One of the UN observers killed was of Canadian nationality. How convenient of this article to ignore the comments made by the Canadian prime minister:

Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he seriously doubts Israeli forces deliberately targeted a UN post in south Lebanon, killing a Canadian and three other unarmed observers, and wants to know why the station was even being manned in the midst of what amounts to a war.

http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/story.html?id=66d51992...

Which goes to prove that the Israeli's are a law unto themselves and care nothing about anybody else, they ignore the other nations of the world to pursue their own ends. In fact they are the only faith in the world that was given their own country that did not belong to them, sadly the UK had a large part to play in the that.

the un is a useless hopeless non entity. it cannot make any decisions and should be abolished. it costs too much too run and never seems able to agree on anything.should we be surprised the israeli puppet states ie the us and britain dont want a quick cease fire they prefer more innocent people to die incidentally this will include innocent israelis so perhaps israel doesnt care about its own citizens either.

censorship of comments should only stop swearing , foul language or mistruths

Anti-semitism is alive and well around the world. Even Scotland.

Pete

Israel knows where all UN sites are. Unless they have proof that a Leb. missle launcher was sitting right beside it, why were they bombing that area? Scare them away. If they don't move hit them. & why does the rest of the world question Israel!

Brilliant, accurate headline, guys, reflecting the high standard of journalism we've come to expect from you. "World condems Israel"?. So the President of the United States, the Prime Ministers of the UK, Canada, Australia, they're all condemining Israel, as well as every other person on the planet? Someone might want to either check their facts or curb their hyperbole. Oh, and thanks for highlighting Lebanese casualties and making no reference to Israeli civilians specifically targeted by Hezbollah's rockets; after all, they don't count, do they?

please advise if comments are allowed on this article

Kofi Annan said the solution to the crisis lay in helping Lebanon to assert its own authority, and should involve Syria and Iran.
There is a huge farce with the news of the UN these days. For the new comers this looks like an NGO and for the old members of the readers of the news, UN has failed in Darfur, Tsunami, Iraq (oil for food program) and if this is, the way USA leads UN as a puppet, who is Kofi Annan. I think he does not have any say now or in future. I mean no offence. The time has already come to choose the new secretary for the UN so why should Mr. Annan care now anyway.
Everyday more then 10 are dying and to date the injured are in hundreds in one week.

Another opportunity for Israeli apologists to blame the murder of innocents on someone else. Following on the heels of the bombin of schools, ambulances and relief workers is there no depths to which this evil nation will not sink? The bombs, of course, courtesy of the US.

There is outrage that US bombers re-fuelled at Prestwick en route to Israel with yet another load of bombs to drop on the Lebanese people. The assumption that the Scottish electorate therefore supports the US ( and Israeli) aggression against a defenceless population in Labanon has to be corrected. Thousands silently marched here in Glasgow against Blair's decision to go to war in Iraq and we should all condemn Blair for his support of Bush's war. Rice said that Bush wishes to re-draw the Middle East. Neither Bush nor Blair have any regard to history. All they have to do is read history.

The Israeli's have been taught well by their political masters and bank-rollers that to get what you want, you just use military force to trample all those in your way. Israel and the USA are nothing more than bully-boys to satisfy their greed.

Peter @ #4 wrote "Anti-semitism is alive and well around the world. Even Scotland"

Peter, because I disagree with the current actions of Israel does not make me Anti-semitist. I have Jewish friends. Similarly, I do not support the actions of Hezbollah.

Let's face it: Israel is a failed colony initially set up by Britain with the connivance of Stalin's Russia, where most Israelis -- being Khazars and NOT Semites -- actually come from.

Without constant handouts of cash and weapons from America, which has become the new "Motherland", Israel could not possibly survive in its present Apartheid form.

What happens when the Motherland suddenly goes under? Wouldn't it be better for the people of Israel to give up Apartheid now and make it up with the Palestinians, who would be the first to let bygones be bygones. After all, of all the peoples in the Middle East who the European Jewish settlers could easily get on with, the Palestinians (together with the Lebanese and Syrians) are the most preferable choice.

The big problem is not "militant Islam" but militant, rascist Talmudism, which is falsely marketed as Judaism. It is not so much the Muslims that have been brainwashed as the Israelis and the Anglo-Saxon empire, where most of the media are owned by sympathisers of the Israeli colonial project.

Bravo, Robert!

Read Koran.

You will learn to make true friends and recognize your enemies.

You will be richly rewarded.

"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile - hoping it will eat him last."
Sir Winston Churchill, British politician (1874 - 1965)

Re #4 Peter, US
When you say anti-semitism do you mean what the Israelis are doing? The arabs are overwhelmingly semitic, the Israelis mostly caucasian origin.

Nothing to do with anti-semitism. Israel does what it wants and then calls it was a mistake. Fog of war? No! Remember a US naval ship being attacked and several of its crew killed by Israelis during a previous Arab-Israeli conflict? Swept under the carpet by politicians but informed opinion since is that it was deliberately attacked because it was clear from intelligence emanating from the (spy) ship was that the war was won by the Israelis who were afraid the US would pressurise them into a cease fire. Israel deliberately attacked the ship to prolong the war to allow more land grabbing. Attacking your closest ally shows how deceitful the Israeli authorities are. I believe a similar situation existed in that the UN observation post could give immediate and real situation reports that Israelis would feel would hinder their "cause". What is their cause? It is enlarge Israel at the expense of their Arab neighbours. After all, they have settlers to keep happy on other peoples land! Is it any wonder their Arab neighbours and their friends are retaliating? The life of a Palestinian, Lebanese, Syrian, Egyptian et al is worth every bit as much as an Israeli life. This is at odds with the comments made on television programmes where "Arab scum" is the nicest thing said about Arabs by settlers and that was by a female. The viciousness voiced was quite horrifying and would not have been out of place in Nazi Germany.

Re #6 Adam

The President of the United States, the Prime Ministers of the UK, Canada, Australia might think they are speaking for their countries, but they are not. Bush is owned by the US Jewish lobby and together with Blair he is a war criminal and should stand trial. From what I read about Harper and Howard, they have a pretty poor record as well.

Israel stands thoroughly discredited for their inhuman behaviour since being given their golden opportunity nearly sixty years ago by the UN on behalf of the world.

I think the headline is accurate.

Israel has to be stopped. The UN should take more steps to enforce the numerous resolutions against this 'rogue' state. It is also to Scotland's shame that Prestwick is being used by Yank warmongers to help to obliterate yet another third world country. Roll on the Scots Parliament elections next year. By the way, 'semite' refers to all the people of that region be they Jewish, Muslim or Christian.

Israel has to be stopped. The UN should take more steps to enforce the numerous resolutions against this 'rogue' state. It is also to Scotland's shame that Prestwick is being used by Yank warmongers to help to obliterate yet another third world country. Roll on the Scots Parliament elections next year. By the way, 'semite' refers to all the people of that region be they Jewish, Muslim or Christian.

Mike, I also used to have jewish friends. They call everybody antisemite when you disagree with them. All we asked is to free Samir Quntar, our national hero and brave warrior, who is still locked in israeli jail.

Perhaps the Israelis should set up their own militia and arm it with rockets to fire at their neighbours. Then the state of Israel could do a Lebanon and deny all responsibility.

people seem to miss the point israel is being attacked by terrorists ,it is appalling that innocent israelis are being killed. but that does not excuse the israeli government indiscrminantly killing innocent lebanese. they only have the right to attack terrorists

Peter (#4) : I DO wish that you and people like you would refrain from accusing those of us who do not agree with the killing and maiming of innocent human beings as being anti-semitic. It has NOTHING to do with race or religion. Believe it or not, some of us actually respect other peoples' views and beliefs and don't condemn them because of that. That kind of thing is best left to those of low intelligence who don't know better. Those of us with a brain prefer to focus on evidenced behaviour. The behaviour of the Israelis is appalling in this situation. The behaviour of Hezbollah is likewise. Both are wrong. Isreal has more resources to conduct their bully boy tactics, and thrives on the support of the mighty US, as well as its little apprentice, the UK Government.

It is purely and simply a humanitarian and moral issue, so please shut up about anti-semitism. You are COMPLETELY missing the point.

The indescriminate targetting of innocents, by Jew, Arab, Christian, Muslim, Communist, whatever..... is WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!!! Get it???

it is funny that every one that criticize Isreal, is accused to anti-semitism. this is ridiculous. what is the connection between protesting Isreal and anti-semitism?

I am ashamed, that as a westerner living in the first world, that the british government is following the US in not urging for an immediate ceasefire...Shooting at peacekeeping UN forces is embarrassing, the shooting/killing of civilians is abhorrent

Funny how people, usually Americans, cry anti-semitism when someone disagrees with Israel's policies. The Arabs and many others including many Ethiopians are semites too. It is a linguistic definition. How can the west hope to engage with the Shiites in Iraq, encouraging them to take part in a democratic state, when they are hoping Israel will crush the shiites in Lebanon?

Some vocabulary analysis of Comments on the recent few pages in Scotsman.com:

71% "Israel+Jew"
26% "Arab+Muslim"
3% Christian

On the other hand, the Jewish and Muslim religions are distributed:

1% Jews (12,000,000)
99% Muslims (1,300,000,000)

But so far nobody has demonstrated any clue about Islam and its relationship to Western Constitution (see my questions in other emails).

Food for thought, no?

If we use Israel's logic, then Kofi Annan and/or each of the country that lost its soldier has every right to "retaliate" for the killing of the 4 UN peacekeepers. Think again, only Israel is capable to do this horrific act next to the Nazi.

- Anti-semitic (as it is defined in the Cambridge dictionary) is "the strong dislike or cruel and unfair treatment of Jewish people".

- The Hezbollah stance against Israel can be called anti-semitic; some of the post(er)s on here can be called anti-semitic; and the utterances of certain prominent members in Syria, Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, et al, can also be called anti-semitic.

- Semitic, on the other hand, is defined as "relating to the race of people that includes Arabs and Jews, or to their languages"; in old use it referred to Jews or Jewish only, and it can also describes races such as the Babylonians and Phoenicians that existed in ancient times.

- So, to "bill, England" and any other posters on here who wish to lecture, atr least do your homework first before you perpetuate even more lies and propaganda about that which you know nothing about.

- (From a Sunday Times article) Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said last Tuesday. “We shall soon witness the elimination of the Zionist stain of shame.” This can almost certainly be classed as anti-semitic, and from the posts on this thread, other threads, and other websites, this view is shared by a lot of people.

- Hezbollah are backed by Iran, so what do you all think the eventual aim of these terrorists is? Do you honestly believe that if Israel pulled out now and sought for peace that they would be allowed to?

- And for those of you who don't know: "Samir Quntar" is no brave warrior. He was with the group responsible for the kidnap and murder of Danny Haran, and his four-year-old daughter Einat, in April 1979. Samir Kuntar shot and killed the father at close range in front of his daughter, and killed the four-year-old girl by hitting her with the butt of his rifle against a rock, crushing her skull.

- For people to hold this murderer up as a 'national hero' just goes to show how sick they are.

- Oh yeah, when Kunta

During the US organised Krajina Holocaust the Croatian Nazi regime captured dozens of UN observers (Czech & Danish soldiers) & used them as human shields while advancing against the Krajina Serbs. This naturally resulted in their deaths. While this was a minor atrocity compared to the NATO supported genocide of 100,000 Serbs it is clearly far worse than what is alleged here.

Equally during NATO's bombing of Yugoslavia they destroyed the Chinese embassy which cynics considered a deliberate message to China but our official media were unanimous in accepting as an accident. While there was no question that the address was known to be an embassy it was assumed the CIA were unable to read maps.

Obviously the Nazi atrocity was far worse than anything suggested here & NATO's bombing was considerably worse.

Obviously, therefore anybody criticising Israel who is not an anti-semite has been more vocal in their attack on NATO & anybody who is not an open Nazi has been much more vocla in their criticism of NATO's Nazi friends.

Our Canadian PM is merely a clone of G W Bush just as Tony Blair is. I suspect that both hope to win contracts for their own industrial military complex and their statements of sympathy for the Lebanese civilians is pure bovine manure.
Luckily it looks like Mr Blair will leave his position soon and there is no doubt that Mr Harper will be thrown out of office for his pro Isreal measured remarks as well as his decision to prevent the normal practise of lowering the Canadian flag for the death of each Canadian soldier and preventing the media from recording the homecoming of each dead body from Afganistan and Iraq. The latter decisions were reversed when the Tory party noted the adverse publicity. In the meantime, these gentlemen have to stampede the NATO govs to supply a free security force to protect Isreal. That is why it is taking so long for the war to stop. Should Iran decide to level Haifa and Tel Aviv with missiles we can look forward to religious world war #3 at the end of which nobody will be concerned about the cost of a gallon of gasoline and we all can congratulate what is left of the UK for the Balfour declaration on where to locate the Isreali state.

I'm amazed by both sides AND other Governments not wanting to put the weapons down until a Permanent solution is found.
I can only think of ulterior motives for this:-

Israel - smash up Hezbollah as much as possible

Hezbollah - get World opinion on it's side as Israel smash up everything else around them. Hope Syria and/or Iran get sucked in and widen conflict.

My bet is that Syria and Iran will get pulled in and then the fireworks will really start.

They should put "UN" on the roofs of buildings and not just the sides.
That way US spy satellites can readily identify them, no excuses.

The comments on this page show how difficult it must be to reach agreement in the middle-east, when we on the edge of Europe cannot agree. I find it difficult to imagine how it must be to live in a country surrounded by 'enemies', so of whom are calling for your absolute destruction. The 2,000+ plus missiles being fired simply demonstrates that this is not all rhetoric.

If I was on the other side of that border I would be mightily annoyed that our government, or 'friendly' militia groups keep provoking a sleeping tiger. There were many calls for Blair not to get the UK involved in international terror.

I thought the recent comment from the Israeli ambassador to the UN was profound: "In our homes were have bomb shelters; in theirs they have rockets". Do this not say something?

Meanwhile ... al-Q's Zawari (sp?) calls on all muslims to fight against Israel and prevent Israel killing shi'ites in Lebanon. Is that because al-Q etc.want the killing of shi'ites to be the special preserve of al-Q and other sunni terrorists?

Anyway, the 'rest of the world' wants Israel to win -- the 'rest' just don't want their own soldiers to go to Lebanon on a suicide mission. After personal / political / national interest is taken into account, the rest is hypocrisy.

As for the UN 'force'? What were they doing there? Measured by result -- obviously nothing other than provide convenient local cover for terrorists, just as the UN of Kofi and Boutros-Boutros has done next to nothing other than enrich friends and provide cover and (im)moral support, aid, comfort and propaganda for islamofascism and general anti-Americanism all over the world.

As for China being 'deeply shocked' at the loss of a Chinese / UN observer -- perhaps Beijing was 'deeply shocked' at the waste of the opportunity to profit by first harvesting his organs for sale to rich folk.

Israel is not making itself secure by this barbaric bombing of civilian areas. It is only creating more enemies who will carry on hitting Israel for decades to come. Israel should have exchanged prisoners as it did in 2004. Instead it decided to launch military campaign which it knows it cannot win against a very popular guerilla army in Lebanon. Only US is blocking world's demand for ceasefire. United Nations insisted that there be halt to hostilities. Whole world including Britain's foriegn minister has condemned Israel for using too much military power to get back its kidnapped soldiers. Lebanon's Christian Prime Minister has begged the US to call Israel to stop tearing his counrty into pieces. He was in tears that Israel is destroying infrustructure and democrasy in his nation. US has given Israel all the time it needs to smash Lebanon in order to hurt Hezbollah and Iran. This is no way to behave in 21st century. It is uncivilised to target civilians in Lebanon. America is losing hearts and mind of millions of Arabs across the reagion by backing Israeli war crimes. Israel is making hundreds of thousand of civilians homeless. Nearly half of those killed by Israeli air strikes are children. Shame on United States for backing immoral policies.

Those who say the UN should be abolished are condemning the world to be be governed by the United States.

Let's face it, the US has stymied more UN resolutions condemning Israel than you can poke a stick at.

Also, when a UN resolution is passed, the US is the first to use it to justify their actions.

Am no available this week due tae ma Summer Spectacular in Millport. But a feel if we had a man similar tae Doctor Who, these wee stushies could be sorted oot easily. Cos that's a man n a half - he kens things aboot awbody.

I am not unduly religeous, but I do believe the Jewish/Israeli people consider themselves God's chosen people. If so, shouldnt they be thinking of the retribution that will surely follow Israel's actions
over the last 59 years or so.
They will pay a price for their actions, whereas all those innocents whom they slaughtered indiscrimately, will know the Love of God, Allah,
who are the Same when they pass over from this world to the next.
Yes indeed I would be worried if I had comitted these atrocities.
Unfortunately people do not give a thought of what happens when we die. Many think that it is the end
but I would suggest they think again.

Re #34 Davo

You say "- So, to "bill, England" and any other posters on here who wish to lecture, atr least do your homework first before you perpetuate even more lies and propaganda about that which you know nothing about."

I was questioning #4 Peter as to what he meant. The word is not in my Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, but is clearly a misnomer. Thank you for your contribution.

I am certainly not anti-Jewish. I was born during a war that was fought to protect Hitler's victims. Great Britain stood alone at that time; where were you?

I have done my homework, and I do not take notice of lies or propaganda, much less perpetuate them.

Since you raise the subject, it is clear that lies and propaganda are largely responsible for public ignorance of what is happening in the Middle East.

It gives me no pride to come from a country led by Tony Blair, a criminal and liar. Our support for the USA and Israel in the Middle East is shameful, and we will regret our stupidity.

Jeff son, chill oot, yer gettin' yersel worked up aboot something ye canny change. Jist let it wash over and you'll feel a wee bit better.

To Douglas, 37/39.
I totally agree with you.
However I am sure this war will be a turn for the the worse..........Both Israel and Iran, which would like to be, but is not an ARAB nation posess some form of nuclear arsenal.
It will be be more than a turn for the worst. I fear it may be a precurser to World War 3. which no one in their right mind would condone...but unfortunately there are many world leaders who are not in their right minds at any given time.
We can only hope that good sense will prevail
before anything else happens.

Mike , we are on the same page. Others stop the Khazar stuff. Some Jews are of that origin,but that is irrelevant ,because Israel is a sovereign country now anyway. Jews are of every descent .So what? One judges them individually llke one judges others individually and not on a stereotype, no matter how true, and d on't scapegoeat them.One hates the lies against Jews and others.Rational people do not engage in anti-Semitism. Is that peluccid?

Jeff son, yer too serious, jist chill oot before ye burst a blood vessel in yer heid. You Texans are awfy serious, wi yer big cigars, big hats and big ranches(which are aw the size of Wales, by the way). In Scotland you would be termed a FUD.

Re 40 - not too many bomb shelters in refugee camps, I agree. Palestinians are too poor to build them due to the economic pressures and road blocks applied by the Israelis on occupied territory. (Palestine is at the root cause of the Arab hate and I can't blame them) Maybe when the Israeli settlers (how many of them are recent immigrants from Eastern Europe?) are removed and the Palestinians are given their land and homes back by the Israelis the Palestinians can reclaim their homes to live in peace without need of bomb shelters.

No one was more delighted than me when Tony Blair won the election to govern the UK but now I have lost all respect for him. He just does what Bush tells him.

How much of the intelligence provided by Israel to the West is accurate and how much is deliberately skewed to influence the west to do Israel's bidding?

-To 'bill, England'.
Thank you for clarifying your position, and I apologise if there was any offence caused.

- You go on to say "I was born during a war that was fought to protect Hitler's victims. Great Britain stood alone at that time; where were you?"; to which I am unsure how to answer, or why that was relevant.
During the Second World War I wasn't even born. Indeed my parents were only teenagers at the time the war ended. My grandfathers fought in the war, along with their cousins, uncles, neighbours and friends "to protect Hitler's victims".
My father served in the British Armed Forces and was present during the (ill-fated) Suez Canal Crisis; my brother and brother-in-law both served in the Falklands conflict; and even today I have a lot of relations who serve, or have served, in the various Middle East crises.

- I hope that I have been able to answer the question satisfactorily.

- As to my views on this current situation involving Israel: yes I agree that what the Israelis are doing is wrong; yes I think they should pull out and try to achieve peace through diplomatic channels; and yes, I think we will eventually come to regret our support in this current conflict.

- But I also feel that with the current Middle East tensions the way they are that Israel are now in a no-win situation. Their 'neighbours' want them gone, wiped from the face of the earth. What do you expect them to do?

- In case you missed it, I think you should all read a post by a 'Mohammed' @ 10 on another thread:

"While you count UN resolutions, our brave mujahadeen have beat british and french in Afganistan and in the North Africa. We beat the soviets in Afganistan again and we will beat the few remaining crusaders again in Iraq. We keep beating them in Chechnia and we beat them in Bosnia. We have no jews left in Sudan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, and Lebanon. We beat them in L

Oh dear, what a shock.

A Hezbollah representative let the cat out of the bag when he admitted on the BBC today that Hezbollah wished to destroy Israel. We've known it for years of course but the apologists for terrorism have denied it or explained it away.

Even the chair of Any Questions last week used the word "formally" to describe these murderous intentions, implying that "yes, Hezbollah may SAY so, but it's just their usual hyperbole. Not to be taken literally of course."

Well, it is serious. !,000's of rockets fired deliberately at civilian targets is serious. An intention to destroy a country is serious.

And I still haven't read or heard sensible suggestions as to what to do when an enemy deliberately places its weaponry and fighters among the civilian population.

And by the way, a few days ago there was report that 1,200 people A DAY (TWELVE HUNDRED!!) are dying in the Congo. about 4,000,000 people have died there (FOUR MILLION). Why isn't that the DAILY public preoccupation of the UN and its concerned Sec Gen? Why isn't THAT in every news bulletin, why aren't the world's leaders meeting about that as they are with the Middle East?

I'm amazed at some of the stupidity of some of the posters on this site. One person claims that the elected leaders of the major English speaking countries don't represent their countries (I wasn't aware of martial law being declared in any of them). Another person whose view of history has no bearing to reality claims that in 1948, Israel attacked all its neighbours to expand its territory. (Evidently, this dolt is getting all his information from the Iranian state media.) The obvious fact is that people hold different views on the propriety of Israel's response in Lebanon. Some people think it's a reasonable response to having rockets launched at your country and your soldiers kidnapped, while others think that the number of civillian deaths deligitimize the response. Some people, such as supporters of Hezbollah, are clearly motivated by anti-semitism or Jew-hatred or whatever you want to call it, and others are motivated by concern for the loss of life and deploring of violence. Some of the positions may not necessarily be mutually exclusive. I believe most of the supporters of Israel's position would say that they too deplore the loss of innocent life, but the only way to prevent prolonged conflict is to address the root of the problem and eradicate an armed militia operating independently and against the will of its government.

But my point is that, regardless of the merits of these various positions, the headline of this story in the Scotsman is obviously wrong and suggests deep bias.

Thanks for your comments wee Willie, even if I dont understand your language much! Is it a new Scottish language.
I dont xmoke!
I dont wear big hats,
And youre even wrong about my ranch!
Its about the size of Northumberland/Tyne and Wear!
Which suits me fine, as I was born in Newcastle
and lived very precariously during WW2
Of which I have a very clear memory of.
So hinnie divnt worry bout me, Am alreet.
son!

So now the US is illegally sneaking bombs for Israel through British airports. So what's new? They will do anything to aid Israel in their support.

Remember bloggers, anything that can be remotely construed as being anti Israel should be immediately daubed as anti semitism--that's the way free speech is quashed.

433 Lebanese civilians have now been murdered by Israel whilst the US deliberately procrastinates and the UK says nothing.

Don't be absurd -- the "world" most certainly does not condemn Israel for its current attacks on a fanatical Islamic terrorist organization which exists for the sole purpose of eradicating them. Israel has no-less a right to defend itself against the anti-Semetic forces arrayed against it than, say, Scotland or the U.S.

To Davo #50

Thanks for your reply.
No offense taken, and I was just aking where you were in 1940.

I can see that your family have 'done their bit', and I think that most Brits are still fair-minded. Its just that we seem to have a government that we don't deserve, and all our institutions and values are being thrown out with the bathwater.

My dad was in the Merchant Navy through the war, being torpedoed, Arctic Convoys, all of that. He retired in Scotland before passing on some years ago. I guess he wouldn't care for the way things are, but probably saw them coming.

My views on the current situation are pretty much the same as yours. I do read Mohammed's post's; I don't agree with them but defend his right to speak his mind.

The Israelis and the Arabs are in a hole and they are still digging. They are both being used as proxies by great powers with other agendas, and I am fearful about the future.

Ii seems that war is part of the human condition, and the protagonists don't want a ceasefire. Bush could stop hostilities at a snap of his fingers but he won't; I really believe he is the mental defective who took over the asylum

On a last note, Tony Blair is my MP and yes I voted for him as he was a good MP and I wanted to get rid of the last rabble. Seems like this rabble is even worse (I wouldn't have thought it possible). Last time I voted for Reg Keays who lost his son in Iraq, but my fellow constituents are obviously delighted with Blair; hence my comments about public ignorance.

I have been criticised on this thread for rejecting my democratically elected government, but I really believe they do not reflect the electorate. I suspect the same goes for the USA, Canada and Australia. Dare I say it, I think there are a lot of Israelis who don't like the way things are, but they are fighting for their lives - in common with some of their adversaries.

I s bonnie out of fashion? Let us praise all peoples! Stop the race hatred and the self-hatred .May Brown , th e pride of Scotland, help world peace when he is prime minister. He knows trade would help world peace and the poor.

Dear Jimmy Krankie,

Away you go and polish your Oor Wullie bucket. Your pathetic attempt to deal up Scottish homilies is only confusing the nice Americans who now think we all speak like you pretend to speak.

If Scotland had been forcefully occupied after the Hitler war I'd never have left. If alive, I would still be fighting to get it back. Bottom line for many and my prayers are with them, brutal as they often are.

See you Ron, irye a teacher or something, because ye fairly get on ma tits. Okay, so am no educated like yersel, but a wiz performing at Butlins in Ayr when a wiz eight and earning a crust. Gettin' kidnapped, chased aboot and spanked by that "Man". Ma schoolwork suffered and a am what a am - a 63 year old wumin in a 8 year old schoolboy outfit.

Life's no easy, and the last thing a need is a fud like you ticking me aff.

robert #4...so tired of hearing the israelis cry "anti-semitism" when criticized for their barbarism. try "anti-israeli" or "anti-zionist"--those are more apt.
the myth of "teeny tiny israel beseiged by bloodthirsty arab hordes" who refuse to "share" palestine is myth & propaganda. "share" implies consent and the palestinians never agreed to give the zionists half of their land--so the israelis stole it..and they haven't had a moment's peace since...and they never will, deservedly so.

Ron 58 I believe that Our Wullie has gone up-market and has moved down south somewhere for a better life. I think he is now called Our William.

People miss the point that Hezbollah is an illegal army that should be been dis-armed by teh government of Lebanon. An illiegal army funded by Iran and Syria with the sworn aim of destroying the state of Israel. The would like to turn Lebanon into a Shi'ite state. That is the main reason that Arab leaders and politicians are 'slower than normal' in condemming Israel.

Why would Hezbollah not disarm and focus on their political agenda and their admirable social welfare programs. Or are they merely puppets for the government in Iran who seem happy to fight Israel by proxy.

Sadly whatever the case many innocent lives have and will continue to be lost in Israel and Lebanon

Israel is the root of all evil, period.

I pray that the Muslim people will one day, God willing, rise up and wipe Israel off the map and reclaim what is rightfully theirs.

Michael,

And then what??

Did they stop after cleansing Jews from all other Muslim countries? Did any of their problems got solved in all of those countries?

Wee jum laddie.... well yi ken what a mean,
dinny tak ony notice o these awffy uppety chara'ters, hink its a forum and competition for the maist poncey pompous soundin arse,
jee whizz a thot peeople didnae like the way politicians soond! They dinny ken the strife you've endured son.....shake it aff

Michael! Finally, a voice of reason.

Read Koran.

You will find new friends and learn to recognize enemies.

You will be victorious!

Well i dont know about anybody else but Dr Rantissi really irks me as well as any simplistic, one sided and stubborn purported views which lack subtlety and understanding of a historic, complex and ambiguous situation. Considering your location, its no surprise you have such definitive opinion on the subject but it is this sort of reasoning which is the provocation for ever increasing DEATHS. personal tragedies etc and vengeance only breed more of the same, true genuine diplomacy is needed...by the dominant world forces, but it does seem they are too committed to atrocities in Isreal's favour, so what chance does anyone have??

Wullie, it's braw tae here a like minded laddie. Yer right though, a can jist imagine aw them pipe smokin', cardigan wearin', Sunday Post readin', shortbread eatin', Mens Guild goin' retired school teachers mailing this site. They gie me the bile so they do!

Anyway, what is your opinion of the current situation in the Middle East - do think it started with defeat of the Turks at the end of the Great War and the subsequent rise of Zionism? Or do you believe it to be a more recent manifestation of terrorist activity aimed at widening the Western/Arab conflict?

Yoram, I am getting tired of your questions and your numbers. Yes, we have Sharya in Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yemen, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, Iran, and most of Iraq. InshAllah, we now have Sharya in Gaza, in most of Lebanon, and soon - in Palestine. We will free Al Aksa! I wish you listen to our Great Leaders today on TV - Hadera is next unless you free Samir Quntar and stop killing our women and children.

Wee Jimmy Krankie I remember you on the telly and you were lovely then too . Where`s Millport & can I have some tx, for show?

Go back to sleep Janis.

BRIAN LISBURN you`re obviously not a close relation to Brian Lisbon @ 62. Sorry if I sounded facetious but reading through these heavy political posts Wee jimmie made me laugh out loud. I agree with your comment @ 11 does that make it better, ? Read today`s post about 400 year old pistol it`s the reverse ,interesting cultural subject suddenly becomes very political

Re: peter @ 4

Arabs are also Semitic people... therefore, they really cannot be anti-semitic.

As a U.S. citizen, it causes me much angst to see our one-sided politics, which always favor Israel. Israel receives roughly 1/3 of the U.S. foreign aid budget, even though the country has one of the world's higher per capita incomes. Since 1973, Israel has cost the U.S. about $1.6 trillion. And what aid did we offering Lebanon during this time of war and human suffering? We offered only $40 mm in aid... and this is balanced and equitable? The money we give Israel is then used to buy "our" tanks and guns that are then used to bulldoze homes in Palestine and murder civilians... we then wonder why we are so hated

I have been following the coverage on the news since before it broke and I must say that I am very angry at the rest of the so-called civilized world who always try to make Israel the skape goat for every problem that happens in the Middleeast part of the World. Please let me point out that the Muslim Countries have always wanted to drive the Nation of Israel into the Sea and Obliterate them from the face of the Earch, and Hezbolluah started this in the first place by abducting the Israeli soldiers. he Mslim is not a friend of the Jewish state nor, are they a friend of the western world they view every religious tradition outside of Islam as Infideles. and I believe that Kofi Annan is their Puppet. If he were a true learder he would remain neutral his conduct in this matter is crossing the line of decency. I believe him to either be a Radical Muslim or one who simpathizes with them and that is domeone we can not have in Secretary General. that kind of person is an embarassment to the civilized Nations os the Worlds. Remember what is says in the bible, "Those who curse Israel, God would curse them, and those who Bless Israel God would bless them. I am sure that We all could use a blessing instead of a curse any day. so stop blaming Israel for everything that goes wrong in that part of the world. the Blaame is to be placed right where it needs to be placed on these Muslim Countries who wish to destroy Israel

Its amazing after all israel has been through that i have to read all this venom agaisnt the tiny jewish state surrounded by ignorance and filth. it seems to me that people are still full of jewish hatred which has always been a mental disorder. But just remember it doesnt matter what you assholes say that matters its what our soldiers do that matters.

Janis. Have read the article about the discovery of the 400 year old pistol and the debate that has followed. It just shows that if someone wrote an article stating that white was in fact black; a ferocious political debate would surely follow that also. No, I am not a close relation to Brian of Lisbon; I am Brian of Lisbon (Lisburn). My excuse is that I have only lived here a few weeks and am still disorientated. Perhaps it is me who should go back to sleep.

The attacks by Israel are disproportionate and aimed at destroying the citizens and infrastructure of Lebanon. This is unleashed rage, not an attempt to obtain security. The US and UK are using the Israelis to "fight terrorism". Well, all they are succeeding in doing is killing and maiming people who are trying to go about the business of living-just like us. Civilians are killed beyond what might be termed "acceptable" (as if any civilian killing is acceptable), medics are killed, UN observers are killed, cluster bombs seem to be used, human shields are used. Even in war there are parameters of conduct. World opinion SHOULD condemn Israel and demand a ceasefire. Israel is not targeting Hezbollah very well. The army is either immoral or incompetent.

Lisbon or Lisburn Brian ? now I am confused. If my translation is correct I think Wee Jimmy has got it right, who is going to take any notice of our rants? Sad peeps such as I who write these comments are unlikely to change our opinions, interesting tho`

Israel must be circumspect in hitting Hezbollah. Mike from Chicago is a loony. We do not need his message of hate and stupidity! Both Israelis and Palestinians deseve their own states . No more ethnic hate and stupidity!

The human race is basically a power hungry warring child. And then we go and make a major gaff and invent god and religion, all because we are scared to close our eyes at night and go to sleep. Its unthinkable that there is no life after death so we start telling each other wee stories and start writing them down. Before you know it they become fact. Different countries have their own stories and their own wee books. Except my god's better than yours and I'm going to batter you if you disagree with me. What a powerful tool that is in the wrong hands. Religion is a major obstacle to the growth of human kind. Would there be more war and acts of evil without it? Perhaps not, if we realised you are born, you die, there is no god end of story we might concentrate on our behaviour for the right reasons, love and compassion. There are an awful lot of bad religious people whose cultures shield them from their guilt. Stop playing games, ditch the religion and grow up brothers and sisters.

I hear that AIPAC is stirring up hatred against the Lebanese people.
The America Israel Public Affairs Committee dedicated to bribing American politicians.
It should be declared a foreign agent.

Yes, The World Condemns Israel, and quite rightly so.

All power to the Lebanese people who have the sympathy of all decent people in these times.

I used to believe being a Christian meant to love your neighor, but over the last few years I recognize this has become redundant. I am a Christian of the old school, and this behavior of Israel has left me in a state of disgust. Please, please, please, we must separate the Christian bible from the old testament. Only then will the 'religeous' right understand the true meaning of love. My feelings are with the Arabs since I first witnessed on the news Israeli's shooting children who were throwing stones at their tanks as they destroyed their homes in a country once called Palestine, the same country where once Jesus walked. Remember he whipped the moneylenders out of the temple...it is time for the US to recognize who they really are.
Love and peace to all.

I take it we are all in agreement that the United States has lost the War for Hearts and Minds.

All the goodwill that that country enjoyed after WWII has been frittered away by its unswerving blind support of Israel and its vast military aid to that country whilst starving africans die.

And Israel? Well they are beneath contempt.

Lee #76, has expounded his views in a most errudite fashion that takes my breath away.
His complete domination and use of the English language makes Winston Churchill's efforts pale by comparison.
Lee's logic and fine moral values should be followed by others (I believe they are in Israel).

"It doesn't matter what you assholes say, its what our soldiers do that matters".

Now that is a statement that should be burned into a CD and buried in a concrete bunker so that in 1,000,000 years future generations can dig it up and know just how we were.

You are right Janis, we can rant as much as we like but no one will listen to a word we are saying. It's just good for the soul to have a good daily rant about something and nothing.

Okay, this is crazy...maybe somebody needs to explain something to me because I must be out of the loop. So, Lebonon starts everything by capturing Iraeli soldiers and killing them because they want to start a fight. Now, anyone who has studied their history on the Middle East or has read the Old Testament knows that if you mess with Israel, they are not afraid to fight back ten fold. So, naturally, one might assume that one would be crazy to kidnap and kill Israeli's for the heck of it. Now that Israel is fighting back, we have all these people who are upset with them and the way they are fighting. I don't get it! Is this really a surprise to anybody?! Seriously! Why should Israel just sit back and take it? Now there are a few political leaders who have talked about killing all the jews. I just don't see why everyone is getting so upset with Israel. What about Lebonon? How come people aren't upset with them?
P.S. I don't understand why some are calling this "Bush's War". Let's not forget, the terrorist killed hundreds of innocent Americans on September 11. They also targeted England and God knows everywhere else. And if not yet, then they will. Why is everyone so quick to point fingers at Bush. I'm not saying the guy's perfect...but why don't we take more accusations off Bush and focus more on Bin Laden. It's just frustrating to always hear negative comment after negative comment...especially from other countries. It's always crap like "Impeach Bush". Hm...when was the last time I saw a bumper sticker or heard anyone say something like "Kick Bin Laden's ass and take all terrorist down with him"?

the Zionist Entity will Reap as it Sows... The Creation of the State of Israel will have Eternal War because it Deserves Eternal War....

Bill, England (#56)
Thank you.

As A Jew who Rejects Zionism I wish to record my Agreement with Richard.... The Creation of Zionism has caused much suffering in the Middle East to Jews as well as Non Jews

The American government doesn't speak in one voice. There is always this perpetual problem between the State Department which is organically developed to makes deals, and the neocons that got us into the Iraqi quagmire. Americans are in love with Democracies, even though Israel is more of a theocracy, but you get the idea. I speak to many of my friends and colleagues daily, and it seems that there is pretty much support for Israel over the Hezbollah Army. Americans seems to be out of step with Europe on everything right now, and don't understand how their Euro friends seem to think that we are some kind of world Bully. Do they want the job??? Do you want Chirac running the show? Americans feel like they come from a good heart , and feel ostracized because of their policies, particularly in the middle East. My father was in the American Division that liberated Dachau, and the image of the Holocaust, and the diaspora is stamped on their consciousness. We can't turn our backs on these people. Somehow we have to find a way to make ourselves more evenhanded here, as I sense an entire generation of Americans are learning to hate the Muslim terrorists and their proxy states. Most people sense that Iran is really at the heart of this thing, and will some day extract their pound of flesh for the 444 days of the hostage situation. count on that. Americans , ironically, generally admire Persians, and grew up thinking Iran was a friend when the Shah was in charge. No one knew what was going on. The Mullahs have taken it backwards, and that will be taken care of from within at some point. I just wish that most people of the World would think of us as a friend they don't agree with , rather than definining us as "more dangerous than the terrorists". That is sad, and I don't know if it's possible to get back the "special relationship" that the US use to have with Europe.

Megan; you rant like a very confused dude.

Megan, how many kids were killed today ?

To Ian 25, The word "Tolerance" is very much kept in the mind of many Angelenos, Large, permanent signs on our central freeway advertise the Jewish "MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE". Knowing where they are I make the effort to look away when passing them! What is going on in "GREAT" Britain? WHY is MR Bliar supporting the demonic stand of the United States? As for LEE # 76, with people like him, -of any nationality-it is easy to understand why the world is in the sorry state it is today! I can assure you that the vast majority of Americans know we are wrong. But as is the case with most "Democratic" governments, we are unable to change it.

To Adam 52, wake up, get up, I realize that like most of us your thinking has been "conditioned" since childhood but you have to open your mind, try being the devils advocate, once you can think like an ordinary human being, you can act like one! Shalom

As a Lebanese-American, this war has forced me to rethink my view of the U.S. While my family suffers because their people, homes and buisnesses are being destroyed, my president is sitting back and doing nothing to help them.

It's also too difficult to argue this from any angle. If I condemn Israel in my country, I will be called anti-semitic. If I don't condemn them, I'm a traitor to my faith. If I critisize the U.S, I'm unpatriotic.

All I can say is that I now fully understand why Iraqis hate Americans.

To my fellow Americans- it's so EASY to support a war that doesn't really have an effect on your daily life.

Mia, Cleveland, Ohio #89

My pleasure

The Israelies say the bombs used by Hezbollah are from Syria and Iran, but they have nothin gto say about there bombs being merrily supplied by the US who on one hand is providing an aid package to Lebanon and giving military, political and economic to Israel (Double standards or what!??!??!??!)

WHAT HAS THIS WORLD COME TO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ahmed from Ghaza(post 20) stated earlier....."All we asked is to free SAMIR QUNTAR,OUR NATIONAL HERO AND BRAVE WARRIOR, who is still locked in israeli jail"

Samir Quntar Wasn't he the terrorist who was involved in the murder of a 4 year old girl's father,-- who made sure the 4 year old girl saw her father being murdered before he murdered her by smashing her skull between a rock and his rifle butt
and people here wonder why wonder why Israel is at war--
and in iran they hanged a 16yearold girl for having sex with an unmarried man and
"The Iranian judge who had sentenced Atefeh to death was left unmoved as he personally put the noose around her neck and signalled to the crane driver".--
Visit "clarityandresolve.com" for up to date events in the islamic calendar

Tommy, Belfast UK #99

This kind of behaviour was normal in the UK in the middle ages. I like to think we've moved on since then, but recent events make me think otherwise.

Michelle (96): You got it right:

If I don't condemn israel, you are a traitor to our faith. Not defending Dar-el-Islam from Zionists and Crusaders is an apostasy. You know what we must do to the apostates. And yes, you are right, Iraqis are Muslims just like you and I. That's why the Iraqis hate Americans.

Watch el-Jazeera today. Important message is coming.

Abed(101)

With all due respect, don't attempt to put me in the same group as you.

I fully understand why you think the way that you do, but that doesn't mean I completely agree with it. Keep in mind that I am a woman and my own religion isn't always kind to us.

To Robin Mexico I want to thank you for your nice comments I can honestly say that was the nicest thing ever said about me. To be compared to winston churchill WOW you made my day Best wishes Lee can we have a drink sometime?

I am more concerned at the suggestion that an "International " Peace Force should be formed and stationed between Israel and the Lebanon.

No way should our troops, or the troops of other countries be put at risk to protect one flank of Israel - Let them, as the little brother, with big brother USA get on with it. Why should my armed forces be put at peril to defend the indefensible actions of Israel over many many years.

I have no influence over present events but I shall certainly boycott goods from Israel, and from Jewish shops when I can identify them - that's right now call me anti semitic, rather than recognising my democratic right to choose.

To Abed (70) - thank you - and all those that do not have yet all the answers: Watch Al Jazeera TV: today you can listen to Zawahri (Bin Laden's Lieutenant) in a program "The Zionist-Crusader war on Lebanon and the Palestinians."

"Oh Muslims everywhere, I call on you to fight and become martyrs in the war against the Zionists and the Crusaders," said Zawahri. "The Jihad will last until Islam prevails... from Spain to Iraq. We will attack everywhere."

No Jews in Spain since the Inquisition, perhaps 500 years. (Noticed how much better is life without them?) But perhaps Crusaders are still there? Nope, no crusaders in Spain for many hudreds of years. Yet Spain is a legitimate target for Jihad (a holy war) against Zionists and Crusaders.

In fact, entire Western Europe is a target. You saw it last year first starting with Mohammed pictures and then car burning in France.

We see it in Gaza and in Lebanon.

Interestingly, he did not mention Hezbullah (Party of God) and he said "from Spain to Iraq," not to Iran. Something to think about when you watch sunnis and shiites killing each other in Iraq in the name of the SAME Mohammed and Sharya.

It would have been infinitely foolish for the Israeli to have purposely aimed at a UN headquarters considering the predictable repercussions. While they are trying to surgically remove suspected suspected rocket launching and storage sites, collateral damage is to be expected. Compare that with the indiscriminate WWII indiscriminate bombing of London cities AND the ALLIED bombing of Dresden with its INTENDED firestorm that killed thousands of civilians in a single raid.
As General Sherman said: "War is hell!"

I fear that people cannot see the woods for the trees. There is a world-wide pandemic of radical Muslim terrorism that won't stop until we are all subjugated. Where do you want it stopped and when? BY whom?

Yoram, are you mocking our Imams?? Michelle, Dr. Rantissi and I think that your English might be better in responding to this infidel. Please explain to him the difference between Jihad to liberate El Aqsa and Jihad to establish Islam in Spain.

To Lee (103): You are making 2 mistakes:

1. Robin's comments are not that nice.
2. Your invitation to have a drink with him is out of place because Robin is obviously a Moslem.

But I will have a drink with you anytime! :)

Abed,

Your Imams are beyond mocking. Besides, I am not worried about you burning our cars or going nuts over pictures.

Also, tell me about Dr. Rantissi - is he related to the past head of Hamas, also Dr. Rantissi? He "quit smoking" before Hanya, you know?

And leave Michelle alone - she came to US to live a normal life and not fight Jihad for you.

By the way, have you ever thought why so many Arabs choose to emigrate to US but not one American emigrates to your fantastic Dar-el-Islam?

Does anyone recall the recent Israeli abduction of some 60 elected Hamas representatives? As far as I know they are still in jail. Their crime apparently, was belonging to a terrorist organisation. But who's been terrorising Lebanese civilians of late?

I agree with points everyone has made.
Hizbollah , Syria and Irans main objective as stated by all 3 many times, is to wipe Israel of the face of this earth.
Can anyone tell me where in that statement does it say
they want a ceasefire and peace with Israel.
They dont want peace,they want Israel destroyed and all jews killed.
Israel has done some bad things but so have they all.

well thanks for asking Jimmy, i happen to agree, partly with both of your suggestions as to why such conflict is currently taking place and its potential manifestaton being rather ubiquitous in the middle east particularly. The fragmentation of religions and peoples after such monumental events like the Great War and subsequent acceleration of neo liberal capitalism has brought with it much disparity and inequalities arpound the world and, for a humble minded person like myself, i can only assume that as the prosperous have prospered the disempowered have looked on with a sense of injustice. These people see their values and beliefs, not to mention their homes and families disregarded by what many characterise as Western/American Imperialism, mcdonaldization etc. and therefore such extreme forms of religions have been created in an effort to combat what they believe as an immoral profiteering aggression at the expense of others. As for this situation, Hezbollah captured Israeli soldiers then they responded by killing Hezbollah guerillas and thus a tit for tat war has ensued. But a dunno evryhin and canny even take a definitive position like so many others here

Re comment no. 4. Why bring anti-semitism and religion into it? This is simply a question of morals, not religion. Any sensible person would deplore the killing of innocent people, as part of an apparently exaggerated reaction. I lived in the Middle East for more than 20 years, and while there is undoubtedly a higher number of people with strong views and willingness to carry out what Westerners would regard as atrocities, the vast majority of Muslims I met there wanted nothing more than a quiet normal life with no danger for their families. As an atheist, I was touched that a fairly fundamental friend was worried about my soul when I died. He was quite happy for me to be a Christian, as long as I believed in something that would allow me to go to heaven. While the preachers of hate are aiming at world domination by forcing everybody to embrace Islam, the general public really doesn't care.
I don't think that anyone who condemns the killing of innocent civilians needs to be branded an anti-Semite. Does the fact that I condemn the killing of innocent Israelis by Hezbollah rockets make me anti-Arab as well?

Zionism is one of the big tragedies of history. Many religious Jews actually condemn Zionism as heresy (see poster above). The idea of creating a state based exclusively on the religion of Judaism was bound to create strife because it's teachings contain much racism and unfortunately, this is transposed into national policy.

Wullie fi Dundee, a couldnae pit it better masel.

Perhaps if Palestine and neighbouring countries followed the reforms conducted by Mustapha Kemal Ataturk in Turkey in the 1920's, we would have a very different situation today. However, the pressure of the Zionist movement would surely have torpedoed any potential political and religious stability which may have taken place.

The past and the future for this area is disasterously grafted together, with the destruction of both conflicting cultures almost inevitable. The involvement of the USA will, ultimately, lead to the capitulation of the Middle East which will only serve the economy and society of America.

Well, a better get aff my high horse, am up early the morn for rehearsals for the Krankies Summer Extravaganza in Arbroath.

re 87

Hi Megan. Which planet/cult do you come from? I am staggered by your inability to grasp what the big deal is. Israel responds to the kidnapping of 2 of its soldiers by an illegal militia force, NOT THE LEBANESE ARMY, by unleashing a phenomenal amount of ordinance (US supplied btw) onto southern Lebanon. As a result hundreds of completely innocent civilians are dead/dying/maimed and a country which had finally found on its feet after years of civil war finds a large part of it lying in ruins. That is not a proportionate use of force in the name of self defence. I used to be a British Army officer so don't fob me off with the "bleeding heart liberal" crap that your fellow countrymen and Bush-ites normally come out with. I am speaking as a tolerant human being (or tell me if I'm wrong) who now works as a civilian doctor and am appalled by what I see every evening on TV. The visions of the injured and dying ESPECIALLY THE CHILDREN are almost too horrible to watch. I know Israel has sufferred at the hands of terrorist attacks but what it is doing now goes beyond self defence. If I am honest with myself I think I previously had a fairly pro-Israeli stance. That has waned.

Dear Janis fi London, you sound a wee darlin' so ye dae. You can get a ticket for our special Xmas show this year free of charge. It takes place in the Barrhead Flusher Theatre 19 Dec 2006. Also, a'll gie ye a pass for the back stage. A'll make sure ma partner disnae jump on ye, a'll hide his viagra!

The more death and destruction I see wreaked by Israel on Lebanese civilians and children, the more I begin to agree with the Iranians that Israel should be wiped off the map, and the sooner the better.

Yoram and Lee.
Actually my favourite drink is whisky, no ice.
Yours, I take it, is warm Lebanese blood.

Shouldn't we just ban all religion like the soviets did? After all its all fantasy with no proof! How many have died over some bloke supposedly sitting on a cloud. Think i'll start me own one up called the great Stella Atrois in the sky. In the beginning there was darkness then there was lager! Yeah, id probably get bombed by the Israeli's , the Muslims or the Yanks for not having an invalid brewing licence!

John #113, you just don't get it.
The cry of "anti semite" (usually prefixed with the word "vile") is a jew's way of saying he has lost the arguement and is attempting to attack on a lower level that often finds its mark. Its like an unexpected kick in the groin when you are trying to reason with them. (For those of you who are in any doubt what I mean by "them", its jews, Zionists, AIPAC members, Israelis and Israeli apologists).
John, please learn that anything that can be remotely construed as being a criticism of Israel is anti semitic.
Criticising AIPAC's corrupt manipulation of the US's lobbying system is anti semitic.
Calling into question the morality of dropping white phosphorus bombs on Lebanese citizens is anti semitic.
The Israelis now try to convince the world that the failure to reach an agreement on demanding a ceasefire in the meeting in Rome, was a go ahead for the Israelis to extend their terror. To say otherwise is anti semitic.
Got it?

Changing the subject completely. Yesterday here in Mexico in the Reforma newspaper (well respected, usually a bit right of centre) there was a fine full page ad demanding that the UN intervenes to suspend the Israeli offensive (their words not mine).
It was proudly signed by several well known intellectuals, artists and generally admired people including Carlos Monsivais. Elena Poniatowska, Jesusa Rodriguez, Sergio Pitol, Astrid Hadad, the Bichir brothers, Federico Campbell, Ana Colchero, Carmen Boullosa, Alberto Begné, Alberto Cinta, and Leticia Burgos among many others.
There is a vibrant and well respected Lebanese population in Mexico (I am proud to have one of them as friend). There is a fairly large population of Jews as well and I have worked for three of them during my lifetime---every one of them schemed and fanagled so as to pay less than the legal pay and benefits to the workers and one was thrown into jail for tax evasion.