Understanding Israel
I had the absolute pleasure to spend most of last night in discussion with a very wise man. I was spouting more of my rhetoric about US imperialism, and our blunt and uninformed role in the Middle East.
In what I suppose is typical American behavior, I was also misinformed and acting on assumptions in relationship to Israel, and American support of the Israelis.
I feel strongly that a truthful and thorough understaning of Israel is the key to unlocking to resentment, anger and emotion in the Middle East. We, as Americans, can no longer hide from these problems, or underestimate our culpability in the situation.
I have spent the morning reading and reflecting, and hope to share today (and continue to share in the future) some resources I have found that are helping me to be more thoughtful and broadminded.
Furthermore, I believe we can learn a lot from the Israelis, who have managed to live with terror and yet to grow and prosper as a people.
Included here are some links to a few articles that can help to unravel some of the mythologies that are blocking our ability to understand the chaos in which we are now emeshed.
Links:
Myths of the Middle East
Establishment of Israel
The Palestinian Refugees