Appeasement

As Europe continues to pay for the Islamic nations melt down in the Middle East and North Africa I wonder where it will all end. One can take the historical view; that it is in some way all our fault because of the treaties carving up the middle east for oil and territory by the victorious nations in 1919. Or the vested interest of he oil companies in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Iran that added to the problem from then on. But, its not the whole story. The disputes between tribes and the religious differences between Islamic sects did and continues to do far more harm.

Many have said that this is the Muslim version of the Middle Ages and currently they are experiencing some kind of reformation, but I do not think that is the whole story either. I think a lot of the problem is the nature of the peoples indoctrination to believe they are the only true faith and no matter what the sect they are the chosen ones. Such values and beliefs are totally at odds with more enlightened people and is totally behind the cause of the carnage we see in Syria, Libya and now Paris. This will continue while these ethnic, cultural and religious divides are so extreme within the Muslim faith. Plus, Sunny Saudi Arabia and others backing one side and Iran the other will always ensure their is never peace. And yet even within theses two diametrically opposed forces the sub sects continue to squabble. Of course, our own backing Saudi Arabia is a stain on our honor. I still wonder at the Saudis who recently said they would not take any refugees from Syria because it would upset the social cohesion of the state. I rest my case.

They say that evil prospers when good men do nothing. But many good men have tried and died trying to stop this particular evil prospering. I now I fear the only way this evil will come to an end is when the blood letting stops. It has been the way though out history, that these civil and religious wars only stop when those that cause them lie dead or driven from the lands they seek to dominate and once again or one or other sect is dominated through fear.

I have watched it and been involved in it from a young lad of 17 in Oman and then Lebanon, Afghanistan, Somalia and Pakistan as a soldier and UN Observer. I have always amazed how the local tribes can turn into savages intent on revenge and extreme cruelty at the drop of a hat or word from the Mullah like something out of the middle ages. It never ceases to amaze me because I have known these same people extend nothing but hospitality and manners to a person they deem a guest. And yet I am the same infidel they wish to kill the next minute. Perhaps that is half the problem, their faith is contradictory at best and divisive within its sectarian nature.

I remember a very distinguished old solder with a lot of service in India and the Middle East telling me that sooner or later the big one would break out and it would be the West V Islam. I think he may be right because unless Islam is ready and willing to moderate and confront the demons that drive it to such carnage then it is heading towards the only other alternative and that alternative is a veil of tears and moderation through decimation.