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
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February 2014, what a month for the world - seemingly everywhere you looked there's been unrest. Economic meltdown's, corrupt politicians, people standing up against dictatorships and oppressive regimes, or protesting the need for a major sporting event and the financial drain it brings in a developing country, struggling with crime and poverty. In South Africa alone we've seen so many protests in the last couple of years (many turning violent) that in a way it almost feels normal to see images like these; in a way it almost feels like 'we're not alone'. I wrote a piece on the 'culture of violence in SA' - which is something that many public figures have voiced concern over, but looking at the unrest in the world, it seems like that culture permeates all over, because when pushed to the edge, its only message politicians seem to hear. Here's a flash look at what's been going on, spanning across 4 continents. *Warning: Some images contain graphic material that may offend sensitive viewers.* Ukraine, Kiev: - What a difference a couple of weeks can make... innocent victims, a deposed president, and if outside forces (Russia) get involved, this will turn into a civil war: Bosnia and Herzegovina: "After 22 years of being bullied Bosnians are desperate, and must protest... Since the war we have been told to accept our status as victims. Now we are demanding change – and an end to corruption"- "The 85 wealthiest oligarchs in the state are collectively worth $9bn: this "wealth" was looted either via corrupt laws or by siphoning off money from the international community designed to prevent a return to conflict." - theguardian.com - this in addition to the economic crisis. Brazil: the posters say it all Thailand: Anti-Gov protests apposing the ruling party (dictatorship) which has won the last 5 elections. Venezuela, Caracas: "Caracas protesters vow to turn Venezuela into another Ukraine" Libya, Benghazi: "The killings of two more policemen in Benghazi on Wednesday (February 26th) sparked protests by angry young residents." [Image Credits: buzzfeed.com, thechive.com, theguardian.com, presstv.ir, dailymail.co.uk, bbc.co.uk, msnbcnews.com, latino.foxnews.com, ibtimes.com, youmiddleeast.com, latimes.com] From these images we're reminded again of how similar we all are, with the same desires and motivations... and how corruption is rife the world over. Here in SA, as in much of the world, those in power still fail to heed these old quotes “People shouldn't be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.” “A government afraid of its citizens is a Democracy. Citizens afraid of government is tyranny!” I'm not the biggest fan of the Zombie apocalypse genre, but AMC's The Walking Dead ranks as my favorite take. I believe the TV series format aids in fleshing out the concept, more so than films, although there have been a few very decent ones through the years. Here's a list of serious life lessons one can learn, or relearn from the series. They're highlighted very well by the character driven show - which is why its so good, making the scenario more realistic - when you see how normal human beings would react to something so foul. 1. Do not allow circumstance to change who you are. Of course we all change in some way with life and defining moments eliciting due reaction, a tragic loss of a loved one, hope diminishing… but we should not allow such things to alter who we are – our nature. Of course this is speaking in general terms because quite frankly some people need to change for the better (but this is targeted at those mostly outside the realm of extreme criminality). 2. The world is a dark and depressing place. It has always been so – because of mankind – the evils we see around us, in the news on a daily basis, is nothing new. Just think of people baying for blood in the roman Colosseum, an empire which also crucified people. Then there's the Holocaust, cannibalism, human trafficking, rape, mutilation, serial killers... 3. We live in a complicated world. But of course we made it so; by constantly cluttering our lives with material nonsense. When, ahem, if, the Zombie apocalypse makes landfall, one thing it will do for all concerned, is refocus our minds onto what is important – In Other Words – Prioritize… this is no time to be persnickety. 4. You’re only as good as your ‘worst’ member (reflecting the sentiments of ‘the health of a nation can be judged by its prisoners’). When in survival mode, people tend to make bizarre decisions… When things become really complicated – because of humans – deciding the fate of a fellow human being and having to play judge, jury and executioner, surely does provide ample opportunity to gauge the nature of the collective group. 5. Norman Reedus is still cool, it was looking dodgy after the curios case of Boondock: All Saints (Not a life lesson? – HA, your argument is invalid) No really, a redneck hillbilly makes for a valued ally when battling the dead, especially when he has many redeemable qualities… and if you're able to look past the personal hygiene issues. 6. You need human interaction to survive. You may be a bit like me, a person who is okay on your own, alone. Most writers don’t really suffer from loneliness, but when humanity is under threat, and you’re surrounded by moaning walkers and impending doom, a fellow healthy human is the prefect remedy to that sinking feeling… or at the very least, you’ll have some company when facing the darkness – whether literal, mental or that perceived darkness of death closing in. 7. And on that note: sort out your views/beliefs regarding death. I’m not a religious man, I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, so when the world descends further into apparent anarchy, best be at peace with death – I believe it is but a gateway, though this doesn’t mean I will not go down lightly; with a samurai sword in one hand and a spear in the other (and a pistol/Uzi and survival knife as backups) "I shall rage against the dying of the light!". 8. Learning some useful skills is always an advantage. There’s no need to be an expert, but a few seemingly abstract expertise will reveal their use in extreme situations. Everyone has a skill-set, the more the better, which means you’ll be a credit to your group – a pool of talent - indispensable even, improving their willingness to save you when in peril. 9. Being fit and healthy is a huge plus. You never know when you’ll be required to run for your life, sprint for a mile on an empty stomach, with full backpack of rations and medical supplies, with freaks on your tail, and your entire group depending on you. In all, okay most, apocalyptic tales, running is usually involved… 10. Self-control - an underestimated virtue. (you may find this a useful attribute in normal society too) Many people don’t know the true nature of their interactions with other people (living). Everyone has their own variety of oddities, though in a highly stressful environment it will behoove you to NOT be a nuisance to your fellow humans. IOW – Keep it together. That's right Eric, KEEP YOUR S%#T TOGETHER! The zombie apocalypse is no time to wig out and be a burden on your already jittery cohorts; otherwise you’ll be on the receiving end of some uncompromising WUP-ASS. UPDATE: Here's an alternate list of "10 Life Lessons The Walking Dead teaches us" by WHATCULTURE.com published December 2013. I think we only share (sort of) 2 lessons, though theirs carries slightly different emphasis on both, see if you can spot which ones I'm referring to... News:
Apart from the TV show, here's my two favourite Zombie films: 28 Days Later and Shawn of the Dead. The former's movie poster was creepy so I chickened out and added two screenshots. 28 Days Later just BTW, was directed by Danny Boyle and also starred current Bond girl Noamie Harris and Brendan (aka Braveheart's Hamish) Gleeson. FYI 2013 has a couple of zombie films on the way, namely the big budget Brad Pitt vs the world "World War Z", then there's the comedy Warm Bodies - which looks at things from the perspective of a zombie... this one actually looks like fun. Jury's still out on World War Z though because they chose to use CGI zombies; I'm not sure what your take is on this but if memory serves, I am Legend didn't fare too well with faux zombies, a decent film, but it kind of detracts from the overall experience, distancing one from the perceived threat - because we can all see its fake... In my opinion. South Africa today: the state of the nation The Daily Maverick online Sometime late last year I wrote a short piece on South Africa and my (shared with countless other citizens) frustrations with the government (whom I did not vote for), bickering politicians and every other ill in this country - (the piece was inspired by the Marakana massacre). I felt compelled to write another piece. As the rape and thence murder of Anene Booysens continues to illicit a varied reaction across SA and the world, the deeper issue of the culture of violence permeating in SA has taken center stage . There are so many problems, so I’ll dive right on top of one of the biggest; though to be honest, no one could really change this in a substantial way – some problems take time to sort out, and some pain will only become manageable with even more time, the scars though, will remain, for a very very long time… I speak of Apartheid of course, and the fact that the nation of the New South Africa was born out of this heinous and evil construct. The nation which emerged was fraught with problems, but equally so, alive with possibility (to use a marketing catch phrase) and boundless potential. With such a fractured and divisive past, our subsequent number one enemy has always been ourselves. We know what we can achieve, and have achieved, but division persists with too many corrupt officials/government members, and an inactive public. However, everything I’m saying, and can and want to say, has already been said, so I’ll throw in some quotes here This is from a recent article on the Daily Maverick online newspaper: “We don’t know to what extent the frustration of young and old males, at their wits end in a society that has discarded them, where they have no jobs and women tend to get things quicker exacerbates the situation. That is not a cause, but could be an underlying issue behind incidence of sexual violence.” Link to full article here. "Cooper" referenced and quoted above is a doctor and psychiatrist. Of all the varied cultures we have in South Africa, the one we’re tending to cultivate and nurture the most in this near twenty year democracy, is violence. Here, where societal inequality is unparalleled (just the other day I watched a magazine program, showing off the a beautiful palatial mansion with sea views, a swimming pool and an entertainment deck – for the kids to entertain their friends with table tennis or snooker etc… meanwhile a few kilometers away, there are people who don’t even have a toilet in their own tiny house), dividing the country into the “have” and “have not’s”. As one local white comedian/ventriloquist put it “I grew up with the ‘we hate apartheid, but we benefited from it’ group”… the current democratically elected government has seemingly just left its people to fend for themselves – “If you want wealth, go get it”. This mentality, of every man for himself, has perpetuated from government down throughout South Africa, where we only seem to galvanize when our national sports team takes the field. There’s a lot of angst, frustration, unresolved anger, hurt and passion brewing beneath the surface, issues that weren’t dealt with in the Truth and reconciliation Commission (which should not have ended so soon) for example. Most uneducated black people (a result of every SA gov.) are too quick to haul out the race card whenever something goes against them, and most white people are too afraid/ashamed to talk about the past, and pain and suffering they know little of. I don’t know what it’s like to be forced from my home under an oppressive government and dangerous security police as I’ve grown up in a sheltered environment, mostly in the new South Africa, but older generations of my family can speak of such experiences – and that’s just one aspect… We’ve come out of an evil regime, and simply tried to live normally, act as we usually would if there was never an apartheid to speak of, but the scar on the nation as a whole is too deep to ignore. Plainly put, there’s very little dialogue between portions of society, a place or moment where one or many can vent their concerns and frustrations. So everyone seems to talk amongst friends, or keep their thoughts to themselves. I finished compiling and writing this article shortly after an introspective stroll down the Sea point promenade. Sitting there on a bench watching ships disappear and emerge from the mist off shore, looking down into the deep blue of the Atlantic, feeling the refreshing breeze which took the sting out of a hot day… What we see is nothing new; pain is pain, the world keeps turning and simple things will always be made to look complicated. Tides will continue to ebb and flow, and we will struggle on, always finding ourselves as our own worst foe.
The violence which has become common place in SA, and which for so many abroad is synonymous with us, is perhaps the civil war we should have had but didn’t. It was a miracle that we averted war – a poster for peace and reconciliation – but the same tools we carried in anticipation for conflict and survival, we now use on ourselves, frothing up in various forms, from drug and alcohol abuse to violence against our fellow men and women, compounded further by corruption, poverty, AIDS, all forms of crime, a lack of education, and thence morals and ethics - it's a different, passive kind of civil war. It's always amazing to me, just a few days ago my family played host to some friends from Switzerland, and their impression, along with countless others who've visited our shores, was that South African's are a warm and loving people, always ready to accommodate... so, when we put our best foot forward we can be example's for the world, but at the same time, our internal conflict can be the shame of the world - or at least one example of it... During the last days of apartheid, so many people prayed for a peaceful end, the country was a nervous hive of tension and prayer,as most sought God's guidance in our most trying time... how many though continued, and are still praying for the wellbeing of the nation? |
[Banner illustration by Joel Kanar]
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