Regardless of the precision of the facts here, the important essence of the piece cannot be ignored.
It is not uncommon today, particularly for those in nations which, since the end of WWII, have lived in relatively peaceful, prosperous and reasonably just and representative nations, to believe in the notion that 'right' will conquer. Indeed, I suggest that many not only believe this but are so conditioned to believe it that they never even give it a thought - it is unconscious belief, as is all conditioning.
For too long, the USA has been a pre-eminent power and the supposed leader of the 'free world' and protector of justice and freedom everywhere. Many nations, even capable ones such as Britain - which incidentally was the main reason for Nazi Germany losing WWII, have becomes sycophantic followers of the USA, feeling secure that they are 'protected' as US allies. - It isn't true.
It is sad that the first casualty of war is truth. I can't argue with that, however I would add that such is also the first casualty of peace. Indeed, I argue that truth is the casualty of all those who fail to accept difference, seek to envy or desire what others have, either realistically, hereditarily or irrational fear others on and near their borders, or simply those who have desires to be 'Great' leaders - no doubt based on the reality that there are far more statues and monuments built and named in honour of those who killed than those who produced peace.
The reality is that resilience, perseverance, throwing rocks instead of firing bullets are all ways in which a people can continue to show resistance to an opponent or an occupying force. However, it is also a reality that for all the courage, motivation and sacrifice this shows, might will out in almost, if not every case.
The only way that Ukraine will survive as a nation and that more ex soviet states and perceived geo-political threats to Russia will survive is if Nato and other nations who oppose 'might is right' or 'bullying' as it is more commonly purveyed, will stand up, collaborate financially and militarily and completely isolate Russia or occupy it and dismantle its corrupt regime.
Whilst I would like to think that there may be a good chance of that happening, I very much doubt that it will. I say that because most of the western, supposed supporters of peace-making and human rights and democracy are currently displaying their hypocrisy by arming and financing the genocide being carried out by the IDF under the orders of a criminal - Netanyahu.
That situation is something that could have been stopped relatively easily by the USA. However they are too beholden on the Jewish lobby and the funding it provides to risk losing its support. It was for extremely similar reasons that Britain, later accompanied by Germany, France and the USA partitioned what had been Palestine for 400 years to create the state of Israel, in the process dispossessing over 750,000 Palestinians. Ever since, Israel has treated Palestinians as 'less than', in a not dissimilar way to that in which Australia treats its First Australians, though admittedly, probably even worse.
It is considered legal under international law for people of an occupied territory to sabotage and arm themselves and. use force to escape their imprisonment.
It is not considered legal under international law or the Genocide Convention, the definition of which fits precisely what Israel is doing in Gaza, to commit all the human rights violations it has and continues to do, such as targetting domestic houses, destroying infrastructure, demolishing hospitals, shooting journalists, doctors, nurses, paramedics, aid workers, United Nations personnel and others who were simply attempting to save lives - not taking sides - not being antisemitic or pro Palestinian - simply attempting to save lives, not least those of what are now over 10,000 children dead. - Were these children, some of them new born or still infants, Hamas terrorists?
It is unfortunate. I dislike having to say it for I am a pacifist. However, until the notion of 'might is right' is eliminated, which probably means, paradoxically, its use. then Ukraine will go under, either the Palestinians or the Israelis will go under and the World will never see peace - only further conflict and war.
It is wrong to want what others have. It is futile. Each of us may live for, at best a hundred years or a little more. As they say, "you can't take it with you", so, why can we not use our combined intellect and resources to put innovation, design, technology and even - if we must - materialist money making - into discovering formulas for acceptance of difference, of opportunities to welcome and learn from one another, of ensuring equity and the sustainability of our environment, our cultures, our varying views on how to live well and appropriately, and most of all, despite any differences we have, how to live in peace?
As long as $trillions continue to be possibly our major motivation for action involving those who are different - in whatever way - and as long as we jealously guard and enter confllct to own borders across which, in most cases, ordinary people of different believes, cultures, diets, occupations, appearance and etc. have gone back and forth peacefully for millennia.
Yes, there will probably always be megalomaniacs and other sick and demented demagogues and war mongers. However, I don't believe that they are in the majority. On the contrary, we have simply allowed them control.
It is time for people of caring, compassion and honest to take that control back and begin building a new and equitable world society, NOW.
Take care. Stay safe. ☮️
#borc
