Jan 14 2009
Godot, Could You Bring the Water?
In yesterday’s post I pointed out the lack of American intervention in the present Israel-Hamas war, which is dangerous because that only leaves room for somebody else to step in. And so he did, enter Bin Laden, stage left. He released an audio tape yesterday calling for the Muslim nation to wage jihad to “stop the aggression against Gaza”. The plight of the Palestinians has always been a part of Bin Laden’s message, but now it can become a focal point for his followers and potential followers. Bin Laden also pointed out the timing of the Israel offensive - when America is too weak because of its present financial crisis to do anything, as well as a last opportunity to act while the Bush administration still holds the scepter of power.
So with the death toll now over a thousand, at least half being civilians, and a third being children, will other groups involve themselves? Is it enough to insight people to risk their own lives, to have to harm others, to protect the Palestinians? With Israel’s air force hitting 60 targets overnight, blowing up tunnels, attacking Gaza City on the ground, and even using their warships to bomb Gaza, against the 18 rockets that Hamas fired, harming no one, do the Palestinians have more than a prayer? While the those enraged by this war are making up their minds to join it or not, I do hope that Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General, and Egypt can broker a cease-fire between the two sides.
Meanwhile, twice in the past week rockets have landed in Israel from Lebanon. Is this the beginning of the domino effect that will pull more and more forces and ideologies into the war? Wouldn’t it behoove us all to extinguish the fire before it gets out of control? 2009-01-14
Very well put!