Monday, January 27, 2020

Assessment of Military Influence in the Middle East

Assessment of Military Influence in the Middle East Q5. What best explains the diminished role of the military in the dispensation of power across the Middle East? Jibin Mathew George The military has been fundamental to the existence and sustenance of the modern Middle East since its inception as a largely colonial police force in the early 20th century. And it is the relative omnipresence and longevity of the military in the Middle East that has gradually evolved it to be seen as a symbol of stability in a troubled region. The question put forth however begets the question of the range of power and influence the military enjoyed in the past few decades. It is therefore necessary to assess the military influence in the Middle East, declining or otherwise through the lens of existing literature that seeks to explain civil-military relations. Consider Samuel Huntingtons hypothesis in The Soldier and the State; Here, Huntington argues that a measure of objective control within the state, one where the military structure recognizes the political and foreign paramountcy of the civilian government and where the civilian government recognizes the militarys professional competence and autonomy is one which is more likely to have a subservient military to a dominant civilian state, and is therefore the most effective measure against the prevalence of coups. On the other hand, Janowitz in his book The Professional Soldier argues that separation of powers as Huntington proposes would instead invite coups, and is better prepared against coups by a constant, mutual interaction between the military and civilian government, facilitating the civilian oversight of the States military arm. Both Huntingtons and Janowitzs arguments for civilian control over the military are essentially arguments for what some scholars say was coup-proofing against anarchy and errant branches of the military. Here, coup-proofing suggested steps such as tokens of special loyalties, compartmentalization, rotation and the institution of the commissar system and a dedicated internal intelligence service to keep a check on the militarys political power and influence within the state. However, it has also been argued that coup-proofing has inadvertently led to the ascendance of domestic state with a highly politicized, and yet very ineffectual military capability. In other words, the dissociation of trust between the civilian structure and the military by way of coup-proofing has evolved the military into one devoid of military capability. Such evidence was evident as far back as the onset of the 1st Gulf War when highly modernized Arab forces were beaten on the field by the well-organized Iraqi Army. It must be noted however that Huntingtons and Janowitzs case for explaining civil-military relations was largely borne out of western construct and experience and were largely myopic, with respect to the fact that they incorrectly viewed a coup as the sole and final exercise of military power. Huntington and Janowitz did not calculate and hypothesize that officers in barracks may be as influential and powerful as officers in the government, that officers may rather be kingmakers than kings. It is in light of such coup-less exercision of power by the military that the question of its declining influence in the Middle East be addressed, especially considering that military coups have often been considered to be a measure of military influence in a state. Therefore, considering the fact that the number of coups have steadily fallen in the Middle East since the 1970s (With countries like Syria having a turbulent and frequent history of coups not having had one since 1970), it is understandable to conclude that the militarys influence in steadily waning. However, that may not be a perfect assumption. Here, it is important to consider the case of three Middle Eastern States; Turkey, Israel and Egypt. Israel for one, may be argued is a warfare state, a nation-state born out of conflict, with a society where the preparation of conflict permeates all levels of economy, society and culture. And it is this very nature of society that has contributed to the relative permanence of the military in Israeli politics. Israel is a true democracy but, it is one where the significance of the military has allowed it significant precedence in Israeli society. The military is largely overseen by the civilian structure but, their relationship is one of co-dependence and partnership rather than one of paramountcy as Huntington argued. This relationship is owing to a lot of factors not limited to the openness of entry from the military to the political field (Moshe Dayan, Ehud Barak, Ariel Sharon), the very active lobby of ex-military officers within the business and industrial rank and the relative autonomy the IDF enjoys in terms of recruitment, education, training and technological procurement. A lso, the existing civilian-military structure in Israel is a perfect illustration of Janowitzs civilianized military in action, albeit one where the military still enjoys immense influence, that may go as far as political autonomy (In the occupied areas of West Bank and Gaza) as well as a lack of fear from long-term repercussions (Kahan Commission report). On the other hand, the evidence in Turkey is of a military which has been increasingly confident of its duty to preserve the Kemalist Turkish state. It has been a powerful and cohesive institution that has often absorbed tutelary powers by way of coups in 1960, 1971, 1980 and 1977 against democratically elected governments which it didnt believe was preserving the Turkish state. And contrary to popular convention, the army in Turkey preferred to remain kingmakers rather than kings, which is why coups were usually followed by exit guarantees for military officers and a larger role for the military in Turkish domestic and foreign politics (National Security Council after the 1961 constitution following the 60 coup). Presently however, under the more assertive Erdogan, relations have been strained and the military, especially since the 2016 coup attempt has been increasingly devoid of any significant power and influence. It is that rare state in the Middle East where a democratically el ected leader is leading the State away from a partial democracy to a more authoritarian regime. Egypt on the other hand, is a case of a Praetorian state where the lines of distinction are often blurred. It is a state where the military not only did and still does wield a lot of influence and power, but is in charge of a military industrial complex that permeates the all socio-economic levels of the society.   In Egypt, the pattern of increasing arms production and procurement by the military and the expansion of military enterprises into the civilian economy, so much so that 40% of the production capacity is owned by the military, is reflective of the significance of the military in Egypt. Much is the same in Jordan, where its armed forces have entered into joint venture partnerships with 26 foreign defense contractors. However, the cases of Israel, Egypt and Turkey are anomalies in the larger Middle East. In nation-states like Saudi Arabia, power remains solely with the dynastical-clerical network while the military constituted by foreign-trained, apolitical officers and the division of labor allows no real power to the military. Iran remains a theocracy, where power remains removed far from the military, an incidence ensured by the Commissar system which ensures fidelity of the armed forces to the Republic by the Revolutionary Guard. In countries such as Iraq and Yemen, the regular armed forces are splintered into rival factions on primordial and tribal lines. In Syria, similar to Egypt, the institutionalization of the militarys economic interests within the State has ensured the survivability of the regime. There is no single factor responsible for the diminishing role of the military across the Middle East. In fact, it can be argued that the military remains a powerful force in countries such as Egypt and Israel, arguably the most powerful states in the region. However, any power or influence it may have is no longer exercised as it once used to be. Coups have a been a thing of the past for the last few years (Yemen and Egypt being rare exceptions), largely because coups have been increasingly realized to not be the only way to exercise military influence. The same can also be attributed to the fact that regimes such as Syria have grown to perfect ways to coup-proof their regimes by way of not only military division of labor and compartmentalization, but by the utilization of a well-oiled intelligences services like the Mukhabarat, making it even more difficult for civilian regimes to be disposed of. There are other factors to consider as well, such as the fact that coup-proofing measu res have diluted military cohesion, an incidence which makes it almost impossible for a small, disillusioned detachment of the military to wage a coup without the support of the rest of the larger diversified, and highly specialized military such as the Air Forces. To conclude yes, it can be argued that when compared to recent history, the military is enjoying a rather diminished role in Middle East politics. However, this is owing to a multitude of factors, with no single factor solely responsible for the same. That said, the cases of Israel and Egypt do signify that the military does have a significant role to play, if not directly, but by way of a broader, more pervasive degree of influence that has permeated certain Middle Eastern societies.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Principles of Safeguarding and Protection in Health and Social Care Essay

1. Knowing how to recognise signs of abuse 1.1. Define the different types of abuse There are many different types of abuse that are usually classifed in 5 main headings. These include: Physical Physical abuse is the act of a person making contact with someone to intentionally caus pain, harm or injury Sexual Sexual abuse is forcing sexual contact or bhaviour, towards a person who doesnt give consent. In some cases people are deemed unable to consent due to age or mental health. Psychological Psychological abuse is where a person is subjected to mentally stressing situations whic causes motional distress. Abusive realationships are a prime example of psychological abuse where there is an imbalance of power and the abuser has control. Finanical Finanical abuse is where an indvidual tries to take control or gain access to anothers finanances illegally and without the persons consent. Institutional Institutional abuse is the mistreatment of a person within a care environment. Usually due to lack of staff training and unacceptable standards of service. Self – neglect Self – neglect is where a person does not care for their basic needs, such as their basic hygine. People who self – neglect regularlly put themselves at risk of harm or place themselves in dangerous situations. Neglect by others Neglect is where a person responsible for the care needs of another fails to meet their needs. This is usually because they do not relise the importance of giving the care that is needed or they choose not to. 1.2. Identify the signs and symptoms associated with each type of abuse. Physical The potential signs for physical abuse can include: Fractures and dislocation multiple bruising in well-protected areas of the body scratches or cut pressure ulcers, sores or rashes black eyes or bruising to ears welt marks scalds or cigarette burns a history of falls, injuries or a history of accidental overdose unable to provide an explanation consistant to their injuries clinical intervention without any clear benefit to the person deteriouration of health without an obvious cause loss of weight inappropriate, inadequate or soiled clothing withdrawal or mood changes carer’s resistance to allow people to visit reluctanc to be left alone with the alleged abuser Sexual The physical signs of sexual abuse are bruises, scratched, burns or bite marks to the body scratches, abrasions or persistent infections in the genital regions pregnancy recurrant genital or urinary infections blood or marks on underwear abdominal pains with no diagnosabl cause As well as the physical signs their can also be behavioural signs which act as an indicator of sexual abuse, these can include: provocative sexual behaviour or promiscuity prostitution sexual abuse of others self-injury or self-distructive behaviour such as alcohol and drug abuse or repeated suicide attempts. behaviour that invites further exploitation disappearing from a home environment aggression, anxiety or fearfulness reluctance to be left alone with the alleged abuser frequent masterbation refusal to undress for activities such as swimming or bathing Psychological The potential indicators for psychological abuse can include: refusal to be left alone with the alleged abuser carer seems to ignore the person’s needs and presence reports from neighbours of shouting, screaming and swearing Fearful of raised voices, distressed if they feel their in trouble a culture of teasing or taunting which causes distress and humiliation the carer refers to the cared for person in a derogatory way no valuing of basic human rights  cared for person being treated like a child Financial The signs and symptoms that are associated with financial abuse can include: very few or no personal possessions unusual change in spending pattern unexplained shortage of money unexplained disappearance of possessions family regularly asking for money from the persons allowance family unwilling to pay from person’s funds for services they get person not made aware of financial matters enduring power of attorney set up without consulting a doctor where the person is already confused other people taking over person’s property person not being allowed to manage their own financial affairs sudden changes of a will Institutional There are many signs and symptoms of institutional abuse but the key factor to identifying it, is that the abuse is accepted or ignored by the care organisation. Examples of this are: complaints procedures are deliberately made unavailable access to advice and advocacy is restricted or not allowed excessive or inappropriate doses of sedation or medication are given the setting is run for the convenience of the staff privacy and dignity are not respected freedom to go out is limited by the institution refused choices over day-to-day decisions such as mealtimes, bedtimes, what to wear or use the toilet Self-neglect The signs and symptoms of self-neglect can sometimes be hard to recognise as it could be that the person has decided on this lifestyle choice and is happy to live this way. These situations are difficult to make decisions and a balance must be achieved to ensure we don’t remove a person’s ability to choose how they live yet safeguarding and protecting vunerable people. The signs to watch for can include: becoming ill regularly loss of weight being dirty and unwashed wearing soiled clothing an unclean living environment withdrawal from sociaty Neglect by others The signs and symptoms of neglect by others are similar to self-neglect but the person relies on others for their care. For example not given adequate food or given assistance to eat doesn’t get support with personal care and fails to maintain a clean living environment being left alone not supporting communication needs or aiding with mobility failing to maintain medical or health care needs not supporting social contacts 1.3. Describe the factors that may contribute to an individual being more vulenerable to abuse. Every individual is open to abuse and there are many risk factors that can make a person more vulenerable to abuse. However a person may still be abused when no obvious factors are present. Some factors that are known to contribute to the risk of abuse are: poor communication between the person and their carer challenging behaviour by the cared for person young or immature carers carers feeling unable to carry on or strong feelings of frustration person and their carer have a history of a troubled relationship carer having an alcohol or drug dependancy carer believing that the person is being deliberately difficult or ungrateful carer not taking on the roll of carer willingly and had to make big lifestyle changes carer having more than one care responsibilities person being violent towards carer carer having disturbed sleep both person and carer being socially isolated financial or housing pressures delays to provide support no family support or contact 2. Know how to respond to suspected or alleged abuse. 2.1.Explain the actions to take if there are suspicions that an individual is being abused. If you suspect an individual of being abused it is important that you speak to the individual and allow them to be open with you. Listen to the individual and do not judge their word. Try to establish what it is that has occurred without asking any leading questions. Reassure the individual that they are being taken seriously and that you will help them to make it stop. Ensure that the facts are recorded on the appeopriate paperwork and is signed and dated; making sure to report the incident to a senior member of staff. 2.2 Explain the actions to take if an individual alleges that they are being abused. When an individual speaks out about abuse it is important to take the allegations seriously. Reassure them that they can tell you everything and you’ll do everything in your power to help it stop. Make a written account of what has been said making sure to include only the facts and not your own opinions. Sign and date the paperwork and report it to senior members of  staff for them to take the matter further. 2.3 Identify ways to ensure that evidence of abuse is preserved. to record the facts immediately making sure to sign and date the paperwork record any physical signs of abuse using a body map, try to describe the injuries size, shape and colour try not to tamper with any evidence unless you have to for the wellbeing of the individual if you have to touch anything, record what you have done report the evidence to senior members of staff immediately 3. Understand the national and local context of safeguarding and protection from abuse 3.1 Identify national policies and local systems that relate to safeguarding and protection from abuse. Both nationally and locally the protection of vulnerable adults forms part of the safeguarding adults agenda. Local boards are responsible for delivering a multi-based agency to respond to the safeguarding of adults. They are also responsible for conducting Serious Case Reviews when someone has died as a result of abuse. Nationally there are legislations that provide the basis for dealing with vulnerable adults that are being abused. Such as the Care Standards Act 2000, Safe guarding vulnerable groups act 2006 and the Mental healt act 1983. 3.2 Explain the roles of different agencies in safeguarding and protecting individuals from abuse. Many different agencies are responsible for safeguarding and protecting individuals from abuse this is to ensure that abuse if easyer to be found, recorded and report to the right authorities. These agencies include: Medical professionals such as GP, hospital staff, nurses, docors etc. They can examine, diagnose & treat abuse, they will record all evidence including photographic evidence. An Expert Witness such as paediatris, geriatrics, psychiatrics etc can report evidence of abuse The local authority would  carry out an assessment of needs, through social workers. This would assess the risks of abuse for the individual The Safeguarding Team, within Social Services investigates & ensures safety and will work with other agencies such as police. A Safeguarding & Protection Officer would lead the Adult Protection Alert. The Police will investigate and prosecute abusive cases, they will work with other agencies, to provide support to victims and raise awareness of abuse. Care Quality Commission regulate & inspect care providers, ensuring that safeguarding policies are being adhered to. Independent care homes, following safeguarding policies, to safeguard & protect vulnerable people before employment commences, including CRB checks 3.3 Identify reports into serious failures to protect individuals from abuse. The biggest example of failures to protect individuals from abuse would be the report by the Care Quality Commission on the services provided at Winterbourne View. Despite a senior nurse alerting the care home’s management and the CQC on several occasions about cases of abuse, his concerns were failed to be followed up. CQC inspectors found that the home had failed to ensure people under the care of Winterbourne View were adequately protected from risk CQC also added that the home failed to meet standards required by law such as: managers did not report majors incidents to the CQC planning and delivery of care did not meet individual needs  they did not have robust systems to assess and monitor the quality of services they have not responded to, or considered complains about the service investigation into the conduct of staff was not robust and didn’t safeguard individuals they didn’t take steps to identify the risks of abuse or to avoid abuse happening they ignored allegations of abuse and did not respond appropriatly they did not have steps in place to protect individuals from abuse used exessive use of restrait staff were inexperienced and untrained to deal with the individuals in their care 3.4 Identify sourses of information and advise about own role in safeguarding and protecting individuals from abuse. There are many ways to access information on safeguarding and protecting individuals from abuse such as national polices and proceedures, individual care plans, local authorities polices and proceedures, training in areas such as safeguarding and information from management. 4. Understanding ways to reduce the likelihood of abuse. 4.1 Explain how the likelihood of abuse may be reduced by: working with person centered values encouraging active participation promoting choices and rights Ensuring that the individual maintains the right to make choices for themselves. That they are confident and have a vision of self worth to help individuals feel less vulnerable towards abuse. Understanding that they have a choice to be heard and knowing that they can share anything and that information will be taken seriously will reduce the likelihood of abuse taking place. Active participation builts self esteem, refusing to tolerate abuse and be more likely to report it. 4.2 Explain the importance of an accessable complaints proceedure for reducing the likelihood of abuse. When the complaints proceedure is clear and easily accessable an indivdual is more likely to report an incident of abuse and abusers will be more likely be investigated on their behaviour. Knowing this would make them less likely to abuse. Individuals that are vulnerable to abuse will feel protected and empowered to report any incidences of abuse. 5. Know how to recognise and report unsafe practices 5.1 Describe unsafe practices that may affect the well-being of individuals. In a care setting unsafe practies that affect the well-being of individuals could include: Staff shortages Staff feel pressured to cut corners due to lack of time and for example may not wait to ensure that medication has been taken properly Staff are unsure of the individual’s correct needs and then don’t deliver the right care the individual needs Lack of training for all staff could lead to poor moving and handling of an individual Inexperienced staff in a senior role Lack of correct equipment or equipment is broken or unavailable puts the individual act risk of harm 5.2 Explain the actions to take if unsafe practices have been identified Staying in line with policies and proceedures we have to ensure that the safety of the individual is protected and away from any risks. Report everything to senior management and write down what is suspected and why on appropriate paperwork and try to preserve the evidence of the practices without endangering others. 5.3 Describe the action to take if suspected abuse or unsafe practices have been reported but nothing has been done in response. If nothing has been done in response to reporting to a senior member of staff, the deputy manager or home manager should be informed. If again noting happens the local safeguarding authorities such as council, police or other agencies should be contacted to invested the matter further. The CQC should also be contact about the matter. Keeping all information that has been reported written down with times and dates of the unsafe practices,when they orginally reported and to who you reported it to.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

My Country Nepal Essay

Culture is embedded in the high peaks of Nepal, tradition flows with its rivers, art traverses through its valleys and religion lies in the heart of its people. Nepal, in short, is a country where art, culture and religion are a part of life of the inhabitants. People celebrate every moment with aroma, adding novelty to the traditions without affecting their essence. Art of Nepal The art and architecture of Nepal is deeply influenced by the religion. Unique craftsmanship can be found in temples, architecture, shrines, fountains and the design of religious objects. Art and religion is so deeply interlocked that it is impossible to separate the one from the other. All art forms express both Hindu and Buddhist iconography. Buddhism in Nepal Buddhism, the fourth largest religion all over the world, has strong roots in Nepal. Buddhism in Nepal dates from the birth of Siddhartha Gautama himself, therefore Buddhist influences are evident on the culture of Nepal. Nepal is the meeting point for Indian and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Culture of Nepal The culture of Nepal is a assemblage of music, architecture, religion and literature. This mountain kingdom is multi-ethic and multi-lingual. The land is rich with unique cultural groups like Tharu,Yadav, Ahir, Newars and others. Food of Nepal Nepalese are great foodies and their food varieties are hot, spicy and nutritious. Newari and Thakali cuisines are the original taste of Nepal. Otherwise, Nepalese style of cooking has been influenced by Indian and Tibetan cooking. Dal Bhat tarkari is the staple food of Nepal. Meat curries and monos are the hot favorites among the tourists. Music of Nepal The rhythm, beats, bounce of Nepali traditional folk and classical music is spiritual enough to sooth you and entertaining enough to cheer you. Music is associated with every event in Nepal, then be it birth, marriage, festivals or national events. People of Nepal The people of Indo-Aryan community are the original inhabitants of Nepal. No wonder their descendents form the majority even now. Other major groups in Nepal are Gurungs and Magars who live mainly in the western region; Rais, Limbus and Sunwars who live in the eastern mid hills; Sherpas, Manangpas and Lopas who live near the mountains of Everest, Annapurna and Mustang respectively. Religion of Nepal Religion in Nepal is not only a system of social coherence based on certain rituals and beliefs, rather it is the binding force that ties the mountain kingdom together. Though Nepal is famous, as the world’s only Hindu Kingdom, equal respect is given to other religions as well. Buddhism is the second largest religion followed in Nepal, others being Tantrism, Islam and Christianity.

Friday, January 3, 2020

Analysis Of The 2010 Suspenseful Thriller Shutter Island

Zubair Khan DHD 102 Film Analysis- Shutter Island 12/03/2015 My concluding interpretation of the 2010 suspenseful thriller Shutter Island resulted with a lucid Teddy choosing to â€Å"die as a good man â€Å" rather than living as a monster who has to wake up every morning with regret for murdering his wife. It is apparent that Teddy was going to get lobotomized at the lighthouse by his own will. Lobotomy in the description given in the film is to cut into the brain to reduce aggressive behavior and ultimately calm the individual down permanently. Even though the ambiguous scenes in the film of role-playing scenarios acted out by Teddy as a Marshal did not work in the doctors’ eyes, the film ends in reinforcing the ‘kill or cure impulse’ to solve the problems throughout the movie. To better understand the kill or cure impulse, individuals must first understand what the concept of normalcy is. Normalcy is synonymous for being average or typical. In the film, the individuals who were considered to be most violent and unable to be contained in a prison facility would be sent to Shutter Island. Further relating to the film, ward C which was off limits to all and contained the most dangerous prisoners represented the different sectors of the island. The island represented the individuals who were separated from the normal society. In comparison to another film, The Black Stork, which was based on a true story, promoted the use of euthanizing infants to minimize or substantially eliminate