ISRAEL 10-8-2003

8, October 2003           Response to Thomas Friedman, Op Ed NYT  RE: ISRAEL

 ‘Thomas Friedman, Long Spoon Diplomacy’ pA35 October 8, is right to be outraged at the ‘madness of suicide bombers’ but consistently remains silent to the appalling plight of the Palestinians who have suffered. The decision of President Bush to support the Israeli attack on Syria effectively gives a green light for Israel to continue its state sponsored terrorism with impunity. The attack on Syria was a clear violation of international law which is sure to escalate the violence in the Middle East and provoke further attacks on innocent Israeli citizens.  This will further isolate the US and create greater instability in the Middle East. 3,200 innocent citizens, including 800 children have  already perished.

The Bush Administration have created a dangerous precedence with its preemptive attack on Iraq which the Israeli government has exploited with its preemptive attack on Syria. The Palestinians and the Israelis have both become hostage to the extremist elements of their respective societies.

The Jewish lobby has been instrumental in formulating the unwavering financial and political  support of Israel. 3 billion dollars is paid to Israel each year for ‘defense’ needs. The sad reality is that much of this US largess has been used to wage a war of terror and deny the Palestinians a homeland and self-determination. Approximately, $1.6 trillion of U.S. tax money has been given to Israel over the past 30 years much of which has been used to take possession of Palestinian land with the construction of illegal settlements and the ‘apartheid’ wall of hatred. There will be no hope for peace in the Middle East until the US abandons its blatant partially towards Israel and assumes the role of an honest broker.