Current Events

I have been to the Middle East, or "Southwest Asia", on a couple of occasions. The first time was to Saudi Arabia (and Bahrain) during Operation Desert Storm. While I was there, we were the proud target of numerous scud attacks. In fact, it was at our Base in Dhahran that had the largest casualty event of that war, from a scud attack.

For a time, we lived under the constant threat of a scud landing in our midst. Even though we were protected by the Patriot Missile System, we knew that missiles could, and did, get through. It was our almost desperate hope that the Army would hurry up and find and eliminate the launchers that were plaguing us.

My second trip was to Israel, when I was in School and got to talk to some soldiers and people who were in Israel during that war. They too were protected by Patriot Missile Systems as they too were subject to scud attacks. However, they showed great restraint in not sending their army after those that were launching missiles at their country in hopes of drawing the entire region into a war. I know the terrible feeling of being a soldier and living under the constant threat of death by rockets.

Now, imagine what it is like if you are under that same threat, only in your home. Not as a soldier, but just as you going about your daily life, and, oh yes, the neighbors might bomb you at any time, either with rockets, missiles or suicide bombers.

Now Israel has been attacked again by rockets and missiles from Hamas in the Gaza Strip. I think Israel has shown incredible restraint by even allowing an enemy that has sworn to eliminate them to obtain and retain power in the Gaza Strip. But, they have decided that they don't want their people blown up, so they are working to stop it...and are being severely criticized for it.

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem...and pray that we never fall into their shoes in our country.