Wildlife Biodiversity and Net Deforestation Rates Essay Example

Wildlife: Biodiversity and Net Deforestation Rates Essay Around the world, forests are being logged for timber and paper pulp and cleared to grow mono-crops like soy and palm oil while they are deteriorating from the impacts of global warming. Deforestation is a major driver of global warming, responsible for up to 20 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions–more than all the cars, trucks, planes, boats and trains in the world combined. Deforestation doesn’t just threaten our climate, it threatens the livelihoods of 1. 6 Billion people that rely on forests for food and economic activity. Forests also serve as habitats to rare and undiscovered animal and plant species and play a key role in providing water and preventing flooding and erosion. Ending deforestation and protecting forests will not only preserve biodiversity and defend the rights of forest communities, it is also one of the quickest and cost effective ways of curbing global warming. Greenpeace is campaigning for zero deforestation, globally, by 2020. Deforestation,  clearance  or  clearing  is the removal of a forest or stand of trees where the land is thereafter converted to a non-forest use. 1]  Examples of deforestation include conversion of forestland to farms, ranches, or urban use. About half of the worlds original forests had been destroyed by 2011, the majority during the previous 50 years. [citation needed]  Since 1990 half of the worlds  rain forests  have been destroyed. [citation needed]  More than half of the animal and plant species in the world live in tropical forests. [2 ] The term  deforestation  is often misused to describe any activity where all trees in an area are removed. not in citation given][neutrality  is  disputed]  However in  temperate climates, the  removal of all trees in an area[not in citation given]—in conformance with  sustainable forestry  practices—is correctly described as  regeneration harvest. [3]  In  temperate mesic climates, natural regeneration of forest stands often will not occur in the absence of disturbance, whether natural or anthropogenic. [4]  Furthermore, biodiversity after regeneration harvest often mimics that found after natural disturbance, including biodiversity loss after naturally occurring rainforest destruction. 5][6] Deforestation occurs for many reasons: trees are cut down to be used or sold as fuel (sometimes in the form of  charcoal) or timber, while cleared land is used as  pasture  for livestock, plantations of commodities and settlements. The removal of trees without sufficient  reforestation  has resulted in damage to  habitat,  biodiversity  loss and  aridity. It has adverse impacts on  biosequestration  of atmospheric  carbon dioxide. Deforestation has also been used in  war  to deprive an enemy of cover for its forces and also vital resources. We will write a custom essay sample on Wildlife: Biodiversity and Net Deforestation Rates specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Wildlife: Biodiversity and Net Deforestation Rates specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Wildlife: Biodiversity and Net Deforestation Rates specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer A modern example of this was the use of  Agent Orangeby the United States military in Vietnam during the  Vietnam War. Deforested regions typically incur significant adverse  soil erosion  and frequently degrade into  wasteland. Disregard or ignorance of intrinsic value, lack of ascribed value, lax forest management and deficient environmental laws are some of the factors that allow deforestation to occur on a large scale. In many countries, deforestation, both naturally occurring and human induced, is an ongoing issue. Deforestation causes  extinction, changes to climatic conditions,  desertification, and displacement of populations as observed by current conditions and in the past through the fossil record. [5] Among countries with a per capita  GDP  of at least US$4,600, net deforestation rates have ceased to increase. [when? ][7][8] - Causes According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat, the overwhelming direct cause of deforestation is agriculture. Subsistence farming  is responsible for 48% of deforestation;  commercial agriculture  is responsible for 32% of deforestation;  logging  is responsible for 14% of deforestation and fuel wood removals make up 5% of deforestation. [9] Experts do not agree on whether industrial logging is an important contributor to global deforestation. [10][11]  Some argue that poor people are more likely to clear forest because they have no alternatives, others that the poor lack the ability to pay for the materials and labour needed to clear forest. 10]  One study found that population increases due to high fertility rates were a primary driver of tropical deforestation in only 8% of cases. [12] Other causes of contemporary deforestation may include  corruption  of government institutions,[13][14]  the  inequitable  distribution of wealth and power,[15]  population growth[16]  andoverpopulation,[17][18]  and  urbanization. [19]  Globalization  is often viewed as another root cause of deforestation,[20][21]  though there are cases in which the impacts of globalization (new ? ws of labor, capital, commodities, and ideas) have promoted localized forest recovery. [22] The last batch of sawnwood from thepeat forest  in Indragiri Hulu, Sumatra,Indonesia. Deforestation for  oil palmplantation. In 2000 the United Nations  Food and Agriculture Organization  (FAO) found that the role of population dynamics in a local setting may vary from decisive to negligible, and that deforestation can result from a combination of population pressure and stagnating economic, social and technological conditions. [16] The degradation of forest ecosystems has also been traced to economic incentives that make forest conversion appear more profitable than forest conservation. [23]  Many important forest functions have no markets, and hence, no economic value that is readily apparent to the forests owners or the communities that rely on forests for their wel l-being. [23]  From the perspective of the developing world, the benefits of forest as carbon sinks or biodiversity reserves go primarily to richer developed nations and there is insufficient compensation for these services. Developing countries feel that some countries in the developed world, such as the United States of America, cut down their forests centuries ago and benefited greatly from this deforestation, and that it is hypocritical to deny developing countries the same opportunities: that the poor shouldnt have to bear the cost of preservation when the rich created the problem. [24] Some commentators have noted a shift in the drivers of deforestation over the past 30 years. 25]  Whereas deforestation was primarily driven by subsistence activities and government-sponsored development projects like  transmigration  in countries like  Indonesia  and  colonization  in  Latin America,India,  Java, and so on, during late 19th century and the earlier half of the 20th century. By the 1990s the majority of deforestation was caused by industrial factors, including extractive industries, large-scale cattle ranching, and extensive agriculture. [26] [edit] Wildlife conservation  is the pr actice of protecting  endangered plant and animal species  and their  habitats. Among the goals of wildlife conservation are to ensure that nature will be around for future generations to enjoy and to recognize the importance of  wildlife  and  wilderness  lands to humans. [1]Many nations are  government agencies  dedicated to wildlife conservation, which help to implement policies designed to protect wildlife. Numerous independent  nonprofit organizations  also promote various wildlife conservation causes. [2] Wildlife conservation has become an increasingly important practice due to the negative effects of  human activity  on  wildlife. The science of extinction. An endangered species is defined as a population of a living being that is at the danger of becoming extinct because of several reasons. Either they are few in number or are threatened by the varying environmental or predation parameters. - Government involvement The Wildlife Conservation Act was enacted by the Government of India in 1972. Soon after the trend of policy makers enacting regulations on conservation a strategy was developed to allow actors, both government and non-government, to follow a detailed framework to successful conservation. The World Conservation Strategy was developed in 1980 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) with advice, cooperation and financial assistance of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Wildlife Fund and in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco)[9]  The strategy aims to provide an intellectual framework and practical guidance for conservation actions. [9]  This thorough guidebook covers everything from the intended users of the strategy to its very priorities and even a map section containing areas that have large seafood consumption therefore endangering the area to over fishing. The main sections are as follows: * The objectives of conservation and requirements for their achievement: 1. Maintenance of essential ecological processes and life-support systems. 2. Preservation of genetic div ersity. 3. Sustainable utilization of species and ecosystems. * Priorities for national action: 1. A framework for national and subnational conservation strategies. . Policy making and the integration of conservation and development. 3. Environmental planning and rational use allocation. * Priorities for international action: 1. International action: law and assistance. 2. Tropical forests and drylands. 3. A global programme for the protection of genetic resource areas. Map sections: 1. Tropical forests 2. Deserts and areas subject to desertification. Importance Of Wildlife 37  Ã‚  6  StumbleUpon4 If you were of the opinion that cultivated plants and domesticated animals is what wildlife consists of, you are mistaken. Wildlife, in fact, comprises of the innumerous varieties of wild plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms that exist on our planet earth, rather than just cultivated plants and domesticated animals. Knowingly or unknowingly, we largely depend on this wildlife for every elementary requirement in our life. The food we eat, the clothes we wear, the medicines we consume, a variety of building materials used for construction, numerous chemicals used for manufacturing our necessities, all are extracted from the wildlife existing around us. A study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science indicates that as many as 40,000 species of plants, animals, fungi and microscopic animals benefit us in some way or the other. To know the various benefits that this wildlife provides us, read on further. Benefits Of Wildlife Benefits To People Wildlife and nature have largely been associated with humans for numerous emotional and social reasons. A simple stroll around the park amidst some birds provides a fresh breath of life and charges our batteries. Apart from bird feeder in the backyard, we can also take up other active pastimes, such as hiking, hunting, canoeing or wildlife photographing to relieve our parched nerves. Since prehistoric times, animals have been highly useful to us in providing food, clothing and source of income. Benefits To Natural Processes Wildlife plays an essential role in the ecological and biological processes that are yet again significant to life. The normal functioning of the biosphere depends on endless interactions amongst animals, plants, and microorganisms. This, in turn, maintains and enhances human life further. To add on, these ecological processes are vital for agriculture, forestry, fisheries and other endeavors that support human life. Besides, there are several biological processes wherein wildlife plays a key role, such as pollinization, germination, seed dispersal, soil generation, nutrient cycling, predation, habitat maintenance, waste breakdown, and pest control. Benefits to Science, Agriculture, Medicine Studies indicate that woodpeckers are capable of destroying 90% of codling moth larvae residing under the bark of trees. This shows the significance of wildlife and wildlife habitat for preserving genetic diversity. Hence, places where agriculture, forests, and fisheries depend on crops or stocks can ensure that such living resources are enough to withstand the ever-increasing list of threats. Further, in medicine, development of new drugs and treatments are largely dependent on wildlife and wildlife habitat. Interestingly, most pharmaceutical products are a result of discovering or developing wildlife species and not discoveries through the traditional chemistry principles. Today, most medicinal remedies contain at least one ingredient derived from a wild plant or animal.

Of Mice and Men Questions for Discussion

Of Mice and Men Questions for Discussion Of Mice and Men is a famous and controversial novel by John Steinbeck. There have been many cases in which the novel was asked to be removed, sometimes successfully, from school curriculums due to profane language and dark themes such as murder, mental illness, and euthanasia. Given its controversial nature, there are many opinions and interpretations of Of Mice and Men, which makes it a fun novel to discuss and debate. Here are some questions that will get the conversation rolling. Starting From the Top: Where did Steinbeck get the title from? What is he referencing?   Themes and Symbols: What is the central purpose of the story?What are other themes in the story? How do they relate to the plot and characters?  Can you think of any symbols that represent one of the themes you just discussed?  How does the setting add to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else?What types of conflict occur in Of Mice and Men? Are the conflicts  physical, intellectual, or emotional? Lets Talk About The Characters: Are George and Lenny consistent in their actions? Are they fully developed characters?  From the women in the velvet dress to Curleys wife, female characters have played a large part in changing Lennie and Georges life. What is the role of women in the text? And why does Steinbeck not give them names?How does John Steinbeck reveal character in  Of Mice and Men? What Are Your Opinions? Would you recommend this novel to a friend?  Do you think the book should be censored or banned?  Do you find the characters likable?  Does the story end the way you expected? How? Why?

The Royal Bank of Scotland Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6250 words

The Royal Bank of Scotland - Case Study Example Increased merger and acquisition activity, particularly in the banking sector, in Europe has been, and is due to deregulation as contained under the Second Banking Directive that was adopted in 1989, and implemented in 1993 which set the stage for the Euro, and the European Union's transition to a one market economy (Murphy). The preceding was a process undertaken by the European Union in response to developments as represented by " globalisation of markets and finance, the creation of regional economic blocks such as the Union (EU), the North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA), the emergence of newly industrialized countries in Asia or Latin America, the introduction of new technologies in product design and manufacturing, and new forms of firms' organization representing just some of the main features of the new international economic order that is emerging" (Canals 1). 1. It is important to understand is the process of deregulation, as it has had two important effects (Gardener and Versiulujs 2): 1. It, deregulation, has "removed or reduced the economic franchises, increasing competition between banks and financial institutions thereby increasing risk in their balance sheets, rendering them seemingly less sound than their large corporate customers". 2. "second and more subtle but no less important change arise from the ability of the banks to seek new business in much wider fields of activity (for example, such as loan

Batian Food and Wine Festival Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Batian Food and Wine Festival - Case Study Example In total the event attracted over 50,000 participants. The festival had been so well managed by the use of the SWOT analysis, HR management, financial management, marketing and promotion, sponsorship, and risk management. Good organization and management were the key pillars that led to the success of the festival. Batian food and wine festival is one of the most tremendous festivals have ever experienced. The festival involved a three day event in which there were various presentations of traditional food recipes and wines. Some of the events included brilliant musical productions, theater, gospel music's, historic presentations, wine and food presentations/techniques which were presented to the guests who had been welcomed to witness this gratifying event. The festival began with a traditional wine tasting competition which was aimed at sampling the best wine presented in the festival. This was done by professional wine tasters. The festival brought together different communities from different parts of the world. There were wine tasters from each community. The main theme of the festival was to educate people on the various traditional techniques which are used to prepare foods and wines and hence increase their knowledge on food and wine. One of the key entry criteria for the event was that each community that participated had to present a unique type of food and wine and their production technique. One each day of the event there were different activity that was performed. For the first day, there was wine sampling and tasting. Then on the second day, there was sampling of food and their recipes. On the third day, the finals were held and judgment delivered. (Abel, 2000). January 25th 2005 This was the first day of the festival. Since all the entries had been made earlier, there was no issue of registration on the first day. There was exclusive wine sampling and tasting along the beach. All the participants aligned their wine in shades and the tasters who were about 50 went from shade to shade. The day one event started at 6:30 PM and continued till late at night. After the tasters had visited all the shades, the participants were then allowed to try their buds on different sampled wines since they had a chance to vote for the best wine also. There were more than 83 wine varieties which were presented in the festival. There were traditional dances to spice up the festival. At the end of the day, every one seemed a bit tipsy. Every one was jovial while the paned of wine tasters confined themselves in a closed room where they were making their deliberations. The results were not released on that day since they had to wait for the results of the voting from the participants as well (Abraham, 2000). January 26th 2005 The event started at 8:00 Am but this was abit different from the day one event. This was a chance for the best chefs from the communities to test one another. It was during this day when so many levels of competitions were presented on the types of cooks and wines which these professional could make. It was also during this day when all those professional chefs had been invited for the festival so that they could try and compete at their many levels of cooking (Abraham, 2000). The chefs lined up with recipes in shades. Food competitions were organized in modern

Assessment for learning Essay Example for Free

Assessment for learning Essay Learning is an innate capability of a person. People perceive things and learn through their experiences while they grow up and develop accordingly with their ages. Aside from the normal people who learn in the normal way, there are off course other people who are above normal, after which learn through special trainings and conditioning. People learn accordingly with their capacity to gain information and store it in their minds. It is not only by sending children to school that they are learning but also through their real life experiences that require not only for their intelligence but also for their emotional skills. In determining the learning rate of a certain group, it is very important that the surveyor is able to gather the information about the specific group such as age range, family background, nutrition of the students and other factors that actually affect the learning activity of a person, be it a cognitive or conditional learning. There are also specific tests that can be given to the students or the target learners to have written and documented results. Suppose I chose the pool of elementary students that includes children ranging from 10-11 years old. These children are already exposed to a large scope of media that portray the different roles and scenarios in the society. If I am to analyze their emotional intelligence, I would give them examinations that can determine how well they interact with other students such that they will be told to work on groups. Through the activity, students with good family background can actually have the bigger possibilities of leading the group thus causing peace whenever other children tend to fight for what they believe. Off course there will be passive kind of children and the best tool to give or offer them are group dynamics that can actually unleash their inner talents. That is also possible if the conductor of the test is encouraging and enthusiastic. In terms of academic assessments, children on this age range can be fed with lectures and practice activities such as solving math problems or subject and verb agreement. In my past experiences as a child, it is very effective for me that children will be given the chance to construct their own sentences and math problems. After that, children will be asked to solve and analyze what they do and have it in group discussions. Group discussions can help the children to gain other ways of solving such problems and understanding different sentences. It is also helpful that the teacher follows up the development of the understanding of a student. Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the lesson is necessary thus providing them devices and strategies that can help them understand more the difficult points. Specific tools that can be used in assessing the ability of a person in Mathematics and English can be flash cards and reading literary pieces (stories, anecdotes) respectively. Both can add up to the expertise of a student to the subject matter. Every child deserves the right for education. For those who can’t afford it, there are still many ways to supply your children with it; either tutoring them every day or enrolling them a school that caters scholarships. It is vital to feed the children with knowledge while they are young and still can acquire and save them to their memories. The value of education is much more priceless than any treasure in this world: not fading but still growing through ages. Reference QCA WEBSITE. Assessment for learning. Retrieved 1 May 2008 from http://www. qca. org. uk/qca_5067. aspx

Listeria monocytogenes Essay -- Essays Papers

Listeria monocytogenes Introduction Listeria monocytogenes, a motile, gram-positive rod, is an opportunistic food-borne pathogen capable of causing listeriosis in humans. Listeriosis includes manifestations of septicemia, meningitis, pneumonia, and encephalitis. L. monocytogenes is also implicated in miscarriages, stillbirth, and premature birth for pregnant women. L. monocytogenes is a tough bacterium resistant to freezing, drying, and heat; most strains have been shown to be pathogenic. It is hypothesized that 1-10% of humans are intestinal carriers of L. monocytogenes. Over 37 mammalian species, including wild and domestic animals, are capable of L. monocytogenes infection and transmission. Extensive environmental reservoirs for L. monocytogenes include soil, water, vegetation, sewage, silage, and the intestinal tract of various animals. Encounter: L. monocytogenes is transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food or water. The bacterium is associated with raw milk, cheeses, (particularly soft varieties) ice cream, raw vegetables, fermented raw-meat sausages, raw and cooked poultry, raw meats, and raw and smoked fish. It is capable of growing at temperatures as low as 3Â °C allowing multiplication in refrigerated foods, making L. monocytogenes infection particularly hard to avoid. The infective dose has not been determined, but is believed to vary with the susceptibility of the individual. It may be less than 1000 bacterium in the immuno-compromised individual. Entry, Multiplication, and Spread: L. monocytogenes initially gains access to the body through the gastrointestinal tract but is capable of infecting the blood through monocytes, macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The bacterium is also capable of infe... ...s system involvement, the elderly and in persons with other serious medical problems. Worldwide: Approximately 2,500 cases of listeriosis are reported every year in the United States. This includes 500 preventable deaths. L. monocytogenes outbreaks are still occurring worldwide. Recently, in 2002 contaminated turkey deli meat caused a US outbreak along the east coast and contaminated cheese caused an outbreak in British Columbia. Outbreaks over the past twenty years have involved contaminated chocolate milk, shrimp, lunchmeats, and cheese. A California outbreak in 1985 was due to contaminated Mexican-style cheese. This outbreak led to numerous stillbirths resulting in the monitoring of cheeses by the FDA. Fortunately, according to a study done by The US Department of Health and Human Services, infections with L. monocytogenes have decreased 35 % from 1996 to 2002.

Coming home Essay

12 November 2009, 7:40 am. The sky was clear, the mighty sun replaced the morning dew with its radiant illuminating rays. Daud woke to the routine call to prayer, he rubbed his blurry eyes and looked around him, exhaled and rubbed his eyes again as if trying to wake up to the smell of his mother’s cooking instead he is still haunted by his Kalashnikov in front of him. He jumped out of his hammock and strapped on his weapon on his shoulders and walked to location he was instructed last night. He climbed hills and disfigured rocks with his torn, worn out sandal effortlessly even the weight of his enormous weapon did not burden him. Daud came across a small tea stall where a group of old bearded ‘holy’ men sat counting beads on a line of string with their fingers and sipping tea. One man looked at Daud, grinned and proudly said â€Å"Asalam wa’aliekum†. Asalam wa’aliekum? Peace be upon you? What peace did they speak of? These men were clearly brainwashed and blind toward humanity. Daud bit his tongue and nodded reluctantly. He finally climbed the last hill for the rendezvous and saw his fellow young ‘mujahedeens’ loading their guns and filling a number of pickup trucks with ammunition and explosives. It looked like their going for yet another killing rampage. Just another day; kill or be killed. Daud Karzai’s parents and home was snatched from him at the young age of 11 when the Taliban stormed the northern region of Banu near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The Taliban took control and scavenged Dauds village, they captured all those who opposed them and burned down the houses leaving nothing but ashes and memory behind. They, one-by-one, executed the men who did not share their fanatic mission of spreading strict sharia law. Daud’s mother was left a widow that day. His father had collapsed lifelessly on the hard ground soaked in his own blood. His mother left to stare motionlessly at his body is if it were an abyss. Daud was tied and placed on one of the Taliban pick-up trucks in such a position that he could see the traumatizing expression of his mother. Completely petrified, Daud could not even utter simple words rather move. The Taliban satisfied their amusement and drove off with Daud on the trunk seeing his life change in a matter minutes. His eyes consistently staring at the aftermath and especially his mother who lifted her eyes towards Daud with the utmost effort, as if life had been sucked out of her. They both look into each other’s eyes trying to make sense of what just happened, millions of questions buzzing in their minds ‘what now? ’, ‘will we ever see each other again? ’ ‘Why us? ’, ‘is God punishing us? ’ And just like that Dauds life changed. The trucks at the rendezvous point were almost ready it was just a matter of time before they leave. Daud saw one of his fellow soldier, Jeddah, sit next to a small lake away from the group and went to sit with him. â€Å"Salaam, are you alright? † Daud asked. Jeddah turned his head, looked at him dead in the eye and regarded him with frustration. â€Å"Sorry† realising how stupid his question was. They sat there for a while gazing the clear water. Jeddah sighed and finally broke the silence â€Å"If†¦if you had a chance, what would you wanna be when you grow up? † He asked, looking straight as if talking to himself. â€Å"Umm†¦well I never thought about it but a pilot I guess †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. What about you? † â€Å".. I loved my family especially my grandfather, he was my everything†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦he suffered a stroke a few years ago and passed away†¦.. they all passed away†¦. , they said he could survive if we could afford a doctor†¦ †¦.. I vowed to be a doctor after that day so I can try to stop people from dying †¦ I wanted to lessen grieving and bring happiness to people†¦.. Hahaha ironic isn’t it? I’m sitting here saying I want to be a life saver yet I kill innocent woman and children for no good reason† He forced a smile on his face and looked at the lake vaguely. As he did a tear sparkled down his cheek, trying to restrain from himself from breaking down he exhaled with the relief of expressing his emotions. No one wanted this life, they were forced to take the lives of innocent men and woman every day for no good reason. They could have been kicking a footballs instead they held guns for the same men who killed their families. Our group leader gave a loud roar, signalling us to gather at the rendezvous point and depart for their â€Å"holy† mission. The leader of Dauds group was known as â€Å"mullah†, a man who has learned and preaches Islamic law, he was a broad, tall man with a dark beard reaching his collarbone. He wore typical Afghani attire but with an armed vest, which handled grenades, a machete and a pistol, not to mention he had an ak-47 strapped on his shoulder as well. His turban was black and covered his ears , dangling from the back of his turban was a green torn scarf which he occasionally covered his nose and mouth with to conceal his identity. His voice was deep and demanding, perfect for a man with authority. He commanded us to be seated and the drivers to drive. There were three pick-ups, seven men sat in each pick-up, five in the car itself and two on the trunk armed and ready. We were heading for a commercial area known as ‘Zamaza’ where we were hinted that U. S troops made camp. Everyone in the pick-ups was aware that this day could be their last including Daud and Jeddah yet everyone was calm and ready to face death as if they were destined to. But could death be the destiny of an 11 year old boy who was been hide away from the world and surrounded by only acts of violence and turmoil. Which raises the question in Dauds mind â€Å"what is my purpose in life? † â€Å"Is this what I was born to do? â€Å". The camp was not far now. Zamaza was home to many businesses which revolved around international affairs including aid and funds from U. S and the Pakistani government. It was surrounded by trade routes stretching to Pakistan and Kabul. Daud and Jeddah sat on the trunk and watched out for any signs of ambush or potential assaults. The elder mujahedeen’s sat in the back seat and talked to each other along the way, unaware that Daud and Jeddah could easily hear them. One of the men sparked the conversation regarding a rescue camp near the border where homeless woman and children were cared for and protected by the Pakistani government. Daud senses heightened, he could not resist eavesdropping on their conversation. â€Å"Could my mother be there? He whispered to himself. His thoughts were sharply interrupted with a thunderous blast. The truck behind Dauds was completely obliterated any remains was enveloped in flames. The battle had started. The Americans had launched a missile from one of the Zamaza buildings. Mullah ordered us to engage back and fire at the buildings not considering any innocent men and woman there. Rapid cross-firing continued till our trucks had reached the mouth of the area. The Taliban’s firing had pushed back the Americans allowing the mujahedeen’s to rush and take cover behind the buildings. The opposition had placed barracks and snipers throughout the main road. Only a fool would expose himself openly. The area layout was very simple, the main road divided the area in half, the east wing was were the Taliban had taken cover while the west wing was the oppositions. Mullah’s plan and orders were as senseless as his mind, kill everyone and take control of this land. Daud and Jeddah firmly held on to their guns and took cover behind a bank. Bullets pierced through the walls, rumble flew everywhere, and innocent cries echoed within the alleys. Mullah and the others moved from building to building in order to get as close to the Americans as possible. Daud and Jeddah sat still till the building next to them was blasted with grenades the aftermath blocked all directions except one the west wing. They had to move. Duad and Jeddah run through the alleys in effort to find a way out of the area. They crawled under large destroyed concrete surfaces to catch their breaths. The bullets flew in all direction and they knew the concrete cannot hold them for long. Daud peeked from a gap created from the bullets, a U.S soldier was crouched beside a building and aiming in the direction opposite of them. Daud watched as the soldier calmly inhaled and exhaled enhancing his accuracy. Dauds eyes followed where he pointed his rifle, in the distance Mullah sat reloading his gun behind a wall. The soldier fired and in an instant Mullahs blood splashed across the wall. Watching someone Die was a traumatising experience but Mullahs death gave Daud liberation, a feeling which was snatched from him. Jeddah heard the gunshot and instantly reacted he pointed his gun at the soldier, he hesitated but eventually he pulled the trigger. His gun gave a loud click. He had no ammo. The soldier reacted to the click and instantly turned back and pointed his gun at Jeddah, who lay their petrified, impetuously Daud pointed his gun at the soldier and fired in effort to kill him before he kills Jeddah. Daud was too late. The bullet pierced through Jeddah’s head spilling out blood and exposing his skull. Daud had seen death before but not inches away from him he saw how instantly life is taken away in a matter of seconds. Jeddah’s eyes were wide open and stared motionlessly at the sky. Daud gently pushed his eye lids down and glared at his blood stained weapon and realised death would be his inevitable fate if he continued to stay here. Hardly audible, Daud hears a loud siren, he focuses on the sound. It was a steam train. Determined to escape, Daud follows the sound of the train. Dashing through small rumbles and alleys, the volume of the siren increases. He reaches a dead end wall but behind it he was certain he would find the tracks. He had to react quickly the train was approaching nearer and nearer. He looked around him and found one of the mujahedeen’s body crashed under the rumble. He crawled under the large debris and reached in his vest and retrieved a grenade. Daud pulled the pin and threw the grenade at the wall. The blast created a large hole from which Daud climbed out off. The train was about to cross Zamaza, Daud sprinted to the tracks and stood a position from which he could jump in the cargo coach. Daud looked behind him, the smoke from the numerous grenades covered the Zamaza, cracks of rapid gunfire continued in the distance. The train finally came, Daud jumped successfully onto the cargo coach. He finally escaped. The train was going to Pakistan from a popular trade route which was controlled by the Pakistani army. The journey took several hours but Daud was grateful. He remembered the conversation he had overheard about the relief camp in Pakistan and was certain was mother was there. He reached Pakistan on 13th November. Daud searched the relief camps tirelessly, and there among thousands of separated families he found her. The U. N supplied funds, aids and a home. Daud lived with his mother at the camps for two years. Today he works with UNICEF to rescue and bring hope to child soldiers around the world.