Well, what do you know.
CNN is publishing Lou Dobb's commentary - a commentary unflattering to Israel & US policies in the Middle East.
While the United States provides about $2.5 billion in military and economic aid to Israel each year, U.S. aid to Lebanon amounts to no more than $40 million. This despite the fact that the per capita GDP of Israel is among the highest in the world at $24,600, nearly four times as high as Lebanon's GDP per capita of $6,200.
Lebanon's lack of wealth is matched by the Palestinians -- three out of every four Palestinians live below the poverty line. Yet the vast majority of our giving in the region flows to Israel. This kind of geopolitical inconsistency and shortsightedness has contributed to the Arab-Israeli conflict that the Western world seems content to allow to perpetuate endlessly.
Wow. I'm surprised. For the longest time all you heard was "Arab extremist animals" (bad, big bad) and "suffering, martyred Jews" (good, big good, don't question us or we'll play the H card and accuse you of being anti-semitic and the conversation is over).
Another good thing: Vatican condemns Israel for attacks on Lebanon
But meanwhile in Canada, Stephen Harper is playing up to the Israeli side. Larry Zolf notes that Harper is widely expected to go to the polls again and that this may be "The key to a majority".
Harper remains steadfast, and this defence of Israel will likely win him the votes of Canadian Jewry. Harper's Mideast policies could prove to be the key to a Harper majority government.
Zolf attempts to mitigate this political maneuvering by saying that Harper really believes in Israel:
Harper does believe that Hamas and Hezbollah are terrorist groups in cahoots with Iran. Harper has condemned Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran for not abandoning terror and for refusing to recognize Israel.
Harper is a genuine fan of Israel and Canadian Jewry. Harper's love of Israel makes him even more of a supporter of Israel than Brian Mulroney.
Rubbish. Hell, I believe that Hamas and Hezbollah are terrorist groups in cahoots with Iran. I am quite ready to condemn them for not abandoning terror & for refusing to recognize Israel. Doesn't mean I check my brain at the door - I can still notice that Isreal's response is disproportionate and vicious.
The Liberals are sounding the alarm. Canada's role as peacemaker at risk, says Graham; Opposition leaders say tough stance undermines role
Canadians have a proud tradition of peacekeeping, of being a stable, reasonable voice at the diplomatic table.
And we have a large Lebanese population which is increasingly upset at Canada's response.
Other reading:
Juan Cole's article in Salon
Atrocities in the Promised Land - "those who devise and carry out Israeli policies have made Israel into a monster, and it has come time for all of us -- all Israelis, all Jews who allow Israel to speak for them, all Americans who do nothing to end U.S. support for Israel and its murderous policies -- to recognize that we stain ourselves morally by continuing to sit by while Israel carries out its atrocities against the Palestinians."
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1 comment:
I haven't read anything but have had CBC on when I can to listen.
I share the same thoughts on disproportionate reaction, especially when, as JoVE pointed out, you're holding the state (well, what there is of one) responsible for the actions of a guerrilla group.
Though we've had some some good conversations with the kids, one of whom wanted to know about "guerrillas", about such things as turning the other cheek vs. an eye for an eye, and true measured responses.
As you mentioned the other day (or was that week?), hornblower, a lot of this is parenting 101, with behavior I wouldn't tolerate in my own children. Which is one reason why we shouldn't tolerate it in our own children, lest they grow up to become adults who do.
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