Female soldiers of the world A few weeks back I did a post called “Ugly Beautiful” focusing on finding beauty within unlikely places, or seeing a different side of something usually perceived as ugly, that one can interpret as beautiful. Or perhaps just unveiling or uncovering some beauty by changing perspective. In this post though, it’s more of a misplaced beauty – beauty within unforgiving environs, or in places most would see as un-befitting. But, people are people and often something we see as odd or divisive, is more a reflection of ourselves than the actual state of the way things are. Female soldiers, specifically, Special Forces; They’re rare and a part of our world that most in society don’t want to acknowledge, because on some level, it violates some moral code, or a puristic ideal and goes against what most believe being a woman is all about. This is perhaps harking back to traditionalists; where women are the nurturers and care givers, and men are the protectors and providers. However, women have immense strength, and besides, what happens when the man falls (as he so often does) – and let’s not forget that men usually go to women to glean strength and support. But really, this is just a slight demonstration of the strength of women, because they can be the best protectors and are already providers, but they can do it without forfeiting their nurturing and softer sides. I was going to get all philosophical about this and delve into the inequality issues and the fight that many women have been fighting for ages, but instead I’ll just let the pictures speak for themselves because these ladies are simply badass – if that’s not too crude. I could've also gone into the various roles they'd played over the ages and still do today, from assassins (often in the vein of the John Le Carre coined term; honey-traps), freedom fighters or even bodyguards - the late Muammar Gaddafi was one leader known to be partial-to/fascinated-with female (virgin) bodyguards. And then there's the world's most famous (and perhaps the most beautiful and glamorous) female bodyguard: Anna Loginova. She had a successful modelling career alongside her other profession, including work for Chanel. She died in 2008 in Moscow, at the age of 29, from head injuries sustained in what authorities believed to be a random carjacking. Loginova studied martial arts and in 2005 founded an agency called Stilet (Dagger) dedicated to female bodyguards (trained by ex-KGB operatives) to provide discreet protection for Russian billionaires . We know that women in this profession are in high demand the world over. I'm also only handing a passing mention to past female leader's, known for their unshakeable stance when it came to conflict, strong women in history like Cleopatra, St Joan of Arc - the sword carrying saint, Queen Elizabeth I, Mbande Nzinga Angolan Queen, 1582-1663 - who organized a powerful guerilla army to repel the Portugese settlers (eventually negotiating a peace treaty but refusing to bow to their then King), Queen Victoria, Golda Meir and the Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher. If you’re curious, there are other reasons behind my decision to post this – it’s simply because I am actually writing about it – perhaps not women soldiers in general, but my book does contain a central character which happens to be a highly qualified female operative. The fictional character's name is Ayalah Karmin, an ex-IDF paratrooper and Sayaret Matkal vet who is working freelance after a term in Mossad. Of course when I researched this, I did not look into gender battles, but simply looked into the army, the units and disciplines, since all who achieve these exceptional feats need to meet the same exceptional standards. And then of course Israel is known for its equality in the military – with such a small country they can't afford to be stingy on who defends their country… ALL Israeli citizens are conscripted by law at the age of 18, for a mandatory 2 years of service. Anyway, on to the gallery, (Respect): [Image Credits: rediff.com, pinterest.com, alo.rs, yeeeeee.com, warfare.ru, moddb.com, desura.com, beautifulrus.com, news.xinhuanet.com, IDFblog.com, businessinsider.com, izismile.com, userfriendlyetc.blogspot.com, theatlantic.com] "Daughters of the attitude that produced them, certain women will not appeal to us without the double bed in which we find peace by their side, while others, to be caressed with a more secret intention, require leaves blown by the wind, water rippling in the dark, things as light and fleeting as they are." --- MARCEL PROUST, The Guermantes Way "The fear of women is the beginning of knowledge." "For the female of the species is more deadly than the male." Some links from the web: 8 Female soldiers who shattered barriers in 2013 (IDFBlog) Women in the Armies of the World, 70 pictures Most Impressive women in the military 2013 (businessinsider) Related links from this site: Captivating - Unveiling the mystery of a woman's soul - Book Review God's Message to Women
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The pieces of war - returning to Israel for another look [PART 3], as Ukraine's civil unrest and the Kremlin's Crimea land-grab begs our attention, Forces within the Middle East haven't stopped their maneuverings. They never do... “Never has there been a good war or a bad peace.” – Benjamin Franklin An Objective look at Israel Part 3: Israel have tempered the foul winds of conflict, and the threat thereof, since the country was born, or reborn. If there is one thing they must have learnt by now, it is how NOT to pull the trigger. The professionals are exceedingly good at doing just that, and killing in every way known and/or discovered. There are people dedicated to studying the ‘art’ of killing – simply finding new and devious ways of taking a human life, and hiding any trace of outside interference. This, is the machine that the region and a warring history has created. With enemies pronouncing their intentions outright, and being such a small country, and the only Jewish state in the Middle East, they have been, and have needed to be ever prepared for the summons of war. Shortly (as in 24 hrs later) after David Ben Gurion declared Israel’s Independence in 1948, they were under siege by 5 countries. One could go as far as to say, Israel lives with war as a house guest, or even a spouse. So, in walking this hard path, the nation has learned what it takes to survive, and what’s needed to keep ones enemies at bay. The Israelis are experts at manipulating global warring politics to suite their agenda. The fact is, that many believe this to be the region where a possible (some believe it to be inevitable) World War 3 will be launched. The pieces are certainly in place, or the foundations have been laid, and as most of us know, we are closer to the brink than it looks; actually most times many men and women are hard at work to steer the world away from ruin, and Israel are at the centre of all this, playing both protagonist and antagonist as it suits them. They are no saints. I would say that looking at things within their borders that, though they are God’s chosen nation, they have strayed very far from his will, from his commandments – in the simple treatment of your fellow man – “do unto others”. That being said, the IDF is one of the most ruthless, and equally accurate armies in the world. Proficiency is everything; and they, more than most, are mindful of the consequences of their actions, or inactions. “Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent.” – Isaac Asimov The world is quick to pick out their shortcomings and trespasses (not that the Knesset seems to care) due in part to their uncompromising nature, but how big of a role has Israel played in preventing war? This of course is not something that can be measured easily (and then one could say that they’re already engaged in a ‘passive’ war with Palestine), but the strange complex of the matter is, how much human life has been spared by a state which has forgotten the very value of it? So this then is a brief look at that first weathered and scorched domino which remains standing, and Israel, the nation which has worked hard not to topple it, because to do so, would not benefit anyone. Perhaps the reason it has not proverbially fallen, is because the Knesset’s index finger hovers over it, poised to set it all in motion on its own. Am I overestimating Israel’s role? I doubt it, though I do acknowledge the larger players at hand, players that are hard (if not impossible) to control or manipulate, just casting my thoughts to the recently voted Forbes’ ‘World’s most powerful man of 2013’, Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin. It is thus quite amazing that such a small nation like Israel can punch well above their weight and exact so much power globally, by guile and simply shadow tactics. What if their stance toward Palestine were only a grand distraction? I have always asked myself when trying to consider both sides of conflict: What do they know that I, or we, don’t? What are we NOT told? Hence, it is easy to judge (and Israel does make it easy to be seen as the bad guys), but in this crazy world, who are the good guys really? Should we be content, just so long as that domino remains standing? – Well I suppose we have to be. On the one hand we have dirt and shame, and on the other we have only blood and pain. Or have I been looking at this all wrong; could Israel, the state, be that first domino? And who would benefit from WW3? There’s no honour left in war (perhaps a topic for another day). “They wrote in the old days that it is sweet and fitting to die for one's country. But in modern war, there is nothing sweet nor fitting in your dying. You will die like a dog for no good reason.” – Ernest Hemmingway Another domino - different country… With Russia taking back Crimea in the wake of the Ukrainian riots and unseated president, we’ve once again been witness to another close shave with war. It is only that a number of parties have NOT involved themselves that we’ve avoided a fallout because at the moment Russia, or the Kremlin, or rather Vladimir Putin (the former FSB spook) is doing what he wants. The sanctions that western powers have imposed on selective Russian politicians, many part of Putin's inner circle, are superficial – it’s the least they can do, and at the very least makes them look like they’re not doing nothing about it. This is one arena wherein America cannot get involved because the history just runs too deep, though mostly they just fear Russia, and they should. So whilst all this goes on, we’ve yet to mention the other Far East ‘elephant’ in the arena -so far as danger and unpredictability goes – North Korea. As we can see, with the world powers, some random jihadists or an ill judged trigger pulled, all ever ready to take the shape of the catalyst, all forming elements dancing around that one domino, which does seem to shift toward any two parties concerned who get a little too close... we’re that far from disaster. What has been highlighted by at least one news broadcaster, is the immense discipline displayed by the Russian Forces in Crimea - yes there was a few exchanges of gunfire, but by all accounts, it was a peaceful takeover, avoiding mass bloodshed. Knowing full well the path that no one wants to take seems to have everyone, including the west, tiptoeing around, because just as bad as all out war is, the threat thereof is an ancient tool of intimidation. - Lets not forget that many Russian's have family in both Crimea and Ukraine (especially in the Russian speaking/dominated Eastern half), so war will benefit no one... Some recent Vladimir Putin quotes: “Some Western politicians are already threatening us with not just sanctions, but also the prospect of increasingly serious problems on the domestic front. I would like to know what it is they have in mind exactly: action by a fifth column, this disparate bunch of ‘national traitors’, or are they hoping to put us in a worsening social and economic situation so as to provoke public discontent? We consider such statements irresponsible and clearly aggressive in tone, and we will respond to them accordingly.” "Anyone who doesn't regret the passing of the Soviet Union has no heart. Anyone who wants it restored has no brains." -- Vladimir Putin [Image credits: theglaringfacts.com, euangelizomai.blogspot.com, desertpeace.wordpress.com, obeygiant.com, rt.com, telegraph.co.uk, businessinsider.com, cnn.com, cbsnews.com, washingtonpost.com] Related articles on this blog: An Objective look at Apartheid Israel Israel: An Objective look, Part 2 5 Reasons Ukraine is Rioting Protests of the world in Pictures Picture quotes above from: Top 10 Powerful quotes from Putin's historic Crimea address It may seem pointless to review an award winning film such as this, one that is part documentary, part tribute, part sports film and part ‘love letter to skiing’ – but it warrants a watch even from a neutral observer that has never seen snow in their entire life. Plainly stated, this offering from Sherpas Cinema is fine film all on its own and a complete feast for the eyes, and most of your other senses too. Up front it’s a record of the unparalleled power, majesty and inimitable call of nature and man’s unrelenting spirit, ever willing to answer that summons. Plot Yes there is a vague plot to this film despite it being a real-life sports film with no actors. Its divided into 12 chapters all chronicling various stages within the cycle of being a skier or simply an extreme sports adventurer, though many elements are quite relatable because it tackles issues on a human and even spiritual level. The plot line though is merely to have some kind of central mechanism around which to form the film, so that one doesn’t just have a bunch of random ski experts performing cool tricks and slaloms for over an hour. The true strength of this film however, lies in the truly spectacular cinematography and photography with an innovative cyclic theme running throughout, mastered with technical brilliance. Target This film is way more than a ski film, in fact it’s just so happens to ‘also’ be a ski film, because it transcends such conventions by delivering something artful and exhilarating; and in doing so, Sherpas Cinema have provided a window into the skiing world that appeals to anyone. I recommend this film to anyone. Bottom Line As a layman myself – having not skied once in my short life (which will soon be rectified) – I can say that what immediately appealed to me was the mountains and the climbing (featuring top climber Renan Ozturk – one of the few names I knew, along with photographer Jimmy Chin) and of course the crisp imagery, but soon I found myself lured by the notion of skiing. This of course is one of the goals, to draw more people to the sport, and it does so effortlessly. Another seemingly effortless achievement is the way they portrayed the link between the simplest of things, like old rattle toy, and how its likened to time, the turning clock, the spinning earth, the tides of the oceans, and even man – our cycle of living, dying and rebirth, whether spiritual rebirth or that which exists in nature. It does all this without too much though, but simply by connecting a stream of breathtaking images and footage, all amidst the multi-generational journeys undertaken on the slopes of many a snow covered mountain. Into the Mind is easily a technical achievement as much as it is an exciting and thrilling adventure sports film. For what felt like the first time, you actually feel like one of them as a few of the athletes wear head mounted cameras, waking up in a windswept tent, hiking up a frozen mountain and then waving at death as you ski down – made it all the more personal. There’s plenty of danger, and the tragic elements form a central focus, but it only serves to add another deeper dimension to this portrait, along with a stellar soundtrack. It makes for a well timed exploration of a rather exclusive sport, as the world is currently focussed on the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi – so that if you didn’t have an appreciation for it before, then you will after watching this film. Everyone, whether on a ski slope or in everyday life, goes on their own journey, but our paths are forever interlinked and entwined, it’s part of what makes us human – the personal connection, and another, perhaps final added dynamic to Into the Mind, is camaraderie between all these people, bound by a vision and similar passions, willing to go to extreme and often dangerous lengths to satisfy them… It’s also why (another Winter Olympic phenomenon) why all the athletes tend to get along so well – its more often not so much about the competition, as it is about the ride, or ski, itself. It’s about men and women, the spirit of freedom and adventure, and the endlessly varying echo of nature. (My rating, for what its worth: 90% ) *Apologies, due to technical difficulties beyond my control or prevention, this post is delayed by a week, so the Sochi ref would've made more sense then, but I left it there anyway... Russia has won, and congrats to them, for that and also owning that Olympic logo faux par.* Here's the second trailer for this breathtaking film. For the first trailer and my original preview of it in a post from last year, click here: "Mind Blowing - Into the Mind Film Teaser", along with a bonus trailer. [Image and trailer credits: Intothemindmovie.com] Firstly I have to clarify something for those in the dark: During the Cold War, at the height of the Soviet Union, it was Ukraine that fell under the hammer of the Kremlin the hardest. Why? Because they were the biggest country outside of Russia, with the biggest population (well over 45 million) and the Verhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) the greatest center of power outside of the Kremlin. In addition to that there was their military might – including army, air-force and navy. Of course these elements were absorbed by the Soviets, but to keep the people under the Soviet domination they became the subject of mass propaganda, intimidation and of course the attempted identity assassination. That is, the Kremlin sought to erase the Ukrainian identity, from art to literature, school curriculum's were changed, Libraries were burned and sanctions imposed as Russia attempted to erase the rich history of a country dating back 1000’s of years (much like the central subject matter in the new film Monument’s Men referring there to the Nazis in WWII). In short, Ukraine posed the greatest threat to Russia within the Union, and thus suffered the harshest treatment. The other countries (Bulgaria, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Belarus etc.) would thus toe the line as Ukraine would form the example of how they would be treated if they did not bend to the Kremlin’s will. So, Ukrainian sentiment toward Russia is not pretty. However, even though the Soviet Union fell, Ukraine,gaining independence in 1991, has never quite shaken off the shackles, and is still dependent on Russia for trade and gas. So why the protests? 1. Ukraine wants to join the EU, but to do that it would need to break the ties to Russia and agree to the EU’s terms. Among them would be higher gas prices, meaning every household would pay more for simple heating. President Yanukovych apposed EU integration, effectively rejecting the EU in favour of Moscow. This simple move has hit a strong nerve with the people. 2. Ukraine’s Prime Minister wants to maintain Russian links, but his recent behaviour, even his treatment and regard for the protesters, has left Vladimir Putin looking at alternatives. Although Putin has been rather forceful in his discouragement of any EU deal, threatening Russian sanctions if they “go” or a 15+ Billion stimulus package should they “stay”. “Russia without Ukraine is a country; Russia with Ukraine is an empire." - Foreign Policy Community College saying 3. The Ukrainian people want a different PM, but there’s no viable alternative in the opposition party ranks, so a lot of it has to do with frustration over bad governance. Adding to the tension is that Ukraine is divided, practically in two – the Russian sympathizing East half, and the EU inclined West half (which is also where Kiev is situated and forms the platform for the protests) 4. Ukrainian politics are greatly dependent on Oligarchs and mafia styled ‘family’ dynamics. The current President Viktor Yanukovych, has even mistreated the Oligarchs, mismanaged the economy and his government is said to be rife with corruption. 5. It boils down to Ukraine’s national identity and their ailing economy. The issues may seem simple, but they are deep rooted. Those roots are too deep and too sensitive for Western powers like the US to influence, and even if they tried, they’d only be poking around in a wound - and the ripple effects of that are a little scary, hence the stand-offish approach from the West… A different perspective - taken from a press briefing regarding the security concerns and particularly Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Rights and issues pertaining to the Winter Olympics in Sochi: Alexey Komov - responsible for international relations for the Russian Orthodox Church’s Commission on the Family and Motherhood and the World Congress of Families’ representative in Russia, at the National Press Club in Washington; he said, Russia is changing, perhaps too slowly for some. But its the Kremlin that remains an issue, and it is important to distinguish between the Government and its people, despite the fact that its the people who elected them to power. Their ideals and agendas remain selfish whilst the citizens (customarily) bear the brunt. It’s up to the Ukrainian people to decide their fate, to hopefully grow from this, and in some way better define who they are. My own opinion, is to work out something neutral such that Ukraine can stand on their own – however fantastical an idea that may be…if only… in an ideal world. What is clear though is that the initial riots and subsequent (seemingly reactionary) vehement protests came as a shock to even the president. When he made the anti EU announcement, protesters reacted by toppling a statue of Lenin in Kiev. The people of Ukraine are speaking. [Image credits: washingtonpost.com, "Walter Robotics" on tumblr.com, businessinsider.com, cyprus-mail.com, cnn.com, bbc.co.uk, aljazeera.com] *More of Ukraine on this blog: a look at Chernobyl in pictures, 25 years after the nuclear fallout. Follow up: "Children of Syria" (post from 2 weeks ago) With many children witnessing deaths of loved ones, the shocking UN report released recently claims that some have even been interrogated, tortured and beaten, in addition to basic struggles like finding refuge, aid, warmth (its winter in Syria)... suffering what many battle trained soldiers suffer through, having stressed the plight of PTSD and lack of schooling; these children have inherited the ignominious label of "The War generation". [Image credits: telegraph.co.uk, presstv.ir, nbcnews.com, albawaba.com, embraceme.org] |
[Banner illustration by Joel Kanar]
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