the all searching eye

Note: You can also read this and other related articles at The Political Animal.

Over 35 years ago, King Hussein of Jordan made the difficult choice to cast the PLO out of his country. At the time, PLO operatives were using Jordanian territory as a staging point, and they were gradually gaining strength and control of that territory. Forseeing the challenge to his own government’s power that the PLO could become, Hussein had to make a move that was unpopular in an era when Pan-Arab nationalist politics, which ruled the region, espoused non-recognition and the destruction of the Al-Ka’in Al-SiHioni (the Zionist Entity).

The recent events in Lebanon, however, seem to have vindicated King Hussein’s decision. Lebanon, like Jordan, has dealt with a militia movement–Hezb Ullah– within its borders that has very little accountability. As many analysts have pointed out, Hezb Ullah’s recent incursion into Israel was not in the interest of the Lebanese government, and it threatens the country’s sovereignty. Lebanon, then, is living the fate that Jordan narrowly avoided 36 years ago.

The Syrian Occupation, however, limited Lebanon’s ability to control Hezb Ullah, who receives support from Damascus. The Lebanese government left in the aftermath of the Syian withdrawal was not equipped to handle Hezb Ullah, and so the terrorist organization was able to stage an operation that has had such devastating impact on Lebanon.

Considering that background, the recent threat that the Lebanese government has made to employ troops against Israel in the event of a ground invasion may be a grave blunder. First of all, Lebanon cannot hope to stand up against the Israeli military if it cannot stand up to an internal militia. Even if it could make life hell for Israel by mounting an urban defense, the end result would still a Lebanon in ruins.

Second, and more importantly, this may actually be Lebanon’s chance to do like King Hussein did, and take control of the country. Lebanon should deploy its military in this conflict–but they should be doing it against Hezb Ullah. It’s a sure thing that Syria, and Palestinians will brand them traitors. Jordan faced the exact same accusations. Nevertheless, Lebanon has a chance to take control of its destiny. Jordan has been an Island of calm in the region for over 30 years. Lebanon should follow Jordan’s example and get rid of Hezb Ullah. By picking up and fighting alongside Hezb Ullah out of fear of an Israeli occupation, Lebanon will seal its own eventual demise.

The choice is hard. It involves trusting the Israelis to leave Lebanon when their campaign against Hezb Ullah ends. More importantly, it involves being strong enough to ignore peer pressure from a neighboring bully country. Jordan did it. Can Lebanon?

Note: You can also read this and related posts at The Political Animal.

Recently I have been receiving forwards from friends in Arab countries that contain depictions of young Israeli children writing messages on missles. Captions above the photos read ” Israel kids send gift to Arab kids with love.” Further down, another caption reads:

Dear Lebanese/Palestinian/Arab/Muslim/Christian Kids, Die with love. Yours, Israeli Kids

This email has circulated widely, and has created a gross image of Israeli children. It is always true, however, that you cannot always believe what you see. A close inspection of the missle closest to the camera shot reveals the following handwritten message: “To Nazrala with love from Israel.” Nazrala is presumably Sheik Hassan Nasr Ullah, the leader of Hezbullah.

I am shocked by such a blatant campaign to incite further hatred and violence–in this case against children. Sadly, this type of behavior has been typical over the course of the conflict in Palestine.

This CNN article exposing the misuse of $1 Billion of Katrina aid cites may officials who huffily express their disgust with what happened. For example, one Representative remarked

“…that is no excuse for the lack of preparation, the lack of internal controls and the lack of decisive and professional leadership”

Another Congressman observed:

This is an affront to the American taxpayer, who has been fleeced by the actions of these criminals and the lack of FEMA fraud prevention.

I share these Congressmen’s anger and frustration. My anger, however, is not directed towards “mismanagement” or a “lack of fraud prevention.” My anger is directed at the recipients of the aid. Granted many people used the government’s help legitimately, they were not entitled to it to begin with. And the fact that fraud and misuse existed on such a large scale reflects very poorly on the communities that received large amounts of money.

Unfortunately, instead of point the scorn where it belongs, Congressmen content themselves with political posturing and finger pointing. What they should have said is “We are sorry that so many classless Americans abused the tax payers’ magnanimity when so many hands were extended–demanded prompt and lavish aid only to abuse it. Next time the government will be much slower to shower hand outs. And perhaps, generous individuals will be much more cautious and slow to respond.”

I’m at work doing some research, and I came across a case where a prison inmate raped a female prison guard. The facts went thus:

“Appellant, a 29 year old male inmate at a state prison, raped the victim, a 25 year old, 94 pound female guard, in a bathroom adjoining the cell-block day room. The rape was accomplished by superior physical strength and the use of a sharp screwdriver-type weapon held against the victim’s throat.”

All this time, I’m wondering how the 94 lb female became a prison guard…

What have we learned from the Muhammad Cartoon Fiasco? Well, to start, the aggressive campaign to convince the west that Muslims are peaceful is officially dead. Muslims have effectively set back any progress they might have made. Worst of all, they have played directly into their critics’ arguments.

Personally, I am upset and disillusioned. After so much time defending a religion for which I have great respect, I have been silenced. How can I respond to reports of young Christian children in Africa being killed because of the Danish cartoons? Or reports of angry Muslims who randomly bound a man with a tire and lit him on fire? Or burned embassies and churches? How can I apologize for the widespread murder, ruin, and destruction that Muslims have committed because of a religious insult? How can I explain the lack censure or disapproval from Muslim leaders over the atrocities being committed?

I have constantly fought off claims that Muslims are not ready for modernity, that they are intolerant, and that they are not intellectually capable respecting freedom of speech. I still believe Muslims are good people. Unfortunately, I have not explanation for the recent behavior. However, I will say that the acts that many of them have committed in the name of defending the Prophet’s honor are evil and inexcusable. Far worse than the insults of the cartoonists.

While reading samplings of major media reports on the kidnapping of Christian Science Monitor journalist Jill Carroll, I was struck by the glaring absence of a certain word: terrorists. Everyone is avoiding labelling people who will plan and execute the kidnap of a young female reporter and the murder of her interpreter (two shots to the head) as terrorists. In fact, I am amazed that they can come up with any other way to describe these…terrorists.

Between CNN, NY Times, and Fox, only one ever used the word. Guess who were the only ones with the guts to tell the story like it is. It is understandable that Jill’s own paper, the Christian Science Monitor, would be as diplomatic as possible when making statements and requests towards the actual “captors.” To push the rhetoric in that case may jeopordize her life. However, the other papers, in reporting the incident are making a mistake by downplaying and mischaracterizing these terrorists as “captors.”

I understand that this is a subtle point. However, I think it demostrates clearly the sleep mode that a lot of our media have gone into. The way to downplay the threat of terrorism, and to treat is as fantasy, is to cease referring to acts of terrorism as terrorism. Call it something else. Something mundane and close to home like abduction, or kidnapping. But call it terrorism, and you concede that that guy on Pennsylvania Ave. may have a good reason to do outlandish things like tap the phones of people whose numbers appeared in Al-Qaeda laptops, or renew the PATRIOT Act.

When he is not wishing death upon undesirable heads of state, Pat busies himself by revealing God’s political views. Herewe can read about his moral pronouncements upon the head of the recently hospitalized Arial Sharon. Ironically, Sharon has done plenty of things to get a guy smitten down by God. However, Pat Robertson would applaud those past efforts, including the attempted occupation of Lebanon that resulted in Christian-led massacres in Palestinian refugee camps. What a strange thing it is that the act that would cause Sharon to be stricken down is the act of peace–one of the few Sharon has ever made.

Because of a very intense final exams season, I have been absent for too long from the site. However, I thought I might make an advertisement for the new Shakira English Language album: Oral Fixation 2. I am always a little skeptical of her English material, but here she has done well. I will offer full reviews of both Oral Fixation installments after finals.

To hear some samples for yourself, go to www.shakira.com

Abuzachary

The Legend of Hugo Chavez continues. This time, he has attacked Mexico’s leader, President Fox, saying:

“Hay una copla en mi llano, usted que es hombre de caballos. Yo soy como el espinito, que en la sabana florea, le doy aroma al que pasa y espino al que me menea. No se meta conmigo, caballero, porque sale espinao”.

He had more to say. Here is a more complete account. Unbelievable.

The Latin Grammies recently went down and the Columbian artist Juanes carried the day. I am mentioning this because this guy has really great music. His most recent album is called “Mi Sangre” (My Blood). His website is here. The music is on the softer side of rock, and it is very melodic. His lyrics verge on sappy, although I find myself getting slightly choked up when I try to sing “Para tu Amor” while thinking about my wife. So, I guess it works. I highly recommend this.