When will all the fighting end?

Just read this news story : Israeli tanks 'enter Gaza' after deadly clashes

Looks like fighting has flared up once again in the Gaza after 2 Israeli soldiers were killed by Palestinian militants. Another incursion by the Israeli army could be imminent in retaliation for the deaths. Tanks and bulldozers are already moving close to the town of Khan Younis. Is peace ever a possibility between Israelis and Palestinians? My heart says yes but my head says no. It appears hatred of either side is ingrained into the people at a young age, particularly for Palestinians.

Last week I saw an episode of the excellent Dispatches series on Channel 4 called 'Children of Gaza' (Link to programme here). The film-maker follows three children as they try to rebuild their lives and instil some sense of normality after the recent three week war of 2008. Their lives wrecked beyond belief. One boy is interested only in avenging the death of his father, - shot as he innocently confronted troops firing at their home - and as soon as he's old enough will join the militants. A girl, whose family now    live in a tent after the bombing destroyed their home, would rather die as a martyr than continue living. These children have deep mental and emotional scarring which is aggravated further as living conditions worsen within Gaza. (Image taken from a photo gallery of the youngest casualties in the Gaza war by the Guardian.)

I can see no hope of peace from the Palestinian side if they are not allowed to rebuild their infrastructure and economy. This is impossible while Israel's current blockade of the Gaza strip is in effect. The environment within Gaza is a breeding ground for hatred and animosity and until this changes, Gaza will continue to produce terrorists/resistance fighters for generations to come.

US health care reform bill becomes reality

Yes. Finally after what seems like ages, this bill has gone through. Full story here. I love Obama in HD.

Not more celebrities crying...

I groaned when I saw an advert for another celebrity driven, "really difficult" fund raising challenge for Sports Relief. Fearne Cotton was crying. Again.

David Walliams, Davina Mcall, Fearne Cotton, Patrick Kielty, Russell (average comedian who's last name I can't remember), Jimmy Carr and another actress/comedian who's not very well known were all cycling from John O Groats to Lands End. This annoyed me. Not more celebrities weeping on TV for a good cause, surely.

There is reason behind this cynicism. The momentous climbing of Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief made me angry. Gary Barlow and his chums including Ronan Keating, Fearne Cotton and 2 fifths of Girls Aloud climbed it back in February 2009. It wasn't that it wasn't for a good cause. Looking at the website just now they raised £3,400,000 which is pretty amazing. No, I was left wondering, is this challenge really that hard? I came across this BBC article at the time.

Obama's America: The Price of Freedom

Great new series on the history of America, particularly this episode - The Price of Freedom. Focusses on the war in Afghanistan and the lessons of past failures.

He makes the point of how Americans still view wars as they did the Second World War - morally just invasions, as straightforward battles between good and evil. The lesson of Korea was forgotten by the Bush Administration, leading to the mess we're in now.

I was hoping for much more from Obama on foreign policy, perhaps steps towards peace and a less aggressive attitude from the US. However, Afghanistan is a catch 22. Do the US and UK leave and let the Taliban take over now or fight on and keep a military presence there for the unforeseeable future? 

I worry this war could make or break Obama's legacy as President.

Watch this episode here.

Money makes the world go round, or in this case, American politics...

This post relates to a Guardian newspaper article printed on Tuesday 12th May. It can be read here- Barack Obama's key climate bill hit by $45m PR campaign

There is currently a PR battle waging in the US between environmental groups and the oil, gas and coal industry. So far the big players have spent $44.5 million this year on media campaigns, lobbying companies and donations to Congress members. Obama's bill could make a huge impact on global warming, not only cutting US emissions but leading by example. Countries would no longer be able to hide behind the excuse "America isn't playing ball so why should we?".

"Change has come to America" and a few other videos

Pressure on Israel is the key to peace

It is clear that Israel is in charge - especially in the current violence - of the situation in and around the Gaza strip. In three days Israel managed to kill 375 Palestinians as opposed to Hamas' efforts of 4 Israeli deaths.

But Israel cannot help being provoked by Hamas. In order for any kind of moderate government movement to start up in Gaza, Israel, in the short term, must commit to peace and allow essential aid into Gaza. This conflict is a vicious circle which will only stop once one side stops attacking the other. This change in attitude must come from Israel. As the more developed and democratic of the two belligerents, Israel needs to set an example. If they do not and carry on with their ground offensive into Gaza they will only fuel the hatred of Israel by young Palestinians, breeding the next generation of suicide bombers and rocket launchers. Children seeing Israeli tanks every few years tear apart their homes destroys any idea of peace for the future.