Land of Milk and Honey

There seems to be something about the land of Cannan that makes men insane.  The spiritual nature of the land is undeniable, as it is the birthplace to the three mono-theistic religions of the world.  It is with great irony that these religions of peace often lead to the endless bloodshed we witness today.

The level of animosity that exists between the Decedents of Abraham has existed it seems since man has been able to write, for the invasion of Cannan by Joshua in biblical times.  With the advancements of technology and a theology that encourages active martyrs all that has changes is the intensity of the carnage perpetrated.

What had fueled this ever increasing orgy of violence has been the Arabic, and a greater extent, Islamic sense of brotherhood.  This was of course used by the largely Monarchical Governments as a proxy war to keep their populations focused on an outside foe, rather than the corrupt practices occurring at home.

This was then extrapolated to include the United States and by extension the West, who was still feared and reviled because of the Crusades.  (Nevermind of course the atrocities committed by the Islamic Incursion well into Europe, and had dominated Spain well into the 1400’s. )

We see now the first chink of that unwaivering closeness beginning to break.  As with Pakistan and Bangladesh whose forefathers felt that Islam would supersede varying national interests, so the West bank is breaking from Gaza.

Where the political party of Fatah has realized that the destruction of Israel isn’t exactly the best party platform for the long term goals of the Palestinian people, they have worked with Israel (albeit slowly) for the good of the people as a whole and not catering to the extremest segments.

Gaza on the other hand fully embraced Hamas as their political leaders, lending some level of legitimacy of to the terrorist organization.  What has followed is the near totality of the world placing sanctions and embargoing the strip of land that has been home to many terrorists over the years.

This deterioration of circumstance has broken the Islamic brotherhood by forcing Egypt to close its borders to the troubled land to keep the constant stream of evacuees and immigrants from entering the country.

In the Biblical tale Ishmael and Isaac did not get along and were to some degree rivals to the birthright promised Abraham by God.  When Abraham died the two did manage to put their feelings aside and were able to have peace between them, for a time.  Perhaps with the death of Hamas the modern counterparts of Israel and Palestine will be able to be at peace as well.

For only then will the land of Cannan fulfill its title of the Land of Milk and Honey

Peace In Our Time

Well I don’t know about you, but I am definitely feeling so much better about the idea of peace in the Middle East.  With a President that has been so correct on diagnosing and applying policy to critical questions that have faced our country, it is safe to say that President Bush knows exactly what he is talking about.

One may look to his many successes on the foreign policy front, and you must stare in awe at the keenness of his eye, and the sharpness of his intellect.  While so many others have failed to bring prestige across the globe for the United States, President Bush has truly shined.

With the United States military finding the arsenal of Biological and Chemical weapons bunker in Iraq, which had a total payload of 200 million tons, keeping these weapons from potential terrorist was indeed a huge success for this administration.

This is of course ignoring the great embrace that the Iraqi people have shown towards Coalition Military units.  Showering before them as they travel the streets of Baghdad  and through the country with flowers of praise and thanks.  The Iraqi people have truly embraced democracy, a fact shown by the professional way that the trial of Saddam Hussein was conducted, and the eventual outcome of his imprisonment for life, rather than the death penalty.

When combined with the capture trial and eventual execution of Osama Bin Laden, as well as 7 of his ten highest ranking members, the War in Afghanistan will truly go down in History as the most successful reprisal of terrorist actions.  Having been one of the most disadvantaged countries since the beginning of the Mongol Empire, the ability of Afghanistan to turn their backs on opium farming and build the foundation for a capitalistic democratic country that serves as an example to the world the power of personal worth.

These successes served as the tipping point to finally be able to normalize relations  with Iran, and be a driving force to bring the Islamic Republic on the world stage as a peaceful member of the global community.  Having concluded that nuclear energy is no longer necessary for their countries national defense, President Ahmenijihad has canceled the fledgling nuclear program and has desires to act as an emissary of Peace to the people of North Korea.

While the only snag has been the persistence of the North Korean government to only close down one of their nuclear facilities, signals have been sent by Kim Jung Il, that he is willing to participate in regional talks without limitations or restrictions.   Should this be the worst outcome that President Bush’s Administration faces, history will truly be able to place him in the conversation of one of the greatest Presidents this country has ever had.

Though the accomplishments do not stop there.  Through the unique friendship that exists between President Bush and out going President Putin, Russia has transformed itself into a truly democratic society that stands as a champion of the rule of law, economic transparity,  while being a calming influence of change upon Asia.

By that same token, Saudi Arabia has also embraced the unique position that they have by being at the epicenter of two of the three most important cities in the Islamic world.  thorough interfaith dialogues initiated by the President the Wahabi teachers have embraced a reformation of Islam that seeks to rid itself of the negative stereotypes and speak to the true essence of the Prophet Muhammad.

The places that have experienced the greatest change in the Political landscape because of this outcome have been of course, the peace agreement and nuclear disarmaments treaties that now exist between India and Pakistan, and the purpose of this post, Israel and Palestine.

This has been the Presidents first trip to the country of Israel, and he has had talks with the leaders of both the Palestinian Authority, as well as the Prime Minister of Israel.  Mr. Bush has proclaimed that he feels that a deal of peace may be struck within this his last year of his Presidency.

With the economy rolling along strong, and New Orleans back to its former glory is is little wonder that the House of Representatives introduced a Constitutional Amendment seeking to abolish the limits on the number of terms that a President may serve.  President Bush declined and spoke against this amendment of  course, by saying that, “One man, one Party, One President, can never be greater than the Whole of our Country, while today’s media seeks to praise me, it is truly the principles of our country that has made these successes possible.”

So when the elections in November comes around, the nation will surely morn the loss of one of its most influential leaders, and a truly golden era as our country has elevated itself to new heights of prosperity and prestige.   One may only hope that the tradition of this President may continue as the endorsed Candidate Mike Huckabee seems poised to lead us into the future.  A future where we will truly have Peace In Our Time.