On Israel and Religious Conflict

The current situation in the Middle East is absolutely disgusting. Israel has responded to a few terrorist attacks by invading two countries and essentially triggering a war. Today, they bombed the civilian international airport in Lebanon, rendering it useless, as well as several military bases. Lebanon, of course, has no significant military aircraft that it could launch in retaliation, so this was simply a show of power on Israel's part. Israel has admitted to hitting hundreds of targets in Lebanon, and is currently considering sending in ground troops. A few days ago, we saw Israel invade Palestine with similarly devastating results.

Across the ocean, the United States used its veto in the United Nations today to block a resolution asking for a ceasefire. Bush stated that it's every State's right to defend themselves against terrorism with any means necessary. This is certainly a fitting and predictable response considering the disproportionate force the United States have used in retaliation for a single act of terrorism.

To me, this whole situation, as we watch it unfold and deteriorate over the coming days and weeks, represents little more than the proof of religion's negative effects. These conflicts are rooted in religion, and we are watching clashes of spirituality and mysticism in full, devastating force.