Overview
Political Event: Israel-Hamas War
As of late 2023, tensions between Israel and Hamas remain high, with ongoing violence and clashes reported in various areas. The United States, a long and established ally of the Israeli government, has remained committed to supporting the Israeli response to the October 2023 Hamas attacks. However, as we pass the one year anniversary of the attacks, Americans are left grappling with their role in the war. With an on-going humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and West Bank (which many have described as or tantamount to genocide), and the continuous capture of several Israeli hostages, Americans are left divided on the next course of action in terms of the U.S. response. Diplomatic efforts for a lasting peace solution continue to face significant challenges, with both sides holding deep-seated grievances and differing visions for the future.
ASSIGNMENT If you were the president OR a member of Congress (pick one), (1) what do you think the forthcoming U.S. response should be to the ongoing conflict and suffering? (2) Thoroughly explain what you think this response should look like and why. (3) How might critics challenge your position? (4) How would you respond to their claims? (5) How would you use the powers and influence of your office to work toward achieving this vision? Role (pick one): ● The President ● Member of Congress Requirements: ● 3-4 pages only (excludes works cited) ● Works cited page (MLA or APA format) ● In-text citations ● 12 pt. Font / Times New Roman
General Outline of Reflection: I. Introduction A. Thesis statement II. Body (each bullet below reflects a section of the body, not merely a single paragraph) A. What do you think the U.S. response should be and WHY 1. Your “why” must be supported with evidence B. How critics would respond to your claims 1. Your response to these critiques C. How you as the president OR a member of Congress would use the power and influence of your office to work toward achieving your proposed response III. Conclusion
Introductory Resources:
● Council on Foreign Relations
https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/confli...
https://www.cfr.org/article/us-aid-israel-four-cha...
● United Nations
https://www.ochaopt.org/content/reported-impact-sn...
https://www.hrw.org/report/2024/09/30/they-destroy...
● The AP
https://apnews.com/article/hostages-gaza-tunnels-h...
● The New York Times (Opinion Piece)
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/24/opinion/gaza-is...
This list is not exhaustive. These resources are merely intended to provide you with some general overview, and the last few are included to provide you with some background on common views/opinions. 4