| | As 2009 is barely beginning, it seems so much of the world is in a state of unrest. While these past two months have yo-yoed around with political junkies nationally, globally attentions have abruptly turned eastward.
Demonstrations made headlines today in Canada's cities (though I would like to note, Prince George had no demonstration. I can't remember the last time a cause outside of Prince George was protested) in response to Israel's military response to Hamas. Governments have officially placed support behind the Israeli campaign, while the people behind these governments cry for peace and denounce Israel's action.
I am a far cry from being any sort of expert on the situation and do not want to come across as such. Furthermore, I am not pro- or anti-anyone at present time. However, based on the little I do know, I have some problems.
Violent and aggressive behaviour must be responded to in a decisive manner. I think we can all agree that peace in the Middle East is ideal, but not necessarily a goal within reach right now. After conducting a fairly brutal coup taking power from the President of the Palestine, Hamas took Gaza by force. This is not, in my mind, legitimate power. Some may argue, I allow.
Hamas has launched several attacks on Israel via Gaza. It is clear, then, that Hamas is not interested in peacemaking. They have rejected attempts at "truce" from Egypt. At this point, meeting in a roundtable discussion was an option left behind at the first rocket launch, in my opinion.
The people of Gaza, then, have been left caught in the middle of this. They suffer from rockets flying over their heads, and are dealing with diminished lines to accessing humanitarian aid. As Israel is responding to Hamas' attacks, it is my understanding that trucks with supplies were allowed into Gaza for these people. However, I have heard that it is Egypt who is keeping much of the crossings into Gaza closed; not Israel. This is not to excuse what is happening here. It is a terrible situation not bereft of difficult questions of ethics and utilitarianist philosophy.
My point is, we don't know what is going on over there. For demonstrations to occur everywhere in our safe and stable countries demanding the violence to stop in a country that is not...well...is somewhat presumptious.
From what I can tell, again from my limited knowledge, they are trying to stop the violence. As nonsensical as it sounds, it is an attempt by Israel to stop the violence with violence.
Arguments can be made easily on the logistics of this, I am well aware. And no one can ever justify the deaths of civilians in the advent of such events.
Injustice should well be battled; however doing so from a place of arrogance will only and can only perpetuate it.
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| | Posted 1/3/2009 11:28 PM - 1 View - 0 eProps - 0 comments
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