when we are rejoicing in the progress which has been made toward a real and lasting peace in the Middle East.” That day Clinton called “upon leaders in the Middle East and throughout the world to condemn this act and to ensure that there is no haven or support for those responsible.” Prime Minister of Israel Yitzhak Rabin also offered a statement, he said: “this was a cruel and terrible attack. Twenty-two Israelis were killed. Ordinary Israelis, who were on their way to work, to their homes, with no malice in their hearts. Many were injured. It is very painful.” Rabin’s wish was “to overcome blows, but blows which came together with progress for peace. In light of the change in the reality, may we be strong enough to go on and see the goal of peace and security.” Likewise, my wish is that both Israeli and Palestinian children will live in a reality where fear of terror is nonexistent. My wish is that instead of spending energy on mourning, our energy will be …show more content…
In the book Decision Points President George W. Bush admits, “in defiance of their orders and military law, American soldiers had severely mistreated detainees at an Iraqi prison called Abu Ghraib.” He continued, “I felt sick, really sick. This was not what our military or our country stood for. While the perpetrators were court-martialed, America’s reputation took a severe hit. I considered it a low point of my presidency” (pg. 88-89). On May 28, 2014 President Obama gave a commencement speech West Pointe Graduates. “I believe in American exceptionalism with every fiber of my being. But what makes us exceptional is not our ability to flout international norms and the rule of law; it is our willingness to affirm them through our actions” Obama conveyed. The President continued his speech, “and that’s why I will continue to push to close Gitmo – because American values and legal traditions do not permit the indefinite detention of people beyond our borders.” America’s position as leader of the free world is no mere accident. Dedicated citizens such as the soldiers that stormed the shored of Normandy and Alex Gibney who refuses to be silent are the reasons why America is what it is today. No nation is perfect, but with members of civil society and political leaders working together our actions will back up our ideals. Protection of security must be guaranteed, but finding a
At the time this was considered one of the deadliest terror attacks in Israel as it killed twenty-two civilians – one of which being my aunt Ayelet Langer Alkobi. On October 19, 1994 Bus Route 5 was the target of Hamas’ indiscriminate campaign of hatred. President of the United States Bill Clinton commented on the suicide bombing, stating it “is an outrage against the conscience of the world” as the “attack comes at the moment when we are rejoicing in the progress which has been made toward a real and lasting peace in the Middle East.” That day Clinton called “upon leaders in the Middle East and throughout the world to condemn this act and to ensure that there is no haven or support for those responsible.” Prime Minister of Israel Yitzhak Rabin also offered a statement, he said: “this was a cruel and terrible attack. Twenty-two Israelis were killed. Ordinary Israelis, who were on their way to work, to their homes, with no malice in their hearts. Many were injured. It is very painful.” Rabin’s wish was “to overcome blows, but blows which came together with progress for peace. In light of the change in the reality, may we be strong enough to go on and see the goal of peace and security.” Likewise, my wish is that both Israeli and Palestinian children will live in a reality where fear of terror is nonexistent. My wish is that instead of spending energy on mourning, our energy will be …show more content…
In the book Decision Points President George W. Bush admits, “in defiance of their orders and military law, American soldiers had severely mistreated detainees at an Iraqi prison called Abu Ghraib.” He continued, “I felt sick, really sick. This was not what our military or our country stood for. While the perpetrators were court-martialed, America’s reputation took a severe hit. I considered it a low point of my presidency” (pg. 88-89). On May 28, 2014 President Obama gave a commencement speech West Pointe Graduates. “I believe in American exceptionalism with every fiber of my being. But what makes us exceptional is not our ability to flout international norms and the rule of law; it is our willingness to affirm them through our actions” Obama conveyed. The President continued his speech, “and that’s why I will continue to push to close Gitmo – because American values and legal traditions do not permit the indefinite detention of people beyond our borders.” America’s position as leader of the free world is no mere accident. Dedicated citizens such as the soldiers that stormed the shored of Normandy and Alex Gibney who refuses to be silent are the reasons why America is what it is today. No nation is perfect, but with members of civil society and political leaders working together our actions will back up our ideals. Protection of security must be guaranteed, but finding a