Israel-Lebanon...
Peace in the Middle East. We've all heard the saying, right? We see the pictures on the boob tube of bombed out buildings and crying, hooded women, but do we really know what is happening and more importantly why? Well, I didn't and it really bugged me - so I have spent the last few days researching. What I have learned is that #1 I knew more than I thought, #2 I knew less than I thought, and #3 American's aren't fighting terrorists in their backyard, but Israel is.
I have no idea how this current battle will end. I do know that this is nothing new to the region - this particular battle has been raging for a very long time. Unfortunately, in about a month or so, I will be back to college with a bunch of uneducated kids who are going to blame this conflict on oil, or Bush, or on Americans in general b/c we are stupid, lazy, good-for-nothings. Much like the war in Iraq, Israel is also battling terror and much like those who killed so many Americans on 9/11, they too want Jews to be eliminated...killed, gone.
Charles Krauthammer, my favorite columnist and political analyst, has an editorial that summarizes the current conflict by clarifying the issue down to the problem being "Israel's existence." The title of this article is Why They Fight and I believe it helps those of us who need and want to understand the current conflict by unraveling the history behind it.
When it comes to war, historical context is very important. I have a good friend, Brent, who loves to create art where context is ambiguous and questionable. In order to appreciate and even find meaningful connection to his art, context isn't necessary. However, understanding why Israel is pounding the beejesus out of Lebanon seemingly just because Hezbollah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers, well, context and a history lesson becomes very, very necessary.
Israel is the world's only Jewish state and in only 50 or so years they have fought so many battles for their freedom as a state that by default (I think) they have one of the best funded military forces in the Middle East and the most battle-trained armies in the world. Men and women are drafted at the age of 18 and serve at least two years of compulsory service. After that they are in the reserves until they are 40 years old. In order to survive, Israel has had to defend herself and what I find so remarkable is that most Israelites are proud to serve and fight for their freedom and land. I really think it behooves us all to truly take some time to understand this current conflict. The threat is very real to Israel and has been for a long time. American's have been targeted as well, on and off in history, but in the last few years the threat here at home has escalated. I wonder how committed we would be to fighting terrorism if the citizens of Canada and Mexico wanted to eradicate the United States and they were taking action to do so? (of course, this is also assuming they had the manpower, weapons and other anti-American, rogue nation support)
I could go on about what I have learned - but that would take some of the fun out of you learning for yourself. I suppose this blog has turned into more of a challenge than a lesson. Some of the best online reading I have done is through Wikipedia, the online and up-to-date encyclopedia (oh, and my new favorite site.) They have an incredible search engine and very detailed articles. I would suggest starting with a simple "Israel" or "Hezbollah" search on their website.
I have no idea how this current battle will end. I do know that this is nothing new to the region - this particular battle has been raging for a very long time. Unfortunately, in about a month or so, I will be back to college with a bunch of uneducated kids who are going to blame this conflict on oil, or Bush, or on Americans in general b/c we are stupid, lazy, good-for-nothings. Much like the war in Iraq, Israel is also battling terror and much like those who killed so many Americans on 9/11, they too want Jews to be eliminated...killed, gone.
Charles Krauthammer, my favorite columnist and political analyst, has an editorial that summarizes the current conflict by clarifying the issue down to the problem being "Israel's existence." The title of this article is Why They Fight and I believe it helps those of us who need and want to understand the current conflict by unraveling the history behind it.
When it comes to war, historical context is very important. I have a good friend, Brent, who loves to create art where context is ambiguous and questionable. In order to appreciate and even find meaningful connection to his art, context isn't necessary. However, understanding why Israel is pounding the beejesus out of Lebanon seemingly just because Hezbollah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers, well, context and a history lesson becomes very, very necessary.
Israel is the world's only Jewish state and in only 50 or so years they have fought so many battles for their freedom as a state that by default (I think) they have one of the best funded military forces in the Middle East and the most battle-trained armies in the world. Men and women are drafted at the age of 18 and serve at least two years of compulsory service. After that they are in the reserves until they are 40 years old. In order to survive, Israel has had to defend herself and what I find so remarkable is that most Israelites are proud to serve and fight for their freedom and land. I really think it behooves us all to truly take some time to understand this current conflict. The threat is very real to Israel and has been for a long time. American's have been targeted as well, on and off in history, but in the last few years the threat here at home has escalated. I wonder how committed we would be to fighting terrorism if the citizens of Canada and Mexico wanted to eradicate the United States and they were taking action to do so? (of course, this is also assuming they had the manpower, weapons and other anti-American, rogue nation support)
I could go on about what I have learned - but that would take some of the fun out of you learning for yourself. I suppose this blog has turned into more of a challenge than a lesson. Some of the best online reading I have done is through Wikipedia, the online and up-to-date encyclopedia (oh, and my new favorite site.) They have an incredible search engine and very detailed articles. I would suggest starting with a simple "Israel" or "Hezbollah" search on their website.
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