Is Violence the Chicken? or, the Egg? Inevitable or Preventable?
I couldn't really buy it when people said, "Middle East countries have been at war forever, and they'll always be at war." Here are the puzzle Parts -
Jews and the Jewish faith -
Arabs and the faith of Islam -
Arabs and Hinduism -
Since September 11, 2001, perhaps we should include America as one of the puzzle parts.
Although the Middle East is distinct from Europeans, Scandinavians, Americans and others generally associated with the West, concern is ratcheted up by terrorist attacks of the past 10 to 20 years. Many average Americans' reaction to the attacks on 9-11 was "What the h...!" That's because conflicts abroad on Western "interests" were just that, "over there." No worry.
Since September 11, 2001, "they who are fighting" now include America and other western countries.
So, the "Middle East: Biggest Puzzle Ever," now includes USA.
Do the assumptions about irreconcilable conflict now include your home and mine? Are we ever to resolve the conflicts where power, land and religion have become reasons for killing?
I reject the tendency to settle into a view of life that accepts these conflicts just because they have always been. Perhaps, by looking at the bigger picture, there will be personal lessons, too, for everyday life.
Since militant Islam now sees America and other parts of the West as threats, if Arab wars are forever, that would mean this world war over terrorism is forever.
Are we all at war because we are different and want the world all to be the same? Or, are we all basically the same, choosing war to act out the tensions of earthly co-habitation?
For that matter, when did the violence start between Arabs and Jews? Were these ethnic and religious identities ever represented by men and women who enjoyed friendships in spite of their differences? Well, yes. At least in pockets of the world and in historical time frames.
If there was ever peace, there can be peace again.
Jews and the Jewish faith -
Arabs and the faith of Islam -
Arabs and Hinduism -
Since September 11, 2001, perhaps we should include America as one of the puzzle parts.
Although the Middle East is distinct from Europeans, Scandinavians, Americans and others generally associated with the West, concern is ratcheted up by terrorist attacks of the past 10 to 20 years. Many average Americans' reaction to the attacks on 9-11 was "What the h...!" That's because conflicts abroad on Western "interests" were just that, "over there." No worry.
Since September 11, 2001, "they who are fighting" now include America and other western countries.
So, the "Middle East: Biggest Puzzle Ever," now includes USA.
Do the assumptions about irreconcilable conflict now include your home and mine? Are we ever to resolve the conflicts where power, land and religion have become reasons for killing?
In this lens I collect some ideas from voices above the crowd who have earned - through study, research, readership, or some part of their lifestyle - the right to be heard.
I reject the tendency to settle into a view of life that accepts these conflicts just because they have always been. Perhaps, by looking at the bigger picture, there will be personal lessons, too, for everyday life.
Since militant Islam now sees America and other parts of the West as threats, if Arab wars are forever, that would mean this world war over terrorism is forever.
Are we all at war because we are different and want the world all to be the same? Or, are we all basically the same, choosing war to act out the tensions of earthly co-habitation?
For that matter, when did the violence start between Arabs and Jews? Were these ethnic and religious identities ever represented by men and women who enjoyed friendships in spite of their differences? Well, yes. At least in pockets of the world and in historical time frames.
If there was ever peace, there can be peace again.
If these questions are answered we might contribute to the Biggest Puzzle Ever!!
- How many countries make up the Middle East?
- How do the Gulf States differ from the non-Gulf states?
- Which regime practices imprisonment of its citizens most?
- Is there any Mid-East country with no Christians? No Jews?
- Is Morocco a Mid-East country?
- Which Mid-East countries are democratic?
- Which country is seen by others in the Middle East as most responsible for the Islamic revolution?
The Mid-East Conflict Has Reached America
What does that mean for the future of America's interest in peace?
I reject the tendency to settle into a view of life that accepts these conflicts just because they have always been. Perhaps, by looking at the bigger picture, there will be personal lessons, too, for everyday life.Since militant Islam now sees America and other parts of the West as threats, if Arab wars are forever, that would mean this world war over terrorism is forever.
Are we all at war because we are different and want the world all to be the same? Or, are we all basically the same, choosing war to act out the tensions of earthly co-habitation?
For that matter, when did the violence start between Arabs and Jews? Were these ethnic and religious identities ever represented by men and women who enjoyed friendships in spite of their differences? Well, yes. At least in pockets of the world and in historical time frames.
If there was ever peace, there can be peace again.
Europeans, like Americans, may be identified as Jews, Christians, Hindis, or Islam -
Americans may practice Christianity, Jewish faith, Islam, Hinduism -
Africans practice Islam or Christianity, primarily.
There is also a significant minority throughout the world who profess atheism, Buddhism (not a religion), and a myriad of spiritual interpretations.
Voice Your Opinion On the Potential to End War in the Middle East
What the web says about Middle East
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byLinks That Help Work the Puzzle That Is The Middle East
Politics, Culture, History, Religion
http://www.pcrf.net/who/who.html
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BBC NEWS | Middle East | Country profiles | Country profile: Saudi Arabia
Key facts, figures and dates0 points
Tomorrow's World - Magazine and Television program
The Tomorrow's World magazine is a FREE, full colo more...0 points
Great stuff you can buy to learn about the Middle East
Vote for your favorite. Or, add what's missing!
A History of the Modern Middle East by William L. Cleveland
This comprehensive work provides a penetrating ana more...1 point
Middle East - England
The leading English-language news magazine giving more...1 point
Map of Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Middle East Maps Art Poster Print, 31x24
Art.com is the world's largest retailer of art pri more...0 points
A History of the Modern Middle East: Fourth Edition by William L Cleveland, Martin Bunton
This comprehensive work provides penetrating analy more...0 points
Middle East Culture
Middle East Views III World Culture Art Poster Print by J. Heicke, 24x17
Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 11/21/2009)
Art: A reflection of the spirit, the soul, of the Middle East.
"The Evolution of God," a big new book about religion.
Is the clash of civilizations necessary for religious reasons?
Robert Wright, a journalist, and author, says the answer lies in understanding the history of Islam, Christianity and the Jews.
No religion is in essence evil or good, he writes. Scriptures are malleable. Founders are betrayed. At least for historians, there is little provocation here. The provocation comes when Wright claims that religious history seems to be going somewhere, as if guided by an invisible hand. Judaism, Christianity and Islam all appear to have a "moral direction," and that direction is toward the good.
No religion is in essence evil or good, he writes. Scriptures are malleable. Founders are betrayed. At least for historians, there is little provocation here. The provocation comes when Wright claims that religious history seems to be going somewhere, as if guided by an invisible hand. Judaism, Christianity and Islam all appear to have a "moral direction," and that direction is toward the good.
Whereas Christianity is supposed to be a religion of love and forgiveness to supplant the angry God of its roots, Wright argues that this evolution from malevolence to benevolence happens in each of the Abrahamic religions.
A God of compassion who cares about us all is a process where the Western monotheisms advance from belligerence to tolerance. Religion's original sin of violence is redeemed.The Evolution of God
by Robert Wright
The Evolution of God
This from a customer (GLS)..."that there is a moral direction to history, that we are heading for an age of tolerance--not what you'd expect given today's headlines. Perhaps what's best about this book is that it charts a middle path between hardcore atheism and hardcore religion."
Amazon Price: $17.15 (as of 11/21/2009)
Is Warfare in Our Genes?
Are there constant battles in human history because we're hardwired to kill each other?
I read an article recently that says we really aren't destined to shoot each other.Even though nobody much says anymore that the first world war was, "the war to end all wars." It's become a cliche' to say such commentary was optimistic, at best. Foolish, more likely. But, new voices coming out of human sciences dispute such cynicism.
Ever heard the term "noble savages?" Apparently, somebody got the idea that before communities were formed, humans lived in harmony. But, then what about those pictures of wild chimpanzees seen living in caves and hunting bushbabies with spears? It is the first time an animal has been seen using a tool to hunt a vertebrate.
I don't know how many believe the "5 o'clock news" cliche' - "If it bleeds it leads." But, wait. If that were true, would "the first and second world wars and all the other horrific conflicts of the 20th century (have) resulted in the deaths of fewer than 3 per cent of the global population.?" If mutual killing is not in our DNA, then, do we have it within our capability to create conditions for peace? If so, in principle, it could last forever. Right?
Isn't it more puzzling to ask why "tribes" threaten another's resources in land, water, food and access to other survival necessities? For, one author after another and scientist after scientist, observe this as the cause for why we fight each other.
The Middle East is a Microcosm of Why We Kill Each Other
Constant Battles: Why We Fight
Amazon Price: $15.38 (as of 11/21/2009)
Oh! Great - Now The West is Part of the Battle
I predict in 50 years a new generation will adopt compromise on resources in the Middle East
Will it be sooner? Longer? Never?
What do you think of this map? Is it accurate?
More Resources To Help Solve the Puzzle
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Since I don't enjoy news according to the latest suicide-bomb report, I set out to understand how to read between the lines. Unlike a lot of people co... (more)
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