I had a bit of a schedule change in the last couple of days and had to catch a flight to Doha on short notice. I am here now, but when I boarded the plane, all was still as it was in the Middle East — not peaceful, but not on the brink either.
Now I have landed and am no longer disconnected from the pulsating throb of distressing Middle East-related news tonight.
I’ve missed a lot of detail — and nearly all of the early emotional tension — in the clash between a purported medical supplies/humanitarian flotilla heading for Gaza and the Israeli Defense Forces.
I’m in sort of a Rip Van Winkle moment in which I’ve awaken and lots has changed.
This reminds me of one time years ago when i was put under for some serious oral surgery right as the attempted coup against Mikhail Gorbachev was starting. When I woke, the first thing I could think of was to get caught up on the latest in Moscow intrigue.
I’ve been reading some correspondence that I received both from supporters of Israel’s actions and those loudly crying foul on Israel for the deaths that have occurred. I need to catch up, need to see the video, and have some evolving thoughts that I’ll try to share in the morning (my time).
Until then, I encourage “civil”, unscreaming exchanges here in the comments section.
— Steve Clemons
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