That is not true AT ALL. If Arik Sharon was “not averse to ruthless murders of those that oppose [him]” then we would not see people like Shimon Peres and Mitzna (left-wing Israeli politicians), who are opposed to Sharon and the right-wing Likud party. If Sharon was “not averse to ruthless murders of those that oppose [him]” then he would have had Ariel Eldad, a MK from the extreme right-wing party National Union who opposes his plan of leaving the Gaza Strip, taken out.

Well guess what??? He hasn’t!

If Saddam Hussein was Prime Minister of Israel, all of those people would no longer be living.

Well guess what??? Those people are still alive and kicking, fighting Sharon and Likud within the government.

Why is that? Because Israel is Democratic, just like the United States, the UK, France, Germany, and the other civilized countries.

If you don’t think that democracy is the solution to the world’s problems, then what is? Ruthless dictators?

Jason Lustig

Bush isn’t just Sharon’s “pal”. This is an integral part of his religious beliefs, as are the neo conservatives who share the White House with him.

You should also make a distinction between Zionist Israelis and Jewish Israelis; people like the Hasidic Settlers are the tools in the occupation - the IDF merely back them up. Yes, there are some innocent settlers but this is a small percentage.

Still, good post. Nice blog, too.

Thirdly, I don’t think that democracy is the solution to the world’s problems. It’s a fine form of government, and works well in many places. However, I take issue with the premise that it’s the only form of government thats good, and that it should be forcibly exported anywhere and everywhere.

Fourthly, if the Israelis see it fit to act outside the framework of international law, then it should come as no surprise to them that their adversaries choose to ignore it as well. The construction of this wall is simply proof (as if we needed more) that the Israeli government doesn’t care about international law. Governments that flaunt international law ought to be held accountable to the world community. If Israel thinks the United Nations is worthless, which it claims, then it should cease seeking resolutions condemning actions by the Palestinians. Either its a legitimate body, or its not. It can’t be legitimate when condemning Arafat but illegitimate when ruling against Israel. Either its neither or its both. The Israelis can’t have it both ways.

Fifthly, since you raised the issue of Iraq (which in my mind is a distinct issue), I don’t see a big difference between Saddam Hussein and Ariel Sharon. Both of them act outside the framework of international law. Both of them are not averse to ruthless murders of those that oppose them. Both of them sought to marginalise communities of which they were not a part. What’s the difference between them? Bush is Sharon’s pal, and Saddam tried to kill Bush’s daddy.

Sixthly, I want to make a distinction between Ariel Sharon and Israel. The Israelis as a people are certainly not scum, and I believe they have the right to a state of their own. I don’t think most of them are hostile to Palestinians, and I don’t think that most Palestinians are hostile to Israelis. I think more than anything they want to get along. It’s the leadership structures that are problematic, and those few people from each side who give everybody a bad name. Ariel Sharon is one of those people. I think he’s scum.