Nissim Dahan's Blog – January 2009 Archive (3)

Reflections on the Inauguration

The inauguration of President Obama occurred just a few short days ago, but already, some of the memories of that momentous event seem to be fading. What I do recall in particular, are the countless smiles which lit up the faces of the two million people in attendance, and the countless tears which rolled down their faces. For many, the election to the presidency of an African American was the fulfillment of a life-long dream that they thought would never come. The day marked not just an… Continue

Added by Nissim Dahan on January 26, 2009 at 8:33pm — No Comments

They Beat Their Swords Into An Industrial Zone

In the Bible, Isaiah, in one of his more memorable prophesies, says that there will come a time when, “…They beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation does not lift a sword against nation, and they no longer learn war.” Quite a profound sentiment, if you ask me, but how realistic is it, given the recent violence in Gaza?

In recent days, in the midst of the ghastly fighting in Gaza, I’ve heard about a proposal to build an industrial zone on Gaza’s… Continue

Added by Nissim Dahan on January 16, 2009 at 7:11pm — No Comments

You've Just Been Appointed U.S. Middle East Envoy...Now What?

With the bloody fighting in Gaza, emotions are running high in the region, and around the world. The ghastly images we see on the news evoke a wide range of emotions: sympathy, empathy, regret, guilt, remorse, and yes, anger. All this is understandable. And yet we sense that strong passions and unbridled emotions, in and of themselves, will not bring peace.

What is needed is a rational and concerted effort to broker a peace deal which maximizes justice, and which creates new… Continue

Added by Nissim Dahan on January 7, 2009 at 10:24pm — 1 Comment