they weren’t clear because I respond to posts. I’ve expressed these views before and while I don’t expect people to even read my posts I also don’t expect them to make assumptions.
it’s a lot more sensible to ask questions if in doubt or if not clear than to try telling me I think a particular way.
I also believe strongly that being even handed and trying to understand cause is more useful than assigning blame. I would have thought it clear that I understand that Hamas or IDF are not the root cause, but each of the current leaders has played a part in escalating the situation. So for this particular battle neither can be excused.
but the current state is a long series of missteps over centuries. knowing this is pointless at some level but it provides some possibility of being balanced in one’s judgments.
I think one way or the other the Israelis would have found a reason to take action and what I can’t understand is why Hamas took the action they did with this particular Israeli government in place. It was handing opportunity on a plate
when bile is up, adrenaline and testosterone at work there is no sense.
my view is that the US has played too much of a part for decades. it has been convenient for them to have a toehold in the Middle East and it has made them beholden. Even the Brit’s knew that partition would have disastrous consequences and their opposition was not merely about the loss of their colonial interests
As a final comment, while you have referred to both parties to this mess, and to the US, your commentary has often sounded antisemitic and unreasonably judgmental towards Israel’s actions over decades with little reference to the Arab states and Palestinian contribution.
the reality is that salving post war consciences and avoiding the reality of their own antisemitic attitudes has had destructive consequences for peace in the Middle East.
