Nice Article on the West Bank and Gaza

[dauer]

I came across a link to this op-ed and I really enjoyed it so I thought I'd share it. It doesn't just focus on the negatives or just focus on the positives. It acknowledges both:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/22/op...on&oref=slogin

[Tao_Equus]

Thanks for the Link Dauer,

So often here at CR it seems like people misinterpret my loathing of the state oppression Israel wields over the people of Palestine. My colourful language comparing what is happening in Gaza to the Ghettos of Nazi Germany I think some might find a bit antagonistic. But this article upholds my assertions that such comparisons are valid, an honest appraisal of what life is like on the ground for the ordinary people of Palestine. But I have also seen first hand, the warmth, generosity and humanity of ordinary Jews who are as scathing and loathing of the treatment their state and certain individuals perpetrate on their neighbours. And we should applaud them and support them in any way we can. But I still do not hold out much hope. The language of genocide being spoken in the Israeli corridors of power is a new and sinister development and it is, I believe, a herald of a step up in the escalation of hatred in the region. We are in a pause, but I feel as though it is the eye of a storm and we are about to witness a new holocaust. All the signs are that Israel is gearing up for a serious war, not the brief incursions that are the hallmark of recent history. When that comes I think the Palestinian question will be solved. But this final solution will be the greatest and the saddest irony and one that will cause many peace loving Jews to hang their heads in shame.

tao

[dauer]

He's got a page of comments on his column up here. A lot of people have presented some interesting perspective and background information while staying relatively civil:

Your Comments on my West Bank Column - Nicholas D. Kristof - Opinion - New York Times Blog

[bob x]

Originally Posted by Tao_Equus

All the signs are that Israel is gearing up for a serious war, not the brief incursions that are the hallmark of recent history.

No, all the signs point to utter exhaustion. Even a brief incursion is too much for the Israeli government to carry out anymore without the populace wearily shaking their heads. That is why I think the truce, although unaccompanied by any kind of agreement, is likely to hold a while (the question is whether the Palestinians are also sufficiently tired of the pointless violence, and on that it is hard to get much reliable information, but I am hoping that this time it is so). Further moves like pulling back the settlements cannot occur under the present weak Israeli government, particularly given the weakness of the lame-duck American government, but by next year when the US has a new President and Israel surely will have a new Prime Minister, chances may improve.

[Tao_Equus]

Time will tell.

[dauer]

No it won't. Its lips are sealed. I tickled it for 3 hours and it refused to say anything.