Perhaps true. But what about the other side of the story, too? Neither side is exactly free of guilt and misconduct. But each is only interested in the demise of the other. That, is a bigger problem than Zionism, per se.

Perhaps true. But what about the other side of the story, too? Neither side is exactly free of guilt and misconduct. But each is only interested in the demise of the other. That, is a bigger problem than Zionism, per se.

it's begs the question of who cast the first stone?

Nas - no it doesn't. The only outcome of this (rather useless and as we see, very blood-thirsty) line of thought is a never-ending conflict - which is precisely what we see now.

Like it or not, both sides have to compromise.

I mean, does it matter so much whether the chicken or the egg came first? We all have to be realistic about how to solve the problem. Keeping revenge in one's heart is not being realistic.

Cheers.

PS: Before I am accused of not understanding the issue personally, let me assure you that my own country (Taiwan) was 'invaded'. But as you see, we've found a compromise - where there is relative peace and ample prosperity - to the benefit of our people. At the end of the day, that's all that matters. XXXX happens - so move on.

I’m on the far periphery of this conflict—though not as far, perhaps, as the chap from Taiwan who posts to your wife’s website. :) From afar, it all seems so Balkanized now and understandably prone to great emotions and creeping irrationality on both sides—though of course all will maintain that they’re perfectly rational, it’s the other side that’s crazy. :) There was, for example, the conversation with U.S. Jewish friends just before the last U.S. Presidential election. These are very well-educated, not deeply religious people who are very liberal—oh, somewhere to the left of, say, Karl Marx. I was stunned when they announced they were voting for Bush because “He lets Israel do whatever it wants.” It leaped from my lips: “So,” I asked, “would you vote Hitler if he let Israel do whatever it wants?” I was denounced as an anti-Semite—my wife is Jewish— :) and we haven't heard from them since.

“And so we beat on, boats against the current, borne ceaselessly into the past.” [F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby]

Cheers.

As neither an Israeli, nor a Palestinian, I can honestly agree that both sides need to put aside their resentment and move forward. From both sides I always hear, "But turn the question the other way" or "Who started this first" or "If it were the Israelis then..."

I realize all this is very complicated and I am in no position to know what is best for either country because I don't feel I have enough knowledge nor experience of either side. But as an outsider, I can see when things get nowhere and when people are posing the wrong questions.

But... You all have heard this rant from me before.