- Based on the evidence from the article, who do you believe was responsible for this dramatic attack on this Saudi Arabia refinery?
- What should happen next - in other words, who should respond and how?
- Drones can now be used to take pictures and video, spy on enemies, deliver Amazon packages and create a full scale air war. How do you personally feel about the future of drone technology in the world?
- Have you ever been blamed for something that was not your fault/you did not do? If so, what was that experience like and did it change anything for you in the long run?
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Who Attacked the Saudi Oil Fields and What Should be the Response?
Over the weekend of September 14th, a major oil refining facility in Saudi Arabia was attacked by a series of drone and missile strikes. In a single moment, the world lost 6 percent of its total oil production and on Monday, the global price of a barrel of oil rose 14 percent. Saudi Arabia is the world's second largest producer of oil and is located on the Arabian Peninsula in the heart of the Middle East. Not all Middle Eastern countries are friends and in fact there are long ongoing rivalries amongst several neighbors in the region. The United States has been and remains a key ally to Saudi Arabia. For the last five years, Saudi Arabia has been supporting the Yemen government in their civil war against a rebel group called the Houthis. The Houthis are supported by Iran. Immediately after the attack, most news outlets were suggesting that Iran launched the attack on the oil refinery in Saudi Arabia. Some other stories reported that perhaps the Houthis launched the attacks from Yemen. The Houthis came out publicly and claimed responsibility for the attack. But, due to the sophistication of the weapons used, many believe that Iran itself launched the attack or at least directly gave the Houthis the weapons. If the Houthis launched the attack without Iranian help, it would be viewed as a relatively small regional affair. If the Iranians directly supplied the weapons to the Houthis, the United States would likely support the Saudis in a military response. The final scenario is if the Iranians themselves launched the attack from Iran. If this is the case, it would be a major global event serious enough to prompt the United States to retaliate with military force directly against Iran. Read this article from the New York Times and then post thoughtful comment answers to the following four questions:
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I think that the attack was launched by Iran because they are allied with the Houthis and the Houthis took responsibility for the attack. This raises three questions: 1. why would they own up to attacking Saudi Arabia? 2. How did the missiles reach from Yemen? 3. How did they get those advanced missiles? I think that before anything else happens someone needs to figure out with absolute certainty who did it, then the appropriate steps should be made. Whether it be the America supports Saudi Arabia against Iran or Saudi Arabia goes alone against the Houthis. I feel that the future can be a progressive one in the right hands or a destructive one in the wrong hands. However, drones might take away from human jobs, which would cause a major controversy, which would be bad for everyone. I have been blamed many times for stuff that my brother did. Even though it is nothing big, the constant squabbles have made me more paranoid towards my brother, which makes me a bad brother at times.
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ReplyDeleteI believe that the Iranian government is behind these prominent oil attacks on Saudi Oil refineries. The oil refineries being near Iran makes the plant of Abiqaiq an obvious target in retaliation of the Saudis. I believe that the Houthis could not have launched these attacks as they are not technologically advanced yet to carry out such precise and uniform attacks. Furthermore, the Houthis and the central Yemeni government have been involved in constant war since 2015 and as of now, it doesn't seem like it is going to end. America should immediately respond to these attacks by declaring war on Iran, but this will be fairly easy. Most of Iran's import and exports go through the Strait of Hormuz, an important sea channel south of Iran. At the narrowest point 21 nautical miles across. So if the U.S.-Saudi coalition blockades this then Iran will have no way to win this already lopsided war against the U.S. But we must consider the already struggling people of Iran and during the blockade, the U.S. should still provide humanitarian support for the people. Through this Iran will learn not to mess with Saudi Arabia and the global economy. I agree with what Henry stated about drones. But I do have mixed opinions about drones, if used correctly they can be useful if used incorrectly they will be harmful. Ways drones can be helpful for America is to gather intelligence on criminals who try to escape or other crime-related incidents. But if these drones are being used for personal purposes to spy on other people or get put in the hands of dangerous individuals then they are harmful. Drones being used to deliver packages may be cheaper because there won't be a high delivering fee. On the other hand, drones may take over 1.3 Million jobs according to an Oxford economics report. Either way, the advancement of the drone industry will continue whether we like it or not. I haven't been seriously blamed for doing something I didn't do but there have been some small incidents. After I was blamed for something I didn't do I felt guilty even though I shouldn't be. Even I after I get my name cleared and the accuser says sorry I still hold a small grudge against the person who accused me.
ReplyDeleteI believe Iran is behind the Saudi attacks based on the fact that the Houthis do not have enough technology to make these attacks so they would've had to work with Iran to be able to do these attacks. I don't understand exactly why the Houthis would claim they were responsible for the attack. It is possible that if they got the credit for this attack other small groups like the Houthis would be scared of what they could potentially do. I disagree with Leo about how the U.S should go to war with Iran, when countries go to war they do not just affect the government, they do not just attack their enemies but they are also attacking innocent people and killing them with bombs. While I do agree with the idea that the U.S should start a blockade with exports to Iran even though this will affect the U.S economy and definitely Iran's. Based on the U.S census the U.S has topped $49 million in exports only to Iran so if the U.S government starts a blockade on exports and imports from Iran the economy will most likely lose a lot of money but the Iranian government will be forced to do something about this. I also think that the U.S should keep sending Humanitarian Aid to the people because they have nothing to do with these attacks. I think drones are great for entertainment and would also be great for spying but if these are used for delivery they will definitely take peoples jobs which is not good for anyone. I think we should not use drones for delivery. I have also not been blamed for something that would have affected me in the long run.
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ReplyDeleteBased on the evidence I think the Houthis launched the attack but the weapons and idea was done by Iran. This is the most logical idea for Iran in my opinion. This is because the oil field is destroyed yet they do not have to go to war with Saudi Arabia which they would lose because Saudi Arabia is supported by the U.S.
2)
This question all depends on when the Saudi's find out who the bomb was fired from and by who. If it was fired from Iran the Saudi's should declare war on them. If not and the bomb was launched from the Houthis then the Saudi's should give more support to the Yemen Government. The U.S should only get involved if Saudi Arabia and Iran go to war.
3)
I think that the world is turning less on manpower and more to machine power. The pros of this is that fewer men will die at war. Also, because of machine power, everything is faster. The downside to everything being machine power is that we have less control over the things and that lack of control could be the cause of nuclear warfare. Because of these facts, I'm against drones because it is too easy to bomb someone.
4)
Every night in my family the last one downstairs has to turn off the lights if you don't you phone gets taken away for the day. Last Friday night, my younger sister and I were the last ones downstairs and before we went upstairs I turned off the lights but as we reached the top my sister forgot her stuffed animal so went down to get it. That next morning my parents woke me up and said that I forgot to turn the lights downstairs and my sister told them. I later found out that my sister forgot to turn off the lights in downstairs when she forgot her stuffed animal and I had to take the blame for it.
1) I believe the Houthis launched the attack, and Iran provided them with weapons. As the article states, “the sophistication of the attack far exceeds that shown in previous attacks by the Houthis,” which proves they needed some outside help with obtaining weapons for the attack.
ReplyDelete2) I don't know why the Houthis, Iranians, or someone else would launch this attack on Saudi Arabia’s oil, but before they take action, they need to figure out exactly who did it. If they start a war with an innocent country, that would be extremely bad.
3) Drones could be really helpful for some aspects of the world, like delivering Amazon packages or transporting objects from place to place. However, drones could also be used to record everything anyone does, wherever they are, which is really scary to think about. I think I would rather drones not become part of our technology because we would have little privacy if they did.
4) When I think about being blamed for something I didn’t do, I think about a time when I was with my friends. We were all sitting down doing work when suddenly something fell off the shelf and broke without anyone moving or touching it. The whole scenario was really strange, and I was the one who apologized for breaking it when no one else did. Later, I found out that two of my friends had been playing with it earlier and must have put it back precariously, which led to the fall. However, in the moment they didn’t take the blame for it, and I was the one who had to do that.
Maddie Song:
ReplyDelete1) I believe the Houthis launched the attack, and Iran provided them with weapons. As the article states, “the sophistication of the attack far exceeds that shown in previous attacks by the Houthis,” which proves they needed some outside help with obtaining weapons for the attack.
2) I don't know why the Houthis, Iranians, or someone else would launch this attack on Saudi Arabia’s oil, but before they take action, they need to figure out exactly who did it. If they start a war with an innocent country, that would be extremely bad.
3) Drones could be really helpful for some aspects of the world, like delivering Amazon packages or transporting objects from place to place. However, drones could also be used to record everything anyone does, wherever they are, which is really scary to think about. I think I would rather drones not become part of our technology because we would have little privacy if they did.
4) When I think about being blamed for something I didn’t do, I think about a time when I was with my friends. We were all sitting down doing work when suddenly something fell off the shelf and broke without anyone moving or touching it. The whole scenario was really strange, and I was the one who apologized for breaking it when no one else did. Later, I found out that two of my friends had been playing with it earlier and must have put it back precariously, which led to the fall. However, in the moment they didn’t take the blame for it, and I was the one who had to do that.
While the technology used to destroy the refineries is more advanced than what the Houthis have used before, it is most likely that the Houthis themselves launched the attack. If Iran launched the attack on the refineries that would be equivalent to an act of war between the two countries, and the U.S. would likely intervene, probably resulting in the toppling of Iran’s regime, making it irrational for Iran to attack the refineries. However, the U.S. should tread lightly regarding the attack until more is known, but if evidence conclusively proved that Iran launched the attack, the U.S. should support Saudi Arabia and go to war with Iran. The future of drones is worrying because if they can destroy 6% of the world’s oil supply without detection, they can surely be used by governments to monitor civilians. Drone technology could be used to do good, but the evil that could be done with drones outweigh the benefits of using them. Also, in fourth grade, I was blamed for fighting with somebody even though I didn’t do anything.
ReplyDelete1. I think that Iran supplied the Houthis with weapons to attack Saudi Arabia because the weapons were much more sophisticated than others that the Houthis' had used in previous attacks.
ReplyDelete2. First, the attacker needs to be known to find out what should be done. There are many different ways that the US, Saudi Arabia, and other places can deal with this, but before that, there needs to be a clear answer to what happened.
3. I feel that drones could be useful in certain areas. However, like all things, when taken to an extreme, could end badly. For example, they are a good way to get things around, but if they are used to video tape people, then it will be taken to another level, with different things to worry about. However, there is no way to know exactly how popular drones will get and how that will effect our lives.
4. Often times, when my brother and I are having an argument and I get blamed for something I didn't do, my trust towards the person that made that blamed me decreases each time.
I believe that Iran is at fault and behind the oil attacks in Saudi Arabia. There is a possibility that the Houthis covered up for Iran, in turn Iran gave them weapons and machinery for the Houthis’ own purposes. The Houthis’ military technology and knowledge isn’t as advanced as Iran. Instead of investing in drones the government should be investing in green technology. Oil is a very important resource but also a very harmful one and the less we’re dependent on it, the safer our world will be. For one, it won’t have as much of an impact on our environment and also the Saudi Arabian and Iranian conflict will damage the global economy less. I believe that although drones are afficent towards our world, they are also destroying it. For example, amazon packages are able to be delivered by drones but that affects humans too. People who might only get their money to support themselves by delivering packages are losing their jobs, resulting in excessive amounts of poverty all over the world. I have been blamed for something I didn’t do, most of them following the fights I have with my younger brother. Even then, I can’t think of a specific time where I feel like I’ve been at fault of something I haven’t done.
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ReplyDelete1. In my opinion Iran is responsible for the attack in Saudi Arabia due to the fact that Iran and Houthis are allies, and because "quality" of the attack is higher then previous attacks launched by Houthis which therefore increases the chance that Iran lis responsible for the attack.
2. Before further steps are taken, the launchers of the attack must be fully identified so Saudi Arabia can properly decide how to proceed.
3. Technology has grown to be such a necessary part of our day to day lives and while it can be very helpful in certain instances, it is also upsetting to think about how much our society relies on technology.
4. When I was younger, my sister and I would argue on a regular basis. One day, she had turned on the t.v. after receiving specific instruction from my mom not to do so. After about an hour or so, my sister left the room without turning off the t.v. When my mom came home she was dismayed to discover one of us had been watching t.v. My sister put the blame on me and although I said I didn't do it, I still faced the repercussions. After this event my mom had less trust in me which lead to my getting less independence for a little while.
1. The complexity of the attacks on the Saudi Arabian oil refinery, lead me to believe that Iran was behind it. The article clearly states that the Houthis weren't sophisticated enough to develop that kind of technology. For example, some of the damage dealt to the oil refinery were by guided missiles, which is very high technology most countries don't have the advantage of.
ReplyDelete2. In order to correctly address this crisis, Saudi Arabia and the neighboring countries around it need to take action and find out who was behind this attack. Saudi Arabias bordering countries need to take caution because there could possibly be future attacks, and it is clear that region is being targeted.
3. When you think about it at first, technology is great. It can do stuff for you and if you are doing something yourself, it makes it easier. But when you think about it deeply, it has many flaws. For example, the technological device you are using could malfunction or spaz, which could potentially be dangerous.
4. I have lived with my family long enough to know that I shouldn't be around my brother for more than 43 seconds. My brother is a few years younger than me, and because he is younger, my parents part sides with him for the most irrelevant of matters. Once, I was chilling in the living room, playing with the shutters, when my parents told me to stop. I heard them, so I stopped. Then, they went to their room and my brother, having heard their message to me, started hitting the shutters. Half a second letter, my parents yell for me to stop. I tell them that it wasn't me, but I guess the truth isn't acceptable in my house, and I have learned to stay clear of my brother.
I believe that Iran is responsible for the drone attack on Saudi Arabia. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, but most seem to find this difficult to believe. It is also known that the Houthis have insufficient technology to launch an attack of such precision and scale and would likely need help from a foreign power. Iran is an obvious candidate. According to the New York Times, photos of the wreckage have surfaced and one photo shows a specific model of missile that could not travel the distance from Yemen to the Saudi oil refinery. It is much more likely that the missile was shot from a closer location, such as Iran.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Natalie, that before any action is taken the attacker must be confirmed. The uncertainty of the situation makes any action problematic and I believe that it is up to Saudi Arabia to decide what, if any, military action should be taken. I don’t think that the US should take military action unless Iran is proven responsible and the problems escalate.
I believe that drone technology is a positive new invention. While I see the possible dangers of military and spy drones, I believe that along with new drone technology will come better anti-drone technology. Drones also allow for positive experiences such as being able to photograph from an aerial view. Every year on our summer family vacation we use a drone to take a family photo from an aerial view. Drones are also widely used for life-saving purposes. For example, The“Quadcopter” in LA is used for search and rescue and hostage situations. This drone prevents having to send human officers into extremely dangerous situations. I still remember the first time I heard that drones could deliver Amazon packages to your home. I was fascinated by them then, and I still am now. Drones are a positive and constantly improving part of robotics. On the other hand, there can be dangerous uses for drones such as attacking US forces in swarms as reported by the national academy of sciences or privacy concerns with recording private places.
Fortunately I have never been blamed for anything serious and I hope to keep it that way.
I believe that Iran is at fault and behind the oil attacks in Saudi Arabia. There is a possibility that the Houthis covered up for Iran, in turn Iran gave them weapons and machinery for the Houthis’ own purposes. The Houthis’ military technology and knowledge isn’t as advanced as Iran.
ReplyDeleteInstead of investing in drones the government should be investing in green technology. Oil is a very important resource but also a very harmful one and the less we’re dependent on it, the safer our world will be. For one, it won’t have as much of an impact on our environment and also the Saudi Arabian and Iranian conflict will damage the global economy less.
I believe that although drones are afficent towards our world, they are also destroying it. For example, amazon packages are able to be delivered by drones but that affects humans too. People who might only get their money to support themselves by delivering packages are losing their jobs, resulting in excessive amounts of poverty all over the world.
I have been blamed for something I didn’t do, most of them following the fights I have with my younger brother. Even then, I can’t think of a specific time where I feel like I’ve been at fault of something I haven’t done.
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1) I think that the attack was launched by the Houthis, from Iran due to several reasons. The article has varying information, but when all the information is put together, it is seemingly more likely that the attack was launched from Iran, but not by them due to possible results in war. The direction in which the attacks were launched varied, although the majority of the hits seemed to come from the North or Northwest. Although there is always the possibility off the attack coming from Iran, the information gathered makes it highly likely that the attack was by the Houthis from Iran.
ReplyDelete2) Next, the information should be more closely analyzed to conclude where the attack was launched from, as well as who launched it. The attacker needs to be distinguished before any action is taken.
3) I feel that the future of drones could be important for our future, but also could end up somewhat invasive of lives if drone use is not regulated. Drones can be helpful for commercial use, but also dangerous for personal and government privacy.
4) I have been blamed for something I didn't do. During that instance, I felt powerless. Despite telling the truth several times I still had no concrete proof to prove that I had not done what I was accused of. Accusations can be tricky because although sometimes they are spot on, other times are false and can create conflict.
I believe that Saudi Arabia supplied the Houthis with weapons because the Houthis did say they did the crime but they did mentions were they got the weapons from. They most likely got the weapons from the alliance with Saudi Arabi who actually have access to weapons that could do such damage.
ReplyDeleteI think its best if they find out who actually did the crime before creating a huge war between all the groups no matter whose innocent or not. Once they find out who had the weapons to do the damage then some sort of action can be taken whether its war or an alliance with the other groups.
I feel like drones are a cool new way of doing work like delivering and weaponry but with delivery, drones are taking away the jobs of actual mail delivers which girls them less money. I am someone who covers my computer camera from the FBI so I would never want to have a drone watching me receive packages or take my pictures without me knowing.
One time my brother broke the lock of the bathroom door but my parents thought I did it so they got mad at me, my brother soo told them that it was him. Before my brother told the truth, my parents didn’t trust me until he fessed up, then my parents started believing me when I told them that I didn’t do something.
Got it! Late credit 4/5
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ReplyDeleteI believe that Iran is responsible for the attack. Iran should be responsible because without them the Houthies wouldn't have been able to launch the attack. The technology that was used was to advanced and Iran gave a location where they could be fired. This is why its Irans fault.
I think America should send missiles to blow up Iran because without them this would not have happend. This would also show how America has their allies back in wars etc...
I feel that drones are very cool but could be used in wrong ways. The drones could blow up cities, and create destruction among citizens. While they could also deliver food and packages making them super useful.
I have been blamed for doing something that I didn't do. This happed when my sisters make a giant spark in the fire which went everywhere. This mad me very angry that I was blamed for something i didn't do.