Got Friends

Watching all that goes on in the Middle East is a bit mind boggling. I totally support our troops and what they are doing in the Iraq to curtail the violence and promote peace and rebuilding. I totally support Bush and our governments position to lay down boundaries and time tables for the new Iraqi government to take full control over their own destiny.

But having said that, there is still a ton of confusion on my part one because of the disconnect I have with the whole WMD thing, little to no apparent progress on stability, and the overall ignorance I have about imposing western philosophy on a middle-eastern culture. And with that being said, I've taken some time to pick the brain of a friend of mine at work. He's a great guy from Jordan who is thoroughly middle eastern and a saturated American (dual citizenship here in the States and Jordan). This guy is smart and fun and has a wonderful perspective on all the chaos.

We were talking today and watching CNN today in the break room. He said something to me today that really got me thinking. He said that we as Americans and the rest of the world should have an all or nothing mentality to the war. Either send a million troops (not just 140,000) into the region or don't send any at all. He says we act like we have no idea how deep the hatred and strife goes between Islamic sects, leaders and even families. It's like putting a band aid over an amputation to stop the bleeding. We'll never get it to stop.

Interesting. This is coming from my friend who loves America, but love his roots and gets what's at the heart of middle eastern culture, religion and politics. The bummer is that I am not any clearer on my "war in Iraq" views (other than bring Osama and al-Qaida!). But I do know this, it's great to pursue friendships with those of other faiths, religions, and cultures. It expands my worldview and grows my faith in Christ as I seek to be a genuine friend who seeks to understand and love others.

I am so thankful to God for this friendship. It's based around work, but I know if he didn't live nearly 45 minutes from my house that we'd have he and his wife over. I'm thankful, too, that my friend makes me think outside me American box. He give me a glimpse into the thoughts and feelings of those that "get" the inside stuff that is happening over there.

Just thought I'd share. It's been on my mind most of the day.