You Cannot Physically Kill Extremism

The atrocities in Israel will never truly be explained.? They certainly cannot be condoned or excused. In the wake of the horrific events in the Middle East three thoughts scream at me:

1.?????? You cannot kill extremism.?

2.?????? It is in the shelter of our connection with each other that the people live.? Our shared humanity must always supersede brutality.

3.?????? History provides a backdrop to understand events so that we may learn and not have to repeat difficult lessons.? Unfortunately, too many have no semblance of history. Strip away the blindness and try to be a better version of yourself.

We had many brave men and woman make the ultimate sacrifice during the Global War on Terror (GWOT) ?to degrade the capability of violent extremist organizations.? These actions were essential to our national security, but history demonstrates that they are clearly not decisive.? Yes, Israel must move to deter future attacks.? This will help establish a deterrent, but it will not “kill” extremism. Let's consider some history:

In a March 2010 statement to the subcommittee on emerging threats and capabilities of the Armed Services Committee, LTG (ret) Frank Kearney made some key points regarding Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) that should be ringing in everyone’s ears with the recent Hamas attack on Israel.?

Excerpt:

Following September 11,2001 CONPLAN 7500 was developed.? Initially it was largely kinetic activities on the al Qaeda network and its affiliates.? Enduring success requires broader focus that addresses the underlying causes of extremism.? Bannered under CONPLAN 7500 is a fundamental belief that? extremism cannot be physically “killed”.? Prudent outcomes –direct and indirect—come only from prudent strategy.

We had many brave men and woman make the ultimate sacrifice during the GWOT? to degrade the capability of violent extremist organizations, These actions were essential to our national security but history demonstrates that they are clearly not decisive.? ?Israel must move to deter future attacks.? This will help establish a deterrent, but it will not “kill” extremism.

Think back to actions taken by the United States and its allies in WW2:

1.?????? Non precision bombing of German cities costing countless civilian casualties led by Air Marshall Harris of Great Britain.

2.?????? The use of the atom bomb in Japan.

These were valid responses (my opinion) to the horrific actions of Nazi Germany at the time.? Nevertheless, they were horrific. They are not unlike the response Israel is taking in the Gaza Strip. As history has proven, you cannot physically kill extremism.

The only way this gets better is if we embrace the opportunity to connect with each other and find common ground with a respect for each other through simple gestures of goodwill. Hope like this may feel like a luxury but it starts with each individual making a decision to connect with their fellow humans. The overwhelming majority of Muslims do not embrace a vision of their own religion that has violence at its heart.

?Taking the disaffected and turning them into a weapon, is not the answer either. The situation facing the world today is very complex and much bigger than any one individual, but it is not bigger than all of us together.

The message in church a couple of weeks ago was based on Mark 10:46, where Bartimaeus, a blind man is healed.? We all have things that are blind and not visible to others.

I pray each day for mankind to find a way in their heart to find shelter in each other.? God did not bring us to today to stay the same.? We can be a better version of ourselves each day and strip away the blindness we have to our fellow human’s condition.? Chances are you’re dealing with something no one else knows about. You wish something was different, but you don’t know where to turn.? I challenge you all to lean on one another so we can look forward to God’s plan together.? Find your people and love your neighbor.

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