so much for good news from the middle east — Page 2

that wasn't the question. try to focus now for a sec. what would you rather he said in regards to this situation? aside from, "i resign."

"but, but, but clinton" is not an answer. besides, blaming the impeachment (which had been over for a year and a half by the time of the camp david 2000 summit) for derailing the peace process is horse hockey as arafat was the one who threw the best offer the palestinians would ever get back in ehud barak's face and bubba himself has said so.

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You asked. I answered. Clinton inspired peace. Bush inspires war.

Had Clinton been president when 9/11 happened he would have galvanized that moment of global sympathy for the US to unite all nations against terrorism.

That's the truth and I think you know it too.

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PJ, I am a (moderate) Democrat. I loved Bill Clinton. I voted for Bill Clinton. I think George Bush is a jackass. But in all fairness there is no way I can blame what happened at Camp David on Bush or any other Republican. The fault for that lies completely in the hands of that murderous, lying, vile scumbag Arafat. It was proof that he never, ever stood ready to make peace with Israel.

ok, that's one, "i have no real response to the question." anybody else feel like taking a whack at it, or are the great minds of bww content with, "bush bad. berry, berry bad."

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papa - I know that Bush disengaged from the Middle East, as it pertains to the Israeli/Palestinian issue during the first few years of his administration.

And, there are some who believe his religious beliefs are dictating his political policies with regard to Israel. He ha not said so, but other religious fundamentalists have stated that their unequivocal support for Israel is because they are trying to fulfill one of the prophecies to come true.

It is funny, that Bush's justification for Iraq now is to spread a democracy, but he does not want to deal with the consequences of what democracy brings - Hamas in power in the Palestinian territories.

While Jewish, I do not agree with every act and decision of Israel's government, and sometimes feel their responses play into the hands of those who want her destroyed - but she has to respond when two soldiers are kidnapped. (and one other by Hamas).

Bush needs to do something to try and stop this spiral. He cannot go on vacation for a month in Crawfod. At this point, Bush needs to send someone important, on another mission to the Mideast and try to get everyone into a room and stop the spiral.

He has to do something. But very few view him as someone who really cares about both sides in this issue. His disinterest and disengagement in the first few years of his administration did not help the situation one bit. (And, don't even get me started on Sharon).

papa, I don't disagree with you about Hamas - but it does not change the fact what we think "democracy" will look like in the Middle East may have no basis in reality.

And, never did I say that I supported Hamas. Please do not infer such.

"feeling a bit guilty?"

HERE you go again.

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Oy. It's just such a vicious, endless cycle of destruction. It's hard to remain optimistic that there will be peace in our lifetime. Israel was a place of refuge for my father when he, my grandparents and cousins fled Poland. He lived there for eight years and had a great love for the country and an appreciation for the religious and personal freedom he was able to realize. He became a U.S. citizen in 1958, but always had a love for the country.

please share with me the last time american blood was shed for israel.

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jimny, I support Israel but I'm far from an apologist. And I am not an American Jew who believes that all criticism leveled against the Israeli government is tantamount to Anti-Semitism. But the fact is, in light of the danger she faces, Israel is held to a ridiculous standard of expected restraint, and the UN and the European and Arab communities are continually up in arms when Israel responds to terrorist attacks and overwhelmingly silent when "freedom fighters" blow up schoolbuses full of children and murder civilians in cold blood. When I see a General Assembly special vote to tell the Palestinians to disarm Hamas (whose sole purpose is the destruction of Israel), Jihad and the other murderers that are the TRUE obstacle for peace and freedom for the Palestinian people, I'll take the UN seriously. Until then, I say that Israel has the right and duty to defend itself and its citizens.

I'm all for Israel defending herself but I don't want the US to get into a war. That's what I was saying. We give them weapons and financial aid but I'm worried that Bush will use this as an excuse to go to war with Syria.

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Come on, Jimmy. You're smart enough to know that that's exectly what Osama WANTS you to believe.

Even Arafat himself, before his death, accused Bin Ladin of "hiding behind" and using the Palestinian cause.

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No papa, I do not feel guitly for pointing out that our version of democracy may not be that embraced by those in the middle east.

Do not lecture me on hamas.