Obesity And The United States - 1317 Words

Obesity in the United States In today’s world, obesity rate has been increased significantly. Among 196 countries of the world, the Unites States is ranked 19th, and one third of the population in the U.S. have obesity. Reason that people care about how much population is obsessed is that it is â€Å"linked to many of the major causes of death in the United States, including heart disease, some types of cancer, strokes, diabetes, and atherosclerosis† (Himes 73). 19th of the world may not seem very high rank, but if imagine one of three family member or neighbor is highly exposed to disease resulted by obesity, it will not become a slight problem that they can ignore. In order to solve this severe problem, many experts of health have researched and argued the underlying cause of obesity, and their arguments are mainly divided by two big categories: environmental factor and genetic factor. Many researcher have argued that genetic factor have more effect on human’s body weight than environment, so individual cannot control their body weight. As those researchers said, gene have some influence on human body related with obesity, but the largest cause of this disorder is environment. In other word, the increasing rate of obesity in America is mainly caused by toxic environment such as unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. Also, it means that there is possibility to prevent obesity if government basically change the people’s thinking about health. Overall, sinceShow MoreRelatedObesity On The United States981 Words   |  4 Pagesis made home doesn’t mean is healthy. According to article â€Å"The state of obesity† by better policies of America more than one third of adults (34.9) are obese in the United States. But why is there so much obesity on the United States and who is there to blame? We can go ahead and blame the fast food restaurants or we can blame the people itself. In my opinion the individuals ar e the ones to blame for the obesity in the United States because they rather have fast and easy food even though it’s notRead MoreObesity And The United States1430 Words   |  6 PagesAccording to an article, â€Å"Obesity in Children†, published through the medicine health website, the issue on childhood obesity in the United States has increased within recent years. â€Å"Today, nearly a third of youths are overweight or obese. That’s more than 23 million children and teenagers,† (Childhood Obesity in the United States). Obesity can eventually lead to different and more serious health issues. Fast food restaurants attract the attention of our younger generation and are some of the mainRead MoreObesity : The United States1268 Words   |  6 PagesOctober, 2015 Obesity in America Over the past few decades, obesity rate has grown drastically in the United States. â€Å"A third of U.S. adults are obese† (Brady 519), placing them at a higher risk for diseases, and increased healthcare spending. It a preventable nutritional problem that affects people of all ages, gender and race, with minority groups and people of low socioeconomic status disproportionately affected. It is a multifaceted problem with many issues at its root. Obesity is the resultRead MoreObesity And The United States1265 Words   |  6 Pages Obesity in the United States has been a serious problem affecting Americans and has been continually growing higher in numbers each year. American obesity has nearly doubled within the last 40 years and is now considered to be an epidemic that is affecting millions of people around the nation. According to the National institute of Diabetes and digestive and kidney Diseases, 31% of men and 35% of women are considered seriously overweight, along with 15% of children between the ages of six and nineteenRead MoreObesity in the United States1115 Words   |  4 PagesIn the United States today, obesity has become an enormous burden on both the health and healthcare of those affected. In the last 3 decades, the number of people overweight has increased dramatically. According to the Centers of Disease Control, as of 2013, 34.9% of our population is considered overweight or obese. America is the richest yet the fattest nation in the world, and our obese backsides are the butt of jokes in every other country (Klein, 1994). Obesity is defined as having excess bodyRead MoreObesity And The United States951 Words   |  4 PagesObesity in the United States Obesity is raging in the United States. America is the fattest country on this earth. It has become a major health concern. It is not only increasing at an alarming rate in adults, but also in children. The risk of obesity is serious; it can cause many problems in the body. In order to cut down on obesity, Americans need to be more aware of what they eat every day, make healthier choices, and get the proper amount of exercise and nutrition. In many cases obesity canRead MoreObesity And The United States973 Words   |  4 Pagesbecause is made home doesn’t mean is healthy. According to the article â€Å"The state of obesity† by better policies of America more than one third of adults (34.9) are obese in the United States. But why is there so much obesity in the United States and who is there to blame? We can go ahead and blame the fast food restaurants or we can blame the people itself. Individuals are the ones to blame for the obesity in the United States because they have this idea of eating fast and easy, but just cause is fastRead MoreObesity And The United States975 Words   |  4 PagesObesity is an issue that has been growing constantly in the United States. Due to the growing number of fast food restaurants and everything becoming more and more convenient to the human race, the population has been gaining an abundance of weight over the last several decades. The United States has the highest obes ity rate among all of the countries in the world. The rates of obesity for each individual state in the United States all exceed 20 percent (Adult Obesity). Gary Stocklaufer, was a marriedRead MoreObesity And The United States1334 Words   |  6 PagesObesity is an ongoing epidemic in our county and our world. Carrying around excess weight isn’t just uncomfortable, it also poses a variety of very serious health threats, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, some cancers, osteoarthritis, and gout. Also some breathing problems, such as sleep apnea and asthma. My peers talked about the difference of being obese and overweight. The difference of the two is how your BMI ranges. BMI stands for body mass index meaning that yourRead MoreObesity And The United States1960 Words   |  8 PagesIn the United States, more than one third of adults are obese. One in five American deaths are now associated with obesity. The prevalence of obesity has increased at an alarming rate in the USA: in 1960 only 13% of Americans were obese. Obesity has become an epidemic and the number of preventable deaths from obesity-related diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease continues to rise. Despite the well-documented association between obesity and significant morbidity and mortality

Chapter 27 History Quiz Free Essays

Megan Golden RDNG 4240-502 11-20 Assessment Idea Assessment is the ongoing, systematic collection of information on all students. Reading Assessment is one of the pillars of effective reading programs. Assessing reading skills can be very repetitive and can easily get boring. We will write a custom essay sample on Chapter 27 History Quiz or any similar topic only for you Order Now Many students dread to be tested especially the ones who struggle with reading. Finding new ways to assess students in reading will help not only you but more importantly the student. There are many different ideas in which you can assess a student in reading other than just by paper and pencil. There are many projects, games, and online software available. For my particular idea I chose to pick a game. I recently observed a classroom where the teacher used this particular game, and I realized how much the kids enjoyed the game while also learning. Dividing the class into a team to do a game is always a good idea because its take pressure off of weak readers. After dividing the class into two different teams, call on a student and hold up a flash card, then have the student pronounce the word. Make a tally mark each time the student pronounces the word correctly. By keeping up with who had more tally marks and rewarding the team who had more always helps encourage the children. Also while doing this activity, be sure to make note of any students who were struggling. By making these notes it will let you know which student needs assistance. How to cite Chapter 27 History Quiz, Essay examples

An Enquiry Concerning The Principles Of Morals Essay Example For Students

An Enquiry Concerning The Principles Of Morals Essay What is a moral? This is a question that has plagued philosophers for many years. Is it possible to have a set of universal morals? There are many questions that surround the mystery of morals. They seem to drive our every action. We base our decisions on what is right and what is wrong. But what is it that actually determines what is right and what is wrong? Is it our sense of reason? Is it our sense of sentiment? This is a question that David Hume spent much of his life pondering. What exactly is it that drives our actions? Yes, morals drive them, but what determines what our morals are? What is it that ultimately drives our actions; our feelings or our minds? Hume would say that it is our sentiment that ultimately drives our actions. According to Hume, reason is incapable of motivating an action. According to Hume, reason cannot fuel an action and therefore cannot motivate it. Hume feel that all actions are motivated by our sentiment. For example, on page 84 Appendix I, he gives the example of a criminal. It resides in the mind of the person, who is ungrateful. He must, therefore, feel it, and be conscious of it. Here, it is evident that Hume is saying that unless the person, or criminal in this case, sincerely believes in what he wants to do, he will not be able to motivate the action. In other words, unless the sentiment is there, the action cannot be willed into being. Hence, the sentiment is the driving force behind the action. Hume does not however say that reason is incapable of determining wether an action is virtuous or vicious (moral or immoral), but instead he tries to say that the reason for the morality of an action does not dictate the execution or perversion of an act so far as determination of wether the action is executed or not. In simpler terms, reason has its place in determining morality, but it is not in the motivation of an action. Motivation must come from the heart, or better yet, from within the person; from their beliefs. Reason merely allows the person to make moral distinctions. Without reason, there would be no morality. Without reason, one moral clause would not be differentiable from another. That is to say that below all morals, there must be some underlying truth because Truth is disputable; not taste (p. 14). If truth were not disputable, there would be no way to prove that a truth was just that a truth. To make an analogy to mathematics, truth is a function of reason, whereas taste is a function of sentiment. Sentiment is a function of the individual whereas reason is a function of the universe. The universe as a whole must follow reason, but the catch is that each individuals universe is slightly different in that each individual perceives his or her universe differently. What each man feels within himself is the standard of sentiment. (p.14) That is to say each persons individual universe has truths. These truths are based on reason. These truths/reasons are what help to determine the persons sentiment. However, it should be noted that because the reasons are NOT necessarily the persons sentiments, they do not motivate actions. One other reason why reason does not impel action is because reason is based on truths. Truths are never changing whereas sentiments are dynamic and are in a constant change of flux. At one moment, the criminal could feel sympathy for his victims and decide to spare a life, and the very next, the same criminal could become enraged at the pimple on a hostages forehead and shoot him. Of course these are extreme cases, but the point is clear. Reason would dictate that only the first action would be moral. If reason drove actions, then moral behavior would prevail and there would be no immoral actions and hence there would be no crimes. .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641 , .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641 .postImageUrl , .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641 , .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641:hover , .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641:visited , .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641:active { border:0!important; } .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641:active , .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641 .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u7e1bec3da6e718af4db27ab7f8c1d641:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Depression and Mental illness Essay This shows how sentiments can change as the individuals perception of the universe changes. Obviously, the driving force behind the criminal shooting the victim because of a skin blemish is not one based on reason, but instead it is based on feeling, emotion, sentiment. Although it is an abstract idea and a seemingly tiny technicality, it is easy to see that indeed reason is not the ultimate motivator but instead sentiment is.Return-Path: ;emailprotected;From: ;emailprotected;To: ;emailprotected;Subject: School SucksThe following form contents were entered on 19th Dec 96Date = 19 Dec 96 03:24:49subject = School Sucksresulturl = http://ww w. schoolsucks.com/thanks/name = Samir Sandesaraemail = emailprotectedpublish = nosubject = Philosophy, Humetitle = An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Moralspapers = An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of MoralsWhat is a moral? This is a question that has plagued philosophers for many years. Is it possible to have a set of universal morals? There are many questions that surround the mystery of morals. They seem to drive our every action. We base our decisions on what is right and what is wrong. But what is it that actually determines what is right and what is wrong? Is it our sense of reason? Is it our sense of sentiment? This is a question that David Hume spent much of his life pondering. What exactly is it that drives our actions? Yes, morals drive them, but what determines what our morals are? What is it that ultimately drives our actions; our feelings or our minds? Hume would say that it is our sentiment that ultimately drives our actions. According to Hume, reason is incapable of motivating an action. According to Hume, reason cannot fuel an action and therefore cannot motivate it. Hume feel that all actions are motivated by our sentiment. For example, on page 84 Appendix I, he gives the example of a criminal. It resides in the mind of the person, who is ungrateful. He must, therefore, feel it, and be conscious of it. Here, it is evident that Hume is saying that unless the person, or criminal in this case, sincerely believes in what he wants to do, he will not be able to motivate the action. In other words, unless the sentiment is there, the action cannot be willed into being. Hence, the sentiment is the driving force behind the action. Hume does not however say that reason is incapable of determining wether an action is virtuous or vicious (moral or immoral), but instead he tries to say that the reason for the morality of an action does not dictate the execution or perversion of an act so far as determination of wether the action is executed or not. In simpler terms, reason has its place in determining morality, but it is not in the motivation of an action. Motivation must come from the heart, or better yet, from within the person; from their beliefs. Reason merely allows the person to make moral distinctions. Without reason, there would be no morality. Without reason, one moral clause would not be differentiable from another. That is to say that below all morals, there must be some underlying truth because Truth is disputable; not taste (p.14). If truth were not disputable, there would be no way to prove that a truth was just that a truth. To make an analogy to mathematics, truth is a function of reason, whereas taste is a function of sentiment. Sentiment is a function of the individual whereas reason is a function of the universe. The universe as a whole must follow reason, but the catch is that each individuals universe is slightly different in that each individual perceives his or her universe differently. What each man feels within himself is the standard of sentiment. .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905 , .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905 .postImageUrl , .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905 , .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905:hover , .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905:visited , .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905:active { border:0!important; } .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905:active , .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905 .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ufaf895c18ebe21c3c0fb40c1b38be905:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Photosynthesis Essay (p.14) That is to say each persons individual universe has truths. These truths are based on reason. These truths/reasons are what help to determine the persons sentiment. However, it should be noted that because the reasons are NOT necessarily the persons sentiments, they do not motivate actions. One other reason why reason does not impel action is because reason is based on truths. Truths are never changing whereas sentiments are dynamic and are in a constant change of flux. At one moment, the criminal could feel sympathy for his victims and decide to spare a life, and the very next, the same criminal could become enraged at the pimple on a hostages forehead and shoot him. Of course these are extreme cases, but the point is clear. Reason would dictate that only the first action would be moral. If reason drove actions, then moral behavior would prevail and there would be no immoral actions and hence there would be no crimes. This shows how sentiments can change as the individuals perception of the universe changes. Obviously, the driving force behind the criminal shooting the victim because of a skin blemish is not one based on reason, but instead it is based on feeling, emotion, sentiment. Although it is an abstract idea and a seemingly tiny technicality, it is easy to see that indeed reason is not the ultimate motivator but instead sentiment is.Philosophy

What is meant by Identity an Example by

What is meant by Identity? How identities are formed? Identity involves a relation linking the personal and the social; a few dynamic commitment by individuals who take up identities; being alike as several individuals and diverse from others, as shown by signs and depictions. In building identities, we picture ourselves. We perform this by envisioning ourselves, thinking in signs. Who I am is dependent on how I am seen by others as well as how I see myself. Control in shaping our own identities Need essay sample on "What is meant by Identity?" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed The link between myself and others is not only indicated by the connection between how I sell myself and how other people see me, but also the connection between what I want to be and the influences, pressures and opportunities which are available. Material, social, and physical constraints prevent us form successfully presenting ourselves in some identity positions constraints which include the perceptions of others. The idea of identity encompasses a number of concepts of human society; a thought that we can have various power in building our personal identities. There are definitely, limitations which may lie in the outside world, where matter and societal issues may bound the level of society which persons may have. Lack of material possessions greatly restricts the chances we have, as we will reflect on in the status of dearth and monetary limitations. Identity in giving a link involving the personal and the social Identity is marked by similarity, which is of people like us, and by difference, of those who are not. Identity gives a connection among persons and the humanity in which they reside. Identity combines how I see myself and how others see me. Identity engages the inner and the individual, and the outside. It is a socially recognized position, recognized by other, not just by me. Identity vs. Personality Identity is different from personality in important respects. We may share personality traits with other people, but sharing an identity suggests some active engagement on our part. We choose to identify with a particular identity or group. Sometimes we have more choice than others. Identity requires some awareness on our part. Personality describes qualities individuals may have, such as being outgoing or shy, internal characteristics, but identity requires some element of choice. For example, I may go to football matches on Saturdays because I enjoy shouting loudly with a crowd of lively extroverts, but I go to watch Sheffield Wednesday because I want to identify with that particular team, to wear scarf and make a statement about who I am, and, of course, because I want to state that support one Sheffield team and not the other. We may be characterized by having personality traits, but we have to identify with that is actively taken up an identity. What does the Passport says about us? Our passports name, describe and place us. A passport describes an individual; it names one person. It also states to which group in particular which nation, that person belongs. Physical appearance is important, but changes over time. The personal identity of the named person includes their experience and life story. Continuity is important to our understanding of who we are, but changes suggest that identities are not fixed and constant: they change too. A passport picks out other key aspects of identity, which include occupation, nationality and age, all of which position us and give us a place in the society in which we live. However, it does not say anything about how we occupy these positions or about what they mean to us. How Identities are influenced by Social Factors Identities are also illustrated in marking oneself as having the same identity as one group of people and a different one from others. A situation for instance, where you meet someone for the first time and, in trying to find out who they are, you ask questions and turned out that they also came from same place as you are. In such circumstances we are trying to find out what makes up this person and also what makes them the same as you, as sharing an identity. Or consider a situation where, travelling abroad, hearing the voices of those who speak your own language, you feel both a sense of recognition and of belonging. It is impossible to have an identity as a successful career woman if one is without a job and there are no employment opportunities. Other limitations to our autonomy may reside within us, for instance in the bodies which we inhabit, as illustrated by the ageing process, by physical impairments, illness and the actual size and shape of our bodies. The way we construct our identities is strongly influenced by a set of often rather stereotypically feminine and masculine characteristics and traits that we often associate with gender categories, with women and with men. But women and men are not each made from a single mould. There are many different kinds of women and men, and different traits may apply to some more than others. Behind the apparent simplicity of two genders, there is a diversity of gender characteristics, and many different influences are at work. Identity, then, includes peoples notions of who they are, of what kind of people they are, and their relationships with others. It is therefore closely related to the groups the social categories that they see themselves as belonging to. The pattern of employment on the other hand, and the distribution of incomes are both important structures that shape our identity, as is the way we spend our incomes (our lifestyle). However, there is no simple causal link between what we have and do, and who we are. Link between these economic structures and identity is mediated by representation. Conclusion We therefore had set out some of the important concepts involved in addressing questions of identity and difference and have thus begun to provide a framework for the concept of identity. It has looked at reasons for addressing questions of identity and difference and considered the way in which questions about identity arise at this point in the circuit of cultural of the processes involved in the production of meanings through representational systems further by engaging with questions about the positioning of subjects and the constructions of identities within symbolic systems. List of References: WOODWARD, K. (2004) Questioning Identity: Gender, Class, Ethnicity, London and New York, Routledge.

Globalization Trade & Protest essays

Globalization Trade & Protest essays When discussing world trade and globalization there are two sides, there are those who support the protest against world trade and globalization and there are those who criticize the protest against world trade and globalization. Both sides have great agreements why or why not to support this movement. The fact of the matter is that globalization is here today and it is not something that we can undo. Those who oppose globalization are amongst the poorer countries of the world. They have the tendency to say that we steal all their resources and exploit their people. Is this really the case? One can take just about any situation in the world and find some instance or instances where people abuse certain privileges. It is going to be globalization that brings this world together and those who aren't involved are going to be left behind. Globalization is a way to help these poorer countries become more sophisticated and speed up technology so they to can experience the benefits and profits of globalization. The countries that aren't involved in the globalization process seems to be less educated and do not really understand the potential of this process. There is more of benefit for countries that are involved and open minded. I criticize the protest against world trade and globalization. There are groups out there who are involved in globalization that want to help these less fortunate countries. One specific group is the Group of 7. The Group of 7 is composed of seven different countries who are the wealthier countries of the world they are: U.S., Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Canada, and Italy. This organization consists of countries that help others despite the way they are treated. For being thieves of natural resources and inhibitors of unfair labor situations these countries have came up with several positions to help the less fortunate countries despite their views of global ...

Spanish Verbs That Mean To Take

Spanish Verbs That Mean To Take Take is one of those English words that is all but impossible to translate to Spanish without some context. As can be seen in the list below, take has dozens of meanings - so it cant be translated with a single Spanish verb or even a handful of them. Although you always should translate to Spanish based on meaning rather than word-for-word, thats especially true with take. Meanings and Spanish Translations for To Take Here are some common uses (though certainly not all) of the verb to take in English along with possible translations to Spanish. Of course, the Spanish verbs listed arent the only ones available, and the choice you make will often depend on the context in which it is used. to take to get possession of - tomar - Tomà ³ el libro y fue a la biblioteca. (He took the book and went to the library.)to take to transport (something) and give possession to someone else - llevar - Le llevo las manzanas a Susana. (Im taking the apples to Susana.)to take to transport (a person) - llevar - Llevà ³ a Susana al aeropuerto. (She took Susana to the airport.)to take to remove, to pick - coger - Cogieron las manzanas del rbol. (They took the apples off the tree.)to take to snatch (from someone) - arrebatar -  ¿Te arrebatà ³ el sombrero? (Did he take your hat?)to take to steal - robar, quitar - A Susana le robaron mucho dinero. (They took a lot of money from Susana.)to take to accept - aceptar -  ¿Aceptan los cheques? (Do they take checks?)to take to subscribe to (a newspaper or magazine) - suscribirse, abonarse - Me suscribo al Wall Street Journal. (I take the Wall Street Journal.)to take to hold - coger - Dà ©jeme que le coja el sombrer o. Let me take your hat.)to take to travel by - coger, tomar, ir en - Tomarà © el autobà ºs. (I will take the bus.) to take to require - necesitar, requerir, llevar - Necesita mucho coraje. (It takes a lot of courage.)to take to require or wear (a certain size or type of clothing) - calzar (said of shoes), usar (said of clothing) - Calzo los de tamaà ±o 12. (I take size 12 shoes.)to take to last, to use time - durar - No durar mucho.  (It wont take long.)to take to study - estudiar - Estudio la sicologà ­a. (Im taking psychology.)to take a bath (shower) - baà ±arse (ducharse) - No me baà ±o los lunes. (I dont take baths on Mondays.)to take a break, to take a rest - tomarse un descanso - Vamos a tomarnos un descanso a las dos. (Were going to take a break at 2.)to take after to chase, to go after - perseguir - El policà ­a persiguià ³ el ladrà ³n. (The policeman took after the thief.)to take after to resemble - parecerse - Marà ­a se parece a su madre.  (Marà ­a takes after her mother.)to take apart - desmontar - Desmontà ³ el carro. (She took the car apart.)to take away, to take from, to take off to remove - quitar - Les quitaron el sombrero. (They took their hats off.) to take away, to take off to subtract - sustraer, restar - Va a sustraer dos euros de la cuenta. (He is going to take two euros off the bill.)to take back to return - devolver - No le he devuelto el coche.  (I havent taken back the car to him.)to take cover - esconderse, ocultarse - Se escondià ³ de la policà ­a. (He took cover from the police.)to take down to dismantle - desmontar - Desmontaron la valla publicitaria.  (They took the billboard down.)to take an exam or test - presentar un examen, presentarse a un examen - El otro dà ­a me presentà © a un examen.  (The other day I took a test.)to take down, to take notes - anotar, escribir, tomar apuntes - Quiero que escriba la informacià ³n.  (I want you to take down the information.)to take (someone) for - tomar por - Ud. no me tomarà ­a por un chef. (You wouldnt take me for a chef.)to take in to deceive - engaà ±ar - Me engaà ±Ãƒ © por el farsante.  (I was taken in by a liar.)to take in to und erstand - comprender - No pudo comprenderlo. (He couldnt take it in.) to take in to include - incluir, abarcar - El parque incluye dos lagos.  (The park takes in two lakes.)to take in to provide lodging for - acoger - Mi madre acoge a muchos gatos. (My mother takes in many cats.)to take off to go away - irse - Se fue como un murcià ©lago. (He took off like a bat.)to take off weight - adelgazar - Adelgaza por la actividad fà ­sica. (He is taking off weight through physical activity.)to take on to accept or assume (responsibilities) - aceptar, asumir - No puedo aceptar la responsabilidad. (I cant accept the responsibility.)to take on to employ - emplear, coger - Empleamos dos trabajadores. (We took on two workers.)to take out to remove  - sacar  - El dentista me sacà ³ una muela. (The dentist took out a molar of mine.)to take ones word for it - creer - No voy a creerte.  (Im not going to take your word for it.)to take over to assume operations - absorber, adquirir, apoderarse - El gobierno se apoderà ³ el ferrocarril.   (The government took over the railroad.) to take a picture - tomar una foto, hacer una foto - Tomà © tres fotos. (I took three pictures.)to take pity on - compadecerse de - Me compadecà © los pobres. (I took pity on the poor people.)to take prisoner - capturar, tomar priso - El policà ­a le capturà ³ el ladrà ³n. (The policeman took the thief prisoner.)to take up to begin - dedicarse a - Se dedicà ³ a nadar. (She took up swimming.)to take a walk - dar un paseo - Voy a dar un paseo. (Im going to go for a walk.) Use Caution With Coger Although coger is an entirely innocent and ordinary word in some regions, in other regions it can have an obscene meaning - take care when using this term.

Communication in Organizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Communication in Organizations - Essay Example It is an established company with a wide scope that involves extensive communication within the organization and with other stakeholders. Its administration is as a result characterised by a number of management meetings for ‘decision-making’. The company’s organizational structure consists of a board of directors at the top with seven directors, a chairperson, a general manager, and line managers. Decisions are made through deliberations in meetings and resolutions passed to line managers for implementation. Communication refers to a process in which a party sends a message to another who receives the message, comprehends it, and submit a feedback to the sender. In any organizational set up, effective communication leads to successful pursuit of objectives while poor approaches to communication undermines objectives and may lead to negative impacts. Kelly however argues that people can achieve effective communication through â€Å"vigilance, perseverance, and by using their power to change course† and laid down structures (2011, p. 199). This means that success in a communication process depend on the parties capacity as well as skills towards effective communication (Kelly, pp. 199, 200). ... Effective communication also means clarity in message content as well as accuracy in targeting the recipient. The subject of communication should not be vague and should directly target the intended recipient. Similarly, effective listening skills facilitate a successful communication process through enhancing the recipient understanding of the communicated piece of information. Attitudes, as developed by either the sender or the recipient, also affect effectiveness of a communication process (Auer and Blumberg, p. 113). Theories into communication have also been used to explain the communication process. Trait theory for instance explains that people have different characteristics that define their personality and behaviour. Such traits determine a person’s ability to demonstrate the essential elements of effective communication. A person’s characteristics will for example defines the applied level of attentiveness to the communication process as well as attitude towar ds the communication process. Negative traits therefore undermine effectiveness of a communication process (Littlejohn and Foss, 2007, p. 66- 68). Consistency theories, another communication theory, explain the essence of consistency among parties to a communication process. Such consistencies are necessary with respect to the parties’ attitudes, the parties’ behaviour as well as between behaviour and attitude. The fundamental principle is that while consistency creates a favourable environment for effective communication, its absence initiates change in attitudes that may adversely affect a communication (Littlejohn and Foss, 2007, p. 78). Similarly, the theory of identity suggests that a person’s identity affects his or her

Program facilitator Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Program facilitator - Essay Example Among the possible opponents to the plan to reduce obesity among children are fast food shops like McDonalds and KFC among others. Obviously, fast foods that also include junk food materials are among the major causes of obesity among children. To curb or reduce the prevalence of the condition, the program has to encourage reduced consumption and proper advertisement of fast food materials (Bombak, 2014). Discouraging consumption of fast food materials among children and campaigns against deceptive television adverts about the food will work to threaten the business fast food shops. Successfulness of the program to reduce obesity will mean that children and other victims of obesity will consider reducing their rates of consumption of fast food, which will in turn compromise performance of fast food businesses. Businesses and individuals dealing in online and written video games are also potential opponents to the program to reduce obesity among children of 6-17 years old. Generally, video games have proved to usurp greatest part of time of children and sparing them limited time to engage in physical activities (Etow, 2012). Program to reduce obesity among the children of 6-17 years will include discouragement and call to reduce time spent on playing video games. If successful, dealers in video games will experience sharp decline in consumption of their products. To address opposition from dealers of video games, I would ask the producers to design games that limit playtime. For instance, instead of games that children can play the whole day, the proposed design should turn off a game after a particular period like 2,3,4 or 5 hours. This will help regulate the time that children spend playing a particular

Roe Vs. Wade Essay Example for Free

Roe Vs. Wade Essay Roe v. Wade is a United States Supreme Court case in the year 1973 that resulted in a landmark verdict regarding abortion. According to the Roe decision, most laws against abortion in the United States violated one of the most important fundamental constitutional right – right to privacy. The verdict overturned all state and federal laws banning or restricting abortion that were found to be incompatible or inconsistent with its holding. Roe Vs Wade case raised huge controversies. It is considered to be is one of the most controversial and politically significant cases in the history of U. S. Supreme Court. It gathered huge historical significance. The central verdict that came out of the Roe Vs Wade case made abortion permissible for any cause that a women shows, up until the point at which fetus becomes viable or potentially able to survive outside the mother’s womb. The Court’s verdict also permitted abortion after viability for those cases, where abortion becomes necessary to protect a woman’s health. The Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade was incorrect legally and constitutionally.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Roe Vs Wade decision prompted huge debate on several issues regarding abortion on a national level. Debated issues include whether abortion should be illegal; if abortion is deemed to be illegal, then to what extent it should be illegal; who has the authority to decide whether or not abortion is illegal; what kind of methods the Supreme Court should use in constitutional settlement; and what should be the role of religious, or moral views in area of politics. Many people expressed their dissents on the verdict of Roe Vs Wade case. For example, associate justice Byron R. White gave vigorous dissenting opinion over the Court’s decision. What he suggested is that although one might agree with the court’s values and priorities, there is no constitutional justification for imposing such an order of priorities on the people and legislatures of the states.[1]   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Roe Vs Wade has been criticized immensely on various grounds. One of the major criticisms is that inviolability and personhood have not been satisfactorily recognized. The argument of some of the pro- life supporter is that life begins the moment mother conceives, therefore, the fetus should be provided legal protection. Other pro-life supporter’s argument is that, when there is lack of exact knowledge of when life begins, the best thing to do is just to avoid the risk of doing harm. The decision is also criticized on the ground that the decision has no constitutional foundation. The supporters of the decision, however, challenge this criticism by arguing that the decision has a valid constitutional foundation, and the justification of it could be found in the constitution, not in the articles referenced in the decision. In spite of having been criticized so much against its decision, the Supreme Court, however, struck down numerous restraints on abortion imposed by states in a long series of cases stretching from the mid 1970s to the late of 1980’s. Legal basis of the criticism   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Roe Vs Wade is more of a legal issue rather than a moral and religious one on the public ground, even if moral and religious values are strongly related to the question. Therefore, if Roe vs. Wade is to be defeated and revoked, it has to be examined on a solid juridical ground and have has to show that the decision has violated a basic legal principle, bound up in the Constitution of the United States. Therefore, a clear idea about the whole history of jurisprudence of America comes to our help in examining legal justification of the Roe Vs wade decision.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The abortion issue, on legal ground, is not actually a right to life issue; it is in fact a right not-to-be-killed issue. The Right not-to-be-killed is part of a larger right- the right of dominion. It is the law of dominion that is the basis of all constitutional government states. The law states that as a human being, one has dominion over his or her total person, as well as the free exercise of that dominion, a right given to him by the very Law of Nature. This law guarantees the right to dominion in any constitutional state. The purpose of all human law is to protect this right, to defend it whenever denied or ignored by any action of government or someone else. When one talks about liberty, he or she actually speak of his or her freedom to the right of dominion over his or her person, in his or her beginnings as a human being and in those stages of human growth by which he or she emerges into the human community. A human being emerges in the human community by the process of conception, i.e. conception is the starting point of one’s existence in the human community. One person has dominion over his or her person from the very first moment of his or her existence, and in the initial stages of growth, when one cannot exercise that dominion by himself or herself, it is kept in trust by his or her parents and by the law.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Roe vs. Wade, however, has given another human being, basically one’s mother, and rights over one’s personhood in the embryonic moment, a right that permits the termination of his or her existence. Roe vs. Wade has actually placed the right of dominion over the unborn human being in the hands of the mother, and it has been done under the claim of the right to privacy. Consequently, Roe Vs Wade decision has provided mothers with the right to destroy the life of the unborn. The right of dominion, however, belongs to a human being from the very first moment of his or her existence as mentioned earlier. The function of law and the parent is only to protect this right. That is the bottom line of the legal challenge to Roe vs. Wade. The Supreme Court gave its verdict unlawfully in granting to a woman the right of dominion over her unborn child. That dominion belongs lawfully only to the unborn child.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Embryonic Law, then, has been set up upon the Law of Dominion, the basic law of every Western system of jurisprudence and this Law states. This acts as the basis of any legal confrontation to Roe vs. Wade. It is on this ground that the debate over abortion takes place. The debate is not a Catholic or religious issue, but a human and legal one. Some viewpoints on Roe Vs Wade:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   While some reporters and journalists may argue that abortion has not been identified as murder by the law and therefore such an opinion is entirely based on the fact that whatever court decides is to be accepted or taken for granted and that is the sole law. According to Frank Morriss, â€Å"It is the same philosophy that dominates the present U.S. Supreme Court, and contradicts the philosophy that declares that all men possess certain unalienable rights given by their Creator.†[2]   Morriss also argues as follows:   Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"What is democratic about the majority of a nine-person court declaring the killing of the unborn not to be murder, or in fact not to be illegal in any way at all? Those in authority being answerable to nothing but their own intellects and will is not democratic; it is a dictatorship of the arbitrary. Mere opinion, whether that of a legislature, or the majority of a court bench, or in fact of the populace as a whole cannot determine right or wrong, truth or nontruth, justice or injustice.†[3]   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Some views, as upheld by Stevens Clifford says that the verdict was one sided –â€Å"The abortion issue is a national dispute, a dispute between those who oppose abortion and the members of the NARAL, the National Organization of Women and Planned Parenthood. At this point in adjudicating the dispute, only one side of the issue has really been heard, the views of those who support abortion. The only history of the question that has been examined, or even aired, is the history of the abortion laws, with an erroneous conclusion drawn from those laws.†   Ã‚  Ã‚   The annual March for Life rally in January 2008 took place stood against the least restrictive abortion laws of the Supreme Court. According to the President of the rally, Nellie Gray, referred to the judgment as the genocide pre-born and said, â€Å"We have a genocide because, after 35 years, it’s estimated that 48 million pre-born children have been killed†¦ So we’re coming together at the nation’s capital once more to petition Congress to enact legislation to stop the genocide here.[4] However the establishment media does not talk much about these marches.   Ã‚  Ã‚   After the verdict on the Roe v Wade case, the federal court has not decided in favor of pro-life friendly decisions and such decisions have been ‘virtually nonexistent’. John A. Boehner, representative of Ohio and the minority leader of Republican House commented, â€Å"I applaud the court for its ruling today. My hope is that it sets the stage for further progress in the fight to ensure our nations laws respect the sanctity of unborn human life.[5] Analysis of Catholics’ standpoint:   Ã‚  Ã‚   From the very moment of its initiation, it was subject to many controversies. This controversy or debate led to the evolution of two groups, namely, pro choice and pro life. The pro-choice movement extended huge support to abortion and regards that it is morally permissible. On the other hand, the pro-life movement denies the access to abortion and regards it as morally wrong. Over the time both the movement gathered their supporters and often move to the court to attain legal approval. Following these two movements even the world seems to be divided into two groups. For instance, in Canada, abortion is permissible while in Nicaragua it is strictly illegal. Some of the nations even took a midway like USA where abortion is legal but it is constrained by certain restrictions as well as certain circumstances. Though the debate on abortion encompasses issues on political consensus, infiltration of privacy, religious and ethical issues. However the ethical debate on the permissibility of abortion has been most important with most number of opposite thinkers.   Ã‚  Ã‚   According to Natural Law, five primary precepts and corresponding secondary precepts may be drawn. Abortion is not supported by two of the primary postulates Continuation of human species through reproduction (implies no abortion, contraception or homosexuality) and self preservation and preservation of the innocent (implies no abortion).[6] On the basis of Kant’s deontological moral theory it may be claimed that a person should act according to his or her duty irrespective of the consequences. In this case, we may therefore say that it is the mother’s duty to give birth to the child irrespective of what consequences she might have to endure. Thus, sticking to her duty the mother should not deviate from childbirth and hence should avoid abortion.[7] This would certainly support he Catholics’ standpoint and their activities and involvement are appreciable in dealing with the case of abortion. Their activities have brought about mass awareness and at least those who are true to their religion and roots shall certainly be averse to abortion and also assist the Catholics in their sincere efforts. Although some of the Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle commended abortion, the Pythagoreans criticized it and the clause of the Hippocratic Oath would help support it. The Oath states: â€Å"I will give no deadly medicine to anyone if asked, nor suggest any such counsel; and in like manner I will not give to a woman a pessary to produce abortion† and â€Å"I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody if asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect. Similarly, I will not give to a woman an abortive remedy.†[8]   Ã‚  Ã‚   The court argued on the basis of the term ‘person’ used in the 14th constitutional amendment. This may be stated as follows: â€Å"All this, together with our observation, supra, that throughout the major portion of the 19th century prevailing legal abortion practices were far freer than they are today, persuades us that the word â€Å"person,† as used in the Fourteenth Amendment, does not include the unborn.†[9]   Ã‚  Ã‚   Interestingly, if we agree with Warren’s definition of personhood then we have to disqualify two kinds of born human beings as ‘person’, namely, reversibly comatose patients and human infants. Both of them, like fetus are bereft of any of the characteristics mentioned by Warren. Warren moves further to justify her claim when she justifies even infanticide as morally acceptable under certain circumstances such as severe physical disability or in order to save the lives of a group of other infants.[10] At this point it is clear that Warren is suffering from severe complexities coming out of her thoughts. First of all, if the patients in coma especially those who are reversible, may come back to normal life as it has been seen in several medical case histories. Then, justifying his death will be the other name of killing. Miracle does happen and it is not that rare to ignore. In America, a patient in coma responded after more than 30 years. If he had denied the right to life at the very moment when he underwent the coma, then it would be denying life a chance to prove itself that it is stronger than death. Similarly, with the enormous advancement of medical science, even most severe of the physical disabilities can be cured or a supportive system can be provided so that the concerned infant, even with his disabilities, can perform most of the normal works. In a very recent issue in India, a two-year-old girl child who was attached with a parasitic twin underwent a twenty-seven hour operation to be freed from her additional outgrowths and after the operation, she is alive and seems to be behaving normally. Following Warren, if she would have been provided with a â€Å"justified medical death sentence† even with the consent of her parents, it could not be termed anything less than killing. Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Abortion can never be morally acceptable and it may be termed as the other name of killing. However, under certain circumstances abortion is a necessity. Therefore we may say that the decision of the Supreme Court is both legally and constitutionally incorrect. Often, after conceiving due to several complexities, the condition of the mother’s health deteriorates to that extent that moving forward with that pregnancy may only result in the death of the pregnant woman. In such a case an abortion could save the life of that woman. In case of forced pregnancy that may be out of rape, the woman must be given the liberty to choose abortion as she has been forced to carry that baby. In conclusion, we may say that a fetus is a seed of life, yet to flourish and see the lights of the sun. It has not come at its own will and the people involved knew at some point that it might happen. We cannot offer life and so we do not have the right to take it away. Moral or ethical justification of abortion seems to be a ‘Reverie of Poor Susan’ that can never be accepted under any justification. The catholic protests and the rallies have succeeded to some extent in awakening the consciousness of the media and the mass.    References 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"Abortion and Ethical Theory† (2008), retrieved on May 29, 2008, from: http://www.tutor2u.net/newsmanager/templates/?a=775z=62 Clifford, S. (2008) â€Å"ROE v. WADE: the Catholic Dilemma†, retrieved on May 29, 2008 from: http://www.priestsforlife.org/government/stevens4.htm Clifford, S. (2008) â€Å"The Rights Of The Unborn†, retrieved on March 24, 2008 from: http://www.priestsforlife.org/government/therightsoftheunborn.htm#basis Mass, W. (2007), â€Å"Supreme Court Upholds Partial-Birth Abortion Ban†, retrieved on May 29, 2008 from: http://thenewamerican.com/node/3526 Morriss, F.(2008) â€Å"Court Rulings Cannot Negate the Law of God†, retrieved on May 29, 2008 from: http://www.catholicculture.org/library/view.cfm?recnum=3122 Newman, A.(2008) â€Å"March for Life in D.C. Gets little Media Coverage†, The New American, retrieved on May 29, 2008 from: http://thenewamerican.com/node/6955   Ã¢â‚¬Å"Supplemental Notes on Kant†, (1999), retrieved on March 25, 2008 from: http://www.mtholyoke.edu/courses/ebarnes/205/205-sup-kant.htm Sungenis, R.A. (1993) â€Å"Abortion: The Reasons We Should be Against It: A Critique of the 1973 Supreme Court Decision, Catholic Apologetics International†, retrieved on March 25, 2008 from: http://www.catholicintl.com/epologetics/articles/pastoral/1973.htm â€Å"U.S. Supreme Court: Doe V. Bolton, 410 U.S. 179† (1973), Find Law, retrieved on March 24, 2008 from: http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=USvol=410invol=179 Warren, M.A. (1973), â€Å"On the Moral and Legal Status of Abortion†. Thomas A. Mappes, David DeGrazia Biomedical Ethics, McGraw-Hill [1] â€Å"U.S. Supreme Court: Doe V. Bolton, 410 U.S. 179 (1973)†, Find Law, http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=USvol=410invol=179 (March 24, 2008) [2] Morriss, Frank. â€Å"Court Rulings Cannot Negate the Law of God†, 2008, http://www.catholicculture.org/library/view.cfm?recnum=3122 (March 24, 2008) [3] Morriss, Frank. â€Å"Court Rulings Cannot Negate the Law of God†, 2008, http://www.catholicculture.org/library/view.cfm?recnum=3122 (March 24, 2008) [4] Newman, Alex. â€Å"March for Life in D.C. Gets little Media Coverage†, The New American, 2008, http://thenewamerican.com/node/6955 (March 24, 2008) [5] Mass, Warren, â€Å"Supreme Court Upholds Partial-Birth Abortion Ban†, retrieved on March 24, 2008 from: http://thenewamerican.com/node/3526 [6] â€Å"Abortion and Ethical Theory†, http://www.tutor2u.net/newsmanager/templates/?a=775z=62 (March 24, 2008) [7] Supplemental Notes on Kant, 1999, http://www.mtholyoke.edu/courses/ebarnes/205/205-sup-kant.htm (March 24, 2008) [8] Sungenis, Robert A. Abortion: The Reasons We Should be Against It: A Critique of the 1973 Supreme Court Decision, Catholic Apologetics International, 1993, http://www.catholicintl.com/epologetics/articles/pastoral/1973.htm (March 25, 2008) [9] Sungenis, Robert A. Abortion: The Reasons We Should be Against It: A Critique of the 1973 Supreme Court Decision, Catholic Apologetics International, 1993, http://www.catholicintl.com/epologetics/articles/pastoral/1973.htm (March 25, 2008) [10] Warren, Mary Ann, â€Å"On the Moral and Legal Status of Abortion†. Thomas A. Mappes, David DeGrazia Biomedical Ethics, McGraw-Hill, 1973.

Gay Marriage Should Be Legal Essay -- Same-Sex Marriage Essays

As many minority groups in the United States have fought for their civil rights in past decades, it is the gay community that now finds itself striving for equal opportunities in our culturally diverse nation. Although they have already come a long way in the path of acceptance, most recently the gay community has had to confront extremist conservative groups who claim that allowing same-sex couples to join in a civilly recognized union violates the act of a traditional, sacred marriage. Gay and lesbian individuals feel that, like any other group, they should not be denied rights that are typically bestowed upon heterosexual couples who are recognized by the federal government. Certainly, there are states that have drafted and created protections for same-sex couples under civil unions and domestic partnership laws, however, the formation of such ordinances creates a separate and unequal status for some of America's citizens. As the precedent set by Brown V. The Board of Education exhibited in 1955, which pleaded a case for racial equality, the same theory of creating a separate but equal environment for groups of any nature has been proven to be unconstitutional. On June 26, 2015, the US Supreme Court ruled that the US Constitution guarantees the right for same-sex couples to marry. Most Americans opposing the Supreme Court ruling allowing same-sex marriages belong to conservative, religious, or Republican groups. These opponents of homosexual equality fear that the allowance of same-sex marriages will lessen the validity of heterosexual marriages and make a mockery of the tradition that brings two loving souls together. Many argue that marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman established for ... ...ago; those laws were overturned in 1967 and are now seen as absurd and discriminatory. Obviously, legalizing gay marriage in the United States will simplify the lives of same-sex couples and provide them with marriage benefits ranging from countless legal protections to rights allowing them to adopt, raise and share custody of children. Yes, civil unions and domestic partnership laws are leading the gay community in a positive direction as these laws are beneficiary to gay and lesbian couples. However, these protections are simply not representative of the American ideal that all men are created equal. DOMA restricts the recognition of gay and lesbian marriages or unions on a state-to-state level. If as citizens we truly are equal, then why aren't heterosexual marriages only recognized by the states that issue their marriage certificates?

The Physical Science of a Gun

Lirio Garcia Physical Science E. Martin December 13, 2012 Project: What the physics are of shooting a gun Shooting a gun is mostly the science of motion in the scientific world. One thing that most shooters are aware of is what bullet they want to use and where they want to shot at but most do not know how the gun and bullet work together or even separate. Also, there is no set balance of energy for every gun since the efficiency is mostly based on its structure of caliber and barrel length. While doing my research I have gain knowledge on not only how the gun works but the physics of it as well.I will be discussing what I learned as well as the physics and the physics of the bullet as well when shot up in air. Some topics that I did not know that dealt with shooting a gun are friction, force, conservation of momentum (which helps characterize an object's resistance to change in motion), velocity, kinetic energy, transfer of energy, gravity, heat engines, kinematics (analyzes the pos itions and motions of objects as a function of time), sound, and projectile motion which all work together to make the bullet hit the right target. Also, I was not aware that gun recoil has two parts.Which are primary recoil from the escaping bullet and secondary recoil from the escaping gas behind the bullet. According to Samuel Hokin, the first recoil conserves momentum of the gun-bullet system while the second recoil is larger and comes after when the bullet leaves the gun one is using. Momentum’s equation is p (momentum) equals m (mass) times v (velocity). An example of an equation for momentum ( ) is if the bullet has a mass of 25 and the speed of 60 out of the gun then the equation would be p=25 x 60. Once multiplied, the momentum of this would be 1500.When one pulls the trigger, it makes a force which moves the sear (the piece that holds the hammer which contains potential energy) and lets the hammer fire and is accelerated by gravity which is 9. 8 meters per second sq uared and by the puncture of the primer of the bullet that starts to propellant inside. After this the propellant creates an expanding gas which allows its pressure to get the cartridge’s casing bigger which then is force to push the projectile bullet out of the cartridge casting and through the barrel which then gets out of the gun.Shooting any type of gun uses Newton’s Third Law which says that every force has an equal and opposite reaction on different objects since forces always exists in pairs. This force can be found from the equation Force = mass x acceleration. For example if the shooter is shooting a . 50 caliber they should be careful because since the recoil force of that gun is way to big then it can dislocate or seriously injure their shoulder. If one does decided to use this gun then it should be used with a muzzle brake so it could reduce the force of the recoil.This helps by changing the bullet’s projectile motion but the conservation of the mome ntum will always be the same. When doing calculations for this with a mass of 20 mg and an acceleration of 100 m/s 2 Works Cited Binder, Madeline. â€Å"How Physics Affects Rifle Shooting. † Articlesbase. com. Articlesbase. com, n. d. Web. 13 Dec. 2012. ;http://www. articlesbase. com/education-articles/how-physics-affects-rifle-shooting-1623110. html;. Hokin, Samuel. â€Å"The Physics of Everyday Stuff – Gun Recoil. † The Physics of Everyday Stuff – Gun Recoil.N. p. , n. d. Web. 13 Dec. 2012. ;http://www. bsharp. org/physics/recoil;. â€Å"Physics: Kinematics in One Dimension. † Physics: Kinematics in One Dimension. N. p. , n. d. Web. 13 Dec. 2012. ;http://www. cliffsnotes. com/study_guide/Kinematics-in-One-Dimension. topicArticleId-10453,articleId-10415. html;. â€Å"Physics of Rifle Recoil :: Physics Recoil Gun Guns. † Physics of Rifle Recoil :: Physics Recoil Gun Guns. N. p. , n. d. Web. 13 Dec. 2012. ;http://www. 123helpme. com/physics-o f-rifle-recoil-view. asp? id=153487;. The Physical Science of a Gun Lirio Garcia Physical Science E. Martin December 13, 2012 Project: What the physics are of shooting a gun Shooting a gun is mostly the science of motion in the scientific world. One thing that most shooters are aware of is what bullet they want to use and where they want to shot at but most do not know how the gun and bullet work together or even separate. Also, there is no set balance of energy for every gun since the efficiency is mostly based on its structure of caliber and barrel length. While doing my research I have gain knowledge on not only how the gun works but the physics of it as well.I will be discussing what I learned as well as the physics and the physics of the bullet as well when shot up in air. Some topics that I did not know that dealt with shooting a gun are friction, force, conservation of momentum (which helps characterize an object's resistance to change in motion), velocity, kinetic energy, transfer of energy, gravity, heat engines, kinematics (analyzes the pos itions and motions of objects as a function of time), sound, and projectile motion which all work together to make the bullet hit the right target. Also, I was not aware that gun recoil has two parts.Which are primary recoil from the escaping bullet and secondary recoil from the escaping gas behind the bullet. According to Samuel Hokin, the first recoil conserves momentum of the gun-bullet system while the second recoil is larger and comes after when the bullet leaves the gun one is using. Momentum’s equation is p (momentum) equals m (mass) times v (velocity). An example of an equation for momentum ( ) is if the bullet has a mass of 25 and the speed of 60 out of the gun then the equation would be p=25 x 60. Once multiplied, the momentum of this would be 1500.When one pulls the trigger, it makes a force which moves the sear (the piece that holds the hammer which contains potential energy) and lets the hammer fire and is accelerated by gravity which is 9. 8 meters per second sq uared and by the puncture of the primer of the bullet that starts to propellant inside. After this the propellant creates an expanding gas which allows its pressure to get the cartridge’s casing bigger which then is force to push the projectile bullet out of the cartridge casting and through the barrel which then gets out of the gun.Shooting any type of gun uses Newton’s Third Law which says that every force has an equal and opposite reaction on different objects since forces always exists in pairs. This force can be found from the equation Force = mass x acceleration. For example if the shooter is shooting a . 50 caliber they should be careful because since the recoil force of that gun is way to big then it can dislocate or seriously injure their shoulder. If one does decided to use this gun then it should be used with a muzzle brake so it could reduce the force of the recoil.This helps by changing the bullet’s projectile motion but the conservation of the mome ntum will always be the same. When doing calculations for this with a mass of 20 mg and an acceleration of 100 m/s 2 Works Cited Binder, Madeline. â€Å"How Physics Affects Rifle Shooting. † Articlesbase. com. Articlesbase. com, n. d. Web. 13 Dec. 2012. ;http://www. articlesbase. com/education-articles/how-physics-affects-rifle-shooting-1623110. html;. Hokin, Samuel. â€Å"The Physics of Everyday Stuff – Gun Recoil. † The Physics of Everyday Stuff – Gun Recoil.N. p. , n. d. Web. 13 Dec. 2012. ;http://www. bsharp. org/physics/recoil;. â€Å"Physics: Kinematics in One Dimension. † Physics: Kinematics in One Dimension. N. p. , n. d. Web. 13 Dec. 2012. ;http://www. cliffsnotes. com/study_guide/Kinematics-in-One-Dimension. topicArticleId-10453,articleId-10415. html;. â€Å"Physics of Rifle Recoil :: Physics Recoil Gun Guns. † Physics of Rifle Recoil :: Physics Recoil Gun Guns. N. p. , n. d. Web. 13 Dec. 2012. ;http://www. 123helpme. com/physics-o f-rifle-recoil-view. asp? id=153487;.

Report- Dimensions of Diversity Essay

Dimension of Diversity Race and/or gender are not the definition of diversity. Diversity is all of us and how we are so different. To better understand diversity it can be broken down into four different dimensions and classifications. These points will help you begin to pick apart the complex topic of diversity. Dimensions 1. Dimension may be hidden/ visible a. Race, gender and possible age or wealth index may be a visible dimension that / would classify people into one group. b. Intelligent, non-religious, and vegetarian are term that would identify a person to one group that would be hidden, until of course the person shared the information. b.i. Example- Sarah is a Caucasian, female in 40’s that is athletically built, truthful and caring. The first 4 descriptive words are physical traits that people can see. The last two characteristics are something that are not seen, but after time spent with Sarah it would be known. 2. Dimensions of diversity are found within groups as well as individuals a. Each person is different, so even when there is a group of like people there are going to be difference within the group. a.i. Example- In a small diversity class of students there are 20 or so students that are all working towards passing the class taught by Madison. All thought the group of people all are working towards the same goal; they are all very different in their approach to passing the class. They are all students, but they are graduating at different times, they have different working styles, communication styles and are different ages. 3. Dimensions of diversity are in a constant state of flux a. Individuals are constantly changing as well as the environment around them a.i. Example- When Danielle B. is at school she sees herself and acts as a student, but when she is at home or with family she sees herself and acts like a mother. 4. Dimensions of diversity are not always clear cut or easily defined a. Diversity is not the same to everyone a.i. Some people believe that diversity is simple race and/ or gender. Diversity is multidimensional and has various classifications from different scholars. Breaking down diversity helps us to become more aware of differences among individuals. Classifications of diversity 1. Personal Characteristic (hidden/visible) a. Appearance, health, educational background, family/marital status, faith, religion and recreation 2. Location Characteristics a. Housing, neighborhood, city, state, country 3. Work Characteristics a. Income, seniority, department, company, work status, field of work, paid/ unpaid employee, location 4. Population Characteristics a. Ability, age, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic orgin How you perceive the listed characteristics also can classify a person because it makes them different from the next person. Diversity is an extremely complex and broad topic that many people just ignore. Gaining an understanding, and indulging in others that are different than you will build awareness in your knowledge box. Diversity Skills Now that there is a better way of wrapping our minds around diversity; skills can be addressed. Diversity skills are really just people skills. They are techniques that we use to better understand and work with people who are different than us. The key phrase to understand is â€Å"different than us†. Communication Communication is one of the most important skills that encompass the way people process and share information. It requires: 1. Active Listening a. Really understanding and hearing what the person is saying and finding interest in their topic. 2. Various ways/ styles to communicate effectively with people a. Aggressive, passive aggressive, and passive b. Communicate differently among groups c. Body language d. Add some humor or light to the context d.3.a.a. â€Å"results suggest that relational factors, such as one’s humor, may be important to the enactment of organizational citizenship behaviors among subordinates† 3. Tools of communications a. Emails, phones, text, visual aids, letters, blogs, social media network sites, virtual network sites People are all different. Take the time to listen to them and understand what they are trying to convey and then respond in a way that they will understand. Body language, electronic tools, and spoken language are all modes of communication that can be used to communicate more effectively. An amazing leader knows that communication is a skill that is built upon and continually developing. Conflict Management Conflict is defined as â€Å"one party perceives it’s interest are being opposed or set back by another party† (Kreitner and Kinicki). Conflict can be classified as functional or dysfunctional. 1. Functional a. More of a positive conflict that applies to â€Å"constructive or cooperative† conflict. (Kreitner and Kinicki) 2. Dysfunctional a. â€Å"Threaten the organizational interest† (Kreitner and Kinicki) â€Å"Dealing effectively with conflict requires fundamental skills in interpersonal relationships.†(Diversity Counciouceness, 169) According to an executive assistant that has had years of experience in social management dealing with conflict. She and her colleague believe there are nine skills that help manage conflict (Hagman and Stroope). 1. problem solving a. being able to work through a problem 2. asking for help a. If you don’t know how to do something, ask for help so that a bigger problem is prevented. 3. engaging people to talk and work together a. Get everyone input and work together 4. communicating with sources of opposition in order to reach a compromise a. Talk to the person that does not agree, and compromise. 5. practicing avoidance techniques a. Spotting signals of frustration and letting the person calm down before you try to diffuse the situation 6. letting chance decide the outcome in moments of disagreement a. Let time solve the issue 7. accepting responsibility a. Take responsibility of your actions in the issue 8. apologizing when appropriate a. Remember to say you’re sorry when appropriate 9. using humor to alleviate awkward situations. a. Never hurts to add light to a dark situation Although many people will try to avoid conflict, it still does occur because people are different. Conflict is not always necessarily negative either. It can be functional or dysfunctional. Conflict will be a constant challenge in the workplace and there are steps to take to resolve the issue. A strong leader will not let conflict destroy the ultimate goal, but will find ways to turn the conflict into a positive outcome. Empathy â€Å"Empathy is the capacity to recognize or understand another’s state of mind or emotion. It is often characterized as the ability to â€Å"put oneself into another’s shoes†, or to in some way experience the outlook or emotions of another being within oneself† There are so many fascinating explanations of empathy on the internet. What it really comes down to is putting â€Å"yourself in another their shoes† and viewing the world in the way that they would. Six habits according to, Dr. Roman Krznaric, that some empathetic people have are: 1. Curiosity about different people a. â€Å"Curiosity expands our empathy when we talk to people outside our usual social circle, encountering lives and worldviews very different from our own.† 2. Challenging prejudices and seeing the commonalities a. We all of prejudices but if we could see beyond the them, there would be some common interest or characteristics that we shared with the other person. 3. Try another person’s life a. Experiment in different lifestyles, social groups, ethnic groups, activities, etcetera. 4. Listen hard and open up a. Falls under diversity skill of communication 5. Inspire mass action and social change a. Begin with our youngest population and educate and influence them to be empathetic 6. Develop an ambitious imagination a. Don’t just empathize with those that you believe are suffering. Empathize with all whose thoughts are different. These habits will help one to attain strong diversity skills and interpersonal skills for life. A stand-out leader will want to develop their sense of empathy to better understand desires of their team members. Self-Evaluation Self-evaluation is being able to look back at how you handled a situation and assess and improve yourself. Steps to self-evaluation are: 1. Think about the situation you were just in or the task that you just completed 2. Ask yourself questions a. How did I handle it? b. How were my emotions? c. Was I comfortable? d. What could I do better? e. How did I handle the conflict? 3. Assess yourself and compare the improvement or lack of improvement 4. Know your short-comings and strengths and build on them 5. Learn from mistake and always improve yourself Self-evaluation is self awareness of one’s self. A mindful leader will know their strengths and weakness and be eager to improve. Leadership â€Å"Leadership refers to the ability to influence group members and enable them to work together and achieve their goals† (Diversity Consciousness, 170) There are some traits that make a great leader. The most important are in no specific order: Honesty Communication Positive Attitude Creativity Intuition, gut feeling Ability to Inspire Ability to delegate the job to the right person Ability to make a group a team Creativity Confident Leadership can involve many other traits or qualities but what it really comes down to is inspiring individuals. There are many different styles or approaches of leaderships that can be use to motivate people. A great leader will have strong people skills and exude confidence. Bibliography Hagemann, Bonnie, Stroope, Saundra. â€Å"CONFLICT MANAGMENT.† T+D 66, no. 7 (July 2012): 58. MasterFILE Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed July 20, 2013). Kreitner, Rober and Kinicki Angelo. Organizational Behavior 10th Edition. McGraw Hill, 2012. Textbook. Krznaric, Roman. â€Å"Six Habits of Highly Empathic People.† 27 November 2012. Greater Good the Science of a Meaningful Life. 20 July 2013. Martin, Diane M. and Craig O Rich and Barbra Mae Gayle. â€Å"Humor Works: Communication Styles and Humor Functions in Manager/Subordinate Relationships.† Southern Commnicationm Journal 69 (n.d.): 206-222. Reference.com. 20 July 2013.

British - American Relations in the 1840s essays

British - American Relations in the 1840's essays Assess British-American relations during the 1840s The 1840s were a period of American expansion and diplomacy. Throughout these years, tensions grew in Anglo-American relations. By this time, The United States had extended its power and territories in the world, and the British Empire had problems in government. Throughout the 1840s, the two countries disputed over many things, new problems as well as old disagreements. However, the resolution of these disagreements is the great achievement of this period. The issues included the resolution of commercial relations between the United States and Britain, the settlement of the Maine boundary dispute, the Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842, and the agreement concerning the Oregon territory. By the 1840s, commerce between America and Great Britain had improved from prior decades. But, some disputes still ensued between merchants of the two nations. One major argument was that of the Creole Affair. In the early 1840s, the British were interested in fighting the slave trade. They were against the importation of African slaves into the Americas. In 1841, on the American ship Creole, 135 enslaved Africans overpowered the crew, murdering one man, while sailing from Virginia to New Orleans. Led by Madison Washington, the slaves sailed the vessel to Nassau, Bahamas, where the British declared most of them free. Americans argued that the property of U.S. slave owners should be protected in foreign ports. Slave owners were outraged at the British who responded by arguing that once the ship was outside of U.S. territorial waters; the African Americans were entitled to their liberty. The House of Representatives then also stated that any attempt to re-enslave them would be unconstitutional. Another turning point in U.S. relations with Great Britain came with the signing on August 9, 1842, of the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, which settled several matter...

Kickstart Your Team’s Project Workflows With 9 Features In CoSchedule

Kickstart Your Team’s Project Workflows With 9 Features In In a perfect world†¦ You and your team move from idea → publish seamlessly. But reality looks more like Managing dozens of spreadsheets. Filled with passwords, usernames, content plans, to-dos, and reports. Daily status meetings to keep everyone in the loopon the newest versions, attachments, etc And picking up the pieces whenmessages get missed, docs become irrelevant, and content goes LIVE before final approval. 😠± Let’s fix this ^^, shall we? Kickstart your team’s project workflows with 9 nifty collaboration features from !   So, you can: Keep everyone on the same page with clear directives. Never wonder â€Å"who’s doing what† or â€Å"where you are† in a project. With , the entire workflow is in one place comments, tasks, content everything! Create the perfect template for your project workflow. Move projects forward with task specific templates. Recycle task templates for future projects and iterates on them as you continue to improve the process! Get approval FASTER! Eliminate the need for constant email reminders, in-person pleading, and messenger notifications! With ’s task approvals (built directly into your team’s workflow) the right folks get notified at the right time when a task is ready for review. Keeping your team’s project on track, transparent, and movin’ forward. Collaborate with the right people at the right time. @Mention specific team members and add contributors on marketing projects. Giving your team the power to collaborate and communicate more effectively without involving (or bugging) others. Never miss (another) crucial detail! Quit worrying that you’ll miss something that needs your attention. The FOMO ends now. Set up your notification settings to stay connected to your projects. And never miss important feedback, an urgent to-do or pending question again. PLUS  get a *sneak peek* into one wicked smart  feature coming in the next few months. Are you ready to get your team more organized than ever? Now’s the time.

Frankford Avenue Bridge (Pennsylvania) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Frankford Avenue Bridge (Pennsylvania) - Essay Example Frankford Avenue Bridge was constructed in Poquessing Creek of Bristol Pike-Frankford Avenue, Route 13 between Cornwells Heights of Bucks County in the state of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia city in Philadelphia County (Beckman 200). The bridge was constructed in 1904 by JohnMcMenamy, Webster and Henry H as chief and assistant engineer respectively. The Bridge is current owned by Transportation Department of Pennsylvania. The bridge provides an early example of concrete bridges that were supported by steel with closed-spandrel arch that was single spanned. The exterior parts of the bridge resemble stonework with scored spandrel walls that demarcate voussoirs surrounding the arch ring. The parapet of the bridge is decorated by urn-shaped balusters that was common in the early 20th century Introduction There was a rapid evolution of bridge engineering in America during 19th century. During this period, patents were mostly given to contractors who had new designs with new construction m odes. By the year 1900, wooden timber was no longer used to construct bridges across rivers and streams. Wood was replaced by iron and steel as the latter constructed strong massive bridges that supported heavy locomotives. Wood was also sidelined because it could easily burn and be washed away when the river overflows. Steel bridges became more common in the late 19th century and they gave birth to a new era of designing and constructing bridges. Many Americans did not accept this new bridge design because of their industrial outlook. Steel bridges had no or minimal ornamentation and were vulnerable to rust. By late 19th century, France invented concrete, a new material that was accepted by many American engineers because of its comprehensive strength. In addition, concrete could be combined with steel to make bridges that were strong and fireproof (Beckman 215). By the year 1900, there were a small number of concrete-steel constructions of bridges in Midwestern US. Many eastern pa rts of the country had not explored the new technology but useful bridge making ideas and technology, begun in eastern US in late 19th century (Condit 39). In 1904, Philadelphia city and Bucks county begun the construction of a barrel arch bridge (7T-0") using steel and concrete. It had ornamented balustrade that was urn-shaped with a facade that resembled masonry. The bridge signified an important moment in bridge engineering history (Bromley 17). The construction of Frankford Avenue Bridge begun in 1895 and continued up to 1910.Steel-concrete bridges at this time were characterized by spandrel arches that were closed that later declined after 1910. Spandrel arches were meant to ensure that performs the intended function while at the same time reducing the amount of concrete used (Condit 42). Concrete and Steel Frankford Avenue Bridge was the first bridge in southeast US that utilized concrete and steel and was constructed along Pine Road over Penny pack Greek in Philadelphia (1983 -94).It was a two-span bridge with arches of 25’-5†. It also had a wire mesh which acted as a binding element. Bridge’s exterior resembled masonry. The most popular concrete reinforcing system in USA in the year 1904 was the system patented by Joseph Melan. It was used in construction concrete arch bridge in America. It included curved soffit steel I-beams which later developed other variations that included

Global Inequality and Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Global Inequality and Development - Essay Example Different schools of thought emerged since time immemorial to explain the various perspectives and viewpoints that help us in the in-depth analysis of the occurrence of such diversities. The works of various prominent scholars continue to influence the various stand points that individuals might take to help in understanding disturbing issues why other nations are much more developed than others, many of the nations particularly developing nations continue to lag behind in terms of development and are faced with abject poverty that limits their capacity to achieve full development (Giddens, 1978, 65, 119). These perceptions also try to explain the relationship that exists between underdeveloped nations and these nations that have taken an enormous leap in terms of social, political and economic advancements and the instruments that they employ to maintain this status quo and inhibit other nations from achieving this aspired level of social, political and economic stability. ... Various theoretical perceptions emerged to help explain the nagging question of poverty and its relationship to development. However, these theories tended to different issues and were nearly the same in the theoretical traditions that strengthened this association. The most common classical theories include theories put forward by Karl Marx, Marx Weber and David Durheim. Even if they have similar family tree, these theories clashed for dominance. Every scholar preferred his theory as the best for social theory analysis. Marx Weber advanced his conjecture of weberianism, which led to the arrangement of the society into social stratifications. He studied this division using three dimensions namely economic class, social status and political power. The economic class was associated with the goods and services and amount of income that an individual owned, the social status was associated with the amount of respect that an individual enjoyed while the political power represented the amo unt of influence that an individual exercised. The dimensions of social stratification were interrelated with political power being the determinant of the economic class and social status that an individual enjoyed. His theory recognized the legal order and emphasized it never guaranteed the three dimensions of stratification but only acted as a means to realize massive powers necessary to ensure economic and social success (Giddens, 1978, 119). The economy was viewed as a peaceful means of exercising power of control to ease the acquisition of goods and services. This would later lead to the rise of state monopolies that were precursors of capitalism. This atmosphere created room for unfair competition between holders and non holders of power in the scramble to

The College of Business at VIP University Case Study

The College of Business at VIP University - Case Study Example The first being ranked position one, and the least performing being ranked 30. In the alternative rank order, the serial alternates between the best and the worst. On the hand, paired comparison identifies each student as a group and compares her/him with every member of the class independently based on a specified criterion. Forced distribution entails the distribution of students’ performance into three categories that are excellent, poor, and bad. The paired comparison comparative analysis is highly suited to examine the performance of the 30 students. The implementation of the method would first entail listing of the 30 students on a sheet of paper. Thereafter, the first student on the list would be compared with the second student on the list. Student with the better performance rating would be checked. Subsequently, the first student would be compared against all other 29 students, and the process repeated for all students. The student emerging with most checks would be the best performing in the class. The performance information of each student could be obtained from the students themselves, his or her peers, academic results, and personal evaluation by professor. In accordance with Lunenburg and Ornstein (2012) arguments, the paired comparisons are highly suited method of comparative performance measurement since it enables the comparison of each and every student’s performance based on specified qualities. The r esults from the analysis could further aid in the provision of individual student guidance in relation to the obtained

Potential of CARs to Supplement Indias Energy Imports

Potential of CARs to Supplement Indias Energy Imports CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION Indian economy has grown at a rapid pace in the last five years and so has the demand for energy of a billion people. India imports 70% of its domestic crude oil requirements. The bulk of Indias oil imports come from West Asia. The supply routes pass through the choke point of Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption in these will severely impact our national interest. Hence there is a need to diversify our supply sources in order to reduce our dependence on Gulf oil. Central Asian Region being rich in energy resources and located in our extended neighbourhood offer a tempting prospect. The CARs situated on the eastern flank of the Caspian Sea have significant oil and natural gas reserves to be considered as a possible source of diversification for countries heavily dependent on energy imports from West Asia and elsewhere . While estimates of reserves vary widely across different sources, there is a consensus that the region has much potential. Energy is the engine of economic growth. Availability of energy is the key to sustainable development, and has a direct impact in most aspects of our daily life. Inadequacy of energy supply affects very adversely vital and essential requirements of any society. Hence, there is an urgent need to enhance substantially the energy availability at a rapid pace so that aspirations of those who have remained at the fringes of development are able to benefit from access to this important input. The Central Asian Republics comprising of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan encompass the vast geo- political space north of India. When part of the USSR, the region had stability and was thus of little interest to the international world order. Relations with India were determined with the framework of Indo-USSR relations as existed between New Delhi and Moscow. The post USSR environment has changed all this, requiring New Delhi to re- establish relations with the five newly independent nation- states on the basis of new realities. It is remarkable that while energy resources are getting increasingly scarce in the rest of the world, new oil fields are being discovered with great regularity in Central Asia. Some experts maintain that Central Asian resources may be difficult to reach because of it is the largest land mass in the world, which is land locked. This is both a challenge and an opportunity, because in todays technology driven world, it is not always necessary to transport material. This is the logic of investment abroad and organising production facilities there. India has long-standing historical ties with Central Asia that encompasses the political, cultural, economic and religious dimensions. The impact of regional developments in Central Asia on Indias history has been longstanding and substantial. According to Mr. Yashwant Sinha, Former Minister of External Affairs, Government of India, Indias increasing engagement with Central Asia is aimed at promoting peace and mutual prosperity. Central Asia can once again be a bridge between the East and West, if its neighbourhood is peaceful and stable, and if the only interference from outside is one of beneficial economic inputs. The bridge can contribute to peace and prosperity and energy security in the wider world too. METHODOLOGY Statement of the Problem To examine the potential of CARs to supplement Indias Energy Imports the possible routes through which Energy could flow to the South Asian Markets. Hypothesis Central Asian Republics as a region has been endowed with abundant energy resources. Their significance is due to their Geo-strategic loc as well as its rich energy deposits. The Geo- political developments in the region would perforce have an impact on India. Peace stability in Central Asia is an imperative to harness the abundant energy resources. The Central Asian region represents a tempting prospect for diversification of supply sources to India, being located in its extended neighbourhood. Justification of the Study Indian economy has changed gears after the historic decision of liberalisation in 1991. Globalisation coupled with liberalisation ha s brought about a sea change in our lives .India has made rapid strides in industrialisation , IT industry , Telecom , Education, service industry and infrastructure development. Our energy consumption has far outpaced our domestic production. Most of our crude imports come from Gulf countries. The supply routes are prone to disruption and can severely impact our national interest. Although we have started acquiring energy stakes in Africa we need to diversify our energy sources. While India is surrounded by energy rich neighbourhood-Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar access to supply energy from these remain elusive. Political compulsions and indifferent relations are an impediment to energy imports through Bangladesh and Pakistan. In Myanmar ONGC has acquired exploration acreages. However any gas finds could make transportation a challenge unless Bangladesh allows transit through its territory. In view of the above, energy imports from CARs in Indias extended neighbourhood needs to be critically examined in order to optimise the full potential of Indo-CAR energy cooperation. Scope This study seeks to focus on the potential of INDO- CAR energy cooperation and identify the possible routes of energy flow from CAR to India. Methods of Data Collection The means of data collection has been number of books and papers by various prominent Indian and foreign authors, newspapers and many other wide ranging array of sources. Various internet sites have also been browsed for data collection .Books and websites consulted are listed in the bibliography. Organisation of the Dissertation It is proposed to study the subject in the following manner:- Chapter I: Introduction. Chapter II: Emergence of CAR as Nation States and their Geo -Strategic significance. Chapter III: Indias Energy Sources. Chapter IV: Energy Potential of CAR. Chapter V: Interest of Global and Regional Players in Central Asia. Chapter VI: Challenges and Threats to Security of Central Asian Region. Chapter VII: India Central Asia Energy Cooperation. Chapter VIII: Indias Strategy. Chapter IX: Conclusion. CHAPTER II EMERGENCE OF CAR AS NATION STATES AND THEIR GEOSTRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE Emergence of CAR as Nation States Disintegration of former USSR was a momentous occasion unprecedented in scale and unanticipated by any power of the world, which ended the cold war and saw the emergence of a unipolar world. The emergence of newly independent states in Central Asia has changed the balance of power in this region. Due to its geographical proximity to Russia, China, West Asia and South Asia, this region emerged as a distinct geopolitical entity. Central Asian Republics at the dawn of independence were confronted with the numerous problems of state and nation building in a difficult milieu wherein various power centres competed for political power in a declining economy due to sudden severance of strong economic ties with Russia and consequent stoppages of Union subsidies. Rural unemployment and environmental degradation further contributed to aggravation of inter- ethnic relations. [1] Central Asian leaders have proved wrong the Western apprehensions of balkanisation of the region. The Central Asian Republics have preserved intact their national independence and sovereignty and carved out a dignified place for themselves in the comity of nations. They have taken several positive diplomatic and political initiatives at the U.N. and other international fora. Their religious beliefs have not come in the way of developing mutually beneficial relations with Israel. The Central Asian Republics have cordial relations with China and India. They are members of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Commonwealth of Independent States Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) with the exception of Uzbekistan, which have contributed greatly to regional security environment. All of them except Turkmenistan are also members of Central Asian Cooperation Organisation (CACO). Their success in resolving the bloody internal conflict in Tajikistan by peacefully integrati ng the Islamic opposition into the mainstream politics of the republic is no mean feat. They have also evolved a strong joint response together with Russia and China to the threat of cross border terrorism and drugs and arms peddling.[2] Central Asia, a landlocked region in the heart of Asia, is unique because it was the counterpoint of British and Russian empires in 19th century and still has the same importance now, but among the other players. Two decades after independence, Central Asia is not a stable region and some political crisis is still unsolved here. This situation is created by some players which include trans-regional and regional players looking after their own interests. The interaction and countering of the players in the region have resulted in the present situation that created an undeveloped region, while potentially it is significant due its geopolitical, geo-strategic and economic point of view.[3] Geostrategic Significance of Central Asian Republics Central Asian Republics cover an area of 3,994,400 square kilometres. From the eastern shore of the Caspian sea , Central Asia extends eastwards to the Altai mountains along the Chinese border and from the southern border of the Russian Federation southwards upto the Tien Shan mountains and Afghanistan. (Map.1) Geographers have divided the region into four zones starting with the steppe zone of northern Kazakhstan and the Virgin lands (Tselana) ; semi deserts covering the rest of Kazakhstan; the desert zone upto the southern oases; and the southern mountains bordering all the republics which include the Kopet Dag, the Pamirs and the Tien Shan. [4] From Kushka, the southernmost point of Central Asia, there is a narrow road to Afghanistan. Transit and transportation of goods and passengers between region and Afghanistan can be exchanged via this road. Marine routes of Caspian Sea facilitate the relations between Central Asian Republics with Caucasus, Iran and Russia and by Volga-Don waterway canal they can connect with free waters and many countries. In the north, vast Kazakh plain and lowlands and low-height mountains connect Central Asia via railroad and road network with Russia. This territory located between two great Asian power (China) and Asian-European (Russia) and regional players such as Iran, Pakistan, and India influenced and affected it and play their roles. To enter this land-locked territory one should pass the territory of neighbouring countries. From southwards one should pass Iran or Afghanistan. In the current situation, to cross through mountainous Afghanistan is not viable.[5] One of the reasons for American presence in Afghanistan in east and Iraq in west of Iran is to surround Iran and Russia and to have access to Central Asia. Central Asia in north is bordered with Russia. Hence, to enter the heart of Russia is possible only via Central Asia and this is why Russia is against the presence of any foreign and trans-regional power in the region. Access to this territory from eastward is available by passing Chinas western part (XinJiang Uighur Region). China will never allow any trans-regional power to enter in its critical, geopolitically very important western region and from there to Central Asian territory at all. The only passage to enter Central Asia by foreign powers is Caucasus in the west of region which will be available via Caspian Sea. This is why Caucasus region has got a gateway situation and the Caspian Sea itself changed to the gate of Central Asia. Georgia in the west of Caucasus is located in the mouth of Caucasian natural corridor and is a gateway to enter Caucasus. During Cold War era, it was strongly defended by Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact powers. After the collapse of Soviet Union, Russia attempted hard to preserve it, but after one decade, the western powers by execution of Rose Revolution headed by Mikhail Saakashvili in2003 changed this position and allowed west to enter Caucasus. The formation of Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the territory of Central Asia and neighbouring countries is the outcome of this geo-strategic challenge between East and West. This seems to be counterweight against Americas hegemonic movements.[6] There are two movements in Central Asia and beyond. One is led by the West in west-east direction from Black Sea towards Central Asia through Caucasus, Caspian Sea and the other from North to South led by Russia in the vertical direction which cuts the west-east axis. The counter point of these two is Caspian Sea. This is why the Caspian Sea has vital importance for both sides.[7] Russia within security and economic regional organizations has attempted to remove the American influence in the region and already has its effective means that America doesnt have. There are some initiatives in the region which plays basic roles on security and geo-strategic environment of Central Asia. In fact, the future of Central Asia depends on the outcome of the New Great Game between America and Russia. Economic, geopolitics and geo-strategy of the Central Asia are very complicated.[8] CHAPTER III INDIAS ENERGY SOURCES With 16 percent of the worlds population and an emerging economy, India has become a significant consumer of energy resources. The majority of India energy needs are coal dependent . The shortage in supply of energy is met by energy imports from other countries. India is the worlds eleventh-largest energy producer, with 2.4 percent of energy production, and the worlds sixth-largest consumer, with 3.5 percent of global energy consumption. Domestic coal reserves account for 70 percent of Indias energy needs. The remaining 30 percent is met by oil, with more than 65 percent of that oil being imported. Demand for energy is expected to double by 2025; by then, 90 percent of Indias petroleum will be imported.[9] Energy Sources Coal. Coal accounts for more than half of Indias total energy consumption followed by oil, which comprises 31% of total energy consumption. Natural gas and hydroelectric power accounts for 8 and 6 % of consumption respectively.[10] (Refer Figure.1) Nuclear power comprises a very small percentage of total energy consumption at present. Domestic supplies satisfy most of Indias coal demand. According to the 2008 BP Statistical Energy Survey, India had 2007 coal consumption of 208 million tonnes oil equivalent. Unfortunately most of Indias coal is characterised by high ash content, but the quality has other useful qualities such as low sulphur content (generally 0.5%), low iron content in ash, low refractory nature of ash, low chlorine content and low trace element concentration.[11] With 7 percent of the worlds coal India has the fourth largest coal reserves. The Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF) estimates that at the current level of consumption and production, Indias coal r eserves will last for more than 200 years.[12] Oil. According to Oil and Gas Journal (OGJ), India had 5.6 billion barrels of proven oil reserves as of January 2009, the second largest amount in the Asia- Pacific region after China. India produced roughly 880 thousand billion barrels per day (bbl/d) in 2008.In 2007 India consumed approximately 2.8million bbl/d making it the fifth largest consumer of oil in the world.[13] (Refer Figure .2) Indias largest crude oil import partner is Saudi Arabia, followed by Iran. Nearly three-fourths of Indias crude oil imports come from Middle East.[14] (Figure 3). Natural Gas. According to Oil and Gas Journal (OGJ), India had 38 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven natural Gas reserves as of Jan 2009. The EIA estimates that India produced 1.1 Tcf of natural gas in 2007, up only slightly from 2006 production levels. Although Indias natural gas production has consistently increased, demand has outstripped supply making the country a net importer of natural gas since 2004.[15] (Refer Figure .4) India imports natural gas via Liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG has not figured prominently in the energy mix, but is slowly increasing. Experts estimate that by 2012 Indias LNG imports will be on par with Japans current LNG imports of 60 million tonnes per annum. Although the Gas Authority of India Ltd. (GAIL) has already begun work on a National Gas Grid, there is considerable technological progress that has to be made in terms of extraction, transportation and delivery of LNG. It is estimated that once the grid is fully functional, LNG could offset a sign ificant portion of Indias energy demand.[16] Fuel-wise energy production iis given in Figure.5. New Exploration Licensing Policy and New Discoveries. Exploration blocks were put on offer under the New Exploration-Licensing-Policy(NELP) in1999 in order to try and attract private investment. India has offered 110 oil and gas blocks and 16 coal-bed-methane blocks for exploration in an attempt to raise domestic energy production and reduce import dependence.[17] Under NELP, 71 oil and gas discoveries have been made in 21 exploration blocks.[18] Hydrocarbon accretion has been more than 600 million tonnes of oil equivalent.[19] Cairn Energy has made 25 discoveries in Rajasthan and currently has six fields under development. Initial attention is being concentrated on Mangala, Bhagyam and Aishwariya (MBA). Production from Mangala is scheduled to begin in third quarter 2009. Output from the MBA fields is estimated to peak at 175,000 barrels per day, which would represent at least 20% of Indias total oil production[20]. Nuclear Power. India has a largely indigenous nuclear power programme and expects to have 20,000 megawatt electricity (MWe) nuclear capacity on line by 2020 and 63,000 MWe by 2032. It aims to supply 25% of electricity from nuclear power by 2050. Due to Indias Nuclear isolation post 1974,for 34years India was largely excluded from trade in nuclear plant or materials, which has hampered its development of civil nuclear energy until the signing of Indo US Nuclear Deal in 2008. Due to these trade bans and lack of indigenous uranium, India has uniquely been developing a nuclear cycle to exploit its reserves of thorium. [21]. Nuclear PowerGeneration Capacity. Indias present 2,720 MWe nuclear power plants include 14 reactors at 6 sites(Tarapur,Rawatbhatta, Kalapakkam,Narora,Kakrapar and Kaiga); ongoing 3,960 MWe nuclear power plants include 8 reactors at 4 sites (Tarapur,Kaiga, Rawatbhata and Kudankulam); and future nuclear plant include one Adwanced Heavy Water Reactor (AWHR) having a rating of 300MWe and a mix of 500MWe Fast Breeder Reactors,680 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors and 1000 MWe LWRs so as to reach a total of 20,000 MWe by 2020.[22] Hydro Electricity. India has a large hydro-potential estimated at 84000 megawatt (MW) at 60% load factor. Less than one fourth of that has been tapped. Large hydro projects are also being stiffly opposed by environmentalist all over the country.[23] Indias Energy Policy. The Indias energy policy states that the energy needs to be utilized not just from the conventional energy resources but also from other non-conventional sources like wind, water, geothermal, biomass etc. The India energy policy act emphasizes the need to develop newer energy sources that are more efficient and non-perishable. Since the energy sources levels are dropping with each passing day the energy of light (energy of a photon), energy of motion from the flowing water and geothermal energy and energy of an electron in chemical energy and other forms is the new energy units tapping solutions.[24] CHAPTER IV ENERGY POTENTIAL OF CAR The CAR is abundantly endowed with energy resources (Refer Table.1) The hydrocarbon reserves are unevenly distributed among the five CARs (Refer Fig.6) and includes a number of petroleum basins that are different in their geological development, reservoir and hydrocarbon types and quantity of resources. Various sources have reported that the postulated oil resources of the region are comparable with those of Saudi Arabia and that the potential gas resources are equal to Irans. Central Asia has been described as one of the worlds most strategic zones , between Russia , China and a troubled Middle East- a region coveted both by its larger neighbours and major world powers .[25] Energy Potential Kazakhstan. It is the second largest producer of petroleum in CIS after Russia. The Kashagan deposit on Caspian seabed was discovered recently and is estimated to contain 13 billion barrels of oil. US and China have already signed deals to exploit the same. The most significant deposits of gas are at Karachaganak (black hole) in northwest Kazakhstan. It is estimated that production of gas will touch 36.1 billion cubic metres (bcm) by 2010. [27] Kazakhstans Gas Potential Kazakhstans Proven Reserves. BP estimates of 2008 place Kazakhstans proven reserves at 1.90 trillion cubic metres (tcm) (1.1% of global share). There are two other gas producing nations in the former Soviet Union that surpass Kazakhstan in terms of proven gas reserves: Russia with its 44.65 tcm (25.5% of global share) and Turkmenistan with 2.67tcm (1.5% of global share).[28] While published figures vary widely, rising as high as 3 380 bcm in the 2007 reserves report from the BGR, it may be of some significance that Oil Gas Journals latest tabulation of world gas reserves (December 2008) shows a decrease in Kazakhstan from 2 832 bcm at 1 January 2008 to 2 407 bcm at 1 January 2009.[29] Production Growth. Over the past decade, Kazakhstans gas sector has achieved considerable production growth, from 4.34 bcm in 1994 to 29.63 bcm in 2007 (see Figure 7). Production in January-July 2008was 19.74 bcm, up 13% year-on-year, and full-year production could potentially exceed the energy ministrys estimate of 33.7 bcm . (Refer Figure 7)[30] Kazakhstans Oil Potential Proven Hydrocarbon Reserves .Kazakhstans combined onshore and offshore proven hydrocarbon reserves have been estimated between 9 and 40 billion barrels.[31] Oil Production and Consumption. Kazakhstan produced approximately 1.45 million barrels per day (bbl/d) of oil in 2007 and consumed 250,000 bbl/d, resulting in petroleum net exports of around 1.2 million bbl/d. (Refer Figure.8) Major Oil fields. Energy Information Authority expects oil production in Kazakhstan to average 1.54 and 1.71 million bbl/d in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Major producers include Karachaganak (250,000 bbl/d), Tengiz (280,000 bbl/d), CNPC-Aktobemunaigas (120,000 bbl/d), Uzenmunaigas (135,000 bbl/d), Mangistaumunaigas (115,000 bbl/d), and Kumkol (70,000 bbl/d). These producers account for 1million bbl/d (or around 70 percent) of liquids production in the country. Other production is centered in smaller fields.[32] Nuclear Fuel Potential Uranium. Kazakhstan has been an important source of uranium for more than fifty years. Over 2001-2008 production rose from 2000 to 8521 tonnes U per year, and further mine development is under way with a view to increase annual production upto18,000 tU/yr by 2010 and 30,000 tU by 2018. Production in 2009 is expected to be about 14,000 tU. Kazatompromis the national atomic company set up in 1997 and owned by the government. It controls all uranium exploration and mining as well as other nuclear-related activities, including imports and exports of nuclear materials. It announced in 2008 that it aims to supply 30% of the world uranium by 2015, and through joint ventures: 12% of uranium conversion market, 6% of enrichment, and 30% of the fuel fabrication market by then.[33] Energy Potential of Uzbekistan Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan is unique among the CARs as being the only republic that shares a border with the other four Kazakhstan to the north and west, Tajikstan and Kyrigzstan to the east and Turkmenistan to the south. . Uzbekistan currently produces 60 bcm of natural gas annually, an amount nearly equal to Turkmenistans production. Uzbekistans reserves are primarily concentrated in Qashqadaryo province and near Bukhara in the countrys south-central region. During the 1970s Uzbekistans largest natural gas deposit at Boyangora-Gadzhak was discovered in Surkhandaryia province north of the Afghan border.[34] Uzbekistan also has small coal reserves, located mainly near Angren, east of Tashkent. In 1990 the total coal yield was 6 million tons. Oil production has likewise been small; Uzbekistan has relied on Russia and Kazakstan for most of its supply.[35]According to Eshref F Trushin of the Institute of Macro Economics and Social Research (Uzbekistan), the Republic is fifth in the world in uranium production. It also produced 60 tonnes of Gold in 1996. However Capisani reports the 1996 production at between 80 to 110 tonnes. Gold deposits are found in the Fergana Valley at Altynkan and Kochbulak, in Uchkuduk(Zeravshan) and at Murantau. In February 1992, a protocol was signed with the Canadian firm , Newmont Gold for the development of Murantau deposit. Copper is extracted in the Almalyk region, as also iron minerals, zinc, lead , tungsten, molybdenum and uranium.[36] Energy Potential of Turkmenistan Turkmenistans Oil Potential. Turkmenistan produces around 200,000 barrels per day of crude and is the biggest gas producer in the former Soviet Union after Russia with exports of around 50 billion cubic metres of gas a year, mainly to Russia and Ukraine. The country says its gas reserves are currently heavily underestimated and it can easily double and even triple production to supply gas to Europe and Asia.[37] According to U.S Energy Information Administration total oil production in the country in 2008 was 189.40 barrels per day. The crude oil production reached 170.26 barrels per day whereas the consumption of petroleum products and direct consumption of crude oil was 103 thousand barrels per day. The refining capacity is 237 million barrels per day and the Turkmenistan ranks world no 57 in its refining capacity. The proven reserves are 600 million barrels (Refer Table 2). Turkmenistans Gas Reserves. The production of natural gas in 2007 was 2,432 billion Cubic Feet as compared to domestic consumption of 688 Billion Cubic Feet. The country exported 1,745 Billion Cubic Feet Natural Gas in 2007. The Net proven reserves amount to huge 100,000 Billion Cubic Feet.[38] Energy Potential of Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan currently does not have enough energy to provide reliable light and heat to its residents and factories. Although the country relies heavily on domestic sources of hydropower for much of its electricity, recent droughts and mismanagement drastically cut these supplies. Kyrgyzstan is increasingly seeking to identify and bring on line new sources of energy. The country currently imports most of the natural gas, petroleum products and coal that it consumes. At the same time, beyond hydro power, Kyrgyzstan has essentially no alternative energy production. Kyrgyzstan faces a variety of challenges in developing its energy sector. In the foreign policy sphere, Kyrgyzstan confronts problems that are a consequence of the extremely complex and volatile political landscape in Central Asia. Domestically, issues of economic crisis, organizational dysfunction, poorly written laws, and corruption hinder reform.[39] Energy Potential of Tajikistan Tajikistans Proven Oil Reserves. Tajikistan has proven reserves of 12 million barrels of oil (Refer Table.2), most of which are located in the northern part of the country in the Leninobod Soghd Region. The national oil company is Tajikneftegaz, which handles oil exploration, drilling, and production. In 2001, Tajik oil production was only 350 barrels per day (b/d). There has been a long period of production decline since Tajikistan produced 1,311 b/d in 1992. This decrease has been attributed to the 1992-1997 civil war, economic troubles, and lack of investment in the oil infrastructure. Tajikistan consumes 29,000 b/d of oil products, almost all of which are imported. The main source is Uzbekistan, which provides 70% of Tajikistans oil product imports. [40] Tajikistan Gas Reserves. Tajikistan has 200 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas reserves, comprised of several fields. In 2000, Tajikistan began operations in the Khoja Sartez field in the southern Khatlon Region, and has also increased its activity in the Qizil Tumshuq deposit in the Kolkhozobod District of the southern Khatlon Region. Tajikistan has also tried to increase its own gas production, in 2000, by exploratory drilling in the Khatlon region. Apparently, some of the drilling has been successful enough to interest China in future drilling activities. The total natural gas production for Tajikistan in 2000 was 1.4 Bcf. With its small domestic production, Tajikistan must rely on imports for 95% of the natural gas it consumes. [41] Viability of CARs to Serve as an Alternative to West Asia If the CARs are to provide a viable source of supply diversification for energy importers, they must have an environment that sets them apart from the Gulf countries that currently supply bulk of the oil. The oil importers sense of vulnerability stems from the fear of emergence of militant Islam in West Asia.[42] Factors Affecting Viability. In this context, the CARs ability to provide a viable alternate to West Asia is subject to a variety of factors as under:-[43] Proven Reserves. The known and proven reserves of West Asian oil account for 66%of global deposits whereas the proven and possible reserves of the entire Former Soviet Union (FSU) region are no more than 5.5%, of which Central Asia s share is even less. When it comes of natural gas the FSU region of which Russia constitutes the chunk , accounts for 39%of global reserves but Central Asian share is only around 6%. Only about 3%of the global energy trade is accounted for by the Caspian region and the share of CARs is even less. Thus the CARs can only supplement, not supplant West Asian suppliers, whether it is oil or gas. Drilling Costs. Drilling oil in CARs costs three to six times as much as it does in West Asia. While it can be as low as $1per barrel in Iraq or Saudi Arabia, it would cost up to $5 to produce a barrel of oil from the Northern Caspian. This implies that it is economically attractive to produce oil in CARs only when global oil prices reign above a certain threshold level and being a marginal producer the Caspian region will have to follow the prices set by OPEC and that they will not be in a position to influence prices to any significant extent. While gas production in the region is competitive with the rest of the world, the need to ferry it by long pipelines through difficult terrain offsets the cost advantages. Connectivity. Unlike West Asia, which enjoys excellent connectivity with energy consumers all over the globe through well established sea routes and tanker infrastructure, the CARS are constrained by geography that limits not only existing ,but also future transit routes to global market. Quality. The quality of crude from some wells in Caspian region demands extensive processing before it can be consumed. Not all refineries have the processing capacity which constrains the range of consumers who can buy CARs oil even when it is available. Insurgency. Incipient insurgency in some parts of CARs renders them less attractive as an alternate source of supply. Uneven development of the different countries of the region and the ethnic diversities , instability in Chechnya Potential of CARs to Supplement Indias Energy Imports Potential of CARs to Supplement Indias Energy Imports CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION Indian economy has grown at a rapid pace in the last five years and so has the demand for energy of a billion people. India imports 70% of its domestic crude oil requirements. The bulk of Indias oil imports come from West Asia. The supply routes pass through the choke point of Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption in these will severely impact our national interest. Hence there is a need to diversify our supply sources in order to reduce our dependence on Gulf oil. Central Asian Region being rich in energy resources and located in our extended neighbourhood offer a tempting prospect. The CARs situated on the eastern flank of the Caspian Sea have significant oil and natural gas reserves to be considered as a possible source of diversification for countries heavily dependent on energy imports from West Asia and elsewhere . While estimates of reserves vary widely across different sources, there is a consensus that the region has much potential. Energy is the engine of economic growth. Availability of energy is the key to sustainable development, and has a direct impact in most aspects of our daily life. Inadequacy of energy supply affects very adversely vital and essential requirements of any society. Hence, there is an urgent need to enhance substantially the energy availability at a rapid pace so that aspirations of those who have remained at the fringes of development are able to benefit from access to this important input. The Central Asian Republics comprising of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan encompass the vast geo- political space north of India. When part of the USSR, the region had stability and was thus of little interest to the international world order. Relations with India were determined with the framework of Indo-USSR relations as existed between New Delhi and Moscow. The post USSR environment has changed all this, requiring New Delhi to re- establish relations with the five newly independent nation- states on the basis of new realities. It is remarkable that while energy resources are getting increasingly scarce in the rest of the world, new oil fields are being discovered with great regularity in Central Asia. Some experts maintain that Central Asian resources may be difficult to reach because of it is the largest land mass in the world, which is land locked. This is both a challenge and an opportunity, because in todays technology driven world, it is not always necessary to transport material. This is the logic of investment abroad and organising production facilities there. India has long-standing historical ties with Central Asia that encompasses the political, cultural, economic and religious dimensions. The impact of regional developments in Central Asia on Indias history has been longstanding and substantial. According to Mr. Yashwant Sinha, Former Minister of External Affairs, Government of India, Indias increasing engagement with Central Asia is aimed at promoting peace and mutual prosperity. Central Asia can once again be a bridge between the East and West, if its neighbourhood is peaceful and stable, and if the only interference from outside is one of beneficial economic inputs. The bridge can contribute to peace and prosperity and energy security in the wider world too. METHODOLOGY Statement of the Problem To examine the potential of CARs to supplement Indias Energy Imports the possible routes through which Energy could flow to the South Asian Markets. Hypothesis Central Asian Republics as a region has been endowed with abundant energy resources. Their significance is due to their Geo-strategic loc as well as its rich energy deposits. The Geo- political developments in the region would perforce have an impact on India. Peace stability in Central Asia is an imperative to harness the abundant energy resources. The Central Asian region represents a tempting prospect for diversification of supply sources to India, being located in its extended neighbourhood. Justification of the Study Indian economy has changed gears after the historic decision of liberalisation in 1991. Globalisation coupled with liberalisation ha s brought about a sea change in our lives .India has made rapid strides in industrialisation , IT industry , Telecom , Education, service industry and infrastructure development. Our energy consumption has far outpaced our domestic production. Most of our crude imports come from Gulf countries. The supply routes are prone to disruption and can severely impact our national interest. Although we have started acquiring energy stakes in Africa we need to diversify our energy sources. While India is surrounded by energy rich neighbourhood-Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar access to supply energy from these remain elusive. Political compulsions and indifferent relations are an impediment to energy imports through Bangladesh and Pakistan. In Myanmar ONGC has acquired exploration acreages. However any gas finds could make transportation a challenge unless Bangladesh allows transit through its territory. In view of the above, energy imports from CARs in Indias extended neighbourhood needs to be critically examined in order to optimise the full potential of Indo-CAR energy cooperation. Scope This study seeks to focus on the potential of INDO- CAR energy cooperation and identify the possible routes of energy flow from CAR to India. Methods of Data Collection The means of data collection has been number of books and papers by various prominent Indian and foreign authors, newspapers and many other wide ranging array of sources. Various internet sites have also been browsed for data collection .Books and websites consulted are listed in the bibliography. Organisation of the Dissertation It is proposed to study the subject in the following manner:- Chapter I: Introduction. Chapter II: Emergence of CAR as Nation States and their Geo -Strategic significance. Chapter III: Indias Energy Sources. Chapter IV: Energy Potential of CAR. Chapter V: Interest of Global and Regional Players in Central Asia. Chapter VI: Challenges and Threats to Security of Central Asian Region. Chapter VII: India Central Asia Energy Cooperation. Chapter VIII: Indias Strategy. Chapter IX: Conclusion. CHAPTER II EMERGENCE OF CAR AS NATION STATES AND THEIR GEOSTRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE Emergence of CAR as Nation States Disintegration of former USSR was a momentous occasion unprecedented in scale and unanticipated by any power of the world, which ended the cold war and saw the emergence of a unipolar world. The emergence of newly independent states in Central Asia has changed the balance of power in this region. Due to its geographical proximity to Russia, China, West Asia and South Asia, this region emerged as a distinct geopolitical entity. Central Asian Republics at the dawn of independence were confronted with the numerous problems of state and nation building in a difficult milieu wherein various power centres competed for political power in a declining economy due to sudden severance of strong economic ties with Russia and consequent stoppages of Union subsidies. Rural unemployment and environmental degradation further contributed to aggravation of inter- ethnic relations. [1] Central Asian leaders have proved wrong the Western apprehensions of balkanisation of the region. The Central Asian Republics have preserved intact their national independence and sovereignty and carved out a dignified place for themselves in the comity of nations. They have taken several positive diplomatic and political initiatives at the U.N. and other international fora. Their religious beliefs have not come in the way of developing mutually beneficial relations with Israel. The Central Asian Republics have cordial relations with China and India. They are members of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Commonwealth of Independent States Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) with the exception of Uzbekistan, which have contributed greatly to regional security environment. All of them except Turkmenistan are also members of Central Asian Cooperation Organisation (CACO). Their success in resolving the bloody internal conflict in Tajikistan by peacefully integrati ng the Islamic opposition into the mainstream politics of the republic is no mean feat. They have also evolved a strong joint response together with Russia and China to the threat of cross border terrorism and drugs and arms peddling.[2] Central Asia, a landlocked region in the heart of Asia, is unique because it was the counterpoint of British and Russian empires in 19th century and still has the same importance now, but among the other players. Two decades after independence, Central Asia is not a stable region and some political crisis is still unsolved here. This situation is created by some players which include trans-regional and regional players looking after their own interests. The interaction and countering of the players in the region have resulted in the present situation that created an undeveloped region, while potentially it is significant due its geopolitical, geo-strategic and economic point of view.[3] Geostrategic Significance of Central Asian Republics Central Asian Republics cover an area of 3,994,400 square kilometres. From the eastern shore of the Caspian sea , Central Asia extends eastwards to the Altai mountains along the Chinese border and from the southern border of the Russian Federation southwards upto the Tien Shan mountains and Afghanistan. (Map.1) Geographers have divided the region into four zones starting with the steppe zone of northern Kazakhstan and the Virgin lands (Tselana) ; semi deserts covering the rest of Kazakhstan; the desert zone upto the southern oases; and the southern mountains bordering all the republics which include the Kopet Dag, the Pamirs and the Tien Shan. [4] From Kushka, the southernmost point of Central Asia, there is a narrow road to Afghanistan. Transit and transportation of goods and passengers between region and Afghanistan can be exchanged via this road. Marine routes of Caspian Sea facilitate the relations between Central Asian Republics with Caucasus, Iran and Russia and by Volga-Don waterway canal they can connect with free waters and many countries. In the north, vast Kazakh plain and lowlands and low-height mountains connect Central Asia via railroad and road network with Russia. This territory located between two great Asian power (China) and Asian-European (Russia) and regional players such as Iran, Pakistan, and India influenced and affected it and play their roles. To enter this land-locked territory one should pass the territory of neighbouring countries. From southwards one should pass Iran or Afghanistan. In the current situation, to cross through mountainous Afghanistan is not viable.[5] One of the reasons for American presence in Afghanistan in east and Iraq in west of Iran is to surround Iran and Russia and to have access to Central Asia. Central Asia in north is bordered with Russia. Hence, to enter the heart of Russia is possible only via Central Asia and this is why Russia is against the presence of any foreign and trans-regional power in the region. Access to this territory from eastward is available by passing Chinas western part (XinJiang Uighur Region). China will never allow any trans-regional power to enter in its critical, geopolitically very important western region and from there to Central Asian territory at all. The only passage to enter Central Asia by foreign powers is Caucasus in the west of region which will be available via Caspian Sea. This is why Caucasus region has got a gateway situation and the Caspian Sea itself changed to the gate of Central Asia. Georgia in the west of Caucasus is located in the mouth of Caucasian natural corridor and is a gateway to enter Caucasus. During Cold War era, it was strongly defended by Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact powers. After the collapse of Soviet Union, Russia attempted hard to preserve it, but after one decade, the western powers by execution of Rose Revolution headed by Mikhail Saakashvili in2003 changed this position and allowed west to enter Caucasus. The formation of Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the territory of Central Asia and neighbouring countries is the outcome of this geo-strategic challenge between East and West. This seems to be counterweight against Americas hegemonic movements.[6] There are two movements in Central Asia and beyond. One is led by the West in west-east direction from Black Sea towards Central Asia through Caucasus, Caspian Sea and the other from North to South led by Russia in the vertical direction which cuts the west-east axis. The counter point of these two is Caspian Sea. This is why the Caspian Sea has vital importance for both sides.[7] Russia within security and economic regional organizations has attempted to remove the American influence in the region and already has its effective means that America doesnt have. There are some initiatives in the region which plays basic roles on security and geo-strategic environment of Central Asia. In fact, the future of Central Asia depends on the outcome of the New Great Game between America and Russia. Economic, geopolitics and geo-strategy of the Central Asia are very complicated.[8] CHAPTER III INDIAS ENERGY SOURCES With 16 percent of the worlds population and an emerging economy, India has become a significant consumer of energy resources. The majority of India energy needs are coal dependent . The shortage in supply of energy is met by energy imports from other countries. India is the worlds eleventh-largest energy producer, with 2.4 percent of energy production, and the worlds sixth-largest consumer, with 3.5 percent of global energy consumption. Domestic coal reserves account for 70 percent of Indias energy needs. The remaining 30 percent is met by oil, with more than 65 percent of that oil being imported. Demand for energy is expected to double by 2025; by then, 90 percent of Indias petroleum will be imported.[9] Energy Sources Coal. Coal accounts for more than half of Indias total energy consumption followed by oil, which comprises 31% of total energy consumption. Natural gas and hydroelectric power accounts for 8 and 6 % of consumption respectively.[10] (Refer Figure.1) Nuclear power comprises a very small percentage of total energy consumption at present. Domestic supplies satisfy most of Indias coal demand. According to the 2008 BP Statistical Energy Survey, India had 2007 coal consumption of 208 million tonnes oil equivalent. Unfortunately most of Indias coal is characterised by high ash content, but the quality has other useful qualities such as low sulphur content (generally 0.5%), low iron content in ash, low refractory nature of ash, low chlorine content and low trace element concentration.[11] With 7 percent of the worlds coal India has the fourth largest coal reserves. The Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF) estimates that at the current level of consumption and production, Indias coal r eserves will last for more than 200 years.[12] Oil. According to Oil and Gas Journal (OGJ), India had 5.6 billion barrels of proven oil reserves as of January 2009, the second largest amount in the Asia- Pacific region after China. India produced roughly 880 thousand billion barrels per day (bbl/d) in 2008.In 2007 India consumed approximately 2.8million bbl/d making it the fifth largest consumer of oil in the world.[13] (Refer Figure .2) Indias largest crude oil import partner is Saudi Arabia, followed by Iran. Nearly three-fourths of Indias crude oil imports come from Middle East.[14] (Figure 3). Natural Gas. According to Oil and Gas Journal (OGJ), India had 38 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven natural Gas reserves as of Jan 2009. The EIA estimates that India produced 1.1 Tcf of natural gas in 2007, up only slightly from 2006 production levels. Although Indias natural gas production has consistently increased, demand has outstripped supply making the country a net importer of natural gas since 2004.[15] (Refer Figure .4) India imports natural gas via Liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG has not figured prominently in the energy mix, but is slowly increasing. Experts estimate that by 2012 Indias LNG imports will be on par with Japans current LNG imports of 60 million tonnes per annum. Although the Gas Authority of India Ltd. (GAIL) has already begun work on a National Gas Grid, there is considerable technological progress that has to be made in terms of extraction, transportation and delivery of LNG. It is estimated that once the grid is fully functional, LNG could offset a sign ificant portion of Indias energy demand.[16] Fuel-wise energy production iis given in Figure.5. New Exploration Licensing Policy and New Discoveries. Exploration blocks were put on offer under the New Exploration-Licensing-Policy(NELP) in1999 in order to try and attract private investment. India has offered 110 oil and gas blocks and 16 coal-bed-methane blocks for exploration in an attempt to raise domestic energy production and reduce import dependence.[17] Under NELP, 71 oil and gas discoveries have been made in 21 exploration blocks.[18] Hydrocarbon accretion has been more than 600 million tonnes of oil equivalent.[19] Cairn Energy has made 25 discoveries in Rajasthan and currently has six fields under development. Initial attention is being concentrated on Mangala, Bhagyam and Aishwariya (MBA). Production from Mangala is scheduled to begin in third quarter 2009. Output from the MBA fields is estimated to peak at 175,000 barrels per day, which would represent at least 20% of Indias total oil production[20]. Nuclear Power. India has a largely indigenous nuclear power programme and expects to have 20,000 megawatt electricity (MWe) nuclear capacity on line by 2020 and 63,000 MWe by 2032. It aims to supply 25% of electricity from nuclear power by 2050. Due to Indias Nuclear isolation post 1974,for 34years India was largely excluded from trade in nuclear plant or materials, which has hampered its development of civil nuclear energy until the signing of Indo US Nuclear Deal in 2008. Due to these trade bans and lack of indigenous uranium, India has uniquely been developing a nuclear cycle to exploit its reserves of thorium. [21]. Nuclear PowerGeneration Capacity. Indias present 2,720 MWe nuclear power plants include 14 reactors at 6 sites(Tarapur,Rawatbhatta, Kalapakkam,Narora,Kakrapar and Kaiga); ongoing 3,960 MWe nuclear power plants include 8 reactors at 4 sites (Tarapur,Kaiga, Rawatbhata and Kudankulam); and future nuclear plant include one Adwanced Heavy Water Reactor (AWHR) having a rating of 300MWe and a mix of 500MWe Fast Breeder Reactors,680 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors and 1000 MWe LWRs so as to reach a total of 20,000 MWe by 2020.[22] Hydro Electricity. India has a large hydro-potential estimated at 84000 megawatt (MW) at 60% load factor. Less than one fourth of that has been tapped. Large hydro projects are also being stiffly opposed by environmentalist all over the country.[23] Indias Energy Policy. The Indias energy policy states that the energy needs to be utilized not just from the conventional energy resources but also from other non-conventional sources like wind, water, geothermal, biomass etc. The India energy policy act emphasizes the need to develop newer energy sources that are more efficient and non-perishable. Since the energy sources levels are dropping with each passing day the energy of light (energy of a photon), energy of motion from the flowing water and geothermal energy and energy of an electron in chemical energy and other forms is the new energy units tapping solutions.[24] CHAPTER IV ENERGY POTENTIAL OF CAR The CAR is abundantly endowed with energy resources (Refer Table.1) The hydrocarbon reserves are unevenly distributed among the five CARs (Refer Fig.6) and includes a number of petroleum basins that are different in their geological development, reservoir and hydrocarbon types and quantity of resources. Various sources have reported that the postulated oil resources of the region are comparable with those of Saudi Arabia and that the potential gas resources are equal to Irans. Central Asia has been described as one of the worlds most strategic zones , between Russia , China and a troubled Middle East- a region coveted both by its larger neighbours and major world powers .[25] Energy Potential Kazakhstan. It is the second largest producer of petroleum in CIS after Russia. The Kashagan deposit on Caspian seabed was discovered recently and is estimated to contain 13 billion barrels of oil. US and China have already signed deals to exploit the same. The most significant deposits of gas are at Karachaganak (black hole) in northwest Kazakhstan. It is estimated that production of gas will touch 36.1 billion cubic metres (bcm) by 2010. [27] Kazakhstans Gas Potential Kazakhstans Proven Reserves. BP estimates of 2008 place Kazakhstans proven reserves at 1.90 trillion cubic metres (tcm) (1.1% of global share). There are two other gas producing nations in the former Soviet Union that surpass Kazakhstan in terms of proven gas reserves: Russia with its 44.65 tcm (25.5% of global share) and Turkmenistan with 2.67tcm (1.5% of global share).[28] While published figures vary widely, rising as high as 3 380 bcm in the 2007 reserves report from the BGR, it may be of some significance that Oil Gas Journals latest tabulation of world gas reserves (December 2008) shows a decrease in Kazakhstan from 2 832 bcm at 1 January 2008 to 2 407 bcm at 1 January 2009.[29] Production Growth. Over the past decade, Kazakhstans gas sector has achieved considerable production growth, from 4.34 bcm in 1994 to 29.63 bcm in 2007 (see Figure 7). Production in January-July 2008was 19.74 bcm, up 13% year-on-year, and full-year production could potentially exceed the energy ministrys estimate of 33.7 bcm . (Refer Figure 7)[30] Kazakhstans Oil Potential Proven Hydrocarbon Reserves .Kazakhstans combined onshore and offshore proven hydrocarbon reserves have been estimated between 9 and 40 billion barrels.[31] Oil Production and Consumption. Kazakhstan produced approximately 1.45 million barrels per day (bbl/d) of oil in 2007 and consumed 250,000 bbl/d, resulting in petroleum net exports of around 1.2 million bbl/d. (Refer Figure.8) Major Oil fields. Energy Information Authority expects oil production in Kazakhstan to average 1.54 and 1.71 million bbl/d in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Major producers include Karachaganak (250,000 bbl/d), Tengiz (280,000 bbl/d), CNPC-Aktobemunaigas (120,000 bbl/d), Uzenmunaigas (135,000 bbl/d), Mangistaumunaigas (115,000 bbl/d), and Kumkol (70,000 bbl/d). These producers account for 1million bbl/d (or around 70 percent) of liquids production in the country. Other production is centered in smaller fields.[32] Nuclear Fuel Potential Uranium. Kazakhstan has been an important source of uranium for more than fifty years. Over 2001-2008 production rose from 2000 to 8521 tonnes U per year, and further mine development is under way with a view to increase annual production upto18,000 tU/yr by 2010 and 30,000 tU by 2018. Production in 2009 is expected to be about 14,000 tU. Kazatompromis the national atomic company set up in 1997 and owned by the government. It controls all uranium exploration and mining as well as other nuclear-related activities, including imports and exports of nuclear materials. It announced in 2008 that it aims to supply 30% of the world uranium by 2015, and through joint ventures: 12% of uranium conversion market, 6% of enrichment, and 30% of the fuel fabrication market by then.[33] Energy Potential of Uzbekistan Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan is unique among the CARs as being the only republic that shares a border with the other four Kazakhstan to the north and west, Tajikstan and Kyrigzstan to the east and Turkmenistan to the south. . Uzbekistan currently produces 60 bcm of natural gas annually, an amount nearly equal to Turkmenistans production. Uzbekistans reserves are primarily concentrated in Qashqadaryo province and near Bukhara in the countrys south-central region. During the 1970s Uzbekistans largest natural gas deposit at Boyangora-Gadzhak was discovered in Surkhandaryia province north of the Afghan border.[34] Uzbekistan also has small coal reserves, located mainly near Angren, east of Tashkent. In 1990 the total coal yield was 6 million tons. Oil production has likewise been small; Uzbekistan has relied on Russia and Kazakstan for most of its supply.[35]According to Eshref F Trushin of the Institute of Macro Economics and Social Research (Uzbekistan), the Republic is fifth in the world in uranium production. It also produced 60 tonnes of Gold in 1996. However Capisani reports the 1996 production at between 80 to 110 tonnes. Gold deposits are found in the Fergana Valley at Altynkan and Kochbulak, in Uchkuduk(Zeravshan) and at Murantau. In February 1992, a protocol was signed with the Canadian firm , Newmont Gold for the development of Murantau deposit. Copper is extracted in the Almalyk region, as also iron minerals, zinc, lead , tungsten, molybdenum and uranium.[36] Energy Potential of Turkmenistan Turkmenistans Oil Potential. Turkmenistan produces around 200,000 barrels per day of crude and is the biggest gas producer in the former Soviet Union after Russia with exports of around 50 billion cubic metres of gas a year, mainly to Russia and Ukraine. The country says its gas reserves are currently heavily underestimated and it can easily double and even triple production to supply gas to Europe and Asia.[37] According to U.S Energy Information Administration total oil production in the country in 2008 was 189.40 barrels per day. The crude oil production reached 170.26 barrels per day whereas the consumption of petroleum products and direct consumption of crude oil was 103 thousand barrels per day. The refining capacity is 237 million barrels per day and the Turkmenistan ranks world no 57 in its refining capacity. The proven reserves are 600 million barrels (Refer Table 2). Turkmenistans Gas Reserves. The production of natural gas in 2007 was 2,432 billion Cubic Feet as compared to domestic consumption of 688 Billion Cubic Feet. The country exported 1,745 Billion Cubic Feet Natural Gas in 2007. The Net proven reserves amount to huge 100,000 Billion Cubic Feet.[38] Energy Potential of Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan currently does not have enough energy to provide reliable light and heat to its residents and factories. Although the country relies heavily on domestic sources of hydropower for much of its electricity, recent droughts and mismanagement drastically cut these supplies. Kyrgyzstan is increasingly seeking to identify and bring on line new sources of energy. The country currently imports most of the natural gas, petroleum products and coal that it consumes. At the same time, beyond hydro power, Kyrgyzstan has essentially no alternative energy production. Kyrgyzstan faces a variety of challenges in developing its energy sector. In the foreign policy sphere, Kyrgyzstan confronts problems that are a consequence of the extremely complex and volatile political landscape in Central Asia. Domestically, issues of economic crisis, organizational dysfunction, poorly written laws, and corruption hinder reform.[39] Energy Potential of Tajikistan Tajikistans Proven Oil Reserves. Tajikistan has proven reserves of 12 million barrels of oil (Refer Table.2), most of which are located in the northern part of the country in the Leninobod Soghd Region. The national oil company is Tajikneftegaz, which handles oil exploration, drilling, and production. In 2001, Tajik oil production was only 350 barrels per day (b/d). There has been a long period of production decline since Tajikistan produced 1,311 b/d in 1992. This decrease has been attributed to the 1992-1997 civil war, economic troubles, and lack of investment in the oil infrastructure. Tajikistan consumes 29,000 b/d of oil products, almost all of which are imported. The main source is Uzbekistan, which provides 70% of Tajikistans oil product imports. [40] Tajikistan Gas Reserves. Tajikistan has 200 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas reserves, comprised of several fields. In 2000, Tajikistan began operations in the Khoja Sartez field in the southern Khatlon Region, and has also increased its activity in the Qizil Tumshuq deposit in the Kolkhozobod District of the southern Khatlon Region. Tajikistan has also tried to increase its own gas production, in 2000, by exploratory drilling in the Khatlon region. Apparently, some of the drilling has been successful enough to interest China in future drilling activities. The total natural gas production for Tajikistan in 2000 was 1.4 Bcf. With its small domestic production, Tajikistan must rely on imports for 95% of the natural gas it consumes. [41] Viability of CARs to Serve as an Alternative to West Asia If the CARs are to provide a viable source of supply diversification for energy importers, they must have an environment that sets them apart from the Gulf countries that currently supply bulk of the oil. The oil importers sense of vulnerability stems from the fear of emergence of militant Islam in West Asia.[42] Factors Affecting Viability. In this context, the CARs ability to provide a viable alternate to West Asia is subject to a variety of factors as under:-[43] Proven Reserves. The known and proven reserves of West Asian oil account for 66%of global deposits whereas the proven and possible reserves of the entire Former Soviet Union (FSU) region are no more than 5.5%, of which Central Asia s share is even less. When it comes of natural gas the FSU region of which Russia constitutes the chunk , accounts for 39%of global reserves but Central Asian share is only around 6%. Only about 3%of the global energy trade is accounted for by the Caspian region and the share of CARs is even less. Thus the CARs can only supplement, not supplant West Asian suppliers, whether it is oil or gas. Drilling Costs. Drilling oil in CARs costs three to six times as much as it does in West Asia. While it can be as low as $1per barrel in Iraq or Saudi Arabia, it would cost up to $5 to produce a barrel of oil from the Northern Caspian. This implies that it is economically attractive to produce oil in CARs only when global oil prices reign above a certain threshold level and being a marginal producer the Caspian region will have to follow the prices set by OPEC and that they will not be in a position to influence prices to any significant extent. While gas production in the region is competitive with the rest of the world, the need to ferry it by long pipelines through difficult terrain offsets the cost advantages. Connectivity. Unlike West Asia, which enjoys excellent connectivity with energy consumers all over the globe through well established sea routes and tanker infrastructure, the CARS are constrained by geography that limits not only existing ,but also future transit routes to global market. Quality. The quality of crude from some wells in Caspian region demands extensive processing before it can be consumed. Not all refineries have the processing capacity which constrains the range of consumers who can buy CARs oil even when it is available. Insurgency. Incipient insurgency in some parts of CARs renders them less attractive as an alternate source of supply. Uneven development of the different countries of the region and the ethnic diversities , instability in Chechnya