Subject:
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Re: Conflict in the Middle East
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.off-topic.debate
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Date:
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Thu, 4 Apr 2002 13:19:03 GMT
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Viewed:
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584 times
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In lugnet.off-topic.debate, Frank Filz writes:
> richard marchetti wrote:
> This is what makes the ME such a mess. I think most people accept that
> the Israeli people need someplace to call home. The same is true for the
> Palestinians. The question is how to resolve the conflicting claims.
Most people might agree. Why do they need a homeland? I'm leaning toward
believing that the very notion of 'homeland' is a divisive instrument. Maybe
we should seek to eliminate that idea globally.
> > FWIW, I don't happen to like the characterization of Palestinian fighters as
> > "terrorists." Whatever else these violent people may be, I think we can at
> > least acknowledge that they see themselves as being in a state of war. They
> > act consistently in the manner of people at war with those of another
> > country. I do not condone their actions, but I think calling people
> > "terrorists" goes too far in the direction of creating an "us" and "them"
> > mentality that accomplishes nothing and may actually serve to cloud the
> > obvious responsibility of others in a conflict -- such as the Israelis and
> > ourselves (in the U.S. specifically) by extension.
>
> Some of the Palestinians act reasonably consistently with a state of
> war. The suicide bombers don't. At least not in my book. What do we call
> them otherwise? We need to be careful about how we divide people, but we
> must be willing to label certain people and actions as repugnant. What
> we do need to be is more willing to label Israeli people and actions as
> repugnant.
I think that terror is a tool consistent with a state of war. When people have
no way other than suicide bombings to take a war to the enemy, what would you
have them do?
I think they're terrorists because their goal is not to eliminate the enemy
with such attacks, but to instill fear in the general populace. But I don't
think they're repugnant for it. When these folks feel like they have an
option, they will choose another path. No one wants to die. It seems, Frank,
that you're saying that guerilla tactics are worse than more conventional war.
How and why?
> I'm sure I've missed some. With such detailed numbers, we could better
> evaluate what is really going on. I think these numbers would show that
> a higher percentage of the Israeli casualties are "innocent".
Are those who support an evil institution innocent? I don't think Richard was
talking about babies.
Chris
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Message has 2 Replies:
 | | Re: Conflict in the Middle East
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| In lugnet.off-topic.debate, Christopher L. Weeks writes: <snip> (...) <snip> (...) In our culture, we are mostly brought up to believe that life is precious and that suicide isn't a viable option. We are shocked and dismayed when people kill (...) (23 years ago, 8-Apr-02, to lugnet.off-topic.debate)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Re: Conflict in the Middle East
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| (...) I agree that desperation is what is driving _most_ of the Palestinians. However, a small number have achieved positions of power (not really Arafat, though he certainly has some power) due to their ability to lead and incite rebellion. These (...) (23 years ago, 3-Apr-02, to lugnet.off-topic.debate)
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