Israel Matzav

Insanity at al-Guardian

For those of you who live in England and want to see anti-Semitism in print, look no further than al-Guardian, London's daily newspaper (I think it might even be the most popular daily newspaper that doesn't have racy pictures). This op-ed appeared in yesterday's editions:

The Palestinians' democratic choice must be respected

Above all, Europe should not get hung up on the wrong issues, like armed resistance and the "war on terror". Murdering a Palestinian politician by a long-range attack that is bound also to kill innocent civilians is morally and legally no better than a suicide bomb on a bus. Hamas's refusal to give formal recognition of Israel's right to exist should also not be seen by Europe as an urgent problem. History and international politics do not march in tidy simultaneous steps. For decades Israel refused even to recognise the existence of the Palestinian people, just as Turkey did not recognise the Kurds. Until 15 years ago Palestinians had to be smuggled to international summits as part of Jordan's delegation. It is less than that since the Israeli government accepted the goal of a Palestinian state.

Hamas may eventually disarm itself and recognise Israel. That will be the end of the process of establishing a just modus vivendi for Israelis and Palestinians in the Middle East. It cannot be the first step. Today's priority is to accept that Palestinians have spoken freely. They deserve respect and support.

Read it all. If you dare.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 9:15 PM