Shaan S. GIP Blog
About Me
I'm Shaan, and I am currently studying Spanish at the AP level at Poly. One day, I hope to study Spanish enough that I am fluent. Another language I am interested in learning is Arabic. I am also a member of the UNA-USA Pasadena Chapter and on Poly's chapter board as the vice president. UNA USA is a nonprofit organization that promotes political and public support for the United Nations among Americans. For my Capstone Project, fellow global scholar Elias Ramirez and I will teach Mr. Johnson's 7th-grade world geography class about the intricacies of immigration within the LA area. We plan to explore the immigration hotspots and highlight their contributions to the community.
Trump doubles tariffs on Canada - 3/11/2025
President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports to 50% marks a significant escalation in trade tensions between the United States and its northern neighbor. This move, positioned as retaliation against Ontario’s electricity surcharge on U.S. states, underscores Trump’s long-standing protectionist stance, which has characterized much of his economic policy. While the immediate intention is to pressure Canada into reversing its surcharge, the broader consequences of this action could ripple through the global economy.
One of the most immediate effects of these tariffs is the potential for retaliatory measures from Canada. Historically, trade disputes between the U.S. and Canada have led to countermeasures, as seen during Trump’s first term when Canada imposed tariffs on American goods in response to similar actions. If Canada responds in kind, industries reliant on cross-border trade—including automobile manufacturing, construction, and energy—could face increased costs and supply chain disruptions. Additionally, the tariffs may prompt businesses in both countries to seek alternative suppliers, potentially reducing economic interdependence and weakening North American trade ties.
Beyond U.S.-Canada relations, Trump's aggressive tariff policies contribute to a broader trend of economic uncertainty. The stock market has already reacted negatively, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq suffering sharp declines. Investors fear that these measures, combined with existing global economic challenges, could contribute to a recession—or what some are calling a "Trumpcession." Higher tariffs drive up costs for businesses and consumers, potentially leading to inflationary pressures and reduced consumer spending.
On a global scale, Trump’s actions reinforce a shift toward economic nationalism, which could encourage other countries to adopt protectionist policies. If major economies, such as China and the European Union, follow suit, global trade could become more fragmented, undermining the stability of international markets. Additionally, strained relations with allies like Canada could weaken U.S. diplomatic leverage in trade negotiations elsewhere.
While Trump's policies resonate with his political base, the long-term consequences of escalating trade disputes could extend far beyond the U.S. economy, reshaping global trade dynamics and increasing economic volatility in an already fragile international landscape.
https://apnews.com/article/a830ce52a2cb2ff5b6765d7dbdfdaa76?utm
Implications of Russian and US Meetings - 2/23/2025
The upcoming diplomatic talks between the United States and Russia come at a crucial time, as the war in Ukraine continues to shape global politics. With no clear resolution in sight, these discussions hold significant implications not only for the countries directly involved but for the entire international community. The war has already led to widespread instability, with disruptions in energy markets, global supply chains, and geopolitical alliances. A prolonged conflict risks further economic downturns, increased military spending, and heightened tensions between NATO and Russia.
For the United States, engaging in dialogue with Russia is both a strategic necessity and a complex challenge. Supporting Ukraine remains a priority, with billions of dollars in military aid sent to strengthen its defenses. However, Washington must also navigate the risk of direct NATO involvement, which could escalate the conflict beyond Ukraine’s borders. Russia, facing economic sanctions and military setbacks, may see these talks as an opportunity to negotiate from a position of strength or, conversely, to seek relief from mounting pressure. The outcomes could range from continued military stalemates to potential concessions, but a breakthrough remains unlikely without significant compromises.
Beyond the immediate conflict, the talks will influence global stability. Europe, heavily dependent on Russian energy before the war, has diversified its sources but remains vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions. Countries in the Global South, already affected by rising food and fuel costs, continue to experience economic strain as the war drags on. Meanwhile, China’s role looms large, as its tacit support for Russia challenges Western dominance and raises concerns about shifting global alliances. If U.S.-Russia talks yield progress, it could ease broader tensions, but failure could reinforce divisions and push nations further into opposing blocs.
The diplomatic efforts reflect a larger struggle over the future of international order. If negotiations lead to de-escalation, they could set a precedent for resolving conflicts through diplomacy rather than prolonged warfare. However, if they fail, the world may be left facing an increasingly fragmented and militarized global landscape, where diplomacy becomes secondary to power struggles and economic warfare.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/18/europe/us-russia-riyadh-talks-intl/index.html
https://www.max-security.com/resources/global-forecast/russia-ukraine-conflict-2025/
Lebanon's Political Future - 2/2/2025
What’s next for Lebanon? Lebanon stands at a crucial crossroads as political dynamics shift in the wake of regional transformations. The weakening of Hezbollah’s position, compounded by the decline of its long-time ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, presents both risks and opportunities for Lebanon’s future. This moment is particularly significant as Saad Hariri, the former prime minister, signals a possible return to politics which is an event that could redefine Lebanon’s trajectory.
The implications of this shift extend far beyond Lebanon’s borders. Hezbollah has long been a dominant force, shaping both domestic politics and regional conflicts. Its military and political power have tied Lebanon’s fate to broader struggles involving Iran, Israel, and Gulf states. However, with Assad’s influence waning and Hezbollah facing increased military and economic pressure, the group’s grip on Lebanon may be loosening. This could create space for a more balanced political landscape, one that is less beholden to Iranian interests and more open to engagement with Western and Gulf powers.
Saudi Arabia’s renewed interest in Lebanon underscores the geopolitical stakes. Riyadh’s previous disengagement allowed Hezbollah to consolidate power, but its re-engagement suggests a strategic push to counter Iranian influence. If Saudi investment and political backing lead to economic recovery and stabilization, Lebanon could gradually move away from the brink of collapse. However, any effort to sideline Hezbollah entirely risks sparking further conflict, as the group remains deeply entrenched and retains significant support within Lebanon’s Shiite population.
For the international community, Lebanon’s political shifts represent both a challenge and an opportunity. A more stable Lebanon could serve as a model for post-sectarian governance in the region, demonstrating that entrenched power structures can evolve. However, missteps, such as external powers overplaying their hand for example, could lead to renewed instability or even conflict.
Ultimately, Lebanon’s future hinges on whether its political class can navigate this transition wisely. If reformist forces gain momentum while avoiding direct confrontation with Hezbollah, the country could emerge stronger. However, if old power struggles resurface, Lebanon may remain trapped in cycles of crisis. The world will be watching closely as this small but strategically vital nation charts its next course.
https://www.ft.com/content/0e815005-271a-48d2-8b90-2b60aa14d54c?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Taiwan and China Strategy: Prompt 3
As the geopolitical tension between Taiwan and China gradually increases, a big question arises: What stance should the United States take regarding its defense of Taiwan? As long as we have had relations with Taiwan, the US government has taken the approach of strategic ambiguity, neglecting to highlight a detailed plan of action in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Last night, the Secretary of State and a foreign policy expert from the International University’s School of Foreign Service, Joe Johnson, faced off in a debate, Secretary Blinken making his case for strategic ambiguity and Johnson, his, for strategic clarity. Throughout the debate, Blinken highlighted the US’s consistent success under strategic ambiguity and claimed that strategic ambiguity is the best path toward maintaining the status quo in Taiwan, which is the top priority for most Taiwanese citizens. However, Johnson countered by asserting that this strategy is no longer sustainable because of China’s 2049 plan for Taiwan to eventually be under One China. Johnson also pressured Blinken to recognize the uncertainty that strategic ambiguity creates for our allies in the Pacific Rim, such as Japan and Australia, two countries who have declared that they would defend Taiwan militarily in the event of Chinese military action. Blinken, however, never acknowledged this flaw in US strategy and continued to discuss preserving the status quo in Taiwan and maintaining a smoke screen to prevent China from interpreting a concrete strategy as a threat. Johnson’s rebuttal solidified my support for strategic clarity. He demonstrated that strategic clarity would create a rigid boundary for China, preventing military escalation and reaffirming the US as a global superpower. He also highlighted the fact that there is no evidence that Beijing would see the US shifting to strategic clarity as a threat to China because strategic ambiguity has always been a unilateral policy and was never requested by Beijing. When examining complex discussions, it is important to weigh your priorities and view the debate with an impartial lens. Tonight, Joe Johnson made a much stronger case for strategic clarity, and I, among other US citizens, would support a domestic policy shift.
Sources:
Brookings: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/does-the-united-states-need-to-update-its-taiwan-policy/?utm_campaign=Center%20for%20Asia%20Policy%20Studies%20Bulletin&utm_medium=email&utm_content=335595885&utm_source=hs_email
The Economist: https://www.economist.com/china/2024/10/17/china-makes-love-and-war-with-taiwan
Foreign Affairs Magazine: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/china/2021-12-13/growing-danger-us-ambiguity-taiwan
Shaan, thank you for taking on this prompt. This is definitely one of the harder of the four and your tone was spot on. I think an important point that you emphasized was the ability for strategic clarity to confine China to boundaries set by the US and its allies, creating a shift in the global power order towards the West. Nice work here.
Shaan, I enjoyed reading your concise overview and analysis of the debate. I found your analysis within the context of the past relations with China impactful. I thought you did a great job weighing the arguments of both sides and eventually reaching a conclusion.
Well done in terms of capturing the arguments of the evening. Your coverage of the debate is perfect in terms of the back and forth between AB and JJ’s key arguments. Wonderful that you brought a closing analysis of the debate in terms of the stronger case and why.
Shaan -
I really enjoyed reading your coverage of this debate. I think that both sides had good arguments, but I thought that you did a good job of highlighting which person in your mind won the debate. By using the terms and new information we learned in class, the reader was able to not only learn but also come up with their own opinion on the issue.
Great work!
Alex
What does Trump's Foreign Policy Mean for Ukraine and Palestine? 11/13/2024
The war between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in widespread destruction and international tension, with the U.S. and its allies providing Ukraine with military and financial aid. The US’s staunch financial support has been questioned by many American taxpayers since this conflict started in 2022. The conflict in Gaza has seen escalating violence between Israel and Hamas, with severe humanitarian consequences, including mass casualties and genocide against Palestinians. With Donald Trump now re-elected, his foreign policy could dramatically shift the course of these conflicts. Trump has advocated for reducing U.S. involvement in foreign wars, preferring a more unilateral stance. On Ukraine, his criticism of U.S. military aid suggests that he may push for decreased support, potentially undermining Ukraine’s defense against Russian advances. Trump has previously proposed negotiating with Russia, which could lead to a less robust U.S. commitment to Ukraine. Regarding the Israeli and Palestinian conflict, Trump's firm support for Israel and Benjamin Netanyahu could continue, possibly leading to increased military aid and political backing for Israel’s actions, further complicating the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. His previous policies, such as moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal, align with a hardline stance that might intensify regional tensions. Trump's foreign policy decisions could, therefore, lead to reduced diplomatic efforts and a decline in U.S. involvement, with potentially massive consequences for both Ukraine and Gaza. If Trump follows through with his policy opposing US mediation, it could set a dangerous precedent for global leadership, signaling to other countries that the U.S. is retreating from its role as a stabilizing force in international conflicts. This may encourage authoritarian regimes, further destabilizing already volatile regions. Over time, the U.S. might lose influence, allowing rivals to gain ground diplomatically and militarily. The global response could shift towards more self-interest and less multilateral cooperation, potentially escalating tensions worldwide.
Sources:
- Emma Ashford, and Matthew Kroenig - What Trump’s Win Will Mean for NATO,
Ukraine, Israel, and Iran
- https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/06/world/middleeast/trump-israel-support.html
https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/06/politics/trump-election-ukraine-war-russia-intl/index.html
Hey Shaan, I found how you discussed the contrast between the possibility of the US withdrawing aid from foreign nations with the US possibly increasing aids to Israel very interesting as we see the re-election of Donald Trump. I look forward to reading more.
Hello Shaan. What a wonderful blog! This really shed light on some topics I've been thinking about. Your use and understanding of Netanyahu's previous policies, provides a basing to your claims later about how the U.S. is retreating its position as a global facilitator. You present a grim but realistic view for the future. A future in which we are not on top.
Hi Shaan. I hope that you are having a nice day! I enjoyed reading your article about President Trump's foreign policy regarding the conflicts in Palestine and Ukraine. I see these conflicts often in the news, and your article gives me a better understanding of both topics.
Exploration in foreign relations and US Involvement
9/13/2024
In our Facing Global Challenges class, we have been investigating foreign relations and conflicts, whether it be Israel and Palestine, Taiwan and China, the Sudanese civil war, or elsewhere. There is a profound story to be told about conflicts and relations, and the conversations we have had have immensely broadened my perspective on international relations and the US approach to foreign policy. So far this year, our primary focus has been the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Upon further exploration of the topic, it has become clear that how the media and other secondary sources portray the conflict differs significantly from the primary perspectives we have focused on. Most people have been fed the story that this has been a two-sided "war" or conflict between equally powerful states; however, when you examine the firsthand retelling from both sides, it is hard to ignore the decades of oppression, violence, and hardship that Palestinians have experienced. Why does the US turn a blind eye to what appears to be ethnic cleansing? This is a question I have asked myself repeatedly, and Dr. Boduszynski's presentation and conversation with our class helped me understand the nuances and hidden motives behind alliances. His perspective caused me to question many of the morals that the people who run our country hold and challenge the current structure of our international relations policies. As someone who plans to further study international relations in college, I believe these conversations are extremely important for expanding perspective and answering questions, and I will always jump at an opportunity to dig deeper.
Sources:
https://polytechnic.myschoolapp.com/ftpimages/270/download/download_9769658.pdf
https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2024/06/18/is-a-palestinian-state-a-fantasy
https://polytechnic.myschoolapp.com/ftpimages/270/download/download_9842917.pdf
UK Protests/Riots
The ongoing protests in the UK, marked by far-right demonstrations and violent clashes, reflect a growing influence of nationalism and social tension. The unrest began following a tragic stabbing in Southport, which led to anti-immigration protests in cities like Liverpool, Manchester, and Bristol. These protests, often violent, have escalated into broader confrontations between far-right activists and counter-protesters, sparking widespread concern about the rise of extremist ideologies in the country. The rioting tactics, which have included attacks on police, vandalism, and looting, signify more than just reactionary anger; it highlights the deep divisions within British society. Nationalism, fueled by economic uncertainty and cultural anxieties, is a strong sentiment among these rioters. The rhetoric used by far-right groups, often centered on anti-immigration, resonates with a segment of the population that feels left behind by globalization and threatened by what they describe as an “erosion of national identity”. This wave of nationalism in the UK mirrors broader global sentiments, where similar movements are gaining traction in various countries. The convergence of economic struggles, rapid demographic changes, and the spread of misinformation have created an environment where nationalist ideologies can thrive. In the UK, the aftermath of Brexit has further exacerbated these issues, with debates over immigration and national sovereignty continuing to polarize the public. I also explored this idea last week with the rise of “Reform UK,” and the situation seems to be getting even worse. The government's response, including arrests and calls for unity, underscores the challenge of addressing these deep-seated issues without inflaming further division. As the situation unfolds, it becomes clear that these protests are not just about the specific events that triggered them but are representative of broader societal shifts. The rise of nationalism, both in the UK and globally, marks a period of significant transformation, where the struggle to define national identity in an increasingly interconnected world is leading to tensions that are unlikely to disappear soon.
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/10/uk/uk-far-right-riots-tension-intl-gbr/index.html
https://www.euro-islam.info/2024/08/18/understanding-the-2024-uk-riots/
The Rise of Reform UK
The Reform UK party has seen a significant rise in recent UK elections, marking a notable shift in the country's political landscape. Emerging from the remnants of the Brexit Party, Reform UK has capitalized on public dissatisfaction with the traditional political establishments, particularly the Conservative and Labour parties. Their platform, which emphasizes strong immigration regulation, economic reform, and a hard anti-EU stance, resonates with a segment of the voters unhappy with mainstream political parties. This surge has implications both domestically and globally. Domestically, the rise of Reform UK signifies further division of the political landscape, potentially leading to a more polarized society. Their success, (although they didn’t win the election), could pressure major parties to adopt more hardline stances on immigration and national sovereignty to retain votes, further shifting the political discourse to the right. This could lead to heightened tensions and divisions within the UK, as debates over national identity and economic policy become more contentious. On a global scale, the rise of Reform UK reflects a broader trend of populism and nationalism that has been gaining momentum worldwide. This movement often carries undertones of xenophobia and racism, as seen in some of the rhetoric used by Reform UK leaders and supporters. For example a few years back Reform UK Party Leader Nigel Farage made very openly racist comments about Romanians: “I was asked if a group of Romanian men moved in next to you, would you be concerned? And if you lived in London, I think you would be.” These developments could strain the UK's relationships with other nations, particularly within the EU, and complicate international cooperation on issues like trade, climate change, and security. As a consequence, the increased visibility and influence of Reform UK may embolden similar movements in other countries, contributing to a global political environment that is more split and hostile. The intertwining of nationalism with racism poses a significant threat, as it risks normalizing discriminatory attitudes and policies, which will eventually lead to increased social unrest and undermined efforts towards inclusivity and multiculturalism.
Sources:
https://www.economist.com/britain/2024/07/05/what-now-for-britains-right-wing-parties
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-27459923
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/07/04/reform-uk-party-richard-tice-history-brexit-tories/
Exploring the Sudanese Civil War
The ongoing Sudanese Civil War, a complex conflict with deep historical roots, has seen a significant development with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announcing the establishment of a civil administration in South Darfur, an area they fully control. This move represents a pivotal moment in the conflict, highlighting the RSF's growing influence and control in the region. The Sudanese Civil War, which reignited in April 2023, has been primarily driven by power struggles between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. The RSF, originally formed from the Janjaweed militia infamous for their role in the Darfur conflict, has evolved into a powerful paramilitary group. The conflict has caused widespread devastation, with thousands of casualties and millions displaced, aggravating the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The RSF's declaration of a civil administration in South Darfur marks a significant shift in the conflict's dynamics. It suggests that the RSF is moving beyond purely military objectives to establish governance structures, potentially aiming to legitimize their control and gain political leverage. This development could lead to further division within Sudan, complicating efforts for a unified peace process. The causes of this conflict are deeply rooted in Sudan's political history, which contain decades of authoritarian rule, economic mismanagement, and ethnic tensions. The 2019 overthrow of long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir provided a brief hope for democratic transition, but subsequent power struggles have plunged the country back into conflict. The impact of the RSF's control in South Darfur is significant. It not only alters the power balance but also poses challenges for humanitarian access and protection of civilians. The RSF's governance could either stabilize the region or lead to further abuses and exploitation. This event draws attention to the urgent need for international mediation and a comprehensive peace strategy to address the underlying issues of governance and representation in Sudan.
Sources:
https://www.gisreportsonline.com/r/sudan-north-darfur/
https://www.africanews.com/2024/06/18/un-rebel-activity-in-car-worsens-amid-sudan-conflict/
https://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5031894-clashes-escalate-sudan%E2%80%99s-north-darfur
Zan Srinivasan Ancient Texts Presentation Reflections
I attended Global Scholar, and my brother, Zan Srinivasan's presentation on the importance of preserving ancient texts, specifically religious texts like the Q'ran. As a Muslim, I am familiar with a lot of prayers and ideologies from the Q'ran although I have never actually read the whole thing myself. However, I never knew that the Q'ran was preserved orally and that's how it was passed through many generations. When you think about something like folklore, which is usually passed through generations orally, the Q'ran and religious texts do not come to mind; however, the Q'ran by definition is folklore even though that term has nothing to do with the veritability of the Q'ran. I think the idea that all texts were written down and passed through generations is a misconception that many including myself have about religious texts. Zan's presentation taught me that the Q'ran was passed down orally and therefore might have some discrepancies from language to language, and also might have slightly changed over time because of the generational game of telephone that this religious text has gone through. Overall his presentation emphasized to me the importance of preserving texts today, as well as the fact that ancient texts that were preserved in the past are still relevant to us today, and some even give us the knowledge we know today.
Justin Worland Climate Change and Journalism Takeaways
Last Wednesday, I had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Justin Worland speak about climate change in the context of his career as a journalist. It was very intriguing to hear that he was placed into climate change journalism at random, but he is now very passionate about his work and continues to work toward the climate cause. I think his story shows how seriously climate change affects us all. He said when he first took his position, he was told to teach people about climate change even though he himself didn't know a lot about it. After hearing his story about the village in Fiji and his passion for climate change awareness, it becomes very clear that climate change is a relevant issue to all of us and that everyone should care about the climate crisis. It was very interesting to have this event follow Dr. Sayeed's event, which was about climate change in the medical world. Whether it be medicine or journalism, I think seeing the different ways that an issue like climate change manifests in our lives again stresses the severity of it.
Additionally, it was interesting to hear about how journalism changes as time passes. The attention span of young people is deteriorating with the rise of TikTok, and short-form content is becoming the main way people consume their news. Mr. Worlander talked about how some people can't read 1000-word articles anymore because they are "so long." Journalism is an extremely important profession because it takes time to research and craft an article carefully. Journalists and publications have worked for decades to create thorough, trustworthy, and reliable information, so it is extremely important that we don't let journalism fizzle out of our lives.
The Effects of Climate Change on Pubic Health Featuring Dr. Sayeed
I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Sayeed's talk about Climate Change for a multitude of reasons. Dr. Sayeed focused on many invisible aspects of climate change that aren't often discussed, even though they are a direct result of climate change. For example, the effect that higher temperatures have in relation to the susceptibility of pathogens, or the higher the temperature, the easier it is to contract some diseases. Almost all of the statistics he used were shocking, especially the one about 2 billion people needing to relocate if we continue on the current trend of climate change. His explanation of mitigation vs. adaptation as an approach to climate change was one that I had never heard before, and I was intrigued to hear how our methods of addressing climate change differ. Dr. Sayeed also proposed a tangible solution at the end of his talk. Often, during conversations about climate change, you feel helpless and scared and that you have no way of helping, but the solution he proposed, which was corporations funding the action plans of experts, was one I had never heard before. Still, it left me with a hint of optimism amidst the climate catastrophe.
Jennifer Hall Lee Reflections
I thought Jennifer Hall Lee's recounting of her six week journey to Pakistan illustrated a unique ground level perspective of interacting with women in Pakistan. She offered a unique viewpoint on feminism and talked about the unique identity that feminism has in Pakistani society. I thought the question about culture vs religion was also very insightful. I think often Islam is framed as a religion that oppresses women; however, Jennifer Hall Lee explained that it is mostly to do with Pakistani culture. Her story made me appreciate the unique forms that feminism can take but also made me grateful for the freedom of expression in America.
Kalyanee Mam "Lost World" Reflections
Prior to this event, I had absolutely no knowledge about this conflict. I didn't even know what sand dredging was and why it's so harmful to Cambodians. I think that "Lost World" does an excellent job of explaining the conflict as well as displaying firsthand who is affected by sand dredging. I thought this presentation was particularly powerful because of how Kalyanee Mam tells stories. There was a point in the talk when someone asked a question about numbers, and she responded "I don't know specific statistics but I do know stories." She then told a story about how a small island disappeared due to sand dredging. I think stories like these are much more significant than any number or statistic, which is why Kalyanee Mam comes across as such a powerful and entertaining speaker.
"A Step Without Feet" with co-director Jeremy Glaholt Reflections
I think that the film was super powerful, and the decision to focus solely on the characters rather than the technicalities of the conflict in Syria was very unique. Often, issues regarding refugees and immigration are seen as political and international conflicts, but Jeremy Glaholt does a phenomenal job focusing solely on the refugees and immigrants themselves. The film also highlighted the lives of the Syrian people. Their identity is not "refugee"; they dance, write, cook, and sing, and I think this aspect of the film allows the viewer to relate on a deeper level. Music, food, and art are a universal language and show that people from different countries and places all share the same sort of culture in one way or another.
I don't think it is genuinely possible to grasp the idea of leaving your home and everything behind until it is reality. It is easy to sit and say you sympathize with these people who have lost their homes, countries, and families, but living with that as a reality is truly unfathomable. That is why the question, 'Would you ever go back to Syria?' is difficult to grapple with. Their answers varied, but they shared the same difficulty answering that question. Having your home stripped from you and wondering if you can ever even go back is an extremely difficult circumstance, and it makes me appreciate the things I take for granted more.
Takeaways From Past Travel Experiences
Although I have never gone on a Poly-facilitated GIP trip, I have traveled to numerous places worldwide and have had firsthand experience with different cultures, countries, and people. One of my most noteworthy international experiences was when my family traveled to Spain in the summer of 2022. At the beginning of our trip, we did not take the tourist route and stayed in a friend's house in a suburb of Sotogrande. This was an immersive experience because we stayed in a house rather than a hotel, surrounded by people living in Sotogrande. By walking through and exploring the small town, I saw what life was like in suburban Spain and interacted with people who had lived there for their entire lives. Sotogrande is very far south of Spain, so one day, we had the unique opportunity to take a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar into Tangier Morroco. When we arrived, our whole family was shocked by the cultural difference across just a 10-mile body of water. Spanish and Morrocan life were very different, yet both cities were incredibly rich in culture and had vibrant attractions and people. To this day, Tangier Morroco is my favorite place that I have visited. I think experiencing two different countries and continents in one day is incredibly unique and something I hope others can experience, too.
Shaan, I enjoyed reading your blog post on Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. Although it seems shortsighted, I agree that risking economic stability for a political statement could spark retaliation from Canada, disrupting industries that rely on cross-border trade.