The Arab World Deserves Better

In all the millions of words being expended about the events in Lebanon in the media, Hizbollah and her apologists are attempting to emphasize the myth that the current wave of violence has no religious component to them.

They are trying too hard to deny the obvious, and for good reason. If there is indeed a religious component to the violence, then all the talk of politics and a political solution, while real, becomes secondary to the Hizbollah agenda.

At it's heart, Hizbollah is not a political, social or military organization. From it's inception, the principles that the organizations claim to follow, are religious. The Hizbollah political, social or military ideologies are an extension of what they claim to be religious principles. It is important to understand that the schools and social services provided by Hezbollah first and foremost serve to promote and expand Hizbollah ideology. Simply stated, that is like the Nazi Party establishing schools, nurseries and providing other services. Hizbollah, like Hamas, have never bothered to hide their bigotry, hatred and racist ideologies.

Those schools and social programs are the 'pudding' wherein the truth can be found. Notwithstanding the reasoned and rational words, Hizbollah was and remains an organization of hate.

In the light of day, both Hizbollah and Hamas leave much to be desired, especially in comparison with western and Judeo-Christian values. The comparisons are readily made, made, because Hizbollah and Hamas want to make them, in an attempt to 'prove' their equality. Like the old Soviet Constitution, the words are beautiful, stirring and noble. Like the former Soviet Union, the words are meaningless. The oppressive and repressive regime that was the Soviet Union made that clear. The same can be said for the words expended by Hizbollah and Hamas.

Hizbollah and Hamas each want to set the ground rules for comparisons between them and the rest of the civilized world. Those ground rules preclude any mention of the horrible excesses committed in the name of religious values they claim as guiding principles. The fight with Israel is only political, they say.

In fact, the misuse of religion by these organization serves Hizbollah, hamas and their murderous agenda. Religion is a tool used to keep fanning the flames of hatred in the region. Religion has become a potent weapon used to isolate Arabs and to prevent them from integrating into the real world.

While Hizbollah and Hamas will insist that their agenda is political only, that is a denial of reality. Their own words and actions tell the tale. As we noted, the Hizbollah and Hamas agendas are clearly seen and heard in their media, schools and religious exhortations.

Imagine local pastors and ministers encouraging and celebrating the worst possible behavior and crimes, committed in the name of religion. Imagine these ministers encouraging murder and mayhem and validating those who commit such acts. Imagine these ministers- men who claim God as their deity- collecting money and tributes to be forwarded on to those who openly state their murderous intentions.

Imagine those religious leaders responsible for educating children.

Well, that is the reality in the Palestinian Territories and in southern Lebanon. All the while, and these religious leaders look into cameras and talk to the media and say, 'No, it isn't religion. It is about politics and it is about our persecution.'

These attitudes are found all over the Middle East, in every Arab country in the region. The noble Arab has been the victim, always. Islam and Muslims are being persecuted. All indignities are the result of unfair treatment at the hands of others.

That is why Muslims butcher each other- because of others. That is why Muslim societies are monuments to failure- because of others. That is why there are despotic regimes in the region- because of others.

The solution, according to 'religious leaders' is more hate in the name of God.

The Arab world deserves better than to have yet another lost generation.