I need a favor guys. I sent an opinion article into the Washington Post about the Israel-Gaza conflict, and its being considered for publication. Give feedback? In the constant endeavors of the endless vigilance regarding the global war against terrorism, definitions in conflict are becoming as vague and subjective as the battle lines they are fought upon. In the dictionary of the Bolivian governments international affairs, it now happens that a synonym for terrorism has been admitted into their vocabulary, and it is one that is shocking, as well as inconvenient for many American Citizens. As far as the Bolivian government is concerned, the Jewish state of Israel has earned itself the status of a terrorist state, due to its recent conduct. While this news may be unsettling for those who unconditionally support the close ally of the United States, is it really such a preposterous notion? There are, of course, countless examples throughout Israels history where it has found itself as the target of aggression from its neighbors, and has used justifiable military might to defend its people. But where do we draw the lines between offense and defense? For many Americans, this is a discussion not worthy of entertaining. Israel has been anointed as the Holy Land, and for closed minds, the soil that once absorbed the bare footprints of Abraham and his sons is worth more than the actual lives of present-day human beings. People who are tragically being afflicted by the regional violence taking place and escalating as you read. This cognitive dissonance is a dangerous conceit, and it is a mindset held too commonly by American citizens and elected officials alike. Does Israel deserve the label of terrorist state? In the moderate opinion of this Westerner, probably not. But it certainly may be time for us to re-examine the status of Israel as the perpetual victim, with only innocent and pure intentions. Just as there are hawkish extremists on both sides of the conflict-- so too are there far too many thousands of ill-fated, innocent civilians on each side. Far too many to assume one side is blameless. Is it time for the world to stamp the hand of Israel with red ink and bold letters, proclaiming its status as a terrorist state? Perhaps not, but if we open our eyes and turn the hands over, we just might find that there is, in fact, blood on them. Can we keep making excuses for how it got there?
Posted on: Fri, 01 Aug 2014 20:53:32 +0000
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