The association of Southeast Asian Nations free essay sample

The association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established in 1967 as an organization for economic, political, social and cultural cooperation among its member countries. Its goal includes also protection of regional peace and stability. The original members are: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Now, there are 10 memberships: Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. ASEAN has a population of approximately 600 million people, which is 8. 8% of the worlds population. ASEAN has for objective to create an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) for 2015. There are 4 pillars of AEC. The first is the creation of a single market and production base (free flow of goods, investments, services, skilled). â€Å"Free flow of goods† is central to the establishment of a single market and production base. There will have an E elimination/reduction of tariff barriers in intra-ASEAN trade transactions. The second pillar is created economic competitive region (competitive policy, consumer protection, intellectual property rights, infrastructure development†¦). We will write a custom essay sample on The association of Southeast Asian Nations or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The third is an equitable economic development (SME development, initiative for ASEAN development) and the last is the integration into the Global Economy (coherent approach towards external economic relations, enhanced participation in global supply networks) In a first time, I am going to present the positive points proposed by the ASEAN 2015. Then, I will discuss the threats that may arise during the establishment of this common market and if all the countries of the region will benefit in the same way. Finally, I will talk about the difficulties encountered in achieving this objective in 2015 and what are the ways to remedy it. The positive points (opportunities) proposed by ASEAN 2015 The emerging markets are located in Southeast Asia, their dynamism is particularly promising when ASEAN countries will integrate their economies in 2015. We found in the Asian region some of the most dynamic economies in the world. Together they form a huge market that is growing faster than any other region around the world and could be a dynamic regional grouping which would be roughly the size of the EU in terms of GDP. In addition, they will have greater significance in the trade than NAFTA and larger international reserves than those of the EU and NAFTA put together. The creation of an Asian Economic Community will also help the region to play a more effective and important role in the development of a global trading and financial system that is more responsive to its needs. With the AEC, ASEAN will be the biggest single market in the world. ASEAN will be a powerful economic area. Here some data about ASEAN : 10 members / population of 610 million people / Combined income (GDP) of US 2,339 billion / Average GDP per capita of US 3,787. The area will then form a single market and a single production base for the 10 member countries of ASEAN. There will be benefits for foreign companies: for companies selling products in the region, this means that they target an entire region rather than a single country. For example, if you sell in Malaysia, you could get goods to Singapore much easier than before. Active participation in the AEC will bring benefits to ASEAN as a more sustained growth, job creation, increased foreign direct investment It is this connectivity that will grow the market, as well as labor costs and land relatively low for manufacturers who will establish their production sites in the region. The improved economies of scale and scope, raised foreign direct investment, intensify competition and increased productivity. All these reforms should stimulate growth, generate more intra-regional trade, promote the emergence of strong and globally competitive ASEAN companies, and there would be more jobs for everyone. ASEAN will create millions of jobs All ASEAN countries will be more significant to foreign investors as a single market with about 600 million people and at the same time, there will be moreoopportunities for local SMEs to venture abroad. Under AEC, there will have some opportunity on tourism. MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conferencing, and Exhibition) opportunities are particularly large and countries which have more experience in this area such as Singapore and Thailand could render their assistance to those with weaker MICE experience. Regional tourism has a huge potential and becomes more and more important. ASEAN member countries as well as other partners need to form a group and cooperate to promote tourism for the sake of common benefits. Also, this area is a godsend, especially for SMEs, because in parallel market BRICS, it will know many infrastructure developments and will be able to accommodate new industrial facilities. This is one of the last untapped markets in the world, expectations are so high in terms of economic growth in the coming years In 2015, there will have also some benefit for some country like Thailand. In fact, when the AEC becomes effective, most of big firm (multinational) will move in Thailand, they will move their operation staff and top management. Thus, these employees will need accommodation and space for work. So, this will bring several opportunities for property firms who develop office and projects. And for example, one property firm in Thailand could expand its activity and its investment in other ASEAN country like on Indonesia, Vietnam for develops residential projects. Property market will increase. According to studies of the East-West Center (EWC) in Hawaii, the real income of the ASEAN economies would increase by 5. 3% due to their participation in the AEC. Companies also have the opportunity to cooperate with major partners such as China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia, India, New Zealand through free trade agreements (FTA) between ASEAN and different partners (FTA + 1) and the agreement of comprehensive regional Economic Partnership (RCEP). From 31 December 2015, most imported goods in ASEAN will be exempt from taxes. With one FTA, Vietnamese products and any other products from ASEAN countries exports to China, Japan, Republic of Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand will also be exempt from any customs tax. All countries from ASEAN can export and import lots of goods between themselves for low price. There will have strong growth in areas such as consumer electronics, vehicles, household goods, clothing, food and luxury products. There will have a boost of the business in the member’s countries by reducing barriers such as tariffs, harmonizing rules, and facilitating the flow of goods and services. It will enhance the regional competitiveness. Building AEC can bring benefits for the emerging market, in particular for Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia. For example, Cambodia has many resources, including oil, gas and rare minerals on its soil. And according to my research, the Cambodian people do not know how to exploit this resources, they do not know what to do (most people are farmers and they have not done many studies), may be with the common market, the countries of the region will exploit the oil and gas; this will help the Cambodian people. Poor countries should grow speedily and should profit of the rich countries. It will increase the standard of living for more than half a billion people We can add ASEAN offers exciting production possibilities. It is a stable platform with good macroeconomic record and fundamentals. Likewise, for most parts of the region there is a young population and people are assets, not liabilities. It means there is a good potential for the ASEAN. Also, there is a strong track record in international production networks already and the region has abundant natural resources and minerals. Under the AEC, ASEAN countries who are actually for a grand part a bureaucracy should adopt democracy. In fact, When we created a common market, it is imperative that the countries are at peace, on the same wavelength etc Democracy will therefore be required in all countries. It will help the population to rise, earn more money in the best conditions of life ASEAN 2015 envisages cooperation between the member countries of ASEAN policy, security, and defense. Under the political-security community, the peoples of ASEAN will lead a better life in an environment of peace and friendship to the development and prosperity of the entire region. Increased cooperation in defense, regular exchanges between officers ASEAN countries will contribute, them, promote mutual understanding and mutual trust between the military, helping to minimize the risk of conflict between countries. Cooperation in the development of human resources, moving towards the harmonization of diplomas and professional certificates among ASEAN countries, will create favorable conditions for the population, especially skilled workers, to find opportunities in the region. Then, we can put on light the internationalization of health care under the ASEAN Economic Community. One of the sectors to be internationalized is health care sector. This is fatefully a big challenge but it offers potentials for the free flow of health services in the ASEAN region. For example, the largest medical service in Thailand and other Some Thai hospital groups to step up the pace of mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures in other Asian Economic Community countries to help give them a better platform to better take care of expanding opportunities on AEC. Threats for the region and if this single market will benefit all country member. The ASEAN members have recently moved closer to China. But I think that rapprochement with China is not without risk to the organization that could be quickly overwhelmed despite Beijing have held reassuring statements related to its power. The Prime Minister of Malaysia has recently said, We have always believed that China was not a threat We have always regarded China as an opportunity. But I think the imbalance is obvious. According to a study by the Office for the Study of The Economist, the only Chinese exports in 2004 exceeded those combined 7 of the 10 ASEAN countries. Let us continue on the case of Thailand, which I think is the case of several other ASEAN countries. If the country does not take the necessary measures before 2015, it may be threatened in the sense that he cannot fully enjoy the benefits offered by ASEAN. All companies should unite their efforts and take steps to improve and / or maintain their market position. Due to a lack of development of some ASEAN countries, I also think that companies in the ASEAN region will not be able to compete in many areas the major international players in 2015. There will be a strong dependence on foreign investors. Foreign direct investments are in most countries (except Indonesia), a very large share of industrial added value and exports. The innovation potential of regional companies is limited and there will still be in the future if no appropriate measures are put in place. In addition, ASEAN markets are basically a field of confrontation and western multinationals. Poor countries will not be able to keep pace of the single market in 2015 as the common market does not expect the adoption of a single currency like the European Union. As a result, these countries just at the level of exchange rate they will be the losers and in any case they will not be favored. Tariff barriers are going to be abolished but in some countries the currency not worth anything so those who come from other countries are going in some ways  «takes advantage of the system. † French that goes into a country in Eastern Europe will be rich, which is not normal. Then the common market will certainly create jobs. Where? In poor countries because richer ASEAN countries will exploit the cheap labor in these countries. Thus, the unemployment rate will increase in their own country. This is particularly the case in the European Union. French factories relocate their factory in Eastern European countries (Romania, Bulgaria ) because labor is cheaper and taxes too. However, unemployment in France is increasing year by year Its the same for FDI, because they will help to develop poor countries by injecting money into the business for example, but as it is poor countries, workers will probably exploited as happened in China in recent years. We can also point out the brain drain. The free movement of people will generate the movement of skilled workers in the region. A country’s bright young thing will leave to work in a richer country to develop their careers at the expense of their own country. Currently, this is what is happening in Spain since the crisis. Students study in their country and when they graduate, they flee to Spain to work in another country of the European Union like Germany where working conditions are more favorable. However, Spain suffered lately a major crisis, the unemployment rate is 27% but yet the men flee much to detriment of the country. They run away from one’s problems. Thus I do not think the common market will benefit all countries in the region. At least not in 2015. There are still too large development gap between countries and only 2 years to reach the objectives. At that rate, the CLV countries among others will not fully benefit from the advantages offered by the ASEAN in 2015. Why? They are too late, they do not have adequate infrastructure, appropriate logistics, product not fairly good quality Poor countries and in particular CMLV could enjoy the ASEAN 2015 only if the development gap is narrowing. For example, some experts are concerned about the disparities in economic development between Vietnam and ASEAN +6, which have an impact on the implementation of the AEC in Vietnam. One of the problems of greatest concern is that the community of Vietnamese companies is not willing to exploit the opportunities presented by the Asean Economic Community. To prepare, they must improve their production capacity and the quality of their products and their services In addition, the authorities should develop appropriate policies to help companies seize opportunities and overcome challenges that arise in the context of the establishment of the AEC. It is the same issue with Cambodia. According an article, there are several constraints that Cambodia needs to address if it wants to have a flourishing integration into Asean Economic Community 2015. Whereas the quality of the Kingdom’s agricultural products and garments and textiles is enough, the quality of some other goods is not so acceptable. Also, there are some issues with the country’s public administration, labor productivity and production costs. Cambodia doesn’t have abundant products for exporting to other ASEAN countries while imports keep increasing. Therefore, its trade deficit is anticipated to greatly extend in terms of trade in the region of ASEAN. Also, I think countries which speak well English such as Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore will have a real advantage over others countries like Thailand, Myanmar. In fact, education plays an important role. If one country doesn’t speak well English it will be difficult to trade properly with the rest of the world and the region. English is the base for lots of thing. Some ASEAN countries understood that and took the good measure at school. Does the project will be completed and what the greatest difficulties to reach Despite the efforts made, regional integration remains insufficient. The rate of trade integration between ASEAN countries increased from 15% to 25% in 20 years, and in recent times the dynamics of trade with other Asian countries (China in particular) is much higher than the internal dynamics. Free trade has come to dominate and should be almost universal by 2015 among the member countries of the organization. But it does not base neither a Customs Union (no common external tariff), neither on the harmonization of standards and procedures, or even a regional financial standardization, so that market integration is far be optimal within ASEAN. Over the past ten years, the intra-ASEAN-5 trade fails to take off the threshold of 23-25 % of global trade. For these reasons and those previously explained, I do not think the project will be successful in 2015. A large part can be but there is still much work. For example, the draft ASEAN provides for the abolition of tariffs and the removal of import duties by 2015. But trade within ASEAN are modest and regional bloc (as I said previously) has important differences in terms of economic development between Singapore, one of the leading financial centers in the world, and Burma, a third of the population lives under the poverty line. But in order to create regional bloc, it will incorporate economy as diverse as Singapore and Burma. With a GDP of $ 511 billion, Indonesia has an economy that weighs 100 times more than that of Laos, the smallest country in ASEAN. Economic activity in ASEAN is also very focused on the five most important countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore, which together account for 90% of GDP of the group. Also, some specialists commented about the lack of leadership. The role of Asean chairmanship is a rotatingopositionmand a series ofoofficials from theepoorer, less developed Asean countriesmwill be theechair of Asean for the next few yearsswhich means that leadershipwwill be inexperiencedaand possibly beeless interested in pushingaahead quickly withhintegration onaall fronts. For me, there is not a particular point which is harder to achieve than others. It is a set. To make the whole project for me the starting point is the reduction of the development gap, the abolition of corruption in some countries may hinder the project, a perfect agreement between the members (not like Philippine and Malaysia last year for example) because there is still internal tensions and intra-regional conflicts on the ASEAN, which hampers the strengthening of relations and cooperation between the countries of the Asia South-East, establish a business ethics because some countries do not really have. Here are some ways to reduce economic disparities: Only with strong leadership illustrated byygenerous support to CLMVVcountries, will the AEC be ultimately accomplished. I think 2 immediate measures are needed. The first is the creation of clearly defined financial support to alleviate social costs and to finance infrastructure development and trade facilitation. This can be byyway of the ASEAN-Development-Fund with clearly identifieddfunds to approach keyyissues such financing adjustments costs that are appear as a result of the economic integration. The European Union, the most successful regional grouping, made easier transition by ensuring sufficient allocation of resources to ASEAN members which required assistance. The European Union established 4 types of structural funds: there are the European Social Fund, the European Regional Development Fun, the EuropeanAAgricultural Guidance, GuaranteeFFund and the Financial Instrument for Fisheries, with the intention to facilitate economic integration process. ASEAN should follow this idea and agree on a method to ascribe resources to this fund on an equitable-basis. The support of international aid and some donor countries can also help to complete this fund. Then, the development of infrastructure should be an immediate priority for the ASEAN. It should clearly define increasing investment. Infrastructure development, such. as transportation networks, stable supply of utilities like water, energy and telecommunication,†¦principally in the depressed regions will provide the appropriate incentives for countries’ member to speed up economic integration.

The Best Historical Anime Series

The Best Historical Anime Series The Best Historical Anime Many people know that the most important events in the history of humankind are presented in many films and books. However, not all cinephiles know that there are anime series on historical subjects. Here is the historical anime list that will interest even the most demanding film critics. Baccano! This cartoon series represents the USA in the 20s of the 20th century. New York is the center of the main action. Cartoon makers were able to recreate the atmosphere of that time. You will see gangsters, exquisite ladies, retro cars, casinos, gangster clashes and much more interesting things in this anime. Black Butler The mystical name of this anime immediately prompts the audience to the idea that the action takes place in London. The cartoon depicts the period of the Victorian era. One of the main characters of the anime has his own business for the production of toys and lives a normal life. However, once he learns that his butler is a demon who is called upon to protect his house by any means. Do not expect to see the exact reproduction of the atmosphere of the Victorian era in this series. For example, the main character has a chainsaw, which is not consistent with the period presented in the anime. The Last Vampire This anime tells the story of the Japan-Vietnam War. The main character is a teenage girl who at first glance is no different from her peers. However, in fact, she is a vampire and a spy. The cartoon shows a lot of cruel and bloody scenes. This is a kind of mixture of horror and fiction. Gji Wu Gen The king of the northern lands of Van refuses to submit to the will of the Gods, thereby incurring their anger on his people. Wu Gen is the son of the rebel king. Wang comes to the aid of his old friend and rival Qi Yu, the legendary sword master. If King Van fights for his people, seeking to overthrow the gods, then the swordsman fights only to protect the queen with whom he is in love. Intrigue in the Bakumatsu Anime actions take place in Tokyo, Japan. The girl meets a mysterious man who gives her a pocket watch. They look unusual, but behave even more strangely they always show one direction, as if pointing the way somewhere. As a result, the girl comes to the temple of Toria. Suddenly the temple transfers her from the present to the period of Bakumatsu. Being in an era where values ​​are completely different from the values ​​of her time, she wants to go back to her home as soon as possible. The Emperors Strategy Born in an imperial family, Chu Yuan weighs in every step, fearing to lose everything because of his own negligence. He ascended to the throne at the age of eighteen, and six months later, civil unrest began in Yunnan Province. Although not all the courtiers showed unanimity, they waited for the new emperor to cope with this situation. The emperor had not yet managed to undertake anything. Duan Bai Yue led the troops to quell the rebellion. In the dim light of the moon, Chu Yuan put a wax seal on a secret letter and sent it over 800 miles to Yunnan. The pen pressed so hard on the paper that the outlines of the letters were visible on the back. One could understand how angry the young emperor was when he was writing those lines. Wonderland Young Ye Xing Yun, after the departure of his teacher, becomes the new leader of the great Tianyuan clan. New opportunities force Ye Xing Yun to step on a dangerous path, but tactics, strategic thinking and the help of experts are excellent tools for solving problems and revenge. The Age of Valor Toyotomi Hideyoshi is about to unite the provinces into one state. He wants to capture the castle of Odovar, which is defended by Udziyasu Hojo, known as Leo Sagami. Generals trained by Hideyoshi himself (Ishida Mitsunari, Kato Kiyomasa, Fukushima Masanori, Ootani Yitsitsugi, Sima Sakon and Nao Kantsugu) participate in the battle. Among the warriors, there are two people, for whom the capture of the castle is of particular importance. These are brothers Nobuyuki and Yukimura from the Sanada clan. Yukimura bravely rushes into the thick of battle. His brother does not lag behind. Blazing Night Raid China, 1931. The KMT with the support of the United States seized power and moved the capital to Nanjing. The Communists and a number of military leaders do not agree with this alignment; a sluggish civil war is raging in the country; the strangest unions and alliances appear and die. Japan, of course, could not stay away from these events, but the difficult situation in the Yamato land precluded direct intervention. Therefore, the Japanese authorities entrusted the actions in Shanghai to unofficial structures, including the secret organization Sakurai. The combat part of the organization consists of four agents with unique abilities: a telepath and aristocrat Yukina, who came to China in search of her older brother, her servant Natsume, who possesses super-sharp vision, a hereditary samurai Kazura, who owns the gift of teleportation, and telekinetic Aoy. These fighters of the invisible front solve questions day after day in favor of the Land of the Rising Sun. Princess Principal London is divided into the east and west by a large wall. The girls serve as secret spies, enrolled in queen Mayfairs prestigious school. Girls use their individual abilities to remain active in the underworld of disguise, espionage, penetration and car chases. The Rose of Versailles The action of the Rose of Versailles takes place in the second half of the 18th century in pre-revolutionary France. General de Jarà © has no heir. The desire to raise a son who will continue his paternal military career turns out to be so strong that the general calls his last daughter Oscar-Francois and raises him as a boy. When Oscar turns 14, her father presents her to the king not as a shy debutant, but as a contender for the title of the commander of the Queen’s personal guard. Oscar achieves this high rank and becomes the bodyguard of the young Marie-Antoinette. Mai Mai Miracle Japan, 1955. The quiet town of Hofu is surrounded by rice fields; life flows slowly and steadily. However, the 9-year-old Cinco Aoki, the leader of the local children, never feels bored. After all, there are so many mysterious and interesting things around! She learned that once their city was the capital of Suo, from where it was within easy reach of Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital, by the Inland Sea. A thousand years ago, the daughter of the governor lived in a house by the sea. The anime tells about the world of childhood, which is so pure, naive and simple, and which has no boundaries. You can make friends with a strange visitor from Tokyo and with a princess from the distant past. Everything is possible, as long as there is the strength of the spirit and imagination. Cinco and her friends touch this thousand-year magic. Watch this good historical anime to plunge into the atmosphere of a miracle. Croisee in a Foreign Labyrinth Paris, the last quarter of the 19th century. Wars and revolutions have died down for a long time; the barricades of the Commune remained in the recent past. France is still a world power, and its capital is the center of European culture. Oscar Claudel is a merchant and traveler. He brought a young girl Yune from Japan, and she began working in his store. Very soon, Yune settled into a new house and began to bring benefits, not only helping with the housework but also attracting visitors with her exotic look. The young master gradually learns to appreciate the young assistant, who, as it turns out, understands much more than he says. As always, problems are not at all in the language gap, problems are usually in our heads, in honesty with ourselves and with each other.

The Virgin Group in 2012 Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Virgin Group in 2012 - Case Study Example owards the achievement of the companies’ mission which is being a shopper victor through delivery of brand values such as superior quality products dazzling customer service and competitiveness. The vision of the organization is implementing its plan of global presence in travel, entertainment, and mobile communications such that their involvement in this existing markets benefits both the organization and the consumers in general The history of the company dates back in 1968 while Branson was a student and he published a magazine which displayed his sub sequential entrepreneurial features. His magazine targeted the young generation appealing to its optimism, irreverence and its interest in fashion, music and avant-grade culture. He later ventured into mail-order record business in a street in London and in 1984 he ventured into airline business( Rosenberg, 2010). His private company expanded in internal cash flows and external financing with his new businesses concentrated around travel, holidays, retailing, IT, deregulation and privitasation and international expansion. With his ample knowledge in business, Richard amplified consciousness in matters of the business relationship with environment, ethics and the social role pressured his business to creating a project aware design to widen reliable business operations. The management in the virgin company has been in the forefront in contributing to issues of its relationship with culture ,ethics and the social role by participating in initiatives and creating awareness to its stakeholders. Branson believes that employees are the holding pillar to the business and attending to their needs helps the feel the sense of belonging to the company and hence take responsibility in running the company smoothly. The company provides spotless, vigorous and a secure working environment for its workers with reasonable terms and conditions of operation(Great Britain press,2013). This motivates the employees to work harder

Old Turtle Story Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Old Turtle Story - Essay Example Thus, it is vital for humans to handle nature with most peculiar care and respect. Moreover, presence of ancestors and voices of natural entities proclaim the need to preserve them for human survival and future generations. Thus, a supernatural force has always been needed for humans to guide them of their wrong actions. ‘Old Turtle’ by Douglas Wood is a tale which revolves around many themes. However, the most notable of those are two, which declare that the presence of God can be seen and felt in his creation and natural life of Earth has been a power and sign of God’s presence. Since, the inception humans argued about the presence of God and that created a chaos and discord on Earth. Therefore, the author eventually signifies through animals, rock, mountain, river and breeze (every God created entity) that God is present and need not to be seen but felt and believed in. Existence of God, spirits, and life on Earth is closely intertwined and that was the core religious ideas for the preliminary habitants of Earth. According to Ake HultKrantz, due to geographical location Native American tribes mainly believed in spirits, shamanism, hunting and animal rituals as both cultural and religious practices (12). Same can be observed in ‘The old turtle’ when different animals associated God’s presence in the excellence of their personal trait. In the tale, animals and natural entities like breeze and rocks have voices so to speak of their presence and significance. Thus, wise turtle sums up how to consider mightiness of God at the supreme level of each and every trait of all the species of Earth (Wood). Simultaneously, Native American life style was closely associated to nature (popular perceptions like mother Earth) thus, hunting and belief in spirits were considered religious trait and due to tribal life style differences in religious norms appeared as none of the tribes

Throughput Accounting Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Throughput Accounting - Research Paper Example costing methods, Activity Based Costing (ABC), however a little amount of concentration has been provided towards the constraints and problems being faced by organizations. History has witnessed that the performance of organizations is largely challenged by the constraints and these are the factors that have really potential to influence the performance of the organizations. Thanks to the theory of throughput accounting that has largely focused to constraints being faced by organizations. Constraints could be a policy, a material constraint, time constraint and so on. By focusing on the different aspects of cost and performance of organizations, throughput accounting has become successful in attracting the attention of number of multinational organizations. In the subsequent parts of this paper, first theory of throughput accounting is defined and its basic foundations have also been discussed. Subsequent to that, steps involved in throughput accounting have also been elaborated and it is followed by the part comprising of the inherent limitations being faced by this concept. Before the summary part, analysis portion has been included. Hutchinson (2007) defines throughput as the rate at which the system generates money through sales (48). And throughput accounting has been defined as the sales price minus all variable costs (Noreen et al. 1995). And others define throughput as sale prices minus material cost. And, the concept of throughput accounting based on two components: First, every system must have at least one constraint (Rahman, 1998, p. 337). If it were not accurate, then a real system as a profit making organization would make uncountable profits. As a result, a constraint is anything limiting a system from achieving higher level of performance versus its objectives (Glodratt, 1988, p.453). Second, the presence of constraints provides opportunities for improvement (Rahman, 1988, p.337). Contrary to the conventional thinking, the concept of throughput

Benefits of Sustainable Water Management in Bangladesh

Benefits of Sustainable Water Management in Bangladesh Food security and surface water management has become a critical need in Bangladesh because of growing demand of food and water. With vision of enhancing food production and employment generation, Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) Bangladesh gets involved at local level surface water management in 1962. As an apex public organization, LGED performs overall planning and management of surface water at local level by confirming people participation. With past experience, LGED started participatory Small Scale Water Resources Development Sector Project (SSWRDSP) in 1995 and built about 580 sub-projects where stakeholders involvement in decision making process has become an integral part of sustainable development in surface water management. The purpose of the paper is to explore the potential contributions of sustainable surface water management in socio-economic development through food production and employment generation at the rural level. It reviews relevant external secondary data sources and internal SSWRDSPs which include sub-project based field data obtained for formulation, implementation, and performance evaluation of SSWRDSPs. Primary sources included extensive field visits, household survey and sub-project beneficiary and Water Management Cooperative Association (WMCA) interviews. Transcripts of field visit, field notes, and relevant literature are analyzed on the basis of themes, patterns and datas of interrelationships among those that addressed the research goal. To ensure true reflection, quantity and quality of data gets highest degree of priority. It is found that well-designed management of surface water resources is vital and essential in ensuring food security and rural employment. 1. Introduction Peoples in the developing countries are in emergency of essentials—food and water, shelter, energy and health although the scenario is quite opposite in the developed nations where the people are facing the difficulties of affluence (Roome, 2002).To attain the food demands of 2050, food production is needed to increase by 3 times. Historically agricultural production is the most suitable way of food production and only that can provide better diets for the people all over the worlds (Avery, 2002).To meet the controversy on the sustainable way of food production this paper tried to established that the participatory approach in surface water management is the most sustainable way of using surface water to increase agricultural production as well as the food production for the future. Now, sustainable food production as well as food for everyones is a global demand. A rising population of Bangladesh with declining agricultural land has put the countrys future food security at risk, especially when salinity in the coastal belt, and droughts and depleting underground water level in the north have become constant realities (Palma, 2010). According to a projection of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics the countrys population will be 170 million by 2020 (BBS, 2001; Population Council, 2010). Bangladesh currently has 8.44 million hectares of cultivable land, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. With 1 percent decrease of arable land due to building of new houses, industrialization, and urbanization the cultivable land area will come down to a little more than 7.0 million hectares in 2020 (MoA, 2007a). Bangladesh had to import nearly 2.0 million tons of food grains in the last fiscal year on top of around 30 million tons of rice and wheat produced domestically (Palma, 2010). These factors might lead to a decrease in productivity as was projected by the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2007). Though presently the situation of food security appears quite satisfactory, but the scenario was significantly different in past and also its future may not look the same due to increasing population and climatic changes. In 1971-1972 the area under rice production was 9,278.00 thousand hectare and the production was 9889.20 thousand metric ton (BBS, 2008). Due to different initiatives by the government through different organization such as Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) and the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) cultivable areas and production increasing day by day such as in 2005-2006 the rice production areas augmented into 10, 529.09 thousand hectare and the production increased into 24, 569.27 thousand metric ton (MoA, 2007b; BBS, 2008). Past experience can be argued that those achievement due to better surface water management preservation and use of surface water, training of farmers to address the depletion of underground water. Otherwise, it was and will be difficult to ensure food security for the ever increasing population (Palma, 2010). However, it is stated that Bangladesh faces some significant challenges in the next century. A combination of population growth, a reduction of arable land and the increasing living standards, will place pressure on food and water security in the country (Khoo, 2010). Brundtland commission (1987) stated that the sustainable food production is the production which should meet the needs and desire of the people without negotiating with the natural resource for the next generation (Roome, 2002). In this light, Participatory approaches in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) for agriculture can be focused as the most sustainable eco-friendly farming as well as sustainable surface water management and food production system. The soil and Water Conservation Society of America stated that the Agricultural farming through surface water management is the most sustainable food production method as it has a unique capability of keeping the soil fertile without remarkable erosion by integrated management system (Avery, 2002). More steps for sustainable food production can be taken as the food production system does not create any negative impact on the environment (Heap, 2002). Moreover, in the face of rapidly changing national, regional and global ec onomic environment, Bangladesh agriculture is facing the challenge to reinvent itself to withstand competition and at the same time continue to provide food and employment opportunities for the vast majority of the population (MoA, 2006). 1.1 Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) and its Involvement The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), whose origin dates back to the Rural Works Programme (RWP) initiated in the early 1960s, developed rapidly throughout the 1980s and 1990s. RWP was a component of the Comilla Model of rural development pioneered by the famous Aktar Hamid Khan at Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD) nationwide this was started in the early 1960s (Rahman, Rahman Rahman, 2007). In 1982 RWP switched to the Works Programme Wing (WPW) under the Local Government Division (LGD) of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development Co-operatives (MoLGRDC) (MoLG, 1982). Subsequently the administrative decentralization act of 1982 converted it into the Local Government Engineering Bureau (LGEB) in 1984 (MoLGRDC, 1984). With the needs for rural infrastructure development in the country and the readiness of LGEB to take on more responsibilities, LGEB was upgraded as the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in August 1992 (LGD, 1992). It is widely recognised that the role of infrastructure in economic development is significant and often greater than that of investment in other forms of capital (World Bank, 1994). Mujeri (2002) argues that rural infrastructure including irrigation structure play an important role in the socio-economic development of rural areas. Rural works Programme (RWP) and the Thana Irrigation Programme (TIP) and micro-finance have been seen as two interrelated sub-strategies for achieving poverty alleviation (MoLGRD, 1979; MIP, 1998). Comilla Model tried to integrate these two strategies and considered that the breakdown of the interrelationship between the RWP, the TIP and the co-operative would result in undermining of the whole rural development effort through the Comilla experiment (Sen, 1996). With mission and vision of Comilla model of A.H. Khan, LGED got involvement in escalating food production and facilitating food marketing through surface water management by excavating/re-excavating drains and canals, digging new canals, repair and construction of bunds and embankments, reclamation of land for productive purpose, repair and construction of bridges, repair and construction of earthen and pucca roads meant for irrigation and communication in the name of Works Programme and Thana Irrigation Programme (GoEP, 1962). The TIP program gave responsibility to the Union Parishad (UP) members to find out available surface water resources to plan for utmost irrigation coverage by Low Lift Pumps (LLPs). UP members formed project committees under the RWP to re-excavate irrigation canals for better agricultural production (GoEP, 1962). With the same objectives as of TIP, LGED started Canal Digging Programme (CDP) in 1979 initially on voluntary basis and later on with the assistance from Food for Work (FFW) to de-silt sediment filled channels all over the country to boost-up water storage capacity of channels for irrigation. The CDP aimed to increase irrigation water supply, drainage improvement, tree plantation on canal bank and fisheries development. The program implemented 3,276 km of khal re-excavation, 429,597 pond re-excavation projects and 382 hydraulic structures. The benefited area covered under CDP was about 419,500 hectares (IWRMU, 2008). In parallel to CDP, under Rural Employment Sector Programme (RESP) funded by SIDA and NORAD, LGED initiated development of small-scale water resources schemes to increase agricultural as well as food production and rural employment generation in 1986 and the programme was continued up to 1996 (MPIUS, 1998). The project implemented 60 small-scale schemes in six districts (Kurigram, Faridpur, Rajbari, Madaripur, Gopalgonj and Shariatpur). IDP covered about 20,530 hectares of cultivated land benefiting 51,230 farm families (RESP, 2000; IWRMU, 2008b). LGED has performed excellently in implementing the rural infrastructures in collaboration with local users to increase food production and consequent employment generation (Faruqee Choudhury, 1996). With an aim to provide dry season irrigation facilities by using surface water in increasing rice and non-rice crops production especially in the coastal belt LGED first implemented two rubber dams in Coxs Bazar District in 1995 on a pilot basis. Inspired by the success of the pilot projects, the Government considered rubber dams for wide replication and, consequently, construction of more rubber dams was taken up all over the country. LGED has constructed eleven more rubber dams in 1999-2007 (DoAE LGED, 2005) and started to construct 10 more rubber dams in 2009-2014. Participatory irrigation management and OM have been adopted for the rubber dam projects (DoAE LGED, 2009). 2. Objectives To surface the initiatives of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in food security and employment generation through surface water management with participatory approach. To present the state of the art of the participatory surface water management process in sustainable socio-economic development by increasing crop as well as food production and thereby employment generation in the rural areas of Bangladesh 3. Methodology A detailed and systematic approach was followed to achieve the objectives of this study using two methods. First a broad review of external secondary data sources associated with the topic that included water and food production, irrigation, gender and development, employment generation, surface water management etc. and internal SSWRDSPs which includes the sub-project based field data obtained for formulation, implementation, and performance evaluation of SSWRDSPs were made. Pre-project data were compiled from sub-project appraisal reports while the monitoring and evaluation data were drawn from the Management Information System (MIS) unit of IWRMU, LGED and various project reports. Field information was fetched through befitting exercise supported by the SSWRDSPs and the IWRMU of LGED collected the post-project data after completion of the projects. Methodology of the study also involved two tier exercises. Firstly, information of the pre-status of the sub-projects areas were drawn from relevant published materials and field records and secondly the post-status of the sub-project areas from data obtained from MIS unit. Primary sources included extensive field visits, household survey and sub-project beneficiary and WMCAs interviews. Field workers of Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) were involved in the surveys and interviews. As the author is a fulltime employee of LGED and posted in the IWRMU as a Senior Assistant Engineer (Operation and Maintenance) and also in-charge MIS unit of IWRMU of LGED, got opportunity to involve in every steps of sub-project implementation cycle. Transcripts of field visit, field notes, and relevant literature were analysed on the basis of themes, patterns and datas of interrelationships among those that addressed the research goal. 4. Small Scale Water Resources Development Sector Projects of LGED Taking lessons from the performances of the earlier water resources development projects, LGED facilitates sustainable use of water resources with the participation of local stakeholders along with Local Government Institutions involving public and private sectors, communities and individuals in the implementation of Small Scale Water Resources Development Sector Project (SSWRDSP) to improve the socio-economic condition that includes food production and employment generation. The Project is implemented in conformity with the National Water Policy (NWP) that stressed integrated water management. The NWP has defined the role of the Local Government Institutions and given the mandate of implementing flood control, drainage and irrigation (FCDI) projects having command areas of 1,000 ha or less to increase the food production and employment generation (MoWR, 1999). The NWP states that water resources management requires involvement of the public and private sectors, communities and indiv iduals that benefit from the delivery of water-related services. Because, the ultimate success and effectiveness of public water resources management projects depends on the peoples acceptance and ownership of each subproject / project (MoWR, 1999). The first project was in the name of Small Scale Water Resources Development Sector Project (SSWRDSP) (1995-2002). The project aimed at sustainable growth in agricultural production as well as food production and incomes of about 140,000 farm families in western Bangladesh through the establishment of about 300 small-scale water resources development schemes (LGED, 1995). The phase-1 of SSWRDSP finally completed 280 subproject covering 165,000 hectares of cultivates land that benefits 142,000 farm families in 37 districts (IWRMU, 2008c).The main objectives of the Second Small-Scale Water Resources Development Sector Project (SSWRDSP) are to enhance agriculture and fish culture and to take effective steps in poverty alleviation through improving the surface water resources in different regions of the country (Rahman, Rahman Rahman, 2007). With the success and gathered experience from SSWRDSP-1 LGED started the 2nd phase of SSWRDSP covering larger areas in 61 districts of the country in 2003(LGED, 2001). The 2nd phase of the project is completed in 2010 (LGED, 2010a) and implements 300 sub-projects all over the country covering 163,000 hectares of cultivates land that benefits 154,000 farm families. The 3rd phase is started in 2010 in the name of Participatory Small Scale Water Resources Sector Project (PSSWRSP) and implementing throughout the country with an aims to develop 300 new sub-projects and for rehabilitation of 160 existing sub-projects (LGED, 2010b). It could be mentioned that another Small Scale Water Resources Development Sector Projects funded by JICA also implementing by LGED from 2008 covering 15 districts of greater Mymensingh, Sylhet and Faridpur having a plan to implement 300 sub-projects (LGED, 2010c). In implementing these projects, LGED is very much careful about participatory water management pro cess (MoWR, 2000). It has developed a very innovative framework of participation for addressing local peoples views in development initiative in water sector (LGED, 2009). The local people participate in all stages of the project cycle- identification and feasibility, design and institutional building, construction and first year OM (Operation Maintenance), sustainable O M and their participation is formulized through forming a Water Management Cooperative Association (WMCA) in each sub-project. After completion of the sub-project, the WMCA takes the responsibility of operation and maintenance of the subproject infrastructure (LGED, 2009). Capacity building of WMCAs is another important aspect of the project. Line agencies of the government imparted training to the WMCA members for their capacity building and LGED has signed memorandum of understandings with the agencies concerned (MoWR, 2000). Moreover LGED ensure the stakeholder participation to make the project effective and su stainable development as the interests of the community promotes a convergence among the government, development partners and other stakeholders, is considered as a key strategic step for sustainable investment (FAO, 2010). Monitoring of the completed 580 Sub-projects of the SSWRDSP shows increasing trend in cereal and non-cereal crop as well as food production. The increased crop/food production is due to increased cropping intensity in the subproject area and that intensity generates more employment in respective area. Evaluation of the project has been done by different agencies at different time. Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) and WL I delft hydraulics, the Netherlands jointly evaluated the project. In addition Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) under Ministry of Planning Bangladesh also evaluated the project and their findings are very much positive. In general, the evaluation agencies concluded that SSWRDSP has shown a very encouraging development in developing Socio-Economic conditions that includes food production and employment generation in the Sub-project area (BUET, BIDS delft hydraulics, 2 003; IMED, 2005). The project follows a participatory approach of implementation where local people play vital role in all stages of the project cycle. 5. Framework of participation The overall participatory process in subproject development adopted by the LGED is a combination of two parallel but interrelated processes: â€Å"Institutional† involving software elements and Technical involving hardware elements Sub-project implementation is participatory and the whole cycle of subproject development process is sub-divided into four distinct stages as presented below (Figure-1) (LGED, 2009). Stage 1: Identification and Feasibility In consultation with local stakeholders, the Union Parishad (Council) kicks off sub-project proposals. The LGED Upazila Engineer submits it to the Upazila Development Coordination Committee for approval. If approved, the proposal is forwarded to the Integrated Water Resources Management Unit (IWRMU) and to the Project Management Office (PMO) through the LGED Executive Engineer at the district level. IWRMU pre-screens the proposal during a multidisciplinary field reconnaissance. This is followed by (i) Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and (ii) Feasibility Study (FS). Each subproject is reviewed and approved by District Level Inter-Agency Project Evaluation Committee (DLIAPEC). Stage 2: Design and Institution Building Following the approval of DLIAPEC, engineering design and establishment of Water Management Association (WMA) are done along with motivational awareness campaign among stakeholders. Process of establishing WMA is initiated under the legal framework of the Cooperative Societies Act (National Parliament of Bangladesh, 2001). Contracted NGO facilitator creates awareness, generates local enthusiasm in the local water resource systems, promote membership enrolment, assist in collection of beneficiary contributions, and conflict resolution. The WMA is registered with the Department of Co-operative (DoC) and becomes WMCA. The IWRMU undertakes engineering design work in consultation with stakeholders and discusses for their approval. This process concludes in the signing of a formal implementation agreement by the WMCA, Union Parishad and LGED Executive Engineer at district level before tendering for the works or contracting Labor Contracting Societies (LCS). To sign the implementation agree ment, the WMCA must have achieved (i) enrolment of at least 70% of beneficiary households; (ii) collection of beneficiary contributions equivalent to an annual OM requirement and deposited in a joint account by LGED and the WMCA; and (iii) approved plans in consultation with people-affected by the environmental mitigation and resettlement (land acquisition) (MoWR, 2000). Stage 3: Construction and First Year OM Civil works are tendered to contractor and earthworks awarded to LCS groups comprised of local landless, disadvantaged destitute males and females. The WMCA supervises construction through a 7-member committee trained on construction monitoring including one man and one woman from the concern Union Parishad (LGED, 2009). The WMCA forms OM sub-committee and prepares schedule, beneficiary list and maps, and plan comprising operating guidelines, and maintenance and resource mobilization plans. The IWRMU provides on-the-job training that helps WMCA to (i) undertake annual inspection, (ii) identify maintenance needs, (iii) prepare and implement annual OM plan, and (iv) collect OM fees. After observation of the infrastructures management performance during the first year of OM, the sub-project is handed over to the WMCA through a formal lease agreement with LGED (ADB LGED, 2009). The WMCA receives support of agricultural extension and fisheries departments to prepare agriculture and fishe ries development plans and to organize training for WMCA representatives who work as liaison extensions to beneficiaries (ADB, 2008). Stage 4: Sustainable Operation and Maintenance This stage starts after sub-project handover and continues throughout its lifetime. Continuous monitoring and support is provided by the IWRMU of LGED and other partner agencies. The WMCA and O M Committee receive regular training so that they are able to carry out O M of the sub-project. The WMCA Prepare O M Plan, Undertakes routine maintenance works and collects O M fees from direct beneficiaries in proportion to their land area benefited by the sub-project. (LGED, 2009) 6. Participation ‘Participation was first advocated in the context of development authorization in the 1950s due to failed development policies which were thought to lack integration of public concerns throughout their planning. Thus, participatory methods were encouraged as fundamental measures of development. In this process marginal groups (poor, women, indigenous and ethnic minorities) should come together with project authorities to share, negotiate and control decision-making processes (Lisk, 1981; WB, 1985). In each subproject of the SSWRDSP of LGED the organization in the name of WMCA is formed. The WMCAs play basic role to functionally represent beneficiaries in all processes of the sub-project cycle. The stakeholders participation is assessed by institutional and OM activities in the sub-project area. Institutional activities: Institutional activities are assessed by WMCAs functions. These include membership, beneficiarys contribution, capital formation and use and holding of meetings in each subproject. These are monitored quarterly through Upazila level Community Organizers (CO) and district level Socio-economist. WMCAs progress on institutional activities and their capability development in 580 subproject areas as monitored in December 2010 are as follows: WMCA membership: The WMCAs provide an excellent means to address the needs of a range of special interests. The membership in 580 WMCAs consists of 183,831 males and 70,723 females from an estimated total of 297,300 households. Average membership covers about three-forth of the total households. Women all over the world play an active role in agriculture, thus contributing to food security (IFAD, 2007). The WMCA members include marginal, small, medium and large farmers; landless; women and fishers. Women comprised one-third of the first management committee of each of the WMCAs and about 25% of the total membership as the National Policy for Womens Advancement, provides a significant commitments of the Government to equality of women and men which are also reflected in the national poverty reduction strategy that emphasizes the importance of womens rights and opportunities for progress in the battle against poverty (GoB, 2009; ADB, 2010). Each WMCA members elect a Management Committee with at least o ne-third women members. The Management Committee is supported by OM, agricultural, fisheries and credit management subcommittees. Regular Management Committee Meeting and Annual General Meeting are conducted by the WMCAs. Beneficiaryscontribution: the beneficiaries contribution construction of infrastructure in 580 sub-projects amounted (US$1,190.141) of which 89% was collected from the farmers beneficiaries of the water resources development. WMCA capital: These WMCAs have established a capital base in all sub-projects through shares and savings by the members. In 580 sub-projects, the capital accomplished well in excess of Tk 129.82 million (US$1,829). The capital is being used in supporting micro-credit, procurement of agricultural inputs, and other small-scale business enterprises operated by the individual WMCA. WMCAs have set up micro-credit programmess and have loaned to 26,900 male and 12,937 female members. The average size of each loan is about Tk 2,500 (US$ 366). Since the capital formation the cumulative investments of the WMCAs is Tk 110.1 million (US$1.55 million). The DoC inspects and audits the accounts of the WMCAs. The WMCA members have increased their income with investment of micro-credit on quality seed production, poultry farming, milking cow, beef fattening, vegetable production, aquaculture, seasonal crop storage, and grocery shops. WMCA capability development: The WMCAs members are given training to increase their capability in institutional management, capital formation, credit management, sustainable agricultural and fisheries production, improved farm practices, environmental management and subproject OM. Relevant departments and institutes support the project in training need assessments, course development, materials preparation and organisation. LGED has signed memorandum of understanding with the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Department of Cooperatives (DoC), Department of Fisheries (DoF) and Department of Livestock Service (DLS) to support the subproject beneficiaries (LGED, 2006). The DoC supports subproject WMCAs in institutional strengthening and financial management. Field level official of DAE, DoF and DLS support the sub-project farmers and fishers in the preparation and implementation of agricultural and fisheries production plans and use of improved technologies. This has created opportunity for the integratio n and complementary of support services provided by the government departments and sustainable water resources uses for food production with the formation of cooperatives in the sub-projects areas. Three approaches are adopted to provide training to the WMCA members that included beneficiary farmers, fishers and women. The first approach is to identify and communicate with existing relevant programmes and to ensure that WMCA members have access to these programmes. The second approach is that where a need for a new programme is identified, the Project develops the material, testes it by conducting a number of programmes, and then transfers the training material to an appropriate institution. As an example, this is the approach used in establishing management training for the WMCA at the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development. A third approach is used especially for new programmes. The Project works with the relevant institution to jointly prepare the curriculum and training materi als. The training is then delivered by that institution and further developed based on feed-back from participants and monitoring systems. This approach is used in the training delivered by the DAE Agricultural Training Institutes. General improvements during the course of the Project attributable to training impact were observed, in the nature of the institutional support provided to the local stakeholders, in the type of agriculture practiced within the Project area, in aquaculture, and in homestead food production patterns. All of these activities are imparted and monitored by IWRMU LGED. Operation and maintenance (OM)activities: The sub-project beneficiaries prepare annual OM plans and budget and mobilise local resources for the OM costs. LGED initiated extensive training programs for the WMCA OM sub-committee members to perform regular OM for the completed sub-project handed-over to them. The OM sub-committee is responsible for the preparation of annual plan and collection and utilization of funds for OM. Annually each WMCA collects OM fund from the farmers at the rate of 3.0% and 1.5% of the total cost for the subproject earthworks and hydraulic structures, respectively (ADB, 2008; ADB LGED, 2009). Table 1: Operation and Maintenance (O M) Budget (Taka-million) Budget 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 Subprojects No. 233 254 260 289 331 297 372 580 Contribution of GOB 2.99 7.39 15.89 20.48 22.25 24.39 30.73 47.5 Voluntary Labor Contribution 0.41 1.12 2.06 2.53 3.32 3.49 4.19 5.94 Total Collection (Taka) 3.4 8.51 17.95 23.01 25.57 27.88 34.92 47.5 % of voluntary contribution 12.1 13.2 11.5

Jealousy in Ancient Greek Society :: Greek History Studies

Jealousy in Ancient Greek Society Jealousy is one of the harsher and more passionate faces of Love in Ancient Greek Society. Societal norms for love and relationships dictate that older men are the lovers who pursue women and young boys. Love infects the pursuer and causes him to have intense feelings about the object of his desire, but not always vice versa. Consequently jealousy is seen more as the active partner’s disease and is commonly associated as a male emotion. Women also experience jealousy but they are not supposed to be the pursuers in relationships according to societal norms. Since society only excuses the pursuer in the relationship acting on jealous impulses, a women doing so was improper because she was not supposed to be the active partner in the relationship. Hence jealousy was much more widely accepted as a ‘man’s’ disease. By examining the views of society in The Women of Trachis and the Legal Text VIII, Wounding with Intent to Kill: Quarrel over a boy, on love as a sickness, controlling jealousy, and how to win back a lost love, we can conclude that Love’s face of jealousy in Ancient Greek society appears to only be accepted as a predominately male emotion. Society excuses many of men’s jealous and irrational actions because of the widely held belief that Love effects men like a sickness. In The Women of Trachis, Deianira continually excuses her husbands actions, blaming his outrageous deeds on him being poisoned by Love. When Heracles attacked a city so that he could win his mistress, Deianira blames Love for rousing him to such violence. She thinks that it is "love alone which bewitched him into this violence"(355). She has also justified all his past affairs with this same theory. Deianira mentions that Heracles "is sick as he so often is with this same sickness"(543) of love. Society has allowed men to use Love as an excuse for their outrageous actions as well as the legitimate reasoning behind their deeds. Deianira also expresses society's view on Love’s power when she says, "For [Love] rules even the gods as he pleases"(443).