War and Consequence
by
Melchor Bisunia
Axia College of University of Phoenix
COM120 Effective Persuasive
Marla-Tiye Vieira
November 5, 2006
Introduction
War has been waging for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations like Greece, Macedonia, Hittites, China and the Three Kingdoms, and so on. Through the years, warfare has evolved. With the invention of gunpowder by the Chinese around 300 ' 650 AD, and the introduction of smokeless gunpowder in 1886 by Paul Vieille, war quickly became a means for countries to extend their borders and influence friends, and neighbors alike, through strong arm tactics. There is never action with out consequence though. Throughout history, leaders have always been too concerned within the outcome of the conflict to even consider the consequences of their actions. Africa, Europe, Asia, Central America, and even in the United States; war has taken its toll. War is horrific because casualties are always involved. Victims are completely innocent and have no power to control the violence that surrounds them. When one hears the word “victim”, one automatically believes it to be human. What about wildlife? What about the environment? Are they no less victims of war than the millions dying in the crossfire? In short, we are all victims. People, wildlife, and the environment are one in the same when it comes to the beneficiary of armed conflict. The sooner countries - and their chosen leaders - realize this; the sooner world peace will become a reality and not a dream.
CONGO: Africa’s First World War
The war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ' formerly known as Zaire- is considered, by many, as Africa’s first war. The DRC became the battlefield for nine countries vying, through political or military means, to control Congo’s vast mineral deposits. By 1996, the war and genocide in neighboring Rwanda had gained a foothold in Congo. Hutu militia set up base camps across the border from Rwanda so...