Factored-in - International Peace/War

The comments of John Bolton regarding the intentional targeting of a UN observation post by the Israeli’s, which resulted in the deaths of four UN observers, border on the cretinous. Bolton’s statement that no proof of culpability exists is ridiculous.

Two questions immediately beg answers; the first is whether an ally and overt military supporter of Israel is able to offer an unbiased and balanced opinion. The second relates to the persistent targeting and sequence of events that led to the deaths of the UN observers.

The observation post was subjected to a continuous artillery barrage (which failed to hit the mark). UN officials protested vehemently during the course of that barrage. Despite the protestations of the UN Israel persisted with the attack – Israel pursues a no witnesses/media policy; the lack of available images/footage of the war in progress is evidence of that fact.

It should also be noted that in today’s no-miss, high-tech warfare, artillery is notoriously inaccurate; however, it does offer the most plausible excuse of an ‘accidental’ strike.

Notwithstanding the reasons behind the selection of an imprecise weapon, the UN post remained in operation. Israel's failure to hit the target led to the deployment of high-tech guided missiles, which effected the total destruction of the UN observation post and the deaths of the UN observers.

The sequence of events leading up to the deaths of the UN observers and the sustained concentration of fire at a specific target would effectively discount any notion of an accidental event. I have no idea who is expected to believe Mr Bolton’s ridiculous statements. He lacks the clarity derived from objectivity and impartiality, notwithstanding his extremely aggressive attitude. Bolton’s recent statement ascribing varying value on human life is evidence of a diseased mind. [Link below]

Condoleezza Rice, however, has no problem devaluing all human life, especially the lives of infants and other innocents. A clearly identifiable psychopathology is evident in the attitude and behaviour of Rice and Bolton. Similarities with previous ultra-conservative regimes are unmistakable.

Far-right regimes are characterised by diminished regard for other human beings or no regard whatsoever; fanatical pursuit of a simplistic (usually violent) ideology and the belief that extreme violence, murder and degradation are justifiable means to an end or the 'natural' prerogatives of those who possess the ‘right’ of might. [The fact that history records the calamitous failure of these regimes is lost on those in positions of power.]

Ms. Rice's recent statement that the present U.S. backed war in Lebanon is really the ‘birth pangs’ of a "New Middle East" typifies the insanity of the moment. Are we to view the chaos in Iraq and Afghanistan as 'successful' examples of U.S. intervention? If so, would it not be preferable to abort the offspring of war and hate rather than allow it to mature and become a more horrific monster than its progenitor?

If any doubt remained regarding the complicity of the mass media in manufacturing ‘news’ then consider the lack of images and other footage of the war in progress. But perhaps the story of the century has gone begging – when a politician makes a statement referring to a new world or “New Middle East”, surely it is the task of any self-respecting journalist to question the nature of that ‘new’ vision? Ms. Rice’s description (or her attempts to avoid the truth) would have been the source of limitless mirth for a considerable period into the future.

There is nothing new in Empire building, oppression and exploitation. We had hoped that humanity had evolved beyond barbarism but the most developed nation in the world has proven without doubt that we have devolved and returned to a level no better than the beasts of the field.

The responsibility of the present chaos and devolution is ours – failure to act in the face of horrendous crimes condemns us all. The seeds we have sown by our inaction will produce a very bitter harvest indeed.

Memo to China, India, Russia and Europe:

There is no avoiding the inevitable future conflict, a repeat of the mid-twentieth century fiasco but much worse. Learn from history, failure to reign-in the criminals early resulted in a greater degree of catastrophe. The beast must be confronted – sooner rather than later. A UNITED FRONT against the aggressor now may avoid a horrendous conflict later.

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