Reflection #1

     As some have already mentioned in their reflections this week, taking this Freshman Seminar proves to be extremely helpful when observing the turmoil throughout the Middle East throughout this past year. Much has happened regarding the United States' relationship with Israel, the upheavals in Libya and Egypt, Iran's continued nuclear production, and the oppression in Syria.

     I found last Thursday's discussion to be especially interesting. I hadn't thought about the possibility of Netanyahu using his deteriorating relationship with the United States to manipulate the presidential election. Similar to Netanyahu, Romney has made some particularly snide remarks regarding Obama's position with Israel in order to gain more Jewish votes. Although Romney says he is a strong supporter of Israel, I believe his recent decision to support a two-state solution will only prove counterproductive to his plan to gain more Jewish voters. 

     In general, being able to discuss in detail, the current events taking place in the Middle East is very helpful. Most of us watch the news, so we come to class knowing only one view of these current events. In addition, many of these news stations have a biased view on the news they display. That being said, being able to discuss our own opinions in class, and to listen to other peoples opinions in class is not only interesting, it provides us with a way of looking at the dynamics of the Middle East in a  way we haven't been able to before taking this class.