It is too early to tell, but there are tentative signs that the Middle East is growing tired of war. I certainly hope a just peace can be forged that is good for all.
27 Oct 2024
2 Oct 2024
Middle East - NOT amateur radio
Yesterday, I posted my views on the situation in the Middle East. Overnight, I received a comment that may be pure sarcasm. If this was not intended, please accept my apologies and resubmit a comment. For now, I am not publishing the comment.
My views have not changed: the only long-term solution must be diplomatic with everyone treating everyone fairly and with dignity in peaceful coexistence.
UPDATE 1026z: Lots of military aeroplane activity overhead from the US airbases at either Lakenheath or Mildenhall.
1 Oct 2024
Middle East - NOT amateur radio
The only long-term solution to the long-running situation over Israel seems to me to be a political solution that allows Israel and the people of Palestine to live in peace.
This endless cycle of violence may achieve something in the short-term, but just increases bitterness. Everyone has to compromise for the long-term good.
29 Sept 2024
War and peace - NOT amateur radio
One thing I am certain about - wars rarely settle things, often resulting in long-term distrust and hatred.
In the Middle East this is true at the moment. For many years Israel has had people opposed to the very state of Israel. At the same time Israel has opposed the existence of the people of Palestine. There is much bitterness.
Surely, the only long-term solution, no matter the past history, is peaceful co-existence. Everyone on the planet has a right to peace.
6 Mar 2024
West Bank homes - NOT amateur radio
If only people could live together peacefully.
It is reported on the BBC website that many thousands of homes for settlers have been approved in the occupied West Bank by the state of Israel. Surely this just stokes the fire.
Whilst what happened by HAMAS in Israel on October 7th was evil, surely the response by the state of Israel is over the top?
19 Nov 2023
Middle East conflict - NOT amateur radio
What happened in Israel on October 7th was horrific. Whilst the revenge sought by Israel is understandable, one has to see the wider picture.
Just bombing the Gaza strip and denying many innocents the basic essentials of life just stokes yet more hatred. What is needed is justice on all sides. Arabs have to accept Israel's right to exist and Israel has to respect its Arab neighbours. This includes the Palestinians living in Gaza and the West Bank.
Hatred, where ever it comes from has no place in the world today. Everyone, of whatever race, colour or creed has the right to live in peace. We all have a duty to respect our differences .... peacefully.
12 Nov 2023
The Middle East - NOT amateur radio
The outcome of the current war is unclear. Israel as a nation has clearly been deeply traumatised by the events of October 7th and wants this never to be repeated. I think most nations would feel the same.
At the same time, children, babies and civilians are being maimed or killed every day. No sane person would think this acceptable "collateral damage".
In my view, the only long term outcome is a mutual acceptance that everyone has right to worship whomsoever they choose and a right to live in peace and harmony with neighbouring states. The present dispute has roots that go back a long way.
25 Oct 2023
End game? - NOT amateur radio
Like many, I have been appalled by recent events in the Middle East. Things carried out by both sides have been dreadful. One side is (understandably) out to reap revenge, but I fear far more innocent women, men and children will be killed or maimed for life across the whole Middle East.
It is likely that this bad feeling will continue well after I am pushing up daisies. Why, oh why, can't people respect others?!! They may be different, but we are still just human beings sharing one small planet.
It is not at all clear to me what the end game is.