A Sense of Humanity is Required to Pass a Test of Statehood
It should not come as a surprise to anyone in the modern world that a sense of humanity is an essential requirement to pass a test of statehood. Here at Incoming Bytes we would guess that in espousing brutality, terrorism and murder almost unequaled in modern history, ISIS, a militarized, aggressive rogue 'entity' in Iraq declaring itself an 'Islamic State' ' —could not pass an impartial test of statehood using any interpretation of international law. Civilized nations and nation-states build constitutions to preserve life and humanity, respect foreign borders, practice diplomacy, establish Charters of Rights for citizens, incorporate a modern system of justice into a society ruled by civilized law, and protect minorities within their borders. Yes, established borders, legally defined borders encompassing territory lawfully gained. ISIS, or "ISIL" and it's black ninja mini-army of AK-47-carrying Jihadi-John - look-a-likes labels itself an "Islamic State" in spite of frowns and muted disapproval of modern Islam because of its aggressive and murderous agenda. Let's understand that. ISIS 'leaders' who are murderers, pretend to be Jihadi ' learned persons', arrogantly point their fingers in the air, dictating, preaching and poking the world in the eye in calculated defiance. It seems they believe the religious beliefs and practices of all of the other billions of Muslims in the world are not quite Islamic enough. Not quite suitable. Or wrong. Or something. Non-conformists will simply be executed. Go figure. Genuine leaders usually attempt decorum and 'Statehood'. Perhaps with the contemporary exception of Vladimir Putin, world leaders, at the very least, attempt to act within the realm of responsible states. Putin is excluded because of his territorial grab in Crimea, and involvement in Ukraine. Shooting down international passenger planes, and military interference in Ukraine is agreeable only in Vladimir's collection of ancient USSR apparatchik-approved comic books.Destruction of Nimrud: Why?
Don't forget ISIS's "ongoing accomplishments" and other 'state-like activities'. Such "ongoing accomplishments" now include the destruction of rare, priceless historical statues, carvings and other artifacts in museums as well as looting and pilfering villages, raping and murdering and beheading of thousands of 'enemies', theft of women and children, who are sold into forced marriages with ISIS fighters and de facto slavery. Terrorism, bullying, murder, blood and fear are the only identifying characteristics of ISIS. The latest "great accomplishment" and 'test of statehood' of ISIS was the unbelievable looting and bulldozing of the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud —and destruction of it's statuary and artifacts. Nimrud is considered to be perhaps the oldest known civilization known to mankind. Yes, we know nothing lasts forever, but... This vicious, mindless destruction has been called a war crime by the international community, but ISIS lunatics romantically consider ridiculous extremism necessary to pass the test of Statehood. In the minds of the obsessed, declaring dominance over, and claiming destruction of, all evidence of a long-dead civilization, city, or state, ISIS "validates" their power and undoubtedly "justifies" their existence. Shall we repeat: In the minds of lunatics. Here at Incoming Bytes it is easily observed that the greatest accomplishment of ISIS to date —the ONLY accomplishment to date—has been to unfailingly generate hate against itself —worldwide—and consolidate international resolve to expunge the murderous self-declared "caliphate" and its poison from the modern world.The Facts Remain Sobering
To the astute observer, ISIS simply appears to be a collection of impotent misfits, traitors, rabble, and brutal, extremist religious fanatics who have outrageously chosen to use murder, vicious tactics, and terrorism to achieve their " religious, domestic and foreign policies". Combined with a narrow, brutal and ancient interpretation and 'version' of Islam as the strict and only basis for Islam, those facts remain sobering if only because they consider innocent human beings and life itself to be of little worth. The primitive and misdirected understanding of the requirements for success as a 'state' has backfired. Countries around the world including Arab nations representing modern Islam are necessarily uniting against them--perhaps to#
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Interesting post Raymond, and certainly well researched.
I echo Conny’s sentiment that it is certainly interesting to read your take on this one. You are very good at calling out the issues and cutting through what we hear in the media to the heart of it. I like you back up what you say too, Raymond, so that adds weight to your arguments. Very well put together here. I hope your fiction writing (unfortunately this post is not fictitious) is going well too~
hi Christyb, I think as writers it is of the utmost importance that we speak up and call out major issues. Do we really want our grandchildren to have to deal with fanatics like this after the poison of extremists has been spread around the globe? I think the sooner the better.
My fiction writing is going along just fine, not quite as fast as I would like it, but it’s going well 🙂 I hope your new book is progressing too!
Thank you for supporting my efforts too, Christyb–much appreciated, my friend 🙂 ~R
Thank you, Conny, it seems our governments should be researching the psychiatry involved in this very issue as well as addressing it as they are. I don’t think it’s going to ‘go away’ with the existing approach; it may be suppressed for a while, but that’s about it. Interestingly, ISIS also uses weapons produced in North America–why is the west not throttling the supply of weapons? Thank you for commenting, Conny ~R