We desire to bequest two things to our children-- the first one is roots; the other one is wings. (Sudanese Proverb) Image by Rebecca Thom, Lake Tanganyika, 2010

Tuesday

Kampala Bombings, Global Problem

The Kampala bombings are not necessarily an American issue at this time, but the incident represents a global problem and could use a more attentive eye from the world.

An 18 year old American from PA who was injured in the bombings. See full article in the NYTs.



Again, conflict strikes in the Great Lakes region of East Africa. This time seemingly surrounding the World Cup festivities in Kampala, Uganda. Yet, it didn't take long for fundamental Islamist group, the Shababs, to claim responsibility for the suicide bombs that killed 70 and wounded countless more.

Kron and Ibrahim's New York Times article today chimed a familiar story with global reach. The Terrorist group may originate in Somalia, the war torn country that has been without stable government for 20 years. Both Uganda and Burundi have received terrorist threats from the Shababs for their alliance with the African Union in their efforts to secure the Somali region. Though the majority of Somalis are peaceful, the article warned against a pattern of Somali-American immigrants and refugees and their fragility to joining forces with terrorist groups.

Terrorism that lives and trains in America or travels to Uganda represents the deterritorialized reach of fundamentalist movements. Thus, it should also reminds us of the issue of inclusion here in America. Are we creating a nation that involves all of its people? Do minority populations have a voice? Dialogue is needed.

I feel like this article could offer a potent classroom discussion; It engages the breadth of globalization as well as conflict, international intervention, terrorist networks, immigration and social inclusion.



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