Victorious Party of God
Nothing like breast-beating propaganda to entertain and heighten expectations in one's followers, and the current show-time martial extravaganza courtesy of Hezbollah in the wake of its "divine victory" over the Israeli Defence Forces last summer meets the exemplary standards hoisted on the petards of all blustering societal misfits whose charisma and charm have elevated them to positions of trust and bellicose protection of an already-dysfunctional social group.Hence the "Spider's Web" newly launched in a corner of Beirut, a museum dedicated to the stunningly courageous acts of war unleashed against a neighbouring state by a cadre of homicidal religious zealots who claim the confidence of Allah. Little does it matter, evidently, that they carefully planned the sacrifice of lives of the very people they claim to protect, in utilizing them as expendable background actors in the drama that drew deadly artillery from the IDF in retaliatory response to violent provocations.
As proof of their prowess in war, the detritus of skirmishes clutter this popular new "museum". Charred Israeli military vehicles, the propeller of a helicopter, the paraphernalia of an army's refuse, along with the cherished remnants of bits and pieces once belonging to the vanquished; boots, helmets, machine guns, radios, oxygen tanks. Highlighted by the poignant personal effects looted from dead Israeli soldiers; tefillin.
Victory is sweet, as it was pre-ordained by Allah and delivered by his creatures of death. Busloads of children are transported to the museum, to revel in the tale of victory over an implacable enemy that desired to achieve nothing less than their annihilation, thus earning their own early demise. Hezbollah has become extraordinarily skilled at writing its own history, in total defiance of reality.
Despite that the Lebanese government condemned Hezbollah for dragging the country into a war it had no desire to participate in, nor become a victim of; the government itself taking no pleasure in 'remembering' the war between Israel and Hezbollah, a conflict that considerably impacted on the country's infrastructure, and some very particular segments of its population.
Hezbollah has reason to be grateful to new technology which permits its dedicated artists, graphic designers and engineers to proudly produce displays that can leave no doubt in the minds of the eager onlookers that evil Israel's intent on destroying the Shia residents of the south was handily foiled by the intrepid army of Hezbollah Islamists.
Children and hijab-covered women, along with all the other proud and curious onlookers are able to find great satisfaction in the doctored depictions of blood-drenched and limbless corpses of Israeli soldiers. Digitally assisted to illustrate just where all these enemies of the Arab nations are destined to end: lifeless, surrounded by hellfires.
The victorious Party of God is illustriously invincible, a true indication of the esteem in which Allah holds Hezbollah and Sheik Hassan Nasrallah. The display obviously gives great pleasure to its audience and they shouted their approval as the proud progenitor of this brave new world addressed them at the museum's opening.
The most popular display is not, needless to say, that which demonstrates Lebanese refugees hopelessly surveying their bombed-out homes, nor photographs of bloody Lebanese children in hospitals sprouting IV tubes and sporting bandages. This is the justification. Hands-down favourites are those illustrating the just desserts delivered by Hezbollah to the IDF.
A bombed-out Israeli tank, a re-created bomb crater, amply lined with mannequins of dead Israeli soldiers, the anguish of death on their faces delectable to the beholder. And other favourites, close-up photos of Hezbollah's dedicated terrorist brigade launching rockets and missiles on the Israeli town of Haifa.
Then there is the piece de resistance; the gift shop - for after all what self-respecting museum anywhere does not elevate itself to the living art of producing memorable items reminiscent or reflective of the displays so popular with its audience? There, museum goers may purchase DVDs of Nasrallah's speeches, Hezbollah's video games, hats, flags, mugs with Hezbollah's insignia.
Disneyland, Islamist style.
A proud moment in history reviewed in all its glory, the onlookers regaled by descriptions of the divine victory. They can be serene in the knowledge that their God has given direction and approval to his worldly proxies to pursue his ends; to destroy the invader and reclaim the holy land.
Or so goes that particular interpretation.
Labels: Terrorism
posted by Pieface @ Thursday, August 23, 2007
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