Posted by Declan on July 20, 2006, at 15:25:37
In reply to Re: The Middle East, posted by Jost on July 20, 2006, at 14:22:29
Hi there. Before we start thinking too much about the rights and wrongs of the countries involved, especially western countries and Israel, it might be best to ask whether that's a good way of looking at it. No doubt some approaches are more unwise than others; we've seen some. I think we need to understand the area. For example, and I'm pretty ignorant, but might it not be the case that it suits both Israel and Hezbollah to continue the war? In Israel's case because it is a better way of getting what they want than negotiation. Mahmoud Abbass comes in here, he might have looked like he was getting somewhere. Israel could easily destroy Hezbollah if Hezbollah was an army, but since it isn't it may well suit Hezbollah to aim for the long term, not just in Lebanon which they will gain control of(?), but throughout the region, which will be radicalised. Until it is in someone's interest to stop the fighting (apart from ordinary people I mean) it will continue. What I am trying to say is that we should try not to view this through the lens of the west. The west admittedly has made a hash of things on and off there for almost 100 years now, but there's a complex political world there. I just don't want to hear any more about the middle east peace process. I feel like I've been hearing about it for 30 years and if this a hypocricy the world needs, I for one can do without it. I would just like to understand this particular place.
Declan
poster:Declan
thread:667115
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20060610/msgs/668639.html