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the_ignored
SFN Addict
2562 Posts |
 Posted - 04/02/2002 : 18:14:29 [Permalink]
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Forget what my idea was, I just read "LordOfEntropy's" idea. His is better! This time I'm being serious!
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Badger
Skeptic Friend
Canada
257 Posts |
Posted - 04/03/2002 : 09:20:48 [Permalink]
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LordOfEntropy,I like your response.
You don't have to go all the way to Russia for oil, though. Just annex Canada. I'm sure we wouldn't notice for a few years.
With regard to the middle east, they have been at it for thousands of years. That strip of land has been a pathway for migration of populations for eons, which has resulted in conflict. Now, they're just doing it with modern weapons, in the media spotlight. Israel is on the verge of practicing genocide on the Palestinians, and unless someone uses a nuke, this will end with a whimper, and then international investigation, similar to Bosnia.
We can't do anything about it because they are much better at war and terrorism than we are. Cutting off aid will just hasten things along.
It seems to me that I remember every fuckin thing I know. (Tragically Hip) |
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Omega
Skeptic Friend
Denmark
164 Posts |
Posted - 04/03/2002 : 16:53:05 [Permalink]
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Of course there is a lot of religious crap to account for the problems. The Jews have their holy land described to them in the Old Testament. In Jerusalem no less than three world-religions have holy places.
I'm worried because the “Butcher of Lebanon” is running the show. And now it's going hay-wire. If Arafat dies the martyr-death imagine how many martyrs will follow his lead?
The EU is paralysed and our foreign ministers just sit and twiddle their thumbs, while the Israeli army shoots at foreign peace-demonstrators and another suicide-bomb goes off in the occupies territories.
The only solution I see (which is near impossible) is for Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories completely and the settlers will never agree to that. Make a Palestinian state. And then all Arab countries accept the state of Israel.
I wonder if that is even possible now?
"All it takes to fly is to fling yourself at the ground... and miss."
- Douglas Adams |
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@tomic
Administrator
USA
4607 Posts |
Posted - 04/03/2002 : 17:10:24 [Permalink]
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The settlements are a major problem. Israel took foreign aid in the 80s and turned around and used that to build settlements apparantly thinking that if they built there they would never have to leave. But it's not their land. Much of Israel is already land they stole in the 40's. The ex-residents are already upset over that. But the settlements just take that anger up a notch. What is really amazing is that these settlers feel like they are entitled to stay on stolen land!
@tomic
Gravity, not just a good idea...it's the law! |
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Omega
Skeptic Friend
Denmark
164 Posts |
Posted - 04/03/2002 : 17:22:33 [Permalink]
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Atomic> Again I think you have to look at the “God-given” borders of Israel. They're somewhere in the Old Testament, the last book starring Moses I think. And the settlers are all fanatical jews.
Another part of the problem is that if you critizise Israel, you'll sometimes get some rather harsh accusations of unpleasant political orientations thrown back in your face.
"All it takes to fly is to fling yourself at the ground... and miss."
- Douglas Adams |
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Lisa
SFN Regular
USA
1223 Posts |
Posted - 04/03/2002 : 23:06:54 [Permalink]
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Okay, without a political slap in the face, what would happen if Uncle Sam's money teat were to dry up for the entire area? I'm not just talking about Israel. I mean the entire region.
No aid money for food. No economic, military, or agriculture advisors. Just quit answering the phone.
Lisa
If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much room. |
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@tomic
Administrator
USA
4607 Posts |
Posted - 04/03/2002 : 23:21:59 [Permalink]
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I tell you. I could almost go for Alaska oil drilling if it was somehow guaranteed that it was to make the US less dependant on oil imports AND we poured some more money into alternative sources.
I don't know what effect there would be if the US and other weapons sellers and the like stopped dealing with the region but you have to wonder where a tiny country like Israel found the funds and access to the weapons it has. Just about every country in the region imported all of their advanced weapons. I don't think their armies would function very long without aid.
@tomic
Gravity, not just a good idea...it's the law! |
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Omega
Skeptic Friend
Denmark
164 Posts |
Posted - 04/04/2002 : 17:37:14 [Permalink]
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Lisa> I'm not really an expert on the entire Middle-East. But to the best of my knowledge the USA supports Israel financially and with weapons. What other countries are we talking about? There are troops and advisors stationed in Saudi Arabia, but I think it's to keep an eye on Iraq, not to help the average Saudi with anything.
Weapons are being produced all over the world. If one country would seize selling weapons to a party (is that even imaginable?), I'm unfortunately sure others would stand in line to offer to sell.
I'm not from the US, so I don't know what the US (or it's population) gets in return for the sometimes very one-sided aid to Israel? Anyone?
"All it takes to fly is to fling yourself at the ground... and miss."
- Douglas Adams |
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