But Seriously...

I try to avoid getting too political here, but there are some issues that should not be ignored. I actually consider the topic that follows to be more moral in nature than political, but morality and politics are all too-often intertwined...

I've had a couple of discussions with people of Middle Eastern origin regarding the recent Israel-Hezbollah conflict, and the perspective differed greatly between the two people with whom I spoke. One of these people has only been in this country for about 6 or 7 years, and spoke with common sense, candor and objectivity about the situation. This person happens to be a religious non-Muslim. The other person has been here for his/her entire adolescence and adult life, yet spoke apologetically with regard to Hezbollah, and repeatedly pointed the finger at Israel and the United States. This person took an oddly defensive stance with regard to the enemies of Israel and the U.S., and it pains me to say that this person, unsurprisingly, is Muslim.

I was saddened and shocked that someone who had spent most of his/her life benefitting from life in a free society cannot (or will not) see the moral gulf between a country like Israel and a militant group recognized by numerous civilized nations as a terrorist organization. Unfortunately, I think this is a common occurrence in the Muslim world, even among those who are considered to be moderate; there seems to be a preoccupation among Muslims with saving face. The glaring failure by moderate Muslims to condemn radical Muslim fundamentalists, while pointing out all the "bad" things Israel and the U.S. do, is very troubling.

The Muslim with whom I spoke basically could not understand how I could possibly "support Israel" in a war between Israel and Hezbollah. To me, it seems clear- one is a terrorist organization which states in its charter that the destruction of Israel is one if its goals, the other is a country that has offered the olive branch of land to its enemies on numerous occasions in exchange for peace and recognition as a state, but has been rebuffed. The fact is, fundamentalist Muslim groups and governments do not want peace with Israel, they want Israel destroyed.

Hezbollah lobs missiles indiscriminately into Israeli territory in the hopes of killing as many (mostly innocent) people as possible (hence the ball bearings loaded into their warheads, designed to inflict maximum killing and maiming potential). This group, like all cowardly terrorist organizations, hides among the civilian population (in this case, the Lebanese people)- a war crime according to the Geneva Conventions. They have no true organized army, no military uniform. They are dressed in civilian garb, blending in with the innocents whose lives they have no regard for. These are people who want Sharia (Islamic law) to rule the land.

Hezbollah's preferred method of attack is to kill as many innocent people as possible with covert suicide bombers, while Israel warns local civilians of impending missile strikes in advance. Of course, innocent people will die in either circumstance, but this must not be mistaken for moral equivalency. Intentionally targeting civilians for death cannot be compared to innocents who die because of cowardly terrorists hiding among them, using them as a defense. The fact that this even has to be explained to some people I find disturbing. When a cowardly, criminal group that hides among civilians provokes an attack from a more powerful, organized and true military, and the deaths of innocents are a terrible consequence, the fault lies with the cowards.

For some irrational reason, the Muslim with whom I spoke believes that since Israel has more power and greater weaponry, and is generally supported by the United States, this automatically makes them the bad guy. Those who defend Hezbollah would like us to feel bad for the poor Muslim "freedom fighter," with his inferior weapons and willingness to die to achieve martyrdom. I guess this seems very romantic to some, the idea of standing up to a more powerful military power for your beliefs. Unfortunately, the beliefs are straight out of the middle ages, and the targeting of innocent civilians is consistent with the teachings of destroying the infidels.

Why is it that even "moderate" Muslims are so hesitant to criticize those who commit atrocities in the name of Allah, yet they're very quick to blame the West's actions for all the turmoil taking place in the Middle East? I believe part of this illogical reaction is born of over-sensitivity, the irrational defense of the "honor" of Muslims and plain denial.

I'd like to think that mainstream, non-violent Muslims would clearly and loudly condemn Muslim extremists who perpetrate evil in the name of their god and religion. Why is it that those blasting Christianity or Judaism are free to do so with little consequence, but those criticizing Islam can expect a world-wide call for their deaths? Why is it that an "artist" can submerge and image of Christ in urine (and display it in a public place, no less) without fear of physical attack, but a cartoonist in a free, democratic society cannot depict the prophet Muhammad without widespread burning, death and destruction taking place around the world?

None of this matters to the Muslim extremist apologist. Somehow, all the problems in the Middle East come back to the U.S. and Israel and the West being big, bad bullies. In this day and age of political correctness, our gutless media and governments can't even call the "War on Terror" what it truly is- The War Against Radical Islamists.

I think we are experiencing the beginnings of a war of civilizations. Many of Islam's teachings are simply incompatible with modern society, and only moderate, progressive Muslims can thrive, prosper and be happy in a civilized society. This is a case of modern societies versus primitive societies, and the modern societies had better not ignore the warning signs. The tolerance and naivete of the West serves the intolerant extremists well- people in the U.S. and Europe are too eager to believe that it just can't be that bad, that it's only a few wackos who want us destroyed. It's true that the extremists are in the minority, but it's a significant minority with power and the ability to greatly influence the uneducated, ignorant masses. Of course, it's of no comfort to know that the current Iranian government clearly and unapologetically calls for the destruction of Israel, and happens to be pursuing nuclear "energy."

Of course, it goes without saying that there are many peace-loving, beautiful Muslims in this world. To state that most Muslims do not fall into the extremist category is to state the obvious. Unfortunately, the good Muslims are extremely quiet while the bad commit atrocities all over the globe. The world would be a safer place if good Muslims would condemn and suppress the extremists who kill "infidels" in the name of Allah. It's time to stop blaming the West for "making them hate us."

And, to be clear, to believe that the U.S. (or any country) has been completely pure in it's motives and policies around the globe is wishful thinking. However, I do believe that the United States has done far more good for humanity than bad in its young existence, which can't be said for many other countries.

I believe the difference between Israel, the U.S. and other civilized societies and the extremists who want them destroyed is easily summed up with the answers to the following two questions:

1) If all Islamic fundamentalist groups like Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, The Taliban, etc., suddenly laid down their arms completely and permanently, what would happen to their respective regions? My guess is that there would finally be some semblance of peace.

2) If Israel suddenly laid down its arms completely and permanently, what would happen to Israel? There's little doubt that the country and its people would be annihilated.

To me, the answers to these questions reveals which side wants and values death and destruction, and which side prefers and values peace.

The following article puts things more concisely than I can:

Islamic Threat Greater Than German & Soviet Threats Were

Thanks for reading.