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Ongoing Discussion with Trócaire About
the 2006 Israel/Hizbollah War Return to “More Scandalous Politics from Trócaire ” |
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To: Mr Justin Kilcullen 3rd August 2006 Dear Mr Kilcullen, Thank you for your response, and my apologies for the delay in getting back to you. I have been away. Strangely, I am not, as you suggest, an ą la carte Catholic; I fully subscribe to Catholic orthodoxy. That's why, for example, I deplored the Mass “concelebrated” some months ago by four Catholic and Church of Ireland priests in Drogheda. Regarding the ICJSA document you kindly sent me, which I note appears to be issued by the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference. Its tone, whether intentional or not, is quite clearly one that favours Hizbollah over Israel, and I have made a number of observations [on the right], in red italics. I firmly support what is the Middle East's only democratic country (other than the emerging democracies of Iraq and Afghanistan) in its struggle to remain in existence. I equally firmly reject Hizbollah because it is a terrorist organization devoted to the eradication of Israel (and other "infidels") by violent and murderous means. I believe it is not moral to wish for the defeat of Israel by Hizbollah. Moreover, the eventual consequences for Israel and eventually Christendom and the world could be catastrophic. Personally, I could not subscribe to the ICJSA document. Yours truly, Tony Allwright |
ICJSA(Irish Commission for Justice and Social Affairs) A Commission of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference
NO PEACE WITHOUT
JUSTICE,
Pope John Paul II, in the course of his message for the World Day of Peace in 2002 stated, There exists therefore a right to defend oneself against terrorism, a right which, as always, must be exercised with respect for moral and legal limits in the choice of ends and means. The guilty must be correctly identified, since criminal culpability is always personal and cannot be extended to the nation, ethnic group or religion to which the terrorists may belong.
The Irish Commission for Justice and Social Affairs:
This is a meaningless statement unless supported by a view of as to what is “proportionate”. Moreover Hizbollah’s attacks also included invasion of sovereign Israeli territory as well as firing of rockets at Israel. It wasn’t just the two soldiers
Certainly there are problems in the West Bank and Gaza, but the Palestinians should not be exonerated. They have repeatedly turned down the offer of their own state (in 1937, 1948, 1967 and 2000). And even when Gaza was handed to them by Israel, instead of demonstrating their desire for a state by running it properly, they simply used it as a new base for launching attacks on Israel.
A ceasefire without resolving the issue of Hizbollah occupying Southern Lebanon for the sole purpose of attacking Israel would amount to victory for Hizbollah and encouragement for them to continue their attacks. Hizbollah must first be de-fanged and Lebanon given back its own country.
(ii) to ensure the effective distribution of humanitarian aid to the victims of the conflict; (fully agree) (iii) to ensure that the UN puts in place as a matter of extreme urgency a new peacekeeping force with the resources and the mandate to ensure peace on the borders of Israel and Lebanon Though desirable in principle, a peacekeeping force will be no panacea. Any such force must, if it is to be more successful in ensuring Lebanon remains unusurped by either Hizbollah or Israel, have a mandate considerably more robust than that of the wholly ineffective UNIFIL force that has been there for two decades. But being robust will mean that one side or the other will view it as biased and may well attack it as a result.
The Irish may have performed creditably, but UNIFIL itself achieved precisely nothing in terms of maintaining the peace in southern Lebanon. It stood by while Hizbollah, in flagrant violation of UN Resolution 1559, imported weapons, dug tunnels, hid armaments in civilian buildings and eventually launched its unprovoked attack on Israel. This was, in effect, to assist Hizbollah.
It would be good to acknowledge these religious leaders by naming them. Also, I think President Mahmoud Abbas should be included. Though he hates Israel, which he is entitled to, he advocates only diplomatic means to deal with it (mainly because he can see how unproductive Palestinian violence is). Terrorism is both morally repugnant and, as bitter experience shows, politically ineffective. In this context, the terrorist actions of Hizbollah are to be unreservedly condemned. However, given the appalling loss of life and the scale of the destruction of the infrastructure of Lebanon, the military response of the Israel Government to the abduction of two of its soldiers by Hizbollah is totally disproportionate. Again, the world “disproportionate” is meaningless without proposing a realistic alternative response.
The recourse to what amounts to war against a sovereign country in response to terrorists attacks can never be justified and is in violation of the most basic principles of international law. As Pope Benedict in his recent appeal for peace in the Middle East states, “But neither terrorist acts nor reprisals, especially when they entail tragic consequences for the civilian population, can be justified.”[1] It is terrorists such as Hezbollah who should be censured. By choosing to fight and hide among civilians, to conceal their weapons, to dress as civilians and to use Lebanon’s civilian infrastructure, they are grossly violating international law and the Geneva Conventions. Furthermore, the Conventions explicitly authorise the targeting of civilian infrastructure and combatants when they deliberately hide among civilians in such circumstances. Refer, for example to the Conventions’ Protocol I, Article 48 and Clause 7 of Article 51 (http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/93.htm)(http://deoxy.org/wc/wc-proto.htm).
Clearly there are some in positions of power who falsely believe that modern military technology used against a largely civilian population can be effective in achieving political goals. Repelling invasions, killings, abduction and rockets by a terrorist organization is not a “political goal” and will not be achieved without military action.
In this context, it is hard to argue against those who contend that the present Israeli military offensive in Lebanon is not an isolated incident but rather forms part of a pattern which has caused much suffering and loss of civilian life to the Palestinian population in Gaza and the West Bank. Whatever the truth of this contention, it is of the first importance that one acknowledges that the root of the present conflict in Lebanon and Northern Israel is linked to the multiple human rights abuses that the Palestinian population have suffered in the past and continue to suffer today and the grave humanitarian situation that currently exists in Gaza and the West Bank. This is only party true. The overriding truth is that most Muslims consider the very existence of a Jewish state in the Middle East to be an abomination. They believe this land to be entirely theirs by virtue of their military conquests in 7th through 10th centuries when they drove out, converted or slaughtered most of the Christians and Jews that predated them across North Africa, the current Middle East (outside Arabia where Islam began) and even Europe. As they have frequently expressed in various formulations both explicit and implicit, Israel should be wiped from the map. It is foolish not to believe their stated intentions.
It must not be forgotten that recognition of the state of Israel and the right of the citizens of Israel to exist in freedom and with dignity also entails recognition of the state of Palestine and of the right of Palestinians to exist with those same freedoms and dignity. Yes, and they should therefore accept their own state when they are next, for the fifth time, offered it, having refused it in 1937, 1948, 1967 and most recently in 2000 thanks to President Clinton's benign efforts. Israel has always been ready to accept a Palestinian state.
As Pope John Paul II stated, “it is essential that the use of force, even when necessary, be accompanied by a courageous and lucid analysis of the reasons behind these terrorist attacks.”[2] Unfortunately, as of yet, there is little evidence that this lesson has been learnt. Indeed, many in the world refuse to acknowledge the above overriding truth about the desire to obliterate Israel. Many Muslims have some mitigation for this, as they are indoctrinated from an early age at the maddrassas that Saudi Arabia largely funds. Educated Westerners have no such excuse. Why so many would support a degenerate ideology such as Islamism and the terrorism and fascism that it spawns, rather than a democracy such as Israel’s remains a mystery. Surely it’s not down to simple anti-Semitism?
In the face of the mounting civilian death toll in Lebanon and Northern Israel the international community has a responsibility to use its influence to bring about an immediate ceasefire and to ensure the effective distribution of humanitarian aid to the victims of the conflict. The present reluctance of the UN to intervene in the face of opposition from one or other of the warring parties is simply unacceptable. (Previous comment applies.)
The United Nations has an honourable record in attempting to establish peace on the Israel / Lebanese border and, in this context, it is appropriate to acknowledge the considerable contribution of the Irish Defence forces to the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon for over twenty years, one that was not without its cost in terms of lives lost in the course of duty. Unfortunately, as the present tragic events graphically illustrate, the UNIFIL mandate was insufficient to ensure success. In the light of the current crisis, the UN needs to put in place as a matter of extreme urgency a new peacekeeping force with both the necessary resources and an appropriate mandate to ensure peace on the borders of Israel and Lebanon. (Previous comments apply.)
Finally, the ICJSA wishes to affirm its support for those religious leaders in the Holy Land - Jews, Christians and Muslims - who have steadfastly proclaimed the imperative for peace but whose voices are often unheard in this rush to war. It must be remembered that war is never inevitable. Sadly, there are evil people in the world for whom war is the only way to prevent them from killing and oppressing others. Was Hitler not such a person?
As long as there are those, no matter how few, whose lives are dedicated to the work of dialogue, the possibility of reconciliation can never be ruled out. Of course dialogue is preferable, but as Chamberlain discovered not always successful.
In a land that is sacred to the three great monotheistic religions the temptation to despair is not an option.
It is disappointing to see Islam put this way on an equal footing with Judaism and Christianity. Judaism was founded by God, and Catholic Christianity by God-made-man Jesus Christ. As such, Catholicism in particular is undoubtedly a superior religion to Islam, an ideology concocted by a 7th century warlord who was also a murderer, looter, sadist, rapist and paedophile.
There will be peace but not without justice, and justice but not without forgiveness.
It is rather surprising that the Catholic Bishops do not urge Catholics to pray for a just and lasting peace.
[1]
Pope Benedict XVI, 16th July 2006
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To: Tony Allwright 24th July 2006 Dear Mr Allwright, Thank you for your email. As you are aware Trócaire is an agency of the Irish Bishops' Conference. Our work is therefore carried out in accordance with the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. I attach the statement of the Commission for Justice and Social Affairs of the Bishops' Conference, issued today, which comments on the current situation from this perspective. I note from your correspondence to the Irish Times that you take a rather fundamental view of Catholic teaching on certain doctrinal issues. I would suggest that to avert the danger of being an "a la carte catholic" that you adopt the same rigour to the social teaching of the church. I am sure that you will then find many of your current political views to be entirely inconsistent with that teaching. This response ends this correspondence. Yours sincerely Justin Kilcullen |
ICJSA NO PEACE WITHOUT JUSTICE, NO JUSTICE WITHOUT FORGIVENESS Pope John Paul II, in the course of his message for the World Day of Peace in 2002 stated, There exists therefore a right to defend oneself against terrorism, a right which, as always, must be exercised with respect for moral and legal limits in the choice of ends and means. The guilty must be correctly identified, since criminal culpability is always personal and cannot be extended to the nation, ethnic group or religion to which the terrorists may belong. The Irish Commission for Justice and Social Affairs:
Terrorism is both morally repugnant and, as bitter experience shows, politically ineffective. In this context, the terrorist actions of Hizbollah are to be unreservedly condemned. However, given the appalling loss of life and the scale of the destruction of the infrastructure of Lebanon, the military response of the Israel Government to the abduction of two of its soldiers by Hizbollah is totally disproportionate. The recourse to what amounts to war against a sovereign country in response to terrorists attacks can never be justified and is in violation of the most basic principles of international law. As Pope Benedict in his recent appeal for peace in the Middle East states, “But neither terrorist acts nor reprisals, especially when they entail tragic consequences for the civilian population, can be justified.”[1] Clearly there are some in positions of power who falsely believe that modern military technology used against a largely civilian population can be effective in achieving political goals. In this context, it is hard to argue against those who contend that the present Israeli military offensive in Lebanon is not an isolated incident but rather forms part of a pattern which has caused much suffering and loss of civilian life to the Palestinian population in Gaza and the West Bank. Whatever the truth of this contention, it is of the first importance that one acknowledges that the root of the present conflict in Lebanon and Northern Israel is linked to the multiple human rights abuses that the Palestinian population have suffered in the past and continue to suffer today and the grave humanitarian situation that currently exists in Gaza and the West Bank. It must not be forgotten that recognition of the state of Israel and the right of the citizens of Israel to exist in freedom and with dignity also entails recognition of the state of Palestine and of the right of Palestinians to exist with those same freedoms and dignity. As Pope John Paul II stated, “it is essential that the use of force, even when necessary, be accompanied by a courageous and lucid analysis of the reasons behind these terrorist attacks.”[2] Unfortunately, as of yet, there is little evidence that this lesson has been learnt. In the face of the mounting civilian death toll in Lebanon and Northern Israel the international community has a responsibility to use its influence to bring about an immediate ceasefire and to ensure the effective distribution of humanitarian aid to the victims of the conflict. The present reluctance of the UN to intervene in the face of opposition from one or other of the warring parties is simply unacceptable. The United Nations has an honourable record in attempting to establish peace on the Israel / Lebanese border and, in this context, it is appropriate to acknowledge the considerable contribution of the Irish Defence forces to the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon for over twenty years, one that was not without its cost in terms of lives lost in the course of duty. Unfortunately, as the present tragic events graphically illustrate, the UNIFIL mandate was insufficient to ensure success. In the light of the current crisis, the UN needs to put in place as a matter of extreme urgency a new peacekeeping force with both the necessary resources and an appropriate mandate to ensure peace on the borders of Israel and Lebanon. Finally, the ICJSA wishes to affirm its support for those religious leaders in the Holy Land - Jews, Christians and Muslims - who have steadfastly proclaimed the imperative for peace but whose voices are often unheard in this rush to war. It must be remembered that war is never inevitable. As long as there are those, no matter how few, whose lives are dedicated to the work of dialogue, the possibility of reconciliation can never be ruled out. In a land that is sacred to the three great monotheistic religions the temptation to despair is not an option. There will be peace but not without justice, and justice but not without forgiveness.
[1] Pope Bendict
XVI, 16th July 2006 |
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To: Mr Justin Kilcullen, Trócaire 24th July 2006 Dear Mr Kilcullen, Thank you for providing a draft letter to send to people of authority concerning the current Middle East conflict. However the addressees you supply are confined to the EU, the Irish government, the US embassy and the Northern Irish jurisdiction. You've completely forgotten the other side! This suggests you want them to win! Also, of course, the letter itself is hopelessly biased, which gives the same impression. Can you please supply the addresses of the following organizations as they need such a letter as well.
Alternatively or additionally, please
feel free to send these organizations directly the letter [on the By the way, you will realise that there is no such thing as “Palestinian territories”, and this will remain so until the Palestinians agree to accept their own state when offered. Until then, those territories are “disputed”. Weird, isn't it, after all these years. Regards, Tony Allwright |
Dear [please add relevant name] I wish to express my serious concern at the escalation in violence within the Middle East region over the past number of weeks. I am particularly concerned for the plight of civilians who bear the brunt of these hostilities. The fact that I urge your government to: Call for, and continue to work
tirelessly for, an immediate, Actively support any proposals
for an expanded UN peacekeeping, and if necessary
peacemaking, force to be introduced into Lebanon Ensure that Israel,
Hamas and Hezbullah facilitate Engage constructively, and with
balance towards all parties, in order to resuscitate a Middle East peace
process founded on respect for human rights and dealing with the root causes
of the conflict including the Palestinians’
repeated refusal (in 1948, 1967, 2000) to accept a state of their own,
the madrassas throughout the Middle East
that teach Jew hatred and Islamic martyrdom, Israeli occupation
of Work assiduously through key international bodies to develop ongoing independent mechanisms that can ensure the implementation of international law, the protection of civilians and can give victims an opportunity to achieve justice. I hope that your government will make peace in the Middle East a foreign policy priority in order to help ensure the realisation of human rights and universal justice. Yours sincerely, Your name and address _______________________________
Republic of Ireland
Northern Ireland
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Gift Idea |
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Good to report that as at
FREED AT LAST, |
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BLOGROLL
Atlantic Blog (defunct) Blog-Irish (defunct)
Jihad
Religion
Iona Institute
Leisure
Blog Directory
My Columns in the
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What I've recently
But it's not
entirely honest in its subtle pro-Palestinian bias, and therefore needs
to be read in conjunction with an antidote, such as See detailed review +++++
BP's ambitious CEO John Browne expanded it through adventurous acquisitions, aggressive offshore exploration, and relentless cost-reduction that trumped everything else, even safety and long-term technical sustainability. Thus mistakes accumulated, leading to terrifying and deadly accidents in refineries, pipelines and offshore operations, and business disaster in Russia. The Macondo blowout was but an inevitable outcome of a BP culture that had become poisonous and incompetent. However the book is gravely compromised by a litany of over 40 technical and stupid errors that display the author's ignorance and carelessness. It would be better to wait for the second (properly edited) edition before buying. As for BP, only a wholesale rebuilding of a new, professional, ethical culture will prevent further such tragedies and the eventual destruction of a once mighty corporation with a long and generally honourable history. Note: I wrote
my own reports on Macondo +++++
A horrific account of:
More details on my blog here. +++++
After recounting a childhood of convention and simple pleasures in working-class Aberdeen, Mr Urquhart is conscripted within days of Chamberlain declaring war on Germany in 1939. From then until the Japanese are deservedly nuked into surrendering six years later, Mr Urquhart’s tale is one of first discomfort but then following the fall of Singapore of ever-increasing, unmitigated horror. After a wretched journey Eastward, he finds himself part of Singapore’s big but useless garrison. Taken prisoner when Singapore falls in 1941, he is, successively,
Chronically ill, distraught and traumatised on return to Aberdeen yet disdained by the British Army, he slowly reconstructs a life. Only in his late 80s is he able finally to recount his dreadful experiences in this unputdownable book. There are very few first-person eye-witness accounts of the the horrors of Japanese brutality during WW2. As such this book is an invaluable historical document. +++++
This is a rattling good tale of the web of corruption within which the American president and his cronies operate. It's written by blogger Michele Malkin who, because she's both a woman and half-Asian, is curiously immune to the charges of racism and sexism this book would provoke if written by a typical Republican WASP. With 75 page of notes to back up - in best blogger tradition - every shocking and in most cases money-grubbing allegation, she excoriates one Obama crony after another, starting with the incumbent himself and his equally tricky wife. Joe Biden, Rahm Emmanuel, Valerie Jarett, Tim Geithner, Lawrence Summers, Steven Rattner, both Clintons, Chris Dodd: they all star as crooks in this venomous but credible book. ACORN, Mr Obama's favourite community organising outfit, is also exposed for the crooked vote-rigging machine it is. +++++
It is really just a collation of amusing little tales about surprising human (and occasionally animal) behaviour and situations. For example:
The book has no real message other than don't be surprised how humans sometimes behave and try to look for simple rather than complex solutions. And with a final anecdote (monkeys, cash and sex), the book suddenly just stops dead in its tracks. Weird. ++++++
It's chapters are organised around provocative questions such as
It's central thesis is that economic development continues to be impeded in different countries for different historical reasons, even when the original rationale for those impediments no longer obtains. For instance:
The author writes in a very chatty, light-hearted matter which makes the book easy to digest. However it would benefit from a few charts to illustrate some of the many quantitative points put forward, as well as sub-chaptering every few pages to provide natural break-points for the reader. +++++
The author was a member of Britain's V Force, a forerunner of the SAS. Its remit was to harass Japanese lines of command, patrol their occupied territory, carryout sabotage and provide intelligence, with the overall objective of keeping the enemy out of India. Irwin is admirably yet brutally frank, in his descriptions of deathly battles with the Japs, his execution of a prisoner, dodging falling bags of rice dropped by the RAF, or collapsing in floods of tears through accumulated stress, fear and loneliness. He also provides some fascinating insights into the mentality of Japanese soldiery and why it failed against the flexibility and devolved authority of the British. The book amounts to a very human and exhilarating tale. Oh, and Irwin describes the death in 1943 of his colleague my uncle, Major PF Brennan. +++++ Other books here |
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After
48
crackling, compelling, captivating games, the new World Champions are,
deservedly,
England get the Silver,
No-one can argue with
Over the competition, |
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