Palestinian in Rifle Sights; but not News Sites

It’s a shame to have to report that this kind of stuff continues to go on in a country that refers to itself as a democracy and a best friend of the U.S.  In addition, we as Americans won’t get to see it on our own television sets.  It warrants taking a look and trying to be as objective as possible.  Yet the spin merchants already seem to be at work, not only by what is reported, but also what isn’t reported. 

Description of Horror

This act of horror actually took place on July 7, in Nilin, West Bank, against Ashraf Abu Rahman, 27; who was reportedly arrested by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), according to B’Tselem Human Rights Group.  The young Palestinian was protesting regarding the barrier wall Israel erected, in what Palestinians say is on Palestinian soil in the area of Nilin.  Yes, it’s the same one that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled illegal back in 2004. 

We also didn’t see the exact reason why he was arrested.  To give the IDF, and in particular this soldier, the benefit of the doubt; we’ll presume it was for legitimate reasons.  Rahman was reportedly blindfolded and had his wrists bound behind his back.  How does blindfolding become necessary for a protester on his own land?   We can take note of this point for later.  After being fully subdued, he was seated on the ground – presumably awaiting to be transferred for processing.  

He seemed to be stable and without any demonstration of resistance or threat of escape.  If Rahman was a threat, it was the soldier(s) who stood him up for transport - maybe dereliction of duty on their part; not sure.  A rifle, designed for long-range shooting, is held up to Rahman and [blaam]; well, you hear it on the video. 

Conspiracy

The presence of other soldiers has to leave one wondering what actions did they or could they have taken to prevent this tragedy that seems to be heading to the circular file of world opinion.  The soldier in the white t-shirt seems to look ‘for cameras’ or other form of credible witnesses immediately after the shooting; with little regard for the injured detainee.  Other soldiers are actually looking away from Rahman; as if they would somehow be able to later say, “I saw nothing.” 

The presence of a lieutenant colonel only indicates a disturbing level of comfort by the soldier(s) having no fear of the reaction of an eye-witnessing superior officer.  If it were the other way around, and had it been a Palestinian police officer or soldier shooting an Israeli; the soldier and colonel would have been identified immediately.

There was plenty of time to report the incident.  However, it was exposed, not by an Israeli, as there were several of them as witnesses, working in an official capacity; but a Palestinian; a 14-year-old female.  [Note:  Will the investigation provide security provisions ensure that she and her family are safe; as her courageous act may have inadvertantly placed her in a higher degree of danger of retribution?] 

Explaining it away

Eyes, at least Palestinian, Muslims and other peoples of conscientious minds have their eyes on B’Tselem and the IDF.  The incident seemed to have been reported by B’Tselem in a manner that although seemed to be factual, certain phrases were stated that would indicate to some that there may have been a bias. 

Sarit Micheali, of B’Tselem said things like “We assume it’s the bullet,” while describing the the cause of injury to Rahman’s leg. “His condition is reasonable,” she said.  Unless there is an idiom oddity there, ‘reasonable’ for an injury is an odd description.  Stressing the fact that it is “…a rubber-coated bullet” doesn’t do anything to make one feel better about being shot at close range, even if it were with a paintball gun – which it wasn’t.  It was a military assault-rifle.  If it happened in the U.S., even as a civilian, the aggressor would have been charged with shooting a missile in the direction of ….or a premeditated act of aggravated assault using a deadly firearm; have it labeled a hate-crime – for obvious reasons; or worse yet; committed a war crime.

It wasn’t only the terminology used in explaining this act; but what wasn’t mentioned that was also significant.  Information such as the name of the perpetrators, their senior officers, the unit or command the soldiers were attached to and the like, are not available.  These things are usually looked for when we refer to a democracy or a society that allows for an open press.

Legal PR

Haven’t we learned from other acts in the past?  This is the same unlawful, highly sinful treatment that would not be tolerated in the so-called ’free world.’   Is the crime(s) only being investigated because it was exposed?  What about the timely obligation of the other soldiers and witnesses from reporting the same crime, or the medical personnel?  Have we learned from other acts in the past?  Have any of the soldiers been charged; or at least placed on some sort of suspension?  Isn’t this a conspiracy?  We should be following up and awaiting an outcome that serves justice.

Did it Happen?  Where’s the Timely News?

There are many ways to show how this is being covered up.  Aside from the IDF not having so far done its part; the global news agencies somehow have missed or omitted this from their radar.  At the time of writing this post; I actually went to an Associated Press (AP) page online where details were listed on this story.  Whenever I tried to refer back to the site; the referenced article disappeared.  When I researched more, I discovered that others have already noted that it was removed from AP. 

Then I continued to search other U.S.-trusted internet news sites.  Unfortunately, neither left or right-leaning news sites dare show this up to now.  This is just another example of injustice toward Muslims, in an official act carrying out of justice.  It is just a microcosm of the lack freedom on many levels Muslims do have; and let’s not forget, lack of democracy that exists — especially when there is a belief no one is watching.  It is further appalling that this is done by a ‘close friend’ of the U.S. 

Global Response

The world perception is significantly limited.  For Muslims to scream out and respond against this tragedy would only welcome the highly publicized ‘unjust call for jihad.’  Where are the Darfur activists when you need them?  Would not this bring about a legitimate concern for Palestinians; and for that matter, Muslims and Christians in the area to seek pre-emptive attacks because they would expect this type of horrific treatment no matter how submissive they are in a perceived tyrranical situation?  

While I say “No,”  it is only because pre-emption is not in the mind or decree of a Muslim.  Those who oppose Islam and Muslims have used “pre-emptive attacks” or simple vengeance to legitimize their own xenophobia manifesting into sadistic acts against human nature. 

Would it have made a difference whether the prisoner were of the same nationality, ethinicity or religion as the soldier?  Is it unfair to identify this as an act of zionist aggression?   Where are the people who parrot, “if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck…?”  If it were an Iraqi shooting someone, he would gain infamy by the news identifying his nationality, neighborhood where he lived and whether he was a Sunni or Shia – religion being non-descript if he were a non-Muslim. 

In the U.S., we are bothered even by an animal who is tasered or prodded to render it momentarily incapacitated.  Where is the outrage on this act against humanity?  To offer a gesture of objectivity; I would be equally appalled if I saw a Palestinian, American, Christian or Muslim soldier doing the same to an Israeli.