Abstract
This essay looks at the role of air power in the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-88, arguing that it was largely used as a deterrent to an escalation in the conflict. First, the author examines how air power was used in the conventional role during the conflict. It then goes on to look at the vested interest that both sides had in not escalating the war. The essay explains how this led to air power being used to dissuade both sides from intensifying the conflict. The author states that international opinion, especially that of the United States and the Former Soviet Union, may also have a influenced both sides from having a more aggressive air conflict.

From the Paper
"Air power during the Iran-Iraq war was used to a small degree in conventional combat roles. It was used on a number of occasions, primarily during the early stages of the conflict, in the ground attack role. On the arguable first day of the war, 22nd September 1980, Iraqi air assets conducted strikes on towns, cities, airports and industrial instalments. Of importance, this included attacks on 10 Iranian airfields. In retaliation, the Iranian air force struck back at two Iraqi airbases on the same day. Over the following days, such Iraqi strikes continued with lesser intensity until by the 25th September they were largely limited to attacks on easily reachable bases close to the border. Paralleling the Iraqi actions, similar ground attacks by Iranian air assets also continued until the 25th September when they stopped almost completely."

Tags:Arab armies, air force, Middle Eastern Wars, air power

Abstract
The paper analyzes the strategic paralysis theories of John Warden and John Boyd and their application and effectiveness in the 1990-1991 Gulf War. The paper shows how these theories are theoretically sound and have practical validity as well. However, the paper goes on to explain why the fundamental assumptions made by both Boyd and Warden mean that their theories of strategic paralysis aren't always applicable. The paper therefore concludes that strategic paralysis theory is a realistic concept, but cannot be realised in all circumstances.

From the Paper
"Colonel John Boyd hypothesised that one could strategically paralyse their enemy through affecting his decisions-making processes. He developed a theory of decision-making process that he claimed all humans were subject to. The process had four phases: Observe, Orientate, Decision, Act. Subsequently, it was named the OODA loop. In practice, the OODA loop consisted of a person observing a change in the situation, orientating their mind to the new situation and developing plans, deciding on a plan, and acting on that chosen plan. Boyd theorised that one could defeat an enemy through getting inside their OODA loop. This could be done through going through one's own OODA loop quicker and with more accuracy than their enemy. This meant that while the enemy was still thinking about the changed situation and what they were going to do about it, the situation would change as a result of you having acted on a new decision. Doing this would result in the mental paralysis of the enemy. The enemy would become confused and his willingness to resist would deteriorate, Boyd hypothesised."

Tags:Gulf, War, Iraq, John, Boyd, John, Warden, enemy, gravity, global, jihadists

Abstract
This paper examines the historical background of the conflict in the Middle East between Palestine and Israel, and notes that while this conflict is promoted in the media as being a relatively ?new? phenomenon that it is actually another stage in an ongoing conflict between these two peoples. Factors that are addressed as contributing to this conflict are those of religion and politics. There is a strong slant towards the Palestinians being unjustly vilified in the media. There is a brief mention of Osama bin Laden and his involvement in the conflict.

From the Paper
"The recent hostilities between the Palestinian and the Israeli people is a negative note in what had seemed to be progress in ending the ongoing conflict between these separate people. Prior to the events of violence that were started once more in the spring of last year, the Palestinian and the Israeli people were apparently working towards a position of peace in the Middle East. However, this was not to be. The existing social tensions between the Palestinian and the Israeli people was too deeply rooted within their histories and cultures to provide a simple solution, which the negotiations that were prevalent at the time were attempting to achieve. "

Tags:accord, arab, arafat, bin, jerusalem, jew, laden, muslim, nations, osama, oslo, united

From the Paper
"OPEC was created at the Baghdad Conference of September 10-14, 1960. The five founding members were Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. OPEC was formed in response to the over production of oil in the late 1950's which in turn caused the price of oil to drop drastically (Encarta). The objective of OPEC as stated by the member countries is "to co-ordinate and unify petroleum polices among member countries, in order to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers; an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations; and a fair return on capital to those investing in the industry (OPEC 1)."

Tags:countries, exporting, organization, petroleum, oil, arab, opec

Abstract
This paper discusses the reasons why the Balfour Declaration of 1917 was so important for the political and social developments in Palestine at the time. It discusses the history of the Declaration and the British interest in the area. The paper then shows how the ambiguity of the Declaration marked the beginnings of the Arab-Israeli conflict that still exists today.

From the Paper
"The 1917 Balfour Declaration added to the tensions between the Palestinian Arabs and Jews worldwide, thus it can be seen as one of the beginnings of the Arab-Israeli war present in today's society. The ambiguity of the document led to much confusion between Jews as to what portion of Palestine would become theirs, which has been argued to have been part of the British government's aims in order to gain Jewish support for the war whilst being careful to keep peaceful relations with the Palestinian Arabs at the time. The Balfour Declaration was a document based on colonialism, nationalism and imperialism; the colonization of the Palestinian Arab's territory by the Jewish people according to Jewish ideals for a national homeland in Palestine, in order to secure the strategic Suez Canal and control over oil in the region."

Tags:Zionism, colonisation, imperialism

Abstract
This paper attempts to present an unbiased evaluation of the reliability of Josephus account of the siege of Masada and contends that Josephus account is certainly not entirely false; however the account of the suicide itself is also shown to be a likely alteration of events with a grain of truth.

From the Paper
"Furthermore, the mass-suicide may be seen as one such 'exaggeration' because it was not uncommon for accounts in ancient literature to end in such a manner. Cohen also notes that the ending of a story with mass suicide was evident among many prominent writers. Among those whom he lists is Livy, who has already been shown to embellish his writings in a similar manner to Josephus. In one story, Livy describes how P. Decius Mus devoted himself to the gods of the underworld in return for a Roman victory, and hurled himself into the midst of the enemy battle line as a sacrifice . It is most likely that the devotio of Decius Mus is legendary, and is confused with the action of his son at Sentinum in 295 B.C., who is also reputed to have acted similarly . This is but one of many instances where classical writers conclude a story with suicide. As a result of this contextual examination, it becomes clear that Josephus' story of the mass-suicide has been moulded, if not totally created, as a result of literary traditions of the ancient world."

Tags:flavius, jerusalem, jewish, silva, titus, vespasian, war

Abstract
Violent conflict is well documented in human history and certainly appears in many prehistorical finds. The writer provides a systematic and comparative study of warfare from an archaeological perspective. This paper shows that the frequency and severity of war is commensurate and indeed rises with increased complexity of social interactions.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Definition of War
Pre-state and State Societies
Civilization
Prehistoric War
Hebrews: Pre-Monarchy
Hebrew Monarchy
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Has the frequency and severity of warfare increased? More specifically, have these levels escalated compared to pre-state societies and societies of state? Firstly, in answering this question a definition of war is proposed, followed by a classification of societies, and a definition of the term 'civilization'. Secondly, details of prestate Hebrew society and their early state civilization will be contrasted. Finally, the contemporary Assyrian state that ultimately dominated the Hebrews is reviewed. In this assessment the essay draws on various historical and archaeological accounts that portray the increased frequency and severity of war."

Tags:Hebrew, Israelites, prehistoric, society, civilization

Abstract
This paper views certain extracts from eye witness accounts of the complexities of the march to and fall of Antioch and Jerusalem and its retainment as the Holy city as the birthplace of Christ and all Christendom in the First Crusade. With an aim of demonstrating the organizational change of the view of the people of the era and correct representation of the facts, two verbose quotations of authoritative figures who were present or involved in the Crusaders are included to aid enlightenment as to the situation from the eyes of observers.

From the Paper
"Pope Urban II dealt with the concept of negating the commandment that "thy shalt not kill" in relation to what will come of those who fell on the battlefield fighting against the hoards of Moslems to retain Jerusalem. In a statement to the realm of Gaul he said: You have modestly expressed a desire to know whether those who have recently died in war, fighting in defence of the church of God and for the preservation of the Christian religion and of the state, or those who may in 'he future fall in the same cause, may obtain indulgence for their sins. We confidently reply that those who, out of love to the Christian religion, shall die in battle fighting bravely against pagans or unbelievers, shall receive eternal life. For the Lord has said through his prophet: "In whatever hour a sinner shall be converted, I will remember his sins no longer." By the intercession of St. Peter, who has the power of binding and loosing in heaven and on the earth, we absolve, as far as is permissible, all such and commend them by our prayers to the Lord."

Tags:antioch, armenian, belief, culture, heathen, humanist, infidel, islam, jerusalem, jew

Abstract
This paper explores the rise and rapid expansion of Islam during the seventh and eighth centuries, which was primarily due to the multi-faceted appeal of Islam as a way of life and not just a religion. The paper explains the political vacuum that had been created for the Arabs through exhausted and internally dissatisfied neighbors and finally the zeal, tolerance and order in which the Arabs went about their expansion. These factors created an environment in which an expanding and adapting vision of Islam was seen a positive and beneficial force for individuals as well as societies and nations.

From the Paper
"The multi-faceted nature of Islam in the way that in transcended traditional religious boundaries to included moral, legal and social issues broadened its appeal to society and was crucial in the success of its development. As a religion, what was most attractive about Islam lay in the straightforward nature of its beliefs. Unlike other religions of the time, the monotheistic character of Islam presented a unique simplicity that was relevant and applicable to daily life. "The heart of the Islamic faith is the belief in one god who is directly involved in the affairs of humanity" (Voll, 1982:7). Furthermore, through the Koran, it offered a moral code by which people could live their life."

Tags:byzantine, empire, koran, muhammed, society

Abstract
This paper examines the book "An Evil Cradling" by Brian Keenan which relates his story as a hostage of Shiite militiamen in Beirut for four and a half years. It discusses how his persuasive style invites the reader into this story: To the scene, to the feelings and to a world of inner strength from which Brian Keenan's survival in a world of terror and violence comes. It shows how the book is an heartening and stimulating experience and how in the face of utter fear and despair the human psyche has mechanisms such as humor and warmth for a fellow human being, which sustain us. It looks at how Keenan's sanity was retained by his ability to retreat into his mind-his thoughts and dreams gave strength and is ability to step outside of himself and the situation and become an observer, attempting to understand but refusing to let his mind become part of it.

From the Paper
"Keenan deliberates that to be truly humanized it is necessary to share his experience honestly with another person. He sees that this means in its entirety, including the thoughts, which trouble him and the irrational musings. When madness hovers, created by fear, it is the imaginings of the mind that saves McCarthy but only as Keenan leads him through an experience of imagining a room and the minute details of all it contains. Humor is a way of distancing themselves from the violence- after the particularly savage beating of Keenan by Abed they resort to humor as a way of keeping control. They identify the guard Saafi as having something that makes him human- a sense of humor."

Tags:spirituality, terrorism, mccarthy, torture