So, the UN fact finding mission, headed by Justice Richard Goldstone, a South African judge, has issued its report. Yes, they found actions during the Gaza invasion amounting to war crimes. Yes, on both sides. Firing missles at civilians, shelling of hospitals, firing on civilians. Also, there is evidence of crimes against humanity (a more serious issues). (No, no genocide. Please don't go there.)
Of course, for those of us who have taken the view that war mongers, whether Israeli or Palestinian, (or American, or any other nationality, for that matter) inflict horrors on innocent people who do not want war, this is not a surprise.
I diary this, because I know it will be diaried. However, I have a request....
First, read the report (long pdf)or the NYTimes account please.
However, the reason I really want to diary this is to invite you to take this opportunity for some personal practice. Set aside your anger or outrage, and practice discussing these difficult and painful issues from a wiser, more compassionate peace.
I would like to invite you all to try to discuss this report in a civil way. Some of you will remember a recent diary by volleyboy1 on news collection that was remarkable for its mostly civil discussion Please let us continue this spirit.*
In fact, I would invite you to read this report and comment here, from the point of view of whichever side you normally decry If you are normally pro-Israeli, try arguing the palesitnian side here. If you are normally pro-Palestinian, please see what you can say to defend Israel's point of view here. At least make an effort to find compassion.
Whatever you do, be kind to each other. We are a good community, but I/P diaries bring out the worst limbic responses in all of us it seems (I am far from blameless in this regard myself.) But we are still a community of passionate people.
In short, this report describes horrors and tragedy for many people. To my mind, dead children have no nationality, they are children. Be respectful of the suffering and do your part in this small place to see if we can create a little peacefulness amongst ourselves to see if maybe, we can find a common ground that may yet lead to a place for peace and compassion to grow.
Thank you
please feel free to remind me that I do not always practice this myself at any time in any diary.