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The Turkish Heritage Organization presented "Future Geopolitical Realities and Expectations in Syria," with distinguished guest panelist Abulaziz Tammo- President of the Independent Syrian Kurdish Association, Giorgio Cafiero - CEO, Gulf State Analytics, Hamdi Rifai - Executive Director, Council of United Syrians and Americans; Sarah Firth- Middle East Correspondent TRT World, and moderated by THO Fellow Ben Lutz, Communications and Operations Manager at Mediators Beyond Borders International. This heated discussion was held at the National Press Club on November 21. Much has transformed rather rapidly since President Trump decided to meet with Turkey's President. President Erdoğan had a very comprehensive meeting with President Trump on November 13, at the White House. President Erdoğan considers Trump a dear friend. According to Senator Lindsey Graham he'd never had an opportunity like the meeting before, and the purpose of the meeting is to have an American civics lesson for our friends in Turkey. Will this maintain a responsible geopolitical relationship between the US and Turkey ? Perhaps, after such intense decision making and presidential discussion, having a perspective at the problem site can give a better picture of the progress, if any. Middle East Correspondent Sarah Firth of TRT World provided an update of recently been happening in Turkey.
The United States geopolitical presence in the Middle East can establish some strengthening skills. Russia is returning to the Middle East at the clout of Soviet Union port at Mediterranean, according to Giorgio Cafiero, CEO of Gulf State Analytics. "Russia is finding a way to capitalize on being unhinged," suggest Cafiero during the discussion. Abdulaziz Tammo, President of the Independent Syrian Kurdish Association suggest creating a very large area to make secure for refugees. More than 12 million are looking for a secured area to come back to. There are also foreign fighters from Germany, Iraqi, and Iran. Mr. Tammo suggest their launching war against kids and women and have used the PKK and YPG as a security company to launch the war. "The US needs to deal with Turkey. Close the door for refugees to go to Turkey, haven't been made clear its choices," stated Mr. Tammo. As a matter of fact, the US has not made any agreement with Kurdish and Syria. The YPG and PKK has ties to terrorist organizations, not Syrians. A moral prospective would be to maintain a military force and clear up any misunderstandings after these organizations invaded. The US has promised its alliance to Turkey and Turkey is a neighboring country for Syria. This area has oil, and rich in agriculture, very important area for the regime, and negotiation should be a resolution according to United Nations Alliance to Iran and Syrian regime. The US recalculated its position and should come back, pull Russia and Iran to the table based on United Nation's Resolution, suggest Mr. Tammo. According to Hamdi Rifai, Executive Director Council of United Syrians and Americans shared that its important to distinguish Russia influence in Syria, regime influence, and influence on the ground. Russian's hands were with PKK, with influence east of Euphrates. The claims of being able to make a deal were correct, Turkey saw a victory. We must find a better partner in this conflict. Turkey is fixing the problem we started with PKK. Turkey had taken control. "Only people in Washington talk about religion with regards to Syria. 11 million people sent packing, 11 million people unsettled, and 1 million out right murdered," expressed Mr. Rifai during the panel discussion. Turkey is creating a safe zone. The Kurd's who fled at the start, have gone back and they see gorilla tactics used by PKK and ethnic cleansing can return there. The Obama Administration reacted to a coup that was unwise, and in 2016 its changed in ways not easy to overcome suggest Mr. Rifai. A lady in attendance was very passionate about the panel discussion expressing "in the name of Syrian people, what should we say to Turkey, is stop the shelling on Inland."
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On Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Bryon Allen CEO of Entertainment Studios alleges that Comcast discriminated against his company and the case is currently before the US Supreme Court. The Civil Rights Act of 1866 has been at the forefront of this case. However, is this more about antitrust? PERSONA, Opening Reception was held at Gallery 42 on the campus of the University of the District of Columbia on November 6. The red carpet was rolled out for such a tremendous turnout and certainly the evening talk. The variations of tones, techniques, and textures in the photographs mounted on the gallery walls, welcome to PERSONA the exhibition. This juried photo exhibition is the 10th collaboration with The University of the District of Columbia, American University, Northern Virginia Community College/Alexandria, Dar Al-Hekma College, United Arab Emirates. The exhibit features the school's best student photography and creates a platform for students to explore their identities and enjoy cultural and education exchange. "She's one of the best in class," Evan Frew expressed about his fellow photography colleague Courtland Sutton at the opening of PERSONA. "Having a lot of fun," says Courtland when asked about the exhibit. She also shared this was her first time working with analog photography, and at the age of eight, she had her first film camera. Being able to adjust to setting like drama, and the lighting, being able to connect emotion, and it feels fun to achieve the goal and be apart of this Ms. Sutton expressed. "A lot of student's at AU's willingness to be very creative, and the opportunity are something great," shared Evan. Ronnell, a sophomore Graphic Design major attending UDC, expressed her thoughts about the Opening Reception PERSONA, "love the exhibit, to see each type of photo tell its own story. I'm a visual learning, so I find it very unique to use their talent." From the beautiful flier concept photographed by artist Jhon Ochoa, to the gallery display, it was a remarkable Opening Reception. Rania Razek shared, PERSONA is the largest exhibit seen in the last 10 years, and she was glad to be involved. "A lot of great body of work, really liking the title, and hidden personalities," she shared. Photographer Mercedes Fernandez has been featured in exhibitions before Gallery 42, however this particular piece is special because it represents "hard exterior, but in reality, I do nothing, alone, no toughness." Lawerence Campbell, is an interim student studying basic photography and his work is featured in PERSONA. This was his first time using this particular technique of evoking creative expression using a brush on the photograph. "It took about ten or eleven times to get the right one," said Mr. Campbell. That is taking into consideration the whole roll of film has 30 pictures. "Mosaic of all pieces, can appreciate the mix mediums, it's like seeing the world through someone else's eyes," expressed Katherine, Freshman Studio Art major attending UDC. PERSONA will be at Gallery 42 until November 25, 2019 so be sure to stop by. When asked her thoughts of the exhibition, Nakyia, said "unique, creative, the fact they used mixed media, like how they used the filters, and their own spunk," she was really happy to be in attendance. This month's sol journey is to Cunningham Falls State Park located in Thurmont, Maryland. Why this particular location? In search of something knew, with a different view an outlook, infused with adventure, attractions, and added bonus of a learning experience.
The travel distance is 74 miles from my location in Washington, D.C, which is over one hour driving time. However, I added a few minutes to my travels because I detoured for the scenic route. It was an amazing discovery. The landscape was just immaculate with beautiful clear blue skies, while the eagles soar high above the green lands. Before realizing, I was standing at the site of The Battle That Saved Washington. The Battle of Monocacy took place on July 9, 1864 in the valley that I was overlooking in much joy and amazement. The earliest inhabitants of Monocacy River Valley lived there about 12,000 years ago according to information found at the location. These Native Americans lived in territorial semi-nomadic groups dependent upon hunting, fishing, and food gathering. The Monocacy River Valley was opened for settlement in 1730, when Frederick Calvert, sixth Lord Baltimore, offered free land in the area to attract settlers. Suppose taking the scenic route on a sol journey is worth discovering many hidden treasures. Back on the road to Cunningham Falls State Park, I had to cross over the Monocacy River. Then I passed by Sunday's Lane while on a Sunday's sol journey, and spotted the FCF Church along the highway. It was a good omen that I spotted the church before passing Devilblissbridge Road. Rather different variations in naming roads, streets, and destinations. After a few winding roads and driving slow with intention to observe nature's beauty and to obey the speed limit, I'd finally approached my destination, Cunningham Falls State Park. While reading about the attractions online, it was wise to bring snacks, so I packed a salad, smoothie, a few bottles of water, and a half bag of BBQ chips. I saved my salad for after the experience. Reading the online information is wonderful, however when you arrive at the park it's best to read any notices and information that is in the area. While reading about the various trails and the distance of the trails, the bears clause is what really stood out. Not sure if bear season is seasonal, but considering I was in the mountains I took that as bear season is year round. After reading that helpful information the hesitation for my advance hiker and explorer attitude went into when did I ever learn bear defenses. I had no prior defense training against bears although I was a girl scout. Thankfully, no bear encounters and I was able to capture a few pictures along my sol journey. Be sure to visit Cunningham Falls State Park when time permits. Have a buddy, or take the family, that's even better! Until next time, always take time to feed your sol! The next journey awaits... |
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