Where to Now?

A recent commenter asked my opinion of a "solution" to the Middle East crisis. Even though I don't have a practical "solution," I do have a few ideas that may shed some light on the situation.

First of all, I have no first-hand knowledge of the feelings and emotions that are central to the continuing conflict. I am aware that the differences involved span centuries. That means that the programmed mental states have been reinforced over and over again at least over that period of time. As such, who is right or wrong is immaterial where a solution is involved.

The first condition for a resolution will be forgetting the past. I know that's easy for me to say since I am removed from the situation. Questions that are associated with this condition are: "Are we headed toward complete mutual destruction"; "If so, is that scenario okay with everyone involved?" "Have we really accomplished any meaningful "net" change over the centuries of conflict." I guess what I'm getting at is an assessment of what continuing armed conflict has accomplished to the present. Including the acceptance of non-participating civilian casualties.

The second condition is to focus on the future. Questions here are: "What do we really want as a future for our families and children?" "How can we best provide the goods and services for the quality of living we desire?" "What kind of support would we need to become self-sustaining?" "Do we have a total system that can provide the needs, wants, and aspirations of our all of people?"

The third condition is a collective transformation in the justified belief of mutual hatred. Questions: "Is it okay for the past to predestine the future?" "Is anger and hatred an acceptable way of life?" "What could happen if we began a dialogue with each other who are the same but believe differently?" "What if we extended this dialogue to those who are different?"

I am thinking that these suggestions begin with individuals under the age of fifteen (generally most "adults" are hopelessly hard-wired) and dialogues primarily take place using the internet or other available communication modes. I am most of all suggesting that this be a "global dialogue," since most everyone on this planet has an opinion as though he or she lives in the Middle East. What is happening in the Middle East is a reflection of the consciousness of this entire planet of human beings!

These are my immediate thoughts. I look forward to other ideas from those of you who visit this site.

P.S. The alternative to the ideas above is continue what we are doing and see where it leads; which I'm sure is no mystery to anyone.