The Bombing in Lebanon











C, a friend of mine and of most postgraduates in York, is trapped in Lebanon now. I was so shocked when Sue told me the horrible news. Although a friend confirmed that she is safe now but I cannot stop feeling worried for her.

I know there is a long history of conflict between Muslim and Jewish communities in the Middle East and indeed in the whole world. The hatred and opposition is too complex to disentangle, I think. But my problem is I really don't understand why people always easily forsake peace and conveniently justify their resort to violence. The war has been making both communities suffer, but still military advancement is always given the priority.

I cannot make any judgment between the two countries as the political situation in that region of the world is really not my specialty. At this moment, I am only selfishly worried about the safety of C and her family. To be honest it's a bit abstract for me to imagine the peoples suffering in the war, while it's more realistic for me to only think about C. Her graceful dancing figure in her birthday party last year kept coming back to my mind throughout the day. I wish they are safe and calm.
My wish is selfish, but isn't "selfishness" a sufficient reminder? If everybody can "selfishly" think about their friends and family and "selfishly" want their friends and family to be happy and safe, he will learn to avoid getting involved in the vicious circle of violence. The economy of hatred will eventually crash everyone within it, it is the only way how violence works. No one can take advantage of violence.