Does The Middle East Spell Doom and Gloom For the World?

There is (for me) a misconception of what the brain does and does not do. Chomsky and other cognitive behaviorists have it half right. They are correct in that certain behaviors are learned via stimulus induced unconscious abilities (genetic programs). In addition, the brain is obviously a device which stores information for later retrieval (memories) as well as for the purposes of recall (fire is hot). These memories are not accessed until some relevant stimuli calls them in to play. That is the extent (for me) of the so called unconscious. Science (behaviorists, anthropologists, etc.) mix and match morality and the motivations of morality with the unconscious because science continues to attribute moral behavior to the operation of the brain. Prompting not only a search for rational explanations of why we behave morally but also an extrapolation of the functionality of the cognitive operations of the brain to moral behavior. Giving rise to things like the creation of Freudian unconscious and preconscious theories. And an explanation of why logically Searle refuses to acknowledge an unconscious mental intentional phenomena.

The formation of religious groups (cults, countries, terrorist groups, etc.) is nothing more than the running or innate ANIMAL programs. Since they are nothing more than the formation of packs under the auspice of god, defending one pack at all costs is what is called for. And once you participate further participation is progressive - violence begets violence (etc.). The reason for this is rather complex, but essentially these programs are learned and reinforced through their use. As Darth Vadar learned the dark side is very strong once you participate.

When operating in animal behavior, our programs dictate our behavior. When we act morally, god (our spirit, conscience or morality) dictates our behavior. When we act at all there is a conflict and a duality.

The rules of animals in their survival are simple, evade danger (escape or be destroyed), confront danger and be victorious (face the fight and win or be destroyed), attack and destroy or be destroyed (start the fight and win or be destroyed). There are no other possibilities in the survival paradigm. Animals operating in packs (religions, countries, groups) have the same rules. Consequently, the opposing sides in the Middle East are operating with this inherent duality, Each of the sides or packs act in the realm of their animal programs (defense of position, dominance, etc.). They also are faced with moral issues (deferment, peace). However, in the Middle East (as is the case with most religions) both sides have distorted their morality to conform to their religious dogma. Which I might add is a product of not morality but rather their animal programs (we are superior because we have god in our pack, or god chose our group and we are dominant). Accordingly, they each use their created beliefs about their relationship with god to validate their actions in violence and killing and protection of their positions. As such, moral concerns are diluted and depressed in this instance in favor of animal tendencies.

Therefore, in the Middle East, we are strictly dealing primarily in animal programs. As such, the middle east is naturally doomed to continue it’s conflict until once side is defeated entirely (destroyed). I note that neither can escape to avoid destruction (escape or be destroyed). Whether this destruction occurs today, tomorrow or 100 years from now I believe it is ultimately inevitable. Unfortunately, the destruction of one side may lead to the involvement of other packs (other countries) whose interests will come in to view. Therefore the extermination of the conflict could lead (and should lead) to further escalation ON A GLOBAL SCALE.

While nothing is written in stone, the variables required to catapult the conflict in the Middle East in to a global event are present, dominant and in my opinion likely. As Carl Von Clausewitz “There are very few men- and they are the exceptions—who are able to think and feel beyond the present moment”.