The What-a-Mess-in-the-Middle East! Waltz

One...two...three...one...two...three...stay on the beat...

One...two...three...one...two...remain on your feet...

 

Oh, it’s bizarre and incredible how

We have gotten involved in another mess now.

Unfortunately, someone has unleashed the beast;

Look what is happening throughout the Middle East.

Iraq is continuing to deteriorate;

The situation is even more crucial of late,

With insurgents imposing Sharia law

In cities from which Iraqi soldiers withdraw.

Frequent executions add to the crisis

When captives don’t pledge their allegiance to ISIS.

Our Qatari and Saudi Arabian “friends”

Support the insurgents, which therefore portends

Big trouble because the U.S. and Iran,

Have considered a type of rapprochement.

That makes the Saudis and Qataris upset.

There’s also a problem: we must not forget,

That if we work closely with Muslim nations,

It affects our U.S. / Israeli relations.

 

One...two...three...one...two...three...where’s it all heading?...

One...two...three...one...two...three...see how it’s spreading...

 

Maliki blundered by placing priority

So strictly upon the Shiite majority.

His country is blowing up in his face,

And his rule will probably end in disgrace.

The Sunnis, the Shiites, and also the Kurds,

Are now dividing Iraq into thirds.

The insurgents plan to maintain control

By making an Islamic caliphate their goal.

As they fight their bloody and cruel civil war,

There’s more chaos coming from the country next door:

Syria’s situation is especially grim

As hopes for a quick resolution seem dim.

Extremists in both lands are vying for power

While the people are suffering more and more by the hour.

If all parties were less bent on cruel retribution

And put greater stress on a diplomatic solution,

Maybe there’s a chance that we’d see peace prevail.

Or would it be easier to encounter the Grail?

 

One...two...three...one...two...has wisdom taken flight?...

One...two...three...one...two...there is none in sight...

(6-18-14)