Monday, December 3, 2012

Middle East conflict: the match that lights World War III

World War III may be closer than you think.
 
With the current tensions in the Middle East, we may witness this devastating event in our lifetime. The region has been plagued with political and religious tension for thousands of years, countless lives lost over a myriad of conflicts and the coming large-scale conflict hinging on Israel and Iran.

The ceasefire between Hamas and Israel on Nov. 21 will likely be tentative and short-lived. Like the ceasefire agreements made in 2008 and 2009, Israel and Hamas will begin a new strategy to gain ground, intelligence and political power – then the attacks will continue.

According to Hamas, the rockets and weapons used in Gaza are being smuggled from Egypt. Israel has accused Iran of helping provide these weapons.

The head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, Mohammad Ali Jafari, recently stated that the rockets are not coming from Iran, but they have “transferred” the technology to produce them.

And Iran has not held its tongue in calling for Israel’s demise. Both Iran and Israel are preparing to go on the offensive and defensive with one another – in addition to other countries they believe may pose a threat.

Tensions have already arisen with Iran conducting military exercises this summer, when mock-ups of nearby opposition military air bases were bombed.

Iran also threatened the U.S. with the thinly veiled statement from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, who said, “U.S. bases in the region are within range of our missiles and weapons, and therefore they certainly will not cooperate with the regime (Israel).”

Iran’s incredible insistence on developing nuclear weapons capabilities should also be a reminder that they have no reservations for their use.

Tensions halfway across the world will affect America as a whole. The Middle East looks like a row of dominoes. Israel would be the one falling block to tumble the rest, leading to an ascending level of conflict.

The web of treaties and defensive agreements will cause this conflict to escalate. First of all, America backs Israel (and let’s face it, we’re not too popular ourselves). If Israel and Iran enter a conflict, America will step in.

Because of a joint defense pact, Syria then joins the conflict against Israel, giving Lebanon (on the northern border of Israel) enough reason to join the fight.

Egypt will enter the clash against Israel only if America does not provide enough political pressure to keep their current neutrality.

These are the immediate players, with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan and most of Africa all swinging doors that could enter the fray at the local level. Most of these countries are against Israel, though Turkey could go either way.

Enter the large players, Russia and China – who may support Iran for economic and/or security concerns – and a real world conflict is stirring. The European Union steps in, and now the conflict is global.

Here in Colorado Springs, a large military community, we would all be impacted. You, a friend or a family member would go to fight this war.

If our government sees it fit, the draft could be implemented. The war efforts on the home front will ensure that every citizen feels the sacrifice of a world at war.

I keep eyeing the Middle East and hoping I am wrong. But, while we hope for the best, we should always prepare for the worst.

 

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