Behind Taliban Lines

(1) One topic we haven't yet had time to discuss in depth is the War in Afghanistan.  An idea central to this and other modern conflicts is seeing how insurgent groups operate.  Today you'll watch a documentary called "Behind Taliban Lines" showing how one such group in Afghanistan works.   Beyond simply what this shows about Afghanistan, remember that this is similar to the way armed resistance works in other places today (Iraq, Libya, Syria).

The video is linked here.  If the sub is having trouble finding or showing it, please assist.  http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/talibanlines/view/

(2) When I return, I am not going to spend time on notes.  You have had enough extra time to research packets and I am posting the PPT on the web today.  We'll complete the simulation and move right to the test.  The only 2012 events covered in the test that are not found in the notes will be in the current events from this semester.

(3) Before the end of the period, send an email to ngi.united@gmail.com with the following

• A short paragraph description of your desired speech topic.  If it's clearly appropriate, simply outline your arguments.  If it seems unconventional, make your case why this is an NGI-appropriate topic.
• Two short sentences for two other backup topics.
• Topics are first come, first served.

Speech Project

Unfortunately, I'm still feeling pretty sick.  Once I return we'll resume our note & simulation, and we'll be having our Unit Test this Friday no matter what.  I'd encourage you to take advantage of this time in class to do one or more of the following:

(1) Finish your Arab Israeli Conflict Packet
(2) Study the content with a partner.
  - This is a big test with a lot of names/events to learn.  Make sure you are prepared.
  - Your test will be 100% multiple choice and true/false, no essay.   Know your facts.
(3) Work on your Speech Project  (details below)

The speech project is your final project for the course, which I briefly mentioned to the class previously.  You will pick a major political, economic, or social issue of significance to the United States or the world and argue one side of it that you choose.  I want you to take some time and think about this seriously:  what is the most important thing to you in global affairs?   If you could persuade everyone in this room to believe what you believed about any one topic, what would it be?

This will be a five minute long speech on any topic that fits the above criteria (and gets my approval).  This is an individual project;  there is no group option.  It is one of the few chances you'll ever get to have a soapbox in front of a captive audience of 30 people to present your views on anything you want.  So - choose wisely, and start researching!

I suggest you come up with a few topics today, then narrow it down later.  This way if your topic is rejected or taken (they must be unique), you have a backup.  These presentations will begin on Tuesday, January 8th (one week after you are back from break).

Blood & Soil - Day 9

Objective

• Simulate the history of the Arab Israeli Conflict

Agenda

1. Current Events
1. Syrian forces fire short-range ballistic missiles at rebels
2. Arab Israeli Conflict
1. Notes 1973-2003
2. Promises  (Part 1)
1. Will finish film after school, extra credit

Blood & Soil - Day 5

Objective

• Simulate the history of the Arab Israeli Conflict

Agenda

1. Current Events
1. Egyptians take anti-Morsi protests to presidential palace
2. Arab Israeli Conflict
1. Round Three - 1956-1960
1. Money
2. Events / Free Action
3. Budget
2. Round Four - 1961 to 1966
1. Money
2. Events / Free Action
3. Budget
3. Notes

Blood & Soil - Day 4

Objective

• Simulate the history of the Arab Israeli Conflict

Agenda

1. Current Events
1.  Syrian army weakening as rebels make gains
2. Arab Israeli Conflict
1. PowerPoint Notes - Up to 1950
2. Round Three - 1950-1955
1. Money
2. Events / Free Action
3. Budget
3. Round Four - 1956 to 1960
1. Money
2. Events / Free Action
3. Budget

Blood & Soil - Day 3

Objective

• Simulate the history of the Arab Israeli Conflict

Agenda

1. Current Events
1. Boehner, House GOP leaders offer ‘fiscal cliff’ counterproposal
2. Obama warns Syria amid rising concern over chemical weapons
2. Arab Israeli Conflict
1. Round Two - 1948
1. Money
2. Events / Free Action
3. Budget
2. PowerPoint Notes
3. Round Three - 1950 to 1955
1. Money
2. Events / Free Action
3. Budget