Spontaneous Birthings
Monday, July 31, 2006
taking sides
"What's your opinion on all of this?"I had been listening to the conversation between two new friends, their voices rising as they made their points, their hand movements growing more animated as they talked, the other waiting for a pause so he could jump in and continue, making the same conclusions but from a different angle. I sat and listened for about 10 minutes, occasionally nodding in agreement, ocassionally shaking my head, but was silent.
We were talking about the Israeli attack on Qana. One of my friends who faithfully practices Judaism (let's call him "A"), expressed frustration, "You know, I've always supported Israel. But they have got to stop. They're killing women and children over there." More was said, but I don't recall the exact words, but as he spoke, he inched closer and closer to the table. His face turned red, and the words stuttered from his mouth filled with anger.
My other friend ("B") admitted, "You know, it's hard for me to stay neutral. From my experience, I've found that the Arab people are the nicest people." He had been born in Beirut, and was raised in Cairo. "They both have reasons to be angry and to want revenge."
"A" pitched in, "Israel learned to become a combatative nation. It had to. It had to protect itself from the time of the Crusaders. This goes way back."
Both couldn't agree if the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would ever end.
I couldn't even answer the question. My knowledge of the conflict is minimal. I am ashamed to admit that I understand little of the politics behind the daily headlines and top news stories. However, whenever I read them, my heart drops. I fear that it is has become an expected part of our daily lives -- Every morning I read The Washington Post's Express, a paper for metro commuters, and every morning I expect another bombing and more civilians killed. Will we become desensitized to the brutalities? Will it keep going on?
Recently, I've developed a deep interest in Arab culture and the tumultous timeline of the Middle East. I wonder if, in a way, I'm taking sides. If there's a side I'm on, it's definitely for hugs.
kristen at 3:32 PM
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