UF and all,
>8 to 14 year olds <snip> celebrating this "victory" in Palestine
I agree that this is a horrible sight to see. Yet, as gruesome as it is, I do partly understand these people. I would have felt the same if Moscow's skyrises were bombed during Soviet Union times. Now, I know that Russian people were not responsible for Lithuania's sufferings, but at that time we just felt hatred.
I am not equating US=SU, Palestine=Lithuania, but in Palestinian eyes, they just saw their "enemy" hurt. No, US is not an aggressor as SU was. But Palestinians believe that US supports Israel, an aggressor in their eyes. Are they wrong? Perhaps. But emotions do not follow rational thought process.
We have to remember that peace is a very long and very difficult process. There are no simple paths to the end. Both force and peaceful talks are needed in a very delicate balance. Too much force or mis-directed force - and the mutual enmity lasts for another generation. Too weak position - and opposing party feels invulnerable for more violence.
Yet, the lasting peace is possible. Remember Europe. There was time when England, France, Germany and all other countries were at each other's throats for generations. Remember WW2, when a lot of countries fought a devastating war. Now most of these countries are at peace with each other and with not much enmity. Perhaps, this is possible for other countries and nations too.
Sadness, condolences and hope
Jurgis |
