I apologize

Can’t keep on thinking about the situation in the Middle East. At my defense, they make it hard to do so seen there was a manifestation sunday afternoon with about 30.000 people right in front of our appartement – literally. Nothing so impressive as an angry mob passing in front of your door. But as with all manifestations, nothing is as white or black as presented – and in such a manifestation, there is little room for nuances.

Since the beginning of the bombings, i have seen and read a number of newsitems and articles trying to understand what’s really going on over there.  None of them as good as the editorial of the Economist Jan 3th though. It is true, Hamas ended the ceasefire at 19th december, yes Hamas has since then bombed Israelian villages and cities, yes I too would protect the ones I love but… why are we then all so outraged by the war which was started as the result of this?

They outline three reasons, which I can only underline. First of all, beginning a war should be a last resort – when all other means are tried and failed. In this case, there were still things that could have been done before deciding to bomb Gaza in such an aggressive manner. Second, do we really believe this war will have some positive outcome? Very doubtfull. Third of all, is the reaction in proportion of the aggression? I think we all agree it is not – however sad and absolutely painfull for the ones left behind, the bombings on Israel resulted in 12 deads while the dead count in Gaza was today 975 and counting.

Again a warm call to the world that reason hopefully will prevail one day soon…

Gone Baby Gone

No need to say – the situation in Gaza is awful, and it doesn’t look like it will improve any time soon. A father who puts his children to sleep in different rooms in his house to avoid that all of them will be killed when the house get bombed. It just goes beyond my imagination, and I can not even begin to grasp the horror of it all. Even if you survive such a horror, the traumas will last a lifetime and will create enough volunteers to continue the fight untill eternity.

In such a conflict, it doesn’t even goes about right or wrong anymore – there just is no innocent party except for the people trying to build a live for themselves in this difficult region, palestinian or israeli.

One thing that is painfully apparent in this all, is the lack of power of our international organisations that are specifically created to prevent such atrocities. If even UN schools and UN workers aren’t safe any more – there is definately a border getting crossed here… Even in war, there is a code of honor – a code that protects innocent bystanders. Mothers, children, aidworkers – no cause can justify their deads.  The UN will hopefully vote a resolution this evening, but it’s doubtfull that this will actually put an end to it all.

Maybe a power shift in the states can contribute in finding a solution? In the meantime, pressure from governments all over the world will hopefully get through to those responsible….

Back in Belgium

Can you be happy to be back in Belgium when our government crashed into their own arrogance and is leaving a whole generation desillusioned? Even when there will be new elections in june, who should you vote for? I must admit, I don’t have a clue for the moment. The parties in the majority haven’t exactly thrilled me with their excellent results, and the opposition is – in my opinion – just not existing for the moment.

Who in his right mind would ever take part in such a charade? Not me, you would think. But then again, if you don’t believe that things will improve – all hope is indeed lost… It’s easy to stand aside and judge about the actions of others. Leading by example is what we need, and that all those who think they could do a better job – do exactly that, a better job. Avoid this easy way to complain about the way things are going, but see it as your own calling to do it better. See it as your easy way in, seen it’s difficult to do worse at the moment…

For that, I do respect my brother-in-law Steven Van de Put. He still believes he can make a differenc, even in this climate of anti politics. Although we have a different philosophy about some things, it is hopeful that people with good intentions haven’t lost their faith.

Make your own difference, cause we do get the politicians we deserve, for better or for worse…