[med-events] History Lesson - by Raymond S. Kraft

[Ronald Gross]

Gill,
As a veteran of this "Dick-wagging" war, and one who still sees the eyes of the Iraqi civilians in my dreams - especially the children, I will, for once, hold my tongue and leave you to your convictions......
Ron

>>> <KMATTOX at aol.com> 2/28/2007 2:41 PM >>>

In a message dated 2/28/2007 1:09:44 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
GJR at SSRLAW.COM writes:

This is  not a "PC" struggle.   We are in a struggle for our 
long-term  welfare and survival.  There is little room for
"dick-wagging" and  incompetence.  What we now have in Iraq
is the direct result of  both.

If you truly " believe, think, feel that the US has the  
capability" quickly pacify Iraq, please share with us how.   
Specifics please.

You claim that "What we lack is the determination  for the 
mission."   What exactly is "the mission?"   
Specifics please.  

Gil



Gil:   
 
I have no easy or ready solution.  If I did I like anyone else would  be in 
Washington in our government or in NYC at the UN debating the course of  
history.   I am concerned about the world culture changes which are  going right now 
in the name of religion and zealots.   I do have  a few observations and we I 
King of the World for a Day, would address  these observations.  I am not 
voting to support or detract from any of the  following, just making 
observations.  
 
FIRST:   The lines of the countries in the Middle East,  delineating borders 
were NOT drawn by local custom, tribes, or even religious  similarities in 
mind.  The lines were drawn by Western Countries,  particularly England almost 
100 years ago, and for economic and political  purposes to assist the WEST, not 
the Middle East.  This was before  OIL had become the god to which many 
persons coveted a  portion.   I would redraw the country lines on cultural and  
commonality basis, letting the "local" and "regional" leadership determine the  
lines.   We (FINALLY) saw this cultural evolution happen in the  former 
Yugoslavia after the death of Tito.  Several  separate culturally historic countries 
emerged after a bloody "ethnic  cleansing war."  I see that sooner or later, 
the Middle East will have  several NEW country names and shapes, not the names 
and shapes that others  created 100 years ago.  Under this process the current 
countries ( or  portions of ) Turkey, (Armenia), Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, 
Kuwait, would  become Kurdistan, Shiitestan, and Sunnistan.  Other borders of 
Jordan,  Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Israel, 
Egypt,  Turkey, and Lebanon would also change.   Look at the map of the  world.  
It is in this area of the world that most of the "DISPUTED" borders  of the 
world exist. 
 
SECOND:   I would plead that the religious academics of the  Moslem faith 
(AND ITS SIX subdivision sects, if that is the right term) come  together in an 
ISLAMIC summit.  I would bring the translation of the Quran  up to current 
Arabic (or other) language with meaning of words which were  consistent with a 
modern era.  I would plead that these Islamic thought  leaders in academia have a 
5-10 year educational time to inform the world of the  NEW MOSLEM terms, 
based on the teachings of the Prophet, and the only  monotheistic GOD that is the 
same for all monotheistic religions of the  world.   This is an accomplishable 
mission if the Islam Academics have  the courage and the will to make it 
happen.  
 
THIRD:  I would realistically require a solution to the 3000 year old  family 
conflict currently known as the Israel-Palestine conflict.  It  started out 
as a sibling rivalry between Isaac and Ishmael (the two sons of  Abraham).  The 
conflicts have now taken on many different ramifications  with many secondary 
consequences.  The court of world opinion screams that  something be done to 
fairly address the concerns of BOTH sides.  If this  basic issue is not 
addressed, then NONE of the other actions, including our most  recent invasion of 
Iraq, will have any long term and lasting effects.  
 
FOURTH:  The blackmailing commodity behind much of the paranoia is  OIL.  
ENERGY.  Oil has become a world commodity and minor fluctuations  in one country 
affect all others.  It is a very complex Rubric cube of  world economics, with 
NEW players and users every day.   The United  Nations, or others must 
address this or alternate energy sources or we will  fight to the last drop of oil.  
 
FIFTH:   Religious extremist around the world have figured out a  way to play 
a form of guerilla warfare.  They do not play or fight  fairly.   The world 
community of mankind must control and contain  religious extremism and 
violence.  The world faced a similar challenge  during the Crusades centuries ago, and 
must now deal with this phenomenon in all  of our countries.     
 
Thank you for letting me ramble.   Do consider and DEBATE whether  or not 
these FIVE POINT are worthy of further consideration.     They are submitted to 
engender discussion, not to polarize political votes or  parties.  
 
Kenneth L. Mattox, MD
Houston
 
 
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