Although the modern country of Israel has only been around since 1948, its history is long and deep. The conflict in the Middle East is not 60-some years old, it is THOUSANDS of years old. Think back to the Old Testament and the Philistines vs the Israelites. Who were these people? They are the same people who live today in Israel, Iran, Iraq and many more countries/nations including the Palestinian people who, by the way, SHOULD have their own state/country just as the Israelis have theirs.
Before we get going on this, I want to give a couple caveats. First, I am not a doctor of history and might have some things a little askew. Second, I am not extremely well read in the Bible. I know what I know and think what I think. You are entitled to agree or disagree with this as you are with ANYTHING else here and everywhere. It's a benefit of being human. Just form an opinion. More than anything, I want people to think. I want people to develop opinions and to gain knowledge about those things for which they know little. That being said, here we go....
Why was Israel created? You can say a number of things about why Israel was created. WAY before the Jews were forced to escape their homes or were collected by Adolph Hitler and his people in an attempt to eradicate them from Earth, the Jewish people had to fight to keep their homeland and were kicked out and allowed to return numerous times. So, do they deserve a place to call "home"? Sure they do, just like any other nation of people (think back to your Civics/Social Science days in high school where you learned the difference between country and nation). In this same respect, I am saying for the second time that the Palestinians deserve their own country as well. It is said that they were given that choice when the current Israel was created and they said no. I wasn't there. And if they said no, then I am sure there was more to it than just that.
Why WAS Israel created? Well, one important reason for this is biblical. The biggest proponents of the re-creation of Israel was the "West" - those countries who follow western religion. In fact, prior to 1948 when the current Israel became a country, it was under British rule. It is said in the New Testament that when Christ returns, He will go to Israel. And if the Israelis have no place to call "home", it is believed that Christ would not have a place to return. Ergo, here you go, Israel - you have your own country again.
Interesting. Ever heard that before? Taking that thought a step further, we sit here and play all high and mighty with other nations, particularly with the Muslims (often considered "the enemy" by the West) and many others for their holy wars and hatred of Israel and the Jews; yet, we (the US and it's many Christians and other believers in God) helped re-create the country of Israel because of our OWN beliefs. We helped this country return to the place right smack in the middle of the people who hate them most. Some might say this was an act of holy war. Was this not a focus of The Crusades hundreds of years ago? Perhaps there has not been much "violent" holy war waged by us (the US) or has there? Where are the majority of our armies right now?
Before I get to that, let's take a quick look at Muslims. These people follow the Qur'an. We have all heard of this and many of us have been told that it teaches that Muslims should kill non-Muslims. Death to the infidels? I did a little research on this. And here is what I found - yes, those things are said. But, we usually only hear a snippet of the whole thing. They DO say that Muslims should kill; but, the Qur'an includes that they should not be the aggressors. They Muslims should inflict violence only if violence is first inflicted on them. They should do it in retaliation only. Yes, the Qur'an says that they should fight to the death. However, it also says that when someone has repented or given in, that the violence should stop. There is plenty more here and we could go on and on. I just want to say, and no WAY am I defending the militant Muslims, that just because you are told something, you are not always being told the entire truth. Do you doubt that there are some militant Christians out there? If you do, then close this blog right now and don't come back because you are sadly mistaken!
Okay, back to where our armies are currently located...... Let's break it down.
Afghanistan (borders Iran on the west) - Why are we in Afghanistan? Well, we are told that we are there to rid the country of the Taliban and to hunt down Osama Bin Laden who we blame for destroying the World Trade Center in 2001 and who allegedly Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North many years ago said was the one person in the world who scared him. Our troops have been in Afghanistan since October of 2001 and still no Osama. When are we pulling our troops out?
Iraq (the cradle of civilization; one of five countries who invaded Israel the day after the country was recreated in 1948; borders Iran on the east) - Why are we in Iraq? Obviously it's because of all the weapons of mas destruction they have and.... Wait, they don't have any? Okay, then maybe it's because they have oil and we can...... Wait, we haven't said that? Okay, it's because we wanted to hunt down Saddam Hussein because he might have had something to do with the destruction of the World Trade Center. Maybe? How about it is also because Saddam Hussein tried to kill the first President Bush and "Junior Bush" was told to avenge his Dad? We'll have troops here for quite awhile yet. By the way, unless I am mistaken, Iraq is the location of the biblical "Babylon".
Israel (HATED by Iran) - We continue to back Israel because of the religious reasons noted earlier. I have more comments on Israel and their relationship with the Palestinians. But, that is for another time and worth taking the time to go through it fully. Anyway, this country is a common focus of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran. He claims that the Holocaust never occurred. I have thought about that and there are just too many facts to deny it. It happened and it was a horrific thing. Man, a lot of people hate these guys. Why do we stay there? Oh yeah, because of the Bible. I have some strong feelings about Israel. Some people do not like my views and they are entitled to that. For 60+ years, we have helped protect them. We have supplied them modern weaponry and military vehicles. And I always get this feeling that they are like the punk little brother. They will keep poking a guy with a stick knowing that if there is any retaliation, the big brother will come to its defense. This may not be the case; but, this is how I often see it. Sometimes I just wish their government would shut the eff up!
Iran (formerly Persia who ruled Israel for some 200 years in the time before Christ) - Iran is the reason we are still in Iraq, still in Afghanistan, have bases in Saudi Arabia (okay, they have a BUNCH of oil, too), Turkey and Kuwait (they have a lot of oil, too, and based on the events in 1991 should be GIVING us oil). Iran flaunts that they are enriching uranium. The two groups who most threaten Israel (and the return of Christ) are the Palestinians with whom we are promoting peaceful talks and Iran with whom we have much difficulty talking to at all. They are also hellbent on the destruction of Israel. We are keeping all our fighting forces in the Middle East because they are close to Iran and might someday soon be asked to fight Iran. Just watch! It sucks; but, it has a BIG chance of happening.
Okay, this is a lot to take in. There is SO much history in the Middle and Near East. What do YOU think?
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