"because the israeli occupation has had a devestating economic impact on palestinians and their livelihoods. it's hard to get ahead economically when your trade access, investment funds, and opportunities for education are limited by an occupying power. they come to israel for jobs because they don't have a choice."
And Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and Lebanon don't want to provide for their Arab brethren? Those multi-billion dollar profiteering sheiks don't care about their people, but it's all Israels fault because she's taking the necessary steps to defend herself? How shocking!!! (read with sarcasm).
If Mexico were commencing terror attacks against the United States, there would be a massive amount of carpet bombing in retaliation for it. But if Israel so much as lifts up a finger (checkpoints, curfews, assassinations, etc.) then she's the worlds worst opressor. Can we remember who STARTED the terror bombings to begin with?
"crime and punishment -- crime doesn't pay, as AL said. and the inequity of who gets beheaded and who gets to stay in prison has more to do w/ society, economics, racism than religion -- just like in every country w/ capital punishment."
Oh yes.... The crime of a woman who stands accused of looking at another man, the crime of stealing bread because a beggar is starving to death (in an oil rich arab country one would think these people were capable of taking care of their people). And the worst crime of all: being a Christian, or a foriegner who doesn't believe in Islam.
Yes, they're so just and equal in their doling our of capital punishment.
"That's right. the path to understanding is through crass generalizations and collective punishment -- because it's easier. if i painted all jews with the same brush because of what i see happening in israel, who'd be the first to call me racist?"
Well, if you're in Saudi Arabia, nobody would call you racist for it. I'm sure you've seen all the cartoons on the paper stands over there.
And yes, I hold the ENTIRE community of Moslems responsible for the actions of their own brethren. They molded themselves into this way of thinking and behavior, and it is their responsibility to bear for what actions their members commit.
If somebody murders a person in America, they're punished for it. In Islam it is encouraged (against those who aren't Moslem that is). If they do not condemn these actions and actively WORK towards stopping the terrorists, then they are no different from the terrorists.
I believe someone here already said something along the lines of "If you fly with the crows, expect to get shot with them."
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