US/NATO Military Interventions in Afghanistan and US Invasion of Iraq
SOCI 339 - Sociology: War and Armed Conflict
Either
Select a couple of newspaper, magazine, or e-zine articles that appear to offer support for either the 2001 US/NATO military intervention in Afghanistan, or the 2003 US invasion of Iraq (the 2nd Gulf War). Possible pro-war journalistic sources may include those of Thomas Friedman (New York Times), Johann Hari (The Independent), the late Christopher Hitchens (Vanity Fair), or Michael Ignatieff (various publications)—among others. Then select a couple of contrary articles that appear to oppose and condemn the same military conflicts outlined in your first selection. Possible anti-war journalistic sources may include those of Robert Fisk (The Independent), John Pilger (The Guardian), Naomi Klein (The Nation, The Globe and Mail, Harper’s Magazine, The Guardian) or Patrick Cockburn (The Guardian).
Compare and contrast these opposing viewpoints paying special attention to some of the following points:
(1) how each writer reveals his/her ideological assumptions
(2) how each writer defines the nature of the problem
(3) how each writer predicts the possible consequences of action or inaction
(4) how each writer interprets the historical background to the conflict
(5) how each writer explains the necessary conditions that need to be met in order to resolve the conflict and end hostilities
(6) how each writer would define “success” or “failure” in the conflict
(7) how each writer characterizes “the enemy”
With your knowledge of the relevant course readings, discuss how you would render a judgment in favor of one or other of these opposing viewpoints?
Or
Analyze a first-person account of an earlier (pre-20thcentury or early 20thcentury) war, or a more recent (mid-late 20th century or 21st century) war. First-person accounts are available either as novels or movies such as The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane (American Civil War), or All Quiet On the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque (1st World War), or Charles Yale Harrison’s Generals Die in Bed, a gripping and compelling account of the First World War written by an American who fought in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Other possible texts include The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, Fields of Fire by James Webb (Vietnam War), and Das Boot, The Boat, by Lothar-Günther Buchheim (WW2), or as autobiographical texts such as Dispatches by Michael Herr (Vietnam War), or as the corresponding movie Apocalypse Now; Jarhead by Anthony Swofford available as a book or movie (1st Gulf War), or War by Sebastian Junger (Afghanistan War) or as the corresponding movie, Restrepo. You may also use first person “enemy” accounts such as The Sorrow of War by the Vietnamese writer Bao Ninh; A Vietcong Memoir: An Inside Account of the Vietnam War and Its Aftermath by Truong Nhu Tang, et al; Novel Without a Name by Dương Thu Hương; My Life With the Taliban by Abdul Salam Zaeef; or even The Provisional IRA by Tommy McKearney.
With your knowledge of the relevant course readings, write an essay that analyzes your chosen text or movie in terms of the following critical criteria.
Critical Template for Completing a Sociological Analysis of War Books or Movies
Causes: What are the causes of the war, according to each of the writers?
Histor: What is the relevant historical background to the war, according to each of the writers?
Organization: What are the important aspects of social organization mentioned in these books—such as national mobilization of the population, military rank distinctions, primary battle group relations, front-line versus rear echelon positions, etc.
Personal Experience: What are the most powerful personal experiences of war mentioned by each writer—such as combat stress and fatigue, fear, boredom, difficulties of civilian readjustment, comradeship, etc.
Tacit Theories: What kind of tacit (or taken-for-granted) theories about “human nature,” about the war, the enemy, civilians back home, women, about “life,” or any other important influences can be discerned from the speech or from the actions of individuals in the book or movie.
Signification: How are different players in the set of wartime social relations socially constructed and signified (made meaningful) in these books—such as glorification of heroism, dehumanization of the enemy, attitudes towards own officers, towards the military brass and politicians, towards family members, etc.
Technology: What kinds of technology and military hardware is mentioned in battle scenarios—such as weaponry, fighter planes, helicopters, communications equipment, etc.
Ideology
How does this book (movie) portray the influence of official ideology in wartime—among civilians, politicians, front-line troops, the media, the churches, etc.
Casualties: What reference is made to the casualties of war—both civilian and military; both physical and psychological?
Writer's Notes on US/NATO Military Interventions
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Writer's Notes on US/NATO Military Interventions
1 Introduction
When analyzing articles that support the 2001 US/NATO military intervention in Afghanistan or the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, focus solely on the struggles used to positively present the manifestation of military power, incorporating national security safeguard, uplift liberalism, and minimize the concerns on national peace and sustenance. Also, consider the language used to describe the people and groups involved in the conflicts, such as "terrorists," "insurgents," "freedom fighters," or "regime loyalists." These terms may reveal the writer's biases toward certain groups and their views on military actions' legitimacy. Analyzing articles' language, tone, and arguments can help reveal a writer's ideological assumptions and biases toward a particular topic. It is essential to approach this task with an open mind and a critical eye, considering different perspectives and sources of information.
2 Discussion and Analysis
2.1 Ideological Assumptions
Different writers have discussed several arguments in favor of military interventions by the USA by presenting perspectives like the need to protect national security, promote democracy, or eliminate threats to peace and stability. For example, in his 2003 book "Longitudes and Attitudes, Exploring the World After September 11 ", Thomas Friedman defined the problem as a prime reason behind rapidly spreading global disturbances. Throughout the book, Friedman grapples with the complexities of the post-9/11 world, exploring issues such as the war in Iraq, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, and the impact of globalization. He also examines how the media has shaped public opinion and influenced policy decisions, calling for greater transparency and accountability in government. Ultimately, "Longitudes and Attitudes" is a call to action, urging readers to engage with the world and seek new solutions to our challenges in the 21st century (Friedman, 2003). Also, many writers used discriminatory language or phrases to describe the people and groups involved in the conflicts, such as "terrorists," "insurgents," "freedom fighters," or "regime loyalists." For example, Michael Ignatieff, in his 2003 article "The American Empire (Get Used to It)" in The New York Times Magazine, defined the problem as a threat to global security and argued that the United States had a responsibility to use its military power to promote democracy and human rights around the world.
On the other hand, writers who opposed military interventions have defined the nature of the problem as a result of past and present Western imperialism and interventionism in the Middle East. They have argued that using armed power only spoils regional sustainability and results in the outbreak of deadly outcomes which can disrupt human sustenance. Furthermore, the destruction of tranquility is one of the prime reasons behind the loss of lives of millions of people, their assets, and also their rights. The writers believe armed display has nothing to do with regional stability and development. For example, Robert Fisk, in his 2001 article "America's New War: The Taliban Will Fight and Fight Hard" in The Independent, argued that the Taliban uprise was the outcome of previous Western intrusions in Asia, primarily in Afghanistan and that the extensive power show by the army can only incite extreme violence, separatism, and extremism in the region (Fisk, 2001). Similarly, Sayle et al., in their book "The last card: Inside George W. Bush's Decision to Surge in Iraq" published in 2019, explore the tensions and debates within the Bush administration leading up to the decision, which ultimately urged Bush to take what he saw as the last card in his hand and authorize the surge in Iraq (Sayle et al., 2019). Overall, The Last Card provides a detailed and nuanced look at the decision-making process that led to one of the most controversial moments in the history of the Iraq War.
1 Nature of Problem
When analyzing articles that support military interventions, writers also define the nature of the problem as a threat to national security, either from terrorism or state actors who support terrorism. They argue that military force is necessary to eliminate these threats and prevent future attacks against the United States and its allies. It is worth mentioning that many writers argued against the army sabotage by stating that these disturbances resulted from Westernization and their Imperialist policies in the Middle East region. They argue that using military force only exacerbates the situation and creates regional instability and violence. They also emphasize the human costs of war, including the loss of civilian lives, the displacement of millions of people, and the erosion of civil liberties and human rights. For example, in his article "Taliban Tactics and Strategies," Nojumi defined that the Taliban could take advantage of the difficult terrain in Afghanistan, using the country's rugged mountains and valleys to launch surprise attacks and evade detection (Nojumi, 2002). They also used improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other low-cost, low-tech weapons to inflict casualties on their enemies. Overall, the article suggests that the Taliban's success in Afghanistan can be attributed to their ability to adapt their tactics and unnecessary interventions by the U.S. military in the region.
2.3 Possible Consequences and Background of Action or Inaction
2.3.1 Pro-war
In his article "In the Long Run, This War May Save Lives," published in the New York Times, Thomas Friedman argues that the U.S. military intervention in Afghanistan was necessary to prevent future terrorist attacks. He predicts that the consequences of not taking action would have been even more catastrophic, as Afghanistan would have become a haven for terrorists who could continue to launch attacks against the United States and its allies (Friedman, 2003). Contrary to this view, Robert Fisk predicted that the consequences of the invasion would be felt for ...