"Freedom fries"

[Kevin]

Originally posted by Optimist Prime
Who are you referring to? Israel if so, then yes and no. They openly support several groups (non offical military) who act out in violence against various groups. Not just Palestinians, but other opposition groups as well. They support them not so much by giving them money, etc. but by basically let them get off lightly if/when they are ever arrested. That's not the same as suicide bombings, but it is desgined to scare people. Scare tactics play on fear, fear is another word for terrorist, so ergo, they are terrorists. If you meant Austria, then I will quote the post above yours and you can read that for an explination. I'm not saying that I don't think Israel should be a country, I really think every people have a right to a homeland. Israel is no differnt and should exist. However, I believe Palestine has the same right. Also, I am leary of any nation that uses religion as a basis for governing its people.

Since the 6-day war I think Israel has had the right and duty to defend itself through whatever means possible. They believe they have a homeland (whether you think it's legitimate or not) and it's their duty to defend it.

I actually agree with you that they should cede some territory to Palestine and that there does need to be a Palestinian state. The only troubling thing to me is that many Palestinian leaders have openly stated that they will not be satisfied until there is no Israel. I think it's the chief concern of Israel's leaders that if they do cede territory will that satisfy Palestinians or will it just provide a safer haven for them to perform terrorist operations?

Groups like Hamas have operated for so long that for many it's not a fight for freedom, it's a way of life, a means to stay in power over others. Would they really give all that up if Israel was to cede land to them? Or would they continue their activities (or even increase them) since now they have a soveriegn state to operate out of?

It's not a simple situation by any means. Makes me happy that I live all the way over here in Oklahoma, USA. In my mind there is a difference between Israel who knows they must 'play nice' or lose the support of the US which would be VERY dangerous for them and Arab terrorist groups who are willing to strap bombs to themselves and explode themselves deliberately targeting civilians.