Just in case you missed it, I know my eyes seem to blur a bit when the news speaks of more violence in the middle east. Lebanon is back in the news today, no they are not going to open the new Hilton as promised. Instead we have more unrest in a country already on the brink of complete claps, again.
Over the weekend one of the many Palestinian refuge camps started a little shooting match with the Lebanese army. According to the NY Times, the army entered the camp, which is home to some 40,000 people, in search of a couple of bank robbers. One thing lead to another, this is were it gets a bit foggy for me, and fighting broke out. So, you are looking for a couple bank robbers and widespread fighting breaks out? The answer is yes, these camps, which are spread out throughout Lebanon are some of the poorest places in the region. Many of the people that live in these areas have been there for over half a century. Take the fact that they are Palestinians living in a foreign country with no rights and very little opportunity for work or advancement, it is not to surprising there is some unrest. Groups related to Al Qaeda have moved into the area and our friends, the Syrians have been playing their role as well, supplying money and arms.
The real lose with a population this size in the middle of armed strife are the civillian casualties. I think if these idiots want to fight, why cant they “take it outside”, fighting in the middle of a populas is unforgivable. I would love it if we didnt have to kill each other at all, but that will never happen. So, maybe the next time you are chasing a couple of bank robbers into the middle of a “camp”, you should head the advice bartenders give every night to drunks all over the world. “Hey assholes, take it outside.”
I realize the situation is complicated, just like the rest of the situations in this region. I also know that there are big parts of the story that have been omitted. I am the first to admit, I don’t know all the facts. Maybe you could bring me up to speed, or let me know were I have gone astray.
Disclaimer: The “take it outside” foreign policy segment of this blog is copy written. All right reserved.
