I'd like to write herein a follow-up to my post on the current war in Gaza.
In all the many reactions to this terrible situation, one seemingly obvious point seems to have drifted from the public's mind. Thus, I will ask the question here:
Does anybody out there remember that Hamas is an elected party? The voting populace of Gaza essentially elected into leadership of their government a party whose charter calls for the occupation of Israel and the establishment of an Islamic state.
If this is the kind of organization you want in power, should it be any surprise when Israel invades your territory?
Although, "invades" is maybe not the best word. Let's go the textbook for a history lesson...
Beginning in 1957, a U.N. peacekeeping force was stationed on the Sinai Peninsula following the Suez Crisis. In 1967, Egypt expelled this force. Next, they massed tanks and troops in the region and refused passage to all ships flying the Israeli flag or carrying critical supplies. Israel, putting two and two together, makes a pre-emptive strike on the Egyptian airforce. Jordan, having signed a defensive pact with Egypt, attacks Israel.
Thus began the Six-Day War. By the end of it, Israel, simply because it was better at war had occupied Sinai, Gaza, the West Bank, and several other territories.
So we have a group (Syria also fought, and troops were contributed by several Arab states) of aggressors who attack one country. They get their asses kicked, lose territory, and we're supposed to feel sympathy for them? To quote that great film Clue, "This is war, Peacock!"
So, fourty years of conflict later, Israel (not for the first time) allows Gaza to elect it's own government. And what's the first thing they do? Elect what many (including the United States government and the European Union) consider a terrorist organization. And again, we're supposed to feel sympathy when Israel gets tired of putting up with their rocket attacks and decides to do something about it?
Let me tell you, my dear reader, a useful bit I learned long ago:
If you keep shooting spitballs at the big kid in class, eventually he's gonna turn around and beat the crap out of you.
This has been your host, Nick Mindos. Have a great evening.
1 comment:
It's good to see you still in full form and using the blog Nick. I'll post a response within the next few days because while I don't entirely disagree with you, I think there are important parts of the other side that need to be considered (not that they're right, but there are reasons for the way things are this way).
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