If This Were Israel

Trying to understand the current situation in Israel is very difficult, even when you are up close and personal with it.  I thought I'd try an analogy...admittedly, it is a bit far-fetched, but it may improve an understanding of the basic situation on the ground.



The Occupied Territory of Michigan following the War with Canada
"The war had been brief, but intense. The United States had been completely unprepared for an attack by Canada.  After the dust had settled, the states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota had been captured by the Canadians.  The citizens of those states were now inhabitants of the no-man's land of the "occupied territories." 

The Canadians set about reinforcing defenses along its new border with the US; disarmed all inhabitants of the "occupied territories," and shut down access to the internet, as well as other forms of communication.  A police force of residents was created to keep their neighbors in line.  

Occasional skirmishes between Canadians and state inhabitants led the Canadians to limit freedom of movement (all movement within and across the "occupied territories" requires Canadian military approval); access to electricity (only two hours twice a day); and access to water (four times a month).  Any Michigan inhabitants found to be working against the Canadians, either directly or indirectly, had their homes demolished.  The debris was left to serve as a deterrent for others.

When unrest persisted in the "occupied territories," a 16' concrete wall was constructed around each state and around significant urban centers within each.  The Canadians, pressured by the UN and World Court, to allow more freedoms for residents of the former United States, responded by building Canadian settlements.  In the quaint village of Frankfort, a settlement was constructed on what was once the Crystal Down Country Club golf course and another along the north shore of Crystal Lake.  Homes were confiscated from their prior owners as a measure to address the national security concerns of the Canadians.  

While the former US residents banded together and sought internal leadership, they were never blessed with strong and thoughtful leaders.  Rather, given to in-fighting and corruption, these leaders were not able to make much of a difference for their people.

Normally considered to be a peaceful people, the Canadians were increasingly under pressure from countries around the world to disband the settlements and provide greater freedoms for the "occupied territory" residents.  All requests were rebuffed by the Canadian government who expressed deep fear of the remaining United States and Canada's need to defend itself.

Recently, France introduced a resolution at the UN granting the "occupied territories" observer status, a first step to full recognition.  Many former citizens of the US are hopeful that the UN will end the occupation.