Original article – http://blogger-politics.blogspot.com/2009/01/conflict-israel-gaza-january-8-2009.html
Hello,
I’ve decided to publish this message in order to contribute towards a balanced projection of opinions regarding the recent conflict in the middle-east (see title). Thoughts and decisions are built on information, and if the information is not complete and balanced, as that’s often the case, then there is a chance that those thoughts and decisions would be flawed.
It is not in my intention to take sides. It is in my intention that the reader would consider all possible known facts, along with other factors such as historical background, and only then, to give some thought, or make a decision on the matter.
A relevant word about myself, I’m in my mid 30s and currently located in New Zealand. I’ve lived in Israel for about 30 years since birth, and served in the Israeli army. I do not pretend to be, or present myself as an expert of politics, or history, and I represent no one but myself.
The current conflict can not be evaluated without its short-term, and long-term historical constraints. I will not go into historical details, but I do urge you to know more about the subject, before having a thought or making a decision.
This conflict is complex, meaning it requires a lot of time to evaluate it. With your permission I would like to raise a few points that will make things a bit more complex.
- Israel is an established country, many recognize its existence, a few don’t
- Gaza is not an established country, it’s a region within Israel, and there are different opinions as to who (politically and socially) governs it
- Hamas, and its militants, who currently fight the Israeli army, are considered by some to be a terror organization
- Gaza had a recent exchange of governing power, whenHamas violently took over Fatah (which is also considered by some to be a terror organization)
- Hamas, and its militants, supposedly, are violently exploiting innocent Palestinians (adults and children), against their will, in various methods, to act as a “human shield” or to camouflage their actions
- Military service and orders in Israel are compulsory by law, if you refuse to obey, you are sent to jail
- It has been reported in the media that various neutral civilian buildings (among them are schools) and vehicles (among them are ambulances) have been exploited byHamas militants to support and execute their attacks
A final comment to protestors and individuals who publicly express their opinions. I would like to believe that every person has every right to project their thoughts and actions. However, under this specific conflict, coming against non-diplomatic figures will only add more flames to the fire, it will definitely not diminish it. Non-diplomatic figures have little or no influence with the decision makers. By doing so, you would probably be causing grief to innocent people, and I would like to believe that this is exactly what you are speaking against.
If you wish, you may distribute the link to this original message freely and without prior consent.
Tags: blog, conflict, gaza, israel, middle east, Politics, post, war