Who's the Bad Guy Here?

"This world is ruled by violence, but that's better left unsaid." ~ Dylan

When my brother Ron was eleven and I thirteen, there was a lot of conflict between us because though we had been close, I was now imagining myself more grown up. For sure I had more school work to do, and my passion for sports and interest in girls wasn't as fully developed yet in my younger sibling.

We used to get into a lot of fights during that period. I remember vividly on one occasion where I was at my desk doing homework in my room. Ron came in, hit me on the back and scampered out. I ignored him. A little later the imp repeated the annoying attack, and I continued to ignore him. It must of been five or six times this happened before I sprang into action. Actually, I was waiting for him at this point and when he hit me, like an uncoiling spring I leaped up, chased him down and gave him a very solid punch on the arm. My intention was to hurt him and I hurt him. He cried and ran to mom.

Mom could be wise in these things. She knew what was going on and listened to both sides of the story. I was not punished in this instance. This is not to say that I was always right nor even right to use violence. The story is intended to note that there is more than meets the eye to even a simple incident like that one.

Today, Israeli ground troops entered Gaza after a week of air strikes. The Pope has called for a cease fire. The ELCA Presiding Bishop has called for a ceasefire. The British Prime Minister has called for a cease fire. London demonstrators are calling for a cease fire. Hollywood stars are even weighing in, calling for a cease fire.

If one compares the Hamas to my brother's annoying interruptions, who is going to stop them if not the one who continues to be hit? Despite the pummeling by the Israeli army, the Hamas has not discontinued lobbing missiles into Israel.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Israel's policy is perfectly proportionate and that Hamas are the real war criminals in this conflict. (As if violence that destroys innocents can ever be "perfectly" proportionate.)

Another variable here is the upcoming Israeli election in February. My brother, who visited Israel in December, says that the fighting will continue until the election. There's a political aspect to this invasion that to my knowledge has not appeared in the U.S. press.

I am not one who believes in the notion of "Israel right or wrong." I do know that both sides have an axe to grind. And I have no clue how we will ever see peace in the Middle East, which is pretty sad.

At a blog for the United Church I read this statement yesterday: "We at Churches for Middle East Peace mourn the loss of life on both sides and call now on the United States to exercise bold leadership to immediately end the violence, restore the cease-fire and lift the blockade of Gaza's borders."

But amidst the comments at the United Church of Christ blog, this one shines light from a different angle. "It's time to stop pretending that a cease fire equals peace. A cease fire to Hamas only gives them time to re-arm and attack Israel when they are stronger militarily. They do not desire peace with Israel - they do not desire a co-existence with Israel. They do not even allow for Israel's right to exist."

Which is why there is weeping in Jerusalem.