Thursday, November 29, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
There Are No Palm Trees Here
It's been an odd morning, or maybe a better word for it would be disconcerting. I woke up to news about a bus bombing in Tel Aviv, just another plot point in this awful week of violent conflict between Israel and Gaza. That no one was killed and that supposedly a second bomb failed to explode is a nod to the divine at this point. But let's not pretend any of this has heavenly sanction.
This morning I eventually pulled myself away from my computer (kudos to the Times of Israel blog for decent reporting) to get ready for my meetings. With Tel Aviv on my mind, I stepped out into the Arlington air. Cold, crisp, and a stark reminder that there are no palm trees here. Which is to say I feel far away. Starbucks has officially converted to their red holiday cups. Friends on facebook still post about the demise of Hostess and their beloved Twinkies. (If you loved them so much, the company probably wouldn't be bankrupt....) And everyone seems ready for yet another Thanksgiving.
Yet, the holiday spirit escapes me. Since I arrived to my first meeting early, I had the cursed opportunity to check Facebook. Earlier I had posted a link to an article about the bus bombing. I included a caption that summed up my feelings on the subject, "this makes me mad." In response, I found a comment from someone I know from school. He asked if the 139 civilian deaths in Gaza did not also make me mad, reminding me that many of the casualties were children. I didn't respond because impassioned political debates on Facebook do more to annoy than to convince. But if I did venture a retort, it would be that it all makes me mad.
I'm now being told by my friends in Israel that no one there wants a ceasefire. Well I guess I'm out of the loop then. Guess I'm stuck in my Arlington holiday bubble. Because I do. I want a ceasefire.
I wish I could be in the negotiating room, making a difference. Humility aside, I think I would be good at it. But I'm not there yet. Instead, I'll get back to editing my resume and peddaling my wares. But while everyone else talks of parades and sweet potatoes, I'll be here, wondering where all the palm trees are.
This morning I eventually pulled myself away from my computer (kudos to the Times of Israel blog for decent reporting) to get ready for my meetings. With Tel Aviv on my mind, I stepped out into the Arlington air. Cold, crisp, and a stark reminder that there are no palm trees here. Which is to say I feel far away. Starbucks has officially converted to their red holiday cups. Friends on facebook still post about the demise of Hostess and their beloved Twinkies. (If you loved them so much, the company probably wouldn't be bankrupt....) And everyone seems ready for yet another Thanksgiving.
Yet, the holiday spirit escapes me. Since I arrived to my first meeting early, I had the cursed opportunity to check Facebook. Earlier I had posted a link to an article about the bus bombing. I included a caption that summed up my feelings on the subject, "this makes me mad." In response, I found a comment from someone I know from school. He asked if the 139 civilian deaths in Gaza did not also make me mad, reminding me that many of the casualties were children. I didn't respond because impassioned political debates on Facebook do more to annoy than to convince. But if I did venture a retort, it would be that it all makes me mad.
I'm now being told by my friends in Israel that no one there wants a ceasefire. Well I guess I'm out of the loop then. Guess I'm stuck in my Arlington holiday bubble. Because I do. I want a ceasefire.
I wish I could be in the negotiating room, making a difference. Humility aside, I think I would be good at it. But I'm not there yet. Instead, I'll get back to editing my resume and peddaling my wares. But while everyone else talks of parades and sweet potatoes, I'll be here, wondering where all the palm trees are.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
The Day After Tomorrow
Hey everyone,
Here's my latest. This one is for the National Security Network's blog, Democracy Arsenal.
Enjoy!
http://www.democracyarsenal.org/2012/11/the-day-after-tomorrow.html
Here's my latest. This one is for the National Security Network's blog, Democracy Arsenal.
Enjoy!
http://www.democracyarsenal.org/2012/11/the-day-after-tomorrow.html
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Yesterday's Tomorrow
Hello readers! The site for the Women in International Security Israel blog has changed. It can now be found at blog.wiisisrael.com.
Check out my latest post at: http://blog.wiisisrael.com/2012/11/yesterdays-tomorrow/
Check out my latest post at: http://blog.wiisisrael.com/2012/11/yesterdays-tomorrow/
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