Wow... it's all I can say in regard to what is unfolding in the Middle East. Israel, the symbol of American dominance in the Middle East, is currently bombarding Lebanon by air, see and land. Lebanese soldiers have been ordered not to respond to Israeli attacks, but many have been killed in the Israeli assault just the same. Over 200 hundred people are dead in Lebanon and Israel shows no signs of letting up, in fact now the Israeli prime minister is pointing fingers at Iran. Meanwhile, Hesbollah is launching hundreds of rockets into Israel that are aimed at none other than civilians. Israel wants it's soldiers back, Hesbollah wants prisoners released, neither is willing to budge.
If (and I believe it's likely when) Iran becomes involved, all hell will break loose. There is a chance we may still see large scale conventional war fare, which so many thought died away with the invention of nuclear, chemical and long range warfare. This war will not be over land, resources or strategic positioning, but will reflect the most dividing issue that faces our world today and throughout the entire span of our history, and that is religious belief. This is, however, not the only driving force behind this conflict and may even be less a cause then one other issue, racism. I believe that the western society has created a strong racism towards the muslim world, one that they now feed with the retaliating responses from the Middle East. The wrongs committed against the Arab world are too many to count, and so it is no wonder they hate us now, but to use there anger at us as a reason to commit more wrongs against them is something I cannot believe the U.S. has done. Anti-American sentiment has never been at a higher point than it is now. Some 10,000+ Iraqis are estimated dead in the last two months due to the fighting that still goes on as a result of the American lead invasion. How can "We", the Western World, ever make up for the wrongs that have been carried out against the muslim world, let alone even come close to healing the hatred so many millions harbour against us? It's a scary time we live in and it's never required our attention more than right now...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/
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I know we've been talking about this, but I just wanted to "officially" add my two cents. First of all, I'm not scared about all this. I don't think this is the "end" as interpreted so seamlessly by those folks who put out the Left Behind video series...nor do I think it will result in some kind of nuclear war with Iran. I don't think (as some "eye witnesses" have claimed in second hand emails recently) that Israel is using chemical weapons on civilians or even targeting civilians. The simplest explanation is often the right one. Look, obviously Israel is overstepping it's bounds by copying Bush's whole "preemptive strike" idea, but do people seriously think this is a one sided "massacre" (as the Lebonese president said the other day)? Come on. Hezbollah has been lobbing rockets into Israel (a nation they deny the right to exist...long story) and killing innocent civilians, they've also been supportive of suicide bombings throughout the country that kill indescriminately. Also, Hezbollah has been known to use civilian shields and are more than likely doing the same thing right now, which increases civilian casualties and thus increases outrage toward the invaders. Bah. I f'ing hate the Middle East AND their petty ass land disputes. I'm not saying I don't sympathize with the victims and their families but both sides are wrong because both sides are still holding on to the obsolete doctrine of an "eye for an eye". This will never end as long as both sides refuse to say enough is enough. Ghandi said it best...that an eye for an eye leaves everyone blind. We're watching as the Middle East is blinding itself...and the suffering will not stop until they decide to stop it. Pathetic. And of course, it has nothing to do with what nation you come from. It seems that most nations have this mentality...only individuals are capable of forgiveness. Corporations like the United States, Israel, Canada, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, etc...they operate toward what they perceive as the best interest of their shareholders (ie. their citizens) and would never bitch out and be a pussy like Jesus was. Congratulations world...you're watching human history unfold yet again. Grab a good spot and make sure you brought enough snacks.
Yah.. i would have to disagree on several points. First of all, it's non-disputable information that Israel has been targeting the civilians of Lebanon, infect, the UN has already warned that there will likely be war crime trials after this is all said and done. The Israeli army has also been dropping leaflets on the civilian population saying that they will be bombing any trucks they see, assuming that it will be transporting weapons. So it is likely that they have target civilian vehicles. Other thing is that Hezbolah is not Lebanon. Lebanon never attacked Israel. Sure Lebanon allows Hezbolah to exist in the south, but the attacks against Israel have not come from Lebanon and their troops have still died from Israel attacks. Isreal has shredded an entire country in an attempt to rid it of a terrorist organization. They have also killed many civilians in the Gaza Strip as of late, a sign that their military is not particularly concerned with the lives of civilians other than their own.
Again, I'm not trying to suggest that there is a "right" side to this conflict. Both Hezbollah and Israel are in the wrong. Who was wrong first? Both sides say the other. It doesn't matter. My point was neither side is giving an inch which makes both sides very, very wrong.
Creepiest quote of the week goes to Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who said Israel had "pushed the button for its own destruction"...quoted from BBC News. Why did he have to say "pushed the button"?
It's all very sad...but be careful about taking sides because my point is that there is no side to support in this. Sure, we can support the innocent...the collateral damage...but they are on BOTH sides of this dispute.
Word to the bredges,
I don't disagree with Double E on his argument that they are both wrong... I think that stands out as obvious... However I think maybe there is a place for the idea that Isreal is a democracy, a "western" country, and is in posession of the ability to obliterate any oponent along with US backing... and maybe it should be demanded of them, more than a shaky, torn-up Muslim country, to be an example of diplomacy and international morality.... don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that a western or democratic country is less likely to behave badly... but it should be.
If it wants my support.
Is "Fifteen eyes for an eye" not worse than "An eye for an eye"?
(props, bredge)
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