On a personal level I have always rejected the notion that history repeats itself.It is a statement rooted in cynicism and is ignorant of history and the progressive sensibilities of humanity in a effort to overcome our more destructive impulses. Additionally, I have come to resent the degree to which historic figures or movements are used casually for domestic political or cultural consumption. All too often Adolph Hitler and the Nazis are invoked to marginalize political opposition to such a degree that when the eerie parallels truly apply, they lose their impact.
The world is once again engaged as idle witnesses to war between Israel and Lebanon. Most view this conflict as one more chapter in the conflict between Arab and Jew. While this might have been true three decades ago, it no longer represents the greater dynamic.The dynamic that has reared its ugly head is Islamic Fascism.These 21st Century Nazis seek not only the destruction of Israel, but also those Muslims they deem unworthy of the faith.They seek to undermine an entire faith as a means to suppress dissent in a form and fashion strikingly reminiscent of the Nazis.One must submit to their radicalized view of Islam, just as Germans submitted to a limited view of what it meant to be a German.
The present conflict between Israel and Hezbollah prompted a predictable knee jerk reaction from many in the west.Israel, it has been repeated is using disproprtionate force in response to the murder of eight soldiers and kidnapping of two in addition.It has been criticized for civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.This, in spite of the fact that Hezbollah uses both as shields for their offensive actions.Tragically, this response demonstrates that perhaps history does repeat itself.
Many draw false analogies from the pages of history due to their lack of understanding its contents.Fortunately for the world Israel has learned the lesson of the Rhineland,Austria and Czechoslovakia. Comparing the rise of the Nazis in Germany and Islamic Jihadists is in this instance wholly appropriate.The aspirations of Hezbollah,Iran,Syria,Al Qaeda and many more would not abate even if they succeeded in the destruction of Israel.If succesful,moderate Sunni states of Jordan,Saudi Arabia,Egypt and the Gulf States would fall in rapid succession much like the eastern bloc of the former Soviet Union.Somalia has already come under their sway and with an ally in Sudan, the squeeze soon falls on Ethiopia.If this sounds like the Domino Theory,you'd be correct.
How about the west? Would a Jihadist domination of the most oil abundant region of the world not use it as leverage to make demands on domestic policies,especially favorable to growing Muslim communities? If the Jihadists' ambitions go no further than dominating the Middle East and Africa it is quite evident that oil would become a tool to spread their power and influence beyond its new borders.They have concluded that the world cannot live without its addiction to oil and has no will to fight for it.In this minimalist view, the world owes fealty to them in order to get its fix.
Of course, then there's an alternative position.Will the Jihadists be content with a portion of the world while the remaining pays tribute?This is not as difficult to predict as one may think.Success breeds hubris.Inevitably a Jihadist state would seek to secure what they view as the just rights and prerogatives of Muslims all over the globe.Just as Hitler positioned himself as the protector of all the Aryan peoples, so too our new Nazis would declare a protectorship over Muslims.This of course leads to an inevitable conflict as any nation would seek to protect its' right to define its domestic agenda.
Surely, many may and do view this as far fetched, but a clear understanding of history can prevent its repeat.Israel has embarked on a course of action worthy of the greater progressive movements in history, albeit through the most tragic of means. Sadly, too many nations governed by individuals who have living memories of appeasement have been led to believe that it would all go away with the surrendering of land. Or the destruction of an entire race.
The world, whether it likes it or not is at war, not with terrorists, but a jihadist movement bent on repeating the objectives of Adolph Hitler and the Nazis. Although this jihadist movest lacks the efficient central organization of the Nazis, it is compensated by modern weaponry that does not require a strong central authority. It merely requires a misguided zealot convinced that murder/suicide will lead him to the Garden of Allah.
So, what do we do? Some, who recognize the potential threat have suggested a policy of containment with the Cold War as our historic point of reference.The Soviet Union, for all of their designs never did desire to see Moscow in rubble.Contrast that to Adolph Hitler hunkered down in his bunker as Germany and more specifically Berlin was reduced by the Allies.Similarly, our Islamic Jihadists, these new Nazis revel in destruction viewing it as progress in their efforts to dominate and dictate.
It would be simplistic to suggest we are witnessing a clash of civilizations. Additionally, it is not a conflict between good and evil.This conflict will determine whether or not humanity shall continue to progress and overcome traits that seemingly compel us to acts of destruction. Islamic Jihadists are not only an enemy to civilization as we know it, they endanger all our hopes for the future course and direction of humanity and civilization as it evolves. They would create a world that cherishes bigotry and alternately treats freedom,liberty and justice and everything they entail as heresy.
What do we do? There are times when, however distasteful we must put aside our desire for peace and secure it through war.We did so, belatedly and with greater force and destruction when we faced up to the true nature of Hitler's Nazi regime.We must do the same now because the threat is as great or greater.We need to be reminded of the simple wisdom of Edmund Burke; " All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing". It's time that good men and women meet this challenge or the tragedy will be all the greater.
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