april 6, 2012

The Pioneer Log opinion

Syria proves tougher to play than Libya

BY TAWAB MALEKZAD
Staff Writer

The United States has a strategic interest in seeing the fall of the Alawite regime of Al Asaad. However, the US is not eager to launch a NATO air strike on Syria like the one in Libya, due to the technology and political backing the Assad regime still has. The fall of Al Assad will cut the connection between Iran and some terrorist groups in Lebanon and Palestine, which the US would appreciate, but any intervention would have to be different from the framework used in Libya. This is not due to the incapability on the part of the United States and its allies, but due to impressive air defense systems that Russia has provided to Syria. The Syrian Air Defense Command (ADC) has around 54,000 personnel, twice the size of Libyas comparable agency. The ADC contains 130 surface-to-air missiles (SAM) as well as thousands of anti-aircraft guns. According to Air Power Australia, which is an independent military and policy think tank, Syrias ADC SAM weaponry includes SA-2, SA-3, SA-5 and SA-8 systems, which launch both short- and longrange missiles. The long-range missile can cover 190 miles at the speed of 2,500 meters/second. The Gaddafi regime also had this weaponry, but not nearly as many as the Syrians, who are taking every opportunity to upgrade their weaponry. The Syrians missiles have overlapping layouts that make an air strike complicated and challenging. Syrians are not only capable of defending themselves on the ground but also in the air. The Syrians air force includes fighter aircrafts and interceptors. The most advanced aircraft they have are the MiG-25

ILLUSTRATION BY SAMANTHA SARVET

99 Problems is answered by an LC student who is not a trained professional. This students advice should be taken with care and your own judgement should be used.

Dear 99 Problems, With graduation approaching in less than a month, I am trying to figure out how to balance my real life after college. Its important to keep your priorities in line while at LC, but it is also incredibly disillusioning because stepping out into life implicates change. Here are some of the beasts Im currently tackling regarding life changes: 1. My girlfriend. We have been dating for a little over a year and I love her. I really, really do. Last semester was a bit rocky but we pulled through and feel steadier than ever now. I have sacrificed the closeness that other meaningful relationships contained since we have been working through our issues and reconnecting. She is worth it, but I also need to have my pack around me in order to take on the world. 2. My job/money. There is a research assistant position available in Portland and it is a phenomenal opportunity; however, it will take up roughly sixty hours a week. It pays fairly well, but this, once again, ties into my relationships. I feel like right out of school its important to foster those relationships and sustain them as I move into the uncertainty of adult life. I know it isnt a choice between a job or friends, but it feels like that is what it may become, plus with a full time relationship, most of my extra time will be with her. -Anxious Almost-Alum Dear Almost-Alum, As for your relationship, it sounds like you have a good thing going. However, it is always important to maintain a balance and not put all your eggs in one basket. Because of this, Id be wary about sacrificing other relationships for the sake of your relationship with her. If you ever feel like the amount of time youre spending with her is hurting your other relationships, talk to your girlfriend about it. Since you guys seem to have a good, open relationship going, Im sure shed understand if you want to spend time with others and Im confident youll be able to do so and still have a close relationship with her. As for the job, Ill admit that I dont have a lot of experience with full time work. However, its clear that 60 hours a week would be extremely taxing. It sounds like a great opportunity, one that will allow you to save up some money and build your resume. But you should remember that work is only a means to an end. You want to be financially secure and to prepare for future careers, but you dont want to kill yourself or make yourself miserable doing it. If youre working that much, its especially important to maintain relationships that will help you through. Its definitely going to be hard to find your new balance after graduation, but its also an exciting opportunity to shape your future. In general, I just advise you to keep the things that are truly important to you in mind. If you feel youre neglecting something you value, use that as information and see if you can find a way to get your priorities in order. Best of luck with your transition. -99 Problems
Send one of your very own 99 Problems to piolog@gmail.com. Submit by Monday at noon for next weeks issue. We accept both anonymous and formally signed letters, but keep them under two hundred words.

ILLUSTRATION BY SAMANTHA SARVET

and MiG-29. Their air force is superior to Gaddafis in both quantity and quality. The biggest difference between Libya and Syria is that Syrian rebels (like Al Asaads regime, known for their violations of human rights) have not yet been able to hold a significant territory. The United States certainly has the ca-

pability of striking Al Asaads regime; however, the situation in Syria will have to change whether through the loss of territory, massive defections from the regime or the loss of Russian support before Washington implements any of the plans it has prepared. The United States is at an impasse and it must decide soon what it will do.

A messy three-way: Iran, Israel, US

BY LEX CORWIN
Staff Writer

There has been much talk in recent months about the capabilities of a nuclear-armed Iran. Much of the discussion has been focused solely on what Israel and America should do to deter Iran from continuing to enrich uranium into weaponsgrade fuel. Some conservatives argue that a pre-emptive strike on Irans nuclear facilities is the wisest choice in eliminating their capability to build nuclear weapons. What this neglects to reflect on is that Irans ability to complete a weapons arsenal does not simply hinge on its facilities; Iran has the knowledge, supplies and will to build weapons. According to a recent US Department of Defense study, a strike on Iran would push back their progress a mere 3-5 years or, at the very best, a decade. Instead, America and its allies should focus on assisting in a larger regime shift to create an Iran that is not fixated on developing their nuclear arsenal. Obamas recent sanctions are a good first step, including the decision this past Friday to clear the way for oil sanctions in Europe and Asia, halting the flow of revenue to the nuclear program, but this is not enough. Obama needs to show Iran the economic and social benefits of decided to abandoning their nuclear arms program. Using American and Israeli military forces on Irans nuclear facilities as a tool to prevent nuclear proliferation risks making Iran even more determined to build a bomb and more eager to counter-strike the nations that just violated Irans sovereignty and committed an act of war. Dont get me wrong: Israel should be very worried if Iran goes nuclear, especially since Ayatollah Ali Khameni, Irans su-

preme leader, claims that Israel is a cancerous tumor that must be cut out. But a military strike on Iran would lead to the emergence of independent terrorist cells around the world itching to attack American and Israeli targets. After reading extensively about Israels strikes on Iraq in 1981 and Syria in 2007, Irans situation differs tremendously as their sites are further spread out, their missile defense system is more advanced than Iraq or Syria. Many of the sites are built deep underground or in mountains, making an aerial strike nearly impossible. Only America currently has the 14 ton, bunker-busting massive ordinance penetrators capable of reaching those sites. Speaking of those sites, Iran has over a dozen nuclear sites, including Fordow, buried deeper than 250 feet underground. If Israel attacked alone, they would fail. Arguably more significant than the difficulties in attacking Irans major nuclear facilities would be that Iran would still possess the knowledge and leadership to re-

build and redevelop their sites. Unless the US and Israelare prepared to attack civilian research centers and universities, theres nothing to stop Iran from rebuilding. In conclusion, President Obama is making the right decision in waiting to see how the economic sanctions affect Iran. Obama is also hoping that the internal turmoil in Irans government will force out its president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is being summoned by Irans Parliament for questioning on the worsening state of the economy. This is the first time parliament has summoned a president since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Hopefully, todays regime might fall at the hands of Irans citizens, who are growing tired of the sour economy; inflation is currently at 22.5% and unemployment at 15%. It is in Americas, and the worlds, best interest to reflect on the immense significance another Middle Eastern war would have and the long term diplomatic challenges that would arise from a military strike.

Letter to the Editor

Response to the Backdoors Roast of Oregon Drivers

Ive read the disclaimer instructing readers of the Pioneer Log to not take the Backdoor seriously. Yet, the seriousness of last weeks roast of Oregon drivers is seriously offending. As a native Oregon driver, I would like to briefly explain why Oregon drivers should not go fuck themselves, but rather, continue being responsible, courteous drivers. The driving culture of Oregon differs from that of other states because it is based on safety rather than speed. Here, there is a general understanding among drivers that one arriving at their destination two or three minutes earlier is not worth anothers personal safety. Its the reason why, according to the US Census Bureau, Oregon is the 33rd ranked state in traffic fatalities. So, to all who would criticize Oregon drivers: you can never, EVER ask me to risk my personal safety for your mere convenience, or you can (in the same colorful language you like to use) go back to wherever the fuck you came from. Driving responsibly, Alaina Green
The Pioneer Log accepts and encourages letters to the editor from all students, staff, faculty and community members. Submissions should be kept under 350 words and sent to piolog@gmail.com by Monday at 6 p.m. for the following issue.