Middle East

I just read this headline:

Trump's plan for U.S. to "take over" Gaza amid Israel-Hamas ceasefire rejected by allies and adversaries

Okay, I'll give the guy credit. Trump has finally united the world. Against the USA. 

Sure, Donald, dip your toes into a conflict that has been raging since 1948. You can solve those ancient animosities. Right? I mean, you're the Donald, after all. You can do anything. I bet you could jump out the top window of the Trump Tower, stretch out your arms, and fly like an eagle. Yes, you can do that. And you should...you know...do that. 

Getting involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict is something that all world leaders (including U.S. presidents) have managed to avoid. Okay, there was that Jimmy Carter thing, but his intentions were noble. Even though his Israel-Hamas deal was described by one editorial writer as a "deeply troubling aspect of his legacy." And the same writer described Carter as "an apologist for Hamas". Okay, nobody's perfect.

Jews and Arabs get along with each other in the USA. Don't they? Then why don't they get along with each other in the Middle East? Is there something in the water? I guess you have to be Jewish or Palestinian to really understand it.

I have a neighbor who is Egyptian. He seems to be a likable, hard-working fellow. I've spoken with him several times, but because of his strong accent, I can understand only half of his words. But I still speak with him. I listen to his words and try to understand him.

Maybe the leaders of Israel and Hamas are listening to their counterparts. But maybe, as with my Egyptian neighbor, they truly understand only half of what they are hearing.