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To
some, the 12th of July 2006 may seem
like
a long time ago. Let me assure you,
using
any reasonable measure of time, that
this
date IS recent history. The following
research
and subsequent article was developed
during
July, August & September of 2006. I
am
just getting around to placing this detail
on
the web.
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Lebanese - Israeli Conflict, Summer 2006
I am not the first to make this statement;
I will not be the last. I aim to add my own voice to the growing numbers that
have already made their position known. This senseless loss of life that
continues in the "Middle East", each loss, meaning each and every loss
of human life, regardless of age, sex, race, language or religion, is, in fact,
an infinite loss.
For us in the West, particularly in
"North America", many of us are confused and frustrated over what is
happening on the banks of what "should be" a very beautiful, garden
spot of the universe. In fact, observations through the wonders of modern
technology regarding the quality of reporters from the World's NEWS agencies
quickly demonstrate most of them are moocows. In my opinion, these moocows do
not add constructively to the situation, their reporting continues to frustrate
legitimate organizations, and does not assist in driving towards workable (and
clearly obtainable) goals.
So let's be frank here, civil society is
clearly asking for 1) a cessation of hostilities and 2) a comprehensive and
final cease-fire that will bring ever-lasting peace and tranquility to the
region. A "cessation of hostilities" means that, if you are in
possession of a weapon of any kind, stop using this weapon. I don't care if it's
a stick, rock, F-16, homemade RPG, rocket, missile, remote controlled drone or
whatever. Stop using the weapon. Stop.
The cessation of hostilities will now
create a space to address the dire humanitarian needs on all sides. Really
folks, this isn't too difficult to grasp.
Lebanese Red Cross ambulance said to have been bombed by Israeli air strike. Photo by Dahr Jamail
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It is hugely, incredibly, nearly
impossible to provide even the most basic of humanitarian assistance in a
hostile environment. So if you were thinking along the lines of, well, the UN
(or others) can just get in there, dig people out from under leveled buildings,
provide food, clothing and shelter (and hence security) without a cessation of
hostilities, might I suggest that you have your head examined by a qualified
physician? Attempting to deliver relief supplies while hostilities are happening
gets you killed. Bullets, grenades and missiles do not; I repeat, do not
magically go around, bounce off or leave you unscathed because of your
"blue helmet"; "blue helmet" meaning the United Nations
(UN). And for that matter, even the smartest of "smart weapons" are
indiscriminate between regular forces, irregular forces and civilians. I don't
want to get too far ahead here except to foreshadow that the cessation of
hostilities also provides space and time for diplomacy to work. The process
leads to an understanding of the issues, from all sides, a political (meaning
non-military) solution to the problems, a formal cease-fire, reconciliation,
ever-lasting peace and tranquility.
The ongoing hostilities and escalation did
not begin on the 12th of July 2006. I need to make this blanket statement
because, well, it's true, and, so I can focus on the recent events and provide
an equitable solution, not only to resolve this incident, but any future
incident of like or similar caliber. As we are all so painfully aware, Israel
and Lebanon have had difficulties living in peace and tranquility for many
years. Emerging out of WWII, key nation states established the UN to help
prevent the devastating effects of war, promote peace and prosperity and an
international vehicle for conflict resolution and other grievances.
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