Israel’s New War: Stopping Attacks or Gaining Back Lost Reputation?

It feels like the same war Israel carried out against Lebanon in 2006 again. Doesn’t it? Bombardments, slaughter, complete destruction and civilian killings—all under the banner of “fighting the terrorists.”

So what is Israel trying to say in this war? Gaining its reputation it lost back in 2006 after Hezbullah triumphed, became more powerful and now became part of the Lebanese government? Or is it truly trying to stop Hamas’ attacks against its civilians?

I blame the carnage and the horrible death of the Palestinian civilians on both sides. Israel is so arrogant and indifferent to human rights that it had been slaughtering millions of civilians since it was created in the recent history and this war is no different than any of its former ones. And Hamas is even worse. Instead of laying weapons down and creating a stable and indepndent state along with the other Palestinian political factions, they have put their own people in this situation where they knew that messing up with Israel would lead to such a war. None of the both sides have actually thought about human rights and that of course led to the death of civilians on both lands.

Now, what are we going to make of this whole mess? More violence to happen, of course. Hatred will also increase against the Israelis across the Arab world- as if it has not been enough- and the fact that having a peaceful atmosphere in that regions seems moving farther and farther.

So what’s the solution to stop this carnage now? There isn’t, I guess. Israel has managed to break Hamas’ backbone. But what about the innocent civilians who lost their loved ones? Won’t they grow up with the will to take revenge, like those in Iraq and Lebanon? Doesn’t violence breed violence? And wasn’t that what has been happnening in that region since ever?

Blog.bassamsebti@gmail.com

Atlantis the Palm Opening in Dubai

Amazing!

Instead of Roses, Iraqi throws shoes at Bush

I’m sure you all have seen what happened yesterday when the Iraqi reporter threw his shoes at the soon-to-leave American president. I have to say I was surprised. I had mixed feelings and didn’t know if I should laugh or not.

Professionally as a journalist myself, I found what the reporter did was extremely wrong. Journalists have their voices and pens (and now the internet) to express whatever they want to protest against. However, I was kind of relieved. As an Iraqi citizen, I believe Bush deserved this ending that the entire world will remember and cherish. I mean what the wrong the man had done was huge. His failure to prepare for an invasion aftermath caused Iraqis and Americans hundreds of thousands of souls, not to mention the destruction of an entire country, the millions who have migrated and the creation of terrorism in Iraq. Well, you know the rest. There is no need to go into details here.

When I saw the video, all I could think of was what Bush will do for the rest of his life after he leaves the White House. Will he ever be respected? Remembered for at least a good thing he did? Now, the republicans will say, “But he removed Saddam!” and then I’ll reply, “and brought hundreds of Saddams instead and destroyed an entire functioning country.”

One of my colleagues at work who is not a supporter of Bush said despite his opposition to Bush, he started feeling sorry for him. I told him he shouldn’t. This man- whether he intended it or because he’s stupid- has been nothing but a bad thing in this world. I don’t even think he really understands how gravely disastrous what he has done in harming Iraqis and Americans. Thanks to Obama the world started believing in America again.

The reaction in the Arab world was expected. Extreme happiness and appreciation to what the reporter did. Iraqis have even created a facebook group right after the incident, praising the reporter and calling him "hero." This morning, the number of the group members was around 900. Now it’s far more and is increasing. Also, a crazy Saudi wealthy man offered to buy the shoes for $10 Million. In addition to that, Arab people started exchanging jokes via email and cell phones. One of the jokes reads, “A new presidential order says no journalist attends a press conference wearing shoes.”

Anyways, now Bush has one last thing to have the world remember him with. If I were him… Nah, I’ll keep this to myself. lol

Blog.bassamsebti@gmail.com