The War of the Gods:

The conflict between Israel and Hamas is, unfortunately, not a political conflict. If it had been a political conflict, it would have been resolved long ago. The solution to a political issue generally only needs two semi-intelligent leaders; one usually needs more money and the other more lebensraum. Capitalism comes to the rescue and Voila … problem solved. The problem in this case, however, is that the conflict between Israel and Hamas is, tragically, a religious problem. Complex.

In this case, we do have two semi-intelligent leaders, but their egos are driven (although not strongly resisted) by hysterical and uninformed masses who believe with total conviction in the promises made by three gods; let’s say between 2,5 and 1,5 thousand years ago. Well … not really three gods, actually only one, but with three inflexions. Very complex.

What makes it even more complex, is that the choice between the three gods, has nothing to do with intelligent, rational and informed decision-making … no; on the contrary, everything to do with memes (cultural genes, propagated from one generation to the next). The dust-laden ancient book in every parent’s home determines which one of the three gods, with his (definitely not hers) generous promises, is followed. And each of these three gods has a loathing for the followers of the other two. Well, truth be told, one much more than the other two, but nevertheless, each of the gods warns (actually threatens) his followers not to live in a too cosy relationship with the other two’s followers. Now, how on earth can you choose or judge when you know absolutely nothing about the other? Very difficult.

What makes it even more difficult is that each of these three gods has his own handpicked representatives who explain his promises to the uninformed masses. And each of these representatives has his recipe for massaging his own ego while explaining the message from heaven in earthly language. And so the meme is only getting fatter, more complex, and ever more strenuous.

This conflict has the potential to affect our lives dramatically. Israel (who worships the “smallest” of the three gods) is 100% supported by the most powerful country on the planet (who worships the “biggest” of the three gods). Hamas is supported by the followers of the third god (who would like to see Israel in the sea and preferably at the bottom of the sea), as well as the followers of the entire anti-western world, who see an opportunity to overthrow the world order of the last century.

Conclusion: To me, this looks like a war between the three monotheistic gods, waged by their uninformed masses of followers. If one could wave a magic wand and remove the three gods, this becomes a political problem … and Voila, the problem is solved.

Bruwer Swanepoel