The world as we knew it is still hobbling along. Death toll in Iraq is up; daily reported average crossed the 100 mark. Israel abducted Hamas politicians and Hezbollah took two soldiers alive.
But what really shocked me, above and beyond the excessive use of force – was a picture of three young Israeli girls. One standing in the background with her digital camera, having taken or planning to take pictures, whilst the one in the foreground is writing messages on the bombs destined for Lebanon. How can we maintain hope a peaceful co-existence when even the next generation thinks it is right to drop bombs all across a sovereign neighbor, killing UN peacekeepers and chasing out thousands of foreign nationals there on vacation?
Oh, they probably had their reasons and explanations – perhaps their parents or older brothers had been killed in fighting or by a suicide bomber. But isn’t that exactly the problem? Sticking to the Old Testament and “an eye for an eye” is not likely to solve the myriad of conflicts. Unless they truly are looking for an “ultimate solution” all parties involved need to reexamine both the rhetoric and (most importantly?) their actions. Easy? Not by a long shot. But far, far better than the alternative; insecurity, insurgents and irreplaceable losses.
Someone looking at the world through new eyes – or at least delivering their lines in a new voice is al-Qaida (the most common spelling used here in Norwegian). In early July they release a video featuring their new “dude”, the reportedly 28 years old American national Adam Gadahn. The son of a goat farmer in California, he is listed on the FBI site with a variety of aliases, but no “real” crimes as of yet. Jessica Stern of Harvard wrote in the NY Times, over here Morgenbladet picked it up and now here it is online.
The interesting thing about the speech was his focus on the American atrocities – Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo, as well as the body count in Iraq. Thereby he was not just preaching to the converted masses, but linking “his” struggle with popular opinions; it is not alright to do as you please if the goal is good – for the ends do not justify the means. In a way it is the 50-ies and McCarthy all over again. You can not support and promote liberty and justice by taking away the rights and safeguards that thousands and millions have given their life to protect. It is difficult and hard to take the higher ground, but it is the only way to come out with your hands and conscience clean.
