Its the occupation.... stupid.

I watched the show... it proves my point....

Its the occupation..... stupid.

Hala,

In all the visit to Al Azhar, you were able to speak for less than a minute there ... do you think democracy in the middle East can be covered in an hour show .... you must be kidding ..

Its life time journey , but keep it up and ask the questions we want to ask .... good luck ...

Hala, is there a way of watching the show on the internet? For those of us with a serious shortage of CNN on TV?

P.S. It's your cat, stupid

Why don't you just say what you mean when continuously regurgitate, "It's the occupation, stupid?"

We all know what you really mean is: "It's the existence of Israel, which should be wiped off the map, stupid!"

Why mince words, boys? No point dressing up your true feelings in pretty code words like "occupation."

Indonesian rule in East Timor was often marked by extreme violence and brutality; estimates of the number of East Timorese who died during the occupation vary from 60,000 to 200,000,[15] A detailed statistical report prepared for the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation in East Timor cited a minimum bound of 102,800 conflict-related deaths in the period 1974-1999, namely, approximately 18,600 killings and 84,200 'excess' deaths from hunger and illness.[16]

Moss,

go find yourself an East Timor blog to discuss this issue on it.... Here we are discussing the Zionist Israeli occupation of Palestine.

Its the occupation..... stupid.

Get my drift?

our signs say "even Dogs may enter, Israelis NOT"

all blogers...

please record and put it to youtube!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!¨
all parts needed ;)

------

CNN reporter
you how did this chalenge
some how i like you ;)
was or is a good report !
more cnn reporters should be as you!

Many will claim that Israel won, others will not because HAMAS lives to fight another day.

Israel has only proven that it has a superior Military Force. We all new that.

The ceasefire when it comes will not bring peace nor recognition that Israel has a right to exist.

Until Israel takes the painful decision to give the Palestinian People a homeland with East Jerusalem as it capital, will the Jews nation know what it is to be at peace with its neighbors.

All this incursion has to show for itself, is the wholesale genocide of the Palestinian People.

Israel no safer today than when to war 1967. What a legacy to leave to both Palestinian and Jewish Children.

A revolutionary idea for all of you to chew on...a one state solution.

Equality for all...the right for Israelis and Palestinian to co-exist in the region equally.

South Africa is doing it

Ireland is doing it

It is a humanitarian issue...the survival of people, regardless of ideology.

Let the Zionist and Islamast ideologies die, so the peoples may live!

CNN
do a youtub chanel as al jazere have one as IDF have one
you speak about Obama and internet and blah blah
but whats about you?
you did turn off cnn stream over internet ... maybe since the gaza war?
so step into future and go to internet !!!!
open a youtube chanel!!!
set up your live stream of cnn international!

and if you like do a facebook as Obama ;) :D

DID YOU SEE THE POOR OLMERT?
PATHETIS
its the occupation stupid.

Mohammad,
No. I give up on news, what did Olmert say?

olmert
we have reached our goals
which goals?
KILLING NEWBORNS.
the rockets still fall on jews to my knowledge.

he said he agreed with mubarak on issues

mubarak ,a few minutes ago, said he is against any comin of international peace keepers on the border.

israel
what did you achieve?
HAMAS KILLS YOUE SOLDIERS LIKE BIRDS AND ASHKINAZI LIES TO YOU.

ISRAEL
WALLAHI WALLAHI
WE WILL WIPE OF TE MAP.

OLMERT
olmert is really embarrassed.
you embarrassss yourself more.

Military solution to a political problem for Israel...does not work in the long run.

Israel wanted to do this before Obama comes into USA presidency

israel
you lost the war agaist civilians. prepare yoursellves for the coming existential war against iran and the arab world.
from now, i say i like blond jewish girls; let them to me.
ok.

BLOGERS POSTERS

please if possible recodrd CNN stuff
and put it to youtube!!!

some stuff they bring only one time :(
dont let us forget ... record and post it at youtube
please if you have possibilities ... dooooooo itttttttt !
pleace !

the way olmert talks about stopping the war after this unprecedented humanitarian crisis is obvious: the appointment of obama
..
this man has two optons: people or demons. americans will pay the price if he choses the wrong ally.

AJ,

I prefer a one state solution too.

hi Professor!

A sane idea

for ALL

Have you read One Country?

Amazing visionary book!

AJ,

No I did not read that book. Who is the author?

Ali Abunimah–gives history, and lo and behold!–solutions

search your own news
go to the source!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/News_agency !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
;)

It looks as if Hamas is tired of the beat down they received from the IDF. Now if Hamas will stop acting like morons maybe the people of Gaza can finally get a good night sleep.

Obama and the people of Gaza are going to get one last chance to create peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

Prediction, next week the morons will continue to launch rockets into Israel and the IDF will continue it’s holy quest to free the Kingdom of Heaven from the terrorists.

Oh ok.... I do like Ali abunimah writings.... but I have not read that book.

Great book!

One sane voice that I hope represents many more!

Professor, Can you get some sane voices to come over to this blog now?

Nazi cubfan,

Hamas has vowed not to stop the rockets.... as long as there is an occupation.... so next time Israelis wants to play politics with the life of the Palestinians they need to measure their losses before they start.... They keep doing it time after time without learning a lesson from the past. They have lost every friend.... I don't think Obama is going to be happy about Rice's signing an agreement during her last week. I think they made sure to antagonize everyone... Count your losses and count Hamas losses.... and lets see who is winning so far.

Losers in the big picture

Notice how they called a cease fire just before Obama enters office

Stupid politics definitely

Mohammad is right, what was Israels 'objectives??

Demography...more Palestinians dead, more 'room' (read land/space) for Israelis

ceasefire and troops still there to control Gazans...same old same old

No real winners still

i don't see anyone online right now.... :(

Yeah it was all orchestrated the time it started.... the signing of the agreement.... the time they ended it...

stupid politics! as usual...

I scred everyone away Prof, this always happens when I come on line
:)

You must read this book, Professor

gush, gush

exactly... the whole this whole conflict is political and has no religious ground. Anyone who think there is anything religious roots to this conflict is dead wrong.

Well I am still here.... :)

I would love to read it.... I will try to get a hold of it soon.

Yeah, I totally agree!!

Available from Amazon for $8.00

Zionist Christians use religion to justify anything Israel does...but in the end they see destruction for Jews if the Jews don't 'conform' to their way of thinking...

Zionist Jews and Zionist Christians use each other to achieve a useless end...

What'cha think of Olmert's 'ceasefire'?

Gaza doctor's tragedy caught on Israeli TV – 17 Jan 09
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UxJWdCwOpc

watch it
israel did bomb one of its favorite doctors in gaza
he is a palestinian in gaza
but saved the live of many jews!!!

thats why now israelians it self write letters to the governemment!

HI AJ,

Olmert's 'ceasefire' is a bunch of bunk ....

What'cha think??

totally agree!

Lynne! How are ya??

Where ya been?

The blog has been amiss without your voice!

AJ,

You couldn't be more right

"Zionist Jews and Zionist Christians use each other to achieve a useless end…"

Forgot who said it ... it was an Israeli politico's trip to the US ... but to paraphrase

US conservative Christians are Israel's greatest ally and send more money to Israel than US Jewish groups ...

Kinda in line with what I read about Olmert saying that he made a call to Bush and Condi couldn't even vote for the resolution she helped write...

Lynne,

Ofcourse It is... He wants to say to the UN and the US look we stopped attacking (while his troops are still occupying Gaza) when Hamas fires at them t kick them out they will say look Hamas broke the cease-fire so we are going to bomb Gaza civilians again. Its just a sorry ass excuse..... unfortunately, some people are blinded to the fact there is an occupation there and there is resistance to the occupation. Its not just Gaza, people now even forgot that the west bank is still occupied too. They think Israel pulled out of all the Palestinians territories.... I just don't understand what planet these people live on.

I have rarely been here myself of late

Conversation has been very one-sided and rather shallow, in my other sided opinion...LOL

AJ,

My machine has been in the computer hospital - remember all the problems I was having on last weekend ....

a particularly nasty virus. Machine's wearing the latest in "protection" now 8)

Professor,
People do not dig deep...they do not really understand the history or what goes on during 'peace' times between wars in this region...

I think we are being hacked when we are in CNN blogs,,,my cvomputer has been acting weird too since coming here

How about you, Prof?

I noticed that too...

since I am on a lot of Palestinians support groups my email get hacked a lot.... I have received a lot of hate mail.

But, hey it goes with the territory. :)

Lynne,

The book 'One Country'...you must read...I cannot rave enough about it!!

Excellent analyses and offers sane solutions

Does not just dwell on the negatives of the past

How does that hapen?

How does that happen?

Professor, do you put out your personal info in other places...is that why?

Prof,

I see Beny's STILL on the occupation trip....

Last weekend, I got on the UN.org website. Went through every last UNSCR since 242 in 1967. Up until 2002, the UNSCRs identified Israel as an "occupying force" and demanded that Israel withdraw from "occupied Arab" or "occupied Palestinian" territories. The demands for withdrawal from the Palestinian territories are still there - about once a year - since 2002, but the terms "occupying force" or "occupied" territories has been dropped. Wonder why? Is it because the US vetoed the resolutions if "occupied/occupying" was contained in the wording and Israel didn't like it (we know the answer!)

For Beny, occupied in all definitions, including the military definition contains the same elements of foreign military having a presence in another state (oh, forgot, Palestine isn't a state - wonder why?) and control of the movement and every day lives of the people occupied.

If there is a cease fire, and we take Israel seriously when the politicos say they don't want to occupy Gaza again, the only way a unilateral cease fire is valid is if the Israeli military completely withdraws from Gaza.

Like I said, bunk (or a smokescreen)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090117/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_palestinians

You mean how does someone email address get hijacked?

AJ,

You made references to "One Country" last week. I have it ordered and can't wait to receive it!

Like I say

Same old, same old...

they control, Israel never lets go completely...

It is amazing!

Good look at South African history, drawing lessons that Israel could learn from SA journey–many similarities to Zionist ideology and Afrikaner ideology...interesting...

AJ,

You know I'm not a war monger, but if we went into Iraq (twice now) for supposed non compliance with UNSCRs ... well you get my drift.

I happen to agree with (I believe it was) Qatar calling for the UN banning Israel. When Israel joined the UN shortly after becoming a nation to gain validity, part of the UN "rules" was to abide by the resolutions (as well as paying "membership dues", which I believe that the US is in arrears).

Lynne,

I think explaining the occupation to Beny is a waste.... He knows it but its part of the propaganda machine agenda is to deny that there is an occupation.... to deny that there was something called Palestine before 1947.... so i would not sweat it too much becuase the rest of the world knows it. And regardless, they have the right to resist. Isreal likes it or not.... it has to live with its choices. Because the occupation is a choice. Resistance is not.... Its a must.

The author reads the history from a very balanced mindset...in my opinion

So what do you think Obama's going to do next week? A more balanced approach or the SOS?

I am worried abut Obama...his cabinet picks, like Emanuel and Clnton, give me pause...

But I am willing to give him a chance

Times are achangin...

The future lies with the grassroots youth and the internet, I believe...

Lynne,

I am hoping for two things:

1. the reason he did not speak up before is becuase he want to do something different than what Bush has been doing.

2. I am hoping that Rice's signing of the new agreement in the last two days of her office will piss him off more and do something totally to undo what has been done.

I am not holding my breathe thought.... :(

I recently heard a former IDF soldier and a young Palestinian man...together in one room...between the ages of 22 and 26 and both gave me hope

What was this 'agreement' about, folks?

AJ,

I think Billary was a poor choice for Secretary of State. She does not have any experience other than being the wife of an ex-president, but I guess Obama had to cut a deal. As a woman, I think she has her own agenda which isn't in the best interests of the country. I don't trust her any farther than I could throw her!

{My stomach isn't feeling to well).

Hopefully, underneath all that nice-guy, inclusive diplomacy, Obama is as hard as nails and can keep the wicked witch checked with a good bucket of water handy!

BTW, have you read "Peace in a Time of War" by Holbrooke? Just some insight to the Clinton years and Bosnia .... If Billary has her way, I think Gaza is going to be the sacrificial lamb to her ambition.

Don't know too much about Emanuel - I try to keep up with things, and if I really haven't heard his name ....

Hold on, I have some info on Emanuel...his dad was with Stern Gang that blew up King David Hotel in 1946

The agreement about some intelligence and security cooperation to stop the smuggling of weapons to Hamas. The details still unclear because Egypt is not part of it.... England offered to send some ships to monitor the waters.... well Hamas does not have ships to transfer weapons and they do not have a port to welcome the ships of others... so we will have to see what the details of that agreement in the next few days.

WIKIPEDIA INFO ON Rahm EMANUEL:
"In June 2007, Emanuel condemned an outbreak of Palestinian violence in the Gaza Strip and criticized Arab countries for not applying the same kind of pressure on the Palestinians as they have on Israel. At a 2003 pro-Israel rally in Chicago, Emanuel told the marchers Israel was ready for peace but would not get there until Palestinians "turn away from the path of terror"..."

"Some Republican leaders criticized Emanuel's appointment because they believed it went against Obama's promises to make politics less divisive, given Emanuel's reputation as a partisan Democrat.[3] Republican Lindsey Graham disagreed, saying: "This is a wise choice by President-elect Obama. He's tough but fair - honest, direct and candid."[52]

Ira Forman, executive director of the National Jewish Democratic Council, said that the choice indicates that Obama will not listen to the wrong people regarding the U.S.-Israel relationship.[47] Some commentators opined that Emanuel would be good for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process because if Israeli leaders make excuses for not dismantling settlements, Emanuel will be tough and pressure the Israelis to comply.[53][54]

Some Palestinians and Arabs expressed dismay at Obama’s appointment of Emanuel.[55] Ali Abunimah of the Electronic Intifada said that Obama’s appointment of Emanuel sent the signal he would not be taking a “more balanced, more objective, more realistic advice that could change the course from the disastrous Palestine-Israel policies of the Bush and Clinton administrations.”[56] Emanuel said that Obama did not need his influence to "orientate his policy toward Israel".[57]

"Emanuel's 81-year old father was quoted as saying, "Obviously, he will influence the President to be pro-Israel. Why shouldn't he do it? What is he, an Arab? He's not going to clean the floor of the White House."[57] Although political analysts said that as a veteran Democratic congressman Emanuel should not be held responsible for everything his father says, Emanuel apologized to the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee which had asked for such an apology, stating ">From the fullness of my heart, I personally apologize on behalf of my family and me. These are not the values upon which I was raised or those of my family."[57][58] An Emanuel spokesman said Emanuel offered to meet with Arab-American community representatives in the future."[

AJ,

The "agreement" was the latest UNSCR last week for an immediate cease fire in Gaza.

What was this that gave you hope with the former IDF and the Palestinian young man?

Remember a couple of years ago seeing a show (can't remember if it was 20/20, 60 minutes, or Dateline) where Jewish (from Israel) and Palestinian teenagers were brought to the US for a summer camp. Seems like here they could be friends and find common interests, but when the got back to Israel and Palestine, contact dropped.

There must be something in the water .... (or lack of it).

See Ali Abunimah's article in Washington Times 11-08 on Emanuel pick:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/13/obamas-ambiguity/

I had the same concerns Abunimah has raised about the appointment of Emanuell. :(

AJ,

Does not sound good. And who the heck are the "wrong people regarding the US-Israel relationship"?

Oh, (lightbulb), that's me, you, and The Prof.

From what you post, the apple does not fall far from the tree, and smacks of racism.

There's a LOT of efforts in Israel that you describe here Lynne, but of course, Israel gov't will discourage interaction all they can..God forbid Israel's youth should be exposed to the human face of Palestinian youth, y' know!

Lynne,

I seen a similar story on a soccer team that has half the players from Israel and the other half from Palestine... they played in the US against other teams but when they went back the did not continue contacts.... I think it was the parents did not allow it out of security concerns to their kids going to "troubled" areas to meet or something like that.

AJ,

Article was interesting. I have a feeling that the Palestinians are going to get screwed again, although I hope I am wrong ...

The ex-IDF and Palestinian youth put stock in youth movement in Israel Palestinians–on BOTH sides of the 'fence'– and the internet technology to change thinking.

See what happened here in USA! Internet and grassroots movement was what got Obama elected–in my opinion.

Ok guys gotta run to eat some dinner.... will talk to you later Lynne and AJ.

Keep up the good work and the prayers....

Oh and don't forget.... its the occupation.... LOL

The next generation is sick of the same old, same old...

Have you heard of the Shimintzim youth in Israel??

AJ,

Who are the Shimintzim youth?

Young 17-18 year old Israelis who refuse to go into the IDF–conscientious objectors of today!

Of course you dont hear about the ones against this junk in Israel. They are all censored and thrown into jail by the gov't–but they are there!

Gives me hope, The planted seeds are sprouting

Oh, cool! I knew there were (some) conscientious objectors in Israel, and some even in the IDF. Remember a big hullabaloo a couple of years ago when the young soldier came out and criticized - sorta like Watanabe in the US last year/year before last. Don't know what happened to the Israeli soldier, though...you heard, and then you didn't.

I think you maybe right that the youth today are tired of the SOS. I'm old, pushin' ... well never mind, and I'm tired of the same SOS. Wonder when all these old *arts are going to go meet the Great Spirit?

I remember my Dad telling me when it came to what was going on in the Middle East not to argue politics, but remember that injustices will come home to roost.

See:

http://www.ynet.co.il/english/articles/0,7340,L-3585534,00.html

AJ,

"The planted seeds are sprouting"

All we have to do is keep 'em fertilized and watered.

Your dad is sooo right!

Awful right now, but gotta keep the pressure on...

it is a moral, ethical issue which the Israeli govt is anything but right now.

Not all its citizens asre behind them, tho...

Same with US govt but not all are behind it here either

AJ,

"We consider IDF service a privilege."

A privilege for what? Teen power!!! I remember having "card burning" ceremonies during Nam.

The movement IS growing..everywhere

My Dad was a very wise man. He went on to better things over 30 years ago when I was a young woman. I wonder what he'd say today, sometimes.

Hey, same with my dad...my best friend for always...a wise man and wonderful, COMPASSIONATE human being.

Passed in 1990 but with me in spirit!

As we say in Judaism, "...May their memory be a blessing..."

And so it is!

The day time bloggers are hard to take...eh?

That is why I only come out at night...and even then....

Last few nights I peek in and if I don't see you or Rod or Professor, I leave...
Glad you are here tonight.

The Irish say "God rest his soul". Think the meaning is the same. Yes, Dad is definitely here.

So what do you think the outcome of all this will be?

I was thinking the other night, peoples' memories are selective. How quickly people forget things they don't want to remember. In light of the past Irgun, Stern Gang, and to extent Haganah and Palmach, and Hamas, PLO, etc., I have come to believe that the label "terrorist" is equally selective, depending on whether or not you are the perpetrator.

Does that make sense?

I am glad you are here also. Looked earlier today when I got my machine back, but you hadn't gotten here yet.

The day bloggers are so full of hate, or have swallowed the propaganda put out by either side. It's so hard, but sometimes you have to face the devil head on 8)

Freedom Fighter....terrorist

Interpretation is in the eye of the beholder,...

Congratulations Israel and the IDF! You have seriously degraded the Islamic terrorist threat from the Hamas cowards and war criminals who target and hide behind civilians.

Hamas has been dealt a very serious blow. Maybe the Palestinian people will learn that electing an Islamic terrorist government does nothing to promote their agenda of having a Palestinian state. In fact, I believe it has done the opposite.

The Palestinians were given Gaza and they raped the land and turned it into an Islamic terrorist encampment. Why would any country give them more land to do the same? They have destroyed their future, yet again.

Again, congratulations Israel. I hope the Islamic terrorists have been damaged so badly that they will now consider acting like human beings and stop attacking civilians. If not, you know what to do.

Freedom fighter .... terrorist

Yup, a hard call sometimes. I do like Ghandi – nonviolent resistance.

Do you really think that even if Hamas quit firing rockets and put down their weapons, Israel would end the blockade? I think they won't quit until they wipe "terrorists" off the face of the planet.

And so it will go on ....

['scuse, I'm not my normal optimistic self tonight, I'm afraid. Another UN facility got shelled today].

Do you really think we are heard, tho?

Cannot change minds...they certainly ain't changin MINE..thats for sure!

Have you heard of Rabbi Michael Lerner?

Rabbi Michael Lerner sounds familiar, but I can't recall.

I think we are heard only by those who are tired of all the bloodshed and want to hear. The rest are too pig-headed to hang out with folks that have different ideas from theirs. I don't even know if they are capable of even considering a different POV. This is how hate gets passed on from one generation to the next - the pig-headed gene.

Israel Zionisit government has a thing about control, demographics and expansionism...

the book I recommend talks about this in detail...

there is a Zionist bigger picture that is very unfortunate, but, in the end, whenever that may be, hopefully in my lifetime, sanity will win out...I hope!

agreed!

Yep, I think I posted Plan Dalet earlier, and my thoughts on how this 19-forty something document relates to what's happening today.

I'll agree with needing control over demographics and resources (land, water, etc) if "Zionism" is to continue to exist. (I use quotes as not to offend those who view this only as a homeland, but has room for others).

Phones' ringing,.

all arabs say this ceasefire cant work in anycase
israel it self kows this ceasefire will not work
its only a political joke...
and a dirty joke to legitimate the total genocide !!!

A revolutionary idea for to chew on…a one state solution.

Equality for all…the right for Israelis and Palestinian to co-exist in the region equally.

South Africa is doing it

Ireland is doing it

It is a humanitarian issue…the survival of people, regardless of ideology.

Let the Zionist and Islamast ideologies die, so the peoples may live!

Ideology is the culprit!

Ideology chokes life.

People can survive better without ideology...BIGTIME!

Lynne,
I don't think Zionism will allow for 'the other' to live equally, by its nature, Zionism is exclusive. Only for Jews. All ideologies are like that. Islamist ideaolgy...Afrikaner ideology...Irish...on and on...

AJ,

I'm back. Have to drive to Houston tomorrow.

You are so right about ideology. It leaves no room for other people, I think, or at least as it is practiced currently.

Viva South Africa y Ireland!

Humanitarianism is the wave of the future....social justice ad equality for ALL human being regardless of culture, religion, etc...

Idealogy kills always...ultimately

Houston? Is that a long drive for you?

AJ,

You may be right concerning Zionism. I just make allowances for some of my Jewish friends who say they are Zionists to the extent that they believe in the Jewish homeland, but not excluding non-Jews from the right to live there and to equal rights. Maybe they aren't "real" Zionists?

I happen to believe that an idea can evolve, such in our Declaration of Independence that all men are created equally, but at the time it meant all White European men (excluding the Irish and women - my words). Now it's beginning to mean everybody - finally.

AJ,

Houston is about 4 1/2 hours from DFW if you do 70 (speed limit). I've done it in 3 (as fast as my putt-putt fuel-efficient car will go).

Impressive!

What, the drive??? Short distance for Tejas. I'm about 280 miles from H-town.

I am Jewish,,,and along with Many other Jews in my community, I am NOT zionist, not when I see what it is...

I was just censored...funny happenings here at this blog...

big brother is watching over us, how sweet...

And what zionism does...ideology stinks

AJ,

When you look at Zionism from a historical perspective, it is rather racist, isn't it? Could that stem from having roots and taking hold in the late 1800's (think it was sometime between 1880s – 1890s with Herzl?) Anyway, not too pretty when you take it at face value, not to mention not very democratic.

Which can lead to another discussion ....

How were you censored? I wonder if it was the censors that gave my machine that virus that froze the OS.

I saw a pro Israel rally on the news the other night...

It was despicable!

The reporter interviewed several people, saying things like
"Wipe 'em out!"

Palestinians are "...like a cancer...Israel needs to burn them out of their skin..."

Peaceful my butt!

Atrocious–and the hate spewed on these blogs...God!! Awful!!

this was a poem by the Palestinians poet Mahmoud Darwish in 1964. it is about a Palestinian man who was stopped at an Israeli army post and was asked about his identity card.

Record!
I am an Arab
And my identity card is number fifty thousand
I have eight children
And the ninth is coming after a summer
Will you be angry?

Record!
I am an Arab
Employed with fellow workers at a quarry
I have eight children
I get them bread
Garments and books
from the rocks..
I do not supplicate charity at your doors
Nor do I belittle myself at the footsteps of your chamber
So will you be angry?

Record!
I am an Arab
I have a name without a title
Patient in a country
Where people are enraged
My roots
Were entrenched before the birth of time
And before the opening of the eras
Before the pines, and the olive trees
And before the grass grew

My father.. descends from the family of the plow
Not from a privileged class
And my grandfather..was a farmer
Neither well-bred, nor well-born!
Teaches me the pride of the sun
Before teaching me how to read
And my house is like a watchman's hut
Made of branches and cane
Are you satisfied with my status?
I have a name without a title!

Record!
I am an Arab
You have stolen the orchards of my ancestors
And the land which I cultivated
Along with my children
And you left nothing for us
Except for these rocks..
So will the State take them
As it has been said?!

Therefore!
Record on the top of the first page:
I do not hate people
Nor do I encroach
But if I become hungry
The usurper's flesh will be my food
Beware..
Beware..
Of my hunger
And my anger!

I tried to post a NY Times article

A Palestinian doctor was interviewed on Israeli TV, his house had just been shelled and 3 of his daughters killed and he was freaking out on air for 3 minutes. I'll get website and post that, at least

AJ,

I can't understand this any more than the pro-palestinian protesters in Florida last week and also a certain blogger's references to ovens.

All we can do is keep setting the example, I'm afraid.

I can't recall who said that people are most afraid of things they can't understand. Anyway, I've found that to be true in organizations. I guess all we can do (or the sane group here) is take hands, Muslim/Jew/Christian, hold 'em high and chant we don't bite.

Ommmmm .....

Israel TV news broadcasts a Gaza father's heartbreak

Dr. Izz el-Deen Aboul Aish, who gave frequent interviews to the Israeli media, was minutes away from giving another when he called newscaster Shlomi Eldar, screaming and weeping with grief.

See YouTube VIDEO
Israeli TV airs telephone call to father after children killed -English
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUh6xVlndhM (4:13min)

Hi Solomon,

Glad you posted the poem again! I'm waiting for you to teach me that Lebanese dance 8)

Fear is at the core, for sure...
OMMMMMMMMM

Hello Solomon and shukran for poem!

AJ,

I saw that NY Times article. So sad, my heart really hurts. There were 3 children reported killed when the UN building was shelled today.

This is getting to be too, too much. Is it worth it for political gain? I think not. IMO anyone that harms a child deserves a very slow death.

Solomon's poem reminded me of the one that was posted on the BBC when all the teens got killed in Tel-Aviv about 10 years ago (don't recall whether it was a wedding or a part of town where people hang to meet and dance - club distirct?). Anyway, the poet's first name was Rachel, but I can't recall her sir name.

Solomon, this time I've copy/pasted your poem as a word doc in my files.

Read the book I recommend, Lynne.

By its nature from the beginning, Zionism (and all ideologies, if you ask me) are exclusionary of all but its own kind...

Ideologies can not survive in today's world, regardless of the roots, be it Jewish, Muslim, Christian, or ...(fil in the blank)

What is Ban Ki-moon talking about an Israeli withdrawl?

He should better focus his attention on getting Hamas to stop rockets

Ban Ki-moon if he wants to taken seriously should better conduct himself or the UN will not be respected any longer

Ban Ki-moon should be a leader and speak against the Hamas rocket fire otherwise he is being biased and must be removed!

AJ,

Hope that the book comes early this week. It's been a while since I've read anything (useful).

You may be right. I was trying to think of an ideology that is not exclusionary of all but its own kind. I was thinking "humanism" as embracing all of the homo sapiens species, but it is exclusionary. Maybe without meaning to be, but racist people by their very nature would not be inclined to subscribe to the humanist ideology.

Or am I engaging in a bout of circular reasoning?

I just watched the Israeli broadcast, the reporters were choked up...good they brought a human voice to this madness..

The Israeli public needs to hear it and see it....

the insanity of war,...

AJ,

It is insane. Will people ever see too much and learn?

I wonder if the terms of the cease fire will include that Israel must lift it's blockades. It seems that condi rice, bush, and the rest of the machine behind Israel, want to blame Palestine for this whole mess without acknowledging Israels opression of Palestine.
But unfortunately, it's the way of the world. The weaker nation get's pushed around until extinguished (ie Native Americans) or another superpower gives a nation a leg up (U.S. to Israel).
Meanwhile, the press refuses to give coverage of the TRUE ebents that lrd up to this mess.

so what, we ignore it because of racists in the world?

Humanism seems to me the only way we can now go in today's world

There will always be racism but we should not let that stop most of us

Of course I will not exclude my animals in the name of humanism!

:)

Yes CS
It is a TWO SIDED issue, but one would never guess so reading folks like Steve from canada, see above ...oh gawd here we go again,...:P

Like I said earlier, the general public does not pay attention to I/P except in times of war..there is so much that happens in the region during quiet times of 'peace'

The one sided view of most US media with their 30 second sound bites on the very complex situation is what people get and make their judgments on

Palestinian terrorists...israel's security....israels defense...faceless Palestinians....

Voila! Many decide that right or wrong....Israel is the victim...

and thus, this is how policy gets made Amertican style

:(

Hey Steve. Maybe ban should be focusing on a way for the U.N. to keep Israel from cutting electricity, blocking medical supplies, food, and water from the people of Gaza. Maybe he should talk about stopping the inhumane treatment of Palestinian women trying to board flights fromWest Bank to Gaza and back.
There was a Palestinian woman who tried to board her flight, and she was detained by Israeli security. They strip searched her. Cavity searched her. She was on her monthly period. After finding no contraband, they allowed her to proceed onto the plane. Only after taking away the sanitary napkin inside her, and the ones in her bag.
She had to board with blood all over herself.
Between this type of harrassment/opression, and the control of imports, supplies, and food sent to Gaza ( even if it does not come from Israel) I can see a reason for rebellion. If these type of things are monitored, and prevented by a neutral party, than maybe these rocket attacks woukd stop.
And also...why would the U.S./U.N say that the "smuggling" of weapons to Gaza needs to stop? Who are they to tell anyone what defense artillary they can/cannot have? Nobody questioned the U.S. when they gave chemical warfare and artillary to Bin Laden and Sadam.

one sided 30 second sound bites do the trick...

but I think that is changing now

I hope

I agree AJ. People need to learn to decipher the news/media. Think for themselves a little. Question what is givent to them, rather than blindly believe it, just because TV said so.

Hi CS, Steve,

Steve, doesn't matter what Ban Ki-Moon says, Israel has never complied with any UNSCR. So rocket fire vs Israeli withdrawal is irrelevant.

CS, even if Hamas stopped lobbing rockets, the blockade will not be lifted. It was not lifted during the 6-month truce expired; it will not be until Hamas is annihilated. Unfortunately, it's going to be a long time, since all Israel has succeeded in doing is creating a lot more Hamas out of moderates that did not support Hamas in the first place.

You are correct about weaker nations .... if I was a Darwinist, I would say survival of the fittest.

All of Hamas and innocent Palestinians with them...

It's the demographics...stupid

:) Ahhhh, I wish Professor was here!

Lynne. You're absolutely correct. Guess I was just being Optomistic (and or naive) :(

Strip searching happens all the time...nothing new for Israel, folks believe me!

It is meant to humiliate

What the world does NOT know of the day to day Israeli tactics, folks, would shock the most conservative of us,

...unless there is a sadistic streak of glee at another's humiliation

And, idealist that I am, even I know the sadists are alive and well by so many posts I view on these blog war boards

People keep referring to Palestinians as "terrorists." Israel opresses Palestine. Controls Food, water, electricity, and medical supplies into Gaza. They destroy the infrastructure, so that Palestine can never be equal. The first thing they targeted during this act of terror, was demolish a university. Next, a hospital. Israel breached the cease fire 2x, and the trusty American media refuses to cover that part. Hard to believe it's not racism/erratication.

Survival of the fittest....if you mean Israel, Lynne...

ummm...

in the short run, maybe, but \not in the long run...

I am for the survival of the PEOPLE, but not the government, ideology!

It is truly pathetic CS

Disgusting!!

And so damn one-sided....grrrrr...

The 'terrorist' rhetoric I see coming out of pro-Israel bloggers' mouths has me questioning who the real terrorists are....

And, to be fair, I see it coming from Anti Israel bloggers, too

Either way, it is awful and a no win situation

On either side

People, granted, get extremely passionate over this issue.

Words, I guess, are better than actions

True, true, and true.

thought y'all left...

I too, am one who is for the people. Not the super rich. Not the politically powerful. Not the miltary elite. But my heart and prayers are with us, the people. The very people who make this world go 'round. Societies, countries, civilizations, businesses, and corperations are built, and kept running by us. You would think WE would have a little more say. But it;s the way things have always been, Isuppose.

money talks...in the short run

hopefully tho, morals and ethics win out in the long run

Sorry guys, had to take another phone call. I'm back for a short while, but will have to go soon. Have to leave DFW at 4 am to make the wake ...

what is happening in Houston, Lynne?

hello??

AJ and CS,

Ya'll were talking earlier on about the searches (strip and other wise) are designed in Israel to humiliate. After 911, we had the profiling and searches here in the US. Too many folks, and too many includes massive numbers that were not in the "profile", protested the govenment's actions. Government then had to be careful, esp. after Abu Gharib. Hence national security could not override human rights guaranteed us in the constitution.

Now, I was wondering. Israel claims it's our (the US') ONLY friend in the mideast, and that it's the ONLY democracy in the mideast. So where are the folks protesting the humiliating searches. I can only conclude that 1) no Israeli cares if human rights are violated (which I think is incorrect) or that 2) the government in someway silences the protesters, in which case Israel cannot call itself a democracy.

I had an elderly "aunt" (my godmother) pass away this morning. Family just got around to calling me when I told you I had to drive to H-town tomorrow.

Oh Lynne, my condolences!

Thank you AJ. Aunt Lauren will be missed. She was a wonderful woman. She was truly blessed - was not sick, still had her mind and was active, just time to go at 98.

In my opinion, most Israelis live in a bubble...I did when I lived there. Well proteted, for the most part, from the harsh reality the Palestinians must live day to day and endure...

Israel is NOT a democracy,,, not when it excludes non-Jews from full rights

Palestinians who are citizens of Israel are treated like 2nd class citizens, the way African Americans in the south were treated in the 1950s...

I witnessed this first hand when I lived there.

Wow! She lived a long time!!

Hi all! Came to quietly read everyone's opinion of all the new stuff and see that the lively debate was still going on. Didn't want to feel like I was lurking though, so wrote.

Hi GL, you lurker you!!

:D

Welcome!

AJ,

Wow! I've only visited friends in Tel-Aviv. Guess I was never in Israel long enough to see the discrimination closely. Guess they have laws similar to the "whites only" prior to the mid-60s. Never did understand that, and I wasn't raised that way. Guess my folks "protected" me from all the racial tensions and could be called the "radicals" of their time - everyone was welcome in their home, regardless, if they were "nice" (polite and civil to everyone else that was invited into the house).

I still recall some great discussions in the house when you have a lot of people get together of all nationalities and ethnic backgrounds.

Thanks. I had to get away from the death and destruction thing a bit. Starting to have bad dreams sometimes. Real ones. Hoping there is peace.

Howdy GL,

I can't stay too terribly longer, but what's up tonight?

Oh, I hope peace comes soon, too. All the suffering does make for restless nights, I would have to agree.

The real challenge is only one, how we can give back to the international community the power to implement world peace. And here is the way!
Apparently the cold war was the most balanced time in history.
Because the fear of a nuclear attack, deterrent aggression in large scale.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the USA policies tear down world peace.
At this point the only solution for peace is only one.
Nuclear weapons for everybody.

Interesting day. Went to a play. Found a suit and shoes for my son's school day. Played laser tag and air hockey. This a.m. at 6 my hubby left for his monthly good dead, passing out food to needy elderly people. One elderly woman collapsed beside him. He tried. An ambulance got there, but it was her time. He was home at 9:30 and a little pale. I told him yesterday that when my time came, I hope that I just dropped in my tracks. Bummer. It happens.

This book is SO good, Lynne

The parallels between South Africa and I/P are amazing!

If South Africa could do it, I/P can, too.

It might take 40-50 more years tho. Where I/P is now is where SA was in the 50s

HAMAS IS AGAINST PEACE.ONLY ISLAM TOTAL VICTORY

EUROPE COMMITMENT TO FIGHT ARM SMUGGLING HELPS TO CONFRONT HAMAS ENDLESS WAR DOCTRINE

Hamas charter Article13:
"Peace initiatives,and so-called peaceful solutions
are in contradiction to the principles of Islam
Proposals and international conferences are a waste of time"
Brown said:" Germany, France ,Britain,Italy sent a letter to Israel and Egypt saying that they were prepared to do everything they could to prevent arms trafficking"

deed

Wow, GL.

I feel the same way....go quickly and quietly,

no drama for THIS Obama...

:)

so whats your point ariely?

keep bombing the s*** out of Gaza?

AJ,

I am eagerly waiting for my copy to arrive. However, if it takes 40-50 more years, I'll have departed. I think I'll be missing the world's best celebration.

I'll check back in tomorrow night, ya'll. I've an early start to the day tomorrow, and need at least 5 hours sleep.

Peace to everyone.

Sleep well and good travels, Lynne!

Laila Tov!

Sorry to interupt, but major changes happened and I was curious. Tired but curious. A teacher once told me that if something happens and you have two people with totally opposite opinions, that usually the truth is somewhere in the middle. That's where judges come in to the picture. I watch that. It does seem true about eighty percent of the time, give or take because I'm not a detail person. Some people are just outright liars and stinkers, but only about twenty percent. I like reading the strong opinions here. Then I wonder if the truth is half way in the middle. Not sure. Always ask myself that question on issues though.

Hi Lynne – How was your day?

Sweet of you all to say hi.

The world needs to put sweet in charge and get rid of the stinkers.

Good stuff, GL

lolol I'm full of it. Useless but full of it.

I certainly don't have the answers GL, tho I do have very strong opinions yes!

I try to take a middle of the road stance, and that for me is the humanist approach.....

American Jew..
just watched the youtube link you posted and I am still crying....

Solomon..
First time I heard this poem was at a charity function, recited by a UCLA student accompanied by a Oud player....powerful poem, thanks for posting it.

I dont agree with the ideologies of extremists, be it Hamas or Zionism...and yes, for me, Zionism is extreme!

But I do want to see justice for the Israelis AND the Palestinians...
in my lifetime–the people NOT the ideologies!

Si Se Puede

Yes they can!

I try not to take the easy path, if a hard one has to be taken. There is right and wrong, good and evil. I'm still deciding on all of this. Never thought about it till recently honestly. Raising kids is challenging. But I do think that looking for that middle part, if possible, is the answer. Planet Earth is not easy. We have to figure it out.

Zionism and Hamas are mirrors of each other in my book

Right on, GL.

The flaw is the human element in all this, I'm afraid....

LOL?

Is that even funny??

AJ – I think the fight will go on forever. We can put out the fires one by one, but I'm 50. It's been going on since then. It's been going on a lot longer. Chunks of peace are better than none. I hope this turns into a big chunk.

I'm 52 and I have hope they can do it...maybe not in my lifetime, but perhaps, almost...?

I am an optimist
:)

If the human race lasts a long, long time, maybe. It will take a long, long time.

Quincy Jones on Larry King now

He says, "I NEVER thought I would see an African American President in my lifetime..."

And here it is...in his lifetime...

so...Peace between Israelis and Palestinians ...

in our lifetime...?

Perhaps...yes!!

Our history goes back a little over 200 years. Compare that. We don't grasps these things.

South Africa did it

Ireland did it

Israel Palestine can too...

YES THEY CAN!!

(Cheering section here)

:)

Last I heard, the Jewish religion was six thousand years old. That's a little longer. We newer people have a hard time getting it.

De Klerk and Mandela probably thought they would never see reconciliation in South Africa in their lifetime

and here we are

It is constant work and not ideal (oh that damn human element!) but they are doing it

better than oppression and war...if ya ask me!

This conflict, tho, does not go back 6000 years...

altho many try to make it so

gotta walk my dog, back soon

I hope so. I guess why I came on here was that a week or two before this started, wasn't paying attention, I jerked awake, yelling, the U.S. is the protector of Israel. My husband jumped awake. Then later I repeated it a few times and looked at him blankly wondering what on earth was going on. After that it gets a little strange, won't go there. I'm an artsy person. I like everyone. We'll work it out eventually I hope. Perhaps we are just suppose to live together nicely. I hope Israel will be nice. They are outnumbered but not out gunned whatever that means. I hope our guys do. I hope they act humanely if they capture someone. Suppose it was my baby. Everyone starts that way. I always told myself that if any of my kids went into the military, I would mostly remind them of their humanity to others. I think our guys might be slipping. Badly.

Well, I am interrupting the conversation which I did not mean to do.

Full of useless stuff. Have a good day tomorrow and hope we have a two thousand year chunk of peace. That would be good.

I think you and me are the only ones here GL

No interuption

I think so, too GL

:)

I am artsy too in a round about way

Have you noticed AJ, not enough really care.

Professor are you there? Someone has to speak up for everyone.

http://www.ohio.com/editorial/commentary/37696609.html

Sure seems that way

then there aare those who care passionately

whether on one side or the other

Might is right. Those words are wrong. Might is being a bully.

Prof left a long time ago

Hi Hope

I think fear is at the core for both sides...
fear of losing identity self...

what do you think?

How do you know?

Yeah I agree with you on might is right statement!

I don't know, but that is what I think...

I just think that we are going to have a chunk of peace, which is my goal, both are going to have to learn to live as neighbors. Fair or not, that's not the issue. Learning to live is the issue.

Hope – fear is a biggie. Go back to U.S. slavery. It was always about fear. Fear of starvation, fear of not having a big plantation, fear of the slaves, fear. I get scared for my kids and that is a strong force. One that would just about make me do anything as a mom. But other children should matter just as much. Probably, in the end, they don't.

Yes...absolutely!...

and responsibility on both sides does need to happen...absolutely!!

Well, look who I found. Hello to both of you!

AJ – anger and vengence are strong forces too. Grudges. I can understand that too. What would you feel is someone shot your child in front of you.

Hi Linda!

Hello friends!

Hey, the gang is almost all here!

Linda! I almost e-mailed you that I'd be here! I read yours. I didn't want to bother you though. Thanks for writing!

Yup, I hear that!

Anger is a very human reaction, as is the feeling to take revenge, but vengance really gets no one anywhere.

That does not at all deny that it is certainly a valid feeling!

I was doing some research on the internet, and I thought I would pop in and see who was here. Glad to see all of you!

Hi Nona! Sorry not to write sooner. I had a computer hanging thing. Doesn't happen a lot though.

No prob, GLeigh. Glad to see you!

But vengeance just keeps an insane cycle going, how to diffuse?

I don't think violence is the answer.

Hi Nona

I came in on your conversation, so I read it, hope you don't mind. Boy, do I hope this cease fire situation will work.
I have been watching a history show on it tonight, very interesting

I was going to come on here, quietly tell people I was here to not feel like a lurker, and read. I am such a mouth.

No youre not GL!

I have been the mouth here tonight, tho...LOL!
:)

Hi AJ! It seems like forever since we spoke.

What history show, Linda?

I really did jump awake yelling out, The U.S. is the protector of Israel a week or two before this started. Had no idea why. I repeated it a few times that morning before the husband left for work. I was blank on why. I guess that is why I came here to read stuff. Didn't know anything this conflict, not much anyway.

Yeah a week or a few days can seem like years here!

I think it is good to have a place to come and discuss this situation, it causes so much stress and heartbreak for everyone. At least we can get it out of our systems, sometimes! and have a good conversatoin about it.

The show is The templar Code on the history channel

Interesting experience GL. What else happened–you alluded to more...

I think Israel is spoiled and always wants what it wants. I think the Palestinians have a good point. I think both are going to have to live together, fair or not, for a chunk of peace. I think we are in the mix someway, Americans.

How is Israel spoiled, GLeigh?

I think people who blow themselves up and others are horrible people.

I certainly agree Linda! Which is why I have been so vocal tonight

It looks like it has been calm, that is a great thing!

Israel is not always fair and wants more. In the end, it deserves to exist. It should recognize people are people and not make Gaza live less affluently then they themselves. You get more flies with honey. And kindness is not missed.

I don't look at them as spoiled, I just think they are trying to survive like anyone else. I can't imagine what those people are going through over there, or either side of that boarder

AJ – too tired to go there.

I agree, but I really believe that Israel has never been allowed to live in peace. Its neighbors have vowed its destruction since the day it was created, and acted on that. After repeatedly attacking and losing, they realized in 1968 that they weren't going to win a military war, so they consciously and deliberately created a propaganda war, a myth that somehow they were "thrown off" their land, which just isn't true.

For what it's worth, I think it's the USA that's REALLY spoiled! LOL!

I think now that Gaza is blown to H***, they should send architects from all over the world, especially from Hong Kong, and rebuild Gaza. They could always build up, Drill wells, help teach them to grow food, infrastructure, etc. If it were an international effort, some good could come out of this entire mess.

Yes, the USA is very spoiled! Agreed!!

I DO think you have to give the Palestinians something to LOSE for them to desire peace. I DO think when people have nice businesses and decent schools for their kids, etc., then there's less to fight for. And I do think Israel has made mistakes. But I can't blame a country for defending itself when entire populations and governments are sworn to its destruction.

JMO, anyway.

I agree. For peace perhaps, though, we have to let Gaza be, build it up, ignore those spouting death and destruction so they don't matter anymore to many people, and hope that everyone's children are happy. When we can do that, if ever, then we have to build a super collider like in Cern to learn things, feed those in famine, and work on diseases.

Politics is so complex

baby steps

Yes it is. Perhaps the Darfur extermination will one day just be history and not matter. I think it will. I'm really not a big fan of the human race in general.

We are spoiled! You know, I grew up very poor, my brother and I fished and hunted, and that is what we ate sometimes. We grew our own food, and had hardly nothing, but there was always that sense that we could get that American Dream. and that is what we did. I went to college and worked 1 1/2 jobs and went into the military. He went to work and has worked every since. But we knew there was something more.
In some of these countries, this is not the case. These people get so beaten down, that they lose hope. And if you don't have hope, well...
I have hope for this conflict now, I don't know why, but there is something telling me that this is the beginning of something new. I hope that feeling is correct

Cern–what's that?

Funny is good and distracting.

SO DO I, LINDA, SO DO I!!

SCREAM IT LOUD!!

Yeah, but GLeigh, that's pretty much what Israel did in 2005. They abandoned the place and FORCED their citizens to move out of Gaza. They left behind beautiful fruit orchards, flower and herb farms, amazing beaches and natural gas fields. All that could have been built up and capitalized upon for commerce, tourism and historic value. But it was destroyed by Hamas in no time. So sad.

Meanwhile, Israel settled its Gaza citizens and they went about trying to rebuild their lives. You don't hear about Israeli "refugees" from Gaza, and that was less than 5 years ago when whole cities were uprooted by force of their own government.

CERN is the super collider

Even the tsutsis and hutus of rwanda are making great strides and there was unspeakable horror there.

they are going to have to have international monitors in the region. No matter what Hamas says, they have to, or the Israeli people will not be safe. That is why I don't get into the arguments about opening the boarder. You can't just open them and then the Israeli people get blown up. Whether Hamas wants them or not, they will have to be there.

Anything is possible for I/P, too

Most people agree that people in the US are spoiled. I am not sure how. We fight to get any type of health care, not my house, but I have relatives and friends who do. A lot do. Some just can't get it. Ask them. We have food banks, but not enough. Moms work 8 or 9 hours and come home and work more. Dads are just as bad or worse. I've been to other countries. I don't see the hours working. Some of the housing units should be bulldozed. Many. Saw a few of those once. We use a lot of resources. We work a lot. People whine if the U.S. doesn't do something. Then they call us crazy Americans if we mess up.

Nona,
I like the nomination!

I agree, Linda.

And I also don't get this notion about a sovereign nation that doesn't have the right to control its own borders. I mean, what country on Earth has no say in who comes in and goes out of its country? I don't understand why that's expected of Israel.

Both sides need to feel safe

Yes AJ, I agree, anything is possible. I just hope they want it bad enough. See, You have to want to have a better life as much as you want to hate your neighbor, or at least, that's my view. All of the time and energy could be put into something good. Silly maybe, but that is the way I see it.

Linda – you not that untypical. Kids go to school sick, hide in the bathroom, and wait for the free lunch. That's their food for the day. Their folks might get food stamps. Some sell them. In summer, without school, it is harder. Hope you have a pond nearby.

I like it too, Linda!

And I agree about both sides, AJ. Both sides need to BE safe.

And I agree about healthcare here, GLeigh. Don't get me started on that because that makes me even more worked up than the ME!!!!!!!!!! This subject will put me on a rant!!!!

But most countries don't live in homes with multiple bathrooms, multiple cars and TVs and computers per household, certainly not garages. Not even western countries like England. And we certainly have our poor, but I find that the standard of living for our poor is higher than the standard of living in a lot of middle class societies in the countries I've visited.

I hope that is what monitors would provide, the feeling of safety on both sides. These people are just like someone that has post tramatic stress. They jump at everything, because they do not know what is coming next. I couldn't imagine living that way.
Yes, there are alot of people in this country that do not have good health care, the educational system is broken, etc. but it is far much better than not even having the possibility of it. I think that is how they live.

American dream is just poor crap propaganda

People watch too much TV. Not all houses are like that. Social workers have huge case loads. Foster children get lost in the system because there are too many. There are potential lawsuits if you deny anyone anything which will really break the budget. I went for it. Been there. Done that.

It certainly is a very different reality over there indeed

blood is red – that is so useful. Your enlightening words are so helpful – not. Go away.

Yeah the system is wayyyy overloaded GL. Badly!!

I'm in it and it is very sad

Linda – I said from one day, till I got sick of hearing myself, that outside, unbiased world monitors and mediators were going to have to step in. Of course they don't want to, but peace would be worth it. And both sides, of course, would have to stop shooting.

I agree, overloaded and underpaid. My husband and I got custody of my niece, we had to the the home studies in TX and MO. to get her. i felt so bad for everyone working on the case. Ours was easy, but they were run off their feet.
I wish they could get more help to those children in Palestine. Boy, could they use some of our programs.

Took rockets I guess to get anyone's attention. That's sad. Something should have been done long ago.

Well, both sides have to want peace too. If once side wants peace and one side just wants the other destroyed, that's kind of a stalemate. They both have to want to live in peace.

Gleigh, Agreed!

AJ, I'm in it too and it is no fun. I'm lucky that I have a husband that has insurance at work, so my medicare is secondary.

In this state, if you are an illegal immigrant and have a baby or car wreck, you get health coverage. If you are legal, you don't qualify. Now how dumb is that? Who makes these rules? Hospitals wanted to be re-imbursed and most were illegal.

Are yall really gonna get me started on healthcare????? ooooo boy....

Nothing is fair. Logical is probably too much to ask for either. I just hope for peace.

Nona,
You are so right, both sides! and they want to do things for their people, make a better life for them. As long as Hamas is in power, I'm not sure that will ever happen. And It's not Israel that can do it for them, the terrorists have to stop. The people of Gaza will never have anything if all of their money and resources go to bombing their neighbors.

Sorry tired and fussing. I need to read back more closely. Skim reading. Excuse me.

Don't even get me started on health care and the illegal part of it. Not only that, just like AJ, I can assure you that the illegals get better health care than him. Do you know how many hospitals have closed, just in this state because of it? And we have someone here, that worked in this country, I'm assuming born in this country, worked and paid taxes, and just because he had an accident, his health coverage is jeapordized. Not to mention, the health coverage of the illegals, come out of our government funding, and now social security and medicare are in trouble. How backwards it all of that.
Love to AJ!

I agree Linda. I think there are a lot of moderate Palestinian people who really want to stay out of the fray and just have a decent life.

We see so much rhetoric and insult and dogma here that sometimes I feel like there's a proxy war happening online. And it doesn't even compare by any stretch to the war on the ground.

But the bottom line, I believe, is that people ultimately all want the same things - a decent job, a safe home, opportunity and security for their children. A chance to be content and if they're not content, then a chance to improve their circumstances. The ability to live in dignity. Whatever your religion or nationality or race or whatever, that's pretty much what everybody wants.

Nona,
you are so right, and they should make a poster of what you just said! everyone needs to read it and everyone deserves it!

Healthcare? I don't give a crap about the illegal part of it. I give a crap about the middle class which is going bankrupt or without meds or without care because it's completely a for-profit system and the middle class gets the squeeze. The poor and elderly get medicaid/medicare, the rich can pay out of pocket and the middle class gets screwed. People get a serious medical condition and lose their homes, lose everything they've worked for thier entire lives. It's criminal.

OK, yall got me started.

Ut, OH,
Nona is getting on a roll. Unfortunately you are 100% right. But part of the reason our health care system is in the toilet, it because of the illegals.
Then you have the money hungry drug companies, low social security benefits, and with all of these companies going into the tank, it will only get worse.

Thanks for the nice compliment, Linda!

Linda, please add greedy insurance companies to your list.

Oh yes, greedy indeed!

Now see, I have gotten on here, and we have gotten completely off topic. I think I am the culprit.

LOL. I can write diatribes. And have. Ask my congressmen and senators! You guys sucked me in!

So what do you guys think Obama's position will be on the ME situation?

Well, it is morning in the ME, I wonder how it is going over there. None of the news stations are saying anything. It is just reruns from earlier. How lame. I'm sick of the Obama stuff already

I don't think his position will be any different than any other President. With Hillary as the Secretary of State, she will probably have the same views as Bill did. I think Obama is getting a real wake up call, now that he is getting the security briefings. Who know???

Where's AJ? I bet he has some thoughts about it!

Notice how the media has dropped ME so quickly–typical

There he is!

I hope Obama will take a different approach...deep breath

It sickens me, AJ

I mean the media sickens me

I went back to re-read and maybe learn something. Wise words from many and I miss a lot fussing. Bad habit. My hubby is a little shaken. The plane that landed on the water? He's done that flight sooo many times. I'm kinda tuned to planes. Linda will understand that. He's reminded me about 25 times the last few days. And, he wants me focusing on him and here. He flies again in a few weeks because he's taking a break. About time. I really did just mean to come in and read, but it is so nice to talk to all of you.

I really close out too much. I am glad others pay more attention. Tough stuff though.

The view at the top of the political ladder is very different than the view from grassroots–bottom of the ladder...

Gleigh,
I understand, and I wish he didn't have reservations about flying. Especially since he has flown that route. I can tell you, I will be doing most of my flying of US Airways from now on, they have the oldest, most experienced pilots.

GL flying makes me wayy nervous!

the one thing I have said all along, AJ, is that our leaders have more information than the rest of us even realize.

I keep hearing about Senator, a few more days, Obama's train and not much on this peace agreement. The media is really not very helpful, in my opinion.

Mr. Obama now since he resigned from the Senate. Poor man will have to make notes to remember what he is.

I heard somewhere that flying an airline just after it has a crash is the safest time to flyit, cus very unlikely a crash will happen again...a morbid joke from a comedian

yeah, AJ. It is.

I don't know what Obama's position will be - I don't know if I really expect a radical veer in policy. But he seems to be a consensus builder, and I hope he is. I hope he can do something to at least bring both sides a little closer. I don't think he's quite the unilateral "decider" that we've seen in the last 8 years - I'm hoping he's more of a coalition builder.

I have said that too Linda. We just dont know...

I was talking to a friend who works on Long Island on Friday. He told me that on Thursday afternoon, he hadn't heard about the crash when he left work. He walked to the train station to go home and was talking on his cell the whole walk and was completely absorbed in his conversation. He got home, looked at the news, and had walked right by the rescue and never noticed while he was on his cell.

I hope so too Nona, He talk very eloquently...I just hope he can back his words with real actions...

It comes down to judgement with Obama, I hope he has good judgement. I am worried about that a little, considering who he is appointing to various positions

AJ – my brother needs surg on his legs, both. It will cost 20 grand. He has seven acres of land and a small house so doesn't qualify for anything. Since his legs are crippled up, he doesn't have a job or health care either and can't get one. His job shut down 8 years ago before all this current mess. He does jobs for local companies, a millwright, and gets by. The hubby asked if we should cash in stuff to pay for it. He's worked for it and I just looked away. He also needs back surgery. Years ago, they wouldn't let him in the Vietnam war at 18 because of his back. The leg thing is newer. And then it goes on. I'm the healthy one. He will not sell his land and house and go from there. I don't know. He's worked all of his life. Messed up system.

Well Ladies, I bid you a good night...my neck feels the pain of a long evening.

Perhaps we will meet again tomorrow night.

Laila Tov! :)

Nona – most people are overworked. Those who work at all. There's a big division.

What about the biggest problem in the region 'Iran' and its proxies 'Hezbollah' and Iraqi fundamentalists............

I know, GLeigh. It's just abominable. Think Nick-Canada would be up for a sham marriage? I'm going broke paying fo healthcare!

Iran scares me. It might blow us all to heck one day.

I am sorry about your bro! Eesh.

My disability literally crippled me overnight...a stroke. Totally unexpected.

Count your blessings!

Goodnight, AJ! Great to catch up with you.

Goodnight AJ

lolol sorry Nona. Know him very, very little. Seems polite though.

GLeigh, please tell me you are not in for another war

Good luck to all of you who are having serious health issues. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

AJ – Take care. It's always good to have intelligent folks here.

Well, Ladies,
I'm going to bed too. bad back and knee pain today. I will catch up with both of you later!
Goodnight :)

Bedtime for me too. Goodnight all.

*PEACE!!!*

Fawad – Honestly, I hate wars. People seem very cruel to me. Animals only kill to eat, usually. There are exceptions. I'm an animal person. Start a war to keep another country from blowing up the human race? Not sure I'd bother.

AJ – sorry too. If you are still here.

Akiva just an opinion. What is with all the videos and articles on the internet? I mean really? There must be millions on every opinion and outlook and anything else. I never knew people on blogs had those but this is my first blog. Stories depend on the storyteller.

Time for me to crash too. Have a good night!

I just know Mo that the goal basically is to wipe Israel off the map. I know what happened to Darfur. I hope there is peace. All sides? What is your side on Israel existing, honestly?

Let's skip the peas and get straight to the steak. A straight answer is fine.

I think Israel should have the right to exist in peace

Either of you?

I agree David. I think everyone has that right. Some don't.

What do you think Gleigh?

I think – good thing I didn't hold my breath waiting for an answer.

I think – it was a huge mistake to bother coming back here. People are stubborn. Sorry to run out on you David. I'm tired. Really tired. Hope we get a chunk of peace, a big one.

Gleigh
I also think the Palestinians should have the right to have a state and live in peace.. Not pieces – not a state like a Swiss cheese

I am quite sure, Israelis are up to something .......something big .....May be stunning air strikes inside Iran

lolol Fawad – I'm sure you are sure. Gave on getting an answer from Akiva. Sometimes the best stuff comes after I leave. Why is that? Good night. Moving on time.

Imagine – how great it would be if there is peace in that region.. I mean that would a great economic prosperity for the whole Middle East.

David Freeman, Imagine – great economy, and prosperity and a lot of nukes in Iranian possession,

First we should fight Iran then should talk about peace, the end.

Hala!

BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO

Watched your special this morning at 7 am in Switzerland. You are terrific and fearless! When you interviewed the chief of the Arab League and then hinted he might be fibbing – I cheered and my dogs were startled! Your the next Amanpour – maybe better! Don't give up, give in, or stop telling your version of the truth. Be careful and don't let our foreign policy get in your way – or your advertisers'

With great respect!

Jeff Koopersmith
American Politics Journal
New York – Geneve

Good day to all the Palestinians supporters,

Horrible day to all the occupation supporters,

Congratulations to the occupation resistance, you make us proud.

A) It's the Prof's cat, everyone. That's what's causing all these wars.

I have nothing against them as neighbors, I just don't want them ruling me. I'd rather live beside them than among them.

Nazi Beny,

Have you heard of the Golden Age?

Do you know who was ruling then?

Arabs do not need to be the rulers to kill the Jews if thats what you are afraid off.... Do you know how many Arabs are out there?... If everyone plans on killing one Jew by accident.... a misfired gun.... I guarantee you that you will disappear pretty quickly.... but that is not the Arabs intentions..... Arabs just don't want to see their brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers getting killed by an occupying power stealing their land.

Its the occpation..... stupid.

Dear Hala, I hope you will cover this the which have been coducted with high standards. This is the second army in the world which uses the best weapons and the newest stratigy. It decleared that the war iswar on terorism. It used the smartest weapons, that's why there were no civilience casuleties. The media was not allowed to report.
It started with the shock and awe stratigy. The targets were specificly hit, just like yesterday. Two terrorists childeren were killed at the UN school. The only disappointing point was the anouncemen of stoping the war on a bad way. This should have been decleared on an aircraft carier with MISSION ACCOMPLISHED sign behind. But the good news is that George Bush will be out of work in 2 day, just on time to run in the Israeli elections..YES HE CAN

Nazi Beny,

Arabs do not have a problem with a Jew neighbor either... but they have a problem with that neighbor being on their own land with a gun pointed at them.

Its the occupation.... stupid.

Prof,

It's the preoccupation.

Your preoccupation with hatred of the jews.

Mackawee,

Thats exactly what Olmert should have done.... get on aircraft carrier and announce MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.... becuase they tried to copy exactly what the US did in Iraq.... but they still do not realize as Bush admitted few days ago that "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED" was a mistake.... Olmert and his buddies will soon realize that their "MISSION ACCOMPLISHES" was also a big mistake.... They lost as much as the US lost in the Iraq war....

Its the occupation...... stupid.

Miriam,

I do not have hate to Jews.... I have hate to Zionist baby killers... if they happen to be Jews, Christian or Muslims. The religion is not important... becuase thats internal to the person... but the actions are external for me to see and judge.

Its the occupation..... stupid.

Miriam,

I know you are sad to see that your country the one you love has lost as much as the US has lost in its war on Iraq.... I know you will feal bitter... but put those feelings aside and stand with me to celebrate the victory of humanity against the corrputed governments.

professor, Have you seen all the palestinians welcoming the IDF forces with flowers. That was beatiful, I am sure that many childeren would have wanted to welcome them with flowers but they couldn't cause they were already killed. Maybe the next time.

Macawee,

I was trying to figure out if these were flowers or shoes.... LOL

professor, many of the bloggers still don't understand what do you mean by ( its the occupation...stupid) , I just can't help thinking of George Bush and how people can understand what he says. Mostly I can't, but that is because I'm not smart enough, OR?

Miriam,

Can you name one country in the world that did not have a demonstration against Israel and in support of Palestinians in the past three weeks?

Thats how you measure your loss.

Its the occupation..... stupid.

Macawee,

I guarantee you that all of them understand exactly what I mean by "Its the occupation..... stupid".

But, they like to try to confuse others by asking about the meaning of that.... and attacking any explanation i would've given.... But I am smarter than they are.... :)

I will not give them a chance... LOL

Its the occupation..... stupid.

Prof,

Israel has not lost.

She has proved that she will no longer be patient and keep on giving chances to people who only want to destroy her.

What king of humanity is it when kids are used to defend terrorists?

What kind of humanity is it when Israeli civilians are deliberately targetted with no warning and no apology?

What kind of humanity is it when a soldier is kidnapped in a cross-border raid and never given the right to an ICRC visit?

What kind of humanity is it when schools and homes are rigged-up to explosives?

What kind of humanity is it when weapons, rockets and explosives are stored in homes, schools, hospitals and mosques?

What kind of humanity is it when terrorists fire from or next to homes, schools,mosques, hospitals and UN facilities?

Each one a crime against humanity. But who cares when it part of the larger plan to annihilate the Jews.

It's the preoccupation.

Miriam,

Come on please don't go cry in the corner over there.... we still like you.... we just don't like your position on the killing of innocent unarmed Palestinian civilians.

Miriam,

As any third Party.... don't ask the Israeli's and don't ask the Palestinians who won and who lost.... Ask everyone else in the world and count how many votes you will get for each side.... and you will see that the occupation has lost.... and the resistance has won.... let there be no doubt about that.

Its the occupation stupid.

Miriam,

Its sad that you live in this comlex that everyone is out there to annihilate the Jews... do you see ghosts following as you walk down the street?

I really think you need to see psychological help. There are a lot of professional who can help you.

Prof,

Why should anyone be proud of such violent, hate-filled protests attended by poor people who have been so thoroughly indoctrinated.

Nobody in Israel wants to see innocent Palestinians killed. Hamas knows that and that is why they hide behind them. Hamas know that Israel is reluctant to fire where innocents are likely to be, but Israel is protecting her children from Hamas who are determined to kill them.

Hamas is responsible for the death of innocent Palestinians.

Yes Hamas has lost, the 6 rockets today were fire works celebrating the IDF victory.

Miriam,

Stop living in a lie....

Just now it was reported that a Palestinian farmer got shot by the Israeli Occupying Forces while he was checking his crops.... Are you going to tell me that the Israeli Occupying Forces confused him with a Hamas fighter?... Or was there a Hamas fighter hiding behind him?

What a stupid comment you just posted.... eveyone knows that its a big lie.

Its the occupation stupid.

Prof,

self-defense v terrorism doesn't get to go to a vote.

Except that is, at that rediculous organisation, the UN.

Miriam,

Can you tell me one thing Israel has accomplished by its new war on the innocent civilians of Gaza?

I totally agree with you Miriam,

The self-defense of the Palestinians vs. the state terrorism of Israel does not need a vote.... Its already agreed by everyone who has any common sense.

Its the occupation stupid.

Prof,

tending crops next to a rocket launcher!!

Miriam,

Do you have any common sense?

Miriam,

See I told you so.... and based on what you just said.... we can agree that there are no innocent civilians in Israel.... there just occupiers.... and they are a fair game.

Prof,

there was no war on the innocent civilians of Gaza.

The war was against Hamas who now know and whose supporters know what will happen if they continue their reign of terror.

It's the preoccupation.

At last somthing to laugh about, have you seen the Egyption president yesterday. He thought he could trust Israel. whoops hahaha

Miriam,

They vowed to continue and they proved it today.... you will not be able to stop the resistance to the occupation.... get it through your empty head.

Its the occupation stupid.

Prof,

Hamas are terrorists whose primary aim is the murder of Jews.

Israelis want to live in peace ,in their homeland, free from the hatred displayed by you and the billions you imagine support you.

Prof,

It's the preoccupation.

Macawee,

Thats what happened when you do not take lessons from the history. Zionist Israelis will stab you in the back any chance they get.... they are evil people. They will kill you and then take you to the hospital for treatment so people can say awww look how humanitarian they are... But, people are smarter than they are and they cannot be fooled. No wonder they are hated by most.

Prof,

Israel has a right to resist the preoccupation of the Arabs with the annihilation of the Jews.

Miriam,

I know Israeli want to live in Peace on Hamas' homelnad but they cannot have peace on someone else's homeland. You better go back to Germany fight your war there. Where are you from originally Miriam seriously?

Miriam,

Israel has not right period... Its an illigitimate entity.... Your G-d told you that in the bible why don't you listen to him? I know you have no religion. No wonder this is happening to you.

Its the occupation stupid.

Miriam,

If we agreed with... I am preoccupied with my hate to Jews.... what about those countries who have established diplomatic ties with Israel over the years and all of a sudden they broke them off during the last couple of weeks?

Miriam,

I feel sorry for you.... you are a sad case of denial.

Its the occupation stupid.

I am convinced now that it is not possible for Jews and Arab Palestinians .
to live in one state or even two states. it is either the Jews or the Arab Palestinians. one of them have to leave.
I was one of the Arabs that thought that it is possible for Jews and Arab Palestinians to live side by side.this is before Gaza .now all is changed. .

I have never seen so much hate towards Israel in the Arab world the Arabs have no faith in their Governments every Arab I talked to want an Egyptian a Jordanian and a Syrian Hizbollah or Hamas in their countries.

Prof,

Which bible do you have?

The latest Hamas edition?

First it was occupying Palestinian land, now it's an Hamas homeland.

Curiouser and curiouser

It's the preoccupation.

Miriam,

Are you saying that Hamas came from the moon? Aren't Palestinian children who were raised under the brutal zioinst Israeli occupation of their homeland?

See I told you so..... its the occupation stupid.

Nazism was defeated fascism was defeated Communism was defeated. Zionism must be defeated.

Solomon,

Its just a matter of time.... There is no doubt in my mind that the time it is coming for its defeat. Miriam... if I were you I would run away while I can.

A new low: Hamas terrorists targets unarmed defenseless chickens :(
I guess the rocket geniuses are still hiding behind their brave kids.

Prof,

Venezuela and Bolivia, those great examples to the world with regards to peace and humanity.

Solomon,

It's sad you've given-in to the forces of hate. I doubt the hate is any greater than it has ever been, it's just out in the open using the most modern methods of dissemination made available to them by western aid.
Most Jews and Israelis still believe that the populations can live side by side as long as the Arab hate is defeated.

the Arabs are convinced that what is happening now is another crusade.and this crusade must be defeated . enough is enough that is what every one is saying we should Mobilize against this new crusade.

Miriam,

Arab hate to occupations cannot be defeated....

See the Arabs over the history has defeated every occupation that tried and attempted to humiliate them.... one more left and we will be done.

Its the occupation stupid.

There is away to live with Arabs in Peace.... give back what you stole... and All the Arabs will open their homes to anyone who needs help, Its the well known Arab hospitality.

But, anything that was taken by force will be returned by force. You can lie and call it terrorism... call it whatever you want to call it but in the world dictionaries its known to be resistance to occupation.

Miriam,

Its Venezuela, Bolivia, Mauritaniaand Qatar and the work in progress at other places... Keep'em coming.

Its the occupation stupid.

Professor.
gone are the days when Arabs believe that it is possible to live with these criminals. it is them or us and it is not going to be us.

Solomon,

Well they're wrong.

There is no crusade in the way they are being convinced. Israel is not out to conquer.
If you take the definition that a crusade is agressive action in the face of evil, then that is what Israel is doing in acting against Hamas.

Solomon,

Jews should be able to live in peace with muslim and christians all over the world... Its is not acceptable to dehumanize any minority anywhere.

With that said... that applies to Israel too.... they have tried to dehumanize their minorities christians and muslims alike and that is not acceptable.

I would love to see one country call it whatever you want to call it where jews, muslim and christians live in peace and able to practice their religion without any restrictions.... (like allowing only 50+ years old to go to Friday prayer in Al-Aqsa).... that is not acceptable. But, it looks like Israelis are not ready to do that.... so the resistance will continue.

miriam.

Israel is the evil in the Middle east and this evil has to go.it is a matter of time.
there is going to be more Hamas and Hizbollah from now on. this criminal society must pay the price.

Miriam,

can you tell me what do the two blue lines in the Israeli flag means?

Its the occupation stupid.

Professor.

90% of Israeli support the Killing of Palestinians.
how can you live with people like that?

Solomon,

And those who do not support the killing will support the transfer.... its sad to see this mentality in our century. Israelis still live in the stone age.

Professo.

over a hundred women and children bodies are found in their homes so far today.homes destroyed over their heads how can you live with criminals like that?

Miriam,

cat ate your tongue?

Prof and Solomon,

Israelis and Zionista are not hateful. They want to live peacefully in the land to which they have been connected historically and religiously for thousands of years.

This right was returned to them after generations of massacres and exile.

It is the Arabs who oppose the presence of Jews and deny them their history and religion who are hateful. They reverse every aggression commited against Israel into their own victimization thereby bluffing all the international fools.

BREAK NEWS: To all those peace loving people. Don't miss the news, there are many dead bodies( mostly childeren), being diged from under thier callpsed homes. Don't miss it. Then the celebration of the IDF victory will be joyfull.

Solomon,

I know I am watching the news.... its sad.

Bunch of murderes.

There has never been a state called Palestine (before 1988). Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Jordan didn't exist before ww1. The turks ruled the area for centuries. The state divisions that were created were not entirely arbitrary, but still not good. Look at the Iraq with sunnis, shias and kurds that will never be friends.

Nobody knows much about the Philistines – they could be semitic or they could be of greek descent, but nobody thinks that they were arabs. So please stop that fruitless discussion.

After 48 there have been at least five wars most of them instigated by Israels neighbours. Israel won all of them and expanded its territory with Sinai, the Golans, South Lebanon, West bank, Gaza etc. Most of these areas they have given back under conditions of security monitors from UN. Only Egypt and Jordan has been willing to sign peace agreements with Israel.

The UN has proved time and again that it is not up to the job. They were not able to prevent Hezbolla rearming with Syrian and Iranian help, and they could not control the Sinai border. Israel does not have a lot of faith in UN guarantees and will never give up essential security zones as long as Hezbollah, Hamas, Syria and Iran publicly is threatening to wipe them out.

The Palestinians/arabs shouldnt talk too loud of the UN resolutions. They rejected 181 (and others) and went to war and lost.

The rest of the world is sick and tired of hearing the palestinians wining and blaiming everybody else for their unfortune. We are still waiting to see them begin to take responsibility for their own life.

Miriam,

The two rivers.... you know what I am talking about?

Land hungry fools.... who wants to transfer Palestinians, Syrians, Lebanese, Jordanians and Egyptians....

Hamas declares a ceasfire and gives IDF 1 week to withdrwal.

miriam.

you are the most hateful people in the face of this earth.you did not learn from history. you are on your way of repeating your Miserable
history in Europe.

Niel,

Are you on crack? what kind of drugs are you taking?

"There has never been a state called Palestine (before 1988). Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Jordan didn’t exist before ww1."

What kind of idiot are you?

Regardless of who ruled those areas before ww1.... Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan still existed.

Just because Israel is ruling right now does not mean that Palestine does not exist....everyone know that the whole land where Israel is still called Palestine with Palestinians still living there carrying Israeli passport....

Niels, you are too smart. will you tell me what was the place called before the land called Israel ever existed in 1948

Niels.

you tell me me about the history of Israel in the last two thousand years. Palestine was Arab and it will always be Arab. if you know history you will know it is a matter of time.60 or 100 years is not called history.

Guys,

95 bodies, mostly militants as quoted by Ma'an.

Somebody is even exagerating the Palestinian reports.

Prof,

The lines are associated with the lines on a Jewish prayer shawl and not the lie put forward by Arafat etc.

Solomon,

Another lie.

90% of Israelis do not support killing Palestinians (especially since 20% of the population is Arab).

Perhaps it should read 90% of Arabs support killing Israelis.

Do you know how long that historical state of Israel existed for 2000 years ago?

Occupied Palestine must be liberated from Zionist filth.all of Palestine.no place for criminals and Zionists in the holy land.

miriam.
.Arabs are not Israelis stupid they are Palestinian Arabs it is their land not yours.

miriam, don't talk about who support the killing of whom. Look at the fact, who is killing whom. Look at the T.V now and tell me. Is it proof enough

The Jewish prayer Shawl..... and what do the two blue lines on that shawl means?.... Come one Mirmam be honest here.... prayers to return to the state of Israel between the two rivers.... can you name those two rivers and what countries they are in?

Prof,

you're the one who doesn't know history.

Until after WW1 Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan nor Syria existed as states. They were all included in the Ottoman Empire which was split into different regions.Similarly, the Holy Land was also part of this empire. It was only with the division of the region between the French and the British did these regions become independent states, with borders arbitrarily drawn by the relevant Mandate.

The Arabs only arrived in the Middle East from southern Arabia in the 2nd centrury AD, with the migration of Chritian Arabs. Jews had lived in the region for at least 2000 years before.

Destruction of Jewish communities and kingdoms does not negate their existance.

Israel stands accused of perpetrating a series of war crimes during a sustained 12-hour assault on a village in southern Gaza last week in which 14 people died.

In testimony collected from residents of the village of Khuza'a by the Observer, it is claimed that Israeli soldiers entering the village:

• attempted to bulldoze houses with civilians inside;

• killed civilians trying to escape under the protection of white flags;

• opened fire on an ambulance attempting to reach the wounded;

• used indiscriminate force in a civilian area and fired white phosphorus shells.

If the allegations are upheld, all the incidents would constitute breaches of the Geneva conventions

this racist state must be eliminated.

miriam, palestinians were there before Abraham and he lived beside them with peace. Also Jashua fought for the first in jerecho against then . Read the Tora. Or the Bible

That is if you want to talk about history. We are talking about people whom are living now. They are living under occupation and the rest in camps. try to be resonable

Sometimes I really wonder.... are all Israeli Zionists blind? or they just think if they close their eyes and hide their heads in the dirt then no one will see them and see through their lies?

Iraq (state) was created in 1921-26 from the cityregions of Baghdad, Basra and Mosul.

Syria (area) was thousands of years ago part of a semitic empire (Ebla). Romans, Christians, Arabs, Turks and France until 1936.

The name of Israel before 1948: Israel, Eretz Yisrael, Canaan – take your pick. The name Israel was given by Jacob if you trust the Bible.

Professor.

90% of Israelis are Zionists they have one thing in mind kill all Palestinians if they can.
they are blind and stupid they are not seeing the Anger that is boiling around them.the 10% are decent humans .

Zionism must be eradicated from the holy land.

Prof,

You've got lots to learn.

The stripes on a prayer shawl represent the blue thread that was traditionally included in the tassels.

Nothing to do with the Nile or the Euphrates.

The idea of a Greater Israel stretching within these borders is another Arab lie. No Jew, Israeli or Zionist believes in these borders whose references are misunderstood and used as propaganda by Arabs.

Nazi Neils,

What is the difference between Syria (area) and Syria (state).... if it was not called The Syrian Arab Republic before 1947 does that give you the right to go occupy it and transfer its population?

How stupid of an excuse for a human being are you?

It has been alleged, by those hostile to Israel, that the blue stripes actually represent the rivers Nile and Euphrates, implying that Israel seeks to claim all the lands between the two. Notably Yasser Arafat in a September, 1988 interview with Playboy Magazine made this allegation.

this is of course absolute bull, but it is clear why the highschool dropout would use arafat as a reliable source

hahahahahahahaha

Niels.
Ishmael the father of the Arabs is 13 years older than Issac stupid.

Yes as a name of a person. Jacob is Israel. I told you you are too smart. If you said semra and Judea you'll be much closer. You are so concern about names. Think about the people how are occupied since 1948. They were there already. They don't know any place else. They have born lived. They didn't apear suddenly or came from the moon. Where is your lojic

Eretz Israel HaShlema
In his Complete Diaries, Vol. II. p. 711, Theodore Herzl, the founder of Zionism, said that the area of the Jewish State stretches: "From the Brook of Egypt to the Euphrates." The "Brook of Egypt" may be another lesser waterway about 100 miles East of the Nile. Rabbi Fischmann, member of the Jewish Agency for Palestine, declared in his testimony to the UN Special Committee of Enquiry on 9 July 1947: "The Promised Land extends from the River of Egypt up to the Euphrates, it includes parts of Syria and Lebanon."

Solomon,

When Joshua brought the Israelites back to Israel it was inhabited by several different groups of people, none of whom remain today and none of whom were called Palestinian.

The Jews have written records of their history in the Land of Israel.

Miriam,

Shut Up you FOOL women.. Go work somthing around you're house, i been reading you're comment's and i can say you don't have anything on you're head you just coppy things from internet...

Dan,

I just proved you wrong and a liar once again.... becuase I never took Yasser Arafat as a source on anything.

Its the occupation stupid.

Palestine for ever.
no place for Israel in the Arab world.
long live Palestine

More Hamas and Hizbollah needed.

I will be back.

Neils
You and Mugabi are thinking like one. He wants white people out of Zimbabui because its not thier land. If you both are right then inform the Americans to go back to Europ, The white people in sout Frica as well ...etc.. TOO SMART

Professor,

The Occupation is Stupid i agree with you... you're number 1 on this BLOG :)

“We shall have no peace as long as the whole territory of the Country of Israel will not return under Jewish control. This might sound too hard, but such is the logic of history. The war on the Holy Land has been already fought for four thousand years and the end cannot be seen. A stable peace will come only then, when Israel will return to itself all its historical lands, and will thus control both the Suez and the Ormudz channel. The state will find at last its geostrategic completeness. We must remember that Iraqi oil fields too are located on the Jewish land. This may seem utopia to many now – but an even greater utopia seemed a hundred years ago the revival of the Jewish state. As Hertzil said: "If you want it, this will not not be a fairy tale" ”.

Mariam.
non of these people remain?
only Jews have records of their history?
What history tell me how many years of your history is recorded in the last two thousand years .Stupid.
be back.

Thank you Osama.... I am only doing my human duty to stop by the weak against the agressor.

Nazis Dan and Miriam are trying to dig with the quotes I pasted to see how they can twist the truth again and spread more lies.....

Its the occupation stupid.

Prof,

You quote early Zionists who discussed all kinds of solutions to the need for a Jewish homeland.

No Zionist leader ever suggested that Israel should include all the area to include Egypt to Iraq.

Forget it.

"palestinians were there before abraham"

interesting notion, especially since Palestine was aterm coined by the romans in order to mock the jews a tiny little later

study history before you spew arab propaganda

miriam,

Arabs are from the lie of greater Israel same as
wolf is free from the blood of Joseph.

Its your dream to occupy all Arab Lands.

Isn't that what your religious leaders rely on?

Come on Miriam and Dan... you zioinst fools.

Solomon,

I've answered that question for statement of proof of the last 2000 years several times before, before all these new 'experts' appeared at this blog.

dan perman,
I'm not an arab, But this information are from the bible .smart guy.

Prof,

Who were Abrahams descendents?

The Jews from Isaac and the Ishmaelites from Ishmael.

The promise was to both nations.

ah, smartass,

now its suddenly not the two stripes

why don't all of you israel bashers hold a consilium and decide on your line of argument?

you change it every time presented with the truth

Osama,

It's the preoccupation.

The preoccupation with hatred towards Jews..

Miriam,

Are you a jew?

I am surprised that you agree the promise was to both.... but don't forget... that was the original promise and then when they Jews disobeyed God he cursed them and kicked them out of it and told them to get lost. Or you deny that fact?

miriam

no use to argue with them

let it go

they feel much better when they can agree with each other

I did not want to go that back far to discuss the issue at hand but when you tell me becuase you were there 2000 years ago... then i have to explain to you.... what happened then.

Sorry Miriam... you loose again.

Nazi Dan,

Yes I agree with you.... No use becuase you will loose everytime.

Good bye.

Its the occupation stupid.

Miriam,

you lost so don't try again looser...

Its the occupation stupid.

Through out history there were always people living there. Some cities are mentioned like gamora,sodom,jerecho. Not all jews had the right to live there for one reason or other. Even Moses was not allowed to inter the land. The jews were always welcom to live there because they lived in peace. Infact arabs were the most kind towards them. Only this extreem zionist idea refuses to live in peace. They want to kill, steal and reject others rights. Jews live in many countries, arab countries as well. Yemen,egypt,morroco,,,,etc there is no problem at all. Where are problms,killings,blood,inhumanity,,,etc. you know

Prof,

He threatened that they would have to leave but at the same time promised the land to them forever.

It's the preoccupation.

Dan perman

I'm handing it over to you.
Good luck!

Hey Profezzor, you've got a pupil. Osamas retoric is still a bit infantile but he'll learn im sure :)

Miriam... run run run....

Leave it to Nazi Dan.... he knows better... as if.

LOL

Its the occupation stupid.

Nazi Niels,

You are jealous or what? you can become a professor in propaganda I am sure the Israeli Embassy is hiring. I heard they pay well.

Just ask them when you go there... how to counter

Its the occupation stupid.

Niels,

haha ok maybe i'am "infantile" but you're still on you're mother stomach and when you come on this world you my learn somthing from me hahhaha

Its the occupation stupid.

"The jews were always welcom to live there because they lived in peace. Infact arabs were the most kind towards them"

hahahahahahahahahaha

Organized Arab Terrorism Begins in 1920

March 1,1920: In an attack by large numbers of Arabs from the village of Halsa, 8 Jews were killed at Tel Hai, including Josef Trumpeldor.

April 25, 1920: Following the murder by Arabs of a Jewish settler, the whole settlement of Bnei Yehuda (east of the Sea of Galilee) was abandoned.

Other settlements attacked by Arab terrorists in March and April 1920: Ayelet Hashahar, Mishmar HaYarden, Mahanayim, Rosh Pina, Sharona, Kfar Tavor, Degania, and Menahemya.

As a result of repeated attacks by Arab terrorists in 1920, a number of other Jewish agricultural settlements were evacuated, including Metulla, Kfar Giladi, and Hamara.

Attacks Continue in May 1921:

May 1921: Arabs attack Jews in Rehovot, Jerusalem, Jaffa, Petah Tikva and Haifa.
May 1921: Arabs attack Jewish Quarter of the Old City

Widespread Arab Attacks August 23 – 26, 1929

On August 23, 1929, over a thousand Arabs in three main groups emerged from the old city of Jerusalem and attacked any Jew they could catch in several of the Jewish quarters of the city, and in its suburbs. Attacks on Jews quickly spread throughout Palestine. By nightfall of August 26, 133 Jews had been killed and 339 wounded, including:

In Hebron, 59 Jewish men, women and children were killed on August 24. In one house alone, 23 were killed and then dismembered; many others were tortured and maimed.

20 Jews killed in Safed — mostly children and old people. 32 wounded, several tortured.

7 Jews killed in Hadar Hacarmel.

In Motza, 6 Jews killed, including 2 children and a rabbi.

In Tel Aviv, 6 Jews killed. 2 Jews killed in Beer-Toviya. Settlement looted and then set on fire.

Settlement of Ekron looted and then destroyed.

Beit HaKerem attacked.

1 Jew killed in Hulda.

Onslaught of Arab Terror, 1936:

April 15, 1936: 2 Jews in Tulkarm killed by Arabs.
April 19: 9 Jews in Jaffa killed by Arabs.
April 20: 5 Jews in Jaffa killed by Arabs.
April 22: Jewish woman in Jaffa killed by Arabs.
April 26: Jewish houses in Nazareth and Beit Shean burned by Arabs.
April 26: An Arab mob beats up Jewish boy in Jerusalem.
April 28: 4 Jewish farm workers in Migdal injured by Arabs.
April 29: Arabs burn down a Jewish forest in Balfouriya.
April 29: Arab mob forms in Jerusalem, but British police break it up before Jews harmed.
May 1: 2 Jews in Haifa killed by Arabs.
May 3: Arab mob burns down Jewish timber yard in Haifa.
May 4: Jewish orchards in Mishmar Ha-Emek burned by Arabs.
May 4: Arabs destroy 200 acres of wheat in Ramat David.
May 5: 500 orange trees uprooted in Tel Mond by Arabs.
May 7: Arabs fire on Jewish bus in Beit Dagan.
May 10: Arabs burn crops and haystacks in Givat Ada.
May 10: Arabs uproot newly planted olive grove in Zikhron Yaakov.
May 11: Arabs burn Jewish crops in Ramat David.
May 12: Arabs burn threshing floor in Zikhron Yaakov.
May 13: 2 elderly Jews murdered by Arabs in Old City.
May 13: Jewish shops in Haifa stoned by Arabs.
May 13: More orchards burned in Mishmar Ha-Emek.
May 16: 3 Jews in Jerusalem shot dead by Arabs while coming out of a cinema.
May 19: Arabs kill a Jew in the Old City of Jerusalem.
May 20: 2 Jews wounded during Arab attack on bus.
May 24: Arabs severely wound a Jewish guard at Majd el Krum.
May 25: Arabs kill a Jew at Hebrew University.

From May 30 – June 13, 1936, in more than 11 attacks, the Arabs destroy over 15,000 trees planted by Jews, as well as many crops and barns.

May 31: Jew at Givat Shaul killed by Arabs.
June 1: Jewish bus passenger killed by Arab rifle fire.
June 5: 5 Jewish passengers injured when Arabs threw bomb at bus in Haifa.
June 6: Jewish girl severely injured by Arab fire while traveling on bus.
June 8: Arabs attack Jews on their way to the Dead Sea Potash works.

In the third month of terror (June 16 – July 17) campaign, 9 Jews were killed, mostly in Arab ambushes on buses, and 75,000 trees planted by Jews were destroyed.

From mid-July to Sept 22, attacks increased. In over 27 attacks, 33 Jews were killed, several hundred wounded, many in ambushes while driving unarmed. Other attacks include:

July 23: 9 Jewish children injured in Arab bomb attack on religious school in Jerusalem.

August 13: Jewish father and his 3 children killed by bomb thrown by Arabs through window of their home in Safed.

August 17: 2 Jewish nurses and young Jewish girl killed by Arabs in Tel Aviv.

September 19, 1936: Arab bomb kills 7 year old Jewish child in Tiberias.

He'guys,
It is over. Israel can do nothing about it. They wanted to kill, they achieved that. Hamas has won. Israel out of Gaza, lefting the seage and open the crossing borders.

For more information follow the Sharm Al Sheik summit now.

Peace and justice always win, hate burns who feels it.

bye bye

Nazi Dan,

You are talking about the period after the Jews terrorism started against the Arabs of Palestine.

Do you know anything about the Golden Age or Golden Era to the Jews?

Golden age of Jewish culture in Spain refers to a period of history during the Muslim rule of the Iberian Peninsula.

Nazi Dan,

I know you cannot deny it.... and it hurts you inside.... Sorry man... you will be able to do better maybe next time.... When Israel is crying out for help and there is no one there to help becuase you made enough enemies.

dan,

Do your best you have lost, again after Lebanon. You can only kill childeren. A mighty militery force that can only kill childeren.

prof.

YOU ARE RIGHT,, ITS THE OCCUPATION.....BUT STUPIEDS LEARN VERY SLOW.

Its the occupation stupid Dan.

Dan. Palestinians owned this land for 1200 years proir to 1880, when the zionist concept began to solidify. At this point, there were approx 1million Muslims to 1hundred thousand Jews. The land was called PALESTINE, because PALESTINIANS inhabited it. Just like RUSSIANS live in RUSSIA, and Austrailians live in AUSTRALIA. This concept of a land just for the Jews is wrong (Until the return of Christ, and even then it will be for thoose SAVED Jews). There is no Mystical land for Christians only. There is no magical place dedicated to solely Catholics. So why are the Israelis so special? And don't give me tha "chosen people" stuff, because that went out the window way back when the Israelites continued to comitt abominations in the sight of the Lord.

CS,

Nazi Dan,

Cannot take truths... he prefer to attack mothers and wifes... a good example of what the Israeli Occupation Forces do.... they cannot get to Hamas so they attack their mothers and sisters and wifes.... That is the ethics Israel was built on.... and thats the ethics we are are going to destroy Israel for. Your laws of the Jungle does not work in this civilized world anymore Dan..... so go hide we are coming after you.... we will hunt you down as Bush said.... LOL

Its the occupation stupid.

professor,

Tommoro begins the fight for justic. Here in the Netherlands we will start tomorrow with gathering all records that can help indite those who masacured innocent childeren. Protests will continue untill they brought to justice. They have to pay the price to make it clear to everyone that no one is a bove the law. They should be hounted and admit that they deserve to pay for humanity. I hope that every oe to the best to punish those responsible for the holocaust in Gaza.

And these were the REAL Israelites I'm talking about. Not the current bunch who've basically stolen birthwrights. Were talking about European Jews (who are no less entitled to peace, prosperity, and the persuit of righteousness than any other Godfearer) who came in from Poland, Germany, Russia, etc. This is not to degrade anyone, but to rebuke the argument that Jews are entitled to this land, just because they're Jews. God himself allowed the Israelites to be scattered about the world because of their iniquities (old Testament)
The promised land was lost because of fellowship w/ other gods/religions.

Mackawee,

This is good to hear... I wish I was with you in the Netherlands right now.... but its ok I am sure there are plenty of people there who are doing good.

CS,

Thats right.... The European Ashkinazi jews have no ties to the land of Palestine what so ever. Just as much as a muslim from Germany has no ties to Saudi Arabia... Can you imagine if European muslims come down to invade Saudi Arabia and occupy it.... that would be a sight to see.... LOL

Macawee, Professor,
I wish Palestine and the Islamic community would fight this thing another way. A relentless diplomatic approach to the U.N. and world powers ( some of which will be sympathetic to Palestine). This nonsense about sending wwII outdated, ineffective rockets which do minimal damage, is a losing strategy. In the years that pass, using reason and deplomacy, will allow for peace and prosperity for Palestinians. There will be many pitfalls and speedbumps. But if there is a cessation of violence, the Palestinian people can focus on strengthening infrastructure, education, and securing relationships with other nations. This time will also allow for the buildup of REAL military surplus, and traing, so that if bullying forces try to encroach upon their space, it will not be a one sided battle by any means.

George Bush is going, killers has no supporter. Future is for humanity.

CS,

I wish that too... :)

Hala,

I found that your show had quite a few points that differ from most opinions I see coming accross the blogs. Such as, the conflicts that exist in the Middle East are really not attributed to the Arab-Israeli conflict. It was interesting to hear that the on going conflicts within a country really are a result of :
1) Factional or tribal conflicts with in the country
2) Government- incompetencies and corruption within the governments
3) Mosques- the teachinings of radical and extremeist forms of Islam
4) Money– the desparity between the oil rich countries and those who have no oil and how the oil rich countries attempt to spread their views throughout the rest of the Middle east.
5) The inability of the Arab world and the Arab League to work as a cohesive entity

I was surprised to see that blame for instability in the region was not spread throughout the western countries, the EU and the US as this is main focus of blame supported by most people I encounter on the news blogs.

It was also also quite refreshing to hear that the failure to resolve the Arab Israeli conflict is due to the inability of the Arab league and the Arab states and the Palestininas to speak with unity. Again, I had expected the repsponsibility for this ongoing conflict to be dropped squarely in the laps of the UN, US and the EU.

good program!

When you're done counting the dead terrorists under the ruins in Gaza – just one more time:

The world is sick and tired of the constant whining and blaming everybody else that the palestinians have practised so far. The golden age of the arabs ended a long time ago.

Sons and daughters of Hagar Let the women take the responsibility for the next couple of generations and let the men do the cooking and cleaning. It can only get better.

Get a life.
Shalom

Hey Dan and Solomon,

Are you guys still there?

Why do Hamas kill Palestinians who celebrates their wedding? Don't they want the Palestinians to multiply and populate Gaza with peaceful fun loving Palestinian people?

I'm not Jewish and I'm not Arab, I'm an American Christian. The international community should persue" WAR CRIMES" against Isreal for the holocoust that is happening against the palestinian people. Isreal should stay out of palestinian lands. What Isreal has done is to stir up a horrnets nest,they have united Arabs against Isreal and also, the international community should also, unite against Isreal. It makes me sick to watch CNN have a Hamas spokesperson on the air and the cnn anchor person telling the Hamas leader that they should cease fire "First" then Isreal will leave Gaza,what arrogence to make such a statement . being that Isreal has blantantly and methodolgically pursued millitary action without obideing by the Geneva Convention, first not allowing the internatinal news media in because it knew then that they were not going to adhere to any huantinarian decentcy agaist the palestinian people. Isreal needs to get out of Gaza and stay out.. in fact, they should get out of all palestinian lands... i want to know where i can donate money to he palestinian people so that they can rebuild thier lives..and sick of Hollywood making another holocoust movie I dont want to see another one made...it makes me want to throw up....Theedia here in the U.S is clearly bias and theythink we are stupid by giving the U.S people thier biased coverage...oh mmmy God if one of isreals children would have died it would be big news but hundreds of innocent palestinian children have died, next time you see a child any child iagine that child being blown up , The nation of Isreal should feel a great deal of shame and CNN should too for being so bias...

Re: The Middle east challenge' by Hala Gorani – CNN, January 2009.

Why the missing piece in Hamas' main ideology, which is (openly declared) pure GENOCIDE upon Israelis?

There could have been more elaboration on 1) Islamic-apartheid, on anti non-Muslims (like Christians as Jews are already cleansed out from most Arab countries) amongst Arab 'Palestinians' or the oppressed Copts in Egypt, Assyrians in Iraq, or racist Arabism's oppression on Kurds in Iran, Syria and in Iraq, etc..
Or elaboration on the nature 'totalitarianism' within radical Islam (Wahabbism, Hamas, or Hezbollah and Jihadists). 2) The hate education on Muslims, especially on Jews – dehumanization.

Most of the program though was not too bad, however, it ends with disappointing reaffirmation of the ugly Arab Muslim bigoted excuse, the old racist cliche of "blaming Israel", it finishes off with an extreme bias banging note of "human rights violation by Israelis upon Arab Palestinians", she could at least categorize it under the conflict (BTW, What about the war crimes by Palestinian leaders in W. bank and in Gaza or by Hezbollah in Lebanon for using kids in the theater of war causing their deaths?), because that's what it is, not just a pure aggression as she makes it sound, as the undisputable fact (which even biased Jimmy Carter admitted on CNN) is that Arabs inside Israel enjoy not only equal human rights in the only democracy in the region but often even with preferred treatment by Israeli authorities, especially regarding land disputes.

WE WILL CONQUER ENTIRE EUROPE AND THE 2 AMERICAS !
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Leasen to Hamas leaders in Arabic.
Know the future planed for mankind by Hamas and terror groups such such as Hisbula supprted by Iran’s theocratic ideology

Watch Yunis AL-Astal , Hamas leader on AL-AQSA TV date 4/13/2008

Following a short summary of his speach:
Rome will be conquered by Islam just like Constantinople was.
Rome will an advance post for Islam conquests whitch will spread trough entire Europe and then will turn to the two Americas

ARE YOU PEOPLE READY TO MURCH ON THIS PATH?

The documentary was a great start for understanding the region. But an hour is way too short. Plus, the country in the world which needs such an educational program does not have access to it. Why aren't CNNI documentaries, other than those by their "star" shown on CNN US?

Also, I really don't like the way the postings to this blog have turned into a chat room since you went to WordPress. Most of the postings have nothing to do with the topics.

dear hala gorani
thanks for trying to do agood job....BUT if you want an evaluation:
1) as a cnn tv report its more than excellant.
2)to relay on rami khouri yes he is honest and expert
3)we do not trust hisham melhem & al-arabia tv......!!!
4) fadi ghandour is a son of a thief stoled millions while working as manager of jordan airlines...!!
5) islam is differant from other religions..politices is apart like economy, warship,hajj,prayers ..so their is no need to motivate individuals b/c its a must ...
6) as for blaming others : i advise you to research history of ME...its since creation of the arab states in the begining of 20 century outside powers esp. england &france tried to reshape the map through what is known later ( agreement of saykes and pico)....later in the fifties imean after 1950 US began to work in the region b/c of petrol and stratigical reasons tring to replace british colonization....also the creation of israel needs an ally support on the ground..!!!!!
7) therefor to achieve these goals you dont need elected and democratic goverments as our people desire but they always impose filthy and corput goverments ...imagin we are now one day of obama admin. and condelizaa Rice still governing and every thing on her hands.....i have a lot to say ...i will write later..best wishes....

The Middle East challenge

Arabs=Fanatics Morons
Jews =Selfish Bastards
USA= Double Standards Imperialism
UN= Gutless and Useless Diplomats

The solution

Nuclear weapons worldwide

Hala, this was an excellent piece of journalism. I was absorbed by the show's contents, very impressed. Unfortunately, I was watching on Saturday evening and midway through the special, images of Biden and Obama on a train filled the screen. That was such a pity as the documentary says something very important about the middle east to those of us who do not live there. Congratulations and thank you.

Dear Hala, I would like you to keep showing us the Middle East, excellent report. However, I would appreciate to avoid comparing their culture with ours. Let the politicians try to spread "democracy" over there- which will not be accomplished anyways, it is genetic!
The fact is that our Occidental culture is in deep trouble and muslims are right trying to keep their culture as clean as possible, no matter how! Let them be!
Our Occidental media around the world is influencing people to the extent that many don´t know the difference between right or wrong and children believe that all of horrendeous monsters shown are real. Keep your good job going!

Okay everybody, enough of the blaming Israel, enough of the blaming of Hamas, and other militants. Looks like two little kids fighting for what they want while innocent civilians get killed. If anybody in the region thinks peace is going to come while Hamas, Hezbollah, and other militant factions are continually terrorizing people who are sympathetic with Israel and the west, is crazy. Until the Muslim people take a stand against militancy, and jihad, and whatever other criminal activities against the world they do, peace will never come. Everybody needs to wake up! Quit killing people and start doing what is right for Allah, God, or Jesus Christ. I see the militants of the world using Gaza for their personal battleground with Israel. They really have no regard for the people and really don’t care if they get killed or if the infrastructure gets destroyed. I can tell you the majority of the people in the United States do not like the people living in Gaza getting killed by anybody, whether it is Israel or the militants. Look around the world! Where is there death and destruction at? Looks like most of the places is where there are Muslim Militants. All humans on the face of the earth, no matter what religion, need to start exposing the jihadists and militants for what they truly are; criminals. Until the whole world starts to take a stand and not let these criminals of the world survive, the people of Gaza will continue to be killed by two sides who act like little kids fighting over a piece of candy. Could you imagine what the world would do for Gaza if the militants were kicked out and they reached out for world aid in exchange for peace? The people of Gaza need to stomp their feet and demand no more bloodshed! They need to stop the flow of weapons into Gaza and knock down anybody who is against peace. Yes, if you are a militant, you are against peace. Don’t act like you are for it, and blame Israel for all your problems. Look at yourself, you are the center of all your problems. It is time for the Middle East to grow up, and make a stand. If this would happen and the world was sure it will continue, Gaza would reap the benefits of the compassionate world ten fold. Lets make peace, but first we have to not let the militants speak for all Muslims. Let the majority of the good Muslims speak. I do mean there are millions of good law abiding Muslims who seek peace and not the jihad of the militants. All good Muslims need to put their feet down and start exposing the bad Muslims who are doing the world no good. If this continues for much longer, be prepared in the Middle East, because the Nuclear bombs will be going off, and then you all will have nothing to fight about. Yes, I am sure that is what Allah wants, don’t you agree? Yes that last statement is pretty stupid, just like what is happening in the Middle East. Wake up, and take a stand against militancy and lets make the Middle East a place where peace is forever!

The solution is one state only, with the spreading out of Palestinians and Israelis amongst each other (Israel-Palestine) or Israelestine Total de-arming both sides, with a UN international police force to start with. Neither side to have any arms. To assist this at the start, maybe politicians and leaders (including military) should have personal explosive attached to their person. If a missile is launched, or if 10 civilians are killed – a random leader (and possibly family) should take the ultimate sacrifice. This will remove a politician/leader who is generally not for peace. The UN or a neutral country should have the button to randomly remove a leader/politician.

Unfortunately the US cannot be a neutral mediator, as it backs Israel. A mediator needs to be totally neutral, maybe some one like Germany, Japan, Kenya. Multi-party talks are needed and have to include Hamas and Fatah, (both elected in their own areas), and the Israeli parties( also put in one parliament building in Jeruselem) .The UN security council needs to be totally neutral and not based on nuclear capability, so the 5 "permanent" members need to be removed, as they are generally not neutral.

Israel should have provided corridors for evacuating civilians (mainly women and children, UN workers) as they occupied areas in Gaza. Food, shelter, medicine, should have been provided for these refugees. Especially before mortor, naval bombardment, of areas. The UN including the US should rendition the generals, politicians who did not organise this, as they are war crimes, as the civilian population had no where to run to. If they used Phosphorus shells – if proven by independent analysis near the UN compounds – definitely the Army General and minister of Israel defense should be charged.

The majority of the reconstruction costs should fall on the Israelis nee USA, (the victors) as they committed the damage. 1000 civilian deaths versus 10 Israeli civilian deaths. – Israel should not build settlements near the border on occupied lands (too close to Gaza). Compensation -Maybe 10 million per child, 1 million per adult/ women should be paid to the other side. Money can be taken directly from the banks by the World Bank as compensation and for reconstruction funds. This may help bring peace to the area in the medium term, as it becomes more costly. If a country vetoes a near 100% majority decision by the UN (ie. US, Russia,or China) trade sanctions should be placed on those countries, as they are not helping to resolve the situation with minimum casualties.
Lets have peace!

As far as the Israeli propaganda thought-police claiming that hamas sending those little rockets into Israel is like Mexico shooting missiles at California;!st ; Unlike Gaza, Mexico is not a concentration camp where people are on starvation diets,denied food, water,hygeine, medicine,education and human dignity;2nd, we Californians LOVE our Mexican friends,they are wonderful people and we try to take good care of our brothers and sisters to the south.3rd,Whatever hostilities existed in the past we have evolved as cultures together into a new relationship.4th,Like the Palestinians,They have the cutest babies in the world and would never think of trying to exterminate them.
So, to all you brainwashed Zombie -Neo-Zionists, a better analogy would be ; what if Israel were starving,embargoing,denying us medicine and water,killing us, assasinating our political leaders and priests, discriminating against us because we are not the "right" race/religion(the chosen Ones),spreading lies and slander about us, destroying our Hospitals, denying treatment/avacuation of our wounded,killing our doctors/paramedics,bombing our schools/universities,stealing our homes and land, sniping our children for sport,calling on cadaver dogs to eat the flesh of our wounded babies,using illegal weapons( white phos.heavy metal,cancer causing munitions) well, you get the picture.... We Californians would not be so patient and held back as the cornered but brave Freedom Fighters. Well you can let your imagination fly... and We Californians have good imaginations and we stand at one with our Palestinian Brothers. We are them and they are fighting for us. The fight that the whole World is now Realizing that is coming, Because after this, we are no longer your friends.......

The Israelis and the Palestinians should be made to rebuild what they damaged the the other nation's country during the last war. The International Community has other much more pressing problems in their own countries in helping rebuild what will only be bombed again in the next war. To solve the Middle East problem, Israel and palestine should be subjected to a TOTAL blockade of all materials, food, finance, communications until they are in such a state that they HAVE to talk to each other. There should be NO travel or access to or from these countries until they come to the negotiating table on their own bat and without international interference. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH !!

I hope everyone enjoys the Challenge.

The utterly preposterous notion that the behavior and actions of the Israelis and the Palestinians can be compared is ridiculous!

The Israels-with Gods help- have built the greatest country in the middle east, and only want to live in peace, although almost every country seems against it, especially the Arab Muslims, and various other evil empires.

The Palestinians on the other hand, can't keep from pulling each others hair out long enough to put two sticks together, let alone build a peaceful productive society!!!

I am responding to the World News segment of a Saudi girl who was recently forced to marry a man at a very young age in order to help repay her father's debt.

Why do you keep running this piece without brining up the discussion of human trafficking and slavery? The biggest crime here is not the marriage of a girl at a young age. That is bad enough. However, the biggest travesty here is that a person can be trafficked in exchange for money and sold into a kind of slavery. This is TERRIBLE! Please ask the Saudi people why they can condone such behaviour.

Talking about raising the minimum age of marriage, etc., totally misses the point! This is about slavery!