QUESTIONS

I am by no means an expert on the middle east.  

I have read a lot but never visited. 

I have watched governments on all sides of the divide parry and thrust.  

I have also watched as apparent progress became obvious failure. 

As extremists assumed power and poured fuel on ancient fires.

As the peacemakers were . . .

If not out-numbered then at least out-maneuvered . . .

By the war-mongers.

So . . .

I have no answers.

But . . . 

Maybe this is not the time for answers.

Maybe this is the time for questions.

Here are mine.

Under what circumstances can it ever be acceptable for combatants to intentionally kill innocent civilians?

The old? 

The sick? 

Children? 

Babies? 

Concert goers? 

Folks waiting for a bus?

Or just driving home?

Under what circumstances can it ever be acceptable for combatants to take civilians hostage?  

To turn them into prisoners of war? 

Or human shields?

To refuse to release them?

To torture them?

Or to torture their relatives by holding them?

Under what circumstances can it ever be acceptable to endorse terrorism as an acceptable response to otherwise legitimate grievances or complaints?

Or to pretend that terrorists are freedom fighters?

Or that there is no difference?

Under what circumstances can it ever be acceptable for terrorists, or anyone else, to practice and preach the obliteration and dissolution of a people whose religion is not their own?

Or of any people?

Or of any race?

Under what circumstances can it ever be acceptable to endorse this era's Holocaust?

Or to deny that it is?

Or that Hitler's was?

And . . .

Under what circumstances can the answer to any of these questions be anything but . . .

Never?