Turmoil in the Holy Land

Posted By on July 18, 2006

Beirut Lebanon July 15, 2006
I’ve been saddened by the destruction and killing taking place in Israel and Lebanon while slowly coming to the conclusion that a negotiated peace is not possible. It is interesting to compare what is happening in the middle east to what is proposed by those in the US with a more ‘liberal’ point of view in dealing with terrorists and the nations that welcome them. (I’m referring to those with the political hands off or isolationist approach to world affairs)

I’ll start by assuming that ‘most normal people’ in the world want peace? To achieve this, there has to be some acceptance that they must live and operate with other countries, races, political views and religions on this planet. For decades now, peacemaker after peacemaker has talked with both the Arabs and Israelis in hopes to build a bridge to peace. They’ve worked with leaders on both sides time and time again to move toward some agreeable solution for people to live together. Ever since Israel’s ‘forced’ occupation, (6-day war when they were attacked), many have tried to negotiate their pull back from these territories and allow Arabs to freely govern themselves. It was not something Israel felt comfortable in doing … for the very reason we see today. Yet over time, each peacemaker convinced them that the only way to have a chance for peace was to give up control and this land. Slowly they made agreements and took multiple steps in giving those living in this area a chance. Unfortunately the agreements made on Lebanon’s part 6 years ago, and most recently the good faith on the Palestinians part have only allowed for a stronger terror element to operate freely within those areas. The radical arm grew, with support from other Arab countries, and they were permitted to take control with little more than lift of a finger from those desiring peace. (other Arab countries included)

Sadly in this area (and perhaps others), those Arabs desiring peace, must work and fight for to press for it. I’m referring to those decent Lebanese and Palestinians who by doing nothing allow Hamas and Hezbollah to operate and grow in their country. I’m also referring to those countries to those funding and supplying their weapons, although the assumption is that a significant number of people from Iran and Syria approve. No matter how you look at Israel turning policing power back over to Arabs, little was done to prevent terrorists operating within … or perhaps very few actually desired to stop them?

What can we (the US) learn from this?
First, a hands-off approach to countries permitting terrorists to infiltrate their country, train and carry out attacks doesn’t work. (Israel, under the guise of a peace settlement, was talked into trying this again and again — yes I know “Blessed are the peacemakers.”) Unfortunately when you’re negotiating with religious radicalism, one must realize they do not want peace. When you are negotiating with countries and leaders permitting terrorists safe-havens, you are often talking with people who beyond talk of peace are actually approving of what radical Muslims do to Jews and infidels. Unfortunately it is an issue that very little ‘leave them alone’ style peacemaking can change.

I’ve concluded that no real peace can exist in a country or territory that allows radical Muslims to spread their hate through terrorism. It is a cancer that must be removed before a country can govern itself or has the wherewithal to continue to eliminate the scourge.

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Comments

  • mike

    I’m reminded of another middle east blog entry you made and I had commented on. Seems like same-ole, same ole.. I am thinking that as the oil is drained from this region, the fuel for the hatred also be extinguished over the years.

    Those nuts like the Kunstlers who predicted that geopolitical tensions would rise as energy resources dwindled world-wide are hard to refute at times like these. It is predicted to get much, much worse before it gets better. This will play out over many years. Maybe they’re wrong and this is just a temporary tense time in our world. I doubt it, honestly.

  • mike

    I’m reminded of another middle east blog entry you made and I had commented on. Seems like same-ole, same ole.. I am thinking that as the oil is drained from this region, the fuel for the hatred also be extinguished over the years.

    Those nuts like the Kunstlers who predicted that geopolitical tensions would rise as energy resources dwindled world-wide are hard to refute at times like these. It is predicted to get much, much worse before it gets better. This will play out over many years. Maybe they’re wrong and this is just a temporary tense time in our world. I doubt it, honestly.

  • mike

    Rich,
    I am one of those ‘liberals’, a secular humanist etc., and definitely not a Bush fan.
    In fact, I consider this administration extremly dangerous.
    However, I have become increasingly concerned that the Islamist (extremist fundamentalist ) are a deadly global-wide movement, that could eventually kill us (the west). Islamism is an idea not bound by things or by national boundaries or laws other than Sharia law.
    I emphasize the GLOBAL aspect of this. There is an obvious attempt to
    take control of the middle east, Iran seeming to be the key player, Syria and Lebonon as proxies. But consider what is occurring in Europe, there is an attempt to establish significant control and influence there, if not accomplish a takeover (England, Holland, etc.)
    And, it could possibly happen in South America, though I am not sure how that would work with a predominantly Christian population . But if there are disaffected natives there, they would see some benefit to working with Islamists.
    And the same might be said of our own disaffected peoples who, despite the claims of an improving economy, do not share in the increase in wealth, health, education, and a sense of security and cannot take advantage of tax breaks (‘death’ tax breaks, etc.).
    We ourselves may be sitting on a time bomb.
    And consider, what are our core beliefs? Our constitution has been under assault for the past six years, faith in our congress has plummeted, and our war heroes villified and slime-boated.
    Is it now everybody for one’s self, and to hell with our fellow citizens? How far away are WE from becoming a third-world screwed-up country?
    We, the citizenry, need to create a government by the people, of the people, and for the people! Hey, what a novel idea, eh?
    Anyway, a great blog. Now I gotta figure out how to create my own.
    Thanks
    Mike

  • mike

    Rich,
    I am one of those \’liberals\’, a secular humanist etc., and definitely not a Bush fan.
    In fact, I consider this administration extremly dangerous.
    However, I have become increasingly concerned that the Islamist (extremist fundamentalist ) are a deadly global-wide movement, that could eventually kill us (the west). Islamism is an idea not bound by things or by national boundaries or laws other than Sharia law.
    I emphasize the GLOBAL aspect of this. There is an obvious attempt to
    take control of the middle east, Iran seeming to be the key player, Syria and Lebonon as proxies. But consider what is occurring in Europe, there is an attempt to establish significant control and influence there, if not accomplish a takeover (England, Holland, etc.)
    And, it could possibly happen in South America, though I am not sure how that would work with a predominantly Christian population . But if there are disaffected natives there, they would see some benefit to working with Islamists.
    And the same might be said of our own disaffected peoples who, despite the claims of an improving economy, do not share in the increase in wealth, health, education, and a sense of security and cannot take advantage of tax breaks (\’death\’ tax breaks, etc.).
    We ourselves may be sitting on a time bomb.
    And consider, what are our core beliefs? Our constitution has been under assault for the past six years, faith in our congress has plummeted, and our war heroes villified and slime-boated.
    Is it now everybody for one\’s self, and to hell with our fellow citizens? How far away are WE from becoming a third-world screwed-up country?
    We, the citizenry, need to create a government by the people, of the people, and for the people! Hey, what a novel idea, eh?
    Anyway, a great blog. Now I gotta figure out how to create my own.
    Thanks
    Mike

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Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.