summary: Oil was on its way through a pipeline and towards a refinery during the early hours of December 7th. However, an unexpected turn of events was thrown into the mix when this pipeline was blasted in the heart of the dense Syrian city of Homs. An onyx curtain of shielded the sun from the city for about 12 hours before the smoke started to clear up. Once the immediate response of cleanup had passed, the atmosphere was laced with more than smoke: questions. Having this been the third blast on a pipeline in Syria this year, answers are vital in sustaining a stable population. Homs has been in the midst of uprising since an initial revolt in march of 2011. Furthermore, as a response to the news station's accusation of an armed terrorist attack, other activists favor a different opinion. Some believe that the attack was enforced by the government, in a twisted type of punishment to the rebellious city. The foundation of revenue lying in oil imports from Syria have been called to a halt by the European Union, which throws yet another wrench into the recent mishaps of this hectic city. Not only has this affected Syrian civilians and government officials. These blasts have played as a significant contribution to the immense issue of air pollution throughout our entire globe. As a reliable economy dwindles, bystanders have no choice but to simply hope for a more positive future.
quote- "One resident, who gave his name as Abu Rohayel, said the smoke was so thick that people there were suffering from respiratory problems. 'I can see mothers covering their children with blankets,' he said"
This quote shows how far the attacks have gone in affecting every day life in the cities of Syria.
reflection- I feel sorrow for those living in Homs. Despite who has been initiating these attacks, i don't think that there are any reasonable motives for causing families to suffer in response to extremists' unfavorable opinions. However, the severity of the revolt could have very well been devastating to the efficiency of the country as a whole. I'm somewhat ambivalent in choosing sides on this issue. One thing that i feel strongly about is the destruction which the attacks have had to our atmosphere and it certainly is not fair that, in the long run, even the united states could be hurt by this.
questions:
1. Do you think that spur-of-the-moment blasts such as these, are the sole foundation of the air pollution being emitted all over the globe? Or do you think the fault lies more in a buildup of nonpoint source pollution? why?
2. Who do you think is at blame for these pipeline attacks? Why?
3. As the oil industry spurs from the Middle East, do you think that countries such as these take enough precautions in preventing oil blasts like this? Furthermore, do you think that the Middle East pays enough attention to preserving air quality, and sustaining enough oil for others?
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| This picture shows the massive cloud of smoke overtaking the city |
After all tha thas happened to America regarding terrorist attacks, you can only feel bad for the people who are suffering from what has happened. And then of course you look at the blasts affecting the air quality of not only Homs, but for the entire globe, and you realize just how big of an impact something that happened in Syria can affect us here in America. We can only hope these blasts are put to an end before more damage occurs.
ReplyDeleteAnswers
1. Definately the build up of non point source pollution because though these blasts could cause some of the pollution, it takes a lot more than that to cause the air pollution we are dealing with today
2. I can't say I know exactly but I think it is someone who is looking for either Syrian resources, or there may be more unknown problems between Syria and other countries
3. I think that these blasts could severely damage the economy for the Middle East since oil is such a major resource to them. And no I don't think they focus enough on air quality due to the fact that they will burn off natural gas just because they don't need it. Also, they do use a lot of oil for themselves, so no I don't think they focus on preserving for the rest of the world.
I hate how these things happen. It is sucvh a shame how these people have to suffer from something that isn't thewir fault. If this happened in our area, i would be devistated. Our air quality would be ruined and no one would be healthy. Everyone who was healthy and who never smoked will now be infected by it. We should really stand up to the companies to make their "stategies" safer and healthier.
ReplyDeleteAnswer to question #2
I believe it is 100% the company who made and runs these pipes fault. They built it and THEY RUN IT! so how can it NOT be their fault? It is so rediculas.
I agree with Daniella and Emily and think this whole event is very tragic. It is such ashamed that things like this occur and nothing really can help the problem but time.It is also ashamed that these blasts are hurting our air by contributing lots of pollution! I think that we need to result to an efficient alternative if there is one.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2011/Aug-05/Unexplained-blast-shuts-4000-bpd-Iran-pipeline--Mehr.ashx#axzz1gvlIWehL
This is an article that summarizes what happened very well and may help clear up any confusion
This event is very scary, considering if it can happen there it could very well happen here for some odd reason. Also, it is very tragic that this whole even happened, and this shows what some of the negative effects of these fuels are.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/150532
This is what the isreal national news said about this whole event.