Sharing a few Thoughts (rather serious) on the Conflict in the Middle East and Israel Today (Updated)

Publishing Guidelines: These writings may be freely published electronically or in print.

ISRAEL and the MIDDLE EAST TODAY:

Just sharing a few thoughts ("stirrer"!)

Introduction:
Craig is currently researching and writing his latest novel 'A New Dawn', set in the Middle East: To attempt to find 'common ground'/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous and volatile world. And as he learns from his research, is sharing this extract, a few personal thoughts from his new manuscript. As regards the volatile tinder-box that is the Middle East today, I'm sharing a few personal thoughts that may be of interest... n *
"An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individual conce
s to the broader conce
s of all humanity."n- Dr Martin Luther King Junior

The military approach (in the Middle East and in the WORLD) can never be productive in the long term. On the moral scale it has been a disaster, as the endemic cycle of violence only serves to feed hatreds that are already too fierce. The harder Israel "beats up" Gaza, the harder the inhabitants of the enclave become. And Hamas is now stronger than it's ever been! Because by punishing moderates... you get radicals. Then punish the radicals and you get extreme radicals, 'fanatics filled with hate'.

You can't use bullets and rockets to solve what is essentially a social and political problem. But there IS another way. Negotiatiation, a negotiated settlement is the ONLY way. Engage with elected representatives of the adversary and TALK. The solution, which I'm sure all reasonable world leaders will agree on is a "long-term" peace... and this will NEVER ever come from the barrel of a gun.

"Violence breeds violence, repression brings retaliation, and only a cleansing of our whole society can remove this sickness from our soul." n- Robert Kennedy after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr in April 1968.

The political process can and needs desperately to change.
Our/Your leaders need new horizons and the critical issue is having the political will to reduce violence on both sides. More freedom of movement will reduce poverty. The disappearance of hope, the poverty, the terrible living conditions caused by the internal Palestinian power struggle, is very fertile ground for chaos and anarchy in this region, a "hotbed of intolerance, violence and religious fanaticism". Somehow, changing these conditions and reducing the climate of fear on all sides in turn will give rise to a new dawn of security and stability...hope for everyone, people and nations.

The road to peace ALWAYS starts the first step of talking... nand talking leads to negotiation... even with ones enemies.

With passion and purpose in our individual lives we can touch others and in so doing illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity to make a better world (through helping raise the 'collective consciousness, the critical mass'). Let us encourage our leaders towards an alte
ate vision for the world to embrace: one that banishes the fanatical ideology of intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged. Each one of us in our own little ways can offer (and most importantly, LIVE) a compelling new horizon: a bright future of justness and justice, tolerance, respect for other traditions and values. Especially a vision of hope and thoughts of peace fuelled by the ete
al flame of love, which can light the darkest night... nalways n
Take the Path to peace

Craig Lock ("just a tireless and passionate worker towards more moderation, tolerance and peace in the world")

"Let us not negotiate out of fear,nbut let us not fear to negotiate."n- John F Kennedy

About the author:
In his writings Craig strives to break down social, cultural, nreligious and economic barriers. He believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share is way more important than what divides us.

Craig's new work 'A New Dawn' is set in the Middle East: To attempt to find 'common ground'/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, tubulent and uncertain world. A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially LOVE for the world.nnhttp://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.htmlnhttp://www.craiglockbooks.com

"Let each one of us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation and peace. Let our leaders look at the future with a vision - to see things not as they are, but what they could one day become."

"When people's hearts are filled with love, the world is full of hope"n- craig

"Someday, after we have mastered the winds, the waves, the tide and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love. Then, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire."n- Teilhard De Chardin

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED