Israel not entirely innocent in border dispute
Issue date: 4/22/05 Section: Ed-Op
- Page 1 of 2 next >
Regarding the commentary by last issue ("Palestinians should espouse a mindset of peace, and not terror," The Triangle, April 15, p. 15), one can hardly miss her bias in favor of the Jewish side of the argument. While the author indeed made very pertinent points related to Palestinian abuse of children and their violent-prone indoctrination, it is disturbing to read their account that depicts "skepticism of the past" exclusively as "years of indoctrinating ... instructing towards violence, and exploiting [Palestinian] children into war."
I believe that in making their case, the author fell into the trap of an emotional approach and glossed over significant details of past developments in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Clearly, I am not bringing these issues to the fore to assume that such abuse of children is justified. However, I consider it imprudent to leave a slanted piece without response, especially when many students appear to be poorly exposed to Middle Eastern issues. While my ethnic and religious heritage has nothing to do with either of the sides, please keep in mind that they are facts of utmost importance in the analysis of the crisis, regardless of one's approach of the issue.
I agree with the author's claim that peace in the Middle East relies heavily on a cessation of Palestinian hostilities. Nevertheless, a considerable portion of the blame is to be shared by the Israelis as well. Let us not to forget some of the questionable circumstances that led to the creation of the Israeli state in 1948. While I am not trying to debate its legality (as both sides seem entitled to an equal share of the land based on ancient and modern historical grounds), one can easily point to the conspicuous role of the financiers both in the formation and in the support offered to the state of Israel. Therefore, the Israelis have enjoyed Western (particularly American) support, not only at the inception of their homeland, but also after the 1967 Six Day War and their ensuing occupation of the Golan Heights, the Gaza Strip and, most importantly, the West Bank. Following their possession of these territories, Israel was reprimanded by a string of futile UN resolutions. The violations have plagued the state for over 35 years and include breaches of peace and human rights abuses. In the interim, it is very difficult to divert attention from the economic and diplomatic support that the US readily provided for the Jewish state.
I believe that in making their case, the author fell into the trap of an emotional approach and glossed over significant details of past developments in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Clearly, I am not bringing these issues to the fore to assume that such abuse of children is justified. However, I consider it imprudent to leave a slanted piece without response, especially when many students appear to be poorly exposed to Middle Eastern issues. While my ethnic and religious heritage has nothing to do with either of the sides, please keep in mind that they are facts of utmost importance in the analysis of the crisis, regardless of one's approach of the issue.
I agree with the author's claim that peace in the Middle East relies heavily on a cessation of Palestinian hostilities. Nevertheless, a considerable portion of the blame is to be shared by the Israelis as well. Let us not to forget some of the questionable circumstances that led to the creation of the Israeli state in 1948. While I am not trying to debate its legality (as both sides seem entitled to an equal share of the land based on ancient and modern historical grounds), one can easily point to the conspicuous role of the financiers both in the formation and in the support offered to the state of Israel. Therefore, the Israelis have enjoyed Western (particularly American) support, not only at the inception of their homeland, but also after the 1967 Six Day War and their ensuing occupation of the Golan Heights, the Gaza Strip and, most importantly, the West Bank. Following their possession of these territories, Israel was reprimanded by a string of futile UN resolutions. The violations have plagued the state for over 35 years and include breaches of peace and human rights abuses. In the interim, it is very difficult to divert attention from the economic and diplomatic support that the US readily provided for the Jewish state.
Be the first to comment on this story