Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Sex Determination By Amplification Of Amelogenin Gene From...

Sex determination by amplification of Amelogenin gene from dental pulp tissue by PCR Abstract Introduction: Forensic odontology necessarily involves the application of dentistry along with various other branches of sciences to resolve criminal cases with legal issues. Sex determination is a part of forensic odontology and an en essential priority when traditional identification of the deceased becomes impossible due to certain mishaps, including natural calamities, acts of war and terrorism or criminal cases of homicide and mutilation of bodies. Aim: To determine Sex by analysis of the Amelogenin gene using PCR method on DNA isolated from dental pulp, which was exposed to various environmental conditions created artificially to mimic a forensic scenario. Materials and Method: This in-vitro study was conducted by subjecting extracted teeth to various conditions imitating a forensic scene, viz. desiccation at room temperatures, immersion in salt water, burial in soil and even exposing to temperatures of 150 Â ºC, 250 Â ºC, 350 Â ºC. DNA was extracted from dental pulp tissue and sex determination was achieved by amplification of the amelogenin gene through AMEL gene based primers in PCR. Result: Among all the samples used in this study, DNA could be extracted from all, except from those that were subjected to a temperature of 350 Â ºC. DNA amplification and sex determination of the samples were found to be accurate when compared to known data. Conclusion: This study shows teeth to be

Monday, December 23, 2019

Middle East Conflict Essay - 859 Words

There is no set definition for the area known as the Middle East since shifts in global power over the years have affected the topography. Now, however, the region can expansively be said to contain â€Å"the area from Libya E to Afghanistan, usually including Egypt, Sudan, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the other countries of the Arabian peninsula† (dictionary.com). This geographical definition can be said to contain both the ‘Near East’, ‘Middle East’, and even farther to the East and into Africa be described as the ‘Greater Middle East’, so the Middle East can only be loosely defined, and it is important to know that these countries are separate and do not truly form one cooperative unit. It is†¦show more content†¦In November of 1914, the Ottoman Empire neglected their neutrality, as the United States was to do later, and declared a jihad (holy war) against the Triple Entente. This resulted in an attack of the Suez Canal in February of 1915 which ended in failure; however it changed many things that could have happened in the war, such as forcing Britain to change its military stratagems. From 1915 to 1920, the Ottoman Empire’s war against Great Britain was mainly unsuccessful, resulting in a Triple Entente army conquering the city of Jerusalem on December 11th, 1917 (BBC). Since it was mainly the British army which was fighting in the area, and the other two powers were out of commission after the war, the fall of the Ottoman Empire was the beginning of British rule in the area and the start of much instability and conflict in the region, which has continued into today. Also in this time period some promises were made by the British which were at odds with each other, the most notable being the Balfour Declaration in November of 1917. In 1916 Britain had secretly made an agreement with France to split the land in the Ottoman Empire when it was conquered, yet later that same year, The McMahon Correspondences promise independence to parts of the region. These contradictory secret promises are confused yet more with the Balfour Declaration in which Britain pu blically declares support for a Jewish state in Palestine. In the years between World War I and the endShow MoreRelated The Middle East: Conflict in Journalism Essay1619 Words   |  7 PagesThe Middle East: Conflict in Journalism Before beginning my essay, â€Å"The Middle East, Conflict in Journalism†, I would like the reader to read a few terms. These are merely food for thought, do whatever with them you wish. Conflict: A state of disharmony between incompatible or antithetical persons, ideas, or interests; a clash. (The American Heritage) War: A state of open, armed, often prolonged conflict carried on between nations, states, or parties. The period ofRead MoreMiddle East Conflict Blood Feuds Essay851 Words   |  4 PagesMiddle East Conflict Blood Feuds The knowledge and understanding of blood feuds helps in the develop understanding of the current conflicts in the Middle East. The Middle East conflict started after World War II when the United Nations handed the Jewish people land once owned by the Palestinians. A conflict has occurred with the Palestinians who live together with Israelis that has led to terrorism and tyranny. Israelis believe they must control the Palestinians to stop their terrorism; whileRead MoreConflicts in the Middle East between 1949 and 19731987 Words   |  8 Pagesthe conflict in the middle east between 1948-1973 was not purely fuelled by the interest and concerns of the superpowers but rather of a series of conflictual incidents, aswell as the main wars that took place from the years from 1948-1967 such as the: 1948 War, The Six Day War of 1967 and the Yom Kippur war of 1973. But although the conflict was not fuelled by the superpowers, the influence of the superpowers and the reach of the superpowers into the Middle East was evident in the years both priorRead More Water In the Middle East: Prospects for Conflict and Cooperation 1028 Words   |  5 PagesReasons and origins of the conflict for water are dating back in the late 40s and the Arab-Israeli conflict. More precisely, the countries involved that represent potential conflict are Israel and Syria, as well as Israel and Palestine. For example, what can be mentioned here are Israeli aspirations to keep tight control over the economically important areas. This is directly linked to the water issues and diverting the water from one to another region. Other Arab countries are strongly opposingRead MoreInfluence of the Superpowers in the Middle East Conflict between 1949 and 1978699 Words   |  3 PagesTo what extent was the Middle East conflict between 1948 and 1978 fuelled by the interests and concerns of the superpowers in the region? During 1948 and 1978 there was massive conflict in the Middle East between Arab Muslim countries and Jewish Israel. The conflict itself was fuelled by nationalism and religious differences and other disputes such as the Palestinians refugee problem. During this time the superpowers got involved in the Middle East because of the cold war. However, the superpowersRead MoreThe Middle East Conflict1598 Words   |  7 PagesBy the year 1948, there was a massive amount of tension that had built-up in the Middle-East. This tension had in fact originated 19 centuries earlier, and had started due to the differences in both religion and nationalism between the Jews and Arabs. After the Romans gained control of Judea, this caused the diaspora of Jews to all the parts of the world. Eventually, the majority of Jews did return back to the region, after the official establishment of the state of Israel, and this led to the Arab-IsraelRead MoreThe Middle East Conflict1125 Words   |  5 PagesThe Middle East Conflict Wynell Henry University of Phoenix Com 156 November 24, 2013 The real differences around the world today are not between Jews and Arabs; Protestants and Catholics; Muslims, Croats, and Serbs. The real differences are between those who embrace peace and those who would destroy it; between those who look to the future and those who cling to the past; between those who open their arms and those who are determined to clench their fists  (William J. ClintonRead MoreThe Conflict Of The Middle East1237 Words   |  5 PagesMany things have occurred throughout history which have impacted the instability in the middle east. World War One, and all of the treaties, alliances, and declarations that came about due to that have affected todays time and the decisions the United States Military makes regarding the issues of the middle east. America has learned a lot from the past, and this has ultimately benefited them in the end. The United States is more able to make educated decisions now because of all the past occurrencesRead MoreThe Conflict Of The M iddle East1773 Words   |  8 Pagescenturies, war in the Middle East has been on a rise. The main cause of war in most of these countries is religion. Everyone wants to fight for their religion and their Gods. The problem is in some religions such as Islamic, they believe when they kill they’re fighting for God, also they believe they will receive 100 virgins and go to heaven when they die. They are not the only religion fighting for their God, however, religions such as Judaism and others also fight. In the Middle East, if there is a warRead MoreConflict Of The Middle East2536 Words   |  11 PagesQuinn O’Leary 4/3/15 Conflict in the Middle East There has almost always been some kind of conflict in the Middle East, from modern conflicts with ISIS, to the long lasting conflicts over Jerusalem with the Palestinians and the Jews. Muslim world has always, in some shape or form, been very complicated. From the Fertile Crescent, to the war on terrorism, they have always played a part in history from good to bad. With only 21% of Muslims being extremist, why are they so powerful and not being over

Saturday, December 14, 2019

The Return Midnight Chapter 26 Free Essays

â€Å"Now you know how it’s done?†Elena asked Meredith. â€Å"You put the key in the keyhole and say where you want to go. Then open the door and go through. We will write a custom essay sample on The Return: Midnight Chapter 26 or any similar topic only for you Order Now That’s it.† â€Å"You three go first,†Stefan added. â€Å"And quick.† â€Å"I’l turn the key,†Meredith told Matt. â€Å"You take care of Mrs. Flowers.† Just then Elena thought of something that she didn’t want to say aloud, only to Stefan. But she and he were physical y so close, she knew he would pick it up. Saber! she thought to Stefan. We can’t leave him to these malach! We won’t, she heard Stefan’s voice in her head say. I showed him the way to Matt’s house, and told him to go there and take Talon and protect the people who will be coming. At the same time Matt was saying, â€Å"Oh, my God! Saber! He saved my life – I can’t just leave him.† â€Å"Already taken care of,†Stefan reassured him and Elena patted him on the back. â€Å"He’l be at your house in a little while, and if you go somewhere else he’l track you.† Elena turned her pats into gentle pushes. â€Å"Be good!† â€Å"Matt Honeycutt’s bedroom in Fel ‘s Church,†Meredith said, thrusting the key at the door handle, and opening the door. She and Mrs. Flowers and Matt al stepped forward. The door shut. Stefan turned to Elena. â€Å"I’m going first,†he said flatly. â€Å"But I’m holding on to you. I’m not going to let you go.† â€Å"Never let me go, never let me go,†Elena whispered in an imitation of Misao’s â€Å"Have nightmares.†Then she had a thought. â€Å"Slave bracelets!† â€Å"What?†Stefan said. Then, â€Å"Oh, I remember, you told me. But what are they supposed to look like?† â€Å"Like any two bracelets, matching if possible.†Elena was scrambling around the back of the room, where furniture was piled up, opening drawers, closing them. â€Å"Come on, bracelets! Come on! This house is supposed to have everything!† â€Å"What about these things you wear in your hair?†Stefan asked. Elena looked back and he tossed her a bag of soft cotton ponytail holders. â€Å"You’re a genius! They won’t even hurt my wrists. And here are two white ones so they’l match!†Elena said happily. They arranged themselves in front of the door, with Stefan to Elena’s left so he could see what was out there before they stepped in. He also had a firm grip on Elena’s left arm. â€Å"Wherever our friend Bonnie McCul ough is,†Stefan said, and thrust the key into the lockless door handle, turning it. Then, after giving Elena the key, he gingerly opened the door. Elena wasn’t sure what she was expecting. A blaze of light maybe, as they traveled through dimensions. Some kind of spiraling tunnel, or shooting stars. At least a feeling of motion. What she got was steam. It soaked through her T-shirt and dampened her hair. And then she got noise. â€Å"Elena! Eleeeeeeeeeeeeeeena! You’re here! â€Å" Elena recognized the voice but couldn’t locate the screamer in the steam. Then she saw an immense bathtub made of tiles of malachite, and a frightened-looking girl tending a charcoal fire at the bath’s foot, while two other young attendants holding scrubbing brushes and pumice stones cowered against the other wal . And in the bath was Bonnie! It was obvious that the tub was very deep, because Bonnie wasn’t able to touch bottom in the middle but she was half-leaping out of the water like a foam-covered dolphin over and over to attract attention. â€Å"There you are,†gasped Elena. She dropped to her knees on a thick, soft blue rug. Bonnie made a spectacular leap and just for a moment Elena could feel a smal soapy, sudsy body in her arms. Then Bonnie went down again and came up laughing. â€Å"And is that Stefan? It’s Stefan! Stefan, hello! Helloooo! â€Å" Stefan glanced back, as if trying to assess the suds situation. He seemed satisfied with it, turned slightly, and waved. â€Å"Hey, Bonnie?†he asked, voice muffled by the sounds of continual splashing. â€Å"Where are we?† â€Å"It’s Lady Ulma’s house! You’re safe – you’re al safe!†She turned a smal hopeful face to Elena. â€Å"Where’s Meredith?† Elena shook her head, thinking of al the things about Meredith that Bonnie didn’t know yet. Well, she decided, this wasn’t the time to mention them. â€Å"She had to stay behind, to protect Fel ‘s Church.† â€Å"Oh,†Bonnie looked down, troubled. â€Å"Stillbad, is it?† â€Å"You wouldn’t believe it. Real y; it’s – indescribable. That’s where Matt and Mrs. Flowers and Meredith are. I’m sorry.† â€Å"No, I’m just so glad to see you! Oh my God, but you’re hurt.†She was looking at the smal tooth wounds on Elena’s arm, and the blood on her torn T-shirt. â€Å"I’l get out and – hey, no, you get in! There’s plenty of room; plenty of hot water, and†¦ plenty of clothes! Lady Ulma even designed some for us, for ‘when we came back’!† Elena, smiling reassuringly at the bath girls, was already stripping as fast as she could. The tub, which was big enough for six to swim in, looked too luxurious to miss and, she reasoned, it made sense to be clean when you greeted your hostess. â€Å"Go have fun,†she shouted to Stefan. â€Å"Is Damon here?†she added in a whispered aside to Bonnie, who nodded. â€Å"Damon’s here, too,†Elena caroled. â€Å"If you find Lady Ulma, tel her Elena’s coming, but she’s getting washed up first.†She didn’t actual y dive into the pearl pink steaming water, but she got onto the second step down and let herself slide from there. Instantly, she was immersed in delicious heat that seeped straight into her body, pul ing some magic string that relaxed al her muscles at once. Perfumes suffused the air. She flung her wet hair back and saw Bonnie laughing at her. â€Å"So you got out of your hole and you’ve been here wal owing in luxury while we’ve been worried sick?†Elena couldn’t help but hear the way her voice went up at the end, making it a question. â€Å"No, I got picked up by some people, and – â€Å"Bonnie broke off. â€Å"Well†¦the first few days were tough, but never mind. Thank God we got to Lady Ulma’s in the end. Want a bath brush? Some soap that smel s just like roses?† Elena was looking at Bonnie with slightly narrowed eyes. She knew that Bonnie would do just about anything for Damon. That included covering up for him. Delicately, al the while enjoying the brushes and unguents and many kinds of soaps laid out on a shelf for easy reach, she began an inquisition. Stefan got out of the steamy room before he was soaking wet. Bonnie was safe and Elena was happy. He found he had stepped into another room, in which were a number of couches made of some soft spongy material. For drying? Massage? Who knew? The next room he entered had gas lanterns that were turned high enough to rival electrical light. Here were three more couches – he had no idea what for – a ful -length silvered-glass mirror, and smal er mirrors in front of chairs. Obviously a place for makeup and beautifying. This last room opened onto a hal way. Stefan stepped out and hesitated, spreading delicate tendrils of Power in different directions, hoping to find Damon before Damon noticed his presence in the estate. The Master Key had proved that it could overcome the fact that he hadn’t been invited here. That meant that maybe he could†¦ At that moment he got a hit, and withdrew his probe immediately, startled. He stared down the long corridor. He could actual y see Damon, pacing in the room at the end, talking to someone Stefan couldn’t see behind the door. Stefan crept very quietly down the hal way, stalking. He made it to the door without his brother even noticing, and there he saw that the person Damon was talking to was a woman wearing what looked like buckskin breeches and shirt, who had weathered skin, and a general aura of being more at home outside civilization than inside it. Damon was saying, â€Å"Make sure there are enough warm clothes for the girl. She’s not exactly hardy, you know – â€Å" â€Å"Then where are you taking her – and why?†Stefan asked, leaning against the doorjamb. He had the good fortune to once – just this once – take Damon unaware. His brother glanced up, and then jerked like a startled cat. It was priceless to watch Damon scrambling for a mask until he decided on the fa?ade of absent amiability. Stefan guessed that no one had ever put so much effort into walking over to a desk chair, sitting down, and forcing himself to lounge. â€Å"Well, well! Little brother! You dropped in for a visit! How†¦ nice. What a pity, though, that I’m practical y running out the door on a journey, and there’s no room for you.† At this point the weather-beaten woman who had been taking notes – and who had risen when Stefan entered the room – spoke up. â€Å"Oh, no, my lord. The thurgs won’t mind the extra weight of this gentleman. They probably won’t notice it. If his baggage can be ready by tomorrow you can start out in the early morning just as you planned.† Damon gave her his best â€Å"shut up or die†glare. She shut up. Through clenched teeth, Damon managed to say, â€Å"This is Pelat. She’s the coordinator of our little expedition. Hel o, Pelat. Good-bye, Pelat. You may go.† â€Å"As you wish, my lord.† Pelat bowed and left. â€Å"Aren’t you taking this ‘my lord’thing a bit too seriously?†Stefan asked. â€Å"And what is that costume you’re wearing?† â€Å"It’s the uniform of the captain of the guard of Madame le Princess Jessalyn D’Aubigne,†Damon said coldly. â€Å"You got a job?† â€Å"It was a position.†Damon bared his teeth. â€Å"And it’s none of your business.† â€Å"Got your canines back, too, I see.† â€Å"And that’s none of your business either. But if you want me to knock you out and trample over your undead body, I’l be delighted to oblige.† Something was wrong, Stefan thought. Damon should be through the taunting phase and be actual y trampling on him by now. It only made sense if†¦ â€Å"I’ve already spoken to Bonnie,†he said. And so he had, to ask where he was. But to a guilty mind, apparent foreknowledge often worked wonders. And Damon hastily said exactly what Stefan hoped he wouldn’t. â€Å"I can explain!† â€Å"Oh, God,†Stefan said. â€Å"If she’d just done as I told her – â€Å" â€Å"While you were off becoming a princess’s captain of the guard? And she was – where?† â€Å"She was safe, at least! But, no, she had to go out into the street and then to that shop – â€Å" â€Å"Shocking! She actual y walked in the street?† Damon ground his teeth. â€Å"You don’t know how it is around here – or how the slave trade works. Every day – â€Å" Stefan slammed both hands on the desk, now truly angry. â€Å"She was picked up by slavers? While you were sleazing around with a princess?† â€Å"Princess Jessalyn does not sleaze,†Damon replied icily. â€Å"Nor do I. And anyway it al turned out to be a good thing because now we know where the Seven Kitsune Treasures are.† â€Å"What treasures? And who cares about treasures when there’s a town being destroyed by kitsune?† Damon opened his mouth, shut it, then looked narrowly at Stefan. â€Å"You said that you’d talked to Bonnie about al this.† â€Å"I did talk to Bonnie,†Stefan said flatly. â€Å"I said hel o.† Damon’s dark eyes flared. For a moment Stefan thought he was going to snarl or start a fight. But then, through clenched teeth, he said, â€Å"It’s al for the damned town, don’t you see that? Those treasures include the largest star bal ever to be fil ed with Power. And that Power may be enough to save Fel ‘s Church. At least to stop its total annihilation. Maybe to even clear out every malach that exists and destroy Shinichi and Misao with a single blow. Is that noble enough for you, little brother? Is it reason enough?† â€Å"But taking Bonnie – â€Å" â€Å"You stay with her here if you like! Spend your lives here! I might mention that without her I would never have been able to set up an expedition, and that she’s determined to go. Besides, we’re not coming back this way. There has to be an easier route from the Gatehouse to Earth. We wouldn’t survive coming back, so you’d better hope like hel that there is one.† Stefan was surprised. He had never heard his brother speak with such passion about anything that involved humans. He was about to reply, when behind him there came a scream of pure, unadulterated rage. It was frightening – and worrying, too, because Stefan would recognize that voice anywhere, anytime. It was Elena’s. How to cite The Return: Midnight Chapter 26, Essay examples

Friday, December 6, 2019

Different Types Of Salmon Aquaculture †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Different Types Of Salmon Aquaculture. Answer: Introduction Salmon is a ray finned fish which to the family of Salmonidae. There are other fishes that belong to the same family, like whitefish, grayling, char, trout. Salmon is natively found in the tributaries of Pacific Ocean and North Atlantic Ocean. The species that are found in the Atlantic Ocean belong to the genus Salmo and the species that are found in the Pacific Ocean belong to the genus Oncorhynchus. Salmon was introduced in North America and also in South America, within non-native environments of Great Lakes and Patagonia respectively (Aas et al., 2010). The fish is intensively farmed in different parts of the world. An adult Atlantic salmon weighs around 10 pounds, while a king Salmon weighs around 23 pounds. However, fishes weighing around 50 to 80 pounds are also common. There are different types of Salmon like Cham Salmon, Coho salmon, Sockeye salmon, and pink salmon. Salmon fish are anadromous, which means that the fishes lay their eggs in freshwater and then return to the oc ean. The fishes again return to the freshwater to reproduce. Different species of Salmon exhibit the anadromous character, while other species of Salmon exhibit the freshwater characteristics (Miramichi Salmon Association, 2018). This study is based on the discussion on the physiological and the environmental factors involved in smoltification in salmon; and how the manipulation of these factors revolutionized the salmon aquaculture. Osmoregulation In order to understand osmoregulation (active regulation), it is necessary to discuss about the osmosis (passive regulation). Cells contain a lot of different solutes (polysaccharides, proteins, ions) and water, which creates a specific concentration inside the cell membrane. The membrane is Semi permeable which means that, it allows only water to pass through it and does not allow the solutes. The law of osmosis can be seen when a cell is kept inside solution exhibiting a different concentration. Due to osmotic pressure water moves into the solution from a high concentration to a region of low concentration via a semipermeable membrane. The movement of water takes place to balance the concentration (Bbc.co.uk, 2018). Maintaining a homeostatic balance is a big issue for the fishes in both the marine water and fresh water, because the metabolic processes inside the body of a fish occur specifically in certain chemical and physical environment. To keep up with the constantly with the internal environment, a continuous adaptation with respect to the concentration of oxygen, carbon dioxide, glucose, calcium ion, potassium ion, sodium ion, pH and temperature. The main problem of the fishes is the osmoregulation. Active regulation of the osmotic pressure in order to maintain the concentration of the salts and the fluid balance is called osmoregulation (Whittamore, 2012). Firstly the freshwater fishes, the salt concentration inside the body is higher in comparison to the surrounding water, thus water moves in to the body because of osmosis. If there is no regulation at this point, then the fishes would swell up. In order to compensate this, kidneys produce a large amount of urine and this signifies loss of salt from the body. Thus to compensate for this loss, specialized cells in gills (called chloride cells) absorbs ion from water and is directly transported to the blood stream (Whittamore, 2012). The marine fishes face a different situation, the concentration of salt in the blood is much lower in comparison to the sea water. Does fishes constantly lose water and build up salt concentration inside the body. To compensate for the loss of water from the body fishes drink a lot of water. Due to the small size of the kidney and the inability to excrete a large amount of urine, marine fishes excrete salt from the gills. The gills have specialized cells called to chloride cells which function in just the opposite way the gills in freshwater fishes function (Edwards Marshall, 2012). Smoltification Smoltification is a process in which the behavioral, morphological and physiological changes that a young salmon fish undergoes during migration from freshwater to a saltwater region. Considering the life cycle of a salmon fish, it starts its life in the freshwater and it gets prepared to enter in to the oceanic water where the concentration of salt is high. Three important changes take place at this stage of the life cycle. Firstly, the fish starts to drink a lot of water. Secondly, the urine production reduces to great extent by the kidneys. Thirdly, the molecular pumps or the chloride cells in the gills function reversely. Which means that, the chloride cells pumps sodium out instead of absorbing it. When the fishes reenter in to the freshwater, the body of the salmon fishes starts to acclimatize automatically. The fishes stay within the estuarial zone in order to get acclimatized (Lerner, Sheridan McCormick, 2012). The process of smoltification also occurs in the other species like sharks. In the estuaries, where the sea water meets the freshwater changes in concentration occur gradually. Sharks are known to move further in to the freshwater zone and the process of osmoregulation also occurs differently in comparison to the salmon. Sharks convert ammonia to urea and are capable of retaining it within the blood stream which is slightly more concentrated than the sea water. Through this way, the loss of water through the osmosis is prevented and the excess salt is excreted via the rectal gland. These processes are regulated by hormones and controlled by brain. Hormones like thyroid and cortisol are the effective regulators of osmotic pressure which influences the direction and the rate of the ions that are pumped through the chloride cells (Cramp, Hansen Franklin, 2015). Environmental factors affecting smoltification Contaminant exposure- It has recently been found that the change in water chemistry has a detrimental effect on the early marine survival and the process of smoltification. This can be attributed to the non-point source of industrial pollutants, exposure to trace heavy metal, mineral deposit drainage. In addition the trace heavy metal from the drainage of the mineral deposits, intensive forest areas, ranges and agricultural areas. This results into the movement of low level concentration of herbicides in to the rearing of the juvenile salmon (Solomon et al., 2013). Water temperature- In order to increase the growth and reduce the time required for the production of the smolts, elevated temperature is used. However, care must be taken because artificial temperatures potentially affect the process of smolting as well as the growth (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2018). Photoperiod- research has shown that there is a positive correlation with the behavioral and the physiological aspects with respect to the endocrine system. Because there is direct chemical link with the physiological and the environmental changes in fish. There is a strong link of the photoperiod with the seasonal cycle of growth in the juvenile salmon and the smolting process (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2018). Photoperiod control of smoltification Presently a major problem faced by salmon industry is that they are unable to produce and maintain a continuity in the product sizes in accordance to the market demand which are existing throughout the year. Such problems exist because fishes had introduced into the sea for a very short period of time during the early summer and the spring. Due to this the production is not even according to the size of the market and also results in an unavailability What the Fish products. At certain times of the year, the transfer of smolts into the ocean water has implications on the costing and the production on the smolts. Similar to spawning and maturation the smoltification timing is affected by the patterns of the season and day length changes. Extension cord compression of the annual rate of change of photoperiod leads to both the delay and advancement in the completion of smoltification. Photoperiods that change seasonally can be replaced by the combinations of constant short and long days . Bringing modifications in the combinations of short and long days as well as seasonal changes can effectively increase the production of smolts during several months of the year (Zydlewski, Stich McCormick, 2014). The major complications that arise with the manipulation of the photoperiod is the timing of the process. Similar to the process of reproduction which is controlled seasonally, the process of smolting is dependent on the endogenous clocks or mechanisms. Under the ambient conditions the endogenous clocks can be identified or determined through the seasonally changing day length. Under the modified light conditions, the different components of this system that include hypo osmoregulatory ability, body silvering, condition factor, factors that control growth will collectively affect the smoltification process. The components might get desynchronized and the probable effects are reflected in the poor rates of survival when transferred to see water. Manipulation of the photoperiod result in affecting the commercial viability of the fishes and affect the maturation of the pre and the post smolts. Thus, any alteration in the photoperiod result in the reduction of the number of smolts, reduc ed rates of survival when the smolts are transferred to the sea water affecting the early maturation and also cause vital problems for the production management of the grow out farms (Imsland, Handeland Stefansson, 2014). Environmental factors and the physiological processes involved in smoltification of salmon Environmental factors- contaminant exposure is one of the prime environmental factor which is affecting the smoltification. The gill ATPase enzyme present in the salmon fishes is highly sensible to the levels of the trace heavy metals dissolved in water. The exposure to the copper during the transformation of parr-smolt can potentially inactivate the gill-ATPase enzyme. The biological damage is not apparent unless the fish moves to the sea water. Just during this movement, the severe mortalities begin to occur. Another negative consequence of such a phenomenon is that the migratory also gets suppressed due to the inactivity of the gill ATPase. Cadmium levels of 4 microgram per liter in the freshwater also result in mortality when the coho smolts are transferred to the thirty percent sea water. Chromium or nickel although does not affect the migratory behavior, but exposure to mercury severely affects the migratory behavior. Other implication of mercury exposure can be related to the malformed development of the embryos when the exposure is only of 2.5 microgram per liter. The herbicide concentration also increase into the waterbodies due to the surface run off from the agricultural fields, and the accumulation of herbicide in to the body of the coho salmon smolts resulted in hampered migratory behavior (Thorstad et al., 2012). Water temperature and the rearing temperature have been found to be directly impacting the gill ATPase activity and the hypoosmoregulatory activity during the process of smolting. It has been seen in certain species that increase in temperature accelerates the onset of smolting and on the other hand also delays the time period of desmoltification. Coho salmon at the 6 degree Celsius shows rise in the gill ATPase activity, and a precocious development is found at 2o degree Celsius. However, the process of desmoltification enhances due to the increase in temperature. Not all species of salmon show positive responses to the temperature rise. Steelhead trout are found to be potentially affected by the elevated level of temperature rise, while temperature above 13 degree Celsius inhibits smolting. The Atlantic salmon are not similar to the steel head trout. When the temperature rises around 10 degree Celsius, the activity of the downstream activity of salmon rises (Bjrnsson, Stefansson M cCormick, 2011). Photoperiod plays a significant role in the migratory behavior and the development of the smolt characteristics. The rate of change of the photoperiod played an important part in the modification of the periods of smolting. It has been found that presmolts kept in 7 hour dark period and 17 hour light significantly increases the gill ATPase activity and the plasma thyroxine. However, prolonged periods of exposure to the day light inhibit smolting and growth. Physiological process- According to the normal life history of Salmon, it migrates as juveniles from fresh water into the sea. Atlantic salmon undergoes transformational changes to get adapted to the oceanic life. The parr-smolt transformation involves both the physiological and the morphological changes in order to get acclimatized to the high saline conditions in sea water. The development of smolt is controlled by both the environmental and developmental information. Due to the exposure of increased day length, components of neuroendocrine axis become sensitive. Plasma levels of growth hormone increases due to the activation half right brain pituitary axis. This results in increased levels plasma levels of growth hormone. It has also been found that the levels of Plasma cortisol increases, and this hormones control the biochemical and cellular changes inside the gill. This increases the gill sodium potassium ATPase activity and results in increased salt tolerance. Triiodothyronine , thyroxine, thyroid hormones increase during the smolt development. These changes are actively thought to alter morphological and behavioral characteristics of the fish (McCormick et al., 2013). Salmon aquaculture Photoperiod is an important determinant in initiating sexual maturation in the salmon fishes. More than the specific day length, the direction of photoperiod plays a major role in orchestrating sexual maturity and reproduction. Prolonged exposure to long day lengths increased the attainment of sexual maturity in this fishes. Aquaculture of the salmon fishes gives a better control over the adverse environmental conditions. Aquaculture provides a better opportunity to alter the photoperiod easily and helps in the production cycle. While at the same time gives a better control over certain environmental variables like water temperature. Water temperature on the other hand is one of the important environmental parameter which directly influences the physiology of the fishes. The internal temperature of the fish is directly dependent on the external ambient temperature. Physiological development of eggs and larvae, egg hatching, time of spawning, growth rate, metabolic rate all her direct ly related to the natural environment and water temperature. It has been found that aquaculture of salmon at temperatures ranging 2 to 16 degree Celsius effectively increases the growth rate (Thyholdt, 2014). Conclusion Thus, from the above discussion it can be concluded that the life cycle of salmon fish is directly influenced by the environmental factors like water temperature, photoperiod, herbicides and traces of heavy metal. Salmon fishes can survive both in freshwater and sea water which makes it a complex fish for aquaculture. In order to aquaculture salmon fishes, several parameters like water temperature, photoperiod and also the environmental conditions must be kept at check. Only after keeping all the parameters at optimal conditions can favor the growth of salmon fishes rapidly. References Aas, ., Klemetsen, A., Einum, S., Skurdal, J. (Eds.). (2010). Atlantic salmon ecology. John Wiley Sons. Bbc.co.uk. (2018). BBC - GCSE Bitesize: Osmosis in cells. Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 15 February 2018, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/add_gateway_pre_2011/greenworld/waterrev2.shtml Bjrnsson, B. T., Stefansson, S. O., McCormick, S. D. (2011). Environmental endocrinology of salmon smoltification. General and comparative endocrinology, 170(2), 290-298. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2010.07.003 Cramp, R. L., Hansen, M. J., Franklin, C. E. (2015). Osmoregulation by juvenile brown-banded bamboo sharks, Chiloscyllium punctatum, in hypo-and hyper-saline waters. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular Integrative Physiology, 185, 107-114. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2015.04.001 Edwards, S. L., Marshall, W. S. (2012). Principles and patterns of osmoregulation and euryhalinity in fishes. In Fish Physiology (Vol. 32, pp. 1-44). Academic Press. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-396951-4.00001-3 Imsland, A. K., Handeland, S. O., Stefansson, S. O. (2014). Photoperiod and temperature effects on growth and maturation of pre-and post-smolt Atlantic salmon. Aquaculture international, 22(4), 1331-1345. DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-014-9750-1 Lerner, D. T., Sheridan, M. A., McCormick, S. D. (2012). Estrogenic compounds decrease growth hormone receptor abundance and alter osmoregulation in Atlantic salmon. General and comparative endocrinology, 179(2), 196-204. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2012.08.001 McCormick, S. D., Sheehan, T. F., Bjrnsson, B. T., Lipsky, C., Kocik, J. F., Regish, A. M., O'Dea, M. F. (2013). Physiological and endocrine changes in Atlantic salmon smolts during hatchery rearing, downstream migration, and ocean entry. Canadian journal of fisheries and aquatic sciences, 70(1), 105-118. DOI https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2012-0151 Miramichi Salmon Association. (2018). Life Cycle of the Atlantic Salmon - Miramichi Salmon Association. Miramichi Salmon Association. Retrieved 15 February 2018, from https://miramichisalmon.ca/education/atlantic-salmon/ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2018). Spo.nmfs.noaa.gov. Retrieved 15 February 2018, from https://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/mfr426/mfr4261.pdf Solomon, K. R., Dalhoff, K., Volz, D., Van Der Kraak, G. (2013). Effects of herbicides on fish. In Fish physiology (Vol. 33, pp. 369-409). Academic Press. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-398254-4.00007-8 Thorstad, E. B., Whoriskey, F., Uglem, I., Moore, A., Rikardsen, A. H., Finstad, B. (2012). A critical life stage of the Atlantic salmon Salmo salar: behaviour and survival during the smolt and initial post?smolt migration. Journal of Fish Biology, 81(2), 500-542. DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2012.03370.x Thyholdt, S. B. (2014). The importance of temperature in farmed salmon growth: Regional growth functions for Norwegian farmed salmon. Aquaculture Economics Management, 18(2), 189-204. DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/13657305.2014.903310 Whittamore, J. M. (2012). Osmoregulation and epithelial water transport: lessons from the intestine of marine teleost fish. Journal of Comparative Physiology B, 182(1), 1-39. DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s00360-011-0601-3 Zydlewski, G. B., Stich, D. S., McCormick, S. D. (2014). Photoperiod control of downstream movements of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts. Journal of fish biology, 85(4), 1023-1041. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12509

Friday, November 29, 2019

Oil and Gas Management

Executive Summary Oil and gas are very sensitive products. This industry is one of the most lucrative industries in the world. Various operators have succeeded in oil drilling projects, especially when they get experienced and committed drilling contractors.Advertising We will write a custom coursework sample on Oil and Gas Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The relationship between the drilling contractor and the operator should always be clearly defined. The drilling contractor has the duty of drilling the oil and delivering it to the operator. The operator will be responsible for transportation, storage and commercialization of the product. The operator will also be responsible for meeting all the legal requirements in order to smoothen the operation process. It is also important to note that the process legalizing the whole project should be done with relevant agencies. Environmental agencies should be contacted in or der to get their approval. The process of drilling oil, its transportation, storage and sale is always dangerous to the environment. Spillage of oil can cause serious environmental damage both on land and in water. A leakage of gas can result in a catastrophe in that particular area. Relevant agencies must therefore approve such projects by determining that the operator, and the drilling company has the capacity to ensure that the whole process is safe enough. The Role of the Various Organisations Involved In the Oil Gas Industry Critical Operations Issues Between Operator and Drilling Contractor Material and Equipments One of the critical operations issues between the operator and the drilling contractor is the materials and equipments. It is a standard practice that it is the responsibility of the contractor to have relevant materials. This should be indicated clearly, stating their quality and quantity in order to avoid disputes. The operator should therefore define the standard s of the equipments and materials needed when developing the contract.Advertising Looking for coursework on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Personnel It is the responsibility of the contractor to bring along qualified and experienced personnel to work on the project. The contractor should ensure that the personnel meet the set physical and academic criteria, and that they are tested for medical fitness before their deployment. Duration When signing the contract, it is important to clearly state the duration that the project will take in details. This will help avoid conflicts that always arise due to delays by the contractor to complete the project in time. However, there should be a clause allowing the project to be closed earlier if it is finished before the stipulated date, or late if there are delays, and any possible consequences for the delays (Kousholt 2007, p. 90). Defective performance It is alway s common to have cases where the assigned work is not done as per the expectations. There must be a provision for such defective work. The operator should inform the contractor the nature of such defects within the right time. It will be the responsibility of the contractor to go over the work again and correct the identified mistakes at its own expense. The operator may be granted the right to look for the third party in case the defect done by the contractor is too gross and indicates that the operator has no capacity to perform the task properly. Risk Allocation In any drilling operations, risks and uncertainties cannot be ignored because they can occur. It would therefore be very prudent to clearly indicate how such risks are allocated between the contractor and the operator. It will be important to identify possible risks that may occur, and the stages at which they might occur, in order to allocate them either to the operator on contractor.Advertising We will write a cust om coursework sample on Oil and Gas Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Insurance The need for insuring the whole project is very obvious, given the uncertainties stated above. Both the operator and the contractor will be expected to meet specific costs towards the coverage. The insurance should be taken with a reputable firm that will meet its responsibility should it arise. Some of areas that should be covered include commercial general insurance, general third party insurance and third party insurance. According to Kousholt (2007, p. 90), when two firms come together to work towards a common goal, the driving force is always to share the responsibilities that comes with achieving this goal. The partnering units must embrace togetherness. They must accept working together as a unit in order to have the much expected success. Critical Operational Issues Between Operator and External Agencies (NGO) The oil company will need to come up with three main external agencies (NGO). The three include those concerned with transparency, anticorruption and environment. The environmental agency will work in close coordination with the firm to ensure that the environment is not polluted. This may involve conducting regular inspection at the site, and making recommendation on how best the firm can improve its operations to minimize environmental pollution. Cases such as oil spillage will be eliminated. Environment will be protected from degradation. The transparency body will help ensure that the firm operates within the legal limits of the country. It will also ensure that all the relevant partners in this project relates well. The anticorruption agency will ensure that the project observes all the financial obligations it has towards various bodies within the country. The anticorruption and transparency agencies will also ensure that this firm relates well with the society in general. The environmental body will be instrumental in case there is need to participate in corporate social responsibility such as tree planting.Advertising Looking for coursework on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Critical Operational Issues in the Relationship Between the Operator and the UK Government According to Gerry and Scholes (2008, p. 114), the government is the most important agency that a firm must ensure it conforms to its policies. The government enacts laws and regulations that govern gas and oil production within the country. The government of the United Kingdom has various expectations, and rules that all the firms operating in the country must follow. Different firms in different industries have differing expectations from the government. The government also has different expectations for firms in different industries. In order to ensure that these firms are closely monitored, the government works with different agencies within the country. The department of energy will be directly responsible for monitoring of the activities of all the firms in this industry. The operator must therefore ensure that it acts within the expectations of this department. The government will alway s act in a way to protect the firm as a way of developing the economy. The operator should therefore ensure that the government finds all the reasons to protect the firm and give it the necessary support that would ensure that it succeeds. The government also needs to ensure that there is local involvement and participation in various activities in the project. The government always appreciates it when a firm employs the locals whenever there is an opportunity. There should also be national participation. Risks should also be kept as minimal as possible. On the other side, the operator will also have its concerns to put to the government. It would prefer a longer exploration within the country (Lewis 2006, p. 5). Also of concern to the operator will be relaxed regulations that would ensure that it operates with minimal ease. The operator will also need better tax deals with the government as a way of increasing the profitability of the project. Petroleum Economics and Taxation Regim es, Legal Arrangements and Contractual Relationships Analysis and Contrast of the Advantages of the Concession and PSA governance Regimes from the Viewpoint of the Sovereign State In the global world, governments have always ensured that they control the development projects to their favor. A sovereign state would always make an effort to ensure that it develops the local economy as a way of developing itself. When a state becomes sovereign, there is always the spirit of nationalism. Firms always try to ensure that they get all the resources that the sovereign state would need. There would be an attempt to ensure that the nation is freed from any external interference. Interference may come in various fronts, including the need to depend on external support to run the state. Various sovereign states have therefore been very keen to incline development to their favor. They make every effort to ensure that all firms that operate within the country are able to help in the development o f that nation. To make it clearer, it would be important to analyze advantages and disadvantages from the two standpoints. Concession Advantages to the government The government will get secure and regular revenues at very little effort, increasing its capacity to build the nation. It facilitates early engagement of the oil firm to the government, and the commitment is has towards the government. Disadvantages to the government The government will be the sole bearer of risks that is related to the project. This can result in massive loss to the government. This strategy potentially widens choice of the government on partners to embrace large service companies. There will be no upsides from high economic rents. It will not be in a position to take advantage of the high economic rents fully. The government will have no control in the manner and schedule of development taken in this strategy. Advantages to the operator It will be able to secure broad control and right over the res erves, and it will be in a position to dictate the pace of development. It will be in a position to take advantage of the high economic rents. It will be easy to achieve vertical integration of companies. Disadvantages to the operator Given that the strategy seems to be biased to the favor of the operator, there is a higher risk of nationalism (Murch 2004, p. 59). The operator will be forced to enter into new negotiations whenever there is a change of power. Product Sharing Agreement Advantages to the government In this strategy, all the operative risks are carried by the operator, meaning that the government will be shielded from any consequences resulting from such losses (Lewis 2006, p. 43). The government shall be in a position to secure upsides from high economic rents. The government will retain ownership of the petroleum products produced and all the associated installations. The exploration risks will also be transferred to the operator. Disadvantages to the government Given that exploration risks can be great; this strategy may deter potential investors. The government may not secure all benefits associated with the projects given the fact that it will avoid taking heavy responsibilities. Advantages to the operator This strategy will allow the operator a possible entry point for future business operations. Given technical capability, the operator may convince the insurance company to lower the coverage cost, making the whole process very attractive. The operator will be entitled to share oil produced in the project. In this strategy, there is always equitable share of rents and costs. Disadvantages to the operator The operator will bear all the exploration costs. This can have serious financial consequences on it. The operator will have to cede significant control share to the government in regard to the nature and pace of development of the project. Comparative Numerical Sensitivity Assessment of the Project Profitability to Variation in t he Sales Gas Price Within Each Regime The profitability of this project relies on a number of factors. The cash flow statement of this project shows that there has been a constant profitability. The statement shows that the project has the capacity to succeed in this industry. It is a fact that that this firm has can have success if it succeeds. The operating costs of this firm and the taxable income indicate that the firm is profitable. The costs of operation are always an indication of the profitability of the firm. According to Murch (2004, p. 53), the costs of operation should be low, and the income generation should be high. The ability of the firm to succeed always depends on low costs of operation. The costs of operation should always be minimized as much as possible. Minimizing the costs of the firm’s operation is one of the ways of increasing their profitability. The profitability of the firm is likely to be on the rise. The firm has been able to withstand the pressu re locally. The taxable income of this firm shows that the firm has had a rise in its operating income. The operating income of the firm always determines its taxable income. Given the high taxable income of the firm, it is a demonstration that this project is profitable. The sales of the gas within the product sharing agreement regime will involve low costs. The taxation will be reduced. However, under a concession agreement, the profitability will be reduced because of the increased taxation. Review the Risks Faced by the Industry and Means of Identifying and Managing Them The risks faced in this industry can be categorized into four aspects. There are technological risks. This may come in the form of lack of reliable system within the project. This may result in serious damages to the project and its profitability. This can be avoided by having the right employees with technological knowledge in this field. Another major risk is political and fiscal risks. Political risks may hav e heavy financial consequences in the firm. For instance, changing of the regime will overburden the project through spiraling taxation. Cases where there is political instability in the country may further jeopardize the profitability of the project. It may be difficult to mitigate political risks. As a result of this, the best approach to take in this case would be to take comprehensive insurance coverage against political uncertainties. The project may also face economic risks. Market volatility is the most common economic risks. The prices of oil in the international markets keeps rising and falling frequently. When the prices falls the project may be as less productive as it had been expected. Another risk is on the environment. When this oil spills on the leaves of any vegetation, it suffocates the plants by blocking the air passages on the surface of the leaf. The vegetation will dry off due to lack of air. This oil is also dangerous to the organisms that live under the soil. It suffocates these organisms. When the spillage is swept into water bodies such as lakes, the effect becomes even worse. Oil always form a thick layer (blanket) on top of water. This thick layer will always prevent air from moving into water. All the living organisms that are under that water will perish for lack or air. The effect will viciously affect other organisms that depend on the organisms that have been destroyed in that particular water body. When the living organisms in water are destroyed, other organisms which may not be directly killed by this oil such as crocodile may feel the impact of this destruction. With other organisms they depend on destroyed, these predators may have nothing to depend on. This may lead to their death within that particular habitat. The firm also faces some risks. Environmental bodies will be keenly monitoring the operations of the firm. They will be keen on ensuring that the firm is taken to task over any case of environmental pollution. The agencies will take the firm to court over cases of environmental pollution. This can result in serious fines that can negatively impact on the firm. The litigation process can also bring negative image on the firm. This may cost this firm a lot of resources trying to rebuild the tainted image of the firm. Besides the losses resulting from litigation, this project can also result in losses from cases involving spillage. When there is oil spillage, the firm will suffer a loss to the extent of the spilled oil. There are cases where cargo on transit is hijacked by pirates. This is one of the ways through which firms have suffered serious losses (Murch 2004, p. 27). When the cargo is hijacked, the loss will be to the extent of the hijacked cargo, or even more, because the storage vessels will also be lost. The fluctuation of oil prices is another risk. When the oil prices slumps, the firm will get revenues below the expected value. This will mean that the firm will have to find a mechan ism through which this deficit will be taken care of. The government may also face some risks in this project. One of the main roles of the government is to ensure that the society is clean and that various agencies operate without any interference from other agencies. A project that involves oil drilling and transportation may have serious negative impact to the society, and hence the government. The BP oil spillage in 2010 has serious impact on the American society. Various economic activities in various beaches in the United States were brought to a halt because of this spillage. This clearly demonstrates that government will always be at risk when such incidents occur. The tax generated from such activities will be lost. The populace who are affected by such cases will be left jobless. This will affect the government. Awareness of Future Oil and Gas Sources and Social Responsibility and Climate Change Issues Corporate social responsibility has become one of the most important fu nctions of firms in the current society. There is need for firms to give back to the society. They need to give back to the society because they take away various resources from this society. When a firm that is involved in oil drilling takes part in corporate social responsibility, it will be giving back to the society what it has taken away from it. Oil drilling involves destruction of the environment. It involves activities that will leave the land barren. This barren land may not benefit this community in any way. To compensate for this destruction, the firm should make an effort to ensure that it helps in making other regions around this place greener. The firm may take part in planting of trees in this region. It should also encourage and support farmers in this region. This way, the firm will try to counter the impact they had on the environment. Corporate social responsibility is always a way of gaining a positive image in the society. The current society is very sensitive ( Inkpen Moffett 2011, p. 64). A firm can lose customers when they are accused of causing mayhem to the environment. Firms therefore take part in corporate social responsibility as a way of ensuring that it gains the favor of the watchdogs of the environment. This would help the firm strike a positive relationship with various governmental agencies within the country. Such agencies may use the firm as a positive example of a firm which is not self-centered. This would enable the firm to be embraced by the society. Corporate social responsibility also helps in marketing the firm positively within the target market. Instead of undertaking a commercial advertisement directly, firms consider participating in corporate social responsibility. This way, they will be advertised positively in the market. Analysis of the Challenges Facing the Adoption of Shale Gas Extraction in the UK The United Kingdom is one of the largest consumers of oil and oil products in the world. This country will the refore have a huge benefit when a firm is able to extract oil from the country. A firm that is able to extract oil within this country will have a huge benefit due to a number of reasons. Shale gas can have a huge benefit when is able to extract oil within the country (Roberts 2011, p. 115). The firm will have a ready market for its products. This means that this firm will not incur costs associated with transportation of the product, and its storage facilities. The firm is also expected to benefit from government incentives as a way of encouraging local production of this product. There are a host of other benefits that this firm stands to benefit by conducting local production. However, there are some challenges that this firm faces within this country. Challenges facing Shale gas can be looked from four main fronts. They include social front, environmental front, political front and economic front. Shale gas faces a serious challenge of protecting the environment in the operation s. Environmental bodies in the United Kingdom are always very keen on monitoring operations of firms within the country to ensure that they do not pollute the environment. Shale gas will have the responsibility of ensuring that its operations within this country do not engage in environmental pollution. This makes the operation very difficult. The firm also faces the challenge of ensuring that the society develops a positive image for its products to be accepted locally (Murch 2004, p. 75). This is because the locals have come to embrace BP as the main producer of their petroleum products. Convincing the market that Shale gas will give them superior value may take some time. Shale gas will have to undertake serious marketing within this market in order to win trust of the market. The competition posed by other major players in this industry may be posing serious challenge to the firm. When the management is not able to counter the competition posed by the competitors, then the firm may be forced out of this industry. One of the firms posing serious challenge to Shale gas is PB. PB has been able to create a positive image in the local market. The brand is very strong, and it will require Shale gas to develop serious techniques. List of References Gerry, J Scholes, K 2008, Exploring Corporate Strategy, Pearson Education, Limited, New York. Inkpen, A Moffett, M 2011, The global oil and gas industry: management, strategy and finance, Tulsa, Okla. Kousholt, B 2007, Project management: theory and practice, Cengage, New York. Lewis, J 2006, Fundamentals of project management, American Management Association, New York. Murch, R 2004, Project management: best practices for IT professionals, Prentice Hall PTR, Upper Saddle River. Roberts, P 2011, Effective project management, Kogan Page, London. This coursework on Oil and Gas Management was written and submitted by user Tomas Thompson to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Free Essays on LAS DROGAS Y LOS ADOLESCENTES

LAS DROGAS Y LOS ADOLESCENTES El aumento en el à ­ndice de consumo de drogas entre adolescentes es cada vez mayor y el problema parece cada dà ­a ms difà ­cil de resolver. La prevencià ³n del consumo de drogas es tarea de todos, pero los medios de comunicacià ³n tienen un papel indiscutible en ella. La televisià ³n puede ser una forma positiva para luchar contra las drogas. Por ejemplo, la televisià ³n hispana ha estado elaborando programas de television, como novelas o propagandas con mensajes acerca de las drogas. Mensajes que ayudan a educar a los jà ³venes acerca de las malas consecuencias de la droga y los problemas que trae su consumo. Tal vez la mejor manera de prevenir la drogadiccià ³n en los adolescentes serà ­a el de representar en la televisià ³n escenas comunes en las que se enfrentan los adolescentes, donde se les ofrece el consumir drogas o donde sienten la curiosidad por probarlas. Quizs con esta opcià ³n el adolescente se pueda situar à ©l mismo en esa representacià ³n e interpretar de manera reflexiva el rol que desarrolla otro individuo y de esta manera identificarse. Asà ­, se lograrà ­a un mejor acercamiento al objetivo de la mayorà ­a de las campaà ±as anti-drogas. Algo asà ­ como la serie de television â€Å"Survivor† pero el tema principal serà ­a las drogas. Actualmente las campaà ±as que se emprenden en la televisià ³n pretenden evitar la drogadiccià ³n en adolescentes. Pero yo creo que esta nueva forma de representar las vivencias en televisià ³n de la vida de los adolescentes pretenden desde un punto de vista de la cultura juvenil reforzar y desarrollar una actitud crà ­tica hacia las drogas informando y previniendo sobre los efectos o consecuencias de ingerir drogas. El à ©xito o fracaso de una campaà ±a publicitaria en televisià ³n depende del grado de realismo con el que se toca o representa el tema de las drogas. No basta con decir que las drogas son malas y tienen graves consecuencias, sino tambià ©n... Free Essays on LAS DROGAS Y LOS ADOLESCENTES Free Essays on LAS DROGAS Y LOS ADOLESCENTES LAS DROGAS Y LOS ADOLESCENTES El aumento en el à ­ndice de consumo de drogas entre adolescentes es cada vez mayor y el problema parece cada dà ­a ms difà ­cil de resolver. La prevencià ³n del consumo de drogas es tarea de todos, pero los medios de comunicacià ³n tienen un papel indiscutible en ella. La televisià ³n puede ser una forma positiva para luchar contra las drogas. Por ejemplo, la televisià ³n hispana ha estado elaborando programas de television, como novelas o propagandas con mensajes acerca de las drogas. Mensajes que ayudan a educar a los jà ³venes acerca de las malas consecuencias de la droga y los problemas que trae su consumo. Tal vez la mejor manera de prevenir la drogadiccià ³n en los adolescentes serà ­a el de representar en la televisià ³n escenas comunes en las que se enfrentan los adolescentes, donde se les ofrece el consumir drogas o donde sienten la curiosidad por probarlas. Quizs con esta opcià ³n el adolescente se pueda situar à ©l mismo en esa representacià ³n e interpretar de manera reflexiva el rol que desarrolla otro individuo y de esta manera identificarse. Asà ­, se lograrà ­a un mejor acercamiento al objetivo de la mayorà ­a de las campaà ±as anti-drogas. Algo asà ­ como la serie de television â€Å"Survivor† pero el tema principal serà ­a las drogas. Actualmente las campaà ±as que se emprenden en la televisià ³n pretenden evitar la drogadiccià ³n en adolescentes. Pero yo creo que esta nueva forma de representar las vivencias en televisià ³n de la vida de los adolescentes pretenden desde un punto de vista de la cultura juvenil reforzar y desarrollar una actitud crà ­tica hacia las drogas informando y previniendo sobre los efectos o consecuencias de ingerir drogas. El à ©xito o fracaso de una campaà ±a publicitaria en televisià ³n depende del grado de realismo con el que se toca o representa el tema de las drogas. No basta con decir que las drogas son malas y tienen graves consecuencias, sino tambià ©n...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Is Religion The Controlled Manipulation Of Humanity's Potential To Essay

Is Religion The Controlled Manipulation Of Humanity's Potential To Freely Enter A Relationship With The Transcendent - Essay Example This has in turn resulted into an establishment of transcendental diplomacy in many societies. It is worth pointing out that this type of diplomacy is not founded on ‘power’. As a result, the elements and compounds involved happen to be not a part of ‘power’. Through all the centuries, there exist some slight efforts to fully comprehend this subject matter (Thomas 264). In present time, human beings are yet to decide if they are ready to establish such type of transcendental diplomacy. It will be a long time since we are capable of approaching this end. In all probability, it will take certain individuals to get to this end who happen to have developed evolutionary changes towards such kind of thoughts. With such kind of high expectation, this might happen only if human beings succeed in embracing and taking advantage of science and technology. It is through this that they will be capable of bringing changes to their own body and mind. The result will be a s trengthened transcendental attribute towards them, while been able to grow seeds of improved human beings. Besides, the subject matter has to correspond to the materialization of their expectations in the distant future. There is a belief among all religions that they will be able to achieve transcendental attributes while the messengers appointed while be able to achieve the fore mentioned goals. There has been an order of divine prophets, teachers, and guardians from Adam, Moses, and Jesus to Muhammad. Their presence in the present time is still felt and will continue till the end of time. Additionally, in different times and places, the achievements of their divine manifestations will be enhanced. These divine manifestations will happen to be apostles with divine sense of authority (Thomas 264). Consequently, all these religions will successively lean on the same procession towards transcendence and flawlessness. With many courses of human endeavors to conform within social laws and regulations, the efforts of these prophets and teachers happen to be more noticeable. The messenger (savior) of Christianity happens to be a perfect manifestation of all former religious thoughts and sophisticated inheritance of laws and regulations from previous religions. In the end this happens to be the turning point of this evolution. Disappointed through some wrongful commentaries and interpretations have been made by the so called religious scholars. The valuable commandments have been distorted to the extent that some preachers have been heard insinuating that religions have been decorated and distorted to the extent that if one was to go back a century he won’t be able to recognize his own religion. Christianity point of view to some problems happens to be consistent and integrated, with learned individuals tends to believe that accurate Christianity laws are similar to scientific laws and should stay unchangeable. It should be noted that these same laws were cre ated on the same basis of humankind nature and thus should be compatible with all state and behavior of individuals (Thomas 264). Nonetheless, religious jurists tend to note on the fundamental principles of religions in a detailed manner. In addition, these notes have been the main reason behind the introduction of various decisions in religions and the reason behind their existing differences. Recent jurisprudential methods among various sections of Catholics and Protestants and the mode of reasoning of canon lawyers related to the above sects with regards to reasonability of their sources happen to be quite different. This is the

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Education and poverty in america Research Paper

Education and poverty in america - Research Paper Example Something should be done! The link between poverty and education is inextricable where education is a medium that enables those people born into poverty to be able to rise and scale in society. To illustrate this, studies have shown that 46% of those Americans who were brought up in low income households but failed to earn college degrees did not make it past the low income quartile. This can be compared to 16% for those who managed to earn a college degree. (Arora, 2012) It is possible to see the link between poverty and education at all educational levels. Poorer Americans begin their pre-primary education at a disadvantaged state. For children whose parents earn under $15,000 annually, their pre-primary enrollment rates are about 20% lower than those whose parents earn over $50,000 a year. (Friedman, 2012) This has a much deeper impact since children who went to pre-school are 31% less likely to repeat a grade and also 32% less likely to even drop out of school. This pre-primary education is believed to reduce crime rates because studies show that children who attended pre-school are one-fifth less likely to become chronic criminal offenders. (Friedman, 2012) Even in cross-country exams, the educational disadvantage of poorer students is evident. In the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) examination, higher-income schools have a higher score than the lower-income schools. It was also apparent that the PISA scores by students from America were much more influenced by the backgrounds of their parents than in any other country. Students from richer homes perform significantly better than those from deprived backgrounds due to the quality of education they receive. Students from deprived backgrounds have fewer facilities, less qualified teachers and above all receive the least care. These among other factors come into play when the scores of various students are evaluated. It therefore does not come

Monday, November 18, 2019

Financial Analysis 334 Math Problem Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Financial Analysis 334 - Math Problem Example In this case, if subtract the stock from current assets, still both companies can pay off their debts quite easily as their Acid-Test Ratio is equal to or greater than 1. This shows that to pay every single dollar of debt the company has the backing of adequate current assets. However, if we look the firms through the lens of Interest Coverage Ratio and if our debt commands interest from the company than, we can clearly see that Jones company can cover much higher rates of interest. As a result, Jones Corporation won't default and will be able to pay all its debts and hence a short-term loan should be made to Jones Corporation given the two different scenarios. However, one must also state that if our loan does not command any interest, then this loan should be made to Smith Corporation. b) If we look at the profitability condition of the two companies, we can clearly see that Jones Corporation is more profitable. This can shown by the companies greater net profit over sales ratios as compared to Smith Corporation Ratios. In the light of these ratios, Jones Corporation is earning around $7 on every $100 worth of sales. Similarly, Smith Corporation is earning $4 on every $100 worth of sales.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

History of the Palestinian Conflict

History of the Palestinian Conflict In order to have a thorough understanding of the Palestinian problem, events in the early 20th century, prior to 1948 (Israeli independence) should be closely examined and understood. Many historians mark the first act which led to the Palestinian problem as the Balfour Declaration in 1917. There, it was announced that Britain shall support in the goals of Zionists, and therein strive to create a Jewish homeland in Palestine, His Majestys Government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people[1]. With Jewish spirits high all over the Jewish Diaspora, the third Aliyah (influx of Jews to Palestine) took place in 1919[2]. The number of Jews gradually increased in Palestine, and by 1947, the 11% population of Jews increased to a healthy 33%[3]. The immediate cause of the Palestinian problem is often dated to November 29th 1947, on which the UN announced that the British Mandate of Palestine would be divided into separate Arab and Jewish states[4]. The decree sparked great outrage from Arab nations, but was a warmly welcomed decision from the Jews and other European and North American States. Two pinnacle wars then followed which would directly influence into the Palestinian problem. The Civil War first took place as an immediate reaction eleven days after the UNs declaration. Jewish victory then led war lead to two events: the Israeli Declaration of Independence on May the 14th 1948 and the beginning of An-Nakabah, the Palestinian Exodus. In first phase of the Palestinian Exodus, 125,000 were evicted or fled from their homes, and were prevented from returning[5]. The second war that followed was the Arab-Israeli War of 1948. In this war, Israel was to face a grand Arab coalition which denounced its independence. A decisive Israeli victory, and a disastrous Arab defeat increased the final number of the Palestinian exodus to a staggering 750 000 Palestinians. By the middle of the 20th century, State of Israel was firmly established upon the former Palestinian territories, and many Palestinian settlements were either depopulated or destroyed. Hence, the Palestinian problem was herein created; an issue of Palestinians, their state, homeland, refugees, and also Palestinian-Israeli co-existence in Palestine and the stance of Jerusalem, is all to exist until this very day. Yasser Arafat and the Creation of Fatah: Born on 24 August 1929, in Cairo, Egypt, Yasser Arafat was the son of Palestinian parent[6]. During the Arab-Israeli conflict of 1948, he went to Palestine to join the fighting. His role in the Palestinian problem begins early on in his political life when in 1958, Arafat, with a number of his Palestinian colleagues in Kuwait, corroborated and formed the militant group Fatah. The group was dedicated to liberate Palestine by Palestinians with a means of force. The idea was to eliminate Zionist Israel re-establish Palestinian homeland and resolve the Palestinian problem. Until this very day, Fatahs main goal is, complete liberation of Palestine, and eradication of Zionist economic, political, military and cultural existence.[7] A Means of Force, to Settle to Problem: The Rise of Fatah, the PLO and the 70s: In the Six Day War, Fatah did play a small role in the fighting against the Israel. The humiliating Arab defeat further broke Arab morale especially that of the Palestinians who consequently lost trust in the united Arab resolution. But Fatah was to have its first main military encounter with Israel in the Battle of Karameh on March 21st 1968. With Fatah growing in stature, organised raid were conducted against Israeli settlements. Israels retaliation was to raid the Jordanian city of Karameh, a newly made stronghold for Fatah[8]. Though the battle was a military victory for Israel, it was seen as a somewhat physiological victory for Fatah. Abdallah Frangi (a Palestinian leader at the time) labelled it the political and military turning point in the Palestinian resistance, especially for Fatah.[9] Arab support was rallied behind the group, and Arafat was able to garner a number of Palestinian recruits for his group. Fatah was inducted into the PLO in 1967, and in 1969, Yasser Arafat became chairman of the PLO. Arafat transformed the organisation into becoming a strong independent organisation intended to make Palestinian appeals be heard by the world[10]. He therein became the ultimate leader of the Palestinian resurgence. By 1970, Yasser Arafat was deeply engaging in his arms resolution of the Palestinian problem. Raids into Israeli territories were organised regularly and Fatah was became an increased threat to Israel. In Arafats and Fatahs prime years of the 70s, both the PLO and Mossad (The Israeli Intelligence Agency) engaged in terrorist style warfare against each other. The Mossads known for several key assassinations, such as that of Ghassan Kanafani [11], (writer and spokesman for the Popular Front of the Liberation of Palestine, considered the second largest group in the PLO after Fatah) and Dr Wadie Haddad[12] (leader of the PFLP.) For the PLO, the Fatah group, Black September were one of the key groups engaging in such activities[13]. One of the most famous works of Black September was the abduction and assassination of 11 Israeli athletes in the 1972 Munich Olympic Games[14]. Though Arafat has never been proven to be part of the attacks, Israeli and American authorities often associate him to them. Analysis of Arafats Forceful Resolve: A number of western sources agree that Yasser Arafat tried to resolve the Palestinian problem through a means of terrorism. Its stated that he saw in terrorism, not of the horrific murders, but rather a means of gaining recognition for Palestine and Palestinian struggle. Barry and Judith Rubin, authors of Yasser Arafat: A Political Biography state, He had seen how it [terrorism] mobilized Palestinian and Arab support for the PLO; raised the Palestine issues international priority; prevented other Arab states from negotiating peace with Israel, and made many western leaders eager to appease him.[15] Often using the Fatah subgroup, Black September, there are claims that Arafat often approved operations and stemmed funds to them[16]. The argument also states that Arafat consistently throughout his life would deny such acts, thereby having a remarkable ability to escape responsibility for the terrorism he committed.[17] These views clearly classify Arafats armed approach in dealing with the Palestinian problem as acts of terrorism. They proclaim that Arafat, as a terrorist, used fear antic to drive his goal of dealing with the Palestinian struggle. The alternative view, in that Arafat was a freedom fighter is believed by many other historians and writers. Its a stance expressed by one of the closest people to Arafat, Bassam Abu Sharif (Senior Advisor to Yasser Arafat.) In his book, Arafat and the Dream for Palestine, he states, In my opinion, people in the west saw Arafat through the negative propaganda which rather painted Arafat as a terrorist, rather than a freedom fighter[18]. With the Palestinian problem ignored early on by many western countries[19], it indeed was Arafat who rather globalised the issue, made it a phenomenon everyone needed to solve. This is seen to make Arafats armed role in dealing with the Palestinian problem a pivotal one. These arguments also highlight Arafat as being the sole power in the Palestinian revival following the Six Day War, It was in these disheartening circumstances that the Palestinian revival began. There was little doubt that Arafats was the decisive voice[20]. Also, those which Arafat commanded are perceived as freedom fighters by some, Yasser Arafat, who had emerged as a significant figure in the Palestinian struggle for liberation, recruited young people to the resistance movement. In 1970, Palestinian freedom fighters took control of the Gaza Strip Yasser Arafat hence provided Palestinian revitalisation in the Palestinian problem, hereby making his armed role an extremely important one. As quoted by Stephen Howe, Without the Arafat of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, there might well not have been a Palestinian national movement at all. Evaluation: Surely, Arafats armed solution is interpreted differently by different cultures and people. Arafats emergence was in bloody early days of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, a time when sympathy of Palestinians and their struggle was widespread in the Muslim world whereas backing and support was provided to Israel by many western states. This makes the Palestinian debate a 2 sided debate, and consequently, an evaluation of Arafat is often affected by emotion and bias by the opposing parties. Arafats armed resolution of the Palestinian problem isnt a clear cut issue of neither terrorism nor political fanaticism. Two issues must be understood to drive this point; firstly, Arafats activities as a militant rather than a terrorist. An analysis of Yasser Arafats activates prove that he rather was present and an active member in raids and attacks against the Israeli army and troops and rather not in the alleged terrorist attacks of the PLO. Also, since he never was proven to be a terrorist, it can never be claimed he was indeed a terrorist. Secondly, a distinction must be made between the activates of Arafat and those of his bodyguards and Fatah colleagues. Often, the actions of both are confused, and when an attack by Fatah insurgents is carried of, its often stated that Arafat himself was part of then. Its true that Yasser Arafats role as leader of Palestinian spurred some to extremism, but it must be understood, though his Fatah colleagues did engaged in terrorism, he didnt. Yasser Arafat armed role in dealing with the Palestine problem should not be seen as of radicalism or extremism in thought and intent. Arafats armed struggle, though did not solve the issue, did in fact bring some results. His armed struggle brought a resurgence of the people of Palestine. With the united Arab response being habitually useless (by constant Arab defeat and loss to Israel,) only a Palestinian response seemed to solution. This but rather needed the revival of the Palestinian hope, which was severely crushed by the mid 1960 (especially with the loss of Jerusalem.) Though ludicrous it may sound, Palestinian revitalisation would not have occurred through peaceful means. The reason for this was that Palestinians where irritated and demoralised by the constant disappointment in the outcomes of Arab negotiations concerning their struggle. A symbol of an armed struggle would only then revitalise these frustrated Palestinians. With the creation of Fatah, (to liberate Palestine by Palestinians) Arafats armed struggle brought this Palestinian resurgence. Arafat also united the Palestinian people, under his armed struggle, a strong step in dealing with the Palestinian problem. In essence, hadnt this revitalisation occurred, the State of Palestine would not have been created, and future talks of peace and co-existence would not have occurred. But it should be clearly understood, that Arafat did not achieve his intended aim in his armed approach. A Peaceful Resolve for the Palestinian Problem: A Change in Contention, Olso and Camp David: In 1974, the PLO executive committee including Arafat drew up The Ten Point Program[21]. By many, is considered as the first peaceful initiative taken by Arafat to resolve the Palestinian Problem. It was a decree calling for Israel to return back liberated[22] Palestinian lands. The declaration wasnt one of change in direction, though was unique in that it did show Arafat to have a way of dealing with the problem through negotiations. The Ten Point Program was to be followed by more years of violence. After years of unrest with the rise of the terrorist group Hamas and notably the coming into being of First Intifada (which Arafat associated himself to); on the 13th and 14th of December 1988, Arafat announces a change of thought. He formally recognised the State of Israel, renounced terrorism, and revealed intentions of seeking peaceful negotiations in managing the Palestinian problem[23]. A month earlier, the Palestinian National Council (led by Arafat) announces and proclaims The Palestinian Declaration of Independence[24]. It was a new direction for Arafat in settling the Palestinian problem. In 1993 marks a historical event in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as the first direct talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders took place in Oslo, Norway. The talks were very secretive, with Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabik with their top ministers negotiating in terms to co-exist peacefully. Issues such as the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian territories, Palestinian elections, economic cooperation and regional development were all discussed. Both parties agreed on the status of each, the rights of each other, and their intentions to co-exist. With the help of the Clinton government, on 13th of September 1993, the Oslo Accord was signed. It was thought to be the basis of all future talks between both. In 2000, continuing talks took place between Israel and Palestine at Camp David, in order to finalise the conditions of the Oslo Accord[25]. The talks were to therein define the boundaries of Israel and Palestine. The status of Jerusalem (a key aspect of the Palestinian problem) was the hindrance point in the talks. In regards to the possession of Jerusalem, both parties were unable to agree on a compromise, hence making the Camp David talks a failure. Analysis of Arafats Peaceful Resolve: Arafats change in approach in dealing with the Palestinian approach (i.e. seeking peaceful measures) has often incurred various interpretations. One particular arguement is that Arafat changed his strategy of armed approach to a peaceful one in order to fool others and drive his own agenda of securing Palestinian homeland. It was a typical Arafat style solution. By being so ambiguous about his methods and goals, Arafat could hope to convince the west that he was ready for peace and convince his own colleagues that he was determined to continue the struggle[26]. These views hereby make Arafats change in approach a somewhat deceitful trick that rather had true initiative. A different viewpoint states that Arafat was rather pressured by Israeli and American officials to denounce an armed approach and terrorism[27]. Throughout the Oslo Accords, its stated that Arafat was the weaker party, and that he was rather accepted terms and condition which Israel modelled[28]. This argument thereby makes Arafats peaceful resolution of the Palestinian problem not an intuitive of his, but rather a pressure he had to comply with. In regards to the Camp David Summit, a many historians believed it was doomed to fail. Kamrava argues that both parties thought they were giving up more to the other, while the other wasnt being reasonable[29] in their compromise[30].Hence, in dealing with the most controversial issue of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the issue of Jerusalem, there was never to be an agreement. Hence, Arafats peaceful resolve of the Palestinian problem was always doomed to fail. Nevertheless, there are others, such as Bassim Abu Sherif, who says that the new peace path was rather genuine and promising. He claims though the US authorities did put down demands for Yasser Arafat, Arafat rather wanted his announcement to first be supported by for the PLO and Palestinians, then flexible to US demands, It was clear that Arafat wanted to be flexible enough to meet American demands, but he also wanted to make sure that he had the approval of the majority of the PLO executive committee to preserve the democracy of the decision making process of the PLO.[31] It was clear that Arafat was aware that by this time, both he and Palestinians were exhausted from fighting. Hence, this different approach in dealing with the Palestinian struggle might be interpreted as a new path, thereby creating new opportunities in dealing with the Palestinian problem. Evaluation: Arafats change in means resolving the Palestinian problem is also an issue of debate. The question of why change in direction and whether it was genuine is truly the discussion. But a deduction of Arafats activities brings an understanding of genuinity. Hence, his role in trying to resolve the Palestinian problem is herein magnified by his actions of this new resolve. Its evident that with years of unrest and the lack of advancement in resolving the Palestinian problem, Arafat needed to find a new resolve. He needed to settle the Palestinian crisis that now nearly turned into internal feuding. So, by understanding this dire need of change, it must be clear that he, Arafat, chose to change the idea of an armed struggle. It seems that he neither needed the pressure of Israel or the U.S. but rather chose to do it because of situation of the Palestinian people. Hence, it makes the resolution a genuine on Arafats part. Therefore, we see in Arafats change in thought his striving quest of solving the Palestinian problem. Arafats role in dealing with the Palestinian problem could further be evaluated by his actions at Oslo and Camp David. First of all, he dealt with the issue of Palestinian homeland in Palestine with the Oslo Accord. In this regard, Arafat failed to clearly resolve the issue, due to the vagueness of the matter he agreed on. This leads to the next issue of Jerusalem. Arafats Oslo agreements failure is exacerbated by the fact that the continuation of Oslo, (Camp David) broke down with the issue of Jerusalem. This issue of Israeli-Palestinian co-existence was spoken of the most in both talks, but without decisively dealing with this tension point issues, Arafat was doomed to fail. Hence, though Arafat tried to drive and resolve the Palestinian problem peacefully, he achieve no more than his armed resolution. Bibliography: Books: Lukacs, Yehuda, 1992, The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict a documentary record 1967-1990, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Barry Rubin Judith Colp Rubin, 2003, Arafat: A Political Biography, Oxford University Press, Inc, New York. Bassam Abu Sharif, 2009, Arafat and the Dream for Palestine, Palgrave Macmillan, New York. T.G. Fraser, 2008, The Arab-Israeli conflict, 3rd ed., Palgrave Macmillan, New York. Brown, Nathan. J, 2003, Palestinian Politics after the Oslo Accord: Arab Palestine, University of Californian Press, London, England. Dan Cohn-Sherbok Dawoud El-Alami (eds), 2008, The Palestine-Israeli Conflict, Oneworld Publication, Oxford, England. Mehran Kamrava, 2005, The Modern Middle East, University of California Press, Ltd, London England. Mark Tesseler, 1994, A History Of The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Indiana University Press, Bloomington, USA, Journals: Simha Flapan, 1987, The Palestinian Exodus of 1948, Vol. 16, No. 4 (Summer, 1987),University of California Press. Websites: UN Partition Plan, 2001, Retrieved 25th January, 2010, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/middle_east/israel_and_the_palestinians/key_documents/1681322.stm Yasser Arafat, Retrieved 25th January, 2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasser_Arafat/ Timeline: Yasser Arafat, 2004, Retrieved 25th January, 2010, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/4004859.stm Political Program Adopted at the 12th Session of the Palestine National Council Cairo, 8 June 1974, Retrieved 26th January, 2010, http://www.un.int/palestine/PLO/docone.html Muin Rabbani, 2000, Encyclopedia Of The Palestinians: Biography of Gassan Kanafani, Retrieved 26th January, 2010, http://www.palestineremembered.com/Acre/Acre/Story168.html Poisoned Mossad chocolate killed PFLP leader in 1977, says book, 2006, Retrieved 26th January, 2010, http://web.archive.org/web/20060517211510/http://metimes.com/articles/normal.php?StoryID=20060505-102327-8910r Terrorist Organisation Profile: Black September,2007, University of Maryland, Retrieved 26th January, 2010, http://www.start.umd.edu/start/data/tops/terrorist_organization_profile.asp?id=153 Arafat at the UN general Assembly, 2009, Retrieved 27th January, 2010, http://www.al-bab.com/arab/docs/pal/pal5.htm Prof. Francis A. Boyle, 2006 Palestine Independence Day, Retrieved 27th January, 2010, http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=vaaid=3864 Why did the PLO suddenly decide, in 1988, that Israel had a right to exist?, Retrieved 27th January, 2010, http://www.palestinefacts.org/pf_1967to1991_plo_israel_exist_1988.php The Balfour Declaration, Retrieved 20th February, 2010, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Peace+Process/Guide+to+the+Peace+Process/The+Balfour+Declaration.htm The Population of Palestine Prior to 1948, Retrieved 20th February, 2010, http://www.mideastweb.org/palpop.htm Fateh Constitution, Retrieved 20th February, 2010, http://www.alzaytouna.net/arabic/?c=1598a=97061 The Israeli Camp David II Proposal for Final Settlement, Retrieved 20th February, 2010, http://www.mideastweb.org/campdavid2.htm The Balfour Decleration, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Peace+Process/Guide+to+the+Peace+Process/The+Balfour+Declaration.htm The Third Aliyah, http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Immigration/Third_Aliyah.html The Population of Palestine Prior to 1948, http://www.mideastweb.org/palpop.htm UN Partition Plan, 2001, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/middle_east/israel_and_the_palestinians/key_documents/1681322.stm Simha Flapan, 1987, The Palestinian Exodus of 1948, Vol. 16, No. 4 (Summer, 1987), pp. 3-26,University of California Press. Yasser Arafat, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasser_Arafat/ Fateh Constitution, http://www.alzaytouna.net/arabic/?c=1598a=97061 Mark Tesseler, A History Of The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Indiana University Press, Bloomington, USA, 1994, pg. 425 Ibid, pg.426 Yasser Arafat, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasser_Arafat/ Muin Rabbani, 2000, Encyclopedia Of The Palestinians: Biography of Gassan Kanafani, http://www.palestineremembered.com/Acre/Acre/Story168.html Poisoned Mossad chocolate killed PFLP leader in 1977, says book, 2006, http://web.archive.org/web/20060517211510/http://metimes.com/articles/normal.php?StoryID=20060505-102327-8910r. Terrorist Organisation Profile: Black September, 2007, University of Maryland http://www.start.umd.edu/start/data/tops/terrorist_organization_profile.asp?id=153 ibid Barry Rubin, Judith Colp Rubin, Arafat: A Political Biography, Oxford University Press, Inc, New York, 2003, pg.61 Ibid, pg.61 Ibid, pg.63 Bassam Abu Sharif, Arafat and the Dream for Palestine, Palgrave Macmillan, New York, 2009, pg. T.G. Fraser, The Arab-Israeli conflict, 3rd ed., Palgrave Macmillan, New York, 2008, pg.57 Ibid, pg.88 Political Program Adopted at the 12th Session of the Palestine National Council Cairo, 8 June 1974, http://www.un.int/palestine/PLO/docone.html ibid Arafat at the UN general Assembly, 2009, http://www.al-bab.com/arab/docs/pal/pal5.htm Prof. Francis A. Boyle, 2006 Palestine Independence Day, http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=vaaid=3864 The Israeli Camp David II Proposal for Final Settlement, http://www.mideastweb.org/campdavid2.htm Rubin, op.cit., pg.113 Why did the PLO suddenly decide, in 1988, that Israel had a right to exist?, http://www.palestinefacts.org/pf_1967to1991_plo_israel_exist_1988.php Mehran Kamrava, The Modern Middle East, University of California Press, Ltd, London England, 2005, pg. 243-244 Ibid, pg.248 ibid Abu Sharif, op.cit., pg.183 History of the Palestinian Conflict History of the Palestinian Conflict In order to have a thorough understanding of the Palestinian problem, events in the early 20th century, prior to 1948 (Israeli independence) should be closely examined and understood. Many historians mark the first act which led to the Palestinian problem as the Balfour Declaration in 1917. There, it was announced that Britain shall support in the goals of Zionists, and therein strive to create a Jewish homeland in Palestine, His Majestys Government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people[1]. With Jewish spirits high all over the Jewish Diaspora, the third Aliyah (influx of Jews to Palestine) took place in 1919[2]. The number of Jews gradually increased in Palestine, and by 1947, the 11% population of Jews increased to a healthy 33%[3]. The immediate cause of the Palestinian problem is often dated to November 29th 1947, on which the UN announced that the British Mandate of Palestine would be divided into separate Arab and Jewish states[4]. The decree sparked great outrage from Arab nations, but was a warmly welcomed decision from the Jews and other European and North American States. Two pinnacle wars then followed which would directly influence into the Palestinian problem. The Civil War first took place as an immediate reaction eleven days after the UNs declaration. Jewish victory then led war lead to two events: the Israeli Declaration of Independence on May the 14th 1948 and the beginning of An-Nakabah, the Palestinian Exodus. In first phase of the Palestinian Exodus, 125,000 were evicted or fled from their homes, and were prevented from returning[5]. The second war that followed was the Arab-Israeli War of 1948. In this war, Israel was to face a grand Arab coalition which denounced its independence. A decisive Israeli victory, and a disastrous Arab defeat increased the final number of the Palestinian exodus to a staggering 750 000 Palestinians. By the middle of the 20th century, State of Israel was firmly established upon the former Palestinian territories, and many Palestinian settlements were either depopulated or destroyed. Hence, the Palestinian problem was herein created; an issue of Palestinians, their state, homeland, refugees, and also Palestinian-Israeli co-existence in Palestine and the stance of Jerusalem, is all to exist until this very day. Yasser Arafat and the Creation of Fatah: Born on 24 August 1929, in Cairo, Egypt, Yasser Arafat was the son of Palestinian parent[6]. During the Arab-Israeli conflict of 1948, he went to Palestine to join the fighting. His role in the Palestinian problem begins early on in his political life when in 1958, Arafat, with a number of his Palestinian colleagues in Kuwait, corroborated and formed the militant group Fatah. The group was dedicated to liberate Palestine by Palestinians with a means of force. The idea was to eliminate Zionist Israel re-establish Palestinian homeland and resolve the Palestinian problem. Until this very day, Fatahs main goal is, complete liberation of Palestine, and eradication of Zionist economic, political, military and cultural existence.[7] A Means of Force, to Settle to Problem: The Rise of Fatah, the PLO and the 70s: In the Six Day War, Fatah did play a small role in the fighting against the Israel. The humiliating Arab defeat further broke Arab morale especially that of the Palestinians who consequently lost trust in the united Arab resolution. But Fatah was to have its first main military encounter with Israel in the Battle of Karameh on March 21st 1968. With Fatah growing in stature, organised raid were conducted against Israeli settlements. Israels retaliation was to raid the Jordanian city of Karameh, a newly made stronghold for Fatah[8]. Though the battle was a military victory for Israel, it was seen as a somewhat physiological victory for Fatah. Abdallah Frangi (a Palestinian leader at the time) labelled it the political and military turning point in the Palestinian resistance, especially for Fatah.[9] Arab support was rallied behind the group, and Arafat was able to garner a number of Palestinian recruits for his group. Fatah was inducted into the PLO in 1967, and in 1969, Yasser Arafat became chairman of the PLO. Arafat transformed the organisation into becoming a strong independent organisation intended to make Palestinian appeals be heard by the world[10]. He therein became the ultimate leader of the Palestinian resurgence. By 1970, Yasser Arafat was deeply engaging in his arms resolution of the Palestinian problem. Raids into Israeli territories were organised regularly and Fatah was became an increased threat to Israel. In Arafats and Fatahs prime years of the 70s, both the PLO and Mossad (The Israeli Intelligence Agency) engaged in terrorist style warfare against each other. The Mossads known for several key assassinations, such as that of Ghassan Kanafani [11], (writer and spokesman for the Popular Front of the Liberation of Palestine, considered the second largest group in the PLO after Fatah) and Dr Wadie Haddad[12] (leader of the PFLP.) For the PLO, the Fatah group, Black September were one of the key groups engaging in such activities[13]. One of the most famous works of Black September was the abduction and assassination of 11 Israeli athletes in the 1972 Munich Olympic Games[14]. Though Arafat has never been proven to be part of the attacks, Israeli and American authorities often associate him to them. Analysis of Arafats Forceful Resolve: A number of western sources agree that Yasser Arafat tried to resolve the Palestinian problem through a means of terrorism. Its stated that he saw in terrorism, not of the horrific murders, but rather a means of gaining recognition for Palestine and Palestinian struggle. Barry and Judith Rubin, authors of Yasser Arafat: A Political Biography state, He had seen how it [terrorism] mobilized Palestinian and Arab support for the PLO; raised the Palestine issues international priority; prevented other Arab states from negotiating peace with Israel, and made many western leaders eager to appease him.[15] Often using the Fatah subgroup, Black September, there are claims that Arafat often approved operations and stemmed funds to them[16]. The argument also states that Arafat consistently throughout his life would deny such acts, thereby having a remarkable ability to escape responsibility for the terrorism he committed.[17] These views clearly classify Arafats armed approach in dealing with the Palestinian problem as acts of terrorism. They proclaim that Arafat, as a terrorist, used fear antic to drive his goal of dealing with the Palestinian struggle. The alternative view, in that Arafat was a freedom fighter is believed by many other historians and writers. Its a stance expressed by one of the closest people to Arafat, Bassam Abu Sharif (Senior Advisor to Yasser Arafat.) In his book, Arafat and the Dream for Palestine, he states, In my opinion, people in the west saw Arafat through the negative propaganda which rather painted Arafat as a terrorist, rather than a freedom fighter[18]. With the Palestinian problem ignored early on by many western countries[19], it indeed was Arafat who rather globalised the issue, made it a phenomenon everyone needed to solve. This is seen to make Arafats armed role in dealing with the Palestinian problem a pivotal one. These arguments also highlight Arafat as being the sole power in the Palestinian revival following the Six Day War, It was in these disheartening circumstances that the Palestinian revival began. There was little doubt that Arafats was the decisive voice[20]. Also, those which Arafat commanded are perceived as freedom fighters by some, Yasser Arafat, who had emerged as a significant figure in the Palestinian struggle for liberation, recruited young people to the resistance movement. In 1970, Palestinian freedom fighters took control of the Gaza Strip Yasser Arafat hence provided Palestinian revitalisation in the Palestinian problem, hereby making his armed role an extremely important one. As quoted by Stephen Howe, Without the Arafat of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, there might well not have been a Palestinian national movement at all. Evaluation: Surely, Arafats armed solution is interpreted differently by different cultures and people. Arafats emergence was in bloody early days of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, a time when sympathy of Palestinians and their struggle was widespread in the Muslim world whereas backing and support was provided to Israel by many western states. This makes the Palestinian debate a 2 sided debate, and consequently, an evaluation of Arafat is often affected by emotion and bias by the opposing parties. Arafats armed resolution of the Palestinian problem isnt a clear cut issue of neither terrorism nor political fanaticism. Two issues must be understood to drive this point; firstly, Arafats activities as a militant rather than a terrorist. An analysis of Yasser Arafats activates prove that he rather was present and an active member in raids and attacks against the Israeli army and troops and rather not in the alleged terrorist attacks of the PLO. Also, since he never was proven to be a terrorist, it can never be claimed he was indeed a terrorist. Secondly, a distinction must be made between the activates of Arafat and those of his bodyguards and Fatah colleagues. Often, the actions of both are confused, and when an attack by Fatah insurgents is carried of, its often stated that Arafat himself was part of then. Its true that Yasser Arafats role as leader of Palestinian spurred some to extremism, but it must be understood, though his Fatah colleagues did engaged in terrorism, he didnt. Yasser Arafat armed role in dealing with the Palestine problem should not be seen as of radicalism or extremism in thought and intent. Arafats armed struggle, though did not solve the issue, did in fact bring some results. His armed struggle brought a resurgence of the people of Palestine. With the united Arab response being habitually useless (by constant Arab defeat and loss to Israel,) only a Palestinian response seemed to solution. This but rather needed the revival of the Palestinian hope, which was severely crushed by the mid 1960 (especially with the loss of Jerusalem.) Though ludicrous it may sound, Palestinian revitalisation would not have occurred through peaceful means. The reason for this was that Palestinians where irritated and demoralised by the constant disappointment in the outcomes of Arab negotiations concerning their struggle. A symbol of an armed struggle would only then revitalise these frustrated Palestinians. With the creation of Fatah, (to liberate Palestine by Palestinians) Arafats armed struggle brought this Palestinian resurgence. Arafat also united the Palestinian people, under his armed struggle, a strong step in dealing with the Palestinian problem. In essence, hadnt this revitalisation occurred, the State of Palestine would not have been created, and future talks of peace and co-existence would not have occurred. But it should be clearly understood, that Arafat did not achieve his intended aim in his armed approach. A Peaceful Resolve for the Palestinian Problem: A Change in Contention, Olso and Camp David: In 1974, the PLO executive committee including Arafat drew up The Ten Point Program[21]. By many, is considered as the first peaceful initiative taken by Arafat to resolve the Palestinian Problem. It was a decree calling for Israel to return back liberated[22] Palestinian lands. The declaration wasnt one of change in direction, though was unique in that it did show Arafat to have a way of dealing with the problem through negotiations. The Ten Point Program was to be followed by more years of violence. After years of unrest with the rise of the terrorist group Hamas and notably the coming into being of First Intifada (which Arafat associated himself to); on the 13th and 14th of December 1988, Arafat announces a change of thought. He formally recognised the State of Israel, renounced terrorism, and revealed intentions of seeking peaceful negotiations in managing the Palestinian problem[23]. A month earlier, the Palestinian National Council (led by Arafat) announces and proclaims The Palestinian Declaration of Independence[24]. It was a new direction for Arafat in settling the Palestinian problem. In 1993 marks a historical event in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as the first direct talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders took place in Oslo, Norway. The talks were very secretive, with Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabik with their top ministers negotiating in terms to co-exist peacefully. Issues such as the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian territories, Palestinian elections, economic cooperation and regional development were all discussed. Both parties agreed on the status of each, the rights of each other, and their intentions to co-exist. With the help of the Clinton government, on 13th of September 1993, the Oslo Accord was signed. It was thought to be the basis of all future talks between both. In 2000, continuing talks took place between Israel and Palestine at Camp David, in order to finalise the conditions of the Oslo Accord[25]. The talks were to therein define the boundaries of Israel and Palestine. The status of Jerusalem (a key aspect of the Palestinian problem) was the hindrance point in the talks. In regards to the possession of Jerusalem, both parties were unable to agree on a compromise, hence making the Camp David talks a failure. Analysis of Arafats Peaceful Resolve: Arafats change in approach in dealing with the Palestinian approach (i.e. seeking peaceful measures) has often incurred various interpretations. One particular arguement is that Arafat changed his strategy of armed approach to a peaceful one in order to fool others and drive his own agenda of securing Palestinian homeland. It was a typical Arafat style solution. By being so ambiguous about his methods and goals, Arafat could hope to convince the west that he was ready for peace and convince his own colleagues that he was determined to continue the struggle[26]. These views hereby make Arafats change in approach a somewhat deceitful trick that rather had true initiative. A different viewpoint states that Arafat was rather pressured by Israeli and American officials to denounce an armed approach and terrorism[27]. Throughout the Oslo Accords, its stated that Arafat was the weaker party, and that he was rather accepted terms and condition which Israel modelled[28]. This argument thereby makes Arafats peaceful resolution of the Palestinian problem not an intuitive of his, but rather a pressure he had to comply with. In regards to the Camp David Summit, a many historians believed it was doomed to fail. Kamrava argues that both parties thought they were giving up more to the other, while the other wasnt being reasonable[29] in their compromise[30].Hence, in dealing with the most controversial issue of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the issue of Jerusalem, there was never to be an agreement. Hence, Arafats peaceful resolve of the Palestinian problem was always doomed to fail. Nevertheless, there are others, such as Bassim Abu Sherif, who says that the new peace path was rather genuine and promising. He claims though the US authorities did put down demands for Yasser Arafat, Arafat rather wanted his announcement to first be supported by for the PLO and Palestinians, then flexible to US demands, It was clear that Arafat wanted to be flexible enough to meet American demands, but he also wanted to make sure that he had the approval of the majority of the PLO executive committee to preserve the democracy of the decision making process of the PLO.[31] It was clear that Arafat was aware that by this time, both he and Palestinians were exhausted from fighting. Hence, this different approach in dealing with the Palestinian struggle might be interpreted as a new path, thereby creating new opportunities in dealing with the Palestinian problem. Evaluation: Arafats change in means resolving the Palestinian problem is also an issue of debate. The question of why change in direction and whether it was genuine is truly the discussion. But a deduction of Arafats activities brings an understanding of genuinity. Hence, his role in trying to resolve the Palestinian problem is herein magnified by his actions of this new resolve. Its evident that with years of unrest and the lack of advancement in resolving the Palestinian problem, Arafat needed to find a new resolve. He needed to settle the Palestinian crisis that now nearly turned into internal feuding. So, by understanding this dire need of change, it must be clear that he, Arafat, chose to change the idea of an armed struggle. It seems that he neither needed the pressure of Israel or the U.S. but rather chose to do it because of situation of the Palestinian people. Hence, it makes the resolution a genuine on Arafats part. Therefore, we see in Arafats change in thought his striving quest of solving the Palestinian problem. Arafats role in dealing with the Palestinian problem could further be evaluated by his actions at Oslo and Camp David. First of all, he dealt with the issue of Palestinian homeland in Palestine with the Oslo Accord. In this regard, Arafat failed to clearly resolve the issue, due to the vagueness of the matter he agreed on. This leads to the next issue of Jerusalem. Arafats Oslo agreements failure is exacerbated by the fact that the continuation of Oslo, (Camp David) broke down with the issue of Jerusalem. This issue of Israeli-Palestinian co-existence was spoken of the most in both talks, but without decisively dealing with this tension point issues, Arafat was doomed to fail. Hence, though Arafat tried to drive and resolve the Palestinian problem peacefully, he achieve no more than his armed resolution. Bibliography: Books: Lukacs, Yehuda, 1992, The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict a documentary record 1967-1990, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Barry Rubin Judith Colp Rubin, 2003, Arafat: A Political Biography, Oxford University Press, Inc, New York. Bassam Abu Sharif, 2009, Arafat and the Dream for Palestine, Palgrave Macmillan, New York. T.G. Fraser, 2008, The Arab-Israeli conflict, 3rd ed., Palgrave Macmillan, New York. Brown, Nathan. J, 2003, Palestinian Politics after the Oslo Accord: Arab Palestine, University of Californian Press, London, England. Dan Cohn-Sherbok Dawoud El-Alami (eds), 2008, The Palestine-Israeli Conflict, Oneworld Publication, Oxford, England. Mehran Kamrava, 2005, The Modern Middle East, University of California Press, Ltd, London England. Mark Tesseler, 1994, A History Of The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Indiana University Press, Bloomington, USA, Journals: Simha Flapan, 1987, The Palestinian Exodus of 1948, Vol. 16, No. 4 (Summer, 1987),University of California Press. Websites: UN Partition Plan, 2001, Retrieved 25th January, 2010, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/middle_east/israel_and_the_palestinians/key_documents/1681322.stm Yasser Arafat, Retrieved 25th January, 2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasser_Arafat/ Timeline: Yasser Arafat, 2004, Retrieved 25th January, 2010, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/4004859.stm Political Program Adopted at the 12th Session of the Palestine National Council Cairo, 8 June 1974, Retrieved 26th January, 2010, http://www.un.int/palestine/PLO/docone.html Muin Rabbani, 2000, Encyclopedia Of The Palestinians: Biography of Gassan Kanafani, Retrieved 26th January, 2010, http://www.palestineremembered.com/Acre/Acre/Story168.html Poisoned Mossad chocolate killed PFLP leader in 1977, says book, 2006, Retrieved 26th January, 2010, http://web.archive.org/web/20060517211510/http://metimes.com/articles/normal.php?StoryID=20060505-102327-8910r Terrorist Organisation Profile: Black September,2007, University of Maryland, Retrieved 26th January, 2010, http://www.start.umd.edu/start/data/tops/terrorist_organization_profile.asp?id=153 Arafat at the UN general Assembly, 2009, Retrieved 27th January, 2010, http://www.al-bab.com/arab/docs/pal/pal5.htm Prof. Francis A. Boyle, 2006 Palestine Independence Day, Retrieved 27th January, 2010, http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=vaaid=3864 Why did the PLO suddenly decide, in 1988, that Israel had a right to exist?, Retrieved 27th January, 2010, http://www.palestinefacts.org/pf_1967to1991_plo_israel_exist_1988.php The Balfour Declaration, Retrieved 20th February, 2010, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Peace+Process/Guide+to+the+Peace+Process/The+Balfour+Declaration.htm The Population of Palestine Prior to 1948, Retrieved 20th February, 2010, http://www.mideastweb.org/palpop.htm Fateh Constitution, Retrieved 20th February, 2010, http://www.alzaytouna.net/arabic/?c=1598a=97061 The Israeli Camp David II Proposal for Final Settlement, Retrieved 20th February, 2010, http://www.mideastweb.org/campdavid2.htm The Balfour Decleration, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Peace+Process/Guide+to+the+Peace+Process/The+Balfour+Declaration.htm The Third Aliyah, http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Immigration/Third_Aliyah.html The Population of Palestine Prior to 1948, http://www.mideastweb.org/palpop.htm UN Partition Plan, 2001, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/middle_east/israel_and_the_palestinians/key_documents/1681322.stm Simha Flapan, 1987, The Palestinian Exodus of 1948, Vol. 16, No. 4 (Summer, 1987), pp. 3-26,University of California Press. Yasser Arafat, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasser_Arafat/ Fateh Constitution, http://www.alzaytouna.net/arabic/?c=1598a=97061 Mark Tesseler, A History Of The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Indiana University Press, Bloomington, USA, 1994, pg. 425 Ibid, pg.426 Yasser Arafat, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasser_Arafat/ Muin Rabbani, 2000, Encyclopedia Of The Palestinians: Biography of Gassan Kanafani, http://www.palestineremembered.com/Acre/Acre/Story168.html Poisoned Mossad chocolate killed PFLP leader in 1977, says book, 2006, http://web.archive.org/web/20060517211510/http://metimes.com/articles/normal.php?StoryID=20060505-102327-8910r. Terrorist Organisation Profile: Black September, 2007, University of Maryland http://www.start.umd.edu/start/data/tops/terrorist_organization_profile.asp?id=153 ibid Barry Rubin, Judith Colp Rubin, Arafat: A Political Biography, Oxford University Press, Inc, New York, 2003, pg.61 Ibid, pg.61 Ibid, pg.63 Bassam Abu Sharif, Arafat and the Dream for Palestine, Palgrave Macmillan, New York, 2009, pg. T.G. Fraser, The Arab-Israeli conflict, 3rd ed., Palgrave Macmillan, New York, 2008, pg.57 Ibid, pg.88 Political Program Adopted at the 12th Session of the Palestine National Council Cairo, 8 June 1974, http://www.un.int/palestine/PLO/docone.html ibid Arafat at the UN general Assembly, 2009, http://www.al-bab.com/arab/docs/pal/pal5.htm Prof. Francis A. Boyle, 2006 Palestine Independence Day, http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=vaaid=3864 The Israeli Camp David II Proposal for Final Settlement, http://www.mideastweb.org/campdavid2.htm Rubin, op.cit., pg.113 Why did the PLO suddenly decide, in 1988, that Israel had a right to exist?, http://www.palestinefacts.org/pf_1967to1991_plo_israel_exist_1988.php Mehran Kamrava, The Modern Middle East, University of California Press, Ltd, London England, 2005, pg. 243-244 Ibid, pg.248 ibid Abu Sharif, op.cit., pg.183