Flagging support

It could be argued that flying the Palestinian flag over our public buildings effectively draws attention to the wretched plight of Palestinians.

Living under the heel of Hamas they are suffering the collateral misery imposed on them through the conflict as Israel retaliates against the barrage of missiles fired by Hamas.

It could also remind us of the equally dire situation that other minority groups in the Middle East such as Kurds, Yazidis and Christians, currently under the threat of genocide, find themselves in and it may make us aware of the murderous intentions of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas and Islamic State (IS) towards Jews and moderate, decent Muslims who for centuries have lived peaceably alongside each other. It is no surprise that Hamas, IS and the Muslim Brotherhood have less than full support from the Arab League, and other nations throughout the world.

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Who in their right minds would like to be seen condoning the obscene and vile acts of inhumanity which they are prepared to perpetuate even upon their own people?

If our public buildings displayed the flags of the other groups caught up in this cauldron of evil, there is the possibility it could indicate our support for their plight and signal our intention to offer them the hand of humanity to protect them from this lethal and abominable situation.

However, the flying of flags can convey ambiguous and complex signals. Perhaps our local authorities should stay clear of flagpole diplomacy, particularly when it becomes mired with the pernicious and deadly situation facing the Middle East. Diplomacy is the art of knowing what not to say. Could it also be the art knowing what flag not to fly?

Iain G Richmond

Monikie

Angus