We all can’t help but be aware of the atrocities being committed in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, at the moment. Every time we switch on the news or turn on the radio, we are subjected to awful images of the situation in the Middle East. The Australian media is of course hot on the action as there are hundreds of Australian citizens trapped in the area, trying to escape the country.
July 13th 2006 - This date signified the bombing of central parts of Beirut's infrastructure, in retaliation of Hezbollah kidnapping of Israeli soldiers. Hezbollah is a militant (a radical) group that has been fighting with Israel for a long time. This group is very strong in the south of Lebanon, in the areas bordering Israel.
It all started on July 12, when Israeli troops were ambushed on Lebanon’s side of the border with Israel. Hezbollah, which is in control in the south of Lebanon, immediately seized the Israeli soldiers on their crossing. They arrested two Israeli soldiers, killed eight Israelis and wounded over 20 in attacks inside Israeli territory.
This unleashed hell in Israel, and the Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Olmert immediately responded by mounting a war on Lebanon. A sea, air and ground attack was enforced on Lebanon, and a systematic destruction of Lebanon’s infrastructure was began.
US President George W Bush, who commented on Lebanon from Germany 24 hours after violence had spiralled out of control, described the situation as “pathetic”. He also expressed concern that Israel’s attack on Lebanon could threaten or even topple a Lebanese government that Washington supports. His comments have further infuriated and angered Arab communities by expressing Israel’s “right to defend herself”.
This situation is absolutely appalling and angers me to the core. This atrocious attack is a downright sickening attack on human rights and is an inexcusable reaction to a group’s actions that do not speak for all Lebanese people. I have been disgusted watching the news and reading the papers regarding these ‘terrorist’ attacks, as every time I’ve witnessed or heard Israeli bombings, their very first targets are the power stations and water facilities. Then they have taken out bridges and roads and destroying civilian infrastructure (which is a direct violation of the Geneva conventions, just like the indiscriminate bombings).
I’m sickened by this and the U.S. administration, who goes out of it’s way to excuse and protect Israel. I, like most other Australians, was also very disappointed at the time taken to rescue trapped Australians.
What are your opinions on the war in Lebanon?
Do you think Australia has been doing enough to rescue stranded citizens in Lebanon?
I believe the pen is indeed mightier than the sword. Man wields both. Where the pen is controlled by Man, the majority rules. Where the sword is controlled by man, the minority rules. Man is at its collective best when celebrating its successes and honestly confronting its failures.
