Another rant on Israel

http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4146&Itemid=31
http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4101&Itemid=31
http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4150&Itemid=31

With these three articles, I remembered why I am so concerned with the Israel/Palestine situation. The first point that can be dragged out of these examples is that the UN and the EU recognize that Israel is not existing in accordance with international law. In most circumstances, this would lead to sanctions. We slap sanctions on Cuba just for the hell of it nowadays. But Israel continues to occupy and settle territory that's not Israeli soil and what do we do? Cooperate with them militarily and continue to send them funds.

Ok, so maybe it would be largely impossible to withdraw to the pre-1967 borders. I don't like it, but it might have to be a concession. Given the time that has passed, it just might not be entirely possible. However, the Israeli government could at least attempt to treat their Palestinian neighbors with some semblance of decency. The blockade of the Gaza Strip for example. Letting people starve to death, and letting children die from lack of hospital care, these are actions for the likes of Kim Jong-Il or Saddam Hussein, not a dear friend of the United States like Ehud Barak.

The US needs to take a strong stance on Israel and human rights. Be they the leaders of a coalition, or just a member of a larger community. If we can get Israel back on the right track, it could lead to peaceful relations in the Middle East with a number of countries and groups. We shouldn't advocate the violence of terrorist groups such as Hamas or the PKK, but we should recognize their plights. Why do people turn to violence? Excluding al-Qaida, most "terrorist" organizations have serious political concerns. While their methods normally backfire, it does bring the information to a national stage, which is why it is often used as a last resort.

In the case of the Palestinians, most of them put their trust in Arab states that either they would be able to return to their homeland or incorporate into new ones. Neither of these promises were carried out by their brethren. While many point to this as a sign that we should not pity them, I ask you this: Do you not pity the child of an abusive parent? It's not their fault. They have been so tossed about and abused and neglected, it's no wonder that some of them have turned to violence, especially after the initial treatment at the hands of both Israelis and Arabs. The amount of violence and mistreatment at the hands of the Israelis far outweighs the destruction caused by the Palestinians. We should not condone the violence, but we should seek to end it, or at least give them no cause. If India can do it, Israel can do it. To me, Israel is just taking advantage of a group of individuals they can bully.

I just hope it doesn't end the same way as the US treatment of Native Americans. Israel should not be allowed to carry out military maneuvers in order to protect settlers who are breaking both Israeli and international law. Leave them to their own devices or prevent them from settling there. Stop mistreating innocent Palestinians. Step into line with international law. Or, face the consequences like everyone else. Face sanctions, trade blockades, possibly even direct UN intervention such as is happening in other areas of the world where one group of people is abusing another.

Israel could be a beautiful state. They just have to learn to be better neighbors. And people here in the US need to do more independent research. Basic research. Just look at something other than CNN or Fox every now and then. Get a different perspective. Just because a news network makes lots of money and has fascinating graphics does not make it accurate.