Israel: An Earned Nation or an Imperialist Giant?
The headlines on CNN held an interesting question: is the Mideast on the brink of war? With Israeli jets bombing Beirut, ground troops entering southern Lebanon and attacking Hezbollah bases, one must wonder if this is Israel’s way of defending it’s right to exist or simply trying to become an imperialist giant. With most Israeli supporters citing the threat of “terrorist” organizations like the democratically elected Hamas government as well as the kidnapping of Israeli corporal Gilad Shalit as reasons for the strike against Lebanon and Palestine, others, who tend to be more emotionally Zionist or supporters of religiously held land, note Israel’s “right to exist.”
The Jews of Israel are held in a high regard because of the large number of unfortunate events they’ve overcome in the history of their people and also the religious view of them being the “Chosen Ones.” This being said, the Holocaust or any other event does not give them free reign to dominate Israeli or neighboring lands. Though it may be their Holy Land, or as some say the origin of their religion and people, they left that land and moved on. By saying that people can leave a land, experience high loss, then forcefully return, imposing their will by arms, is like saying that a person, after having his house burn down and part of his family killed, can move back into his childhood home with the rest of his family, repressing the current home owners if they don’t like the occupation. A “right to exist” is certainly a right that all people have, but a right to exist at the expense of others isn’t.
The “justified” bombing of Lebanon and Palestinian settlements raises many questions. First, why did the democratically elected Hamas government kidnap Corporal Shalit unless it wanted to cause an armed dispute with the Israelis? In an interview with Independent News Group Democracy Now! celebrated activist, writer, professor and scholar Noam Chomsky tells us of the barely reported June 24th kidnappings of civilians, a doctor and his brother, out of the Gaza Strip by Israeli military. This maybe be the reason for the abduction of Corporal Shalit by militant Palestinians. There are other possibilities, notably the deaths of 22 Palestinians at the hands of the Israeli army during the week of June 20th or the abduction of 64 members of the Palestinian Parliament on June 29 (Maan News Agency). As for the surge of Lebanese attack on Israel, this is most likely a way to shift some of the force off of Palestine and force Israel into a double fronted war. However, when Israeli General Dan Halutz declares that “Nothing is safe [in Lebanon], as simple as that,” it is questionable whether the Israel government and the International Community really does want peace between the nations. It must also be noted that many of the known casualties inflicted by Israel are not connected with the resistance. This “collateral damage” as it’s called, also has children in the majority of deaths.
Though there are notable deaths on both sides of the conflict, it would seem that the majority of it could be resolved with the recognition of Palestinian independence and a co-operative end to blind support of Israeli actions, as done so by America and it’s allies. Also, freedom for not only the Israeli soldiers that were abducted, but for all the Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners in Israel (the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics shows 9,400 Palestinian prisoners held in 30 prisons throughout Israel, some of whom have been held for as many as 30 years) as well. Maybe then, the Mideast will be off “the brink of war.”
posted by k. edward warmoth @ 11:42 PM
24 Comments:
arent terrorists more of human beings defending their right like the patriots in the 16 and 1700s
loooong but good
you should be a journalist!! you're writing is quite impressive
"Terrorist" is just a label. It can be given to anyone against the way things are working. It's way to broad. Technically, George Washington could be called a terrorist.
Kai-- You're fantastic. This is exactly the reason I was so drawn to you to start with. You have so much passion! This is what's going to get things going for you, you're strong. You know what you're talking about, and you easily sway people (esp. ones who are politics-ignorant, i.e. me) into believing every word you say. This stuff is fantastic, and I know you've got something to run with. Incredible.
Ps. (Silly.) "This maybe be the reason for the abduction of Corporal Shalit by militant Palestinians."
Kikiki.
You're fantastic.
haha kai don't ever take a graphic on any news station to be correct. In an age where the guessing of the issues rather then the facts. The graphics are all they got to keep the regular dumb news watcher informed. Good points otherwise.
Greets to the webmaster of this wonderful site! Keep up the good work. Thanks.
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A friend told me once that what makes government unique is its exclusive legal right to commit violence. I'd say she wasn't far off.
In response to what gil winningham wrote above, I would say that it depends. As Kai writes, a terrorist can be a "freedom fighter", so to speak. There are two genres of terrorism: that of a group fighting for the sovereignty of its homeland, and that of a group inspired by religion. The latter group tends to be much more vicious in its violence and is less likely to ever be appeased, because unlike the former group (which can be appeased through negotiation), religious terrorists believe they fight a holy war for their god, and anything or anyone less than their vision is evil.
If you're interested in this topic, you should check out books written by Bruce Hoffman, who's recently joined the teaching staff at Georgetown University. His "Inside Terrorism" is definitive. It touches on both genres of terrorism, though if you want to inspect more of the religious kind, I recommend "Terror in the Mind of the God" by Juergensmeyer.
Ultimately, terrorism is about a power imbalance. It's a weaker group taking on a greater power, which involves underhanded tactics and creating chaos. Restore a power equilibrium and terrorism stops.
Interesting article, Kai, and you raise good points. Keep it up.
To Yggdrasil, recheck your sources or refine your writinjg becasue that seemed to me as aginst religion. Now, how can you say their are only 2 types of terriosts??? What about the ones, who want to reke havoc and create fear? They do exist.
In no religion or Holy Book, I believe, it would say to intentionally harm others and kill themselves. And everything that doesn't coincide with what they believe is not evil. I think the guy who wrote this isn't really presenting all the facts. It's an Athiest view of terrorism, which might i add has led to the discrimination of those linked to religion, especially Muslim people. This view is only appeasing athiests and those against Muslims.
Anyways, Kai, Fantastic. I didn't agree with some of it, which was opinion rather than fact, but thats ok. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Your writing is sensational!
Dented,
This is by no means an anti-religious view. Unfortunately, people use God as an excuse to wage terror. And my point was not directed at a particular group. Religious terrorists have come from Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Sikh, and Buddhist backgrounds.
Holy books do advocate violence. They also advocate loving your fellow man. It depends on what you read and also the individual's interpretation. Your average churchgoer in America may use the Bible to say that it's imperative to love your neighbor, regardless of their skin color, religion, or sexual orientation; Christian Patriots would not.
Secular terrorism and religious terrorism are the two recognized genres, and they DO want to wreck havoc and create fear. I've not heard of an entire network banding together to raise terror just for the sake of raising terror with no other goals in mind, if that's what you meant. Even Charles Manson instructed his "family" to terrorize the American public in hopes of sparking a race war.
Kai speaks of the events in Israel and Lebanon with a myopic and naïve worldview that is clearly anti-Israel and pro-radical Islam. First of all, Hamas and Hezbollah may be political parties democratically elected in their respective countries, but both organizations have radical militant wings that have repeatedly vowed that their primary goal is the destruction of Israel. They may be democratically elected, but that is a further indictment that a majority of the Muslims in that region agree with their rhetoric of hate.
Secondly, if Israel was as intolerant and imperial minded as he believes, the entire Middle East would be Israeli territory. Lest he forget, in 1967, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and Iraq led a coalition of Arab militaries intent, not on liberating Palestine, but on destroying Israel. If Israel had imperialistic designs, they would have seized land from those countries when they thoroughly defeated the entire coalition in six days. Let us also not forget that Israel has a nuclear arsenal and has shown amazing restraint in never using a nuclear weapon against its enemies despite constant terrorist attacks and neighboring countries intent on the extermination of Israel. If Israel's intentions were the same as their Muslim enemy, all Muslim territories would be "glassed over" by nuclear weapons. While Israel shows restraint, everyone knows what the radical Muslims will do if they ever get a nuclear weapon.
As for Lebanese civilians killed by Israeli bombings, the blame lies solely on the terrorists who use these civilians as human shields. Israel should feel no moral shame for going after these thugs wherever they may be. We can no longer allow these death merchants to kill Jewish and Christian civilians worldwide out of hate and intolerance, and then hide among civilians out of cowardice and call for restraint when their tactics do not stop our pursuit.
Jews didn't just drift away from Isarel they were attacked and murdered my Arab Muslims and driven out of the land, Jerusalem fell on July 15, 1099. That's what the crusades were about! Mohammed cared nothing about Jerusalem until he was insulted by the Jews of Mecca who refused to accept him as a prophet of Jehova.
Citing Democracy Now and Noam Chomsky as independent media sources is intellectual sophistry. Chomsky’s radical left-wing, anti-American propaganda may work on emotionally charged twenty year-olds with lots of passion and no intelligence, but not on intelligent, educated people who can actually read his garbage and realize that it is meaningless, evil diatribe. Maybe Mr. Warmoth should visit the website www.memri.org where they translate Islamic media outlets into English to get a better idea of what and who it is we are actually fighting. It is terrifying and shocking what is being circulated in that region of the world. The reality, Mr. Warmoth, is that radical Islam is intent on the destruction of Israel, America, democracy, and peace. In fact, the word “Islam” itself means “peace only through submission to Allah.” The only way to preserve human rights and peace in this world is to destroy these radical extremists wherever they may be. Ponder this before you go to bed tonight: If the Islamic extremists were to lay down their weapons, there would be peace. If America and Israel were to lay down our weapons, we would all be destroyed.
There are many trouble spots around the world, but as a general rule, it's easy to make an educated guess at one of the participants: Muslims vs. Jews in "Palestine," Muslims vs. Hindus in Kashmir, Muslims vs. Christians in Africa, Muslims vs. Buddhists in Thailand, Muslims vs. Russians in the Caucasus, etc...
ISLAM: "Religion of Peace?"
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I only have a short amount of time, but tell me; if Israel's bombing of civilians is due to human sheild-ery, then how come very few resistance leaders have been killed by mass civilians targets have? Anderson Cooper has even reported, with all his right wing bias, that Israel's jets are bombing civilians centers unlike their original target of "Hizbollah military bases."
My view is not "Pro-Radical Islam." I'm strongly against religious regimes, you should know that. However, I do support an oppressed people and I'm highly against westernized imperialism, brought on by Israel.
By citing that Chomsky and Independent News Sources aren't valid, you seem to support corporate media. Lest we forget the CNN is owned by GE which not only makes American military weapons for Iraq but for sale to Israel. Chomsky is a highly quoted intellectual who is not only anti-zionist, but a Jew by birth. As for your website you advised me visiting, why would I visit a radical, right wing anti-Muslim website.
I'd hope that you'd gain more tolerance and realize the murder committed by the Israeli government. It's sad that you don't realize the Palestinian people's right to defend themselves.
Anderson Cooper? I had to google the name to find out who he is. I haven't watched CNN since they admitted that they spiked some stories (atrocities and others) that Saddam might have disapproved of and ran others that they knew would please him. So much for truth and objectivity.
Did you know that Israel has been dropping leaflets and making automated cell phone calls to people in southern Lebanon telling them to evacuate north because the IDF intends to pursue the savasges--I mean Army of Allah, wherever they run. But Hezbolla warriors are preventing their egress! Do they bear any responsibility for civilian casualties?
It's sad that you don't see that the "palestinian" people are simply expendable pawns of Arab nations who are fomented into such a rage that they are willing to die just to murder a Jew. Worse yet, they celebrate the suicide deaths of their children.
They are fighting and dying in a surragate war while the oil-rich Arab countries live in opulence.
You are very misinformed and diluted in your previous posts. Your argument for the lack of Hezbollah terrorists’ deaths in the Israeli bombing and offensive in Lebanon is tautological. Basically, Kai, you proved my point (I am also medic_101). The “resistance fighters”, as you call them, or murderous terrorists, as I call them, are dissolving and assimilating back into the civilian population. Therefore, my argument in the first response has come to fruition in your own words. We will never know if the casualties you mention are terrorists or innocents. Unfortunately, that is exactly what these thugs, that you have so much affection for, want. Kai, don’t be duped. Israel IS going after the Hezbollah fighters. And they are killing lots of them! Israel does not want to inflict civilian losses in Lebanon. Unfortunately, such losses will occur. Furthermore, you should recall that Lebanon is a mostly Christian country and quite Westernized and peaceful. With that said, Lebanon is not engaged in a war against Israel. Their military response is more like our National Guard. They help with the disaster areas, but are not engaged in the armed conflict. Hezbollah has taken up command in a region strategically located north of Israel for a specific purpose - to intimidate and attack Israel! In the nation of Lebanon, Hezbollah has found a generally peaceful country intimidated by their presence. Israel, unlike Lebanon, will not run from the fight that the Islamic terrorists want.
Israel’s use of smart bombs and laser-guided missiles is intended to reduce civilian losses, and to destroy selected military targets. Hezbollah has no real military installations, as they are not a standing army in defense of a nation. Instead, they are a terrorist cancer, organized and based in caves, mountains, groves and overrun villages. Hidden from the world they despise. There will never be losses to “Hezbollah military bases” because “Hezbollah military bases” are as fictional and mythical as unicorns and gargoyles! As for the targeting of infrastructure: the bombing of airports, bridges, and roads is exactly what any intelligent military planner would do. For example, if your enemy is determined to kill you and your enemy is likely to run, what do you do? Answer: You destroy all of their exit routes and then bomb the hell out of them until the coming of the 12th Imam. Which is exactly what U.S. should have done when we had bin Laden cornered in Tora Bora. In fact, if we would have nuked the whole damn mountain, Osama and friends would be dead, the country would be more scenic, and the world would be one step closer to eradicating the Islamic menace.
You continue to regurgitate the fallacy of Israeli imperialism without the presence of an Israeli empire. Israel is one-quarter of the size of Indiana with a similar population. That’s hardly an empire by any definition. A much more appropriate example of an empire would have to be the Evil Empire. You know, the Soviet Empire where they conquered half of Europe and most of Asia. Surely, you are aware of Karl Marx’s fantasy manifestation that killed 100 million worldwide. Soviet Russia was an (Evil) Empire (Until the CONSERVATIVE Ronald Reagan handled that problem). Furthermore, Israel pulled out of Gaza and Lebanon unilaterally with the hope that such a concession would bring peace. The reality is that Hesbollah and Hamas moved in and established rocket batteries and terrorist camps. Israel is only a sovereign nation defending itself from rogues, on all sides, who are hell bent and motivated by Allah, on their destruction.
You assume that I am for “corporate media.” Media, in any form, will almost certainly have a bias. That is why I read and watch anything I can. I am confident enough in my instincts to extrapolate the truth and the lies. That is why I have read Chomsky, Zinn, Democracy Now!, Michael Moore, and MoveOn. It is why I read your blog. It is because I want to be informed! You believe that Chomsky’s teachings are seminal. Yet, he is a hermit in the public political forum. He actively refuses to debate his detractors. I believe if he were such a luminary, as you believe, he would host a drive time talk-radio show on AirAmerica. But like I said before, it takes a dedicated and singularly sheltered mind to put your faith in him. Therefore, I am disheartened that you would summarily discredit a website that has eye-opening content with no effort to educate or expose yourself to the world around you.
Again, I have to be quick, because I'm about to leave, but I'd just like point out that Chomsky is far to busy with lectures and book writings to do a radio show.
Aside from that, I have acknowledged Hizbollah's wrongdoing's, but also their right to self defense.
I'd also like to point out that we've never seen a real communism. Soviet Russia was a Stalinism. You cannot tell me that Marxism won't work becuase we've never seen it tried yet.
One more note, you seem very anti-Muslim as you have spoken very openly of openly killing Muslim's for fear of extremism. Why not kill Christian extremists as well? Or why not outlaw religion?
There's something we can agree on maybe.
Please, not the "Communism is perfect in theory" storyline again. Communism always fails because it stifles the human spirit. Communism fails because it puts the government in control of everyone and everything. Communism fails because it eliminates all hope. As for the Stalinism statement, what was Russia doing for the twenty-five years before Stalin, when Lenin and Co. were attempting a Marxist utopia. Any system that kills 100 million people over a 75 year period must be the answer, right? But don't take my word for it, ask the people of the Ukraine, Czech Republic, Germany, Bulgaria, et al. I bet they would love the oppurtunity to enlighten a "disenchanted, middle-class, white kid from middle-America." Feel free to cling to your unwavering faith in Chomsky, it's funny. But I have to warn you that you will not get very far in the political arena by quoting him. He lacks the gravitas. You are a little off in my hatred of Muslims. They are fine people. But I have no problem with trying to kill the extremists whose stated goal is to kill Americans. Killing Christians, huh? Sure,I get it. Everytime I see someone get their head hacked off, or a bus blown up, or planes flown into skyscrapers I immediately think was it the Muslims or the Methodists!! Seriously, to equate anyone to the Muslims right now is ridiculous. About Hezbollah, is crossing the border of another country, killing eight soldiers, and capturing two really "acting in self-defense"? I always thought being the aggressor was a sign of an offensive. In closing, the Lebanon Reporter printed my letter in response to you. Gotta love that whole "free speech" thing.
Woah. All of a sudden you felt the need to start acting like a prick. Weird.
Anyways, as for the Hizbollah crossing imaginary lines and kidnapping/killing soldiers, I already covered that in my article, in regards to 22 Palestinians dying by Israeli hands and the kidnapping of the Parliment. I know Palestine isn't Lebanon, but if Canada went off and kidnapped some Brits and killed some of them, America would be all over it.
As for extremism, I've been informed that you are very religous. Funny that you would be fine with killing Muslim extremists. I thought it was Jesus that said "Turn the other cheek."
As for the Leninist years in Russia, there were failures, but there were accomplishments. Why do you always have to look at the failures? People do that with Russia, but not America. I can sit there and tell you about the good things Lenin did, but I'll just be told off, however, when someone mentions how we treated the Indians, slaves, Japanese during WWII and many other things, you'll find a different story. People will be quick to jump on the great part of America.
Between seven and eleven million people starved to death by Stalin in the Ukraine, Kai. Did you get that? I don't want to hear what they did right! Communism is an evil ideology and you cannot justify its atrocities.
"Woah. All of a sudden you felt the need to start acting like a prick."
Why the need to resort to invective, Kai? You have been scorched! You are unable to defend your position. Where are your your feeble minions to back you?
Haha, feeble minions. Watch out, Wes, your ego might pop if it gets any bigger!
As for the millions killed, lest we forget those native americans killed by the U.S.? Or maybe the numerous people killed in our colonization of other nations?
As for these nations, I don't know how I can surely show you that these were not communist nations. The closest they got were Lenin's first years and Cuba. The Chinese did it horribly, we can agree on that. And so did Stalin! He was no better than Hitler!
However, I still defend the Revolution. These were worker's revolutions. I can defend and support the workers' revolutions in both Russia, Cuba, China, Vietnam and Mahknovtchina without support what they became. The human race has a long time to go, and Marxism will eventually work for us. Historical materialism has shown us this. Capitalism turns into socialism. Over time, or by the Revolution.
And to clarify what I meant by "defending the Revolutions..." I meant that I highly stand by and defend the soviets and bolshevik revolutions without supporting Stalin or anything that would come. I support the Chinese revolutions without throwing any support at all to Zedong Mao. I support the Cuban Revolution and the further workings of Ernesto Guevara without supporting the skewed state socialism Cuba would become.
Sorry if that was foggy.
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