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Inside the Middle East
July 24, 2009
Posted: 634 GMT

Filed under: Israel •U.S.


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miriam   July 24th, 2009 9:21 am ET

Israeli media is free, so free that they devote an enormous amount of air-time/print space towards criticizing national institutions and government. This is something that is almost non-existant in most countries of the world and subject to debate in some western states.

Israeli media is also largely left-wing so will be quick to find fault with anything in internal politics that does not tread the line of the defunct Meretz ideology, a party which failed to receive any seats in the current Knesset.

International media based in Israel are free to pick up on any story in the Israeli media and report it, complete with all the rumours, unconfirmed statements and internal competition for scoops and sensationalism.

Many may dislike this washing of laundry in public, whether dirty or clean but just thrown in to fill the load, but that is the price one pays for true democracy, freedom of speech and civil liberty.

Stories such as these are exagerated and made headlines for internal political purposes, but, as usual are snapped up by outside media who will jump at any chance to add fire to the fuel of Israeli demonization.

University Janitor   July 24th, 2009 10:56 am ET

Watch Israel flush away it's only Allie

Filipe   July 24th, 2009 11:23 am ET

It never ceases to amaze me, how the US believes it's their right and that they have the power and authority to dictate to sovereign nations what they can and cannot do within their own borders.

For example- Obama has stepped in big smelly turd on this one. Who does he think he is to believe that he can tell Israel a private they citizen cannot build on land that they own. ?? And if that's not arrogance, the citizen who owns the land, the site of the Shepherd Hotel, is an American who lives in Florida!!!! But, Obama and Hillbilly tell Israel to prohibit this guy from spending his money on new construction !!! Give me a break!!! It's private land, owned by a private citizen who purchased the land 25 years ago and has just now, after all these years, been able to obtain the necessary permits!

The owner of the Shepard Hotel property is a US citizen and lives in Florida-- why don't they just go knock on his door and tell him he can't build on his property in Jerusalem???? Right !!!

Obama and Hillary and the US should mind their own business !!! There's plenty of issues left unattended to in the US without them digging into the sovereignty of foreign nations! What bunch of morons running loose in DC !! Thinking they own the world !!

G   July 24th, 2009 5:29 pm ET

Down with the USA & long live Israel. America may wish to persecute us, but we have survived many persecutions before and we will again.

Filipr   July 24th, 2009 5:38 pm ET

Obama must be the worst president ever. Bush was far more intelligent. If Bush were president today, Israel would not need to negotiate. Bush knew how to negotiate with the Muslims. Shock and awe & dead or alive, these are the words Israel needs from an American president.

G.   July 24th, 2009 7:44 pm ET

I guess America is stil about freedom, at some point. That's a basic. Slavery taught us that, a hard lesson. So who is free and who is not? Males, females, children. It's a very basic, very tough, question. It should have been asked long ago.

university rector   July 24th, 2009 9:08 pm ET

world what?

if Israel would not have to spend the US military aid in the USA, you would have tenthousands more unemployed, ignoramus!!!

Filipe   July 24th, 2009 10:48 pm ET

I think the CNN Moderator is asleep at the switch again. If you're going to moderate the posts, I would think you would also be verifying that the name of the person making the post and the Email address match up. The impostor's latest attempt was so lame he couldn't even spell the name correctly of the person he was attempting to impersonate.

Just goes to show you how smart that moron is !!

If you can't control who posts under a given name and Email address- why moderate the blog at all ??

University Janitor   July 25th, 2009 10:15 am ET

if Israel would not have to spend the US military aid in the USA, you would have tenthousands more unemployed, ignoramus!!! War is good it cretes jobs. Let Israel's war help your economy. Help Israel give all those Muslims a bashing, it will create jobs in America.

Univeristy Recto   July 25th, 2009 10:33 am ET

Netanyahu has every right to build homes for Jews in East Jerusalem. Jerusalem is Israel’s eternal capital. Netanyahu also has the right to level Gaza and turn it into a giant car park. It’s Netanyahu who rules the region not Obama, not Clinton & certainly not the USA. Sorry if that’s too difficult for those yanks to understand.

Filipe   July 25th, 2009 6:11 pm ET

There's an idiot on the blog posting nonsensical BS from John A's IP address. And the CNN Moderators aren't quite smart enough to figure it out.

But that's no excuse for someone who professes to be an adult. In fact it's quite amusing. He's he's been discredited as being a fraud, liar, bigot, racist, radical, perpetrator and promoter of violence against children, women and the elderly.

Why should we expect any different behavior than he's been exhibiting recently.

Maybe he'll grow up in 20 – 30 years!!

Filipe   July 25th, 2009 6:16 pm ET

Miriam,

You're exactly correct !!!

The world knows why Israel and Egypt don't want those in Gaza to mingle with the civilian populations of Egypt or Israel. It's been quite evident over the past years what would happen if these people were to be allowed to roam free.

As it is --they kill each other on a daily basis inside Gaza!!!! Why on earth would anyone let them roam free in another country !!

That would be true ignorance !!

Martha   July 25th, 2009 10:00 pm ET

Hello, my friend Mary Lou asked me to drop a line. I, i just wanna say as a devoted Christian who loves her country very much, we must provide for Israel. We should do whatever the heavenly father requires us to do. Anything.

U.S. and Israel forever together. God bless America.

Martha

Itai   July 26th, 2009 12:10 am ET

God made a promise to the Jews. God has never promised America anything. So Americans should get smart and continue to promise their taxes to the support of Israel.
what a great statement!
is this a hiden taliban?
no it is a religious fanatic israeli extremist!

you guy are nothing more then a joke

what did god promise you?
do you hear him often?
did you know that out there in the civilisated world there exists some medicine for such nutcases?

give it a try you realy need it!

Itai   July 26th, 2009 12:28 am ET

It never ceases to amaze me, how the US believes it’s their right and that they have the power and authority to dictate to sovereign nations what they can and cannot do within their own borders.

to pay is ok but only for free
give weapons money and a card blanche to fascism
but shut up and never demand anything

first the USA is a friend
then a donator
and after all a dictator

seems as some israelis here are nothing else then confused nutcases

the USA did free the jews in ww2
the USA did pay the israeli weapons
the USA gave the green light to the israeli fascism in palestine

so now pay a minimal bit of respect and listen to the USA if the UA says stop to fascism

but no no no ... jews are choosen to be superior.. not all but thoese from israel for sure because they are choosen by god in opposide to americans or any others

typical israeliBans as it would not be enough with the taliBans... just nuts

Mary Lou   July 26th, 2009 12:29 am ET

U.S.-Israeli relations ROCKS..why shouldn't it?

As a Christian Nation, we know the end is nearing and Jesus will be descending in Israel. Jews must rule, not Palestinians. Why? the Bible said so. We should not complain our hard earned taxed $$ is given to Israel. In fact, more should be provided not less..God is love and does not racial/ethnic profiles or discriminate. Jews are the chosen special, Palestinians are not. As Christians we look forward for that devine day when heavens & earth rocks and all the faithful shall rise to be in arms of the lord. Palestinians can stay in Gaza and the West Bank.

Thank You
Mary Lou

Itai   July 26th, 2009 12:35 am ET

I think the CNN Moderator is asleep at the switch again. If you’re going to moderate the posts, I would think you would also be verifying that the name of the person making the post and the Email address match up.

everyone can acces the forum if he have a email address
your account is yours
all others are free to choose what ever they like to choose as theyr name

if you have a problem with the free world go to swatvalley and live there

someone can name him self xctuku and if others like to name them self xctuka it is so

or do you have a patent on your name and all simmilar names filio?

ironmen1987   July 26th, 2009 3:35 am ET

Wake up Israel ! As an American i can promise you that you don't want to cater to our government. Don't agree to give up anything. History has taught you that your enemies aren't interested in peace but they are more than happy to bleed you a little at a time. DO NOT trust Obama or the Congress to have your best interest at heart. They are destoying our country and will be more than happy to sell out yours.....

miriam   July 26th, 2009 8:48 am ET

CNN,

Someone has stolen my identity.

Please do something about it.

I echo Felipe's suggestion.

Only the first entry above is mine.

University rector   July 26th, 2009 10:29 am ET

itai

we are all sick and tired of your Hamas propaganda lies

try another blog

John A   July 26th, 2009 2:30 pm ET

Filipe writes: There’s an idiot on the blog posting nonsensical BS from John A’s IP address.
-------------------------------–
Filipe do you work for CNN or do you continue in your usual manner i.e. Writing rubbish and calling everybody a liar. You just don’t realise that every time you make a statement, you make yourself look preposterous (at least you look preposterous to anyone with an IQ higher than 70). My advice is you take a blogging break this weekend and may be you will feel better soon.
As for the theme of this blog, Israel wants to expand again. This is no surprise, its been happening since the creation of Israel in 1947. The only surprising thing is America thinks the Zionist will listen and Obama thinks he can ask Zionist to live in peace. There is no chance of either and the last 60 years have proven this.

dan perman   July 26th, 2009 2:44 pm ET

Filipe & Miriam you are absolutely right. We should lock all Palestinians into Gaza and throw away the key. It doesn’t matter if they are men, women or children. Just lock them up and block them off from humanity. This is Israel’s land an Israal will decide how to resolve the problem of non desirables within its own boarders. Who do Americans think they are?

G.   July 26th, 2009 6:14 pm ET

The U.S. is political and all that stuff, but we aren't ignorant totally. Who bombs our country? Who shoots at our young people, women and men of all races. We are a mix, but we are not stupid. Is it Israel? I've never seen it. Is it some other countries in the Middle East? On 9/11, we saw some dancing in the street with joy over our pain. I can't even imagine such destruction or cruelty. I am from a small town. But we saw it. On that day, the world changed. I hope you all realize it. It was historical. So, the U.S. will sit back and fix it's own place and let those dancing fix their places. I hope. No one here cares for the ME much, in general.

G.   July 26th, 2009 6:16 pm ET

Gladly, we do have one ally in the ME. It's a tenuous connection, but it's been strong. Gaza? I hope Europe contines to send them aide. Odd mix, you'd think the oil places would do it, but oh well.

Filipe   July 26th, 2009 7:57 pm ET

John A,

What's the problem?? Can't handle the truth??

Why do you continue to fabricate nonsense??? I have never called anyone a liar !!!! Where???

Show us how good your cut n paste skills are-- find the passage from my post where I called someone a liar!

Who do you think you are to be handing out advice ??? Who would listen to you anyway, after reading your gibberish?

But you are right about one thing-- Israel isn't going to listen to Obama and Hilary for one minute. Not when it comes to the attempting to tell Israel who can build what on which piece of land !!!!

Let those two morons march their a$$ess down to Florida and tell Irving Moskowitz that they won't allow him to spend his money and build apartments on the property he owns in Jerusalem!!! What a hoot !!! Talk about ignorant US elected officials !!! They could qualify for their own comedy show!

Too bad for you that you and your brethren said NO to the UN 61 years ago!!!! If you'd have made the correct decision you wouldn't be such an angry and bitter old man !!!! But NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Go back to posting using other peoples' names like you have been for the past few days-–it shows your true character. Grow up !

John A   July 26th, 2009 8:11 pm ET

G, perhaps you have failed to notice bombs made in the USA have been exploding civilians in the ME for decades. Actually bombs made in the USA have been landing in Gaza & Lebanon with far more casualties than 9/11. How would America like a 9/11 every five years? So sorry to tell you, your governments have been both political & ignorant. ps have you found any weapons of mass distruction yet, or was that just another reason to bomb arabs?

dan perman   July 26th, 2009 8:14 pm ET

I am the real Dan Perman

whoever is using my name is an imposter

I left the blog a long time ago because of mohammed who bought ovens for me

the one calling hiomself dan perman must be john A or CS or the Professor or one of their friends, it is NOT me

university rector   July 26th, 2009 8:16 pm ET

I see the imposters are having a ball

CNN, I suggest to close the inside the middle east blog, the imposters have made it impossible to argue with the Israel bashers and antisemites here

summer   July 26th, 2009 9:17 pm ET

israeli elite force in action within arab demansration at na'alin -
http://bit.ly/JgJuP
see also the successfull israeli missle experiment – http://bit.ly/GbTiv
it may come to pass that that Obama does not approve this growing force of israel

dan perman   July 26th, 2009 9:20 pm ET

CNN

you let the imposter use my name and you delete my post

thank you for helping the antisemites and israel bashers take over the blog!!

check the email I gave two months ago and compare with the one of the imposters!!

Joel   July 26th, 2009 9:26 pm ET

Hamas is an elected democratic government in Gaza, Palestine founded and organized by the palestinian born people. They are resisting the oppression and occupation of the land they lived freely before the israel state. the only weapons they have are light guns, home made bombs, and home made rockets. They are encircled by walls and fences and one of the largest and most cruel military. And they resist by shooting outside their open-air prison at their foreign terrorizers.

Hamas and other palestinian resistors lack sufficient resources to attack large scale or enough to break the siege and occupation forced upon them. Their rockets have no pin-point accuracy to attack specific israeli military targets( if they had the better military capabilty they obviously would use it to their best ability). the palestinians are using all their power to achieve freedom and dignity. They have the right to attack their oppressors who deliberately kill their families and friends and treat them less than humans. Don’t you agree they should live natural lives like other people in the world and not be subjects to terrorism?

"G"...   July 26th, 2009 10:34 pm ET

Mary Lou– Nice to see a new face on this blog..Everyone just wants a chance and hope. Basically. Violence is a by-product, expansions is good. Bombs are good. Love the Jews. My daughter lost interest in gym early. In the U.S., people work. Love chocolate. CERN. Mosquitoes I don't like. I don't watch videos. No desire. Obama scares me. Good is always good. We make choices. In North America, there is Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, thank God. We like everyone mostly (Pakistani drycleaner across the street, not sure off) and try to understand them. Not the bad ones. Palestinians ehhh. My daughter won by a smidgeon, hubby golfing, me staining deck. It's all very basic stuff male female children cookie dough. Arabs, they don't speak English. In general. Oddly. God is love. Back centuries ago there were witch hunts and odd stuff. its huge. Am I wrong? Hubby just took off, wonder why? Am just sick to death of lazy people, in general, who only want to herd goats and build bottle rockets. We need real answers to real problems. Its basic. Also we must recognize that lesbian rights should not be limited to those who were born female. I am one. You live in the South? We have malls of all nationalities. My sons birthday party, United Nations. Nuke subs from other countries bump each other out in the ocean. That is reality. Starwars. Female I am one. So who is free and who is not?

Itai   July 27th, 2009 1:43 am ET

Mary Lou July 26th, 2009 029 GMT
U.S.-Israeli relations ROCKS..why shouldn’t it?

As a Christian Nation, we know the end is nearing and Jesus will be descending in Israel. Jews must rule, not Palestinians. Why? the Bible said so.
do you refe to the same Jeus who is a prophet in the quran
the son of god in the bible?
the guy which is called betrayer by the religious jews the one who dserves death according to the jews and theyr crazy talmud stuff?

so do you think it was a good thing to kill him?
why to hell to you pray to a guy if you wanna see him dead by pain on a cross?
jews believe in the old testament and dont accept the new testament because they say jesus was a liar and betrayer who used simple magic to betray people... they say the real son of god will come after a war in future and they try to force it up because they wanna see the messiah

how you can call such people your religious brothers if you believe in jesus?
arent thoese a bit more brothers who believe in jesus as the muslims do!?

you should study a bit of religion before you believe anything of it!
i hope you already know about fire and wheels!

Itai   July 27th, 2009 2:16 am ET

Martha July 25th, 2009 2200 GMT
Hello, my friend Mary Lou asked me to drop a line. I, i just wanna say as a devoted Christian who loves her country very much, we must provide for Israel. We should do whatever the heavenly father requires us to do. Anything.

i agree with you!
as you say you are christian you should know what the heavenly father wants from you
he did send us his son Jesus and he broght us a message from his father
basicly the same as he already broght to mose
dont kill!
if some one hit you let him hit you again

you as a christ and muslims as such knows it throug the bible and the quran
sadly your jewish religious brothers dont got the message until now and since they dont accept Jesus as the holy son of God but threat him as a liar and betrayer
they only believe in the old testament and even that they cant understand

Itai   July 27th, 2009 2:23 am ET

please let me ask you israelibans a question
behind all the names is now only d.p. left?

where are the smarter guys (i strongly miss them!)
were they in the koshernostra?
are they in the prison now because this corrupt and sick kidney stuff?

send them a peace of bread and a bottle of water and some greatings

let us hope they will soon be back
else israelis will soon get the image of a insane comedy class

ironmen1987   July 27th, 2009 2:43 am ET

I did not write the post about Chicago in the 30's. Somebody out there needs to grow up......Tell me CNN how they are obtaining our email address?????

Ant-Head   July 27th, 2009 4:11 am ET

dan perman– "We should lock all Palestinians into Gaza and throw away the key. It doesn’t matter if they are men, women or children. Just lock them up and block them off from humanity."

I'm with you brother...we are chosen smart good-looking we love to eat Kosher pickles and dance with our Babushkas..life is good, the non desirables must be eliminated.

John A   July 27th, 2009 8:28 am ET

University rector writes: CNN, I suggest to close the inside the middle east blog
-------------------------------–
Oh great, now and for many months Israels hostility and aggression has been comprehensively demonstrated on this blog. So now University Rector wants to close this site. Talk about a fear of the free press and running scared. With this attitude its not surprising that Israel never let any journalists into Gaza while they ruthless bombed its civilians.

Filipe   July 27th, 2009 10:14 am ET

Joel,

There is no justification whatsoever for anyone to use violent force against civilian women children and elderly as the do the radical Islamic militants of Hamas !! No justification whatsoever !!!

Hamas took over Gaza by force !!! They are not the elected government of Gaza. Hamas murdered tortured and executed their fellow Palestinians who were loyal to Fatah and have rightful authority to govern Gaza !

I guess you feel that it's OK for them just to shoot indiscriminately into the towns, villages and cities of Israel--because you call that resistance !!!!!

Why would they use better weapons against military forces?? That's not in the Hamas Charter. The Hamas Charter says that all Jews must die and wiped from the face of the earth.

G.   July 27th, 2009 2:58 pm ET

The free press? I wish John A. that you would ask Iranl, an Islam place, to allow it. I think that people are being killed, tortured, and going to prison for life over it. Sorry if that impolite. I have no grudges over Isam, not sure what it's about, but hate restrictions, basically, as a female person.

G.   July 27th, 2009 3:00 pm ET

At keast religous places discuss. Non religous places like North Korea don't even bother. You ever see a North Korea blog? Where is the China blog? I doubt that they are about finding God. Some of us, of varying religions, are at least trying. Take that as you will.

World traveler   July 27th, 2009 4:22 pm ET

some one has stolen my id on this blog, very nice.
relations with America have alwase gone back and forth, read your history people.

Itai   July 27th, 2009 4:27 pm ET

university rector July 26th, 2009 2016 GMT
I see the imposters are having a ball

CNN, I suggest to close the inside the middle east blog, the imposters have made it impossible to argue with the Israel bashers and antisemites here

until you understand the meaning, function and system of a free world, freedom of speach, diplomacy and democracy you guy have to learn a lot about it!

i hope someone will teach you how this stuff works! maybe then you will be able to bring it to israel ... so that they learn how to deal with others also if they have a other point of view or a other religion... a free world means to be free ... its the opposide if what israel broght to palestinians ... maybe because they think in the same religious fanatic extreme way as you do

free media, free world, freedom means also to listen on others, try to understand them and find some consence with them

if you like to close this blog because you cant deal with others who think otherwise then you your not anything better then a taliban!

it makes me laugh to see how weak you are!
you have guns nukes money and a high life standart... but your weak as a dead fly

if you own the whole world your still a poor soul!

Michel Cyr   July 27th, 2009 4:30 pm ET

If relations between U.S.-Israel are on the rocks it's a good thing,because as long as Israel keeps sending the same kind of prime-ministers to the Kenesset there can be no progress as far as the arab-Israel peace initiatives.It's time for world statemen to follow the truth.Israel should not be a favorite of the free world.Treat every country fairly,then we will have a free world.
Canada

dan perman   July 27th, 2009 5:35 pm ET

John A

after you were proven wrong, falsifying facts and history again and again, and never were able to answer any direct factual question, you posted in the name of others

that's why the blog must be closed, because of you

university rector   July 27th, 2009 5:36 pm ET

John A

after you were proven wrong, falsifying facts and history again and again, and never were able to answer any direct factual question, you posted in the name of others

that's why the blog must be closed, because of you

dan perman   July 27th, 2009 5:37 pm ET

ant head

I never posted that nonsense, must have been John A claiming to be me

Filipe   July 27th, 2009 6:48 pm ET

Itai,

Oh Wise One-Please tell us all about the meaning of a free world, freedom of speech, diplomacy and democracy!!

Explain to all those who read this blog-- How does it work???

What a fool !!!!

Itai   July 27th, 2009 8:15 pm ET

G. July 27th, 2009 1500 GMT
At keast religous places discuss. Non religous places like North Korea don’t even bother. You ever see a North Korea blog? Where is the China blog? I doubt that they are about finding God. Some of us, of varying religions, are at least trying. Take that as you will.

so i am not the only one who is missing the nKora, china / asia blog
i did search for it and also found nothing
there is also no blog about russians
maybe CNNs world is only the half of the globe
i also think they should open an asia blog ... since long time!
but i understand that they are afright to open a such
soon 10 idiots will join it and show us hor fanatic patriots they are shouting about democracy and free world and swearing as the communist super powers who will response with 1000 intelectual posters
it would only damage the image of the USA because they often react to communism as to islam

fairly i have to say in other blogs at the cnn site are 100 times smarter guys, there its a better mixture between people with brain and fanatic nuts

sadly on the ME blog are only islam haters and israeli patriots spreading theyr fanatic extremism and some who still believe in theyr intelectual abilities to understand the difference between

Itai   July 27th, 2009 8:17 pm ET

... between prison and freedom

Itai   July 27th, 2009 8:59 pm ET

Filipe July 27th, 2009 1848 GMT
Itai,

Oh Wise One—Please tell us all about the meaning of a free world, freedom of speech, diplomacy and democracy!!

Explain to all those who read this blog—- How does it work???

What a fool !!!!

i would like to explain it to you!
i was trying to explain you allready many things
but i know allready...
you cant understand anything because your small skills to comprehend just anything else then what you wanna hear and what you wanna accept as your reality

maybe you should viit a doctor who is expert in healing fanatic extremists

i guess on this blog or anywhere in the internet is not one person who can heal your extremism

but i hope someone can help you to understand how to listen on others how to communicate without fanatism and extremism
how to reach out to each other and how to try to find compromises

maybe you should ask the god who have choosen you for an lession in beeing human as a human and not to be a man as a stone

good luck fippo

Itai   July 27th, 2009 9:07 pm ET

G. July 27th, 2009 1458 GMT
The free press? I wish John A. that you would ask Iranl, an Islam place, to allow it. I think that people are being killed, tortured, and going to prison for life over it. Sorry if that impolite. I have no grudges over Isam, not sure what it’s about, but hate restrictions, basically, as a female person.

i have somehow to agree with you
restriction are allways bad!
it dont mater if talibans restrict women to wear what they like or if sarkozy restrict women to wear what they like, it dont matter if chinese retrict tibetians or if israelis restrict palestinians from free life

i also hate restrictions as a simple person as i am

i am happy about this point in which we both can agree

Anonymous Friend   July 27th, 2009 9:33 pm ET

A small observation
I doubt any of you use your real names on this blog page.

The next observation: Every person who cares about the Middle East should study facts for themselves. Nobody on this blog ever provides undisputed proof. In fact most select web links which can be used to support their personal interests. However, it will always be possible to find opposing information via alternative web links and sources. Therefore nobody on this blog has ever provided undisputed proof & certainly non off you can prove to possess a higher moral authority than anyone else.

Web blogs are anonymous messages; they are not factual and usually have little resemblance with the entire facts of any situation. You can always make your own blog page and moderate all opinions which are uploaded. It’s your choice, Call it “twitter” or perhaps “nit-twitter”.

If one reviews all the pages of “Inside the Middle East”, one will note a trend where the pro Israel campaign tends to claim alternative views are wrong. Come on guys, you can do better than that. After all, if you really had the right answers you would have managed much better relations with your neighbours. It takes two to tango.

So I would request that all sides show more tolerance of each other’s differences. Tolerance and a want to understand alternative points of view may even help you to get along in peace.

Personally I believe in a two state solution. But in a dispute over the holy land, it is ironic that all sides can find such little love for each other.

Its easy to blame, it is not easy to find a solution. Obama tries to find a solution. Let’s hope he genuinely tries and acts without bias. Give him a chance, because you never know if this will be your last chance.

I think Israel should show regret for its bombing of Gaza’s civilians, which from all major press sources was an appalling episode in Israel’s history. But all countries have had appalling episode in their history. Palestine should also accept Israel has a right to exist.

A solution starts with honesty from all sides. So far no side has been prepared to be honest enough.

Hope   July 27th, 2009 10:13 pm ET

Itai– "it makes me laugh to see how weak you are!
you have guns nukes money and a high life standart… but your weak as a dead fly"

Agree. Have you watched how cockroaches appear only at night, when no one is around to attack (food... :)
Now watch (link below) and see how viciously it will be flocked by attacks...Pretty wild cockroaches.

-----------------------
Occupation 101
Voices of the Silenced Majority (Palestinians)
Winner of 8 Film Festivals. Released in 2003 and is now selling on DVD

I received my shipment of boxes yesterday, whoopi..made my day!

http://www.occupation101.com/index.html

ironmen1987   July 27th, 2009 11:12 pm ET

Free world ? There is always an idiot forcing his ideals down your throat through lawmakers. Free speech ? Yes unless you're christian or jewish. Diplomacy doesn't exist in todays society unless you're willing to give up everything for nothing. Democracy ? A false belief that you can live as you choose as long as it follows the guidelines set forth by a corrupt and greedy government that could care less if your family has anything to eat or a place to live but absolutely loves you when they need campaign donations....

Judyinjerusalem   July 28th, 2009 11:51 am ET

Back to a little sanity here–anyone who wants to take a serious look at the issue of "occupation" from the point of view of international law can go to http://www.jcpa.org to read all about it.

John A   July 28th, 2009 12:42 pm ET

Well I don´t know why Filipe & co keep saying John A has done this or that. Personally I have found little recent activity on this page. My comments and I suppose others are taking a long time to be uploaded if at all.

Nevertheless, Filipe & co can call as many names as they wish as this only helps to demonstrate the quality of their nature. I guess Filipe & co find this easier than offering proof to their words.

university rector   July 28th, 2009 8:08 pm ET

CNN

you must be very proud of trying to silence me by deleting my posts

John A   July 28th, 2009 9:06 pm ET

Did everybody notice the exact duplication in the words of Dan Perman & University Rector (Posted:July 27th 17:35 & 17:36)
The duplications were posted within one minute of each other. The moderator never uploads comments in less than one minute, so nobody had time to copy these words. Therefore Dan Perman is the University Rector.

We all know the University Rector is dishonest, but now he pretends to have support by creating multiple characters. This shows the extreme length Zionist propaganda will go to. Zionists constantly try to mislead. What type of person would do this?

John A   July 28th, 2009 9:55 pm ET

Judyinjerusalem your choice of a Jewish weblink is insanely biased. If you searched for the international law society as opposes to the Jewish law society), you would notice you are full off BS. Why cant Zionists ever find a weblink from a reliable international source, they only ever post Israeli links and think we are all stupid enough to believe it. How fascist can you get.

Judynotinjerusalem   July 28th, 2009 10:04 pm ET

If you want to know and understand Israels interests in the Middle East please read this link:

http://www.tabletmag.com/life-and-religion/10955/great-exxxpectations/

Filipe   July 28th, 2009 10:27 pm ET

John A,

What is it you need more proof of??? You fail to dispute anything I post. You also fail to answer any questions that I or others ask about the nonsensical gibberish that you post.

If you don't believe that the Jews have lived in Judea for over 3 millenia by now-there's hardly anything anyone will be able to do to convince you of it.

Did I call you a name?? Boo Hoo Hoo !!!

What name did I call you John?? Please show me where???
Just don't whine and cry about it -- show me where !!!

Filipe   July 28th, 2009 10:37 pm ET

Itai,

Please tell us all about the meaning of a free world, freedom of speech, diplomacy and democracy!!

Explain to all those who read this blog—- How does it work???

Your last post just was nothing more than a radical tirade of gibberish that failed to explain anything !!!!!

All you did was make lame excuses as to why you can't explain it !!!!

Hope   July 29th, 2009 12:43 am ET

Goodness me, is there an underline guilt associated with this sweet talk

Anonymous– "So I would request that all sides show more tolerance of each other’s differences. Tolerance and a want to understand alternative points of view may even help you to get along in peace."

Agree with what you said, however Pollyanna it may sound, (unrealistic optimism) is what we are dealing with in the ME.

Idyllic, a blog should have pros and cons opinions, good vs.bad comments, real vs fiction thinking...Johns vs. rectors...And links of all corners (however ludicrous they may be, i.e. Zionists ones) are eye opener to a world of illusion & entertainment. And if a blog drifts to a silly comedy forum every now and then, so be it...The truth is somewhere in the middle of it all.

Modifying an existing blog name is not stealing, (as long as it is modified). Loose letters such as E-F-G could be up for grabs. They are what they are..symbols not a name.

I'd love to say (Amen) on this one, "non of us can prove to possess a higher moral authority than anyone else".. however, good luck in that department, a nice try.

Now, let the show go on please...

Itai   July 29th, 2009 2:47 am ET

today i did watch CNN news and i saw how the israelis went again to jerusalem to rob some land

other people would say the jews went to rob land
but again i wanna make it clear ... between israelis and jews is a large difference and they are not the same

after this pictures i thought about the blog here... and a question did rise up in me
a question addressed to our fanatic pro-israeli friends

i did read a bit about what happened here before i ask my question(s)

and i saw some interesting posts
i was surprised about the post by the anonymous friend because it is the base of my own question which i have... the post of the anonymous contains more or less the same analysis result as i got

there is maybe always a pro and contra
internet is the evidence of nothing
and if one shows something bad by the one side
a other will show something bad by the other side
and so it will never come to any solution
and some elements keep the discussion always on this level
it comes never the point to step forward

at the end past is past what did happen did happen
someone was the bad guy who ever no one should care ... interesting is only the future

and here comes now my question to fippy and his friends but special to fippo because he gives the smartest picture of all those fanatic pro-israelis...

as already said... israelis still are building settlements in west bank... and as we saw they went again with the dozer to jerusalem to get land which is actually somehow cultivated by palestinians as they did life there until yesterday

now just a simple question
do palestinians have the right to life?
if no... why not?
if yes... where?

and if they have the right to life
how?
i try to explain this question...
shall they life as a democratic state?
maybe they wanna life under a king
maybe they wanna life in a communist system
maybe they wanna life under a islamic system
do they have the right to choose how they wanna life?
or have they to apply democracy?
if so why?

i think for israel it is hard to answer such questions because
sure have palestinians the right to life
if israel says no its pure fascism
if it comes to where they should life
israel cant say they should live in the borders as 70 years ago because 70 years ago there was no israel and 35 yeas ago israel was smaller and even yesterday israel was smaller
so where should palestinians go to?
if it comes to the politic system most people are sure israel will only accept a system who always says yes to israel, that would be anyway corrupt
and if it doesnt matter as long they dont try to get a war with israel it also doesnt matter if they apply a islamic or communist system or maybe democracy... so would israel accept communists at theyr borders?
if not why not why should they be restricted to be free?

(dont be afright, i will not go on the danP level of "answer" "answer my question" "answer now" lol!)

---
now i will spy on this link by Hope ... thanks before :)

and i agree as many others with john a
the quality of theyr nature is proofed since near the beginning of the MEblogs.. a little kid without brain can see it and in that way they do more damage on israel then a nuke can do... if you wanna help palestinians you should motivate them to stay in public so that everyone can see how the people in israel are, think and do ;)

Itai   July 29th, 2009 3:40 am ET

hope

i allready saw this video and it is interesting
but i cant watch it anymore... i remember how it did make me sad! and how it did let my blood boil and boil!
there are also other interesting movies as
Peace, Propaganda & the Promised Land
sure you will find it withou link i guess you know it allready (but if not search it)
it is also horrible!
sadly there exist a lot of such movies and sadly it have nothing to do with hollywood but a lot with ickering reality

Judyinjerusalem
if you talk about the international view on anything you should post a international site
if it comes to international law you should post a international law site ... maybe the site from den haag or nato or uno or what ever you like
but talking about international view and posting a link to the
jerusalem center for public affairs
is a joke hard to beat

and if someone goes to the site i hope he or she will not be totaly shocked to death by the absolute clear bias which is propagated there!

and as said above...
palestinians say 60 years ago there was no israel
brithish guys say 60 years ago israeli terrorists did bomb us out of palestine with terror
and israelis say israel is the land of the jews since the earth exist
they also say for example, 300 years ago there did life 200 jews ... ok .. this explains not why they use soo much land and still more and dont let me ask how they cultivated such a big country i gues they were so wiedly spreaded that they never did meet each other maybe god gave them babies from heaven

let me show you one copy paste from your site
to show you how sick it is
"Yet in the eastern part of Jerusalem there are today some 200,000 Jews and 270,000 Arabs living in intertwined neighborhoods. It has become impossible to characterize certain parts of eastern Jerusalem as a wholly Palestinian area that can easily be split off from the rest of Jerusalem."

so thats great ... now use your brain!
we dont know which part belongs to the palestinians, is it now logical that the whole jerusalem belongs to israel?
dont turn the brain off now!
200000 jews and 270000 palestinians live there
now we apply democracy.. let the people of jerusalem vote if they wanna be a part of israel or palestine?
or dont you like democracy?

sorry Judy!
this post and the whole site was a shot in the own leg! ... if we analyze the whole site it turns into the total joke (of course only if we use a brain)

but let us get now over that!
what do you suggest to do in future?
how can people in israel and palestine get peace?
how to solve the problem in your city jerusalem?
maybe democraty is a good solution ... maybe all people in jerusamem should do a voting about which side they wanna belong to
can you agree with that?

miriam   July 29th, 2009 6:35 am ET

Anonymous Friend,

Those who are pro-Israel have the same right as anyone else to claim an alternative view.
This is especially true when the view they dispute is full of lies and propaganda.
Not so well hidden beneath all your statements about the characteristics of free speech etc is your obvious message: that freedom of speech is a right for all, with the exception of those who are pro-Israel!

BTW, Israel always regrets injuries and the loss of life suffered by innocent civilians. (Perhaps you don't listen out for those comments).
In contrast, the aim of her adversaries is to inflict the greatest casualties on innocent Israeli civilians.

Every time Israel has to defend her citizens from attack it is an appalling episode that has resulted from appalling periods that her population has had to endure, whether these are rocket attacks for a decade, suicide bombings, other bombings, shootings, stabbings, stonings etc.
If the international community was genuine in their concern for the region, they would demand a stop to such attacks on Israel before there would be a need for Israel to respond. After all, where were their cries of war crimes when, for 8 years, Hamas fired rockets into civilian, undefended neighbouhoods?

miriam   July 29th, 2009 6:39 am ET

John A,

You really believe those comments were sent by the real Dan Perman and University Rector?
You must be oblivious to the dirty tactics being used on this blog.

miriam   July 29th, 2009 6:51 am ET

Itai,

You just proved a point.

You saw on CNN a story about Israelis"going to Jerusalem to rob some land".

I'm sure that is not how CNN described the story but if that is how you interpreted it then you have twisted a story and put your own spin on it.
If, however, that is how CNN did report it, then they have misrepresented the events and put their reporting credentials into question.

miriam   July 29th, 2009 9:57 am ET

Itai,

You'd actually be surprised that many "east" Jerusalem Arabs prefer to live in Israel than in any future Palestinian state.

The Arab population of Jerusalem has been increasing because of natural growth and also migration from areas of the West Bank. The reason for this migration is because they want to live under Israeli rule.
It's too bad this doesn't fit in with your presumption that all Arabs hate Israel.

Filipe   July 29th, 2009 10:08 am ET

Itai,

I see you failed world history class. Or, maybe you just never went to school long enough to reach the level where you could take world history.

Where did you learn that Israel did not exist 70 years ago?

You can find plenty of history books and reference to to Israel, The Land of Israel and Judea that goes back more than 3 millenia!

However, keep that in mid. It was the Roman Emperor Hadrian who renamed the land know as Judea to Palestine -in 132AD !! Imagine that, Palestine–a Roman creation !!!

But you ask--" so where should Palestinians go to?"

It's simple-- they have several options.

1) They can choose to live as peaceful neighbors to Israel-but they have declined to do so on the the land provided for them by the UN .

2) Or they can choose to go to Jordan. Jordan was created by the UN with land which comprised 78% of the original British Mandate Palestine.

3) Since they consider them selves Arabs, they can go back to the place of the ancestors- Arabia !!

They're migration to the the Land of Israel in the 7th century in conjunction with the invention of Islam and the attempt to Islamisize the world hardly gives them the right to displace an ethnic group of people who have lived there for over 3 millenia

And yes it is logical that the whole of Jerusalem belongs to Israel. The Israelites were there thousands of years before there were any such people as Arabs or Muslims on the land.

Too bad Itai -you loose again !!!

Hope   July 29th, 2009 2:11 pm ET

http://www.tabletmag.com/life-and-religion/10955/great-exxxpectations/

this is waaay too hilarious for me. And I am quoting the article;

"This week, Michael Lucas is making what he calls “a bold move to promote Israeli culture and tourism.” His website extols the virtues of a country rich with natural wonders, intriguing museums, liberal politics, and friendly locals. More than a biblical theme park, Lucas’s Israel is a tourist destination, a place where lovely beaches beckon and muscle-bound men have sex with each other."

This is what I mean by total ludicrous Israeli websites. They want the holy land (all to themselves) because god gave it them 3000 millennium ago!..and now tis a place where lovely beaches beckon on muscle-bound men have sex with each other..to promote tourism!! I think God is scratching his head by now..One thing to be promoting this kind of thing is San Francisco, but the holy land? Jesus is going to have to divert his landing plans..due to unforeseen immoral behavior...bible chapter 40 Lucas verse 69 :)

G.   July 29th, 2009 4:43 pm ET

I'm just a female person. I don't wear a burka or strap on bombs. I would never do either. Unless scared too death probably. Both seem about as bad to me. I wear whatever I want. Females account for over fifty percent of the population. No wonder guys are scared. We are a real power. Most women are too scared to go there. That is pretty sad. Guys have their places, such as being Presidents. Women tell those guys stuff. If my husband told me tomorrow, that I had to wear a certain something or that he was going to marry another person, I would just freeze in shock. He would never. He certainly doesn't want to.

G.   July 29th, 2009 4:47 pm ET

Women give birth. Guys work. It's not that complicated.
families adjust to raise them in an efficient way. So we all watch. Who are the guys marrying, working, and supporting the women creating the next generation. Women should be treated kindly. We are soft people. That is really the big test. Females have to be since we are raising babies. I guess there are really women who strap on bombs. That gives me shivers. Really?

G.   July 29th, 2009 4:53 pm ET

Itai – I don't watch videos, ever. I watch news from many different places. I assure you that nothing shocks me too death, except, maybe the bombings on September 11. That was pretty close.

G.   July 29th, 2009 5:02 pm ET

No offense Itai. I'm just an old country gal. I've always worn loose, whatever clothes I wanted. In my twenties, my town got its very first stoplight which is very backwards. Most don't believe it, but it is true. That was a long time ago. It does sound funny and backwards, but true. I promise. I know most don't believe it. None probably. Anyway, I would never wear some kind of garment with eye slits. Ever. If guys wore them, maybe. But, I won't wear heels either. I told the hubby that when he wore them, I would. The eye slit stuff, never.

G.   July 29th, 2009 5:08 pm ET

I am proud that France outlawed burkas. Shocking? Why? If gals wear them, do the guys? Fair is fair. Women are over fifty percent of the population. Personally I don't care what people wear, even if it's nothing. Stuff like that doesn't matter to me. The ME and N. Korea makes me angry. I see them the same way, except a few exceptions like S. Korea and Israel. The final test, to me, are how countries treat their weak members. The first test then is how women, just under men, are treated. Then we move on to the physically deformed and mentally slow. In the U.S., there is the equal education thing, for anyone, regardless of the cost or pice. How is that is N. Korea and Iran?

G.   July 29th, 2009 5:10 pm ET

I've not read recently. Got bored. We know what to expect from bad places. What is the latest with the Iranian erections anyway? Are they still beating, imprisioning, and shooting the folks protesting?

G.   July 29th, 2009 5:13 pm ET

Itai – explain the bias thing to me. I'm a female who wants my freedom and equality and a happy life. I see guys in the ME trying to limit women. That is really ugly to me. So explain your defense of that system. I'm interested, oddly.

Itai   July 29th, 2009 10:49 pm ET


miriam July 29th, 2009 651 GMT
Itai,

You just proved a point.

You saw on CNN a story about Israelis”going to Jerusalem to rob some land”.

I’m sure that is not how CNN described the story but if that is how you interpreted it then you have twisted a story and put your own spin on it.
If, however, that is how CNN did report it, then they have misrepresented the events and put their reporting credentials into question.

so you did not see the report
but you know what i did interpret and what not
but you dont know if i did interpret it right or not
so you also know that if i did interpret right cnn did interpret wrong
so how ever you dont know anything and anyway you cant accept it

do you have more jokes to deliver?

miriam July 29th, 2009 957 GMT
Itai,

You’d actually be surprised that many “east” Jerusalem Arabs prefer to live in Israel than in any future Palestinian state.

The Arab population of Jerusalem has been increasing because of natural growth and also migration from areas of the West Bank. The reason for this migration is because they want to live under Israeli rule.
It’s too bad this doesn’t fit in with your presumption that all Arabs hate Israel.

so to make it simple
you are not worried about the result if the people jews and muslims do a voting in a democratic way to choose to who the majority wanna belong to (palestine or israel)?
so you would agree with such a democratic voting to get it clear for once?
and what ever will come out you will accept?
or will you only accept democracy if they choose to be a part of israel?

about what you guess that i maybe think we anyway dont have to speak dear mirjam ;)
and why there are more arabs ... who cares.. actualy it seems to have more arabs in jerusalem then israelis ... according to the jerusalem center page which was posted above by someone... thats all we must know ... you dont need to give us a course in biology about why and more :))

miriam   July 30th, 2009 4:53 am ET

Itai,

Perhaps I did see the report.
There have been many recent reports on Jerusalem.
None I saw spoke about Israelis "coming to Jerusalem to rob some land". Perhaps they alluded to the fact that Palestinians claim some land to be theirs despite the fact that it had been bought, legally, by a Jew.

BTW, there are twice as many Jews in Jerusalem as there are Muslims, and a very small percentage of Christians.

The PA has repeatedly coerced the Jerusalem Arab population into non-cooperation ("samud") in any elections.
Good luck in arranging any truly free and democratic election.

Filipe   July 30th, 2009 1:59 pm ET

Itai,

Since you've been living in a cave for so long, you're appparently unaware that all citizens of Israel who are of legal age have the right to vote-it doesn't matter if theye're Arabs or Jews!!! Pretty amazing stuff !! As well, 12 memebers of the Israeli Knesst are Arabs!!!!! More amazing stuff!!!!

Wow-- Maybe they should "do a voting" !!! What a hoot !!!!

Go back to your cave!!

Filipe   July 30th, 2009 2:05 pm ET

miriam you said--

"John A,

You really believe those comments were sent by the real Dan Perman and University Rector?
You must be oblivious to the dirty tactics being used on this blog."

************************************************

John A is the impostor, using other bloggers' screen names. Now he makes a lame attempt to claim someone else is not who they claim to be!!!

university rector   July 30th, 2009 5:01 pm ET

Itai

you have no idea what you are talking about, you were never in Jerusalem you know nothing about Jerusalem

for example, the slaughter of the Jews who lived in the Jewish quarter for centuries in 1948 by your friends? what do you know about the confiscation by your arab friends of the jewish property in jerusalem? What Itai?

tell us, oh oracle of the middle east

Itai   July 30th, 2009 5:11 pm ET

BTW, there are twice as many Jews in Jerusalem as there are Muslims, and a very small percentage of Christians.

so what shall i say
i did reffer to the site posted by Judyinjerusalem, Jerualem Center for public affairs at http://www.jcpa.org
there they say i quote again Yet in the eastern part of Jerusalem there are today some 200,000 Jews and 270,000 Arabs living in intertwined neighborhoods. It has become impossible to characterize certain parts of eastern Jerusalem as a wholly Palestinian area that can easily be split off from the rest of Jerusalem.
about christians they say nothing (sadly)

but anyway as i allready said ... the site is full of foolish stuff
thank you for debunking theyr informations
at least we can both agree about the value of this site

Itai   July 30th, 2009 5:20 pm ET

Filipe
Itai,

I see you failed world history class. Or, maybe you just never went to school long enough to reach the level where you could take world history.

Where did you learn that Israel did not exist 70 years ago?

You can find plenty of history books and reference to to Israel, The Land of Israel and Judea that goes back more than 3 millenia!
...

(+ the half bible)

your right i am not a genious as you!
let me show you a quote from
http://www.israel60.gov.il/englishnews/categoryList.aspx
The State of Israel celebrates 60 years of independence
The Ministerial Committee marking 60 years of independence, headed by Minister Ruhama Avraham Balila, has approved the first list of events and projects that will be held and implemented in the 60th year of Israel's independence. Events celebrating Israel at 60 will be held in 2008 and 2009 (Shvat 5768 to Tevet 5769). The 60th Anniversary Administration, headed by Minister Ruhama Avraham Balila, is currently in the process of concluding the programs that will involve collaboration with various Government Ministries and national institutions. The list of projects and events presented below is partial, and will be updated during the year. The professional administration for the events marking 60 years of Israel's independence is initiating, producing and sponsoring events and activities that comply with the following principles:

The events and projects shall reflect the Government resolution that Israel's 60th anniversary will center around the "strengthening of Israel's children".
The Israel at 60 events shall be designed to reach all the citizens of Israel wherever they may be, and a major proportion of the events shall be held in outlying regions. The events shall showcase Israel's achievements over the 60 years since its founding.
The mix of events shall put special emphasis on Holocaust survivors and other sectors of the population.
Part of the budget for the Israel at 60 events shall be earmarked for infrastructure projects, that will bear fruit in the coming years.
The events and projects to mark 60 years of Israel's independence shall focus on inculcating educational, cultural and artistic values among the youth. Emphasis shall also be placed on strengthening religious tolerance and civic awareness, strengthening the connection with the history of the State of Israel and the Jewish People, and strengthening awareness of nature, heritage, landscape and environmental values.

now dont explain me how to count
i will try to figure it out how you bring 3 millenias into 60 years ... maybe google will help me
but i suggest to you, to and teach The 60th Anniversary Administration, headed by Minister Ruhama Avraham Balila how to count!
and teach counting to all those people which are now looking realy stupid in near of you because they thoght israel got 60 years old since its founding and who did a party because they also cant count
you really should care about them as a genious as you are!

but let me do a litle note anyway...
we should talk about international law, paper and signature.. what ever but for sure about real stuff
everyone should believe what ever he like ... bible thora quran budism or in a holy stome if they like!
i believe if god gave the land to israel why they still have to fight for it?
i believe if god gives land to someone he will also have the power to let all people on this land disapear! ... else this god is weak or this god gave a evil gift to see how people slaughter each other ... but what a god would that be? for sure not the god who said dont kill each other... so it cant be the god who did talk to mose

what ever ... in now time there exist problems between israel and palestine ... betwen israelians and palestinians ... between human people!
and it have to be found a solution which matches for both of them so that both sides and all people can agree with!

sadly in now time it is not so simple as 3 millenias ago... god will not come to let people disapear... we have to find in now time a own solution without god!

we are also not talibans here as also not israelibans
(as i hope... also if it looks sometimes otherwise if we take a look at some posts above)
we are not religious fanatic lunatics
we are human people and we all have the right to life and to be free!

so the question is not how it was 3 millenias ago ... the question is not how it was 1200bc ... the question is not how it was when god created the univrse and light... flowers and fishes...
the question is how it will be tomorrow!

the question is are we willing to restrict others to be free
or are we willing to find a solution so that everyone can be free!

now i ask you fipp...

what would your solution be?
what is your idea?
how do you make all people happy?
or are you only interessted in your own luck?
or are you only interessted in your own freedom?

so bring up a idea which is acceptable for all people on earth but in the case of this blog it is enough if you bring up a solution for israelis and palestinians freedom

i guess we all are very interested in it

Mark Fraley   July 30th, 2009 7:37 pm ET

Israel will always be protected by its strongest ally;JEHOVAH.No other ally is needed.Either we(your nation)support Israel,and prosper or become the enemy of JEHOVAH.Israel is the least of all the nations in size,but envied by its neighbors,far and near.

Filipe   July 30th, 2009 10:11 pm ET

Itai,

Yes the Israelites have lived in the land of Israel-Judea for over 3 millenia. Your ignorance of the fact is obvious.

But since that's how you feel about-there has never been a state or country of Palestine-EVER !!! So those who call themselves Palestinians have no right to any of the land of Israel !!!!! Wow!!!! Since they consider themselves Arabs--they should all return to the land of their origins–their ancestral homeland-–Arabia !!!!

That solves their problem !!!! The Jews were given Israel. The Palestinian Arabs were given land next to the Jews in British Mandate Palestine--but they said NO THANKS !!!! OK-– so now they whine and cry about-- Too friggin' bad !!!! Let them go back to Arabia-- or go take up residence in Jordan--the part of British Mandate Palestine where those who had a little bit of brains said-OK-we'll take this land !!!!

So you can can whine and cry and slobber all you want to about the Palestinian Arabs in Jerusalem-- the bottom line is-it will remain the undivided capital of Israel.

emily   July 30th, 2009 11:22 pm ET

I think it would be smart for protesting Iranians to boycott. Just like African Americans did here. Our government cant afford to help rock throwers but they will help people being kicked when there down. So they should sit down and hopefully it will shut down the country...providing there is enough of them. emily 20 Reno, Nevada

miriam   July 31st, 2009 5:53 am ET

Itai,

You wrote Jerusalem and I stated statistics from Jerusalem.

Now you are writing about "east "Jerusalem which actually includes areas north, east and south.

CS   July 31st, 2009 4:25 pm ET

emily. Welcome. Your boycott is a good idea. But I think we're dealing with a govt that will not budge if you use reason, as the Iranians have tried. Sometimes revolution is necessary. African Americans (and sympathizing whites together) boycotted, but they also took to the streets, and marched to washington, and made their voices heard. Iranians need to take their country back...by force if necessary.

Tony in Largo, Fl   August 1st, 2009 5:26 pm ET

I strongly believe that the Arabs should recognize Israel and live in peace with it. HAMAS and HEZBOLLAH are evil and they must be dealt with. However, If ever I saw a silver lining to the Bernie Madoff scandal, it's that some of the charities that got wiped out were those that put pressure on our Senators and Congressmen to back-up Israel on everything or else. Now maybe we as a nation will be able to carry-out a policy that will hopefully bring peace to the Middle East.

M Ariely   August 1st, 2009 6:21 pm ET

From "CHANGE" to "REALITY"
A painful walkup!!

The real world is not shaped by speeches by the charismatic president OBAMA
The real world is shaped by actions.
President elected Obama" change" welcome to the reality.

Change?
N. Korea,Iran, Venezuala understood that the CHANGE president is an excellent speech deliver but without any actions.
They and all the totalitarian movements worldwide are on the march.
He is letting people worldwide willing freedom to stand alone against dictators and oppressors without support– telling them to shape their future alone- that doesn’t work.
Ms Obama policy may end up an a isolated USA in a totalitarian alien world .

His speech in Cairo was rewriting the history
Ms Obama: Israel exists in this specific geographic place in ME because the 3500 years of history and not the holocaust.
Ms Obama how many states worldwide have such a long connections to their land?
China- India-Greece- Italia?
Israel and USA relations are based on human values,low, democracy, freedome.
Not many countryes are sharing the same values with USA

Ms Obama-
YOU ARE ON THE WAY TO BE A MODERN CHAMBERLIN-
ISRAEL WILL NOT BE A MODEN CHEHOSLOVAKY
PLS WAKE UP BEFORE IT WILL BE TO LATE

G.   August 1st, 2009 7:26 pm ET

I'm pretty tired of all of this, in general. There are good, nice people to everyone, including women. There are bad people and places. They switch around some. There are old, old religions such as some of the Asian ones and the Jewish one and newer ones are newer. Not everyone can be six thousand years old, or older. Who is right? We don't have a clue, as a whole world. Given that we are basically not that well informed and learning, who can claim they know everything about everything. No one I've met or seen on TV.

How does the world get along?. No idea. I would suggest not tolerating corruption or cruelty. Bribes don't pay. Neither does torture. Blowing up people is wrong. Basics. Then, as higher thinking, feeling, God produced people, we try to get the world to adjust to itself. The population is so overwhelmed, that's a challenge.

G.   August 1st, 2009 7:29 pm ET

Planet Earth doesn't really seem that impressive to me, as a nice, down to earth person. There are some really mean, cruel people. I won't mention names, but we all know them. I don't know if they recognize themselves though.

John A   August 3rd, 2009 7:44 am ET

And the blog rambles on.........

Meanwhile why is the relationship between the USA & Israel on the rocks?

Perhaps its because Israel has taken support from America and dropped American bombs on civilians in Lebanon, Syria & Palestine.

Perhaps its because Israels apartheid regime has created so much friction in the Middle East and America has been sucked into the conflict.

Perhaps its because the world has witnessed international law being broken by Israel since the creation of this state in 1947.

Perhaps America has finally realized it has sided with the bad guys and bad things will continue to happen until America extracts itself from its disgraceful alliance with Israel.

Perhaps America has realized the Middle East will never see peace until all sides in the conflict are respected and treated with equal human rights.

Perhaps America now understands Israels unwillingness to compromise poses an enormous threat to world peace as violent protest are made and Arabic countries develop nuclear capability.

Perhaps America has realized the Zionist dream of creating a greater Israel is based on human greed and expansionism, with no happy ending possible.

Perhaps in a time when American industry is in recession, America does not want to have its products boycotted by a world that is sick of Americas biased support of Israel. As such biased support will only bring violence and destruction to the Middle East.

Perhaps its because Obama is black and therefore realizes the White Russian Jews who have populated Israel do not have the right to evict non white Arabs from their homes and deny the non whites the right of housing, electric, water and medical assistance.

Perhaps America has slowly started to mature and sees politics as the business of improved human relations as opposed to white against black, west against east or Christian against Muslim.

The Middle East crises can be solved with a respectable two state solution. So far Israel is recognized as a state, Palestine is not. Why?

So far Israel can dictate terms, the Palestinians can not. Why?

So far Israel continues to expand and Palestinian lands continue to contract. Why?

So far Israel has been supplied weapons to kill Palestinian civilians, where the Palestinian civilians are left to defend themselves with bottle rockets and hand guns. Why?

If the Palestinians were black, the black vote in America would have called for a boycott of Israel. Instead America continues to fund Israel. Why?

Answer a few questions honestly and you will have found a solution to the middle east crises. Or you can continue with crises and war if that is your desire.

Meanwhile the crises continues. Why?

miriam   August 3rd, 2009 8:57 am ET

John A,

The simple answer is that Israel is a state and Palestine is not.

There could have been another Arab state in the lands of the former British Mandate but the offer was refused, repeatedly.

There may be land owned by Arabs who can prove their ownership with geuine documents, but there are no Palestinian lands.

Many of Israel's weapons are Israeli made and developed as are weapons of other countries.
Some weapons are imported.
None of these are supplied to "kill civilians".
They bare supplied and used to defend Israelis from incessant Arab/Muslim attack and threats.
Hamas, Hizbollah etc have sophisticated weapons supplied by Iran, China, N. Korea, Syria etc that have been smuggled in illegally with the intention of destroying Israel, civilians and all.

I would have hoped that the American people would vote primarily for the interests of their own lives rather than vote like a herd of sheep for an issue that is given disproportionate attention in the international arena.
I believe that there are far more serious issues in the world concerning black people about which they should and could express their dismay and exercise their influence.

You are unaware of the fact that many in the world understand the Middle East conflict.
There are people in this world who don't simply deny Zionism and Jewish history as a result of their discriminatory dislike of Jews, Judaism and its culture.

Filipe   August 3rd, 2009 10:11 am ET

John A,

Perhaps it's because of nothing more than people who think like you !!

You said " So far Israel is recognized as a state, Palestine is not. Why?"

Really ??? You need to ask this question ??? Are you truly ignorant of historical facts??? It's simple-- The Arabs refused to accept an independent Arab State in 1947 !

You Said--"So far Israel can dictate terms, the Palestinians can not. Why?

Israel can dictate terms because that's the way it works when you win the conflict ! Quite simple and straight forward.

You Said--"So far Israel has been supplied weapons to kill Palestinian civilians, where the Palestinian civilians are left to defend themselves with bottle rockets and hand guns. Why?"

It's quite simple-– Israel manufactures their own or buys what they need on the open market. The Palestinians are prohibited from purchasing or manufacturing weapons by the UN do to their history of aggressive behavior.

Additionally, the weapons which the Palestinians have are the only ones their supporters will provide to them. Yet their supporters do have much more sophisticated weapons !! Hmmm!!! Why is that?? Could it be that their supporters really don't want the Palestinians to be anything more than a aggravating little chihuahua biting the ankles of a pit bull??-– Knowing that the pit bull will eventually obliterate the chihuahua !!!

But I find it quite odd that you claim it is the Palestinian civilians who defend themselves with rockets and hand guns. That act in itself explains why the claim that Palestinian "civilians" are defending themselves is regularly discounted by all those who investigate the details of the conflict.

First off, if a "civilian" is in possession of rockets-- they would be considered a legal target for any military operation. Second, a rocket is not a defensive weapon.

You said- "Meanwhile the crises continues. Why?"

Didn't you just explain it yourself ??

How does it feel to wake up everyday as an angry old man full of hate??? Is that working for you??

Get over it !!! It's the only solution to your ongoing problem !!

John A   August 3rd, 2009 12:01 pm ET

Oh so because the Arabs did not accept forced removal from their own homes in 1947, they do not deserve sovereignty today. Thanks for clearing that up with so much compassion Filipe and Miriam.

If Iran wipes Israel of the face of the earth, will the Jewish survivors willing accept Irans terms and conditions for peace?

If you continue to support Israels fascist actions, you will also need accept the consequences. With your logic there will be no happy ending for Israel. You reap what you sow.

Filipe   August 3rd, 2009 5:41 pm ET

John A,

I have little compassion for a bunch of whiners who have failed miserably in 61 years to even agree amongst themselves.

Let;s face it-even if there were to be settlement today-– the Arabs will have less than they were given by the UN and the British!!! That is the epitome of stupidity!

Sorry for your luck. Don't you just hate it when that happens??

How does it feel to wake up everyday as an angry old man full of hate??? Is that working for you??

Get over it !!! It’s the only solution to your ongoing problem !!

You need not threaten anyone-you haven't he means to do squat !!

Dennis Junior   August 3rd, 2009 6:58 pm ET

I think that U.S. administration towards this Israeli government has not been free and fair....

-Dennis Junior-

miriam   August 3rd, 2009 9:22 pm ET

John A,

The Arabs who did not accept the calls of their leaders to flee in 1948 are still living in their homes.

The Jews who were expelled in 1948 by Jordan were able to return when the Arabs decided to try and finish off the job they failed to complete the first time round, and failed again.

No nation was wiped out by Israel.
British Mandatory Palestine was not a state or a nation.

The Arabs were offered another state repeatedly and rejected the offers repeatedly.
Ethnic cleansing and the destruction of the Jewish people was a more important priority.

Filipe   August 3rd, 2009 9:37 pm ET

I think Obama and Hillary should both march their a$$es down to Florida and tell Irving Moskowitz he's not allowed to buy any more property in Jerusalem and also tell him they forbid him to spend his money on his property in Jerusalem to build houses, apartments or make any other improvements!!!!!!

I think it's quite hilarious that they keep telling Israel and Netanyahu to prohibit Irving Moskowitz from doing this when the he isn't even an Israeli and he's a US citizen who lives Florida !!!!

Obama and Hillary both have just totally lost it on this one !!!!

Maybe they should just pass a law in the US preventing anyone who is Jewish from buying property or building on property that they own in Jerusalem !!!! Yea-– that'll work !!!!

John A   August 4th, 2009 8:50 am ET

Filipe you are right. America should pass a law to prevent any American citizen colluding with a breech of the Geneva convention.

Moving Israeli citizens into an area occupied by Israeli military force is a breech of the Geneva convention. Any body who assists this should be imprisoned.

Filipe   August 4th, 2009 9:42 am ET

John A,

Breech of the Geneva Convention !!!!!! BWAAAAAA!!!!! BWAAAAAAA!!!!

Sorry -you loose again!!!!!!! BWWWWAAAAA!!!!!!

LMAO !!!!!

No one is "moving Israeli citizens" anywhere !!!! They are buying the property and moving themselves-– of their own free will!!!!

BWAAAA!!!!!

You should write to Obama and Hilary with your latest brainstorm-– maybe they'll see it the way you do !!!!

Once again-sorry about your luck !!

Try again !!!!

miriam   August 4th, 2009 9:42 am ET

John A,

There's no "occupation"

There's no breech of Geneva Conventions.

There's no forced moving of Israeli citizens into disputed areas.

Filipe   August 4th, 2009 12:44 pm ET

John A,

You said-"Filipe you are right. America should pass a law to prevent any American citizen colluding with a breech of the Geneva convention."

That is not what I said--once again you failed to understand what I said and a quite lame attempt at some type of twisted translation. I'm not surprised ! Typical!!!

John A, you know as well as I do that it is against current US federal law for a US citizen to violate the Geneva Convention! So no need to play the "stupid card" again !!!! I'm surprised you even have any "stupid cards" left-you've used so many of them.

But go ahead and play game and pretend that there are US citizens violating the Geneva conventions and not being prosecuted because it's not against the laws of the US !!!!-- What an Idiot !!!

The fact is- nothing that Irving Moskowitz is doing is against any laws of any country or any international laws !!!!

Get over it !!!! You'll be a much happier person!

G.   August 4th, 2009 2:00 pm ET

Irael, and the Jewish religion, have a small percentage of the world population compared to the Christian and Islamic religion. I'm certain there are probably more Budhists and Hindus also. Why do Jewish people keep getting attacked? Probably there are more atheists than anything, and it's a growing religion. I figure that is mostly because they see the other relgions fighting it out and don't want to go there.

G.   August 4th, 2009 2:40 pm ET

I think the U.S. should pass a law to prevent any American from colluding with a terrorist action or person or anyone trying to terrorize female people into submission through threatening or terroristic methods.


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