Member-only story
How History and the Past are Endangering Peace and the Future
And why we must effect an immediate change in attitude
Introduction: A Tumultuous Time in Human Existence
Everybody is aware of the recent escalation in the conflict between Israel and Palestine. I am from neither Israel nor Palestine and am not sufficiently familiar with their history to pass judgement upon the legitimacy of either’s grievances. Not that my judgement carries much weight, mind you. I am a nobody.
The only opinion I have formed thus far is this: a legitimate claim to autonomy Palestine might have, but not like this. Taking hostages, murdering innocents, these are never okay. No matter the perpetrator. No matter the nature of the conflict. Innocents must never become collateral damage. I can scarcely comprehend the terror they must be feeling.
Then there is the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Which I cannot believe still continues. Commenting on these clashes feels wrong. I can pontificate from the comfort of my home, but I am not on the ground, fighting, hiding, surviving. I cannot imagine that life. Let me speak about a conflict I have witnessed: the frosty relationship between India and Pakistan.
