How short is the memory of mankind. Whatever the cost of our mistakes, we do not seem to learn from history. Today, the death toll in Lebanon stands at 925 civilians, one quarter children. In Israel, 58 soldiers and 36 civilians have been lost to the conflict, which also illustrates the stark asymmetry of the current tit for tat. [1]
Bombs are never smart, whatever the military would like us to believe. Whatever Israel claims or aims to achieve, the facts on the ground grimly expose as folly. Similarly, the Hezbollah adventure has reached unbearable levels of insanity. For those of a cynical disposition, perhaps it is a classic if highly ironic case of David vs Goliath. Yet, peppering civilians in Israel with crude, unguided rockets that fall and maim at random cannot be judged a valid military assault or defense by any civilised measure. [2,3,4]
Nothing of lasting value for peace and justice is gained by any side in this conflict. If anything, the forces of extreme militancy on all sides and therefore the hopes of further hell in the Holy Land, which stretches beyond the borders of Israel, have everything to gain from this conflict.
The 1967 war, the 1973 Yom Kipur war, the Lebanese occupations of 1978 and 1980, have not achieved any lasting peace or created an improvement in the relations amongst the conflicting parties in the Middle East. Instead, tensions have increased, distrust has become entrenched, mutual fear ingrained and ultimately, hatred has snuffed out any flicker of understanding and tolerance. More wounds, bigger pain, greater losses are the fruits of this folly.
"An eye for an eye will leave the whole world blind", said Ghandi. Yes, but even worse is the blindness of those who still have eyes but refuse to see. A momentary lapse of reason has brought us to the edge of a perilous precipice. Who will have the courage to open our eyes and lead us away from disaster?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment