More a current events than an intel post, so pardon the interruption . . .

So I’m reading about Hezbollah rocket attacks against Nazareth and for some reason I’m taken back to the spring of 2001 when the Taliban blew up the Bamiyan Buddhas and I wonder: how soon before there is no physical evidence of what everyone in the region is fighting over? Time passes and conquerors build on the ruins of the conquered, but there is always a little something left over to point to and say; “Hey, I’ve got just as much right to be here as anyone!” When the Western Wall becomes a hole in the ground, and the Dome of the Rock becomes so many rocks in a pile, what is going to drive the urge to fight? Fading, fallible memories? Someone please tell me I’m not channeling an old Sci Fi story.

If you ever needed an indication that things are going tribal . . .

About the Author

Michael Tanji

Michael Tanji spent nearly 20 years in the US intelligence community. Trained in both SIGINT and HUMINT disciplines he has worked at the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and the National Reconnaissance Office. At various points in his career he served as an expert in information warfare, computer network operations, computer forensics, and indications and warning. A veteran of the US Army, Michael has served in both strategic and tactical assignments in the Pacific Theater, the Balkans, and the Middle East.