So how many of us 'awake' Internet bloggers carry around our own prejudices about our own countries and races? "The sun never sets on the British Empire" used to be said with pride when I was a boy and there were maps that showed the empire in pink – about two thirds of the world! And the beginning of the trouble with Iran started way back in the 50's when British oil companies lost their monopoly of Iran's oil, when it was nationalised. The democratic government of Iran was overthrown by propaganda and covert action and funding from the CIA leading to the installation of the Shah, another Saddam Hussein type. With such a long history of interference in their country, is it any wonder that they chant, "Death to America"?
The same thing happened with Colonel Nasser of Egypt, when he nationalised the Suez Canal, it led to a simultaneous attack from three countries, Britain, France and Israel. It was only America that put a stop to it then, the six day war, because back then, America was not ruled by Israel. And there is no doubt that many historical incidents would be revealed with a little research about the British Empire, and yes they were even in Afghanistan years ago.
It is so obvious when Bush calls Syrians and Iranians 'terrorists' (as they did with the Iraqis and the Taliban) - ignoring the terrorism he ordered in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon and Somalia, as if it never happened.
And with all the 'anti-Israeli' and 'anti-American' sentiment that you find everywhere, what would be your reaction if the miracle happens that the Israelis and the Palestinians actually make peace, that Iran doesn't get bombed, doesn't develop a nuclear weapon - America, Nato and Britain withdraw completely from Iraq and Afghanistan - Lebanon, Syria and Israel agree to leave each other alone and Obama confounds everyone by sending Bush to the International Court?
Could you possibly accept any of that, or would you still be depressed?
A Sufi story...
A man having grown up, founded a business, raised his family, decided one day that he had to find out who he really was, he had to find his real self.
He travelled the world, seeking out Guru's Pashas, Yogis, Llamas, Saadus, Shamans, Sufis, Imams and Priests, Buddhists, Philosophers and enlightened men and women. They all gave him theories of spiritual development, methods for overcoming ego, rules for following the path to enlightenment. None of it answered his question. Finally he visited a 147-year-old man in the Shivapuri Mountains of India. This old man, who had travelled the world, met the Queen of England and many other leaders in his travels, said to him. "You want to know who you are? Go home and look in the mirror."
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