According to some theories of moral understanding, acting according to one's moral conviction without regard to personal safety or the conventions of society is the highest tier on the ladder of moral maturity. Very few people can claim do have done it, and those who do seem to be among some of the most inspiring leaders and visionaries of our time, including people like Nelson Mandela and Gandhi. But the time for miracle efforts for justice isn't over as the world is seeing the war in the Middle East deteriorate and stands mostly passively by and watches a state systematically harass and kill the civilian population of another, you could also speak out against it and work for a better world.

As everyone who reads the newspapers and watches the news on TV, it is clear that I am indeed talking about the Israeli offensive in Lebanon which has been going on for over two weeks now. The world seems unable to stop this atrocity and enforce a cease fire since the US administration considers the letting of civilian Lebanese and Israeli blood somehow necessary in order to achieve peace. The global community, lead by the UN, is condemning Israel's bombings of civilians and the destruction of infrastructure in Lebanon but is paralyzed by and clearly in thrall to the US administration which seems quite content with tolerating war crimes.

US Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice's short visit to Lebanon, to meet with the Lebanese government lead nowhere and was nothing but a slap in the face as response to their pleads for ceasefire. The level or arrogance and lack of respect for not just other countries, the UN and the rest of the world but the Geneva Convention and human suffering now shown by the Bush administration is extreme. Also, their closest ally in this conflict, Israel, and its recent refusal to allow a temporary ceasefire to enable aid to reach people in need, a decision that is in violation of international law, shows precisely how concerned they are about civilian casualties and suffering.

A ceasefire must be achieved before any negotiations can begin, this is crucial and is urged by virtually all member countries of the European Union (save the UK) as well as all major aid organizations. While no party is blameless, and Lebanon certainly has things to answer for, the destruction of Lebanon and the attacks on their civilian population cannot be tolerated any longer nor can it be considered to in any way support or promote future peace in the region.

As UN's Jan Egeland said: "There is something fundamentally wrong with a war where there are more dead children than armed men."

You can make a difference!

If you are American and located in the US, read about how to work for a cease fire by clicking here.

The Lebanese and International Red Cross are accepting donations for aid in Lebanon, they can be made to (bank details, courtesy of bloggingbeirut.com):

Account # 841500
Audi Bank
Bab Idriss
SWIFT: AUDBLBBX
Phone: +961 1 977588
FAX: +961 1 999410

Or go to relieflebanon.org to learn about more ways to donate to the International Red Cross. 

The Save Lebanon website suggests several ways to support the Lebanese people. 

If you only have some time to spare, please sign the petition here and make your voice heard.

Thank you for your support!

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