That really bizarre phrase came to mind: my ox is getting gored. Before researching the bizarre phrase I decided to get some needed information of the ongoing Israel aggression. Of course, I turned to Al Jazeera. Immediately two paragraphs were offered in the Opinions section written by one of my favorite correspondents, Belén Fernández.
“As is clear as day to anyone not in the business of defending Israeli depredations, the attacks on Iran are simply a war of convenience for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is killing all sorts of birds with one stone in his campaign against Iranian nuclear facilities.
In addition to distracting the world from Israel’s ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip, where starving Palestinians continue to be massacred on a daily basis as they seek food and other aid, Netanyahu has also managed to divert attention from his own embroilment in numerous corruption charges at home.”
She continues in fine form.
“Plus, the war on Iran is wildly popular among Israelis, which translates into big points for a prime minister who has faced significant domestic opposition. Trump’s initial insistence on diplomacy with Iran naturally got Netanyahu’s panties into a giant bunch – but the situation has now been rectified by the midsummer night’s bombing, which, according to the president, has “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear sites.”
Do you not love that phrase: getting Netanyahu’s panties into a giant bunch”. I wonder if the guy wears boxers shorts or jockey shorts. It is nightmarish to look upon either possibility.
The article continued with a historical perspective, usually unknown and unknowable in most reports.
“And yet, aside from being a persistent thorn in the side of US imperialism, Iran’s behaviour has been rather less apparently, um, “evil” than certain other international actors – like the US itself. For instance, Iran is not the one currently funding a straight-up genocide to the tune of tens of billions of dollars. Nor is Iran the one that has spent the past several decades bombing and otherwise antagonising folks in every corner of the world – from backing right-wing state terror in Latin America to conducting mass slaughter in Vietnam. Furthermore, the sole clandestine nuclear weapons power in the Middle East is not Iran but Israel, which has refused to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and has never allowed UN safeguards on its facilities.”
I embarrassingly admit that I did not know that Israel did not sign the NPT nor has allowed UN safeguards on its facilities. I was SO stupid. Did not even know that Israel had nuclear weapons. Oh my Allah! The subterfuge that has been used by Western media.
Indeed, as succinctly stated, the arms industry is not going hungry while starvation in Gaza continues unabated.
“In Netanyahu’s words, Trump’s action will “change history” – as though making the world safe for more war is anything new. And as the US media scramble to justify illegal attacks on a sovereign nation, the sinister hypocrisy of two heavily nuclear-armed nations undertaking to police nuclear “threats” cannot be overstated. It is anyone’s guess what Trump, who prides himself on spontaneous and manic behaviour, will do next. But rest assured that, whatever happens, the arms industry won’t be going hungry any time soon.”
Comments from two other world leaders caught my eye.
“Colombian President Gustavo Petro has expressed concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East, urging Netanyahu to call an immediate truce. “It all began with the bombing of Palestinian children: The genocide of the people of Gaza,” he wrote on X. ‘We’re now close to a world war. Where does the solution begin? Netanyahu must stop bombing Palestine, call a truce, and stop putting all of humanity at risk.”
Also, not surprisingly the comments of the Malaysian Prime Minister held great interest.
“Prime Minister. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on the world to ramp up pressure on Israel to “stop its provocative and violent actions against other nations”, according to Free Malaysia Today. “When they launch attacks and kill the people of Iran, there will inevitably be retaliation. Our position is one of fairness,” he told reporters. “In Gaza, the killings continue and it includes women and children. Now Israel is attacking Iran, which has decided to fight back. The involvement of outside powers, including the US, is only worsening the situation.” He added, “The question is if Iran is not allowed to respond, why allow Israel to [continue] acting in such a manner?”
News continues to filter in but it is now time to stop and return to the original construct; one’s ex getting gored. Thankfully (or not) Artificial Intelligence has an answer for us.
“The phrase “whose ox is gored” refers to the idea that people are often more concerned about issues when they are directly affected by them. It highlights the tendency to be complacent or indifferent to problems until they impact one’s own interests or well-being. The phrase originates from an ancient legal concept about responsibility for damages caused by livestock.”
A more detailed explanation is offered. Origin:
The phrase is believed to have originated from ancient legal systems that dealt with the consequences of livestock causing harm. In some cases, if an ox gored someone or another animal, the owner of the ox would be held responsible.
Figurative Meaning:
Today, the phrase is used metaphorically to describe a situation where people only become concerned or actively involved when they are personally impacted by a problem or injustice. Example:
Someone might be apathetic about environmental regulations until their own property is damaged by a flood or other weather event caused by climate change.
Relevance:
The phrase emphasizes that self-interest often plays a significant role in how people perceive and react to various issues, sometimes overshadowing broader societal concern.
Alina and I began to text one another in the midst of this composition.
Me: I am writing about the Iran-Israel conflict at this moment. I fear we will not be going on our Umrah in the next three weeks, Not saying we should stop our preparations but we must be realistic.
She: I know what you mean. We will prep for out intention of going. But will stand advised should there be any updates. Allah, the Best Planner.
Me: Thank you for this profound reminder. Allah indeed the VERY best planner. It is a perfect conversation at this time. It will probably go on the blog because you said it all.
She: Since you are writing about the conflict perhaps I’d ask you if you have heard the Supreme Leader’s address to his nation? Maybe I just share anyway.
Me: Thank you, Not sure I have.
Alina sent it. I listened intently.
Me: You are saint thank you. I am so grateful. His calm deliberation compared to the lies and bombastic assumptions of Trump.
She; Yes he is calms and confident, guided by the Quran. This is what I recall l from one of my classes. When a Muslim goes to war, it’s a victory or shaheed. Please do not quote me until I find the verse.
Me: Wow Mashallah! I am impressed. I recall reading it very recently. But my indexes poor.
Hers were not!!!! She sent the following verse. Sarah An-Nisa. (4-74) It shall be attached and will follow this blog.
