People view the conflict through a specific ideological lens (=fog). Few, if any, seem able or willing to approach the issue 'objectively' evaluating the situation without preconditions or assumptions. All too often, there are knee jerk reactions especially as it relates to Israel's actions. People's "minds are already made up, they don't want to become confused with the 'facts'".
Protests seem de rigour in the Arab countries. Sponsored (encouraged at minimum) by the government to publicly demonstrate their support of the Palestinian cause (without having to do anything concrete like financially support their [the Palestinian] economy and social needs). I get the sense that Israel seems a convenient whipping post to deflect criticism of the regime and a way to promote their call (not generally considered politically correct) for the destruction of the State of Israel.
Israel--post 1967--no longer is seen as a victim of Arab/Palestinian aggression. That Israelis suffer under constant bombings or terrorist attacks (like suicide bombings) with minimal (less than 100's of deaths) seems unworthy of comment. On the contrary, it's the result of their [Israel] "occupation" of Gaza (which it officially--de jure and de facto--disengaged its presence) and the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) and the building of settlements. For me, the left (including some in Israel), the non-aligned countries and the Islamic world have joined forces to protest each and every Israeli action.
That Egypt has 'failed' to fall into lock step with the other Arab countries, has made it a target for tremendous criticism -- betraying the Arab cause and engaging in "treason". There's no such thing as an honest broker, it's either "us" or "them" (a la the George W Bush world view).
How to cut through the fog?
First, we must recognized its complexity and lack of a simple solution. Benny Morris' op-ed piece in the New York Times on 30 Dec 2008 is a start.
Next, biases must be disclosed (if that's actually possible).
Equity without moral equivalences must be the rule. Both sides need to have their feet put to the fire. The comments of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon yesterday (29.Dec.2008) is a start.
“While recognizing Israel’s security concerns regarding the continued firing of rockets from Gaza, he firmly reiterates Israel’s obligation to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law and condemns excessive use of force leading to the killing and injuring of civilians, ... condemns the ongoing rocket attacks by Palestinian militants and is deeply distressed that repeated calls on Hamas for these attacks to end have gone unheeded"
As was his statement of 24.Dec.2006 calling on Hamas to cease its rocket attacks on Israel.
“The Secretary-General is gravely concerned about the situation in Gaza and southern Israel and the potential for further violence and civilian suffering if calm is not restored,” a statement issued by his spokesperson said. “He condemns today's rocket attacks on southern Israel.”What influence this will have on UN deliberations--in the General Assembly and especially within the Security Council--is anyone's guess.
In the meantime, some fog lights are being shined on the issue. Hopefully, it'll start to cut through the ideological fog too.
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