The Chronic Curmudgeon: Can't We All Just Get Along?

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July 16, 2006

Can't We All Just Get Along?

There's a war on. That part's not news, because there's almost always a war on somewhere -- especially in the Middle East. This one's particularly sad, because it never should have started.

Obviously, I support Israel's right to exist, and to defend itself. However, I'm pretty sure I don't support the idea of starting a full-scale invasion that involves the bombing of airports and civilians over three kidnappings. (And to think, just a few weeks ago we were near an agreement where Hamas would have recognized Israel's right to exist. Think we'll ever get that close now?) I'm saddened that so close to a potential breakthrough in the peace process, Israel has chosen to overreact so heavily and has deliberately escalated the situation there.

Then again, after the last few years, I don't have a whole lot of sympathy left for Hezbollah, Hamas, the Palestinians, or anyone left on the other side either. Doubtlessly, Syria and Iran have been egging Hezbollah on, thriving on the instability in the region for their own interests (has anyone heard much about Iran's nuclear program in the past week?). As angry as I am about Israel's conduct, it's awfully hard to feel that their opponents have been all that wronged -- or to feel sympathy for them if they have been. Has anyone forgotten the video of Middle Easterners dancing in the streets when news of 9/11 hit?

I'm frustrated that the US apparently will march in lockstep with Israel in the UN, no matter what the Israeli government does or how it acts. We get led around by our noses -- with a combination of "democracies stick together" mentality and a faith-based belief that even questioning the policy of their government is tantamount to betrayal -- and lend credence to the often-spoken belief in the Middle Eastern "street" that the US plays favorites.

I'm saddened that civilians on both sides are dying because of angry and foolish men in "leadership" positions. And I'm saddened that we never seem to learn. Any of us.

Posted by Christopher on July 16, 2006 10:24 AM