The Siege of Tilburg suggests a situation where people definitely do not want to live. But in many places in the world, people know the situations described in this blog all to well.
The media show exactly what it is all about in Tilburg: a city under siege, citizens who live in fear every day, fighting in the streets between soldiers and paramilitary organizations.
The siege, is comparable in many ways , to the wars that were fought in the Middle Ages and the way in that time, cities were even equipped for such means of warfare. This comparison is based not only on the encirclement, the siege, the shelling, the strategy known as scorched earth, but also the way certain devices are used. But also wars in modern times like the siege of Sarajevo from 1992 to 1996.
In this case it’s not about the use of arms. The weapons of today are more sophisticated than before. It’s about indirect weapons of war. The way besiegers of the city rob people of their most basic living conditions and let them slowly die of hunger and thirst. Water and electricity are scarce and aid convoys are rarely accepted. Or the way terrorists and snipers spread terror among the population.
Still, keep looking and thinking. Finding parallels in the history that could be applied on the future.
"Hey man, take it easy. I only have 2 bottles"
"Sorry, but I can use a sip."
"You've been gone for a while haven’t you?"
"After the interview with Building I left for a little while."
"Where have you been?"
"Ah… Been in Rotterdam for an art project and I wanted to get away from this for a short time.."
"But, you’ve been in Rotterdam for an art project!?"
"Yes, that sort of things ... And also painted a lot lately. Check this out:
"Ohhhw dude! ... Copied from a photograph?"
"No those are stills from a movie about Bosnia. I’m making six paintings about Bosnia."
“Impressive. Just how big are they? "
"60 by 70 and 40 to 50 cm. All on that size."
"Why don’t you paint scenes like these from the situation in Tilburg?
"I don’t know. This way I keep myself busy with a different theme."
"A different theme!? Scenes like these we see in the streets every day!"
"Check what I found hanging on the streets. There are much more of these."
Warning
There is cause, to emphatically note, that all firearms, ammunition, grenades, explosions and other war materials should be handed over
Authorities had recently spoke out convictions, several times, for unauthorized possession of similar objects. For such violations, severe penalties will be subjected, were no leniency is to be expected in the future.
"It's been quiet for too long! Hell ‘ll break lose again really soon. With announcements like these .... This is not a kind request to calmly deliver your weapons. It sounds like we’ve been conquered or something like that! But on the contrary, everyone wants to fight!
These past days were much scarier. I don’t know what’s worse. Or the constant roar of cannons and explosions, or the grim silence occasionally interrupted by mortar strikes."
"With the constant bombardments, like when South and the centre were under heavy fire, at least you know you can’t go outside."
(An explosion outside makes Ruud rush to the door and yelling at everyone and anyone)
"Ahhrgg That's what I mean! Get the fuck out GODDAMNED!! GO FIND YOURSELF A JOB YOU IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
