Can we, just for a minute, dispense with the ... and ... that the problem Israel and the ... have with one another is actually their mutual solution to the problem of being Can we, just for a minute, dispense with the hand-wringing and acknowledge that the problem Israel and the Palestinians have with one another is actually their mutual solution to the problem of being mortal? Of course to understand what I mean it is first necessary to recognize that it's not love or sex or money that makes the world go around but the fact of death; that what drives virtually everything we believe and do is the need to reduce, to at least a manageable degree of fear, the terror and panic the anticipation of death causes us. (If you can't quite grasp this notion, if you have to be reminded that terror and panic constitute the human default condition, then whatever you're believing and doing is working for you.) Of the myriad subtle and blatant ways we've come up with to make living with an impossible reality tolerable, one example would be the symbolic immortality we assure ourselves of by leaving behind a scientific discovery, or a work of art, that will continue to have an influence on the world. Another is the accumulation of inordinate wealth. The god-like trappings great sums of money buy enable us to feel not just superior to the common man, but less vulnerable to the common fate. Still another is getting high, which is about getting above the body that we know will one day be our undoing. And then there's our invention of an afterlife. Presenting us with a chance to survive deathif we honor the pronouncements and follow the dictates we've assigned to deities of our own fashioningit's this immortality illusion that's at the heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The Arabs are qualifying for eternity by doing what they've determined to be God's work, which is to make war on those who, ignoring or questioning His authority, are undermining His plan for the planet. And Israel, dropped in the Arab's midst, its diverse culture implicitly challenging the validity of Arab beliefs, provides the Arabs with the infidel they need to carry out their mission. For Arabs, it's not about killing Jews, per se. Jews are simply a fortuitously placed means to a purchase on heaven. (You could say thattheir culture being, by all appearances, limited in its repertoire of immortality illusions to the resources of Islamsuicide is the only instrument of self-perpetuation available to the Palestinian terrorists.) On the other hand, the Arabs afford Israelis an opportunity to continually certify their biblically bestowed "chosen" statusand to assure themselves of the post-corporeal rewards implicit in the anointmentby constantly threatening, but never accomplishing, Israel's destruction. Persistently testing Israel's exalted designation, but never disproving it, enabling Israel to be embattled and remain intact, the Arabs are every bit the blessing to Israel that Israel is to the Arabs. It follows that the violence each side visits on the other must be measured; balances and proportions need to be kept. For one side to win, after all, would be for both sides to lose; would, that is, end the game and return both sides to a contemplation of the void. We might call this aiding and abetting of one another's immortality illusionsthe cooperation and the accommodations it requires--the deeper definition of the "social contract." So we can engage ad infinitum in the most earnest discussions about anti-Semitism, about Hamas, about Sharon, about territory and occupation, and forever miss the real dynamic of the situation. The Arab-Israeli problem is, again, a solution to a more pressing problem, to what is, literally as well as figuratively, the mother of all problems. And what accounts for the tenaciousness of the conflict is the ongoing success it's enjoying in the service of its underlying agenda. As long as this holds true, Arabs and Israelis will, for all the anguish it induces, remain at odds because the enmity between them is their buffer against the spectre of oblivion.The pain we are witnessing is a palliative. These are not the worst of times in the Middle East. Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com .
Top blog stories
A review of Idmobile.com
Idmobile.com offers both pay-as-you-go and contract plans. Pay-as-you-go plans are ideal for customers who don't want to be tied down to a long-term contract, and they can purchase bundles of data, minutes, and texts as and when they need them.
Idmobile.com offers both pay-as-you-go and contract plans. Pay-as-you-go plans are ideal for customers who don't want to be tied down to a long-term contract, and they can purchase bundles of data, minutes, and texts as and when they need them.
AO.co is a trusted expert in TVs, washing machines, clothes dryers and other household appliances. AO.com is one of the largest retailers in the UK and it specializes in electronics, clothes and home furniture.
At Three, we believe phones are good. They just make life better. Easier. And more fun. But
we all need to find a balance that works for us. Our mission is to help our customers use
their phones to live their best lives.
We make your life easier
Since 1992, we’ve been helping customers get the best deal on their dream phone. We firmly believe in giving you the highest quality, for the lowest price. That’s why we work with three of the UK’s leading networks to do all the haggling for you,...
At Halfords, we're all about the journey. With more than 700 stores with over 10,000 colleagues, we're the UK's leading retailer of automotive and cycling products. We are also the leading operator in MOT, tyres, car servicing and car repairs - pleasing more than 750,000 customers every year.
It's important to us that everyone gets great customer service and can enjoy our products, no matter their level of sight. So, if you're blind, partially sighted or struggle to see or read the screen, we’ve a range of features to help you get the most from our products and...
Look iconic, without the hassle— using Nasty Gal discount codes, you can shop your favorite pieces for way less by simply entering one of our promotional codes (of your choice) at the checkout. From delivery offers, to promo deals, we keep ‘em coming, so you always have the offer you...
The Covid-19 has caused the school and universities to shut down around the world creating a major issue in Learning and Education. As this virus spreads through the interaction and if social distanci... The Covid-19 has caused the school and universities to shut down around the world creating a major...
Why its Important to Manage Your Holiday Calendars?
A printable calendar 2021 is a prominent online platform where you download printable calendars of your choice. These calendars can be customized as per our client requirement with photo, text, logo, or any other image. If you are thinking of planning a dream vacation tour with family and kids but...
Dog coughing can be due to various reasons ranging from heart condition to pneumonia. Dog coughing should not be ignored as dogs are notorious about hiding pain and physial symptoms. Read this article and understand what can be a reason for your dog cough. We often feel helpless as we...
Your dog's dental wellbeing is no less significant as your own and ought to be something you must take care. Although vets online or local vets are available for consultation, but this article will ac... Your dog's dental wellbeing is no less significant as your own and ought to be...
Purchasing your phone and laptop online is a good choice but what if you are going to purchase pet food from effective pet shop online India? Pet food is one of the most loved things for people and if you are among those people who don’t want to waste their...
Many people consider dog jumping as terrible, especially when it jumps to everyone who comes to your house. However, dog jumping can be a great trait if you train it with good behavior. Especially when you start training your pooch when he or she is able to start jumping. Are...
Tips for choosing the perfect pet food will help you to deliver a wholesome balanced diet to your pet for their well-being. Walk down any pet food aisle and it’s convenient to see how you can spend hours analyzing many options. While the decision-making process may look confusing, these tips...
These White German Shepherds with plush white coats, a good intellect, sporty, and an over-all fun and healthy breed have a remarkable pedigree! This beautiful dog is directly bred from the German Shepherd family with a white coat gene of beautiful recessive white fur. So if you want an adorable...
Though some might believe that offline or in-person classes are much more effective than online classes when it comes to training your dog, there are several reasons to believe otherwise. Virtual dog training classes are just as effective as in-person classes or even more due to the various reasons, which...
When we talk about white cats and kittens in particular no matter the breed, we cannot help but get awed by that graceful color. Be it a short-haired crystal or a fluffy marshmallow, that crisp white color definitely serves as an inspiration to give your pet a name. Meow! Meow!...
1. Loss of willingness in eating or drinking It is natural with animals as they draw nearer to the end they stop eating or drinking. This is mainly because they are too tired and also very sick and h... It is natural with animals as they draw nearer to the...
Pets are associated with love and kindness. In this day and age, they are our loyal companions and we are entrusted for their health and well being. Despite our efforts and constant caring, they can run into trouble, especially they are prone to catch diseases. Our pets cannot tell us...
Search topic
Dog Upset Stomach - What To Give For Vomiting
Pets are associated with love and kindness. In this day and age, they are our loyal companions and we are entrusted for their health and well being. Despite our efforts and constant caring, they can run into trouble, especially they are prone to catch diseases. Our pets cannot tell us...