Criticism of Israel?

Unhappily for all involved, there are very few American voices free to criticize Israel. Our pols are intimidated by the 'Israel Lobby'. In fact many critics of Israeli actions are also supporters of Israel, but if they voice their criticisms, they are likely to suffer personal attacks ("self-hating Jew," "anti-Semite"). No way is peace going to be achieved in that part of the world until Israel -- the dominant military presence in the area -- decides to go for it. This will mean checking its expansionists who are dangerous -- the assassination of Rabin having been a major setback to peace there. One cannot stop rockets over one's borders by firing back with same.

Let us hope Bush survives his trip (and does not leave Cheney to launch his war on Iran) and does not further embarrass the U.S. with g-d knows what platitudes.

Ed Kent

P.S. This is the Description of the Israel_Palestine group which I started to allow full discussion of things there:

Description

This group will work towards achieving peace in Israel/Palestine through candid sharing of information and concerns by Israelis, Palestinians, and others who hope to achieve truth and reconciliation there.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Israel_Palestine
--
"A war is just if there is no alternative, and the resort to arms is legitimate if they represent your last hope." (Livy cited by Machiavelli)
--
Ed Kent 212-665-8535 (voice mail only) [blind copies]
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CollegeConversation
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PeaceEfforts
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EndingPoverty
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/440neighborhood
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/StudentConcerns
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AcademicFreedom
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PrivacyRights
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Israel_Palestine
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FindingHumaneJobs
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OurStupidEconomy
http://BlogByEdKent.blogspot.com/
http://www.bloggernews.net