The Way I See It - Pray For Peace
The Way I See It
By: Doug Dickerson/Staff Writer
07/25/2006
The newest conflict that has erupted in Israel and Lebanon has many wondering if this is not the beginning of World War III. This major escalation certainly has many worried and concerned.
As one who has traveled to Israel and has been to many of the sights seen on the nightly news, I too am watching the situation closely. Israel is a beautiful country and I hold many fond memories of my time there. I am by no means an expert on Middle East policy, but offer my thoughts and views in light of these new tensions.
As a democratic republic, governed under a parliamentary system, I believe Israel has every right, indeed the moral authority, to defend itself. The present conflict with the Hezbollah militia is a conflict of choice by Hezbollah and one which the Lebanese government is essentially powerless to stop. Hezbollah is a governmental and military Shia, Islamic group. Hezbollah, inspired by the Iranian Revolution, hold seats in the Lebanese parliament. Hezbollah is recognized by Syria and Iran as a legitimate resistance movement. The United States, Great Britain, and Canada list Hezbollah as a "terrorist" organization. The European Union does not list Hezbollah as a terrorist organization but does recognize its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, as a terrorist.Many Lebanese people view Hezbollah favorably due to their humanitarian work of building schools, hospitals and clinics.
In recent days, we have seen the mainstream media try to place a gentler, softer face on Hezbollah noting their so-called humanitarian efforts. Nonetheless, if Hezbollah were to lay down their arms today, there would be peace. If Israel were to lay down their arms today, there would be continued bloodshed.
Certainly not all the Lebanese people fall into the category of terrorists. I understand there are more peace-loving Lebanese people than otherwise. Understandably, the vast majority of Lebanese and Israeli people want to live in peace, raise their families, work and lead normal lives. However, one must identify Hezbollah for what they are. In 1983, Hezbollah bombed the Marine barracks in Beirut, killing 230 U.S. Marines. They bombed the replacement U.S. Embassy in Beirut in 1984. In 1985, Hezbollah hijacked TWA flight 847 en route from Athens to Rome. Hezbollah stands accused of many more terrorist activities around the world. Presently, the FBI is searching for Hezbollah sleeper cells in our own country. World leaders gathered in Russia last week for the G-8 Summit. Most leaders called for restraint, not on the part of the known terrorist group Hezbollah, but on the part of Israel. U.N. Secretary-General Koffi Annan has called for an immediate cease-fire. But whom does the cease-fire ultimately help? With over 13,000 Hezbollah missiles aimed at Israel, the cease-fire only helps Hezbollah, and the ability of Israel to rightfully defend itself is compromised.
Imagine with me for a moment that Cuba has launched a series of rocket attacks on Miami, or that France or Germany has come under an intense missile attack that was killing their people and threatening their sovereignty. Can one rightfully expect the U.S, Germany or France to practice restraint while being annihilated by such an attack? Clearly, Israel has a right to defend itself and I believe must use the force they see necessary to defend their sovereign right to exist as a nation. Tragically, in any conflict such as this, innocent people are victims. Even now, we see the images of those fleeing Lebanon, escaping the horrors of war. However, let us not forget what is at stake. Hezbollah, with the backing of Iran and Syria (and the passivity of Lebanon), fights for the destruction of the very way of life we know. Israel fights only for its survival. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
©Summerville Journal-Scene 2006
By: Doug Dickerson/Staff Writer
07/25/2006
The newest conflict that has erupted in Israel and Lebanon has many wondering if this is not the beginning of World War III. This major escalation certainly has many worried and concerned.
As one who has traveled to Israel and has been to many of the sights seen on the nightly news, I too am watching the situation closely. Israel is a beautiful country and I hold many fond memories of my time there. I am by no means an expert on Middle East policy, but offer my thoughts and views in light of these new tensions.
As a democratic republic, governed under a parliamentary system, I believe Israel has every right, indeed the moral authority, to defend itself. The present conflict with the Hezbollah militia is a conflict of choice by Hezbollah and one which the Lebanese government is essentially powerless to stop. Hezbollah is a governmental and military Shia, Islamic group. Hezbollah, inspired by the Iranian Revolution, hold seats in the Lebanese parliament. Hezbollah is recognized by Syria and Iran as a legitimate resistance movement. The United States, Great Britain, and Canada list Hezbollah as a "terrorist" organization. The European Union does not list Hezbollah as a terrorist organization but does recognize its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, as a terrorist.Many Lebanese people view Hezbollah favorably due to their humanitarian work of building schools, hospitals and clinics.
In recent days, we have seen the mainstream media try to place a gentler, softer face on Hezbollah noting their so-called humanitarian efforts. Nonetheless, if Hezbollah were to lay down their arms today, there would be peace. If Israel were to lay down their arms today, there would be continued bloodshed.
Certainly not all the Lebanese people fall into the category of terrorists. I understand there are more peace-loving Lebanese people than otherwise. Understandably, the vast majority of Lebanese and Israeli people want to live in peace, raise their families, work and lead normal lives. However, one must identify Hezbollah for what they are. In 1983, Hezbollah bombed the Marine barracks in Beirut, killing 230 U.S. Marines. They bombed the replacement U.S. Embassy in Beirut in 1984. In 1985, Hezbollah hijacked TWA flight 847 en route from Athens to Rome. Hezbollah stands accused of many more terrorist activities around the world. Presently, the FBI is searching for Hezbollah sleeper cells in our own country. World leaders gathered in Russia last week for the G-8 Summit. Most leaders called for restraint, not on the part of the known terrorist group Hezbollah, but on the part of Israel. U.N. Secretary-General Koffi Annan has called for an immediate cease-fire. But whom does the cease-fire ultimately help? With over 13,000 Hezbollah missiles aimed at Israel, the cease-fire only helps Hezbollah, and the ability of Israel to rightfully defend itself is compromised.
Imagine with me for a moment that Cuba has launched a series of rocket attacks on Miami, or that France or Germany has come under an intense missile attack that was killing their people and threatening their sovereignty. Can one rightfully expect the U.S, Germany or France to practice restraint while being annihilated by such an attack? Clearly, Israel has a right to defend itself and I believe must use the force they see necessary to defend their sovereign right to exist as a nation. Tragically, in any conflict such as this, innocent people are victims. Even now, we see the images of those fleeing Lebanon, escaping the horrors of war. However, let us not forget what is at stake. Hezbollah, with the backing of Iran and Syria (and the passivity of Lebanon), fights for the destruction of the very way of life we know. Israel fights only for its survival. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
©Summerville Journal-Scene 2006
posted by Doug Dickerson | 1:01 PM
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